Equinox

I am so ready for spring to arrive. Around here, it does seem to be taking its own sweet time though. Still, I am making new things, ready for the season to turn. Anticipating more warmth and light, and keeping a sense of balance to the days.

I have begun learning how to make my own organic skin care products. It is amazingly easy. Kiddo joined in the fun by making her own minty herbal shampoo. Above are freshly made tins of a herbal salve that we were all eager to try. It turned out to be wonderfully soothing for our wintry chapped skin.

Some colorful cotton for my current crochet project - a beach/pool tote bag. This will be just the thing for toting beach towels, sunscreen, and maybe even a sea shell or two.

Finishing up my winter sketchbook with a watercolor sketch of the aloe plant that lives on my kitchen windowsill.

Artisan bread. Good every season. And so easy to make. This loaf joined a meal of roasted vegetables and grilled salmon.

A new sketch journal in the works for the new season. A ritual I have been keeping for a couple of years now. However, this book is being made with 140lb. Kilimanjaro cold pressed watercolor paper instead of my usual Canson Edition paper. It was time to try something new. Kilimanjaro is my preferred paper for my watercolor paintings, and I do like the feel of the surface. A little soft, not too pebbly- is "pebbly" a word?

And here you can see my messy work table with projects in process. It's all about balance. The balance of creativity in all pursuits, whether cooking or painting, homeschooling or making a home. And celebrating the balance of the Equinox this very welcome spring.