ARTwork

I haven't been working too much with wool lately. Other than trying to get products up on my Etsy shop.  It's complicated to get everything photographed, edited, uploaded, descriptions written...all while balancing my full time job, the family and life.  I've spun a little Shetland wool which is gong to end up being a gorgeous yarn!  I've set it aside though for those winter months that are coming up. This winter I will be back in full swing with both my spinning, weaving and dyeing yarn. I've also still got some work to do on a rug that I designed and have been hooking for my family.  I put that project down after my dad passed. It was something that I worked on a lot while sitting with him and I think that's probably part of the reason I haven't touched it.  My sister, who madly crocheted shawls and other things while sitting with dad, also hasn't touched a hook since then.  It's interesting, perhaps a reminder of those days, and that may be why we are avoiding them.

I've been focusing more on my art this past summer.  It has really been my therapy in dealing with grief.  It's strange, really, although I am an adult with my own children and life, I feel as though in losing both my parents that I have lost my identity a little bit.  Is that normal?  The two people that I have looked up to and who were a constant in my life, are gone.  The two things that have always brought me back to center, and to help me feel more myself have become more at the forefront of my life at this point. 

I started a bible study recently through BSF International and we are studying the book of Romans.  It has been very good for me because it has helped me be more accountable of getting into the Word.  And when I'm reading the bible, it brings me peace. Although, this bible study has been challenging me daily on reading and dissecting the book of Romans, verse by verse.  I like the intensity of the study, and there are so many things that I would have glossed over in the letter that Paul wrote to the Gentiles. Some of the questions have left me digging down into my own personal struggles and have forced me to face some things about myself that at times, makes me a little uncomfortable.  I feel this is something that God has put in my life at this time for a reason. And I'm excited about the renewing of my mind as I focus more on Him.  God is not a shifting shadow, He is always the same.

It's fall and the weather is starting to turn the trees a little. I look forward to the cool, crisp days.  They seem to make me feel more alive than the humidity and heat of the summer.  I have been going on more nature walks with my sketchbook and fountain pens.  I find a place on our farm and sit down to sketch.  I usually only have about an hour to do this.  Once I get the sketch down and many times I write about the environment, the weather, what is going on in my mind....I then take it back to the house and watercolor it.

I took a watercolor class through our local Arts Alliance and unfortunately it was only 4 weeks.  It was something I needed to do to help me come out of the funk I was in this summer. I enjoy being around other creatives and it really helps to see inspiration from others.

I had been posting a lot of photos of my artwork on Instagram and decided that instead of filling up my Little Dixie Fiber Co. page with things other than sheep, farm and wool, that I would create a separate account for just my artwork.  I also created a blog for just posting my artwork, kind of a portfolio I guess.

I will also start putting some artwork and supplies into my Etsy shop in the near future.

I guess that's all I have to say for right now. I will leave some links below if you are interested in following me on the different social websites.

Blessings,
Annie


FaceBook (Little Dixie Fiber Co.)
Pinterest
Instagram (Little Dixie Fiber Co.)
Instagram (My Artwork)
Tumblr  (My Artwork)