Germany & Other Adventures

Germany: I will be there in less than two days!  I have been trying to plan and prepare for this trip since the beginning of this year and I must say where did the time go?  That's just say it has sneaked up on me!

I think of this trip as a celebration to new adventures not only to my first time overseas but my future as well.  The end of this school year brought the start of my final year of graduate school as well as the closing of a school I have taught at for three years.  This door has closed and it leaves my future quite foggy which I admit is quite scary for me.  I am a planner and planners like to know the next step.  At this time, I do not know.  So Germany is an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and the daily routine and kick off this new chapter in my future and career, whatever that will be.  It's time for this planner to just see where the cards fall and not put everything I want to do in life on hold.  If not now then when will I?

Now as far as getting ready for this trip, I ask if there is an over-thinkers club I can join for help because I have done this every step of the way!  I am proud to say that I am all packed.  However, I keep rethinking clothing choices and double checking that I didn't forget something.  Did I pack too much, too little, can I wear this three different ways?  I have tried on so many clothing combinations I should be set for a year!  I need a gift for my host?  Well, I deliberated on that for about a month!  I have been cursed with the need to think way too much for this trip; I'm blaming it on nerves.

Apart from clothing choices that won't make me stick out too much I am going to a country where I do not know the language.  I can say thank you, hello, goodbye, cheers and that's about it.  It's frightening and exhilarating all at the same time.  I am just thankful that I have guides along the way for my first trip across the pond.

All that's left is double checking paperwork, finalizing some things for the school and I then checking my list over and over again! But by noon on Friday, it will be too late for wardrobe changes and learning more German phrases because I will be off to Germany!  I cannot wait!  I am predicting a sleepless night Thursday because I will be just too excited!

If you want to read more from my fellow travelers just click below:

Buffalo State Germany for Educators Blog 

100 Happy Days

Life, it's busy, we all know that.  Between grad school, job hunting, St. Leo's and running drama and art club, my days fly by and I often find myself getting overwhelmed or just too busy to notice the small stuff.

I recently ran across this challenge:  the 100 happy days challenge.  They challenge you to take a picture of something that made you happy that day.  I am starting today!  I hope it will raise my spirits and help me take a step back from busy schedule.  To prevent spamming Facebook, most photos will just be posted on my Instagram.  So if you're interested, take a look.  I'll post all of them after the challenge is done!

Anyone else wanna join me? 

Music Monday: Brave

I've been a fan of the very lovely and talented Sara Bareilles since forever, but I truly think she gets better and better.  Not only does she have a stunning voice, gorgeous good looks and seems to be one of the coolest people to hang out with, but her lyrics and music just hits home more often then not. Brave is her new single and you can't help but feel like you can take on the world.

Friday Feature: Elise Wehle

Girl Looks Back
Collage, Paper Cut, Ink Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.75 inches

Elise Wehle, holy cow! Her papercuts and collages are absolutely beautiful. The intricate and hand-cut designs aren't the only thing to love. Look closer and you can see that it has been collaged creating depth and texture that makes me tingle. I'm serious, Elise Wehle's work makes my heart hold still. Le sigh.

Behind Scenes
Collage, Paper Cut Dimensions: 11 x 16 inches

Where the Land Ends
Collage, Paper Cut Dimensions: 6.5 x 10 inches

Oh, and she embroiders too....girl after my own heart.

Seaside
Collage, Thread Dimensions: 7 x 10 inches

Series Snapshots

Hey....I've been making stuff!  But unlike what I sell at A Fine Tangle, it has been a series of paintings.  However, I am really loving the process so this technique might find itself in some new items for the shop this summer, we shall see.  But I just wanted to post some instagram photos of the works in process.  And if your interested, find me on instagram @afinetangle :)

Room Progress!

Here's a few pictures of my new room color, bedspread and accessory! My walls have been painted and my old carpeting pulled up. And boy, does it look like a whole new room.