It feels so good to get back to working in a sketchbook. I am challenging myself to draw everyday, and it is helpful to have a focus. It certainly helped me to join a new local chapter of Urban Sketchers. We gather together or sketch individually, but post our work collectively as Urban Sketchers West Michigan.

I used to use a sketchbook to record ideas, to practice, and work through projects, but didn't use the sketchbook as an end result. I might have a sketch of here or there, but nothing consistently. Since meeting up with others and sketching our corner of the world, it has encouraged me to draw daily and record what I see around me. What I love about sketching is that it takes the pressure off of needing to have a 'finished' work of art. It allows me to sketch quick, and loose, and to play with the process without worrying about the end result as I would with a final piece.

What I also love about having a sketchbook is that it is a recording of a personal memory. Taking the time to sketch allows me to interact with my environment. I get to really look at what is in front of me and focus on the bits that are of interest. Then, I have that moment recorded like a scrapbook to look back on. Each and every time I sketch, regardless of the medium, I learn something new. I learn to mix colors, or how they interact with that particular paper, or I figure out a new technique or discover a way I like to work.

I had always asked other artists and professionals how to develop a style, and the answer would always be the same...just draw! It isn't until I actually draw daily and accumulate a large quantity of sketches that I am beginning to feel comfortable with the process. Where it goes from here will be fun to see.

I encourage you to pick up a pencil or pen and draw what you see. It doesn't matter the level of your ability, or if you've had formal training. And you never have to share your sketch with anyone else if you don't want. Do it for you. You may find it relaxing to explore the world with line and color. Get back to the happiness you found in coloring, as a child. It may awaken the want to 'play' with art materials. Anyone can do it.

Feel free to follow us on Facebook or join our Urban Sketchers West Michigan group. There is no cost and all levels are welcome! Upcoming meet-up events are posted. Urban sketching isn't just for outside drawing either. It is inside or out, interiors, exteriors, landscapes, people or pets in an environment. I even take those bits of urban sketching in my sketchbooks, and rework them back at home at my drawing table. Sketching leads to inspiration!

I encourage you to try to sketch. Practice. Have fun. Reach out to me if you need help or want company.

I'm working on it! How about you?

If you're from West Michigan, your childhood probably included a visit to John Ball Park Zoo, on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. And no visit would be complete without a climb on the John Ball statue. This past Saturday, I visited the Zoo with my husband and son (who is now all grown up).

I felt nostalgic as the fond memories of climbing the statue came flooding back to me. I remembered feeling the fear of falling off and yet how pleasing it was to rub my hands over the well worn, shiny areas that had years of polishing. I couldn't forget the slight pain of touching the hot metal that was heated by the sun.

It is comforting to see the statue still sitting in the same spot, and to know that as life moves on, that somethings still remain. It is kind of like a testament that 'I was here, and this meant something to me'.



This is a watercolor pencil drawing over pen and ink from my sketchbook, and for comparison, a photo I took for reference. For this sketch, I wasn't trying for realism, I was just playing with color and trying to work with the watercolor pencils. I wanted to experiment to see if I could leave the line, or if the water would smooth it all out. My dissatisfaction was that I hadn't left enough white in the highlighted areas of the statue. I tried to go over it with chalk pastel, and when that didn't work, I tried white out pen. But neither would bring back the white. 

Today is Mother's Day. And if that isn't special enough, on my way into work, I had a close encounter with a scared, struggling creature, that ended well. It was a magical moment for me.

As I was walking down the stairs in the parking ramp, I heard the frantic sound of a bird flinging itself at a huge window. Most of the parking ramp is open and birds regularly fly in and out of the structure, but one corner is enclosed in glass. That little bird was confused and trapped in the corner area. 

Instantly, my heart started pounding at seeing its panicked state. I tried to shoo it away but it flew into the other corner. At that time a coworker (shout out to Rose), with a gentle heart, saw the struggle too. Neither of us could bear to leave it there. Together we tried to guide it out, but to no avail. I tried to cover it with my scarf, but it flew to the lower levels and flung itself at the glass down there.

So I took a breath, and settled my panic and willed it to know that we were here to help it and tried again. I put my scarf over it and was able to carefully close my hands around it. It was so sweet. Its beautiful, brilliantly colored head was peeking out of my scarf. I wished I could have held it longer or snapped a photo, or something. Rose opened the door, I carried it outside, and let it go. It flew away seemly unharmed. 

That little creature was so amazing and beautiful, it was a wonderful gift to see it up close. It was a Common Grackle, and rescuing it and feeling it in my hands filled me with joy. It didn't seem so common; it seemed extraordinary. The iridescent blue head and purplish black body against the teal scarf were breathtaking. I felt honored by being able to help it out of tight spot, and who doesn't love a happy ending?! 

Being in the right place and the right time feels right.  

I'm working at it.


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This little drawing was done with the tools I had with me: my sketchbook, black pen, and colored markers.

It's that time of year again...the first full weekend in June. I look forward to the Festival of the Arts all year. The smoke from the grills, and scents of spicy concoctions make my mouth water and my spirit soar. I love walking through the crowds of people and hearing snippets of conversations. The music for each of the stages is as varied as people and food. I enjoy finding a spot to sit, nibbling on a treat, and watching the people go by. This year, I already got an elephant ear slathered in cherry pie filling, and something new called a Polish Burrito. It had kielbasa, kapusta and mashed potatoes all rolled in a flour tortilla. It was MUCH better than it sounded. Yummy.

This Friday night visit, I remembered my sketchbook (but forgot my camera). So here is one sketch I did. I was trying to capture the light and shadow of the skyline view from one stage.

I look forward to my visit today....we're heading back downtown!

I read a tip on a blog/website that seems to work. It said to give the feeling of less clutter - even in a visually-busy, heavily decorated house, keep the horizontal surfaces free. It showed photos of walls filled with books, and lamps, and drawers, yet the house felt 'clean' - and that was because the horizontal surfaces like counter tops and table, and floor were clutter free. The page was from The Small Notebook. I really like her blog; however, it is an older blog, and she hasn't posted anything recently. I'm not sure why. This is a paragraph of hers: "When you have clear surfaces, your room is ready to be used. You can come in and set down your drinks and popcorn bowl on the coffee table. You can eat dinner at the table without sitting next to the paperwork. Your bed is ready for you to stretch out on it. The room welcomes you. It’s not a place to hold your stuff, it’s a place where you can live."

Anyhow, I was intrigued. I tried it. It works! When the dining room table was clear, and the shelf by the phone was clear of clutter, it felt like a breath of fresh air. I like it! It feels like cheating housecleaning. It's fun to walk from room to room and feel 'lighter'.

Now, be warned, it doesn't stay that way long. All it takes is one person to walk by and the table is filled again. I swear, a clean table-top is like a magnetic - people can't resist the urge to stack things there. It's kind of like, the minute your have all the dishes done and put away, then you feel the urge to bake something! There is something about having open space makes you want to fill it, and put your mark on it. Like the Wild West, in your own home.

But I am going to do my best to keep at it. It feels good to have clear table top and dresser - it is already filling up - so I'll have to work at it daily. I just completed my first week of the Decluttering Challenge you can read more on my Facebook page. (I've been documenting my progress with photos.) I'd say my emotions feel 'energized' at this point. I have a long way to go, but I am feeling the excitement of making a dent in my cluttered chaos. Each time I walk into a room my eye goes toward the de-cluttered area, and it makes me feel good. I'm on a roll!

I'm working on it! 

This simplified pen and ink drawing is of our living room/dining room area. We live a small, old home, and have a LOT of stuff packed in. I've found the clearing of horizontal surfaces really helps to open up the area. Now if I could only keep it that way!

Project 333 is a challenge which is different than the De-cluttering Challenge which I am doing in September. Geeesh…..there are a lot of challenges going on recently. Really...I'm not making this stuff up. :-)

Project 333 is a minimalist wardrobe challenge where for 3 months you only use 33 items. It is created by Courtney Carver.  It is a way to live with less, which is my goal. The people who do this give rave reviews of feeling liberated, freer and lighter. Once they try it, they don't go back. It sounds great, to me. 

If you already live with less - then I applaud you! I, however, am a collector (hoarder maybe?) of clothing … it just accumulates over the years … and that is what I am working on eliminating.

I already do switch out my clothes every 3 months. I know that some people change out clothes just twice a year, or not at all, but for me, living in such a transition climate, I find in about three months, I am ready to switch colors, fabrics, and textures. 

If you know me well, you know I have a plan. September 1st is the day when I begin my De-cluttering challenge, I am really looking forward to that. September is also when I am going to ease into the 'new' wardrobe for the months of Sept., Oct., Nov.  I say 'new' in quotes, because it isn't like I'm unveiling a brand-spanking-new wardrobe. These are the same pieces I've had from seasons and years ago, some I've been currently using, some have been packed away for the summer months.

I've been playing around with numbers and options, on paper...I am getting close to 333.  Well, kind-of, sort-of. This might be my 338 Challenge. I know that to have a limited wardrobe work, it's best to have a simple color scheme, or pieces that mix and match well. My plan is to have one neutral (I use camel/khaki) and then have a accent color or two. For me the camel/khaki is year round, then for 3 months I switch out my accent colors.

This season, rather than jump to Fall colors, I am keeping the nautical favorites but transitioning them into cooler months. I have my camel/khaki as my neutral, and the other colors I am using are navy and ecru (off-white). So I pulled a few warm weather and cool weather pieces that coordinate together and I'll wear these everyday for 3 months. By Nov. I'll be sick of them (you probably will tire of looking at them too) or they'll be too ratty, and I'll be ready to haul out my 'new' selection. My plan is that in Nov., I'll keep the neutral camel/khaki, and put away the navy and my new accent colors will be gray and Robin's Egg Blue/teal. I'm looking forward to those colors already.

So that's my plan! I am going to tweak it a bit. The traditional 333 Challenge numbers include EVERYTHING except undergarments. It includes coat, jacket, sunglasses, tights, t-shirts, scarves, shoes, boots, accessories - everything - only 33 items. [Check out an awesome site here.] For that to work, it's like 3 pair of pants, 2 skirts or dresses, 4 shirts, 2 sweaters, 2 purses, and so on. My situation is needing some business clothes for work, and some casual clothes for home and play. I also need a few pair of socks, tights for skirts, and then boots or booties to go with them. So I think I need a few more accessories, realistically. I am reducing it to what I think I can pull off. There is a person that does a site called UNFANCY. I like her realistic advice. She shoots for 37 pieces not including accessories and jewelry. Regardless of the exact number. I'm shooting for far less stuffed in my closet than I would have had before, and that is the spirit of the challenge. My closet and drawers feel less cramped. It feels better. Bring on the new month!

I'm working on it!

Do you have stacks of things, and odds and ends cluttering up the surfaces in your home? You know the old saying "A place for everything and everything in its place". I'm convinced that THAT is part of the problem with collecting clutter…it doesn't have a place. 

The other part or the reason for clutter is indecision. Are you like me and have trouble making decisions - at times? I've found the reason something is sitting out and taking up space, ISN'T because I'm too lazy to put it away; it is because I don't know where to put the item. In that moment, I'm too busy or too distracted and can't make a decision where it should be kept or filed.

My scissors have a spot, so when I use them - back they go. I don't have to think about it. They have a place, and it is easy to return them. But what about the Insurance Form, where should it go? If I have to call about it, but not now, and I don't want to file it away and forget about, so I leave it on the counter. Indecision. I can't decide where it so go, so there it sits. What about the article I need to give to Mom. I don't want to put it away because I'll see her in two days. I want to remind myself, so I leave it out in plain site on top of the growing stack of clutter. Now about the car maintenance receipt, that I'm too busy to put away right now because I'd have to get out the binder, and I have to get dinner started.  I don't want it to get lost in the pile, so I start a new pile by the phone where I'll see it and won't get lost in the shuffle. Sound familiar?

If I look around the house and see things that should be put away, most of the time, they are left out, not because of laziness but because they don't have a 'place'. It is INDECISION. Now sometimes, we are just to plain busy at the moment to put the item in it's rightful place. Or to run it upstairs or downstairs. That isn't stressful. At the end of the day, It takes just 5 or 10 minutes, to run around and put them away. 

It is the INDECISIVE CLUTTER that zaps the energy right out of us. If something doesn't have a place, it gets stuck someplace with other stuff in stacks - in the corner, on the hutch, on the table, over a chair. It takes energy to ignore it and NOT deal with it. It takes energy to push it aside and keep overlooking it.

Did you ever notice how great you feel when you can actually make a decision, find a spot, and take care of the item? That feels like a weight is lifted. Ahhhh.  So sometimes the people that feel they are 'Messies' aren't really Messies at all, they are just poor decision makers  (or have too much stuff to find a place but that is another story). 

If you have something you don't know what to do with, then find a spot, or make a folder as a place-holder that says "To be filed" and feel good about putting it away IN ITS PLACE 'to be filed for now'. If it helps, make a bin just for temporary things that need attention and make a date to attend to it. At least it is put away and you'll feel good about it, and you'll have the energy to move on and the house will be a little less cluttered.

I'm working on it.

I learned a tip how to avoid procrastination that seems to help. Maybe you'll find it works for you, too.

To talk about energy and affirmations may be too 'kookie' or 'New Age' for some people but I've tried this technique when faced with some basic chores, like doing bills and laundry, that I had been putting off and it seems to help motivate me.

Before I explain the simple technique, I want to mention that this comes from the work of Carol Tuttle. Carol is the creator of a system of Energy Profiling based on qualities of who you are since birth as expressed through your movement. She says people generally fall into 4 Energy Types. If you are true to your nature you will feel a sense of peace, balance, and ease. Carol Tuttle has also taken Energy Profiling and applied to how we present ourselves and came up with the program Dressing Your Truth  (I'll cover some observations in another blog.)

Carol explains that who we are and what we do is energy. She says ideally we should all move through life with EASE and not force. For instance, which would you prefer to do a task that is your idea and you WANT to do it? Or to do something that someone is forcing you to do? That's an easy one.

This is all you do: FIRST - When faced with something you are hesitant about or procrastinating on, ask yourself a couple of questions. (This works on chores and smaller things in life.)

"Is this something that is correct for me?" In other words, do we hesitate because it is illegal, immoral, dangerous, against our nature, or intuitively wrong and our subconscious is stopping us?

NEXT, ask yourself "Is this something I 'want' to accomplish or is it something I 'should' do?" She says when we use the word 'should' we have the feeling of being forced to do something and we dread it and want to avoid it.  She says we shouldn't "move through life with force". [I remember a Martha Stewart article a long time ago about something similar, only she didn't discuss it with 'energy' work. Martha had recommended rephrasing - instead of "I have to do laundry", say "I want to get laundry done".] Sometimes, something may feel like a 'should' but it is really  "I want to have it done but it isn't going to be fun".

THEN, if you decide to continue with a task, before you begin it, she says to visualize THE FEELING you'll have when you accomplish it. She says, "...examine 'What does it feel like to have that done?' 'What would you be saying to yourself? Say that now.' " 

It's as if, by tapping into the relaxing feeling of having the chore done, it charges you with energy to put the chore in motion.  She says that visualization puts the energy into motion before you physically start the task. She says it "Creates momentum to carry you to accomplish things."

I like to think of it as the DOGGIE PADDLE. You know how when hold a dog over the water, instantly all four legs start paddling like crazy, and they haven't even touched the water yet? Their little bodies are putting the energy in motion before it is needed. It's kind of like that! Once you visualize the FEELING and emotion of having the task completed, you feel the apprehension flow away and energy will feel recharged. Then, you are well on your way and motivated to put the task in motion - and that is half the battle.

So, think about your next chore, ask yourself some questions and DO THE DOGGIE PADDLE! "Set the energy into motion with more ease without force." See if it works for you!

Thanks to Google satellite view! Maybe you remember the old song The Wildwood Weed performed by Jim Stafford. (If not, follow the link. It's cute.) Well, I'm not talking about THAT kind of trip, but a DIFFERENT kind. I'm talking about the amazing ability to pick a place and view the streets as if you were there - a place you'd only get to see by planning a trip or vacation.

I'm really getting to appreciate Google satellite view. It can be helpful. I've been reading a book called Island Girls by Nancy Thayer. The story takes place in and around Nantucket, MA. She describes the homes and shops in the winding streets, and mentions street names. So I plunked in Nantucket, MA in Google, zoomed in, and clicked on satellite view. It's like I am there! I can see the overhead view, and see the streets, trees, pools, and beaches. If you click on the street level, you can jump ahead house by house. You see the people on bikes and walking by at the time the Google van went by taking photos. Real live images of the real thing, as if I captured it with my camera.

I wish my Grandpa was alive to see this technology. He would have thought it was fantastic! I know I do. It came in pretty handy a number of times. Being a visual person, it is helpful to see the building front, or surrounding area, when I am visiting a place for the first time. Once when we were on a Girls Weekend in Savannah, GA, we hit all the tourist-y shops. I was limiting myself and wouldn't allow myself to get a t-shirt. I had seen this one adorable one, it reminded me of my sister, but I was sticking to my limit and passed it by. After the fact, back at home, I kept thinking of that shirt and wouldn't let the idea go. I thought it would be nice to get it for her - and get one for myself as well.  I thought of ordering it, but couldn't remember the name of the shop although I could see it in my memory. BINGO…Google satellite to the rescue. I searched the streets online, as if I was walking downtown, myself. I scanned storefront, by storefront and found it. With the name of the shop, I got the phone number online, and I called and ordered it.

Navigating the controls takes a little getting used to. You can zoom in or out, or click on a spot further down the street and the view will jump to that section of the street. It even allows you to turn a 360 degree angle. Obviously, travel and having the experience first hand is ideal, but when you can't, isn't it nice to have a 'virtual' trip - and never leave the farm?! 

Have you ever tried using dryer balls in your clothes dryer?

As I was trying to reduce the number of household products, I read about many uses for dryer sheets - like de-static-ing things and preventing insects, etc. BUT as I researched, I repeatedly found articles on the dangers of using fabric sheets for anything.  There are MANY sites warning of the hazards - try reading here and here. Plus, I'm not so sure dryer sheets are a great idea even in the dryer. To support that, over the years, I've found some new stains on my clothes that weren't there when they went into the dryer, and am convinced they came from the dryer sheet residue getting set in the heat of the dryer. So, what do we do?

As I am discovering, there are a few alternatives to dryer sheets. But be aware, switching to a liquid fabric softener is trading one danger for another. Not to worry, one method I've been trying is the little plastic nubby balls you throw in your dryer and forget about. They bounce around and bounce into your clothing and prevent the sticking together of the fabric. Suppliers recommend at least two in a load, but I have about six to make it work. On some days, they don't entirely get rid of static, but I feel a little better knowing I am cutting down on some toxic chemicals around my family. 

Recently, I found some cute little 'hedgehogs' that work better than the round balls. It was a brilliant design idea to have an oblong shape, so when you open your dryer, they don't bounce and roll away very far, like the round balls do. And who doesn't like hedgehogs? They are a bit pricey in some stores, but not when you consider how much you will cut down on not buying fabric softener and dryer sheets. Don't fall for the cheap ones at the flea market or Shipshewana either. I bought those thinking they were a great deal; however the plastic is too hard and doesn't 'give' a little when bouncing in the dryer. I think they are too abrasive on finer fabrics, so I gave them to my dog. Even she won't play with them because they are too hard and sharp for her mouth.

I think the idea of eliminating the toxins we have control over is a good thing (since there are so many we can't control.) I know having PLASTIC around us isn't the best, either. So, I'll keep researching the alternatives. 

Have you found any alternatives that work? Have you read about the little balls you use in the washing machine INSTEAD of detergent? Maybe I'll try those next.

The start of summer brings back good memories. Talking about books in a recent blog post reminded me of a childhood treasure….the BOOKMOBILE.

When I think of my summers when I was little, a few of my clearest memories are: waking up and putting on my swimsuit (in hopes of running through a sprinkler or a kiddie pool), waiting by the mailbox and checking it everyday until I got my report card in the mail saying I passed and could move on to the next grade, and waiting until Thursday so we could ride our bikes one mile to where the bookmobile was parked.

Ahhhhh I love that thing. We would park our bikes on a scorching, sunny, day, and step up into the narrow, dark, rolling library that smelled of old books. Not the musty kind, but the old polished kind and those with cloth covers and stitched bindings. It was floor to ceiling bookshelves, and the aisle was so narrow you would hardly fit through. I loved browsing the picture books and choosing a favorite, and filling out the little card in the back. Every book was a new adventure and the different drawing styles drew me right in.

When we were really young, our Mom would drive us, but as we got older, we could ride our bikes to where it was parked in our neighborhood.  We would sit on the little step stools and page through the books to get a favorite or two. We had to keep our voices down, because being in there had a certain reverence (policed by a strict librarian). It was such a great feeling being in there. I liked to imagine having a bed in there, and moving in so that could be my bedroom.

That bookmobile is such a fond, treasured memory. Did you have a visit by a bookmobile in your neighborhood?

So, I decided to tackle my bookshelf. Let me preface that with a statement: I LOVE BOOKS.

You can imagine how painful that was to consider getting rid of even a few. The books I have, I don't just read once. I read them over and over. I refer back to them again, over the years. They are like scrapbooks to me. When I pick up a book, I remember when I was reading it, what stage of my life I was in, and what ideas that it prompted. To consider giving it away was like throwing again a scrapbook. The truth is, I have too many.

I keep my books in sections by topic. I have a 'fiction' section, and a 'reference' section which I keep to refer to. I have 'Homeopathy and Craniosacral' section. I have an 'Art' section. But the section I had the most difficult time even considering letting go of was the 'parenting and childhood development' section.

I tried a few times, in the past, to reduce my bookshelf. Each time, I could maybe find one or two books that I'd be willing to part with, but no more. I know I couldn't part with them until I felt ready to release them.

The other day, I took the plunge. I woke up on a beautiful spring morning, and the sun was shining in the that room. I felt the inspiration to take another look. The 'parenting' section by far, was the hardest to consider. As I looked through the books, I noticed my breathing had changed and I was feeling turmoil inside and a bit apprehensive. 

I sat with the feeling and breathed through it. I had to acknowledge all the hopes and dreams I remembered as I was reading these books. I thought about all the good memories of reading those through my pregnancy, and the times I was frantically searching through them for some magical cure for colic. I had so much invested in those books, but that stage of my life has passed. 

The way I turned things around was to be grateful for their help, and in some way bless them for being there when I needed them. My hope is that they can find their way to someone else who can use their knowledge and wisdom. Maybe I'll write a note inside each one for the new owner.

All and all, I was able to let go of 3 stacks of books. It felt good, and renewed my energy. Hopefully the books I love can find their way to someone who can treasure them, like I did.

I was in the process of creating a separate blog to start a conversation about my desire to eliminate the clutter at home and in my life. I've decided to try and combine it with THIS blog. Since each idea is a facet of my life, I will try to incorporate the two passions - drawing and creative living.

I am on a journey to live with less. 

Hopefully my goal will inspire my whole family to make conscious decisions about our home environment and what we really need to own. 

My personal goal is to eliminate clutter, and make our surroundings creatively functional and beautiful.

We'll see where this journey takes me!

I'd love to read your comments and hear if you've struggled with the same goal.

http://www.anngrusky.com/make-less-work.html

Just for fun. This is a sketch that makes me laugh. I drew it from memory of posing for a photo at my Mom and Dad's house on their deck in front of a tree. I was just trying to work out shapes and proportions. I was trying to work out traits recognizable. If you know us, maybe you can recognize my husband, son, and me….not flattering in the least of any of us.  It's just a sketch, but something about it I like.

Showing this is my way of opening up and building confidence. Ordinarily, I'd NEVER show something like this to anyone. It is just a personal exercise. But I am realizing that I like drawing more when I don't have to be so exact and critical.  I like the gestural quality of sketching. So, maybe I'll explore THAT direction. Come along for the journey!