creative brick wall

I've hit a brick wall, creatively speaking. I'm suppose to be working on this traveling artist journal that will be passed to 8 other women that will contribute to it over the next 9 months. I just have no idea where to start. I feel this internal artist pressure to be inspired, to make something that every one will 'get' and be taken aback with when they see it for the first time. My internal critic is already judging before I've even started creating. I really want this project to be one of freedom, not of obligation or torment. I'm hoping that God will inspire me, that what ever I begin creating might bring a little bit of freedom to the other women it is passed along to. The thing I am most excited about is in 9 months getting this journal back and seeing the beauty of it not because of a brilliant theme/initial idea, but because it was added to by other minds, hands and hearts. Even after writing this little blog-blurb I feel slightly more inspired, the wall might be coming down.

Cooks

Here's a photo that is a keeper-some of the women that I work with and share life with. We are a pretty fun bunch. Paprika is making this awesome cookbook with all of our recipes for the annual auction and commissioned me to do the cover art. I hope to incorporate this fun picuture in some way.

Wine Tasting

Last night I experienced my first wine tasting party. It was a great time of fellowship, enjoyment and wine education. I never realized that there was so much variety in wine, each really has it's own aroma, and flavor. We tasted six in all swirling and sniffing and swishing. In the end my favorite was an Australian wine, [Yellow Tail] Cabernet Sauvignon. "Aromas of blackberries, cassis, vanilla and mint leap from the glass. This perfectly balanced wine displays rich berry flavors, with toasted oak and soft, velvety tannins". A very smooth red wine. There was something wonderful about the experience. I don't think it was just the wine, but how secure I felt in being there. I felt able to be all of who I am, that it would be enjoyed and accepted. There seemed to be a unity and love for one another that blessed me.