Whirlwind Trip and Ideas

It's been a whirlwind week! I flew home to Ohio for my nephew's 1st birthday and found a lot of creativity along the way. I knew it was going to be a whirlwind trip. I flew into Akron, rented a car and stayed with my sister Thursday night, made the 2 plus hour drive to my parents Friday for my great Aunt's 90th birthday party, enjoyed some quality time with my parents and older sister, and then trekked back north to Joel's first birthday.. all while driving the KIA Soul. (Hamster mobile, I like to call it) As per usual, I was delayed at LaQuardia airport for a few hours before the traveling even began. I've learned to remain calm and use it as some much needed private time. I had been running non-stop the week before, so a little forced alone time was welcomed. This is where the ideas came to life. I got out my airline itinerary, my car confirmation, Map quest directions to and from my sister's house and realized I had plenty of clean white paper to draw on. I've been so computer centric lately. I tend to forget how much better ideas pour out when using pen and paper first.

I've been thinking a lot about Brooklyn and Midwestern/Small town cards. I always feel emotional and sentimental when heading back to Ohio. I love where I grew up. I used to cry tears of joy when the plane started it's decent and familiar ground came into sight. I've been so fortunate that I've been able to go back as much as I do. I know so many people that moved to the city to escape their hometowns, but also love where they grew up and their loved ones that remain there. Aren't cards supposed to evoke emotion? I'm trying to pass on my feelings of fondness when missing a place or a person. I tried to think of the imagery that provoked those emotions in me. I was so caffeinated that I continued to draw throughout the flight.

What was really great about the trip, other than spending lots of time with my amazing family, was that I talked to every group about my card ideas. I received a ton of feedback and more ideas! I have to research quilting too. A family friend gave me lots of quilting quotes that would make great cards.

I nearly crashed my hamster mobile when attempting to take pictures of corn silos and an old gas station a few miles from my hometown. I never really noticed it before. It's amazing what you see when you really look and when you are by yourself. I can't wait to see how these ideas transition into cards. Now, onto digitizing my doodles! Spread ideas, they have a way of coming back to you :)