Accentuate the Positive

I am taking part in the Sketchbook Project again this year. Unlike last year, I knew what I was getting into when I signed up this time. That does't make it any less nerve-wracking. I am not an artist. I am baffled by concepts like perspective, depth, light and dimension, and I have no idea how to convey those elements in my work. 

As such, it would be very, very easy for me to concentrate on what I can't draw. Instead, I'm going to try to focus on what I can draw. You know, accentuate the positive and all that jazz. 

This is quite different from last year's Sketchbook. My lack of confidence, and a flippant comment to a friend, led to a lot of collage. Don't get me wrong. I loved the process and the results. I was actually sorry to send it away when the project was over. Fortunately, I can visit it here from time to time. 

I do wish I had written about the process of filling last year's sketchbook. I always intended to, but never managed to get around to it in spite of best intentions. I guess that's fitting, since I chose "Procrastination" as my theme. This year I'm going to try to share as I go. 

Though my artistic skills are limited, I'm finding inspiration everywhere. There are a surprising number of things out there that I can manage to re-create to some extent. 

For example, while doing laundry I realized that I could likely draw a passable rendition of the cats on my socks.

The inspiration.

My re-creation.

The socks are a gift from Hubby's aunt. I smile each time I wear them. There was a t-shirt too, but it didn't survive. Too bad. I bet I could draw those cats too!

Room With A View

An enormous fly buzzed around while I sat in bed finishing my coffee this morning. When I finally got annoyed enough, I got up, opened the curtains and the window, and tried shoo it outside. (You know that even when fuelled by coffee there's no chance of my catching or swatting a fly.)

This was the view that greeted me:

Beautiful. The fly did not appreciate the view. It took off in the other direction. Maybe it was just too cold for the fly, though you'd figure such a tubby creature would have enough fat stored to get it through the winter. Flies are like bears that way, right?

I'm glad I didn't miss this, so I'm grateful to the fly for that. I'm less enthused about its mysterious appearance and disappearance. It's kind of creepy to image that hummingbird-sized fly might be hiding somewhere in the house. 

Day of the Socks

Posting outfit photos and sharing them with the amazing, supportive community over at Patti's Visible Monday is a wonderful and educational experience. Through my participation I'm slowly discovering my style and learning to be OK with it.

When I think about how I clothe myself words like practical, comfortable and affordable come to mind. I'm beginning to add words like ethical, thrifted and local to my wardrobe vocabulary. 

My go-to weekend outfit is usually a variation of what you see below. Outerwear to suit the weather. Jeans. Footwear appropriate for walking, or lunching or shopping. 

Weekday clothing can be tricky. I'm supposed to appear professional at work, but that's a discussion for another post. Maybe. If I ever figure out just what exactly my employers mean by "professional".

Last Monday presented particular work-wardrobe challenges. A friend and I were meeting to see "Day of the Doctor" at the theatre. I knew I'd only have enough time after work to grab a quick bite to eat. An outfit change before the show was out of the question, but I knew wanted to showcase my...

...TARDIS socks!

What's a Whovian to do? Plan her work wardrobe around her TARDIS socks, that's what!

Oh, yeah! Sonic screwdriver!
3-D glasses!

OK, I didn't actually wear the socks to work. I wore tall black boots then switched them for the socks and booties later.

I didn't bring the sonic screwdriver to work either, though I might in the future. Having it at the theatre gave me the courage to ask the very tall young man in front of me to switch places with his much more moderately-sized date. Usually I'd be too shy and too darned Canadian to ask. The fact that the couple complied so easily leads me to believe in the magic of the sonic screwdriver.  Imagine how much easier my workdays would be if I had the power to get others to comply easily. And if they didn't I could always build a cabinet at them. 

Linking up with the ever-timeless Patti and the out-of-this-world crowd over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Hope you'll stop by and check out the fun!