DAILY PHOTOS 09 • CLASSES • MINIBOOKS • ARCHIVES • SUBSCRIBE • TWITTER • MY ETSY SHOP
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DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 20 2009
 Last week, I had my first etsy order. I was so excited that I made the order right away. And then I wanted to make a thank you card. I wanted it to be perfect. This was the first person to support me and I wanted it to be special. That meant that I put it off for FIVE days cause I wanted it to be so nice. Finally, today I decided to give myself 15 minutes and I say and did the whole card in 12 minutes, without stopping. It's not perfect but I think it turned out nice. Nathaniel likes crawling towards me so it's a bit harder to take photos now.  He's also discovered the door stoppers and has been having a ton of fun playing with them.  Still sad about the ring. Really enjoyed watching New Moon. Also enjoying my book of the week. And really thankful and excited about Stephanie's new journaling clas. Nothing like journaling and Stephanie is amazing. Happy weekend!  PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - LENSES - WIDE ANGLE
This week's video is on wide angle lenses. Next week, more lenses.
Feel free to let me know if anything is unclear or if you have questions. Photography Tips is a weekly feature and is posted every Friday. You can find all of them here. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 19 2009
 My friend Sandra came to visit today so I could see her little boy. Both my boys were a huge fan instantly. Nathaniel was rummaging around the toy drawers.  David kissed him a bunch.  And then Sandra's little boy woke up.  And even gave me a little smile!  Today was a sad day cause when I came back from picking up David I realized I lost my right that I wear on my index finger. A beautiful elegant ring with diamonds on it. I haven't found it yet and I don't think I will so I am really really sorry. I seem to have the worst luck with jewelry. I am so sorry Mom!! Off to bed now cause I need some sleep before I go see New Moon!!! DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 18 2009
 My creative therapy journal. This is the best art journal ever. I love it. I love every little piece of it. Here's David playing with his friend at school. This girl and David have been friends for a long time now. They get along really well.  And cutie-pie Nathaniel.  Still quite tired. This is a good but long week. Monday night I met with my friend Jenn, tonight we have a dinner guest, and tomorrow night I go to see New Moon at midnight. So I am going to be even more tired on Friday but it's worth it. Today, David, Nathaniel and I had lunch together. We went to the Palo Alto Cafe and had bagels and shared an orange juice. It was so wonderful. I hope your Wednesday is going well, too. WEEKLY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS - HOLIDAY JOURNALING TAGS
This week's download is a set of journaling tags that are holiday themed. For decemmber daily or any other holiday album you like to make.
 You can download it here: holiday journaling tags download. You are welcome to play with these as much as you want and use them anywhere you'd like. You are NOT allowed to sell them ever. You don't have to but I'd appreciate a link back if you do use them. This is part of a weekly digital download series. They are posted every Wednesday. You can find all of the ones that were posted here. REJECTION
Before we had kids, Jake and I used to go back to Istanbul regularly. Each time we went home, my parents would take me to a new local place and we would always run into people I knew. Always. Istanbul has over 12 million people. Yet we would run into the same people over and over again.
I was flabbergasted by this. Until, I realized, of course, that the people I knew all went to the same few places. This is always the case in a small community. People tend to go to the same places, know the same people, like the same things, and talk about the same issues. Therefore, it should not have surprised me to run into the same people everywhere I went, even in a city with a population of 12 million. It's like a sub-culture within a big, dense city. Yet, when the exact same thing happened lately, I failed to recognize it again. The web is even more populated than Istanbul (by quite a bit) yet it felt like everyone whose site I read knew each other. Everyone I was following on Twitter was talking about each other. It felt like I was a voyeur into someone else's popular clique and I kept feeling like an outsider. Like the rejected girl (as I often have felt in my life.) Until I realized that the same phenomenon that happened in Istanbul was happening here. I kept running into the same people because I found them by clicking on each other's blogs. I followed them because one person I followed was following them, etc. Since they referred to each other often (as they are friends) I had soon built a long list of people who were already connected and built that list exactly because they were connected and then I proceeded to forget all about this and feel like an unpopular kid (those childhood feelings are hard to disappear and come back rushing very quickly). Like Istanbul, the web has niches. In these niches some people are wildly popular even though no one has heard of them outside this relatively small niche. Yet, if you're observing this niche, it's really quite easy to lose perspective of it all. And to think this person is more unreachable (untouchable) than they really are. in the end, this is just a bunch of friends who all happen to have blogs, twitter accounts, etc. who are using these popular forms of communication to document and keep in touch with each other. The only difference here is that tens, thousands, millions of people get to observe this if they so choose. This creates an interesting dynamic. One that I am still thinking about and trying to see how I feel about. I am trying to remind myself that this is not me getting rejected. This is a bunch of people I don't know sharing a piece of themselves and letting me read it. I am not sure what my point is here, of course. Some days, I feel really sad and want to unfollow many of these people. Then I remember that I chose them cause I like their words, the way they encourage me to think and ponder. And the feeling of rejection is really just living inside me, not coming from these people. Even though I know this, it still sometimes hurts. WEEKLY LAYOUTS - YOU SHOULD KNOW
 This was for Ali's class and for AMM. Journaling Reads: 1. I love reading. I can read just about anything. I can read for six, seven hours at a time and never get tired. 2. I kept daily journals from 1984 to 1992. I still cherish those journals a lot. 3. I have a funny dance that I do when I feel really happy. 4. I used to drink twelve diet cokes a day before I got pregnant. 5. I am afraid of the dark. 6. I grind my teeth. I have been doing it since I was a little girl. It used to drive Yona crazy. 7. I can touch my nose with my tongue. 8. Getting my eyes fixed was one of the best things I ever did. 9. I am not a morning person. 10. I wish were a better driver. A less scared one. 11. I absolutely love your Dad with all my heart. 12. As soon as I learned how to read in English, I started reading books in English. I used to ask Yona and my mom drive me all over Istanbul just to find a store that sold books in English. 13. My first computer was a Commodore 64. I didn't get a real computer until I was in college. Now I have six computers, almost all of them are Macintoshes. 14. My favorite meal is coffee and graham crackers or bread and cheese. Or chocolate. Yes, it's a meal. 15. I have been clumsy all my life. 16. I always wished I could draw really well. Or have some artistic talent like my mom does. 17. When I was a little girl, I was really shy and I cried a lot. 18. I've always loved math. Solving puzzles. Figuring things out. I still love it. 19. I watch a lot of TV. I like the noise when I work. 20. I loved living in New York City and still miss it often. 21. I love listening to opera. 22. I am not a fan of feet. But I like mine. 23. I think good friendships are rare and should really be nourished. 24. I think music can bring sunshine into the darkest day. 25. I have half-written two novels and am working on the third. 26. I love watching Broadway shows and the theatre. 27. I have always enjoyed learning new things and miss school a lot. I plan to have a PhD. someday. 28. The first time I went camping I was twenty-nine. I loved it. 29. I always wished I had blue eyes. Or green. 30. I love taking photos. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 17 2009
 An upcoming creative therapy catalyst. David read a story to Nathaniel today. Even though it was in Turkish. And he can't read.  And here are two smiley photos of my smiley boys.   And a cute looking face he made today.  Feeling exceptionally tired lately. So tired that I am in physical pain. I hope I am not getting sick. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 16 2009
 I finally hooked up the computer in David's room and he's really loving it. He mostly loves doing the art and the drawing and I love watching him play, explore and learn. Nathaniel has been really attached to me lately. He's happy and peaceful sitting next to me but if I leave even to take a photo, this is what I get.  I know it's a phase but it breaks my heart to see him sad. I have a lot more I want to write but I actually went out to see a good friend tonight and I am way too tired and need to go to sleep so the rest will have to wait until tomorrow. WEEKLY BOOKS - OLIVE KITTERIDGE
 After John Irving, I wanted something less dense but I was also hooked on high quality and didn't want something too light. In comes Olive Kitteridge. I've wanted to read this book for a while and have read and wrote briefly about her previous novel. I don't even like short stories but the only one I remember liking was similar to this in that it was a collection of linked stories.
I must like that because I get the chance to get to know a character deeply almost like a novel. These stories were all full quiet sorrow but I loved them. They made me think. They made me think a lot, actually. I really, really enjoyed this book and devoured it quite quickly. Highly recommended. CATALYST 88 - THE THREE BOYS
 Catalyst eighty eight is: What’s the best relationship you’ve had so far? It can be a romantic one, a family member, or a friendship. Why is it so special? Here's my journaling These three men in my life have taught me what it means to love and to be loved. They are the reason I wake up in the morning and the reason I go to bed at night and feel happy and blessed every moment in between. Until I met Jake I didn’t know what it meant to be with someone who can love me just the way I am and who can make me feel whole. Until I had my boys, I didn’t know what it meant to love so much that it pysically hurt my heart. These men make me feel whole. They make me feel thankful and blessed and lucky. So so lucky. I don’t know what I did to deserve this but I am not taking it for granted for one single moment. I hold them and kiss them and hug them as many times a day I can. Thank you, my boys. All of the beautiful digital elements here are by Anna Aspnes. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 15 2009
 Nothing like giggling kids. David was tickling Nathaniel and he was giggling so much which was, of course, making David giggle. Moments like this are worth more than gold.  Extremely tired this weekend. Beyond words. 52 QUESTIONS AND TECHNIQUES - TAG 45
 This week's question is: "Which song do you have on repeat right now?" I've been stuck on the Google Android song. Each time I see the commercial, it makes me happy. It's "If you want to Sing out, sing out" by Cat Stevens. Wonderful song. So many simple but amazing lyrics. Simple tag this time. I covered it with a music sheet. Inked edges. Made a little birdie from fabric, stitched around it. Put it on a brown "branch" made out of ribbon lace. And wrote the song title.  I now sell some of these tags in my etsy store. If there's a tag you like and are interested in, email me or leave a comment and I'll be happy to add it. I am combining Emily Falconbridge's art journal questions with trying a new technique each week. You can see the full list: here. Weekly tags are posted every Thursday, you can see all of them by clicking here. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 14 2009
 David wanted to do some art today so we covered the table with paper towels and had fun with the watercolors. Nathaniel, who was cranky all day, sat behind him and watched.  We also played with stamps and played games and hugged and chatted with my mom and dad over Skype for a long time. Good day. I spent the day making my very first Etsy journal (thank you Karla, you're awesome!) and it was so much fun. I've also been reading my book of the week and am more than halfway through. I still have a lot of todo items on my list but I am feeling at peace with it all. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 13 2009
 Something about this photo I love. Not even sure what. And look how much he's wanting to get up.  Long and a bit of a dreadful week. Here's to next week being better. Happy weekend. PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - LENSES - ZOOM VS FIXED
Today's video starts our several-week-long lens videos. We start with the discussion on zoom lenses vs fixed lenses. Hope you like it.
Feel free to let me know if anything is unclear or if you have questions. Next week is more lenses. Photography Tips is a weekly feature and is posted every Friday. You can find all of them here. WEEKLY BOOKS - LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER
 I am a huge John Irving fan. I've read almost every single novel he wrote. Like most of his other fans, I'm sure, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Cider House Rules, and The World According to Garp top my list of favorites. And if I were being completely honest, I'd also say that I didn't like The Fourth Hand at all. It just wasn't up to Irving's amazing caliber.
Until I Find You also wasn't a major favorite of mine. So when I found out about Last Night in Twisted River I was mixed. Oh not true. I wasn't at all. There was no doubt I was reading it. But I really really hoped it was like the older Irving work. And you know what? It was! It was it was it was. This was a dense, fascinating, epic novel. I loved it. Not as much as the other three maybe but really loved it. Thank you John Irving. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 12 2009
 Lately it's a lot of work getting this one to let me take photos. Lots of bribes are involved and threats and begging. I love this one cause you can clearly see the second tooth coming out.  And here he looks just like me when I was a baby. It's really odd to have a kid who looks like you. Never had that before.  David's been totally addicted to playing games on my iPhone and honestly I don't think it's terrible to let him play. Especially since he wrote every one of the letters of the alphabet yesterday. I am so proud of him.  Semi-productive day today. I did finish my tag but it was already too dark to take a photo so it's coming tomorrow. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 11 2009
 Yesterday, Nathaniel started getting up by himself for the first time. Both David and I were so excited to see it and tried to capture it but couldn't so here's one to make up for that. And today they played together for a long time.  David laughed and laughed.  And so did Nathaniel. He was even giggling watching his brother entertain him.  This is also from yesterday, while I was chatting with my sister, I told her I had to go to the bathroom so could she please watch Nathaniel. I think she did a great job, all the way from Turkey.  And Nathaniel really loves eating that phone.  It's that or the laptop, so we've compromised.  A lot of photos but too tired for words. Happy Wednesday. WEEKLY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS - TREE DATES SET
This week's download is a set of numbers designed for those of you doing Ali Edwards' December Daily. (I am doing it, too!) Here are some examples of what's in there:
 You can also use the trees like a layered template like this:  You can download it here: tree dates set download. You are welcome to play with these as much as you want and use them anywhere you'd like. You are NOT allowed to sell them ever. You don't have to but I'd appreciate a link back if you do use them. This is part of a weekly digital download series. They are posted every Wednesday. You can find all of the ones that were posted here. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 10 2009
 David's class is studying bugs this week. I used to take photos of David at school all the time before Nathaniel came. But now I carry him to school so I don't have two hands free to take photos. Today, I put him down on the carpet in David's class.  It took him seconds to get going.  He only stopped to watch his brother.  Who gave him his daily kiss and a hug before we left to go back home.  How can one not be thankful for this life? I've been worrying about work and not being as productive as I'd like lately but yet yesterday a workmate said some wonderfully appreciative words to me and I felt so thankful that I saved them so I could go back and look next time I felt insecure. And today he did something even nicer. It's nice to feel appreciated. If there's someone you're appreciating, make sure to tell them. You never know, you might make their day. He sure made mine. WEEKLY LAYOUT - WITH ALL MY HEART
 This is using AMM's November kit. David, in just a few months, you are going to be five years old. I can't believe you've already grown up so much and I am amazed every single day at how much you're maturing. You are one of the kindest boys I know. You always share your toys with everyone. You say thank you and please and I'm sorry. You are generous and loving with your little brother and love to give him hugs and kisses. You shriek from excitement when you go to school and when you come home. The littlest things can make you so happy. Like having graham crackers instead of oatmeal for breakfast. Like going to the grocery store with Daddy. You always say things like "You're the best Mommy ever." or "I had a fantastic day." You've been practicing your letters and can write most of them perfectly. You can spell your name and my name and Daddy's name and you're working on Nathaniel's too. You can count all the way to a hundred and you practice constantly. You have mastered the Wii and the Tivo remote and the iPod video. And the games on my iPhone. You make jokes all the time and laugh out loud. You snuggle under the covers with me and hold my hand. You say goodnight words every night. Three kisses and three hugs. I love you, I'll see you in the morning, Don't let the bed bugs bite and I love you with all my heart. Every night. I have no idea how I got to be so lucky. How I got to have a son as incredible as you. But I am thankful for it every single day. I love you, my son. With all my heart. WORD OF THE YEAR JOURNALS
 First of all, thank you for all your plethora of suggestions about what to sell on my etsy store. I think there are some awesome ideas and I will try most of them, slowly. Last week, I was lying in bed when the idea for this book came to me. I loved making my december daily book and recently I was looking at creative therapy catalyst book and realizing that it was my art journal for the year and I loved it so much. So I decided to make those for my store. My word for 2010 is LOVED and I love the idea of having an art journal dedicated to my word of the year. I love how beckoning this cover is for me. How it already makes me feel loved. So I decided to make custom journals. Covers. The inside pages are for you to fill. If you really want one with inside pages, let me know and we can discuss. I really enjoy making these and thought maybe people will like having them. So, here they are: custom word of the year journals. More detailed photos there. Hope you like them. DAILY PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 9 2009
 He's into chewing anything and everything. Including cables, paper, tissues, anything really; he's not picky. David's still working on his letters. He's awesome. Doing really well.  I am not sure you can see it but tooth number two is also out and visible now.  Happy Monday. CATALYST 87 - READING
 Catalyst eighty-seven is: If money weren’t an issue what would you do with your time? (career or otherwise.) If I had all the extra time in the world and my kids and husband were sleeping, I would spend most of it reading. The joy I get from getting lost in a novel is unparalleled. And Dickens is one of my favorites. 
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