A Deep Breath

We all have those weeks that seem to go on forever, where everything is just harder to deal with. It can really get a person down - days or weeks like those. I've had my fair share, of course, and this past week was one such week (and to be truthful, the upcoming one doesn't have much promise of being any easier).

BUT! The true nature of the week can be controlled by how we approach and accept the events within it. I have to remind myself that it's just a day, just a week and in the big picture of life both my past and my future are bright, glorious, exciting, and full of joy. This is the nature of life! All of our lives are beautiful and overall, in the big picture, our lives are truly awe-inspiring - every single one. 

Smile, breathe - it's all gonna be okay. 

- Jenny -

via thisisnotareality

via sueswink, jaymug, surfthelimits, and outcamethesun.

viaMaryDevlin, UUPP on etsy, and helloletsrun. 

control paint

found out about a new website worth looking @ for all you people that love photoshop, particularly those who like to paint with it!  http://www.ctrlpaint.com/  is an awesome website stocked with tutorials which almost seem too simple... except for the fact that they actually help!! It teaches you how to make things simpler for yourself (things we generally don't even think of when in the middle of a piece) by teaching you shortcuts, commands, & lots of tips & hints to help yourself improve! It really is a tool that you should not be without if you're attempting to operate photoshop for drawing/painting purposes!! Go check it out!!
~Anna

The Sandman

The sandman is an interesting mythical figure in our culture. I can remember talking to Jenny about him one late night after finishing a piece of artwork. We started talking about his origins & told one another that if we found anything about him, we would be sure to share it. I love creepy claymation/animation & so, after finding this wonderfully made performance from 1992 by Paul Berry, I decided it would make a fun post & a creepy reminder that the purpose of the sandman lies as much in threat as in promise. Some tales say he spreads sand into your eyes @ bedtime to make you sleepy & according to this animation, this may not be an innocent motive. enjoy. ~Anna