Brainwave

After years of squealing about how cold the waters are in the harbors around here, I had one of those aha moments the other day. We were off George's Island, and even though the heat has been incredible this summer, the water temps are not warm. Not by any stretch of the imagination. It was measured at 67.5F today. And that is about as high as it gets all year around.

Now I'm an equatorial gal when it comes to water temps. I don't do well in cold water. I do jump in, but don't last very long. Which leads me to the brainwave I had the other day. Why not get a wetsuit? Yeah, I'm sure that was a fairly obvious solution to many. But I'm kinda slow - I mean I have lived in the area for about half my life at this point!

I've read up on wetsuits. Watched videos on how to put them on - who knew these kinds of video existed? I especially recommend the ones that show how surfer babes do it. I'm just saying. If you're gonna watch, might as well have fun while doing it. I even pinged a friend for advice. Several days later - I'm moving fast to make up for all those lost years of ocean swimming - I went to the local store, tried on several, and bought one.

 So what does this journal page have to do with anything? The face on the woman captures my "duh" expression perfectly. And in case you were wondering, I do not look as fab as those surfer babes. But give me time my friends. Give me time.

The Other Day

The other day I sipped some delish homemade ginger lemonade. So very refreshing.

The other day I watched the sun set in a burst of pinks and reds and purples, and pondered how to create those hues with my paint palette.
 
The other day there was a letter and a postcard in the mail. One of my fave things.

The other day the summer sun felt like it was burning my skin and drove me inside. What is going on with the weather? Boston does not normally get this hot. Canada beckons.

The other day I dipped my toes in the waters off George's Island. So cold. Am considering getting me a wetsuit. Then watched a video on how to put them on and take them off. Hmm. Seems rather complicated.

The other day the library system crashed, and the librarians had to write down all the data. By hand. Glad it was not me doing that.

The other day I met up some a group of readers and shared a world that only readers know about. A magical, wonderous world it is.

The other day the temperature dropped low enough at night to snug. Like bugs in a rug.

The other day I realized that I need more snacks for the boat. Someone is eating them faster than I can stock them.

The other day the hummingbirds were at the feeder. I could watch those little bodies with such fast wings for ages.

The other day there were seven bunnies, with large ears, on my early morning walk.

The other day Babes and I explored paths not yet plowed.

Sunset

On a mooring ball off George's Island in Boston Harbor. Bliss.

Recent Reads

75. A+E 4ever
This graphic novel is done in an unusual style - no regular boxes, no talk bubbles, and the art is sketchier than most. Adolescent years can be rough, especially for kids who stick out in any way. This boy meets girl story is not one usually written about. Tender. Gritty. Well worth a read. 
 Rating: 4/5 stars.

76. The Newlyweds 
You know that feeling after eating a large fatty and salty meal that leaves you feeling empty after? That is how I felt after I was done with this book. I listened to the audio version, wonderfully narrated by Mozhan Marno, and would not have finished it if not for how well it she reads it. I often wish there was a way to rate narrators separately from the book. I would give the book a rating of 2 stars and the narrator 5 stars. The story had good ingredients, but I found the plot lines weak and often rather boring. Don't bother. Rating: 2/5 stars.

77. Wonder
The thing you should know before reading this middle-grade book is that it is told from multiple viewpoints. Either you like that style or you don't. I do. 5th grade is tough. But it is even tougher if you have been home schooled, and have a facial deformity that has people gawking (or worse) when you are in public. This lovely story explores themes of courage, friendship, kindness, loyalty, family and love. I'm buying a copy for all the middle graders in my life.  Rating: 5/5 stars.

Journal Page

Can you believe that we are done with the first week in July already? Where the heck does time go?

(Click on image to enlarge).
On this page I used pen and watercolors. Am finding that I really like the use of grids.

Chopper off the stern

Taking some downtime after all the excitement of the past several days. A neighbor boater took some pics of us taking pics of the USCG chopper rescue drills.

They demonstrated two different rescue techniques. Day one, the rescuer jumped into the water from the hovering chopper and helped the "rescuee" into a lowered basket. On Day two, the rescuer was lowered into the water using a line, and tied the "rescuee" to that line, and they were hauled up together. And we got to watch all this from the comfort of our cockpit. So cool.

If You Love to Read

If I started my own church, this would be the opening hymn.
Intrigued? Click here.

Recent Reads

72. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower
In our home, we read books aloud. While one makes dinner, the other reads. This book was a perfect choice for sailing season. Lots of action, (mis)adventure and historical detail about life on the British frigate. My first time reading the series, and expect I'll slowly make my way through the collection. 3 stars.

73. The Kindly Ones 
This is book #9 in the Sandman series, and all I can say is WOW. Loved everything about it - the stories, the art, the imagination. 5 stars.

74. Dreaming From the Journal Page 
This is a good introduction to various art and transfer techniques. Wonderful photos. 3 stars.  

Fire Boat

The brand new fire boat paraded about shooting up plumes of water. No fires to put out today, but they cooled the air down for overheated bodies.

Earlier this morning Navy SEALS parasailed down from overhead. I was so stunned I did not get out my camera in time. The action is really non stop out here.

Opus

I could say that the size difference in my Opus sketches is a perspective thing. That he was farther away (left) and nearer (right) to me as I sketched - but that would not really be the truth. Maybe the one on the right was after his visit to my fave cannoli store.

Pen and watercolors.

Comics

I love comics. Always have. So many fun memories of lazing about with them as a kid. These days they have the grown up name of graphic novels, and I love them still. If you have not lost time as you read comics you don't know what you are missing. Here is a pic of what I'm reading right now.

Coast Guard Drills

The action out here is nonstop. Loving watching the USCG practice rescue drills right off our stern.

Tall Ships

The 4th is always a fun celebration down at the marina. More so this year as the tall ships are in town. This morning the Coast Guard academy training vessel "the Eagle" docked next to Old Ironsides. About ten boat lengths away from us. A week of sailing and checking out the tall ships. Love it.

Summer Journal

Started a new journal for the summer season. Decided to go with a spiral bound one for ease of use on boats and around town. Will post pics when I get a chance. Decided to jump right in and play on the first page so as to make friends with the new journal. Always a tough thing - we are not friends yet. But I know we will be intimates before too long. This page was done with markers.

EDiM #28

EDiM #28: Draw a mailbox and write about the most important piece of real world mail you’ve ever received (not email - snail mail.).

  

(Click on image to enlarge).

 Realized that I had yet to post this page. I have about 4 prompts that I have yet to sketch. On my list of things to do.

Recent Reads

67. Micro
I am picky about books I start, so usually tend to read them all the way through. Not this one. Gave up after the first 40 pages or so. It was published after the author's death - completed by someone else. Too bad, because I quite love Michael Crichton's work - especially his earlier stuff. Don't bother with this one. 1 star.

68. Defending Jacob
Oh the disappointment that is Defending Jacob. Some clever writing, but poorly plotted and the story did just not grab me. Maybe I have read too many great crime/courtroom stories, but I struggled to finish this one. 2 stars.

Shaking the dust of my nook in preparation for my next great read.

69.  Collage Lost and Found
This might be a good intro book to collage, but the art is just not my style. 2 stars.

70. Tell The Wolves I'm Home
I started the day with a one, maybe two cup. In bed. With this book. And it was a good thing that there was nothing urgent I had to do that day, because I read it in one sitting. Loved everything about this wonderful story. There are many kinds of love, and this story explores love, envy, jealously, family, grief, loss and redemption. There were several times when I cried. The good kinda of crying, not the sad kind. I hugged this book to my chest when I was done. What a lovely debut novel. The world is a better place with this book in it. 5 stars.

71. World's End
This is book #8 in The Sandman graphic novel series. Story telling is as old as humanity. Travelers caught in a huge storm end up in a strange inn, and share their stories to pass the time. What a fun series. 4 stars.

Seeking Shambhala

On a recent visit to the MFA, I explored the Seeking Shambhala exhibit.

I was fascinated by this sculpture by Gyatso, called "Radioactive". It is a large, seated Buddha covered in collaged stickers, announcements, advertisements, etc. Such a powerful statement of how peace of mind is corroded by materialism, distractions, greed.

Here is a close up of the head. The third eye is radioactive. Love it. (Click on photos to enlarge).

Shehan Karunatilaka

The other day I stopped in at Porter Square Books to browse, sample their fab ginger lemonade, and listen to an author reading. His book, The Legend of Pradeep Mathew has won several prizes and I was interested hear this Sri Lankan author speak.

He was funny and articulate and a natural story teller. He wove a story and read bits of his book here and there for added color. And yes, I just added another book to my TBR pile.

Recent Reads

63. Still Alice
Read this for my book club this month. Alice is successful, in the best shape of her life, and is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. The power of this story is that it is told from her point of view, and as the reader, the tension and uncertainty this creates is palpable. I cried. I saw things from a perspective I had never considered. Much of what I know about this disease is from the medical or caregiver perspective. Following along with Alice as she looses herself has already led to fascinating discussions in our house. Who are we without our memories? How much can we lose and still be ourselves? What would I do in a similar situation? Changed my mental models. I initially rated it 4 stars, but have since changed my mind, and am going with 5 stars.

64. Ready Player One
I listened to the audio, and holy moly what an incredible ride it has been. And I say this as someone who has never played video games, so I probably missed about 40% of the references in the book! A dystopian world, where online lives are more interesting than reality. A quest. A David and Goliath story. Oh, and boy meets girl. So much fun. I loved both the story, and Wil Wheaton, the narrator. 5 stars.

65. Creative Pilgrimage
This book has lovely photos, but seems more like a piece of sales material. There are some interviews with mixed media artists, and some projects, but as a whole, it was like I was reading a sales pitch. 2 stars.

66. Altered Surfaces
This little book is chock full of information about how to use acrylics and mediums to create a variety of effects. Interesting and got some good ideas. 3 stars.

Things that puzzle me

I am puzzled by many things. Some things that puzzle me are biggie things like quantum mechanics. Other things are smallish things like why people put human clothing on pets - a dog wearing a polo shirt for example. Then I stopped in at a local library branch and saw this events calendar. Are you puzzled too?

Recent Reads

60. Explorer: The Mystery Boxes
A graphic novel with seven short stories. The graphics are wonderful and some of the stories quite good, but I think I have the same problem with this that I have with all short stories - just when I get interested, it is over. 2 stars.

61. The Book That Changed My Life
An anthology of short essays written by 71 authors on the topic. Some of the essays are wonderful and others ok, but every reader can relate. Have we not had this very conversation more times that we care to recall? 3 stars.

62. Personal Geographies
A mixed media book that explores the many way to create personal maps. I love maps. Always have, and got some interesting ideas from the book. 3 stars.

Journaling with kids [Part 3]

See this earlier post for additional information.

Here is the journal that Maya created:

Making lemonade out of lemons

The plan was to celebrate Babe's birthday swinging at anchor in the Harbor Islands, sipping champagne, and munching on cold lobster. But an Arctic blast and a failed alternator caused a switch to Plan B....

  

Plan B involves birthday martinis, and lobster mac and cheese. Not a bad fallback plan. Happy birthday Babes.

Sketchbook page peek

I have not gotten around to a full page scan yet, but here is a peek at a page.

The weather has been fantastic, and I find myself immersed in activities that keep me away from my blog. Stay tuned for lots of sailing posts.

Will our kids be a different species?

Check out this fascinating talk by Juan Enriquez.

Recent Reads

59. Wild

I alternated between being mesmerized and incredibly annoyed while reading this book. I listened to the audio version, which was wonderfully narrated by Bernadette Dunne. On the plus side I walked about 30 miles while listening. If your idea of camping is a motel room with the windows open, you might find this a more fascinating read. If you are outdoors person, not so much. I give it 2.5 stars which rounds up to 3.

Summer Reading Flow Chart

Check this out.

Recent Reads

56. Are You My Mother?
I am a huge fan of the author, and loved Fun Home. However, this graphic book memoir about her mother did not rock me. It seemed to me that there was a wall I could not break through while reading this. I could not really tap into the emotions - and maybe that makes sense given that this time the writing is about her mother. 3 stars.

57. The Secrets of Mary Bowser
This is a book I stumbled upon while browsing my library shelves, and I really liked it. A historical novel that explores the lives of two women, one a freed slave and her owner, who were Union spies in Virginia during the Civil War. 4 stars.

58. Brief Lives
This is book #7 in the Sandman series of graphic novels. Holy moly, if it ain't an Endless road trip! I would love to spend a couple of hours romping around in the author's head. Simply astounding what he comes up with. 4 stars.

Hunkered Down

The thing about being on a boat is that you are out in the elements. There is no denying how little you can really control in your life. That the very notion of control is an illusion.

So we stayed on top of the severe weather warnings, and hunkered down as three magnificent storms passed through. Such wonderful towering dark clouds. Lots of rain. Heavy downbursts of wind. Quarter inch hail. Makes one feel alive on the planet.

Precious Knowledge

This is a fascinating indie documentary.

Watch Precious Knowledge on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.

Pillows

I can hear the sound of my home ec teacher laughing so hard that she has tears rolling down her face. That fact that I am making something with a sewing machine must surely bring her immense amusement. Need I say that it was not my fave class? Not even close.

 The boat cushions that we use in the cockpit needed new covers. So, with the attitude of "how hard can this really be", I dived in. You are surprised that I have pins and a pin cushion I know. It was a gift - do not recall who gave it to me - oh so many years ago. After measuring and snipping and cutting and pricking my fingers a few times, viola! Not bad eh? I like it. I look forward to lounging on them this weekend.

Dads

Go Penneys Go. Love this.

Journal Page

(Click on image to enlarge).
Have not forgotten about the last couple of EDiM prompts. Will get around to them. In the meanwhile continue to carry my journal around with me, and this is what I did while waiting the other day. I finished listening to one audio book while drawing, and started a new audio book at home while adding watercolors to the pen lines.

Recent Reads

53. Portrait of a Spy
I quite enjoyed the most recent Gabriel Allon book. This is #11 in the series, and I am all caught up, until the next one is released in July. Honestly the writing and stories are rather formulaic at this point, but you either love the Mossad art restorer or you don't. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

54. Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake
The audio is read by the author, and I felt like I was hanging out with an older, wiser friend as she talked about love, marriage, family, career, life. I give it 3.5 stars, which rounds up to 4 out of 5.

55. The Book Whisperer
I want a business card with this as my title. I love to read, and am constantly urging books onto everyone I know, including my young nieces and nephews. So, you can imagine my delight when we spend hours talking about books. The author is a language arts teacher and talks about her way of inspiring kids to become readers. I give it 3.5 stars, which rounds up to 4 out of 5.

The other day

The other day I was home alone. There is something wonderful about solitude. Quite different than being lonely isn't it?

The other day I browsed the shelves of an indie book store. They are an endangered species that will not be around for long. I wonder if I should get my picture taken in each one. Kinda like the big game hunters did.

The other day I had a long chat with my nieces. They each recommended books that I must read. So my TBR pile just got bigger. Wonder when it will come crashing down. Hope there are no toes nearby when that happens.

The other day I spent my first night of the season on the boat. There is something primal about being gently rocked to sleep.

The other day I lounged about reading all day.

The other day I unplugged my phone. I listened to birdsong and music instead.

The other day I met up with some readers. We were strangers when we met, but fellow travelers by the end of the night. There was much laughter and wonderful book talk.

The other day I met my loved one at the airport. There is something wonderful about homecomings no?

Recent Reads

51. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
This is quite a delightful book that gently explores themes of family, loss, love, racism, and how the world changes in unexpected ways. I listened to the audio version of the book, and loved the narrator. I am not sure I would have finished the book if I had been sitting down to read it, but found myself engrossed in the story, and talking back to the characters on my walks and while doing dishes. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

52. Three Weeks in December
I decided to browse the new books shelves at my library the other day. I sometimes miss the wonderful act of browsing and selecting books that look good to me. No reading reviews to see what others thought about my selections. And this is one of the gems I picked up. I had not heard of this book or author before, and I love Europa editions, so made a tall glass of iced tea (Passionfriut) and settled in for what turned out to be a wonderful read. There are two stories set about a hundred years apart. One in Kenya (my homeland), and the other in Rwanda. A lovely romp of a tale. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Gun Salute

Old Ironsides is festively dressed for the Memorial Day celebrations. She has fired her cannons in remembrance. It is rather startling to hear cannons fire at not just at 8am and sunset. Sounds like we are being invaded!

EDiM #25

EDiM #25: Draw some flowers.

(Click to enlarge).
Hmmm. This did not turn out exactly as I thought it would. Guess gotta sketch flowers more often. I do however love the Irises in the yard. Pen, pencil and watercolors.

EDiM #24

EDiM #24: Draw something cold or cool.

(Click on image to enlarge).
I decided to go the way of something cool. I hear that to be cool, one needs to wear Orange this Spring. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #23

EDiM #23: Draw a souvenir of a place you’ve been. Write a bit about your memories of the place.

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While traveling, I collect things that would make great ornaments for the xmas tree. Every winter, we get a chance to walk down memory lane. Love that. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #22

EDiM  #22: Draw an ear, or two or three or more.

(Click on image to enlarge).
Did not get around to sketching yesterday, so catching up. I tried to draw human ears. I really did. I usually just draw a half-circle and an s-shape, so thought this would be a good opportunity to really draw ears. But after several attempts, gave up. Here is my ode to an ear of maize. Pen and watercolors.

Trilogy Question

I'm interested in the trilogy trend. So many authors seem to be doing this lately, and I am conflicted about whether to read the books as they are published, or wait until the entire series is out.

With the Hunger Games for example, I waited to read the first two until a month or so before the last one was out. However, I read Divergent when it came out, and now I'm regretting that decision. How much of that story will be fresh in my mind when I read the next in the series this summer?

What do you do? Do you re-read before the next one? Do you wait? Or are you able to keep the details fresh, and simply read the books as they are published?

Recent Reads

49. Marzi
I love graphic novels, but I did not love this one. This is memoir of a young girl in Poland, and I did find the backdrop of family and culture interesting. But the book as a whole did not suck me in.

50. The Cabinet of Curiosities
I listened to an audio of this book, the third installment in the Pendergast series, and I think it is the best in the series so far. It reads well as a stand-alone book as well, so would be a good intro to the series. I was fascinated by the historical details about the cabinets of curiosities and 19th century New York city. My only complaint is that the book rushes to an ending - almost like the authors ran into a deadline.

EDiM #21

EDiM #21: Draw something that makes you happy, and write about it, too.

(Click on image to enlarge).
Safe, drinkable water right from my taps makes me happy. I believe that water is going to the most critical and expensive resource on our planet in the not so distant future. Pen and watercolors.

Free audiobooks

I just found out today about a way to get free audiobooks all summer.
Check it out here. How cool is that? You can thank me with chocolate. Dark chocolate.

Recent Reads

48. The Reversal
This is Mickey Haller #3. I listened to it on audio, and really liked it. The narrator, Peter Giles, reads quite a few of the Michael Connelly books, and it is like hearing an old friend at this point. My only complaint is that the book loses steam in the final chapters - kinda like the author was in a rush to tie things up.

EDiM #20

EDiM #20: Draw a streetlight.

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The street lights in my neighborhood are rather boring, so decided to draw ones that can be found in the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. Love the ornate ironwork. Pencil and watercolors.

EDiM #19

EDiM #19: Draw your artspace - drawing board, desk, studio, table - draw where you create.

(Click in image to enlarge).
I have a fab lap desk that I use for reading, writing and playing in my art journals. It moves from bedroom to living rom to porch, following me around the house. I did not realize when I started sketching this page that I would be sketching my hands. Hands are do tough. And I don't really wear purple pants with a green top, but love the color combination. Maybe I should find me some purple pants. Pencil and watercolors.

EDiM #18

EDiM #18: Draw a nearby body of water - ocean, lake, pond, river.

(Click on image to enlarge).
Sailing season is finally here. One of my fave local spots are the Boston Harbor Islands. This is a sketch of the Boston skyline as seen from the cockpit of the boat, while moored off Peddocks Island. Pencil, pen, watercolors.

EDiM #17

EDiM #17: Draw some bread and write about it if you like.

(Click on image to enlarge).
You take flour, and add milk, eggs, and a couple other ingredients and you get this heavenly thing, best eaten hot. Bread - leavened and unleavened - has been a staple in many diets for thousands of years. But recently bread choices have gotten so complicated. A sign of the times? Pencil and watercolors.

Book Trailers

I think publishers are getting better with book trailers. To see trailers of two new books that look really good, click on the book titles below.
UP
BLOOM

Sunitha Krishnan fights sex slavery

Sunitha Krishnan has dedicated her life to rescuing women and children from sex slavery, a multimilion-dollar global market. In this courageous talk, she tells three powerful stories, as well as her own, and calls for a more humane approach to helping these young victims rebuild their lives.
 You can hear this courageous woman talk about her work here.

EDiM #15

EDiM #15: Draw a traffic sign.

(Click on image to enlarge).
I love signage, and whenever I travel I tend to capture ones that are different than the ones we have back home. Take this one for example. It was attached to a construction area in Istanbul, Turkey. And you gotta wonder - does it warn of alien abductions? Pen and watercolors.

Recent Reads

47. Proust was a Neuroscientist
Every now and then I read a book that blows my mind, and this was one of those. Fascinating, insightful, un-put-downable. I am fascinated by neuroscience and art, and loved every moment of this book.

EDiM #14

EDiM #14: Draw your lunch and journal about it.

 (Click on image to enlarge).
So, I debated what I was going to eat for lunch today. I was really tempted to eat something that would be easier to sketch - but that felt like cheating. So leftovers it was. Quinoa with a Thai style pork curry. Pen, white crayon and watercolors.

Hagia Sophia

I'm finally getting around to uploading more of my pics from Turkey.

Hagia Sophia is one of my fave sites in Turkey, and considering how much I loved the sites I visited, that is saying something. You can see my pics of Hagia Sophia here.

EDiM #13

EDiM #13: Draw something breezy - something that blows in the wind - a flag, leaves, your choice.

(Click on image to view larger).
It is a beautiful, breezy day today. Perfect for a quick sketch of the Koinobori on the porch. Pen and markers.

Recent Reads

45. The Thorn and the Blossom
This is a story of star crossed lovers. The book only takes an hour or so to read, and I thought the writing and story was OK. What I loved about this book is the format. It is an accordion style book - one side tells the story from Evelyn's point of view and the other from Brendan's perspective. You can read either story first - and I happened to read Evelyn's first. I do like that book publishers are thinking of creative ways to make DTBs more interesting. This is an example of a book that would loose that coolness factor if read as an ebook.

46. Living Your Yoga
I have struggled with yoga. Sometimes I practice regularly, other times I fall off the wagon and cannot seem to get back on. Decided to get back on in May, and found this book to read to supplement my practice. I really liked it - it is not preachy and gave me lots to think about.

EDiM #12

EDiM #12: Draw a button or buttons.

(Click on image to enlarge).
Here are two buttons from my stash of "extra" buttons. You know those buttons that come with new clothes? Well, the clothing is long gone, but the buttons stayed on. Am going to have to come up with a project to use them on. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #11

EDiM #11: Draw something with wings.

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"Pinky" looks rather mean in this sketch. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #10

EDiM #10: Draw an apple.

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Well, this is apple-like. Sometimes the simplest objects can the toughest for me to sketch. Think I have many more apple sketch session in my future. Pen and watercolors.

Recent Reads

41. State of Wonder
This is the second book I have read by the author, and I have to admit that I had some trepidation since I so did not like Bel Canto. I was delighted to discover that I really liked this book. It is an interesting read, and some of the themes include big pharma and drug development, first contact, relationships, and fertility. The idea of women being able to biologically have babies until they are well into their 80s left me cold. While I understand that some women might want to prolong their reproductive years, I sincerely doubt (and hope) that as a whole, women (and men for that matter) want to prolong things that long! Lots to think about with this one.

42. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
I have been meaning to dive into reading this author - so many of his books are on my TBR list. Then I found out that he has a memoir that focuses on running. As a beginner runner, I am constantly looking to understand why people seem to love this sport so much. I listened to the audio book mainly on walks - though on one run too - and found it interesting.

43. Creative Ways with Books and Journals
While I really like the journal photography in this book, it was not what I was expecting. It is probably good for beginners who are interested in learning how to bind their first journal. There are some amazing books on this topic, and this one did not add much to what I had already learned.

44. Game of Thrones
GRRM has been on my TBR list for ages, and after watching the first season of Game of Thrones on HBO, decided it was time to jump into this series that everyone is raving about. And have to say that I loved it. I had to keep putting it down so I would not blow through it too fast. There is love, and honor, and deceit, and loyalty, and jousts, and war, and family, and duty, and obligation, and arranged marriages, and war horses, and kings and queens and traitors, and the Others. And oh, yes, dire wolves and dragons. A world to get lost in. You'll need to keep a map and the family trees handy - there are so many characters it can be tough to keep them all straight otherwise. Oh, and my fave characters are a dwarf, a bastard and two head-strong girls. I actually gasped when certain unexpected things happened - and I mean really unexpected. I have the next book in the series standing by, but am thinking I might want to spread the books out a bit so I don't finish them too soon. Know what I mean?

EDiM #9

EDiM #9: Draw a brown paper bag.

(Click on image to view larger).
This is my first time participating in the EDiM challenge, and I find it an interesting experience to simply sketch what I'm told to sketch. On the one hand I chafe at the restrictions, and on the other hand I find that I don't have to think about what to sketch. I just do it. Pen and watercolors.

Check this out

You know me, you know that I'm a huge Depp fan. And I like Portman. So was delighted to find this My Valentine video.

EDiM #8

EDiM #8: Draw an egg carton, with or without eggs in it.

(Click on image to enlarge).
Pencil and watercolors.

EDiM #7

EDiM #7: Draw a spoon and journal a little about it.

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I seem to have ice-cream on my mind. Maybe because I am keenly aware that my freezer is out of Bear Claw, my fave kind. Pen, pencil, watercolors.

EDiM #6

EDiM #6: Draw a holiday card.

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The summer solstice is a one of the biggie celebrations in our house. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #5

EDiM #5: Draw something sweet.

  

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I've got a sweet tooth, so simply looking at all the other participant entries has had me salivating all day. If one scoop is good, three is better. Pen and watercolors.

Brain rewiring

I am fascinated by the brain, and love learning about how our brains work. Once thought to be static and unchanging beyond a certain age, neuroscience has shown us the incredible plasticity of our brains. At all ages. Check out this interesting TED talk. I find it serendipitous how many of the items on the last slide are in line with my Every Day in May goals.

EDiM #4

EDiM #4: Draw a present you have received. Why is it special?

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How to pick one from so many? Especially when some of the best gifts are intangibles. Decided to sketch this bookmark, which was a gift from my sister. It reminds me of the many adventures we have had together, which always make me smile. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #3

EDiM #3: Free choice. Draw anything you like.

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I for one love getting two for the price of one, so imagine my delight when this sketch works for both EDiM and TSBC. (The Sketchbook Challenge theme this month is Fruit and Veggies). Felt like the background needed some oomph, so out came a henna stencil to the rescue. Ink and watercolors.

EDiM #2

EDiM #2: Draw something that represents a new year's resolution of yours.

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In lieu of resolutions, I choose one word each year. My word for 2012 is LIGHT.

I still remember the first time I saw a prism split white light into a rainbow of colors. I was a wee one, and thought it quite magical. I now know how this happens, and even after decades of science education, I still think it is a magical thing. Watercolors and collage.

EDiM #1

Hello May. I've set several goals for the month of May, which I will share at the end of the month. One of them is to participate in the Every Day in May sketching challenge. Quickly bound a new journal which I hope to completely fill this month.

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EDiM #1: Draw or paint a landscape. Day one and I am already out of my comfort zone! Oh boy. It is raining heavily all day today, so decided to use a photo I had taken while in Turkey a couple of months ago. I loved the Cappadocia area, so thought I'd do a quick sketch of the Three Sisters. Pencil and watercolors.