For the love of getting a chance to think!

Apologies for not posting in ages! I have so many things to catch up on with some photo posts of this fall's festivities!

The bad news:

I am sick with the flu (H1N1?) Not sure but I definitely have all the symptoms of it and was advised tostay home until I feel completely better, so I don't risk spreading it to all the kids I come in contact with everyday at work! So quarantine at home is where you can find me!

The good news:

I am forced to stay at home in bed, which means there is plenty of time to read, write, blog, watch movies and sleep. (things I don't do much these days with my crazy schedule)

Top 10 things on my mind today:

1. I have too many responsibilities, being sick should make them all go away, but I guess it doesn't when you're an adult.

2. Family is an absolute treasure. Mine is unique, emotional, compassionate, and hilarious. The extended family I hold dear all live on/near Taylor Lane in Clayton NY and it's sheer joy every time we get together.

3. I really like birthdays. No matter who you are, what you do, where you are...you have one day to celebrate yourself.

4. I adore hearing people speak other languages, even if I don't understand...it makes me feel cultured.

5. Color is what creates the a huge amount of visual pleasure in my daily life, yet somehow seeing the world in black and white (pictures/video) showcases true and sustainable beauty and even more than that, rain creates a quiet peace in gray moments that can transcend feeling.

6. Living life as an artist (art making, viewing, interpreting, participating, debating, thinking critically) will always be an overwhelming necessity for me.

7. Most of the time my mind is filled with thoughts bombarding one another but when I have a paint brush in my hand, the world gets quiet and what's left are only the real, true elements of life's questions.

8. Everyone needs to feel like they are part of something bigger then themselves. We are meant to live in community and care for one another. Unfortunately people look for this kind of comfort in places where it is fleeting and uncertain. This makes me unsettled almost daily.

9. I am a fan of almost all types of food. Even when I'm sick and can only eat soup- I think about what my first real food meal will be and get really excited about it.

10. I am blessed with so many lovely friends, some of which were recently married, some recently had their first child, and some just got engaged! I am truly excited for all these things!! And it makes me realize: I want to fall in love, and have a chance to experience life in all it's complexities with someone special. I am hoping that journey is not too far from now.