Recently, I've been thinking about becoming a doula.
I don't know why, but the idea popped into my head that I should help women bring a baby onto this earth.
Then I thought about how to become certified to perform marriages.
That's right...I got it in my head that I wanted to officiate marriage ceremonies!
Clearly, I am going through some things....lol.

Thanks to one of my friends on fb, I started watching these documentaries about Japan. One was about this couple in Yamagata. It was pretty interesting, kinda sad but true to life. Another was about suicide. Interesting and sad too. The third one was about the Hikkimori. Fascinating as well.  The PBS program Independent Lens featured a young Tibetan couple(and their baby) and followed their nomadic life. There aren't too many nomadic people anymore, so it was great to watch them.

This weekend is going to be scorcher...I can hardly wait.
I want some cherry liqueur and some strawberry Arbor Mist and a Mojito...LOL


xoxoxo

Phooey!
Just when the weather is getting nice, my feet and ankles decide it is time to start swelling up again.
So I gotta wear my compression socks again. Hopefully, my feet will go back to regular size before too long.
I did order some nice summer sandals ( to match my summer attire). Not that I have anywhere to go really, but what can ya do.

This weekend was beautiful. I spent some of it napping in the backyard. 
I realized it was my first springtime in Maryland in 4 years. Sitting in the sun and enjoying a warm breeze.

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend. I should go somewhere and do something.
I'm still happy with living the dream. It has its hardships, but it is worth it.

Wow. That was good sneeze.
I'm normally not a sneezer, but lately  I've been having some biggies.
My sister ran a half-marathon in Nashville a few weeks ago. I think that is totally awesome.
I'm considering taking boxing classes.  There is studio near me offering 30 day free trial, but I'll probably need to sign up for at least 3-6 months after even if I don't like it.

I saw The Avengers on Saturday.
The movie was well done. I really enjoyed it.

This weekend is Mother's Day.
I found these cute earrings I made back in  2008. 
I think I meant to put them in my shop, but I never did for some reason.
I believe she will like them

I love using my digital cameras, but I find myself wanting to get one of those analog cameras. 
I figure as long as I have my lens filters in my photo editing suite, then I should be able to do without.


I'm working on a series of collage pieces and I'm missing some Alice in Wonderland inspired art clippings and such.
It is putting a kink in my neck.

Auto-zone!

I haven't always been a girly girl.
For a little while, I was tomboy...until the boys wouldn't let me play dungeons and dragons with them because I was girl.
Then I started growing breasts and hips and it was all over.

I don't know what stress I have been putting my body under recently, but I woke up this morning feeling like I was in bar fight last night. Everything on me hurts. Maybe it is rainy weather or something.

Right now, I'm sorting through more photos  
The day is slipping away from me. I wish I could get by with less sleep like I used to be able to.
I joined the Instagram bandwagon.
I like playing with the photo filters. People have started using Lomo and Holga cameras again. It is like this whole movement.
If I had a darkroom and knew how to use it, I might jump on that bandwagon too. hahahahhaa.

Lately, I have dreaming in Japanese (where I live in some Bizarro world Japan).
Lately, I have not been feeling very shiny. I long for my shiny days. But when I was my shiniest, I think I lacked substance.
My sister told me to kinder to myself and to have patience. 
She is a gem.

Today, I feel pretty good.
My back isn't as tight. I don't feel so stiff.
I decided to look in some of the boxes taking up my closet.
I know there are mainly books and stuff. 
I found the box that has my dance gear.
The two pairs of jazz shoes (a pair of flats and a pair of heels), my ballroom shoes (both the latin sandal and the smooth pump), my flamenco shoes (all the way from Spain) and two flamenco skirts that fit better than I remember. Luckily, I have more good memories associated with these items than bad. I hope to make more wonderful memories.


xoxo

I had to go into town today and guess what I saw???
The carnival! I'm so excited.
Do I plan on riding the rides. Not really, but I want to do a series of carnival photos. 
It probably won't have a chance to open this weekend because it will be raining balls.
But I want to catch it before it leaves town.

That Sobe coconut water drink is pretty good but I forgot to get myself some chocolate!
Today is a rainy day. The rain was needed, so I'm not complaining too much. The rain brought
some cold air with it. The cold air has me feeling....cold.
I can't wait until it warms back up again.

Yay!
I went outside I got my sunshine.
It feels great. Even though I'm not at my best.
My mom was teasing me about my sweatpants because they are so loose in the front.
She thought I may have had them on backwards. I told her they are just really baggy pants.
We have a few dandelions in the yard.


My eyes are little puffy, but that is ok.
The yard is looking greener everyday and that makes me happy.


xoxo

Today was wonderful.
I didn't make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival but I did have a wonderful conversation with my father.
We talked about my health and what I've been experiencing both mentally and physically since moving back to the USA.
We normally don't talk. And that is mainly because I keep many things to myself.
I just refuse to speak about whatever is going in my life or how I am feeling.

I bought an electric kettle for bedroom.
I need it for my tea.
Yes, I need tea before I even get down the stairs in the morning.
I can be somewhat ridiculous at times.

I wore my sage green kimono robe today.
I've been hiding it.
No reason. Well, yeah reason. I felt guilty for buying it...for some reason.
Sometimes, I think I don't deserve nice things. And I'll feel guilty for getting myself 
something pretty. Like I said, I am ridiculous.
I would like to buy this one sometime in the near future: Yukata Nightie.
Do you know what a Squinky is?

xoxo

I almost broke my butt sliding across the carpet.
These days after Easter have been the most counter-productive days I've had since
I made the conscious decision to be productive.
Today was the worse.
It was cold and rainy this morning and I was snuggly in bed.
I will have to do better tomorrow if my grand life plan is ever going to work.

I re-opened my Etsy shop and I've been updating my Tumblr account.
I posted the following image and I have gotten the most reaction to this illustration:
.

So, I may start doing more Afrocentric art. Or at least include more Afrocentric elements.
I still need to put together some of these accessory ideas that are running through my head.
In anycase, I must start to re-associate with my DIY/Crafting/Art communities.
I have two commission paintings to do and I'm logo creation client. Lots of stuff on my plate.
But it is all part of the life plan for Karmen.
The other day, I discovered McDonald's has Mango smoothies and that it is good.
I really enjoyed it. I love the taste of Mango.
But I would love a Guava slushie! Doesn't that sound divine.

xoxo

Happy Easter!
I enjoy Easter.
It is one of my favorite holidays.

I'm fortunate to have an immediate family that doesn't like to spend all day in church.
Although, sometimes I wish I did have a "church" family.
If I lived in Louisiana, then my family would probably gather with the extended family.

I do miss Easter egg hunts and pictures with giant rabbits and candy and all that nonsense.

I finally got my etsy shop up. I don't have too much in there yet. Just a few paintings I'm looking to sell
I told some folks I've sold some handcrafted jewelry and original paintings before on Etsy. 
They didn't seem to believe me. I love haters.