I hate to jinx myself...

[Sandi Wedemeier]

...but yesterday was a really great day. Maybe I ought to knock on wood or something. We've finally had a break in the weather. I'm in the area in the Midwest that you've been hearing about; my little town in Iowa has been mostly under water for over a week now. We're situated on the Cedar River and it's overflowed it's banks by more than ever before in recorded history.

Even though I live on the second highest hill in town, my neighborhood was affected too. We were stranded up here by the dry run, even though we're more than half a mile and uphill from the river. The Cedar is expected to crest again today, so lots of those who started clean-up efforts will more than likely have to start again.

Yesterday, was a glorious day. FINALLY. The humidity cleared, the temperature was in the mid-70's, a wonderful breeze and I could finally get out and get to where I needed to go. Who knew that having a full refrigerator could be a thing of great joy?

I spent most of the day with my goddaughter and her two lovely daughters, ages 5 and nearly 2. We went shopping together and it was exhausting, but the good kind of tired. I think I actually spent most of the day smiling and realized how long it had been since I felt I had anything to smile about.

I came home, put things away, planned my kitchen tasks for today and rested for a while. I came in here to check email, but got distracted by my work table. I've been so carefully avoiding it lately becuase I've felt so inadquate, but I sat down and just sat looking. My eyes rested on the whole huge stack of paint samples that have been in one corner for about a year now...the ones that were collected while considering the last round of paint choices for my home.

I have a checkered past with choosing paint; twice now, while considering major work/paint jobs, I've spent months agonizing over paint colours, finally making my final choice, only to chuck it all and make completely new choices while at the paint store to order the paint. Yes, seriously. Both times, I knew I'd made the right choices, but still.

While staring at that pile, I came upon the idea of using them as a journaling piece of art work for over the couch. Not entirely sure how I'm going to accomplish this yet, but I also have scads of quart sized samples from Sherwin-Williams that I actually used on the walls, so somehow I want to incorporate those too. Everyone I know and love knows *intimately* of my paint struggles, so it ought to turn out to be a conversation piece. We shall see.

So today...is food prep day. I'm making potato salad, making real homemade baked beans in my real beanpot (!), marinating chicken in apple juice and garlic for grilling,preparing fresh salsa, tuna salad, boiling the eggs that were on sale yesterday (.79 a dozen as opposed to 2.09! come on...I'm eating eggs for the next couple of weeks!) and prepping all the rest of the lovely fruits and veggies for ease of gnoshing.

Happiness is....a full fridge.

[Alicia Edwards]

You're welcome, Sandi. I'll look forward to seeing what you decide on. Now that you've said "free form," lots of images of pink and green squares chasing each other are running through my mind.

[Sandi Wedemeier]

i like it Alicia...I like it alot. I had something a bit more free form in mind, but seeing this, I'm not sure now. You've given me something to think about...thanks!

[Alicia Edwards]

Good for you Sandi! (Eggs are 2.09 there?!) Being stranded in your house is no fun. I'm glad you were able to get out and about.

I'm not sure if you want any suggestions, but I just went and took a picture of the piece I made with paint chips. I've been meaning to take pics in there for a while, but haven't done so. So thanks for that push! This was super easy and made from stuff I already had (free is a bonus!). After getting so frustrated with what was "supposed" to go on this wall, I felt a big sense of relief to see it there. Even if it is (might be, maybe...) temporary.

Here's a link if you want to take a look:
http://aliciascolors.wordpress.com/2008/06/15/paint-chip-mosaic/

[Christy]

You poor thing. The affects of the river flooding have probably made you so stressed that you couldn't art. I am so happy to hear that you had a lovely day and enjoyed being outside. Your paint struggles definitely sound like an interesting conversation. Loving your idea of using the samples and the little samples from the paint store. Oh, and the food sounds amazing... a shame I live so far away. I think I would love the chicken in apple juice and garlic. Sigh, now I have to go shopping for food too!