celebration

A celebration is in order!

Actually, lots of celebrations are in order.  Let's take a look at what there is to rejoice in:

• Celebration 1: Life
• You thought I was dead, didn't you?  I mean, why else wouldn't I update my blog in over 8 months?  What kind of blogger is that lame?  Well, me.  But never fear...I am living.
• Celebration 2: Location
• We have been living in Santa Monica since September 2011 and I did NOT like it at first.  I understand that everyone thinks sun all the time is awesome, but it was a difficult transition for me (80 degrees at Christmas...no thank you). But, now I actually don't mind it...might even LIKE it!  It also helps that I have made some pretty awesome friends in our short time here.
• Celebration 3: Adelaide Carolyn Dirksen
• I had a baby on January 12, 2012.  People should probably be upset at my husband and I for not reproducing earlier...because we rock at it.  
• Celebration 4: Employment
• Well, not for me...I am officially a full time stay-at-home mom.  But my husband's one year fellowship at UCLA was extended to two.  Yay for health insurance and a steady paycheck!
• Celebration 5: Mojo
•  I have had exactly 0% motivation, inspiration, or desire to blog, paint, or sell artwork for a VERY long time.  Those feelings have started to well up in me again recently though...so let's get it on!

More to come on Adelaide's birth and life...stay tuned!

Related Articles

I Don't Feel Bad - I thought I had motivation and desire to blog and do art in September after a short break...these were my reasons for the previous absence.
Dirksen Dabbles Shop - Hopefully my motivation will lead to many new items here
Where I Live - Before Santa Monica, I lived in lots of other places.  Learn more about that in these posts.

i don't feel bad

It has officially been over two months since I have written a blog post for this, my precious, Dirksen Dabbles.  This is the post that comes from most bloggers and starts off like this:

"I am so sorry I have neglected this blog for such a long time..."

But you won't hear those words from me.  I hate to break it to you, but...I am not sorry.  I do not feel bad.

These are the things I've done during the past two months to keep blogging from being a top priority.

• After living in Europe for nearly a year, I moved back to Portland, Oregon
• Understand a high level of culture readjustment
• Moved into my parents home for an undetermined amount of time
• Understand a high level of lifestyle readjustment
• Sent my husband off to Los Angeles, California for his first job interview after eight years of higher education
• Understand a high level of future uncertainty
• Planned and put on a wedding for my sister
• Understand a higher level of work than possibly went into my own wedding
• Decided along with my husband to accept the job offer at UCLA
• Understand a high level of excitement and anxiety
• Prepared all our belongings for yet another move
• Understand a high level of annoyance
• Moved to Santa Monica, California
• Understand a high level of uncomfortability

There is an unfortunate side effect of not blogging, which mostly includes a loss of interest from readers as well as interruption of the "blogging juices," which aid most regular writers.  I decided these side effects were simply a necessary cost of this season in my life.  I do thank the readers that are still around for not deleting me from your internet routine, and truly look forward to a new surge in creativity!

Ah yes...one more tidbit.  Along with the list above, my husband and I were able to announce and prepare for one of our biggest adventures to date.  As of January 2012, we will be parents.  Ain't that just a fun twist to this story?

On the Santa Monica Pier...and pretty weirded out to be living in a land of palm trees

Related Articles

Q&A - Why am I In Europe? - New here?  You can learn what I was doing in Europe here

Where I live - These are all the posts related to places I have lived 

Q&A - Video of me Painting - A look at what this blog is really about...more on art soon!

gettin' patriotic

I am so excited! 

The United States of America was officially made aware of the fact that my husband and I will be returning to their precious soil in early July.  July fourth...to be exact.  And because of their overwhelming joy, they have decided to make that day a public holiday.  And, not only will people be getting time off work, but all over the country, American citizens will be lighting fireworks in our honor. 

What a great county.

And here are some lovely Etsy finds that are aiding in the celebration :)

Children are some of the only people that can get away with dressing up for this holiday

To go with the above :)

Cupcake holders!

I'm usually not a fan of the dog outfits...but seriously...this is adorable.

Best invites I've seen in a while.  You should see the back too.

This design is literally perection

GO USA!

Related Articles

Wedding Season - Some other thoughts on seasons and Etsy
Tamarack Ridge Woodworks - Great Etsy couple I interviewed
A New Friend I Want You To Meet - More Etsy love

venice

Did I mention I live a 25 minute train ride from Venice.  Oh, well, I do :)

Enjoying the talented artists

For some reason I love the design of this bag

The Rialto

Just a building

The sunny chairs make me feel happy

Lookin' up

Angles

Umbrellas

Let's reflect

Related Articles
My Last European Home - A few shots from the Italian town I live in
Q&A - Why Am I In Europe - An answer to all your questions
Nijmegen, The Netherlands - My previous home

my last european home

For the past three weeks (maybe longer) I have been extremely out of touch with the world.  I first took a two week jaunt with some family across western Europe from Paris to Brussels to Amsterdam (and a few places in between).  That was very fun and very exhausting!  When I returned home to Nijmegen, I had exactly 48 hours to pack up all our belongings once again to prepare for our move to Italy.

A 16 hour van ride later....we arrived at our new home in Padova, Italy.  For the past week we have been running around like crazy to get settled in.  We bought some used bikes, procured cell phones, paid our rent, and are now ready to enjoy the sun!  Yesterday it was 82 degrees. 

I cannot wait to show you more of this beautiful city, but here are a few shots to tide you over :)

Beautiful cemetery sculpture across the street from our flat

Chapel at the cemetery, so vivid

The largest square in Europe, and Sant Guistina cathedral in the background

Galileo himself lived in Padova - this is an old astronomical observatory tower for him

Related Articles

Q&A - Why Am I In Europe - An answer to all your questions
Nijmegen, The Netherlands - My previous home
Louvain, Louvain - My first European home

statue art

When I was younger, I went through a big phase of making little things with FIMO clay.  It's the colorful clay you can bake in the oven to harden.  I would make little animals, beads for jewelry, and....well, mostly animals.  And that is pretty much where my sculpting skills stopped. 

Sculptures, especially those made of stone, are incredibly impressive to me.  I am unendingly curious how people can look at a huge slab of stone and know where to even begin making it into a form.  And then, when I think about people doing this hundreds of years ago with primitive tools, I have to sit down.  It blows my mind. 

We have come across some beautiful statue work here in Europe to continue the mind boggling.  Here's a taste.

Outside the cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium

My friend and I on a sculpture in Paris

Sculpture in Paris

HUGE statue of Mary and Child at an abbey in Leuven, Belgium

Primitive statue in Damme, Belgium

In a Brussels church (look at the lace detail!)

Outside a governmental building in Brussels

Near the Louvre in Paris (Fabric impresses me more than anything)

Statues in Brussels (wish you could see more detail, they are awesome)

Related Articles

Architectural Art - Some seriously awesome statues hidden away in the attic of the city hall of Leuven

Art in Leuven - Beautiful artwork we found throughout Leuven, Belgium

Antwerp Art - And here is some from the stunning Antwerp cathedral

q&a - why am i in europe?

Related Articles

Q&A - Why am I In Europe? - An explanation of this crazy year

Q&A - How I Chose Paint as my Primary Medium - A bit of my personal art history
Q&A - How to Display Child Artwork in Your Home - My last video had some helpful hints for your home

nijmegen, the netherlands

Well, it has been almost a month since we moved to the town of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, so I thought I would take a moment to introduce you.  First off...a little history.

Nijmegen is the oldest city in The Netherlands, although you wouldn't know by looking at it.  Unfortunately it was the victim of a horrific bombing on February 22, 1944 during WWII.  And the worst part is that it was bombed by the United States, who thought they were bombing a German town.

The Netherlands is almost completely at or below sea level, which is why their symbolic windmills are so prevalent.  The windmills were designed to pump water out of the lowlands.  Supposedly The Netherlands is also known for their peanut butter...but I have yet to figure out why.  I'll get back to you on that one.

Alright...onto the fun stuff.  Here are some photos we have taken since we arrived, followed up with a quick video of the wonderful River Waal that runs through Nijmegen (with a sneak peek at Mr. Dirksen Dabbles!).

Our flat is the two windows surrounded by orange tiles

Outside a building in our neighborhood - Botten Daal

Outdoor chairs at the cafe we frequent

A car I wouldn't mind owning

A good example of Netherlands architecture...and beer - Amstel.

Just some tile work

Another cafe near our flat

Grote Markt - City center of Nijmegen

This mural cracks me up...it's of people growing potatoes, making frites (french fries), and handing them out, but they are from medieval times, which makes it that much more awesome.

Statue

Modern Architecture, to replace the ruined old

Oh, and did I mention marijuana is legal here?  This is a coffee shop (which sells pot, not coffee).  To get a coffee, go to a cafe.

Buildings that line the river Waal

Nijmegen Train Station

Fantastic art

Impressive bridge

The Waal

 

Related Articles

Netherlands Workspace - A peek at where I get some painting done
Moving On - What am I doing in Europe anyway?  Get caught up here.
Louvain, Louvain - A video of the Belgian neighborhood I lived in 

netherlands workspace

Moving, no matter how many belongings you have, is always a ton of work.  And because of my recent move to Nijmegen, I haven't had a chance to touch my artwork for at least two weeks...possibly more.  While this is a travesty, I am excited because we are finally settled into our new home and I have deemed the dining table my new workspace!  

I am loving our new flat because it is filled with light!  Our last place had great windows, but they did not face the sun.  In this apartment we have windows in every room that sun is constantly pouring into!  Definitely a great way to get energized.  

This is a dining room/office space (desk is hidden, to the right)

The huge shelving unit is a nice way to fill up the big space

Our landlord seemed to be embarrassed with our view because it is just the back of other building...but I think it screams European city life, which I love :)

There we are...ready and pleading for me to use them!

I think today is the big day.  My husband is off at school all day and I am feeling the creative juices flowing!

Two notes of interest -- tomorrow you will see the second article in the p[art]nership series, so stay tuned, and today the Dirksen Dabbles January 2011 Newsletter was sent out with an exciting announcement about my art shop.  If you want in on the juicy goodness, it's not too late.  Sign up here, and I will send you the Newsletter pronto!

Related Articles

Belgian Workspace - A look at where I painted in my last home
Moving On - New here?  Learn what I am doing in Europe and where I will go next.
Why I use a Knife - I haven't been able to do my 'normal' style of art for almost 4 months now!  Learn more about that style here.