On the easel.

I began this piece last week planning on creating a piece that includes a crow in some manner as my family has always called me Crow-Talker.  It seemed that this work is predestined when I visited Jeb Matulich's blog and saw the new piece he collected...a crow by Brice McCasland.  When I think of the crows that speak to me from the evergreen trees in our yard, I think of blues that are almost black and touches of red - both such strong colours.  In between drying times I've also been reading a book given to me by a friend titled 'The Law of Happiness' by Dr. Henry Cloud whose book 'Boundaries' changed my life in that I finally learned that it is okay to say 'no', even to things that might be wonderful but that you know in your heart are going to deplete you in terms of time, added responsibility, etc.  Anyway, in this book he discusses the science of happiness and created a list that all happy people have in common, they:

• give
• commit to positive behaviour
• don't wait for 'someday'
• pursue goals
• fully engage
• connect
• don't compare themselves to others
• are optimistic
• are grateful
• set boundaries
• forgive
• follow their calling
• believe

It was a quick read and a pleasure.  I've already been quoting it the past few days because I know myself that when I wake up with gratitude and a smile my days are so much better and I can handle the challenges without feeling overwhelmed.  And those are the days that my creative juices just seem to flow.  By the way, I think I've decided to keep my studio 'as is' for now, maybe pick up a great area rug and move pieces around to freshen it up.  As I look into my closet (which designers suggest will give you a great idea of your favorite colour palette & style which can translate into interior design) I realize that I love chocolate and cream.  Plus, I'd rather paint on a canvas than re-paint the walls ;)