{please help} for Japan with Love

my heart still breaks for Japan.  I'm still finding myself teary and getting that lump in my throat when I face a news article or open a picture of the devastation.

it's my favorite place to have ever lived.  I have fond memories of big hearted people, customs and traditions that have shaped who I am today, and you can still catch me slightly bowing a hello to a person passing by. 

it's cold over there, and too many people are without electricity, water, food, shelter and more.

and on top of that, many have to deal with the loss of loved ones. 
I can't even begin to comprehend all that they are feeling and facing.

I am determined to do everything I can to make a positive impact.
{and you can too!}
I have decided to participate in Bloggers Day of Silence tomorrow March 18th. 
with that my blog will be silent tomorrow,
as in no posts, in honor and respect for what has happened in Japan.

You can read more about the efforts of Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours who have paired up to create and launch

For Japan With Love

Have a beautiful day tomorrow.  Hug and kiss the ones you love.  

I'll be sewing late into Friday evening as a part of Friday Night Sew In and back here with a Happy Moment and my sewing results on Saturday!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Running for Happy

The sun has been on and off all day, but this morning it was just what I needed to dust these off and put them on.

After a big stretch from Katie we were off for a nice (and way overdue) run and hike through the woods.

The run was everything I needed to clear my mind and re-focus on making a positive difference.

I managed to put on and finish hand sewing the binding for Tribal quilt!  That means that I should be able to get outside photos taken and then it just needs a wash to be considered all done. 

Yup, you will be able to see the finish it early this week!

I think Katie enjoyed the outing as well.  I just love it when she makes herself into a cute little doggy donut!  She had perfect manners on leash today and with every run we are getting more and more matched in pace. 

Love this dog!!  She makes the day seem right!

Japan is still heavy on my mind.  

Watching the news pierces my heart and I can just feel the pangs of needing to do something to help.  I am hoping to join an aid effort of some sort and will pass on details as soon as I straighten that out. 

Until then, strong love and strong hope are being sent there from here.

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Creative Tuesday: New Year

Do you feel that?  Take a nice big breath in slowly and let it out even slower.  Yes, it's time for  Mr. Toast's Creative Tuesday's.  Oh, how I have missed you!

Mr. Toast, I hope you had the most amazing holiday season, love!  Thank you for all you do to host this community and give me this reason to connect with my creative side and sketch pad.  I'm not sure I would do it without your gentle nudge.

Today's theme... New Year.  Also known as (for me)... open slate.

I did my best to clear my mind and just let that wonderful open-clean slate wash over me and exit through the watercolor pencils.

 
All that hope, promise, dreams, determination, and confidence on what can be.  And what will be!

I've very proud of this one!  Feels like a great start to the year... a great sign of what's to come... a chance that this could be a great year for stretching and strengthening creative muscles!

Who's with me!?!!

And in keeping with my normal show of process... here is what my desk looked like toward the end of the drawing.

 
It's just not a proper doodle for me unless I make a big fuss (mess) all over!  And yes, it's important to dump all the pencils out of the box in order to be sure you find just the right shade of green *wink*

This is going to be a fun year! 

Other artists in the community and more information about joining in can be found here.