Circus Circus

Hi friends,

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the onset of the holiday season! I am looking forward to spending some time with my family and friends, indulging in delicious meals and Christmas cookies, and having a week of paid vacation so I can relax, hit the gym, and get some painting and writing done. It has been far too long since I've done anything creative, and that saddens me. Sometimes life gets in the way. One thing that I've learned recently is that no matter what is going on in your life, good or bad, you have to continue making time to do the things you normally do, the things that make you who you are. Whether that means going to yoga or a spin class, making art, playing the guitar, building furniture, taking your pooch to the dog park, watching football, practicing martial arts... whatever your hobbies may be.When you allow outside influences to determine how your time is spent, you're pushing a part of your soul away into a dark corner. It's easy to get bogged down with work or swept up in a new romance, but making time for yourself is crucial to your personal happiness and fulfillment.

I took these photos while in the midst of an early morning run last week. The mural is located on Ashland, somewhere between Augusta and Division, I believe. I love the surreal, dreamlike circus imagery, combined with the swirling graffiti lettering in the background. Murals like this make the city so much more vibrant and beautiful, and they make me so happy!

Anyway, I'm definitely ready to say goodbye to 2012. It's been a year full of exhilarating highs and devastating lows, a real roller coaster. 13 is my lucky number, so CHEERS TO 2013!