The Latest

Fragments no. 12

Fragments no.13 

(those are my fingerprints that form the background!)

I'm gaining on those weeds!  I'm yanking them out by the barrelful, along with all the volunteer mulberry trees (tenacious buggers), sumac, daisies and the rest.  I've cut most things back so I can see what I actually have...lovely to discover the phlox in bloom, barely visible before I whacked and pulled enough stuff to let the sun shine on them.  We also finally got the poor tomato plants staked up...so top heavy they had pulled their cages over.  Despite the fact that we've not had any rain to speak of for weeks (after a spring of practical deluge!) they are hanging in there.  Of course, we planted way too many squash plants for the space we have....I guess we never quite believe anything is going to actually grow, so we hedge our bets!

The internet was SUPPOSED to be fixed by now, but no one came this afternoon....but here we are up and running...for now.  I've seen more of the inside of our local McDonalds (using their internet access) in the last couple weeks than in the previous five years I'm sure.  So, maybe tomorrow?

I also hope to have some really good news to share in a few days.  Just waiting to see if this opportunity will become a reality and then I'll share it with you.  Hate to keep you on the edge, but don't want to jinx anything!  A couple of the latest Fragments....no. 15 will be listed tomorrow.

Fragments no. 14

Fragments no.15

See you in a few days....hope you all have a great week!

A New Week Full of New Possibilities

Fragments no.7

I'm working in the studio in fits and starts these days, as I continue the Fragments pieces at a slower pace, as well as mull over what is next. Still playing with those little wooden discs, all yet unfinished, as it remains unclear just where they want to go and what they want to be.  For someone who thinks through their hands, as I do, I must constantly remind myself that not much of value will happen for me staring off into space....I just have to keep at it, even when the energy and the will are at a low point.  It will happen when I least expect it...it always does.  It's like keeping your eyes glued to the front window waiting for the visitor to arrive, but you almost always get surprised when they come in the back door....good thing it was left open!  Here are a few of the latest Fragments pieces I've not yet posted here.  

Fragments no.10

Fragments no. 11

Took advantage of Johntimothy being home today and on a whim, we did a bit of rearranging in the studio.  It's been quite a mess lately (could be part of my low motivation!) and since it was time to regroup anyway, I was suddenly moved to do a little shifting here and there....that's always a bit of an energy boost to come into a fresh looking space, with all the cluttered bits tucked safely back in their places....until tomorrow when it will probably be a mess again!

A neighbor reported the other day the river is down a few inches...which may not sound like a big deal, but at this point, every inch means something!  Another couple of weeks and they'll slowly begin backing off on the releases from the dam.  Should see some changes after that.  

Hope you all have a great week...see you in a few days, if not before!

Cheers!

The Perfect Day

Today is the perfect day....at least in terms of the weather.  This morning we sat outside to have breakfast and the mosquitoes weren't bothersome, the air was fresh and cool and the river, though high, seemed to be moving rather calmly and didn't feel quite so menacing.  We turned off the air conditioner, opened the windows and I've just been outside to eat lunch and it's still absolutely perfect.  The sun is shining, birds are chirping, their songs echoing through the cottonwoods whose leaves have the just the slightest rustle...the air is just the right temperature and the water on the river is still relatively calm.  And why do I need to get back inside, I ask myself?  Whose time clock am I punching, but my own....there is nothing that says I must be inside at the computer or in the studio to justify my day...nothing except my own relentless strictness.  My dear husband, much more relaxed than I, would certainly have no problem encouraging me relax and enjoy the day....although he is up at school, working hard and getting ready for the next  couple of weeks of printmaking workshops that will bring people in from all over the country.

So, even as I continue to drive myself to make more work, pursuing this new series that will take advantage of all the fragments from the mountains of unfinished work I keep finding, I remind myself that I do already have over 150 items in my shop....and must I break my neck to keep adding new work? Or, perhaps, another side of me chimes in, I should expand my horizons and learn a new skill.  I've been looking into taking a beading class up in Sioux Falls, which will be a nice treat and a diversion while John is so tied up these next few weeks.  I have this notion in the back of my head that combines sticks and beads.....hmmmm.

For now, here's the first piece in a series I'm calling Fragments, that will be tiny collages from bits and pieces of my "scrap" pile! There's a full shot and a detail below.

Fragments no.1

Fragments no.1 (detail)

Think I'll go back outside....isn't this what I waited all winter for?  See you fine folks in a couple days!