Before you read this blog, take a look at this 3 minute video ..

Many, many months ago, I saw that video and I made a list of things that I wanted to do, things that I was pretty sure I could do ... for 30 days.

One of the things on my list was to resume writing. Since my previous creative outlet which is making soap has become a full time job, I find myself in search of new creative outlets. Cooking remains a creative outlet for me, and could be a fun 30 day challenge. I dabbled in knitting for awhile but it made me anxious rather than relaxed, so I set it aside. I am now into adult coloring books and although I love coloring and it does relax me, it does not inspire me.

Writing inspires me....

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Put the potato slices in a big bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary to coat them and then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about an hour, turning them once, halfway through. Delicious!

(I think that potato-cutting image is from Real Simple magazine, but I'm not certain.)

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The dichotomy of motherhood is a mysterious thing.

On one end of the spectrum I daydream about having my infant son back in my arms; there are moments when I feel so close to being overwhelmed by an intense longing for just one more hour with my baby. I can be brought to tears recalling the gift I was unaware of at the time, the peaceful surrender into the quiet stillness of 3:00am rocking my infant back to sleep. The joy I felt in the simplicity of watching my baby’s chest rise and fall as he settled back into slumber. If I could be granted one wish in this lifetime, it would be for just one more day with my infant.

On the other end of the mother spectrum, I daydream about the man my...

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I've (re)discovered the love of coloring. As a child, I was obsessed and as an adult I am remembering why. There is something zen-like in the act of coloring. It forces me to sit down, slow down and create for the sole purpose of beauty. Coloring is a mindless cact that has no rules, no boundaries and no expectations attached to it and becasue of this, it allows my mind to drift.  It's a creative's oasis.

My business can and does drain me of my creative energy. I mean that lovingly, in a good way. I put 110% into my craft but this comes with an expectation. I expect to sell what I make so I can earn a wage. For that reason, I am not able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, for nothing other than the sake of beauty....

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It sounds so simple, doesn't it?

The shell I tend to carry is called procrastination and it keeps me from doing the work. I needed a reminder today to crack it. How about you? What shell are you carrying right now?

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Meet Char Fatke, the owner and creator behind Later Gator. Char and I have been friends for about 3 years now, having first met at Holy Hill Art Farm. Her work is very unique and she's fascinating to talk to; she can recount the history or story behind every image that she sells. I particularly love her vintage Milwaukee images. Check her out!

Char, tell us about Later Gator, when and how did you get your start?
Later Gator was started in 2009, but it took 4 years for me to come up with the name. I have always loved photography and bought my first camera during my first year of college. Being a poor college student and since this was during the 35mm era, it was costly for me to get photos developed. So, it was a hobby...

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