Life, captured

Wes has been out of town for a week in locations that have limited cell service, wifi, or internet access. Usually when he's out of town shooting on location, I get to keep track via Facebook, Instagram, and the texts he sends my way. In turn, he receives my play-by-play, real-time account of all the different domestic affairs on our little homefront (who scraped a knee, who was the Special Leader, the new bike I want, what I had for lunch for heaven's sake). It always feels really incongruous with whatever Wes is doing with his lighting equipment and cameras. Our phone conversations sometimes end lamely with the same sign off. Of course we miss and love each other, but there's just nothing much more to report. He's read the texts. He's seen the photos. So have I.

But this trip was different. I knew he was out of range, and so we suffered at home in silence while kids and I each came down with the stomach flu, one after the other (with only social media to complain to). I shuttled Finn and Maya back and forth from appointments and school unceremoniously. I cached away my plans for summer and home improvements with no one to bounce them off of, letting them grow to fruition in my mind, instead of sharing them prematurely just to have them fizzle out. Meanwhile, Wes was stranded on a small island off the coast of Alaska for a couple of nights. I knew this because I received a phone call from the production company he was working for assuring me he was alright, and that I would hear from him by week's end. So I imagined him, in the bright and cold of his tent at night (since the sun doesn't set this time of year), eating food out of those silver pouches, whales out across the ocean, maybe rain. I had no idea, so I crafted it in my mind.

When I did finally hear from Wes, he called probably eight times that day just for the novelty of it. Every time we spouted out more and more details about our lives that past week. Still, I had no photos from him, but I had crafted a vision in my mind of what he'd been up to. I would stop his enthusiasm, telling him to save some stories for when he came home. I didn't want the full picture just yet. I preferred to form my own for the moment. I liked envisioning him against black mountains tipped in white, the blue of the sea below. Meanwhile, I looked out my front porch to my own mountains, still tipped in white, and watched Finn and Maya play carelessly on the green of our Spring lawn.

When I was a teenager, I went to Europe with a school group. We all toted around our clunky cameras with endless rolls of film. I remember leaving my camera at a restaurant one night, almost fainting at  the thought of losing all of those images. Luckily the camera was returned to me unscathed, my documented trip restored. That same week, on a particularly long bus ride through the countryside of Italy, I had fallen asleep against the window. I woke up to find a view of lush green hills covered in sunflowers, bowed in greeting. Beams of sunlight streamed down, gowning the hills in a vibrant haze. It was the most magical thing I had ever seen in my seventeen years. I was frozen, soaking it in. The bus was silent, most of the students asleep. We were rounding a bend too quickly for me to dig out my camera and capture tit on film. So I burned it into my mind. I stared and stared, unblinking, until we were in the shadow of the next hill. Of all the photos I took that summer, I can't remember a one. But that image of the hillside flooded with the yellow of sunflowers in afternoon light, stays with me even now, popping into my mind to visit now and then.

I imagine there are plenty of photos Wes could have taken with his iPhone to hastily share with the world of Instagram and Facebook if he had the chance. And when we were back in range yesterday, I kept asking for images just to get a glimpse. But they came slowly. Even on social media he is now sharing modestly. While there are doubtless plenty of gorgeous shots that he's taken, I am sure he has simply reserved the best ones just for himself, where a lens can't begin to do them justice.

Rooftop Concert Series Tonight in Provo!

Calling all locals! The Rooftop Concert Series is back in action tonight, FRIDAY, MAY 3rd, 7:00. So go enjoy a free concert! If my hubby wasn't out of town, I'd be on the other side of this canyon swaying to the music. And while you're there, grab a flyer, pledge to Mindy Gledhill's new album, and get $1 of a shake across the street at Sammy's!

Sparking the Creative

I generally find that I can't pre-determine my days. There's no way for me to decide in advance that today is going to be a creative/work day, or a laundry day, or a house-tidying day, or an outdoor adventure day, or a make-huge-vats-of-roasted-tomato-salsa kind of a day. I have to wake up, force myself out of the arms of my warm bed, shake off the dregs of dreams, and look the day square in the face. Sure there are days I HAVE to clean up, or I HAVE to meet a deadline. But for the most part, my family has indulged my whims (sometimes more patiently than others). Being a stay-at-home-mom affords me some luxury in that department. Of course I have to keep up with a little bit of work daily (be it around the house or on my computer) to keep all of our sanity. But some days I wake up and I know I am going to accomplish nothing more than writing all day, or a day-long love affair with new typography and what it can create. And that's fine. I've long since left behind the guilt trip of not being a well-balanced individual in this sense. It's better for me to go with the flow. So let's say you wake up and feel in your bones that you have to be creative. You have to start somewhere, right? Maybe you have TOO much of that vibrant creative force reeling through you, and you are having a hard time focusing it. Or maybe you know you want to create, but aren't sure just where to start. And possibly it is a creative work day, but you would rather it be a laundry day (does that person exist??). In any of these scenarios, it's always fun to have some creative inspiration an direction. Here are some things I do to mix it up, get things going, and focus my efforts (if they need some wrangling).

FIVE IDEAS TO CULTIVATE THE CREATIVE

1. Be a Creative Creeper
That's right. Stalk other artists. See what's trending (I actually hate that word, but I am trying to warm to it). Check out what feels new and exciting to you. Borrow an idea without copying the original. Put your own twist on it. Find inspiration on Pinterest, Etsy, even sites like Minted or Paper Source. Catalog your favorite creative blogs (whether they be art, design, writing, painting, sewing), and refer to them often. Don't feel like you have to be entirely original all the time. You'll find as you put your own spin on an idea, that it will blossom into something unique. Some of my favorite creative blogs include How About Orange, Oh, Hello Friend, Cardigan Empire (more of a fashion/personal style inspiration blog), Craft Gawker, Holiday with Matthew Mead, Graphic Exchange, The Happiness Project, and Rachelle Gardner has excellent tips on writing. Also for writers, I recommend downloading the free guide that lists the 101 best websites for writers, found HERE.

A word to the wise: Don't let a site like Pinterest run wild with your creativity! It is too easy to pin to your heart's content, only to find you have supersaturated your boards, and just wasted half of your day by following a creative tangent. Zero in on one or two things you would love to try, then revisit others as you have time.

2. Try something out of your comfort zone
I think artists sometimes tend to find their niche and fly with it. And that is a wonderful thing that elevates work, and defines careers. But other creative pursuits can feed our minds and artistic eye. You'll be surprised where you find inspiration when you engage in something completely different. And if nothing else, you'll be coming back to the proverbial drawing board with fresh eyes. Try creating something new to you. Or revisit a talent you might have had in the past, but let fall by the wayside. If you paint, try felting. If you write, try watercolors. If you are a web designer, sculpt something out of clay. Make a piece of jewelry. Sew something simple. Write a poem and let it be really really bad. Bake a cake and don't worry about perfect icing. Finger paint with your children. Plant an herb garden in a pot. Or maybe it's even as simple as changing your medium that day.  I often sketch my illustrations, scan them in to the computer, and then digitally color them in. But it feels completely different to physically hand-paint my sketches with watercolor. I can feel my brain working differently when I am holding a paintbrush vs. the mouse.

3. Find inspiration in books and quotes
Sometimes I need words of wisdom to help push me along. I have enough random inspirational quotes stashed away that I could probably compile one of those feel-good Mother's Day quick-reads that you find at Walgreens. And some of my early "life path" altering decisions came from books I read on creativity and becoming the artist you want to be. I felt connected to the artistic pulse of the universe (or something profound like that). It made me want to go out and CREATE something that would change the world (OK, I was 14, so really it probably just prompted me to paint the day away in my bedroom). But that eventually led to a portfolio, and art school, then graduate school, and eventually my career. So checking out a book at your local library that has to do with your passion/trade/medium-of-choice is a great idea. Some of my favorites include:
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron
Steal like an Artist, by Austin Kleon
Bird by Bird: Some instructions on writing and life, by Anne Lamott
Story, by Robert McKee
The Elements of Graphic Design, by Alex White
Writing with Pictures, by Uri Shulevitz
Vogue Sewing
The Modern Quilt
You can also find a slew of gorgeously designed inspirational quotes to get you through the rough days, and enhance the good ones. Find many HERE. Post them where you'll see them most, then change them out to suit your needs.

4. Become part of a community
Creativity can often be a solitary pursuit. I had an amazing experience in school working with peers on projects, feeding off of our shared enthusiasm, new approaches, and bright ideas. I worked for a company where I was part of a team, and other creative minds swarmed around me non stop. I could reach out and grab inspiration any time I needed it. But when I became a freelance designer/illustrator, I found I had to really work for that lightening bolt. It got easier over time, but connecting with other creative individuals helped bridge that gap. I sought out blogs (even creating a few of my own) that fostered community. I started following people on Twitter, Blogger, Wordpress (and then followed some of their followers). Even Instagram has provided unexpected friendships with people I would call modern-day pen pals. The key to online connection is to make comments, email blog authors, and generally let yourself be known. Offer things that will benefit others, and you will find that in return.

Conferences are also a wonderful way to meet others like yourself. Conferences will not only help build your brand, but connect you with others who share your passions. If you can't make it to a conference in person, look into workshops and classes online that offer a similar experience. If you're crafty, attend a craft fair in your area (or organize one locally). If you like to write, join a local or virtual writer's group. If you like to sculpt, take a pottery class at the local community college. Here are some good sites to get you started:

Writer's Digest (a wonderfully complete resource for writers of every genre)
Daily Writing Tips
Queen Bee Market
The Blog Guidebook (OK, that's kind of a personal plug...)
Alt Design Summit

5. Experiment with process 
Maybe your process is to be wildly improvisational. Maybe you like a list of goals. Whatever it is, experimenting with process can be very helpful. I have found that many creative minds can benefit from a little structure. It not only keeps us focused on goals, but also helps us see our initial intent more clearly, actually encouraging creativity. Here is one of my favorite ways to work through a major project: Start with a creative device, continue with purpose, and end with a push. I had a wonderful thesis advisor in graduate school. She would encourage all kinds of ways to map out our project before diving in. Then we would plug along purposefully. Finally, when we thought we were finished, she would push us to find opportunities to enhance the results. For example, I might begin with a mind map, list out my ideas, or cast a wide net for creative images in the internet. That would spark all kinds of ideas that would then get narrowed down. Then I would begin my project. (This is the time for experimentation and maybe numerous drafts or versions of what you are creating.) Then once I would finish with what I thought was my very best work, my advisor would always make final suggestions on how I could improve. Every. Single. Time. And I thought I would die every single time. But I soon learned that adding extra visual texture, refining the text, or altering the typography would transform my work from good to great. I have since learned how to do this on my own—push myself almost over the edge. It's a skill that takes time to master (and I am still working on it). But I always know that once I think I am done, there's still something more—some extra little tweak that can make it sing. It's about recognizing the exceptional in yourself, and bringing it out.

Here are some great links to creative devices:
Creative Mapping: A toolbox for creatives
Mind Mapping
Mind Map Inspiration
Creative Brainstorming
Creative Something
Brainstorming Techniques for the Creative Mind

I hope this post has given you some new ideas to get that creative ball rolling! Be sure to share your ideas in the comments. I love to hear from readers.

Be a part of Mindy Gledhill's new album!

Wes has had the great opportunity to spend time in Nashville this month with the uber talented Mindy Gledhill. Mindy is recording a new album and Wes has been in the studio with her, documenting the project and jumpstarting her PledgeMusic campaign. Mindy has some AMAZING offers for anyone who pledges to the making of her new album. For example, I get to attend a private Listening Party before the album launches!

I admit I've had a sneak peak into the new music courtesy of Wes and his unedited footage. It's fresh, hummable goodness in true Mindy style! I can't wait to hear the final versions. Sheer delight, to be sure.

I helped create some buttons for Mindy so that you can show the love when you donate! You can grab them below to post on Facebook or Instagram. Or head over Mindy's blog to place a button in your own blog's sidebar.

To view all of the videos from Mindy's time in the studio, visit her blog HERE.

And to donate to the album, visit her PlegeMusic site HERE.

Happy Helpers

I was going crazy today as I looked around my house in utter despair. Despite my best efforts, it pretty much looked like the zombie apocalypse had happened in my home. My kids love to trash the joint. Especially if I am on my computer working, designing, blogging. (Are they trying to send me a message?? Nah....) So Sarah, my partner in crime over at The Blog Guidebook, sent me some great ideas for motivational tactics from the blogosphere. Of course I wanted to create my own version (specifically something purple to tempt Maya). I came up with these Happy Tickets and Chore Cards based on other fun designs out there on Pinterest. I told my kiddos that if they are "happy helpers," they get a ticket. After 5 tickets, they get a treat. Same idea with the Chore Cards. After 10 punches, they get a prize (probably another treat, since chocolate-dipped ice cream cones go a long way around here). Need a little motivation for your kids? Download the PDF pack HERE. (I am including orange, blue, purple, and pink versions). You can print them out and write your child's name on the Chore Card. I taped a Happy Ticket to the outside of 2 envelopes to provide visual motivation, and hung them on the fridge to collect my happy helpers' tickets.  (Don't mind my trimming in these photos. I was in a rush to get the ball rolling on this one!)

Maya Turns 4

Maya turns 4 today! How did that happen? She's growing up so fast, and is the spunkiest, most spirited, sweetest, most creative, opinionated, determined, hilarious, sporty, caring, girly girl I know. She's my Maya Sweet Papaya, my Pickle Pie, my Angel Puff, Little Blueberry, Lille Sofia, sweet, sweet girl! Happy Birthday beautiful Maya. You have my heart.

Movie Posters

For my brother's 30th Birthday I wanted to make him something extra special. So I asked what his 10 favorite movies are, and then crafted this: Can you guess each one?

I used a combination of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create these from scratch. 

They are my personal designs and may not be reposted without a link to this site. 

Please do not use without my permission in any other capacity.

Thank you!

Health Update: SIBO Maintenance

For previous posts on this topic, click HERE and scroll though (they may not be in order, so check the dates).

I receive a LOT of emails for advice and suggestions on how to handle SIBO. I try to answer each one, but I am sure a couple slip through the cracks (and I am sorry for that). Seeing as I have had so many requests for how I maintain my health and how my diet is going, I thought I would just do another post.

Since moving to Utah I've had to find a new doctor, and it's taken a few tries. But I finally found a wonderful doctor, and she also has a similar condition to mine (so she can empathize—bonus). I've learned some new and important details. SIBO is a result (in my case), of a post-infectious situation, and I've been left with permanent nerve damage. This new doctor actually wanted me to concentrate more on the nerve damage issue, and not the SIBO. A different approach, but honestly it felt kind of liberating! Like I wasn't defined by those 4 letters (which is how it can feel). She explained that I had been treated with the best drug on the market for SIBO (a number of times), and I was also on a motility drug (Motilium). So there's not much more I can do about that. What I can do is address what's causing the SIBO, and that's the nerve damage. She prescribed Bentyl as an antispasmodic for bad days (great to have on hand and works pretty well). She also strongly recommended a different anti-depressant that balances serotonin (look into the brain-gut connection to understand this more fully). I am holding off on the antidepressant right now for personal reasons, but I do plan to try it in the future.

Also, I have been seeing a dietitian. I HIGHLY recommend this! She has helped immensely to create a diet plan that is varied, healthy, and tailored to my condition. (Plus it helps to have another person in my corner, you know?) I am on a 3-5 day rotation diet, meaning I try not to eat the same thing every single day (like I am often tempted to do). For example, I only eat corn once a week, but I eat rice 3 times a week, because my body is more forgiving when I do this. I keep a food diary to plan my meals and track my progress (or setbacks).

I have started the food allergy/intolerance sublingual drops with no negative side effects. (It took me about 5 months to buck up and find the courage to do it, because I was so afraid of having a reaction.) I won't find out if it is helping with food intolerances for probably another 6 months.

Here is a sample of what I might choose for my meals, in case you are also struggling to eat a limited diet, and rotate it at the same time. I've actually found that my diet isn't as limited as I once thought. And I am eating such a healthy range of veggies and fruits (which I can now tolerate), that I have even been told I don't need any vitamins or supplements! That's crazy talk (crazy awesome).

Breakfast ideas—

• Steel cut oats (gluten free) with unsweetened almond milk and almonds (with or without maple syrup)

• Berry smoothie (frozen mixed berries, almond milk, agave, chia seeds) OR Green smoothie — Make this with whatever fruits, veggies or greens you like and can tolerate

• Chex rice cereal with almond milk and berries or a banana

• Bacon and skillet potatoes

• Sweet potato hash (with spinach, sweet potatoes, and maybe some bacon—I add bacon a lot)

• Eggs if you can handle them (I cannot)

Lunch ideas—

• Salads! My favorites are BLT (bacon, avocado, romain, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cherry tomatoes), or strawberry spinach salad with grilled chicken or bacon and poppy seeds added to oil and vinegar dressing mix (add a little agave for sweetness). I also like add nuts to all my salads. Sometimes I caramelize them with "sugar in the raw" on the stove top.

• Grilled chicken, gluten free ham steaks grilled up in the pan, turkey patties,grass-fed beef. Pork loin in the slow cooker. BACON (in moderation, of course)...

• Veggies, sauteed, grilled, or roasted (squash, potatoes—love to pan roast them until crispy like fries—green beans roasted with garlic salt and olive oil, carrots, artichokes, etc.) Basically anything you can tolerate and like. 

• Soups are wonderful! I make a huge pot of chicken broth and use that as my base. Then I make chicken veggie soup, butternut squash soup, tortilla soup, etc. You can make a lot and freeze it in small jars as single-servings.

• Taco bowls are a favorite. I cook up a lot of low-fat ground beef with gluten-free salsa, and freeze it in small Ziploc baggies. Then I can use it in single-servings. Add avocado, a little more salsa, some lime, and chips over the beef. Yum!

Dinner ideas—

• Basically a re-hash of my lunch options. I also eat white rice (brown is too hard to digest), and quinoa which is a great source of protein. Rice, quinoa, and gluten-free oats are my only grains. Also, for desserts, I look for "raw food" recipes which use a lot of nuts and coconut and agave (though I now have a hard time with the coconut). But it's good for dairy-free and grain-free cooking.

Cookbooks help with inspiration. These are my four favorite cookbooks (I just alter recipes accordingly when necessary):

I hope this helps, and let me know if there are any more questions I can answer. 

Thanks for reading, friends!

Rescue Song

It's no secret that I love Winter here in Utah. Positively love it. But I've been reading a lot of comments out there in the interwebs of electronic humanity. Something of needing the revival of Spring. A readiness to leave February behind in a happy farewell. I'll say it. I'm not ready. I am not ready for the iced over earth to emerge into newness, and all that happy splendor. I love Spring. I really do! I love every season, in her own way. But I've felt well-preserved in Winter. She's been my secret friend these bright and cold months in a new place. I am happy to stay in her arms laced with fresh snow and the hush of an icy morning just a little longer. I don't feel I need to be rescued from the bite of Winter. She's whispered her sweetness to me. A sweetness I don't feel in the spring. A secret drawing out of my soul. No, I don't need to be rescued from Winter. Winter has rescued me.

If you are needing a little pick-me-up while waiting for warmer days, check out Mr. Little Jeans for some tunes. They'll put a spring in your step to be sure!

Saying Goodbye to Grandpa Earl

When the seemingly sudden hand of death sweeps in,
the world gets busy in new ways—
heavy and pressing.
But there are moments when,
like a parachute,
it lifts and falls.
And we catch a breath in the stillness
where the light slants in,
touching the edges—
softening them.
And life moves you easily on and on.

-----

Wes's Grandpa Earl died this week. He was endlessly loving and generous. He always said I looked like Patsy Cline. Haha. :) Earl loved our little family and we loved him. Wes talked to his Grandpa Earl the night before he passed away. He was still out and about, working hard at his business that day. It seems he had a little lie down on the couch later that night, and never woke up. That's the way to go, I tell ya—a nap on the couch. We're headed to Mesa this week for the services. It will be nice to see family and talk about all the great things Earl accomplished in his life (and there were many). We will miss you Grandpa Earl!

3 Generations

Walls, adorned

My very talented photographer/cinematographer husband is now selling his Instragram photos through Insta Prints. Need to add some life to your walls? Find prints HERE. And you can visit Wes's personal website HERE. 

Free download: Conversation Heart Valentines

I have a freebie for you today! I thought it would be fun to make a valentine download. I went with a spin off on the conversation heart idea. They are girlie enough for the girliest girls, and bright enough for the coolest boys. Just click HERE to get the PDF files. Please share the link to this post, or pin it on Pinterest so that I can spread the love!

  

Truth, Beauty

I live a really beautiful life. I have a sweet husband, gorgeous, inspiring children, a wonderful home, lots of yummy food to eat, a drive to be creative, a yoga class I love, supportive family, and great friends. 

But my life is also far from perfect. My husband is gone on business a LOT. My children kind of drive me crazy some days. We have issues with our rental home all the time. Many types of food make me seriously sick. I have a lot of design (and other) work to do from home that can often be stressful. I have to miss yoga for things like illness, a busy schedule, or general exhaustedness. My family lives far, far away. And I rarely get to spend time with friends because their lives echo my own.

But I am no less grateful for the life I live. I feel like I've tried to keep it pretty real on this blog. I don't think I paint a shiny, endlessly happy existence where I am just exuding perfection and joy. I know there are blogs out there that do that. And lately it's been a topic of conversation that those blogs are making it harder for the rest of us who trudge through a difficult day here and there. I do know that when I have great days filled with beauty, I definitely want to document them. Instagram has been awesome for that. It is wonderful to scroll through those shots and see how much beauty there really is going on in my life. But check Instagram today and you'll see things are getting a little messy. And when it comes to blogging, I have no interest in painting a false picture of my life. (Note: I think for me it's more about the small miracles that happen every day, especially when things seem to be going wrong. I don't think it's really about a good day vs. a bad day. It's rarely just one or the other. And a lot of it has to do with my outlook on things. Except for when Wes has been gone for a week. Then all bets are off...)

As a response to a particularly lively chat going on in the blogosphere and on Facebook, I thought I would post about my day TODAY. Just for kicks. :)

First of all, Wes is out of town. Again. On a really great job shooting a PetSmart commercial. So that is a blessing. But I am here holding down the fort. More like the fort is holding me hostage. The kids whirl around me in a fit of fights and fancy, loving and hating each other very dramatically when Wes is away. They feel the imbalance, and take it out on each other, and on me. But sometimes that's just the way life is. Plus I've been feeling a little under the weather, which is not a surprise for me. I have small ailments everyday. I've learned to live with them. Most of the time they aren't that bad. But sometimes it makes me unmotivated to DO anything, which is the part that's problematic. The laundry piles up. The dishes don't get washed. 

We all have days like this! But when we post about them on our blogs, we tend to get sympathy comments. Sometimes I don't need sympathy, I just want to post about how my day went. Empathy is fine ("I hear ya, sister!"), but I really hate feeling like someone's feeling bad for me. Because there is just no reason for it! Remember: beautiful life, not perfect life. That's A-OK.

So in the spirit of things, I've provided a stunning photo exposé on how things are progressing at the Johnson household on day 5 of Wes being gone:

Just look at the color and texture on this dining room table. It's collage at its finest.

Master Bedroom in Low Light, by Finn and Maya

 

A true culinary masterpiece.

Maya's creative space to brainstorm and experiment. (She's been experimenting for a week...)

Fashion is at least folded!

And FINALLY one clean room in the house! The media room. It's in the basement. It's cold. No one goes down there, so it stays clean. This is where I breathe a sigh of relief at 8:30pm every night. 

How's your day shaping up? Any small successes? Big ones? Post them! Day going downhill fast? Tell us about it. But only if you have time and energy, of course. ;)