illustrating...

"Caged" by Won Tsuen

It's been far too long since I posted! I was going to this past week because I decided to join Illustration Friday and get myself back into drawing and illustrating. I was so excited about it... and started to sketch... and realized how much I need to practice again. It's like exercise... you don't necessarily forget it, you just get out of shape. So... this week's word is "caged" and it is really bothering me. I don't know exactly why but I could take some pretty good guesses. I might just doodle until next Friday when they post the next one. I think the illustration I posted above is beautiful. I just have always hated to see things caged... and to feel like I'm caged. I have a hard time not being free to do whatever. So look for some drawings in the real near future!

I've been reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and it's not what I expected but in a way, better. It's making me really think. I know there are lots of people who just take off and go discover who they are and what the world is all about, especially in other countries or live in Ashrams like Liz did, or just study different ways of thinking about things. It is easy to see the world out of a single, narrow lens. That works for a lot of people... it's easy to be content with the understanding that you have about things, to be in your routine, surround yourself with people who believe the same things you do. But I wonder if most people realize how different a lot of people are from themselves. And that's okay. I thought one of the most profound statements so far in the book (and I'm halfway through) is that there are two things everyone has in common: one is to find someone who loves them and to love, and the other is control. They say this is what all wars are based on... but I think it is two things that everyone has in common. Maybe with the love part, I should say just "love" because some people focus all their energy on loving something instead of someone or even themselves. It's been a good summer read so far.

We are wrapping up the last month of summer vacation. Nathaniel is getting braces for the first time next week. He has found that he is a very good goalie at soccer camp this week! He has a natural talent at that, so I'm looking forward to his season this fall. Caroline is growing into a young woman and I find myself wanting to cry a little because it's hard to see the little girl any more. Though she still loves hugs! Life never stays the same... it constantly is changing. I'm just trying to keep up with all the changes and find myself sighing a lot, remembering all that has happened.

It seems Saturday mornings are my time to collect my thoughts and write here. Of course now that I wrote that, it will change, because I'm just like that!!! Hope you are having a good weekend so far. Enjoy these last weeks of summer because autumn is just around the corner! (my favorite season!!!)

xo Bethany