sooo.... long time no see. (rambling catch-up)

So... Hi.
Been awhile, how have you been? Me? Ohhh, can't complain, who would listen? haha...he. *crickets*

Well, short recap. I recently found out I have some health problems that make odd things about myself make much more sense. Trying to be healthier, which is a good thing to do. I've been growing lots of veggies in my tiny garden, and I want to grow more, I just don't have the space. I've been drawing, well, on and off. I've found out I can bake pretty well from scratch. The recent specialty is traditional Scottish shortbread. It makes my husband's family happy. ;) Also, I have taken to starting to make my own cards for family for holidays. It makes me happy.

In keeping with this I'd like to try making gifts, but I don't know if they would be appreciated in the spirit I intend to give them. Honestly, I don't doubt I could do this with my husband's family where smaller gifts are given and more time is spent on simply enjoying each other in the same room. With my own however, how will a homemade simple gift compare when others are giving $100 gifts and toys? Perhaps its best to wait for my own children to start that tradition... if and when they come. At this point I'm hoping when, not if. There's been some sadness there, but I'm working on getting mechanics to identify the issue and give me a tune up...

In other news, we're looking at the potential of a house. We don't want big. But it needs room for a garden and a koi pond, an outdoor place to eat, a few bedrooms, 1.5 baths, & a basement (which is a given in this part of the world). I want an edible landscape, a kitchen garden with espaliered fruit trees and savory herbs; an edible forest garden that is a prime example of permaculture. I want a chicken coop.
I want a home that we can grow old in. Where I can walk outside and grab my dinner, or roast marshmallows at a fire pit with my children. A home where I can entertain and simply enjoy... or perhaps enjoy simply. Perhaps both. We'll diligently save up for this dream... until then.. any have a free vermiculture or compost bin they want to give me? How about a rain barrel or some cold frames? No? Ah well, it was worth a shot.

Anyhow... I usually add a picture, so what you see above is one I did last year for the Brooklyn Art Library's Sketchbook Project 2011. Enjoy!