First Painting Ever

This is a terrible photo of the first painting I ever did, at Governor's School for the Arts, in 1973. I'm posting this because every time I look at it, it reminds me of 9/11 in New York City.

I watched some 9/11 television on Saturday 9/11 and one of the shows was a collection of raw videos people had taken that day, from all sorts of perspectives. I don't understand how the country pulled together so much after that, and then fell apart again. Of course, I can list 1,000 things that should have happened in the country, that the President and whoever did not do but that is neither here nor there now. What is most sad to me about this? That race relations in America haven't improved much since then. I think ethnic backgrounds and religions are taking a stance in their corners getting ready to fight.

Left Hand Could Be Right

Time to get back to making some serious, fun, wacky, awesome art. Now that I am in the Teaching Artist groove again, I am anxious to jump into the personal creative process. Will hopefully have an exhibition next June or July if I make the right connection. Sweet.

Pre-K training was today. We were asked to draw a picture with our non-dominant hand. A challenge to be sure, but extremely fun. It actually opened up a "willing to be creative today" channel. Try it. Try writing your name first, and then draw a picture of anything you see in front of you. You will be creating a piece that is more honest, more expressive and quite amusing. I think I'm onto something here.

Just A Quick Look Before and After

My high school yearbook just appeared on David's FB page. Here I am -- dorky as ever anyone could be. I was a nice, quiet, smart dork though. I hid in the art room for 4 years. I made posters for the drama productions. Then I graduated. 

Life has certainly brought me some changes. Some galactically incredible and full of love, some confusing, some not so bad after all and some extremely stinky. So be it.  Onward and upward.

 

I had one boyfriend for a few months in 7th grade. This is not a picture of him. It was named Steven. (Since then everyone I've known named Steven also turned out to be a mess) Then he dated my sister. So much for that! There was a boy I was in love with from 2nd grade on. This is his picture. I was sexually stupid, socially stupid, and never did a thing about it, except go to his house after school sometimes. Lame. Really lame. I don't think he ever really liked me at all, but I did bring him stuff from the bakery that I worked at. Maybe it was the chocolate chip cookies that allowed him to tolerate me. Anyway, I know he has a life, and kids, and me too. He still appears in my dreams though. You know who you are . . .

A handful of people have passed away already.

he times they are a changin' . . .  Peace.

Divine Redesign

The leaves are changing rapidly now, and some have already fallen. I will miss Summer even though it was hellishly hot and humid. My garden was a challenge this year, trying to keep it moist and fed in the heat. Vegetable production was modest, however, the cucumbers were indeed prolific. Not enough recipes in the world to use so many! Never did have any cool nights to use the fire pot. We did create a fire pit out in the yard - waiting anxiously for a cool night to break it in. Fall is coming, finally.

Being very careful to reject the the primal hibernation preparedness syndrome I always get this time of year. It often brings a deep sadness, a quest for food, weight gain, lethargy and isolation. As much as I honor these primal instincts, it is bad for me. Decided to reorganize my bedroom to assuage the nesting instinct. This is good. Divine redesign.

It Did Not Go So Well

I got stalled on the cleaning thing. I hate when that happens. I really want to switch to the fall/winter clothes and I am stalled because today is around 95 degrees outside. Will overload with caffeine and start up again tonight. I have been watching the HOARDER shows on TLC and DHC and that scares me into getting organized. Junk mail that I have been saving to cut up for artwork -- must die. Thank God I only own 5 pairs of shoes. . .

I have attempted to go minimalist over the past few years, and it worked for the most part. However, since then I have started to accumulate stuff to make art (found objects and images) and have no place to store them. I need a studio! 

Karmic Cleaning

It is the time of year for me to get my life back in order so the next wonderful can take its course. This means cleaning! Washing the floors, window sills and windows and everything else that needs it. The dust balls must come out of the corners, the books must stand up again, the clothes need to be put away in the drawers. The extension cords need to get under control, the junk mail thrown away, the art supplies put on the shelf, the pencils sharpened, the ashtrays washed, the angel altar rededicated. For me, this activity is always inspiring. It opens the windows to more good energy, good deeds, good people in my life, and a huge sense of I can. Accomplishment of small things allow incredible life flow.

So . . . Here I Go

From the email I got from Kim about attending teachers orientation starting Monday, it looks like I will be teaching at Christina Cultural Arts Center this fall! 

Out of the blue . . .  I have always known that change comes from unexpected directions. And here it is. Now, to retrain my brain back into artist and teacher mode. Yikes. I also know that the universe does not give us things we can't handle. So . . . Here I go.