first sketch...

In case you've been checking out my current projects list, here is the first sketch for the costume design I am working on.  The backdrop for the show is sort of zoot suit era meets OZ meets the future.  If I had 45 minutes, I'd explain further.  For now, this is my starting point.  

now for something new...

This is a close-up of a painting I recently finished.  It has been on my project list for way too long... so it feels good to know I will now be able to move on to new things.  Just in time for the new year!

packages with string

Today I started my morning with 9 am yoga.  I don't think I should mention here how long it's been since I've shown up to a class - what counts is, I was there today.  After that, I picked up some wine for dinner tonight and treated myself to coffee and a pecan cinnamon roll - it's Christmas Eve, after all.  Now I'm adding a few final touches to some gifts.  I have to admit, every once in a while, I get more excited about the "final touches" more than the gifts themselves.  Okay, it's pretty often that this happens.  What can I say... I like wrapping.

Next, I'm headed to the studio for some painting and then I'm catching a train to go see my family.  Merry Christmas!

getting dumped by the cta...

Today I had a moment when I felt like I was in Russia.  I've never actually been to Russia, but I have watched Dr. Zhivago numerous times.  At it's best, Chicago was zero degrees today; 30 below with the wind chill.  How is it, that it is always a day like this that the green line train kicks you off at Pulaski because it has suddenly switched to an express train?  About 30 of us got off after the conductor announced that there would be no stops until Ridgeland and that there was another train right behind us.  The thing he didn't mention was that the train right behind us had also switched to an express train.  It whipped passed, seemingly faster than I've ever seen a CTA train move, horn blaring, kicking up snow and an icy gush of wind... leaving us on the platform like a bunch of suckers.  There was a collective groan as we all realized our fate.  

What I noticed during the wait for the next train, was that there really isn't anything tall around the Pulaski stop.  Which means that there are miles and miles of space for the wind to get revved up and then slice right through you.  This is when I felt like I was in Russia.  Or at least in my Dr. Zhivago version of Russia.  Thankfully, this didn't last too long.  And honestly, it made the arrival home to my toasty apartment that much sweeter.  I put the kettle on, got under a blanket and nestled in to read the next chapter in Eat Pray Love.

getting ready...

Today is my only day off between now and Christmas Eve, so I'm busy getting all of my gifts ready and sending out cards.  In the past couple weeks of shopping, there are a couple of treats I've gotten for myself, including an ornament or two and some Hannah Silk ribbon... for which I have what I consider a healthy obsession with.  This morning I finally pulled my box of Christmas decorations off the shelf and went through my ornament collection.  It's fun to discover them anew after not having seen them for a year.  Here are a few from the old collection along with this year's additions...

warming up with morning coffee

When I woke up this morning, it was zero degrees fahrenheit outside.  Coffee, turtleneck, boots... and I'm about to head to work.  Plans for this weekend: work, Renegade, mulled cider, Christmas decorating, craft night, and staying warm.  Have a good weekend!

What time of year is it?

Currently I've been keeping myself busy with a slew of projects... some of which are firsts for me.  This week I completed my first logo design... and began my first costume design job.   I've also been adding more jewelry to my shop.  In the meantime, I need to keep reminding myself that Christmas is just around the corner and maybe now would be a good time to start preparing!  

The cold has officially set in here in Chicago, so more and more I'm getting cozy inside with movies and books... If you are looking for a movie recommendation,  go see Slumdog Millionaire.  It opens the door to a different reality, has great rhythm, and a main character you want to root for!