Looking back

Dipping into the archive again today - these drawings are from last January. Sometimes something from the past doesn't seem that long ago, but when you do the math, it is. In my mind, anything that feels like it was in the past, I think it was 5 years ago. Like, memories from 1999, I think were 5 years ago. Until I realize it's 2010. When you are a teenager, you never understand why everyone's parents are all talking about when they were kids and rolling their eyes when they look at you, but now I kind of get it.

Speaking of 5 years ago, I have to go pack for my trip to New York City where I'll be seeing my old college friends. Though, actually, if I do the math, it's been at least 15 years since I've last seen or spoken to most of them, and longer ago than that when we all first met. What a trip it will be!

Which old friend would you like to see again?

Pack it in

Here's my new backpack. I can hardly wait to use it! It fits me perfectly, is one of my favorite colors, and has all kinds of good pockets and loops to tie things to and hang things off of, like trekking poles - not that I own any trekking poles.

Where oh where will my next hike be? I would love to go hiking in California, Sweden, Iceland, and the Great Smoky Mountains. I have ~seen~ the Smoky Mountains at least, but I was only passing through on my way to North Carolina with Jill as we wrote songs about Doritos (it seemed like a good idea at the time).

Where's your favorite hiking spot? Where will you go exploring next?

Gifts

I realized after I posted my Valentine's day post on Sunday, that I meant to include quote about love. But then tonight, when I went to find a quote, nothing seemed quite right. Maybe it's because I am so tired from work today, but what resonated most with me was Pearl Bailey's quote:

"What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork."

Can you put down that bill that came in the mail today and, instead of opening it, go find someone to hug?

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. May your day contain love and chocolate!

My Valentine's cards this year are made from a heart stamp I carved myself, and a viking stamp (I love the striped pants!) made by Sandra, an inspiring artist from Germany. You can see her playful and imaginative creations in her blog and shop, Herzensart.

Cold and windy

Tonight as I made my way home, the wind was whipping fiercely around me. I felt like a little bug on the sidewalk that the wind was trying to pick up and carry away. This reminded me of my katydid sighting back in October, which I captured in a postcard. I sent this card to a friend who works at a hospital but, unfortunately, he never received it. I imagine it's still blowing around out there somewhere tonight.

This "Today I Saw" postcard idea comes from a lovely lady in England (I think?) named Jill Wignall. You can see her delightful drawings here.

It's been a busy week at work, so not much time for drawing or making things. I did make some delicious baby back ribs last night - first time ever that I have cooked ribs! The sauce was made primarily of apricot preserves and ketchup, and the ribs were cooked in lager and cloves. I will definitely make them again. The recipe said "serves 4-6" but the truth is more like "serves 2".

But even when we're busy, there's always time to revel in the colors that can be found all around us. Did you see any good colors today?