Blueberry Muffins!

Because you shouldn't have to feel the blues when you can eat them instead.

Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line or lightly grease your muffin tin.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium-sized bowl.
In another bowl, mix together the milk, sugar, oil, and vinegar; then combine wet and dry ingredients.
Fold in the blueberries with a spatula. 
Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean, and let the muffins cool for at least 5 minutes.


My favorite.

A Portrait of Betsy.

I was given the opportunity to create a 'portrait' of my buddy Betsy Stout in our screenprinting class.  I was pleased to incorporate things easily associated with her: coffee, pet rats, and really pink pink.  A little goofy and way too fun.

energy.

 

On that list of goals I previously mentioned is included, "Print like I draw."  This is getting me on my way to being a happier printmaker.  I have always had a disconnect between drawing and printmaking - printing seeming more precious, in a way.  You work an image for so long, while a drawing can be done and done quickly.  This idea is extremely internal, however the mental block hindered my work and well-being significantly.  I have finally come to the understanding that now that I have learned the skills of printmaking, I can make art.

On that note, I finished this 4x4" relief on Wednesday night, starting around 9:00 pm and staying at the shop until 1:30 am.  Carving is so fun, printing can be the opposite.  Once I got into it, though, I was finally excited to be doing it again.  

I sliced my thumb open while doing some touch ups that night, only to find that none of the first aid kits in the shop have regular sized band aids. Facepalm.  Though very frustrating, it reminded me of my freshman and sophomore year when I had insomnia and stayed at school until late, late hours.  I cut myself so many times while carving wood, so Wednesday altogether reminded me of the past: routinely motivated, upset, excited, and productive. I photoboothed the bags under my eyes to remember this.

Exhibit A

BUT, after a very down and unmotivated last several months, I'M BACK.  Doin' stuff.  Catch you guys on the flip side.

Blind.

 

Here is a recent blind contour self portrait from my sketchbook. One of my favorites. 

octo

 

"     "

Drawing Erin.

Last night was a good hang out with a good buddy. Weird drawings happened!

 

draw and drink and laugh and hold your chin up

My Spring 2013

list of goals has officially been started. It includes a few specifics that relate to how I am going to approach my artwork, and also how I handle myself in relation to the people and happenings around me.  I am working on having a positive mindset and fulfilling actions that push toward that.  These seem like continuous issues which I have a hard time solving, but I am (once again) figuring out my endgame - at least as far as school goes.

This week I stayed with this love pup / old man Potter while my friend was out of town. He used to be my neighbor dog and hasn't changed much since I knew him as a kid.  He is such a lover and a true puppy at heart.  It was nice to have a week away from my apartment and even better to have a live soul to exchange company with.  We went on a few adventures and had a couple play dates, as well.

Here is his sweet face!

I have been mad sick this week, so I feel a little off and behind.  I am on the mend, however, and am  ready to continue kicking booty this semester and climb this section of the wave of life.

Until next time..