Easy Mornings

I've been getting really into baking from a box lately... and then eating a good portion of whatever it is that I've made.  These Pumpkin Muffins were kind of to die for though and I'll probably making them another few times before they are gone for the season, whether or not I can exert any self control when they are around. 

I know it isn't good to open the oven door while cooking, but I love watching things cook so much!  Sometimes I'll pull out a little step stool and watch through the glass as things cook.

Fluffiest muffins of all time.

Morning set-up

My sibling mug!

I'm currently reading Cloud Atlas.  There was a really interesting article in the New Yorker from the beginning of the month about this book and the sister and brother filmmakers, Lana and Andy Wachowski (creators of The Matrix) who have turned it into a film.  I'm not sure when the film is being released but I will definitely be seeing it.  I'm about a third of the way through the book and feel like I am still in the beginning pages.  This is going to be one of those reads where you dread reaching the last page.

And my friend Winston who follows me around the house on slow mornings like these.

Outdoor Sketching

The Materials

While I am less than thrilled about the weather beginning to cool, we have had some nice sunny days.  I made it outside over the past few to enjoy the Vitamin D and get a little artwork done.  However, the first time I suddenly awoke (in the seated position) with drool on my face, oops.  I enjoyed the sun a little too much that time.  I tried again yesterday and kept my mind moving by plopping myself down with some of my favorite drawing materials (in a less comfortable spot) in front of some indoor plants, who are soaking up their last days of outdoor freedom before the frost.

The View

The Result

Favorite Things I've Made

This post is based off a fun idea Erika over at Foxtrot Press has put together.  So be sure to click on that link there and check out what else is going on over there!

Here are the six things I've settled on:

A group of drawings 

Painting of my brother Kevin from this Summer

An old vase, I probably made this somewhere around 2008? 

Some of the signs I'be been making at work.

My new tattoo that I collaborated on with my tattoo artist Dennis, from Providence Tattoo

A couple of simple and colorful dishes I've made this week... healthy and otherwise.

Go ahead and linkup if you like!

Inspiration

A bubbly blackberry cocktail 

I've been looking around for inspiration lately.
For art and for life, transitional periods can be challenging and I am currently finding myself without a studio space and without a solid six month life plan.  To deal with this transitional time, I am indulging in the little things where I can.  I've been enjoying special moments with friends as they make exciting steps in their lives while keeping an eye out for exciting colors and textures while I'm at it.

Here are a few photos from my friend Andrea's Bridal shower along with some color sampling as inspired by a graphic design blog Color Collective.

Michael Kors Watch, Inherited Vintage Bracelets, Adorable mini Tabasco Sauce 

Orange Skirt and Patterned Belt from Loft

View of Boston from Granite Links