Oh grow up!!

So--now that I have had my BIG birthday, I was reflecting on the fact that I often here that people (or more particularly I) should be more "adult-like", more "grown-up". I'm not sure, however, that this induces good art. Think about some of the best artist around--don't you often hear people say "my five year old could have done that?" Have you ever looked at a preschoolers art and truely appreciated it/ thought it was more beautiful than anything you've ever done? (besides the often amusing commentary about the art or content...) anyone seen "my kid could paint that"...(got it on netflicks...very interesting).

and why is that? I tend to think that because children are more open-minded, don't have preconcieved notions about what art should be/ look like that they are open to--well, almost anything!! To that end, I think, especially in the artist arena, we SHOULD strive to be more child-like and less adult--dontcha think? Ok--maybe I'm justifying my self actions--but I think it's ok...maybe for now. I hope though, when I am getting too childish (and THAT never happens!) my friends would say--"ok--enough". My family says it all the time so that doesn't count.

Just as a side note--the little girl who is the subject of above mentioned movie has a website--check it (and her adorible self!) out: http://www.marlaolmstead.com/home.html enclosed are a couple copies of pics... also my own "artist" in the family--my one year old niece "painting" with cake!! yeah for creativity...

love, amy

Ya-hooda!!

I MADE IT!! ok--well, I only did half a marathon..but that's still longer than most people have ever run in their lives, right?? No--I am very pleased with myself, my wonderful teammates and I loved the whole Team-In-Training experience...I got to meet, run with and share such a terrific experience with THE BEST people ever!! I feel now, that I have done this and was part of a larger group (overall 3400 people ran for the lymphoma/leukemia society TNT and raised over 10 million dollars!!) that I have really accomplished something--and will probably attempt to do it again!! Thanks to all who helped me--either thru financial support, emotional support, encouragement, thoughts/ prayers--you helped me get there!!

Included are pictures of my teammates, SanDiego, the event (altho no shots of the marathon--that's on the disposible camera) and the best--the dance afterwards!! I'd just like to say--

YEAH FOR (v)TNT!! GO TEAM!!

This is it...

A fitting title, I thought, as my last weekend involved "endings" of sorts (my beloved nephew's graduation from high school--the end of childhood, in a way) and the drawing near of training and the actual race/ marathon this upcoming weekend...it's amazing to think that 4 months have flown by that fast...what a journey it has been...I thank you all for your support, physically, emotionally, financially, as I have taken on this endeavour...I met with Darian's father today who was stunned that it was coming up so fast as well...he too, overwhelmed at the generosity of people who knew nothing about his child/ a disease but are willing to give...I can't wait to cross that finish line and say "hey buddy--I did something for you. Rest in peace". His final memorial will be the day before (bummer that I'll miss it) but I know that it's ok since I'm doing a great good for him, for others like him...
My nephew is such a great guy--so generous, caring--the kind of person no body has a beef with. He has the same soul he has when he was a caring, loving 2 year old--and I hope he never changes. It's amazing to see him grown up, with a lovely, sweet girlfriend, diploma, waiting to see what life will offer him--and I hope it's all that he deserves. For all the Darians in the world...

Don't forget to breathe...

So, while I have a moment, thought I'd try to get a quick blog out...especially since it's almost been a month since the last (yikes!) Things have been (more than) hectic since the big move of The Creating Place from Seward Street to S. Franklin--true, it's only about 4 blocks, but man--what a difference those blocks make!! It was crazy packing up all the stuff in the store, painting (and repainting), organizing the new spot, de-fleecing it (ever seen fleece dust bunnies? man--they can be mean, I tell ya!!) trying to get more floorboards to match old ones and lay those down, redusting and then, finally, moving the stuff in/ reorganizing the new spot, adding the new product--all in less than two weeks (so we could open pre-tourist, pre National Scrapbook day and in time for when our only employee came back after her vaca--just me, Anji and her husband---not to mention holding down the fulltime job, hospital work, getting in miles of running on the side, etc--yeah. Yes--I have become schizophrenic--for a good reason!!)
But it was all worth it--the store is awesome, more comfy, relaxing, spacious....and a ton more people coming thru!! (the only down is the south franklin nightlife late on fri or saturday--slightly uhmm-colorful--but oh well, can't be perfect.
Getting close to marathon time--getting excited and nervous at the same time--glad to get some time to run outside lately. (I have grown REAL tired of the treadmill.)
Next week I get to go to nephew Daine's graduation--keep thinking how he was my first baby to pull out--can't believe he's grown THAT fast/ that old...wahhh!! my baby is old and grown, with a girlfriend..and then there's Alyse who's turned one ALREADY--holy cow--that went fast, eh?? already taking steps by herself, such a big girl already--wish they were closer..
ok--breathing breathing breathing let me know what's up with you over the summer--i'll be here working the both jobs, running still (staying in shape for klondike, douglas 1/2 marathon in august and possible susan butcher relay in anchorage in fall...)
lots of love--amy

Happy (Belated) Birthday...

So..it was a CRAZY week...but an AMAZING one!!

On Saturday the 12th Mom and older sis Peg came out to spend a week with me to help celebrate the BIG 40 that I turn this year--seems incredible that the same irresponsible immature me is 40--but its true--the numbers don't lie...they helped turn my house into an adult domicile, took on the daunting task of cleaning out my car, went on a voyage north to Canada (where I introduced them to the wonders that is the Alaska Marine highway System, Canadian cider, Loonies/ Toonies and, in mid April..it snowed on us significant amounts...) They also got to help start the organization/ painting and all-around fun that will be the start of the new home of the Creating Place---ahhh--remember how fun it was to move your home?? well, it's even funner (is that a word?) to move a business, I tell ya!! Then to top it off, they threw me a party complete with my favorite foods--I love family, ya know???!!?!

So we had a grand ol' time, them putting up with me wanting to go running all the time and wanting more protein (worked well with them wanting to get in all the fish they could handle!! peg--however--didn't get in enuf "touristing"--it's a hard time of the year, tho', not much open yet---kinda like a teaser...) All in all, everyone behaved/ enjoyed/ partied themselves nicely and it will be a birthday to remember for a long long long time--thanks for all the wishes and to all my marathon supporters--I am still running alot (9 miles is the record--I finally got to run outside--was invigorating!! I am soooo looking forward to the race!!)

Thanks everyone--luv ya mom and piglet and look forward to our next paintaton!!

The other beni of my trip

so--the other added benefit of my trip was I got to see my sister Holio and bro-in-law Tim as well as pooch Dusty and much loved niece Alyse!! She is 10 months now (time has flown!!) and is happy happy happy! energetic, fast-crawler, LEFT HANDED (yeah!!) and just a joy to be around!! I had a relaxing time on the Habecker homestead and really enjoyed my time there/ wish I was closer to them. Thanks Guys!!

ps doesn't she look adorable in her Easter dress? thanks auntie Peggy!!!