Ink-Stained Life.

I have a black-blotched indentation on my middle finger. This, of course, means I've been writing a lot today, and that is something to celebrate!

This apartment is full of ink. I have several heavy glass bottles of colorful ink. But I also have little tubes and cartridges of ink inside pens all around the house--drawers, mugs, pouches. So much potential! Also so much comfort. And so much possibility.

After our apartment building burned and Josh and Mom were briefly able to go inside, Mom brought out my glittery slip-on shoes, my makeup, and a mug of my favorite pens. Now, isn't that love and understanding?

I want ink flow to be part of my every day. Ink flows when nothing else does. Being a writer bumps into all kinds of life experiences. How will I describe this in my journal? I wish I had pen and paper to write down this conversation I'm innocently overhearing. That guy could be a character in a new story. I know my bag is full of pens, but I can't find even one!

I plan to make this indentation permanent.

Words I Want to Describe My Life.

• full
• serene
• tranquil
• celebratory
• beautiful
• wild
• creative
• inspired
• inspiring
• safe
• joyful
• abundant
• courageous
• content
• healthy
• unique
• ink-stained
• loving
• kind
• generous
• devoted
• purposeful
• restful
• brilliant
• cozy
• artful
• studious
• poetic
• colorful
• open
• sparkling
• wonderful

And you?

Restoration: Week 18.

This past week, I finished a book with my spring YA focus. I read poetry and scripture. Still, I didn't read as much as I'd hoped. That's a challenge to tackle this coming week, restoring my reading.

Bruce took me to see a movie that was inappropriate for most audiences but hilarious. Laughter and popcorn do a lot to restore our friendship.

We also went to see Waitress, our final show of the season. Despite some sad subject matter, it mostly felt bright and happy. Theatre has also restored and refreshed our relationship, as did all the singing in the car.

I only worked out once this week, so I need to restore that habit. My body needs some serious restoration.

I finished a journal! That makes me feel as if the title of writer is restored to me.

I don't think I've developed much as a wife and mother this past week, but I will work on that. Sunday, we three managed to spend a quiet afternoon and evening together. That was restorative.

A Bold Reader: Week 18.

I finished just one book this week: Poor Unfortunate Soul. It's the third book in a four-book series about Disney villains. I like the first book, ,and I really liked the second, but I didn't like this one much. Still, I've now reader four YA books this spring! I plan on reading five as a minimum for my focus, but I hope for more. Summer will sneak up quickly!

I've been trying to keep up with my Bible and my poetry. I think that requires a bold reader!

This coming week, I hope to

• Catch up and keep up with everything
• Spend some time on books that have been waiting for my attention (such as The Broken Way and Uniquely Human)
• Finish Mistress of All Evil, the final Villains book
• Finish a book of poetry
• Finish Block's Thorn Necklace

Yes, that's rather ambitious, rather bold. But I'm going to try for it!

Waste Not; Want Not: My New Makeup Bag.

Once I realized I wasn't going back to work, I brought my office supplies home. I had pretty upright desk organizers in teal and in white. I had the idea to use them to organize my makeup. So I stored eyeshadow palettes and brushes in these organizers on my counter and a nearby book (as in nail polish and bath products) shelf. My eyeliners are wedged in the corner of the counter in a tall Ariel mug.

I've been using a beautiful lilac and cream Snow White and the Huntsman bag to store everything else: blushes, highlighters, powder, eyeshadow singles, and so on. But the bag is a bit too small. I wanted a bag that would lie down flat and have more space. I couldn't find anything that was a good size. Sephora had some good bags, but they were expensive and sold out quickly. Plus, I simply didn't have money.

Several years ago, I made a big effort to bring joy to my work life. My desk was colorful. I ever ordered a lunch box from Pottery Barn Teen: chocolate brown with multicolored polka dots and Becky stitched in purple.

I thought it was a pity that I almost never used the lunchbox anymore.

Ding! It lies flat for easy access but also stands up to take up less room. The makeup stash is still unruly, but it's an improvement, and I'm not longer wasting a lovely object. As for the Show White bag, it now holds glitters (tubes, jars) on the bookshelf in my room.

Makeup Priorities.

I've managed to whittle down my routine, so I can get ready in 30 minutes. Sometimes I sleep too long or wake up early, so I prioritize my makeup based on how much time I have. I have a lot of samples, so I get plenty of variety. I love putting on makeup! Here are the tools I use in order of importance and available time:

1. Foundation (Revlon ColorStay in Ivory)
2. Eyelash curler and mascara (whatever sample I have on hand)
3. Eye sparkle (silver  Urban Decay shadow in Uzi)
4. Translucent powder (Maybelline Fit Me)
5. Lip balm (whatever is on hand, often Burt's Bees)
6. Primer under foundation (whatever sample I have on hand, but Benefit Porefessional is my favorite)
7. Eyeshadow primer (NYX Glitter Primer)
8. Eyeshadow (often, the colors match my clothes)
9. Eyeliner (gel pencils are my favorite right now)
10. Moisturizer under primer (whatever sample I have on hand)
11. Lipstick (my favorites are Urban Decay Vice and Fresh Sugar)
12. Blush (often Too Faced--it's heart-shaped!)
13. Lip liner (whatever sample matches the lipstick)
14. Highlighter (Urban Decay's free birthday gift from last year!)

Restoration: Week 17.

I've read 10 books of poetry this year, and that is restoring my connection to poetry. I usually read  3 poetry books at once, mostly during baths. I've found two new favorites: Mary Oliver and Kelle Groom. I think my reading the poems aloud transforms the experience and probably restores a little of my confidence in my voice.

I read two fairy-tale-derived books this past week. They restored my interest in fairy tales. I love retellings, but I also want to discover tales that are new to me. I love anything that restores my curiosity.

I went for 3 walks; I hope that is helping to restore my fitness. In the gym, I'm always checking the mirrors to see Josh using the equipment. When I walk with Bruce, we talk and laugh. So I think the walks restore relationships too.

Bruce and I spent time at Barnes and at 2nd and Charles on Saturday. The outings restored my awe in and craving for books. Which ones will I choose for my limited reading life?

We also watched a couple of our favorite shows: Lore and Electric Dreams, which will continue to restore my sense of wonder.

The week was nearly full.