Dust Off the Butterfly

Where I Stand Sunday

2012-01-29T18:16:00.001-06:00

Grainy iPad photo, back home again and standing at my taboret (a repurposed microwave rolling cabinet with some drawers underneath it). Bought some little loaf tins made of aluminum foil at the grocery store - 5 packs of 5 for $5.00. Needed something to organize my oil paints so when the drawer was opened, they didn't go flying around and get extremely mixed up. Like colors ~ in like containers, IE: reds in pan for reds, blues in pan for blues...etc. I keep thinking organization, so I can easily go into studio and work without stumbling around looking for things. I need to lessen 'the stuff', as well. Working on that in my mind, hope my body gets with the same program soon!

Blocking in a new painting today. More later.

Where I Stand Sunday

2012-01-22T21:58:00.002-06:00

~~I took a photo, but my iPad isn't cooperating~~. There - finally! Standing in KC with my dad. He has his second cataract surgery this week. I am here for support. Just watched 7 plus hours of play-off football. That is a first for me.

New Oil Painting of Horses

2012-01-18T16:07:00.001-06:00

"The Art of Grazing"

18" x 36"

oil on 2" wrapped canvas

I love how this one turned out. I captured these horses on my camera lens while in Colorado on Wild Horse Mesa - although I don't think these horses were necessarily wild. I have painted them before..but I am so intrigued with this composition. I put two photos together to get the right pose of all three. Moving across the sagebrush, they were a frisky bunch.

Here is the progress as I happened to stop and photograph..

These three photos were taken with my iPad - they make for grainy photos, but a great way to get a quick photo view. My final photography was taken with my Nikon D50. I can always count on it!

Where I Stood Sunday

2012-01-16T08:34:00.000-06:00

Ooops!

Forgot to post this yesterday. "Well, she must be feeling better!" you say.

Been in the studio, planning and organizing and painting.

Onward!

A Cat Portrait Finished

2012-01-13T17:58:00.001-06:00

"Bili ~ aka Poose"

6" x 8"

acrylic on Raymar canvasboard

Poose is done...on to a bigger landscape now.

This is the photo I worked from..

It looks like his driver's license.

Cat Portrait - WIP - in Acrylic

2012-01-12T17:25:00.002-06:00

Work in Progress

While visiting my daughter I remember her mentioning ~ "With all these artists in the family, you'd think that somebody could paint my cat!"

Not wanting to mess with pastel right now, with wheezing and the sneezing going on, I chose to paint today and got going on an acrylic

painting of 'the cat'.

I have a long way to go, He is a Maine Coon, therefore, lots of stripes and more colors than you can imagine.

He has lots of fat white whiskers, that I will save to do as a hint of, at the end.

The meds I am on have my hands fairly shaking, so I quit for today.

Just noticed this photoshop wasn't too good on the skewing it to fit the rectangle...

While Dealing with...

2012-01-10T17:39:00.000-06:00

Dealing with pneumonia/sinus infection/bronchitis (yup, that's what I have) is not fun. The condition makes me loopy, the meds make it worse, it just plain stinks. In the meantime, I CAN sit at the computer and do some stuff. Here is a pastel in progress. I shared it HERE. Day One above...since then I have gotten to here...

It's one of those larger pieces, that you just go from here...to here....and then to here....I am not one to work from left to right or top to bottom. I would like to hear how you work in pastels?

Love the Aubergine color of the surface of the Art Spectrum paper. A challenge to me, getting a likeness in four little people in one painting. That's one of those things I will be working on more of this year. I can usually hold it together for two persons, but beyond that it becomes the real challenge. I will keep you posted.

Also working on another Unleashed Paint Doodling. That seems to be safe for now..since my head is full of what seems to be cotton. Stay well my peeps!

Where I Stand Sunday

2012-01-08T07:48:00.000-06:00

Picked up more than art supplies and groceries while visiting in Colorado. Since Jan. 1 have been fighting a virus. Grandaughter and daughter had it, but it was still worth the visit, I don't see them enough. Going to the doctor in the morning for help.

In the meantime, bedrest and lounging...maybe a little studio time.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.
Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.
There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Doodling with a Brush and Other Materials

2012-01-04T14:57:00.001-06:00

I love being involved in learning online. Right now I am involved in the free Online Visual Journaling Workshops through Strathmore Art Papers with Traci Bautista.

This activity is just what I needed to kickstart this New Year.

I haven't painted in a couple of weeks so I needed a little loosening up. The above is done with my new Derwent Inktense pencils (watercolor pencils that have amazing color and lots of pigment), watercolor in spray bottles, some new acrylic paints by Golden that are luminescent (yes, I went to Jerry's Artarama in Colorado while there), some other luminescent paints I had on hand, Sharpie paint markers, and oil pastels. I chose a color palette off of ColourLovers website but it seems that I got carried away, This was such a good exercise for my brain and just plain fun to do!

Mixed media is a real kick!

What are you doing to get yourself going this year with your ART??

Where I Stand Sunday at the Beginning of the New Year

2012-01-01T11:02:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!

Spending time in Colorado with my daughter and her family ~ even though they have bad colds, it has been a cathartic way to start the new year! Grandchildren are good for the soul. They remind you of where you have been and give you hope for the future (most of the time ~ big smile.)

Whatever this year brings (and it ought to be an interesting one), I hope that it brings you joy and happiness!

Where I Stand Sunday and Merry Christmas from the Central Plains

2011-12-25T16:09:00.001-06:00

Not your usual Christmas...warmth of the sun, not even a breeze, about 50 degrees.

Quite a contrast to last year's Christmas blizzard.

Chaco and Bailey LOVE the warm sunshine...Chaco especially from my lap.

Merry Christmas everyone! Best wishes for a prosperous (maybe prosperous isn't the word for this year - but you catch my drift) New Year!

A Watercolor and Pastel Painting

2011-12-19T17:50:00.001-06:00

"Elusive Visitor"

9" x 12"

watercolor and pastel on Strathmore hot press watermedia paper

SOLD

This is from another entry in a visual journal I have started - although it doesn't seem to have any journaling in it. First an artist, then a journaler...I have plenty of these books and there is another one and then another that I plan to do some journaling in, for now. This particular book seems to continue with finished watercolor pieces. Dr. Martin's watercolors are so bold on their brilliant colors,

and that is what is used in the background. Done from a photo taken at the Denver Zoo, many years ago. I chose to change the background from a concrete block wall to a wilderness area suitable for this predator

who is always on the run in the Central Plains.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-12-18T13:01:00.000-06:00

In the winter (and it's almost here) a tradition in this household is to watch football and chow down on some chili on Sundays.

So, I got out everything to make it this morning.

Bad photo above, so I took one with my sous chef.

Chaco doesn't miss a thing when I am cooking. He is one true 'Hoover Dog', always a happy and eager 'treat monger' and a constant fear of tripping over - ha!

Wanted to share an amazing addition to a 6" x 6" painting - just trying it on for looks. I ordered the frame (and several more) from Randy Higbee in California - kingofframe.com. They are a dream to deal with. Very efficient, and quick shippers - even at this time of year!

Love the width, the finish and color. This frame is called "Arroyo".
Don't know how long I can watch football, the studio is calling my name -
can you hear it?
Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.
Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.
There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

While Cleaning in the Studio

2011-12-14T18:09:00.000-06:00

For some reason, I had this ink drawing out of my LONG ago portfolio. While I don't remember why I had it out (because it has sat there for quite awhile), I will leave it out for a little longer - maybe I will remember.

Done in a drawing class at Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado - many years ago from a model - no less.

Arrival

2011-12-12T10:26:00.002-06:00

My new "Paint-On Tabletop Easel" arrived this morning! I am so excited, I just have to test drive it today!!

I purchased it online from Karin Jurick. It is a life saver for working at a table. My other tabletop easel has been great, but I was getting a little fed-up with it's lack of stability. This one is awesome and will serve it's purpose time and time again! Karin has used hers for years! Thanks Karin and Brett for choosing to market these! Every artist should have one!

Another surprise came as well today. The company/Tam Systems who bought one-time rights to one of my painting images sent me several copies of how they used the image. It's very exciting! My little grainbin that I see out of my studio window in North Central Kansas is immortalized on Christmas card/promo material in PA. Yeah!

front of 6" x 9" card

back of card

Very cool...!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-12-11T11:28:00.002-06:00

(from EST magazine/Australia)

I think this photo says it all (BTW - not my feet)...most of this week I have been involved in painting. I have been immersed in it, I have thought about it, I have dreamed about it, and I have created. Some days I can't quit thinking about it.

Now ~ maybe I am way behind the times, but yesterday,

a wonderful suggestion was made on FB and

I was made more aware of "Pinterest" online ~ a social sharing

of photos and ideas in themed ideas

(I had read what other's were writing about it and saw

what they were looking at)...and I am now totally immersed

in looking at what the world is ooooing and ahhhing about these days.

This world is full of interesting people, who like all kinds of 'things' and ideas.

It's like looking at your favorite magazines and seeing just about what you

like and are interested in. It can take you to a number of unfamiliar

and awesome worlds out there in blogland and zero you right

dead-on to what you love in life. Right up my alley!

It will be a vehicle for collecting more ideas for my idea notebook.

So...have you been there? Are you psyched? I am!!

Just Plain Lucky

2011-12-06T13:13:00.001-06:00

"Lucky"

6" x 6"

oil on Raymar canvasboard

(NFS)

This pup was discovered running in the rain in a New Mexico town, unkempt, disheveled and underfed. Obviously a stray, my sister-in-law picked her up to keep her from harm. She took her home, cleaned her up..put up the appropriate announcements

that she was lost and found...no response.

She was taken to the vet, given a throrough going over and seemed to be alright.

She was given a home with them, where there were already two other dogs.

After a proper grooming, it was discovered she had some Bichon Frise lineage. She IS so Lucky! This little dog is just a hoot. I couldn't resist those big angel eyes of loving mischief and took many photos of her lounging on the couch.

Those curls were fun to paint!

A Dog Portrait for Today

2011-12-05T14:58:00.001-06:00

"Bella"

6" x 6"

oil on Raymar
SOLD

Bella loves to play in the water, even in winter. She is my St. Louis cousin's dog.

Fun to paint - she is so cute!

While on a Finca

2011-12-04T16:16:00.000-06:00

"Lake at Los Tarrales Reserve, Guatemala"

6" x 8"

oil on Raymar canvasboard

Revisiting my photos from my Guatemala trip a few years back, as I knew there were some 'water' photos, and sure enough there were. During our travels around Guatemala, we stayed on a coffee plantation/finca called Los Tarrales. Lovely place! Rainy on this day...I made the sky a little bluer, it was very gray.

You can read more about Los Tarrales here.

The photo of this work isn't coming out right today/Sunday. I use natural light to illuminate the surface..but with the snow outside, there is this bright blinding light coming in through the window. I will go out later to the studio to put it in the place I normally use to photograph my work on the north wall at the big easel.

Sometimes, I prop the canvas up in the tailgate area of my car in the garage - but right now, I would still get this crazy blinding whiteout kind of light. This is a first experience with considering the snowlight when photographing artwork.

It surprises me, but I totally get it.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-12-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I stood here, at the crack of dawn...

with the freezing temps and wind, the chickens need more looking in on, changing out their frozen water...making sure their food was uncovered and dry.

Today, more of the same checking, only trudging through a couple of inches of white stuff. This winter will be interesting for watching and caring for them. They don't really seem to know what to do. They try to stay out of the wind, however, they don't really stay much in their little house during this kind of day.
Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.
Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.
There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Evaluating..

2011-12-03T16:04:00.000-06:00

Taking an online Webinar right now through WetCanvas. Johannes Vloothuis is sharing knowledge of and teaching about the "Essentials of Painting Water". Today, I learned a lot. I solidified a lot of what I already knew, but found what I know is sort of instinctual. I don't paint many landscapes as a rule. I wanted to put the major paintings that have water in them on this blog to just to look at them all in one place. Some are sold, so are no longer here. The last one is a bad photo, as I had to swipe it off my blog here. But some of the 'keys to painting water' I utilized in them

They all are 'close-up' of the water. It seems that reflection on the surface was what I was really tuning into while painting and I like the way it reads in every one of these.

This is a three week course. I plan on gleaning more from it each time. There are a lot of things to think of while you paint. Perhaps the largest idea or thought is when using a photo to paint from. Vloothuis reminds us that photos lie to artists who use them, that's why 'plein air' (painting from real life - outdoors) painting is so hugely

important to an artist's well-being. In photos, the colors and values cannot be trusted...but the details and the shapes can.

The other real important thing to be aware of when painting from photos, according to Vloothuis, is that a camera stops all motion, (of course, we know this)...but when we look at a scene in person with our eyes with water included, there is motion ~ so it is important to blur the movement and not make it static. And it is important to create melodic lines as you go, not zigzags. I think my lines in the water of my paintings are the exact melody I was striving for. Perhaps the one in the middle needs a little blurring of the edges of the reflections. Will I change it? Probably not. But am I ready to try some more? Yes!

Gotta practice what I learned or was made aware of....good thing it is snowing!

There were so many things shared in this class. YOU should be tuning in, as well!

It's free!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-11-27T10:18:00.000-06:00

The 4 days of Thanksgiving is almost over. We have had a great time with our company. My dad came for the holiday. We have had lots of food, some tours of the countryside and a nice visit with him. Some more football is on the agenda for today. As par for this holiday, I think there will be some more time spent in front of the TV for the important games.

Some of us love to sit on a warm lap and just take it easy.

Now on to the whirlwind of days that crescendo with Christmas and then New Years. Where does the time fly to?

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-11-20T15:24:00.001-06:00

Today and for a few days, my neighbor has been prepping ground where a machine building will be erected.

Progress was being made until this...

the Paddle Scraper got stuck and hubster was summoned to help in setting it free from it's 'highsided' precariousness.

It couldn't go forward, it couldn't back-up. The scraper was full of dirt off the hill and it was stuck like glue.

The Versatile with the 'sheeps foot' was to guide the effort...along with

the Case tractor.

They put them in a line tied together with some heavy chain.

(Love the above photo..)

A couple of attempts were made, but the smaller of the two log chains kept breaking.

So there was a brief intermission (wait, not so brief that I didn't feel the weather change from OK to colder and brisker) . I watched the sandhill cranes (remember I reported that I had missed their migration overhead a while back? - Well, they just were beginning after I wrote that, they are LATE this year.)

I took some photos of my little house on the prairie across the road.

Then the neighbor's uncle came along and offered the use of some thick cable.

Penny the pug dog came along and watched, too.

And after two tries, it came loose.

It still amazes me how big equipment can get stuck like this, but I now know that it CAN HAPPEN. I know 'guys' like this kind of thing, but if you were there and had seen the process and the thinking, you would have enjoyed it, too!

Making Life Better

2011-11-19T08:53:00.000-06:00

Old Studio Door ~ entrance from inside garage to studio...

as it is coming down...

New Studio Door! Easier operation, less drafty and adding some light to the interior! Yeah!!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-11-13T12:07:00.003-06:00

Walking back and forth to the studio the last few days. Fall colors - chilly today.

Working on a birthday surprise...I don't think she will look here before I give this to her on her 50th birthday Tuesday.

Taken with my iPad...yesterday.

~~Taken with my Nikon - today..bright sun..I need to photograph again. Not satisfied with this photo, but see where the painting needs a little nip and tuck - ha!~~

Now...there....that is much better!

Done in acrylic on an 8" x 10" Ampersand black gessobord. ~~This photo bugs me so much, I may have to re-photo it at halftime - go Broncos!!~~

Just glad they won!

Afternoon Sun - a Country Dog's Tale

2011-11-12T09:41:00.003-06:00

These fall afternoons, when the temperature is do-able and the winds are none..it's nice to sit out and just contemplate the quiet of the changing season.

There is nothing to excite us, we casually check outside our confines to make sure the world is an "OK" place.

The warmth of the sun, makes us feel at ease.

In fact, it makes us down right sleepy...

"Excuse me if I nod off a bit."

"Uuhhhh...Let me catch some serious warmth here."

"Oh well, I can tell something is in the wind...I must get up and check it out."

"Huh??? What is that??"

So that's whose been trying to dig

under the foundation into the cellar and crawlspace!!

(The quality of this last photo was compromised by the fleeing photographer as she attempted to corral herself and her dogs away from the source of the smell that was being "let out" in a 360 degree pattern from this swirling critter.)

An Oil Painting of a Still Life of Snowball Flowers and Tangerines

2011-11-10T09:36:00.000-06:00

"Still Life with Tangerines"

9" x 12"

oil on Raymar canvasboard

These flowers are snowballs. To me, they look like mini-hydrangeas. Had fun painting this one as my iPad camera shot interpretted the backdrop as purple, and the still life set-up backdrop was green. I liked the purple. It was a nice compliment to the green and orange, so I painted from my iPad image with the opportunity of looking at the actual still life set-up for further ideas.

Hollihocks in Oil

2011-11-07T06:00:00.004-06:00

"Hollihocks"

9" x 12"

oil on Raymar canvasboard

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-11-06T12:58:00.000-06:00

Such a nice day, a respite from the winds of the past few days. Time to do a little

clean-up of the land, the dog yard and the garden area.

Tractor and bush hog are busy today, too, cleaning up the waterway.

Here are most of the small gourds that were part of this fall harvest.

And their use is...? Oh well, I can decorate inside the house with them temporarily. Some have been out of the garden for awhile and already beyond the 'useful' stage,

I grew these big gourds to try painting on them this winter and/or to make birdhouses. There are enough I think. Now they just have to dry out.

I planted these large gourd seeds last year and not ONE of the vines came up. I used the same seeds this year - I had frozen them. And voila - they really need a frame to climb...and I was glad they found the wire fence around the garden. A few could not be picked as they had grown between the wire - see here.

It seems sad. Our fall color left us quickly ~ due to the heavy winds during the past few weeks. Those winds blew most of the leaves from the trees as they turned color. It seems like the grass went brown - overnight. Maybe it's because I have been working at the grain elevator for crop harvest time. I missed something and fall is pretty much gone. I haven't even heard the Sandhill Cranes migrate overhead like usual. I saw and heard maybe one large group. I miss that. Time to slow back down and do a little breathe time and tend to some things around the homestead, inside and out ~ and PAINT ~ PAINT ~ PAINT!!

Painting of Scotties

2011-11-04T18:11:00.001-05:00

"Alex and Callie"

SOLD

9" x 12"

oil on Raymar plein air canvasboard

Painted with permission of the owner.

New Oil Painting for Today

2011-11-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

"Buffalo Grazing ~ Yellowstone"

9" x 12"

oil on Raymar canvas

Eggs-a-laun-tay!!

2011-11-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

My chickens were hatched around mid-May to the end of May...I have been expecting some form of laying to happen sooner than now. But working so hard at my seasonal job kept me from keeping such a close look upon my hens. Today, found these as I cleaned out the coop. Yippeeee! Don't know which of the two hens laid them, but there will most likely be a need to 'check inside' every day now!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-10-23T21:20:00.001-05:00

Since the last week or so in September, til now, I have been working my seasonal job at the grain elevator. We are in the clutches of full-blown harvest, which includes soybeans, corn and milo. This is just a photo of Kelli and me standing by the buckets that we dump the extra grain into after we are done testing it.

We are about finished with taking in soybeans - finishing with about 631,817 bushels of those little buggars, that equates into 37,909,020 pounds of soybeans. Did I say 37 million???

The trucks bringing in corn, are lessening now. Most of the corn is being stored for winter in this pile (photo below). There are drying fans on the side of the bunker to give an air supply to the corn on the bottom

through venting tubes.

This mega-pile will be covered with a big tarp for winter. It reminds me of a circus tent!

(Photo by Kelli)

This pile is holding 424,667 bushels of corn. That is 23,781,352 pounds of corn nuggets. I asked if the corn on the bottom gets moldy over the wet winter? And I was told, "That's the part that tortillas are made out of!" And of course, you say, "Ewwwww!!!" But after a margarita or two, you won't notice. Right?

(Actually, most of this pile will be transported to ethanol plants, it's not 'food supply quality corn'.)

So, that's what I have been doing about 12 hours per day - every day...weather permitting, and Kansas weather has been perfect for this harvest. The farmers in these parts are so lucky to have these bumper crops.

Those to the south of us, have not been as fortunate.

In the meantime, I am rejoicing as my art is selling and that amazes me - you can be sure there will be more...I can afford the supplies! I am also busy with a 'reproduction rights contract'. Stay tuned for more artwork, it's coming soon!!!!

BTW - 'sunporch' (as it's now called) is finished, check back for a photo of it.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-10-16T11:26:00.007-05:00

Soon the cooler winds of change will begin.

Since harvest is ongoing, dogs will be cold and need shelter from the wind and cold..into the night.

We are designing, engineering and building an enclosure on the backporch, using the existing skeleton of windbreak that is already there. We put clear carbonite plastic on the sides. The front will have a storm door, a window and a doggie door...

can you say 'sauna'?? Always needed a mud room, and with this enclosure and it's dual purpose...now we will have one!

P.S. - a few post ago, you could see the barbecue grill that was sitting just off the porch. Since then, the wind blew it away into the yard and it is descompuesto.

Watercolor

2011-10-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

"Yellow Shades"

watercolor on Strathmore

Doing people in watercolor...or at least attempting to.

Watercolor mystifies me...time to reach for the learning curve..with more practice and more reading and vids.

This is my daughter at the motocross races in the hot sun and dirt. I love how little people's sunglasses are always gi-normous on their faces. These were even kidsized sunglasses. Hands, hands, hands...time to do a study or two of those. She was wiping the dirt from her hands...it doesn't read right. Fun to paint it though - fond memories.

Sketchin' on a Rainy Day

2011-10-09T15:06:00.001-05:00

Thought I would dink around in my sketchbook

with Faber-Castell Pitt pens, watercolor and gouache.

Where I Stand in the Rain

2011-10-09T12:04:00.002-05:00

Lots of rain - a day for staying warm and inside.

Much needed and very welcome!

Been working mega - hours at the grain elevator during this fall harvest. Soybeans, corn - right now and then milo, as soon as there is a hard frost. Out to the studio for the rest of the day will fix what I need!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-10-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

Prototype solar heater to be used on...

the Chicken Coop!

And does it put out the heat!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-09-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

Team collaboration here...this event doesn't happen as often as it should, so the participants are quite reluctant.

especially with 'Big Dog'. You can't see it but he is up on his tippy-toes with the front paws...it's the funniest thing you can imagine in 'our adventures in dog bathing'.

What a sissy! But we were reminiscing with fondness how he got into the cold river on our birthday outing in Colorado.

After warm bath, clipped nails

and cleaned glands for Chaco (I guess you didn't need to read that one)....

two very handsome boys appear in the sunshine of this Sunday!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

What's On the Easel and More Stacks

2011-09-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

Work in Progress/pastel of my grandaughter and her friends catching grasshoppers - not to that exciting stage yet...can't seem to breathe life into it for right now. Many of you know what I am talking about. Time will tell.

More stacks...

Cookbooks had to spill over into the studio recently...

about 1/100th of the (eclectic) CD collection we have...I love loading up the 5 CD changer and 'going for it' at the easel until the shuffle has shuffled it's last tune.

Stackability

2011-09-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

We live in a world of stacks - I have so many stacks - I think because I have spread my artlife out into 750 square feet. Seth Apter is posting an interesting project on his blog. Artists, of all kinds, are encouraged to blog about a photo of their favorite 'stack and let Seth know the post link and he will include it in his "Stack Project" blogpost.

I thought it would be fun to join in. These are many, but not all, of the unframed artworks that have been lounging here and there in the studio. I like to hold onto them for awhile, it's like looking back through a journal. I can tell you what was going on in my life with each one at the time it was painted. My paintings are such a connection to my history. I couldn't give you exact dates, even by year (most have the date on the back), but I can tell you what I was involved in emotionally and spiritually at the time. Do you have a stack? You should share it. You should also look at the different and varying stacks posted on Seth's blog.

More Than Just an Ordinary Sunrise

2011-09-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

Looking for those diamonds in the clouds...

that silver lining...

go on ~ have a great day!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-09-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

Time to harvest the popcorn. I planted 'white' and 'blue'. White was done, sad that bugs had devoured the ends. Blue was almost done, I picked it anyway. Their shucks have been pulled back and they are laying on the trailer bed in the sun to dry a little before I hang them in the studio by their husks.

A little bit in the basket, just as I started taking photos for today.

Cleared out some mini-gourds, as well. Most of these were from a volunteer crop.

I love how they are each a little different. Glad it was a little overcast when I started..kept the flies at bay for awhile. Those deer flies are still around.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Always Thinking and Planning

2011-09-14T07:34:00.001-05:00

As seen at SAM/Seattle...

Where I Stand - Making Connections

2011-09-11T12:48:00.008-05:00

A morning to remember

and reflect..

the sunrise called to me this morning. I drove down the 1/2 mile road to the top of a rise in the land to watch the sunrise.

DH and I woke up early and had been watching the 9/11 prep of the commemorations that would occur today, on this anniversary of the tragedy that beset our country 10 years ago. I thought about where I was when I heard about what was happening that morning, as I am sure most of you did, as well.

Usually getting to school in Colorado, around 7 AM, I met my friend Lara in the parking lot, who told me that a plane had flown into the WTC tower in NYC. I quickly went to my classroom ~ turned on the TV and unaware of what I would see, watched the 2nd plane fly into the other WTC building and there was also news of the Pentagon tragedy and the plane crash in a field in Pennsylvania. I felt sad, I felt sick, I was in shock and I felt hopelessness for those who were directly affected.

School was going to start soon. My first thought was what will I tell my first graders? They were probably en route to school when this catastrophy went down, or perhaps they were at home with hardly any time to process this or understand the impact of this in their young minds, muchless my own mind. We gathered for a quick triage referring to 'talking points' we would use with kids...they needed to talk about it, they needed to feel safe and reassured that everyone would remain safe. (I thought, "Would they?")

Somehow we made it through that day, and the days to come trying to come to grips with it...as a teacher, you would often hear the worries, concerns, biases and prejudices of the parents through their children's voices.

As recognition of the first anniversary, I had these same children for second grade. I took their photos with a flag and they wrote little pieces to go into a photo scrapbook, which I kept. Here is one of the original pieces written by Allison.

In June 2002, before school started, the trucking company DH worked for was part of supplying the transport for a caravan that displayed wreckage for a California memorial project of debris from the World Trade Center. They hosted a viewing of pieces of this debris in their parking lot on June 30. It was heartwrenching and a solemn event.

The following are photos from my album of that occasion.

"Freedom's Flame" was the title of the traveling display.

Seeing this steel ~ and how the heat bent and twisted it was horrific.

The theme that rose up out of that devastation of 9/11/2001 is poignant.

Earlier that summer in late July 2001, my daughter was married in Evergreen, Co.

Their honeymoon was in NYC. They were at the WTC on this trip (thank goodness it wasn't weeks after)...when they returned they announced they would be moving to Brooklyn later that next year.

In March of 2003, and a couple of other times, I visited them in NYC. My daughter and I took a tour of the area around 'Ground Zero' during that 2003 visit. A lot of the clean-up had been done...there were fences around everything. There were memorials, and signs all over the area.

Here are a few photos I took at that time.

The names of the fallen heroes..

looking down into the pit...and around us, you could still see the damage done to a few of the surrounding buildings...

wreaths, flowers - almost two years after - still placed to commemorate.

This was not only a devastating event on the people of New York City, but FOR US ALL.

This 'Generation of Warriors' will prevail.

We will never forget.

Thanks to the men and women who continue to serve with our military forces (some over and over again)

I encourage you to leave a comment and tell where you were and

how you remember it on 9/11/2001.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Step by Step of an Oil Painting of My Three Chickens

2011-09-10T15:35:00.002-05:00

Today I painted in oil on a 12" x 12" canvas. Here are the results.

First a sketch-in with a transparent orange/burnt sienna..

squinting down and adding the darkest darks..

time for some 'midtones'..

adding more of the 'local color'...

zeroing in on the detail but staying loose...

"Flock of the Day"

oil painting

12" x 12"

wrapped canvas

painted from my own photo, a few posts back...

My recently acquired iPad helped on the quick photos..now all I have to do is figure out how to do a slideshow to upload from there to my blog...hmmm. Anyone do this??

An Oil Painting for Today

2011-08-29T17:38:00.003-05:00

"Geraniums"

10" x 20"

oil on deep wrapped canvas

This painting will always have a special meaning to me. I began it just as I got the call from my dad to come to KC, that mom's fight with cancer was at an end.

(I miss her soo much..)

It was sketched in and the background was started.

Everytime I walked into the studio this last few weeks, since returning home, I have wanted to get going on it....the last several days I have been able to.

IT FEELS SOO GOOD TO BE BACK IN THE STUDIO IN FRONT OF MY EASEL!!

State of the Art: Kansas

2011-08-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

You are invited to attend the Friday Art Walk from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Southwind Gallery in Topeka, this Friday, 9/2/2011. Artists (including me) will be available to discuss their art and sign your purchased book.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-08-28T18:38:00.002-05:00

Garden has again suffered this summer, mainly from no one able to tend it

and the heat. Go ahead, you can say it ~ "Out of Control"!

Most seeds that grew were not planted this spring...like this one, it came up where I usually plant sunflowers. It's almost ready to rain in this photo and now it IS raining!

I have had several deer fly bites, which I am allergic to...so we have a fly exterminator jar. You can see the black stuff almost filling this jar - they are flies. It's so gross.

We have had a good crop of anaheim peppers and green peppers.

I planted these last year, but none came up. Froze the seeds, and planted them again this year. Now they are everywhere! They are birdhouse gourds. I will have a nice crop in October and November which I will hollow out and

paint and hang from trees in the spring!

Sometimes, if you aren't watching, they start growing between the fence wires.

So do these volunteer mini-gourds.

These are all volunteer and I swear we cleaned out the garden

good before planting this year.

The popcorn is growing nicely...but wait...

what's that I see on this one.

Looks like I may need to spray some Sevin again.

Ants are eating some aphid looking bugs on this cob...only one I see, but it is on the outside row of the crop and near the sunflowers...which have lots of ants.

And then there is these three guys...one guy and two gals. Notice how small the banty hen is ~ compared to the chick that we got from the neighbor standing behind her.

The little one is Chickenator, Harlough (behind) and Queenie the Bantam Rooster.

I swear when I look at this chicken, Chickenator,

I see the missing link to dinosaurs - don't you?

There are pieces of zucchini in the pen, they love them!

Love to watch Queenie puff up - like the fighting cock he could easily be - but he seems mild-mannered for the most part. Earlier we took a hike to catch grasshoppers for them...they don't seem to want to jump into their chicken run, so we bring the hoppers to them. Always fun to watch - it seems the biggest usually gets the catch...the little hen gets leftovers, but we manipulate it so Chickenator gets at least ONE.

Chickenator, you need to keep your feathers. You are too small to lose even ONE!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

While in the Rockies

2011-08-27T19:14:00.000-05:00

It seems that I am really behind in my blogging. I have been sooo busy this summer ~ not painting...which is just the saddest thing to me, but it can't be helped. I am spending time doing things I want to and need to do. Spending time with family is important...more important than painting ~ at times. All artists have these moments of revelation.

When my granddaughter, Scarlett, was born in NYC 4 years ago, that's ONE DAY after my husband's birthday, I knew there would be a collision of those two days...eventually. This year we addressed these approaching dates as one. It feels as if the planets came together almost. It was suggested that there be a 'camping' trip formed with these dates in mind. 'Nough said..Colorado high country it was. We wanted to meet at an obscure and not well visited campground and we knew just the place. Our favorite camping spot, Sugarloaf, in the Arapaho National Forest, between Dillon and Kremmling, near the Henderson Mine.

The kids, his and mine, were able to be together once again...it had been awhile. The granddaughters, one of mine and two of his, got to meet for the first time. Significant 'others' got to meet one another for the first time. We had a great time for the weekend. (That would be last weekend.) It was perfect, in fact!

We took our diesel pusher, hubster's son brought his camp trailer, and two other families stayed in tents at night. The weather was rainy the first night. It was welcome in our camp. We have lived in 100+ degrees for so many days in Kansas. Cooler nights were awesome sleeping weather.

AND...of course, my experience with camping trips is made extremely superb by the presence of not-often-seen critters. First morning, before all the rest of the crew arrived the next day, we woke up to this young guy standing at the side of the RV.

I about fell out the window, taking so many photos. What a special treat!

Once the kids arrived, we were busy telling them about this youngster. Well, what do you know, the next morning, this guy shows up.

Again, my traveling camera went along the road and across following him with my telephoto lens. What a magnificent beast!!!

Growing up in Colorado, I have never experienced moose, until we camped here several years ago. Each year we have seen a few of them here.

After breakfast, hubster was cleaning the grill...and then someone said, "The moose is back!" Watch the sequence - hubster knows not to mess with them...he was just passing back through to the forest on the east side of the camp.

OK time to get back out of the way..and let him pass.

I am just beside myself that I have lots of space on my sandisks and that my telephoto reaches way out on these shots. I have material to paint from for the winter!

Here's Bailey fetching sticks in the cold river...

Our three granddaughters - Scarlett, Karli and Shelbi May.

and a group shot - for posterity!

My daughter suggested we make it an annual event. I am up for that!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-08-14T08:57:00.001-05:00

Meadow mushrooms - a foot large! And there were more than this...growing in the appropriate area ~ the orchard. That area of our land reminds me of 'fairyland' - where, if there were a place where spritefull fairies should live here in farm country, it would be here.

Beautiful...

simple....nature.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Chickens on the Move

2011-08-10T07:50:00.000-05:00

I'm back home now. It has been a few 'trying' and sad weeks for me and my family. Losing mom has been extremely hard. Saying goodbye was even harder. She was laid to rest near the town where she grew up, a little town in southeast Missouri. I hadn't been there myself in about 23 years. Funny how some things change and some things are the same. Was so good to see members of my family that I hadn't seen in that long, as well. I am learning to live with the reality that my mom is no longer with us. Thinking good thoughts and remembering good times are at the forefront of my days. But life is sure different...I miss you mom - more than words can say and as I go through my days, I know she is nearby.

Upon returning to home we needed to move the chicken coop to a fresh area. DH designed and welded a couple of axels for wheels from an unused lawn tractor to make the coop 'mobile'. Two wheels on the front and a 2 x 4 placed underneath some hooks on the back for leverage to pick it up and wheel it to a new area. The back of the chicken coop does not have beefy enough uprights to add more wheels there. This whole idea was an afterthought, when we found out how heavy the building was once we were through building it...ugh! This move wasn't as easy as it looks as it was still heavy, but it's moved and the chickens seem happy to have some fresh grass. Something we are trying to do lots of ~ is catch grasshoppers and throw them in the run for them to catch and devour. Guess who usually gets them? Harlough, the wonder chick...who is now a big fat hen! Here are a few photos that show how we spent most of the morning yesterday. I tried to get some better photos of the chickens, but they were intent on staying in the shade after the move, it was hot and the bright sun too warm. Today we are having some much welcomed overnight and morning RAIN and cooler weather!!

We had to move the 'run' slowly - as we were unable to coax them up into the house once they were out.

These are the nifty hooks that we got off of some old utility poles we had. Don't know what they were used for but they make great hooks to put the 2 x 4 into and lift.

New grass area - the old area will no doubt soon regenerate

with all the fertilizer left behind.

Chickens are fun to raise. They are easy animals who don't need a LOT of everyday care. Just clean fresh water and food.

In Memory

2011-07-30T11:22:00.002-05:00

It is with regret and great sadness that I share with you that my mother has passed away. As many of you know, she was 83 and battling cancer for almost 3 years.

My dad and I (as well as other members of her family) were with her in those final moments. She went peacefully and without pain. I express gratitude more than words can say for the Hospice and nursing home caregivers -

she died with those 'angels' surrounding her.

We are very sad and trying to ease our pain by leaning on one another right now.

Much healing will hopefully happen in the days ahead.

My mom was a classy gal, full of life and love. All the many things she did in her life we are reminiscing about...but one thing most importantly was that she was always thinking of others - much of the time more than herself. She supported and encouraged us in whatever we wanted in life.

She was such a casual bird watcher and lover. As we arrived at the nursing home yesterday, where she was being cared for in her final days ~ I found solace in the gentle lilting song of a male cardinal from a nearby tree as we entered the doors. She would have heard it, too. She was always stopping us to listen and look. I learned so much about being a strong woman from her and am amazed at her strength as she faced her cancer with determination

and her commitment to acceptance of her 'plight'. Many times it seems life isn't fair but we are given the tools to deal with whatever comes our way - if we just accept it for what it is. Another source of my admiration of strength has been from my dad. He has been caregiving for my mom in such a devoted, loving, selfless and understanding way. Without his care and love, mom wouldn't have had that extra time with us all.

Those of you who have expressed your concern and sent well wishes my way, I hold them close to my heart.

MOM I love you - you were the best!

An Oil Painting of Tulips

2011-07-21T17:57:00.005-05:00

"Afternoon Solace"

oil on wrapped canvas

10" x 20"

I noticed that there is a shine on this photo. Will take another when it is drier.

I was inspired by visiting photos of my own work. If you remember, some time ago I did a pastel of tulips (click on that phrase to see it). I love this format, longer than taller.

The previous one was small,

but I liked the colors of blue and pink and wanted to go larger.

I love also that it doesn't need a frame.

Here are the sides ~ the subject continues around the edges.

I waited to sign the work until it laid flat.

I have trouble signing my name when it is upright.

Look for this one for sale on Etsy, soon.

With all the heat, I have been spending lots more time in the studio, therefore, this title has a double meaning!

I see a big dark sky off to the south, I hope it is some RAIN!!

A Pastel Painting of a Heifer

2011-07-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

"Hereford Crossing on Cumbres Pass/Colorado"

6" x 8"

pastel on Art Spectrum ground matboard

I have an abundance of personal photos that I use to paint from. This one has been in my que for a long time...it's one of those, "Well here's a challenge! Let's see how this one goes?" Cumbres Pass is so much closer to the sun...over 10K feet. I was following and photographing the narrow gauge railroad train as it went up the pass..came around the corner in my car to a screeching halt and came upon this cattle crossing.

And this one worked.
I love the yellow sunlight on the edge of this heifer's back.

Watching and photographing animals is one of my favorite pastimes..as I move through life, I always stop to watch animals, wild or domestic, two-legged or four-legged.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-07-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

Living on 8 acres - has it's benefits - and it's drawbacks. In summertime the grass area we mow, which is most of it, seems to be a never ending task. As soon as you are through with the last part...you are ready to start the first one you did. This mower was 'descompuesto' last week so the dog yard, which it is used for, became a little unkempt. Now it's fixed, thanks to DH - always a small engine mechanic/troubleshooter. Time to tackle it again and it is so hot that you cannot escape getting fried when you go outside. I had some trees to trim around as well, by the time I was done, the heat had once again gotten to me. As I sat in the shade of the porch with a wet cloth and ice pack over my head guzzling a bottle of cold water, the little thermometer we have read 104 degrees in the sun with 119 heat index. This was at 10:15 in the morning. I think I am inside for the rest of the day.

Our one big concern, although they seem to be handling it pretty well - are the chickens.

They have lots of shade, but that doesn't waylay the hot breezes that blow through the run and of course the chicken coop heats up so they can't go inside there for relief. We set little fans around the bottom of the house, where they are seeking shelter from the sun, it seems to help some, at least they can get a breeze under their feathers. They have begun their dust holes, where they scratch and hunker down in the coolness of the earth in the shade. It has been amazing to watch them grow and grow.

This is Harlough, the little chick who is all of 6-7 weeks old now. The biggest of the three - and NOT a Bantam, like I thought. Check here to see how small she was when we got her when she was hatched.

This is Queenie the Bantam rooster. He practices his crowing now...it is the cutest thing to hear, it isn't quite there, but darling all the same. I experienced wishful thinking when I bought the other two chickens that they would all (3) be hens and the name 'Queenie' stuck for such a pretty bird.

And lastly ~ Chickenator ~ named so because she escaped the box one night in the studio and had quite an adventure in and around my books and supplies leaving evidence of where she had been. She is a small Banty and has a lovely color to her feathers. They have such interesting coloration. Her girth is nothing like a chicken I have ever seen...sort of petite and thin and wirey. She and Queenie SPAR a lot. It is comical to see little chickens act like big chickens. Almost certain I have two hens and one rooster..and yes, Queenie will get to stay here with us. In these parts some people get rid of their roosters or put them outside the run to live, I am going to resist that. This is our flock - they provide us hours of entertainment in the late afternoon and hopefully someday some eggs for meals (they are also our pets, so we won't be eating them)!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

A Barn Painted in Pastel

2011-07-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

"Still Standing"

6" x 10"

pastel on matboard

(not a very good photo...)

IN Kansas, just like in many states, there are lots of these type of set-ups that are either still used, abandoned or falling down. This one is still standing and was beside a field that was mowed and probably had farm implements or equipment inside.

I take lots of photos of old barns.

I love the different styles and architecture, materials and uses.

On my way home, I noticed a cool one that was a modern residence and took it's photo.

I always want to get closer to yards that are nicely landscaped, and this one was, but I was in a hurry. I like that the old silo was still standing nearby - or maybe it was a new one.

Here is a photo of the skies over our barn/garage/studio/shop last evening...I felt like I was looking at the skies from the movie "War of the Worlds". Those clouds brought lots of straight-line winds, scary lightning and just a little rain. It cooled things down. Today the garage is 105 inside DH is using his welding machine in there...95 on our porch in the shade...the AC isn't really keeping up with the heat. UGH!!

Doesn't it look like there is a hole that will open up and swallow us?

A Pastel Painting for Today

2011-07-15T16:52:00.004-05:00

"Gull Dreams"

10" x 12" approx.

pastel on treated matboard

matted in a 15" x 9" frame

This painting for sale at my Etsy shop!

Loooong time since I have completed something serious in the studio. Today I did this piece as a study for a larger one, which I think will be painted in oil instead of pastel...although that really nice blue on the foreground bird is not as doable in oil paint...may have to do a larger pastel, then an oil.

I pieced together several photos from Morguefile ~ I have birds on my mind alot lately.

Here, also, is a photo of a cool place I stopped to eat on my way back from KC yesterday. It's in Wamego, Kansas right next to the OZ Museum

called "Toto's Tacoz!".

Really tasty tacos, as well as other dishes there

and a cute little eating area filled with OZ memorabilia!

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-07-10T22:41:00.001-05:00

I was on my way to Kansas City today. That's a half day's trip. The day started out hot already. Some photos you can see the thickness of the humidity - the kind you can "cut with a knife".
Each time I go from home ~ to KC, I try a different way. Sometimes I go the quickest way I know...but always see the same kind of sights.
First, I saw these white birds sitting in the naked trees along Lake Waconda in North Central Kansas. I think they are some breed of egret.

Highway 24 is a nice stretch of sections upon sections of green crops, old farmsteads and a whole field of wind power generators.

and Kansas has a lot of wind to supply at times!!

I watched a farmer drive his flatbed truck out ahead of these cattle who eventually were at a dead run to catch up with him...must be feeding time.

And if you don't believe these signs, just try it sometime. I have learned that even though you don't see anyone around, somehow people in the country seem to know who and what is going on down the road or around the corner.

Sometimes, only your imagination can supply the history behind some of these long ago forgotten places. Who were the people who settled here, what were they like...? How different life must have been for them.

Silos like these are hardly used anymore. You usually see the metal ones. Some have trees growing up through them they were used so long ago. On my way back home, I intend to finally stop in this town to check out a few of the attractions there, like....

and...

certainly there is something there that would interest me!

This spot had such beautiful tulips this spring..and now summer flowers abound.

There you have it, more proof, there are some cool sights in Kansas. You just have to drive off the beaten path to see them!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

The Chicken Coop - DONE!!

2011-07-08T10:12:00.000-05:00

I thought perhaps the title of this post should have been ~

"When Animals Live in Better Places Than Humans"

We have worked day and weeks and hours, in drastic heat...in a stuffy garage, in the sun...in the midst of both of us working in some phase of 'wheat harvest'..

in the meantime my chicks have literally grown before our eyes...stuffed in the biggest dog crate we have, in the cool temps of the studio (and let me tell you I will be burning candles and incense for awhile to dechickenize the air in there.)

Each day was more critical than the next...get them into their new run and house..little did we know what a huge transition this would be for them.

We finally finished it - for the most part - still some minor fine tuning to do.

We started with a photo of another person's chicken house and run and made it our own from there. As explained before, it's mostly made from recycled wood from an old garage we tore down. Hubster is a primo engineer/designer when it comes to building things - what a creative thinker he is. We see 'eye to eye' on these types of projects and I have always said we should build our own house...we could make a cool one..but there are so many other things to do in life - and sticking around to build a house and giving up all the other things we like to do is just not gonna happen ~

at least at this writing. So..now presenting - THE NEW CHICKEN COOP!!

(Drum roll please..)

Inside of the house minus the pine shavings on the floor - and the laying boxes - we haven't built those yet, but will in the next few days - they need a place to practice being 'layers' - at least two of them do, I think. You can't see them, but there are 2 x 4 roosts higher off the floor.

The side of the house, with vents for fresh airing, and a door on each side for humans to clean house and gather eggs and tend to chickens if need be.

There is heavy-gauge galvanized screen/wire stapled and nailed all around the run sides and top and around the back and sides of the chicken house...so they can have some shade, which no doubt they will. There is electricity for a cold weather light bulb...chickens need 12 hours of light per day to lay eggs...
so the light will help with that need, as well.

The house door slides up and down...held with a hasp and a chain hooked on a screw. A window with more embedded wire and a plexiglass slider is at the top for more air and ventilation, but also for keeping out rain and cold..the entire house is insulated walls, floor and ceiling and is so tight - no night-time marauders can invade - they may dig under the run, but our 3 chickens will be safeguarded in the secure house if that happens.

And yes, this artist has had a paintbrush in her hand and loved every minute of it! Every surface you see, has a coat of primer and the house an additional 'color' coat.

This is a 'chicken eye' view of the RUN.

Which brings me to the last part of my story...hubster and I grabbed some cold ones, pulled up a few chairs and sat and watched our chickens for a couple of hours, as they transitioned from the dog crate to the yard. Mind you, these chickens ONLY saw the outdoors - at least Harlough did - when hatched. They have never been outside, never heard other birds or seen them flying overhead.

We made our wager that Harlough would be the first out...for the most part, she was the bravest and we were right. We allowed them to take their time...finally when they all seemed at comfort to venture to the middle of the yard...we had to actually extricate them from crate to yard...as they would dash back into their 'safe spot'. It was late afternoon, wish we could have started this earlier in the day. Eventually we had to crawl into the yard and physically put each chicken into the house and close the door for bedtime. All went well from there though...they had their waterer and food inside...as well as their familiar little 'roost' that was in their dog crate.

Life is good for our chickens. They will get used to their new 'safe spot' in the next few days. They thoroughly enjoy eating grass and bugs. They duck and run when other birds fly overhead...it must be sensory overload. They will eventually be allowed 'free range' once we are sure they know where their safe spot is.

This house is moveable. It is extremely heavy, but we work smart and use other items to help get the job done. I think hubster has figured out how to hook it onto the tractor bucket to move it the next time. The run is detachable.

We paid dearly in man hours, brainstorming, and sweat - but this project outcome - PRICELESS!!

Happy Independence Day - 2011!!

2011-07-04T08:11:00.001-05:00

photo from morguefile.com

Missing being with my family on their annual 4th of July - Gray Family Reunion.

I think this was the 37th one?

Where I Stood Sunday

2011-07-04T07:53:00.000-05:00

On one hand, these flowers and plants are sitting beneath and under the cover of my large cedar tree due to the constant everyday heat...a couple of them have dried and wilted, even after being drenched in water early in the day. On the other hand, they are here for protection from hail and straightline winds in the middle of the night. I decided to keep them here for a few more days. The heat has been near or over 100 degrees day after day. It's wheat harvest. We have both been working our seasonal jobs, he in the fields, me in the grain elevator office.

Then it all slowed due to the rain yesterday.

We both may be done now. He ~ because the person he was working for is done clearing his fields, me ~ the current frequency of trucks arriving at the elevator does not warrant extra help. The planting and growing season varied between the south and the north of this county in Kansas, therefore the time of the harvest is sporadic.

Most of our time is being spent finishing up the chicken coop. Had these photos ready yesterday but once I got into the house last night...I didn't get them on the computer.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-06-26T09:29:00.002-05:00

Summer - lots to do, lots to build, lots to paint, throw a seasonal job in the mix, and we are scurrying.

Building the chicken coop has been a task and a half. Hubster has engineered the ultimate - 3 chicken SPA!

We need to be done with this today - as....

they are growin' fast! The littlest one, or used to be littlest, is in the back...and as we have been thinking, we may have 3 roosters. (They are left to right, Queenie, Harlough and Chickenator - who has the resemblance of a hawk, I think.)

Oh well, just look at the nice place they will be inhabiting!

Above are the panels for the run...that attaches to the coop..

made of recycled wood (we tore down an old garage this year), leftovers..and some new wood, boy that stuff is expensive!

NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR THESE CHICKENS!
P.S. Added Monday - please keep hydrated out there if you are experiencing hot weather - I experienced 'heat exhaustion' yesterday afternoon, and it is no fun! Dizziness, ringing in the ears, tightness in the chest, profuse sweating - I had to quit, come in, lay down in front of fans and put cold cloth on my head, which I later learned needs to go under armpits and groin...I am well read on that one now, I WAS drinking water...but I guess NOT ENOUGH - an afternoon and evening, wasted. Be careful!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-06-19T20:39:00.002-05:00

It's Father's Day!

Being with Dad is important - made the trip to KC - seeing Mom is important too. Sad news is she is still in the nursing home. She was allowed to come to the Father's Day Celebration at my brother's house then we took her back to the facility.

It was good to spend the day with her and Dad and my bro and sister-in-law.

I took the opportunity to go by the art gallery in Topeka where my artwork is featured in a month long art show called the "Kansas 150".

It's up for another few weeks, if you live in that area and can get by to see it, it is a worthwhile showing of 150 pieces of ART done with Kansas in mind.

SouthWind Gallery and Framewoods of Topeka

www.SouthWindArtGallery.com

3074 SW 29th St. - Topeka, KS 66614

P 785-273-5994 - F 785-273-2191

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Where I Stand Sunday - long ago

2011-06-12T16:00:00.013-05:00

I just ran across this 'gem' a few days back and thought - "Hey, I never shared this set-up from my Guatemala trip a few years ago." On Day 8 of a 12 day trip, the whole group I was with, visited a woman, Candis Krummel (X- Patriot) who lives near Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. She runs a non-profit organization for native weavers in the area..and sells to big named upscale department stores and art museums back in the states.

It's a wonderful organization called Cojolya.

This little girl is her grandaughter and their dog (I have more photos of this dog being rolled and taunted with - such a cool dog for a child - it didn't seem to care one bit). The little girl was quite the sprite. She followed us all around while we were touring the settlement where the woman lived. It was awesome. The lady invited us to a formal original Guatemalan luncheon, complete with homemade wine.

Here she is, little Florencia...I can't believe I missed this photo to share with you!

Great memories from that painting trip - I will never forget it!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

A Pastel Portrait - Finished

2011-06-11T16:54:00.002-05:00

"The Red Toybox"

11" x 14"

pastel on aubergine Art Spectrum sanded paper

This one was so much fun! Long ago, I used to do long 6" x 12" of children's names surrounded by the then popular 'Care Bears'. Doing these stuffed animals reminded me of that time, although these are not 'care bears' - there may be one in the mix somewhere. My daughter kept most of her stuffed animals from HER childhood in the attic - to give to her children at later time. Notice the MS. PacMan pillow - oh my! I denoted a little "PP" tag showing down deep in there, I know that was a 'Pound Puppy'. This toybox sits under the open stairway at the home Scarlett now lives...it is often cordoned off with a blanket - to make it a fort or a house or anything you can imagine. What fun!

A Pastel Portrait of Scarlett Day 1

2011-06-10T18:54:00.002-05:00

Scarlett is my grandaughter who lives Fort Collins, Colorado with her mom (my daughter) and dad. I have this great photo of her, which shows her sweet character and playfulness which reminds me of when my daughter was that age. What child doesn't love crawling in their toybox and playing with their toys?

I am working from the photo below..

I took artistic license to move the animals around a little and make a few changes to make certain all the pieces read right for this pastel piece. I am working on Art Spectrum sanded pastel surface in Aubergine color - LOVE IT!!! I bought three pieces in KC and I am treating it like GOLD!

Please check back for the progress on this one from the heart - we think Scarlett is the smartest, sweetest and the cutest little button around!

An Acrylic Painting of Chickens in a Coop

2011-06-07T18:13:00.002-05:00

"What Pecking Order?"

6" x 8"

acrylic on Raymar canvasboard

Another use of a photo from the Critter Farm, thanks Danni. The effect came out very 'wash' like - as in watercolor...

another watermedia I would like more time with.

People ask me if I named my chickens? I answer,"Who doesn't?" Danni can tell you the name of these chickens, better yet, you can go to her blog and find them if you like...

(click here) Critter Farm.

An Acrylic Painting of Goats

2011-06-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

"Paired Association"

6" x 6"

acrylic on Raymar canvasboard

Pete and Reggie are a pair of goats that live in Oregon on the Critter Farm.

I think goats are such unique animals. This pair is always up to something on the farm. They dance down the road when their owner, Danni, takes them for a walk. They share a wonderful place with other animals and seem to all get along smashingly (that's a goat word for certain...)!

A quick update on the chickens - aren't they growing??

Their official names are from left to right: Harlough, Chickenator and Queenie.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-06-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Last week, we experienced several t-storms that brought wind and hail and lots of rain. Most of this week, my time has been spent helping to get things back in order. We have had thrice flooding on our land as the swollen creek which usually has a trickle in it has been unable to keep up with the downpours that slammed us. Our 'water well' power supplies were compromised and in need of replacing...we have had major 'slash'

and dirt/roadbase moving issues...in general, it has been a pain in the A#@!

One of the storms produced powerful straightline winds. I had a beautiful, big Mexican deco terracotta pot full of my annuals decorating at the front gate.

It was sitting atop these three cinder blocks, which got toppled as well.

Flowers are beneath the dirt...poor things.

The picnic table flew through the air, knocking all the pots (about 4 biggies) helter skelter and broke most of them. My first 'Where I Stand' photo shows what I had to use to save the flowers that were in those pots...which were by the way - as many of you gardeners know - were near and dear to my heart, been with me for years - always were the vessels for my spring flowers. Low gutteral "grrr" here...

This activity produced another 'just because' period in the studio this week...but more than a 'just because' - more like a 'has to be'. I will miss my beautiful Mexican deco pot and most likely I could never find a replacement for it in this part of the country. I needed a suitable replacement or replacements! I have had several terracotta pots sitting on a shelf in the studio - half started with a design. I became so inspired, I got them down and continued painting on them. I wasn't sure where the designs were going, which was the fun part, not really a plan, more like a sketch or doodle as I went with the paintbrush. I used a book for my inspiration called "Mexicolor" and some acrylic paints.

It is full of Mexican folk art and realia from Mexican markets.

I stuck to a general color theme,

but used the book for some inspirational ideas on the design.

To finish them I will use a terracotta sealer (if it has weathered time) - hopefully it will help to protect this one from fading with the intense sun and humidity...and be light enough that from now on, when I can help it, all flower pots will be moved to some kind of shelter from the torrential westwinds.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

On This Memorial Day...

2011-05-30T06:00:00.003-05:00

My dad was recently approached by a man who was a total stranger, who asked him if he served in the military? My dad said yes, but wanted the man to know that on his way to the Phillipines, the end of WWII happened. He still went to his post and spent time there. The gentleman reached out, grabbed his hand and shook it with gusto ~ thanking him profusely for his service.

On this day when we give remembrance to those who have served and those who gave their lives ~ I think about how times of war bear no layer of duty or toll, date or situation. A service to our country should be noted of ALL individuals who served, no matter the rank, no matter the depth, no matter their current station in life and without regard to their beliefs or current convictions. They are all Americans ~ who gave of their time, of their lives, they made a commitment. They are all heroes in my heart.

T H A N K YOU!!

Baby Chick 911

2011-05-29T14:51:00.004-05:00

Oh my, I may have gotten a start to my chicken population about a year or two before I thought I would. This baby chick had to be helped to be hatched by my neighbor's this AM. The mother and several other hens were pecking it after it hatched...now it's in my studio - under a floodlight, at 86 - 90 degrees. I am doing the quickdance to read all I can about what to do, have an email into my friend in Oregon about baby chick care. It seems to be ok, but I want to provide him/her with the chance to survive. Placing his mouth in the water, which is in a little yogurt lid...hubster will see if he can get him some chicken food...he seems like he is ready to eat. We have rehabbed bird babies before...nothing along the poultry line before. 911!!
If anyone has some advise or wisdom - it's appreciated!

Update - my friend, Danni, said that since they are 'flock' birds, I need to get it a buddy and maybe two since they can be fragile and you never know what you have got - so I got two Banty's - and hey, that's what the newbie is - they all seem to be getting along - it is touch and go for the newborn I think...I will keep you posted. They are in a big box, with medicated chick food, waterer and pine shavings - heat lamps and warmth is the key for the newbie right now. Cross your fingers. And yes, I am officially now - "The Chicken Mama". Funny how these things start.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-05-29T11:59:00.001-05:00

On my sidebar you will find two other bloggers who publish their "Where I Stand Sunday" posts - just about every Sunday. Both of them are awesome artists who live in Michigan. Lynn's post the other day hit the nail on the head as far as what I am up to these past few days in the studio. In her "the importance of - just because" she simply states it...as an artist who mainly focuses on a larger area to make a difference (or a living in most cases) in the art world...one gets to the point of veering off that runway momentarily to pursue a few other creative pursuits, and I am no different.

I recently purchased a "Cinch" bookbinding tool. It's the neatest machine for those who are into making their own books - I thought of sketchbooks (which I am 'all about' these days) and little journals...the sky is the limit. Here are two I recently made. The covers are from "7 Gypsies" and can be purchased at most local scrapbooking stores. The insides are my own idea. The small one has white with purple grid on them - one sided...the larger one has a ledger that I purchased and copied to fit the inside of both front and back and copied it onto buff colored cardstock. Talk about fun!

Image from We Are Memory Keepers

I love the distressed look of the covers.

Also in the 'where I stand' photo is my package from Lynn's Etsy store. I ordered a thermofax for screen printing of a recent drawing of which I am excited to experiment with this next week ~ and some screen inks. I have had lots of experience with silkscreening, back in 'the day'. I used to silkscreen on fabric to use in a one of a kind handmade garments and also spent several years silkscreening a logo, numbers and names on the front and back of motocross jerseys for a local Yamaha dealership where I lived.

Vintage image from Aztec Family Raceway, C. Springs

Stay tuned for the results on my new silkscreen adventure.

I am also working on a watercolor in my sketchbook right now of my daughter when she was a little kid - of course - at the motocross races.
Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.
There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Where I Stand Sunday (actually Saturday this week)

2011-05-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

I knew that perhaps it would be raining here today, Sunday, so I did a "Where I Stand Saturday" instead. If it isn't raining today, it's ok. I found something much more interesting to write about on Sat.

Always my 'awareness' happens when this guy comes around, as he is laying down some heavy-duty chemicals in the air and I heed that dogs and people need to go inside. Figured out he was dusting way before he got to the airspace above us, so dogs went inside and I stood down on the driveway to try and capture

some close-ups as he flew over.

(This will age me)..but I remember watching "Sky King" when I was little, and this so reminds me of that show...just the sound of the engine as he swoops down and speeds up to altitude again...

In these photos you can really see those sprayers underneath the plane...(click on a photo to enlarge)

I wonder about the job of crop dusting/aerial spraying...it would seem to me to get a bit redundant...I'm thinking you'd better be aware at all times..and not take it for granted what you are doing. These guys do this all day, when the weather cooperates.

An Acrylic Painting of My Dog - Herman

2011-05-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

Herman On Patrol

6" x 12"

acrylic on wrapped canvas

This one goes around the edge..

which is a good thing because his tail was important when he was checking out the world around him. Right now this painting is traveling around the house ~ hanging here and there ~ for a last look on any fixin that should occur.

I started out with the canvas painted with a mixture of red oxide and burnt sienna. I like the way it enhances the edges.

and I always forget to take 'step by steps' as I go, so here it is, already in progress.

Relativity

2011-05-20T10:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon and into the evening under t-storm and tornado warnings. It rained, it hailed, the winds swirled from all different directions. The morning after a weather event like this, I like to take my Nikon out to capture the damage...and I do mean damage. The photos below will show the aftermath of about 3 1/2 " of torrential rain and flooding waters.

Our world is 'downstream' and many things found their way to us, which we never imagined. In farm country and pastures there is always debris. Many floatable loose logs are now in new areas - down spillways, over and under the bridge, up on the banks of the creek. The ground is extremely spongy.

Some of the road is washed away at the bridge. The shale in the roadbase is now down over the edge of the road scattered across the property. Our dry pond is now about 3 feet deep. We are never prepared for the surprising force of nature. In perspective, our experience is nothing like the floods of the southern U.S. or the tsunami's of the Far East...but it is 'relative' to our lives, all the same.

Many of these areas in the photos are usually dry.

This is the pond.

The pond spilled over the road to the creek.

But the cornfield ate away at the bank and brought along a large log that was stuck there for several years and was a natural 'water slowdown'. Not anymore..

There is a fence underneath that debris.

Prairie grass laying flat shows that there was a fast spilling waterfall

in that area last night.

Today they are predicting more of the same ~ and of course, LIFE goes on...

FOURTH BLOGIVERSARY!!

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

(photo of one of my daughter's great flower arrangements)

Happy Blogiversary to me! For 4 years I have kept this blog going...surprised myself, I must say. Wish I had some time and energy to plan a 'give away' or some celebration but just haven't had time lately to put that together. Maybe for my 5th...

Thanks to all of you who have hung in there with me these past few months...my art process has been sporadic and blogging on a regular basis has taken a

backseat to just 'living' and being more with my mom and dad this past month.

One constant feature has been my "Where I Stand Sunday' posts. I don't think I have missed one, and if I did, I added it on another day of the week. I don't think I will be quitting this blog anytime soon and know that "Where I Stand" is not what it's all about.

As the title description above states this blog is a

"periodic journal of life as an artist living in Kansas".

It's an important link to the world for me...art and otherwise.

Hurry back - I know there will be more time to paint soon.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-05-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

Spring was here and then it disappeared. Cold and rain, which I am not complaining about, often makes me think of soup in the crockpot. A friend recommended this site, so upon looking there found this recipe Crock Pot Minestrone Soup and this morning into the crockpot it goes.

We are ready to put the garden in, but the wind needs to stop howling and the sun needs to come back out. Maybe this next week. Going from the high 90's back to the 40 and 50 degree weather makes you keep all your seasonal clothes ready and waiting.

Taking some art to hang in Osborne at Harvey's again this next week, as well.
Just finished varnishing commissioned work to be sent to owner's this week!

A Pastel on Art Spectrum Paper

2011-05-10T17:54:00.003-05:00

"Woodland Emperor"

5" x 7"

pastel on Art Spectrum

aubergine sanded pastel surface

I took several photos of this Emperor Dragonfly while working in the vegetable garden one day. He was almost hidden among the flora with his green, blue and brown color. Once I saw him, I felt like I had 'found Waldo'! Then I decided to do a pastel of the photo!!

Sometimes I like to draw with pencils, colored pencils or pastel pencils - shown below. This detailed piece needed those pencils...as it was a small one for an 8" x 10" frame.

Several times, I have purchased electric pencil sharpeners to try them out to keep these pencils sharpened, but I always go back to the way I was taught to sharpen them - with a knife to whittle down the wooden outside and a sandpaper block to make the pastel/lead a sharpened point.

The latest sharpener has a problem with 'staying on' once you put a pencil in the barrel of the sharpener and then remove it. I don't think there will ever be a perfect solution to this issue, as the pastel lead-like substance tends to crumble easily.

All in all, I miss doing mostly pastels with my art. They were about my only choice of medium at one time.

Now Stocking My ETSY Shop

2011-05-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

In the sidebar you can click on my name jopwall below "Etsy" and go straight to my shop. I took all items out of my shop before I went to be with and help my mom. I now have some new items listed there. It was good to clean the shop and start fresh. Several items include 'free shipping'.

I will be adding some newer paintings in the days to come.

Thanks for looking! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jopwall

Where I Stand Sunday - A Day to Remember

2011-05-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting for these irises to open and this morning - there they are!

To all my family, and friends...

And most importantly to MY MOM..

she gets to go home for a few hours today.

Being gone from your home with hardly any connection except the people who stay there

for five + weeks is a long time to be away at any age.

I am happy for her. Hope she soon gets to go home and stay there!

M A Y Y O U R D A Y B E T H E B E S T ~

T O D A Y A N D E V E R Y D A Y

T H R O U G H O U T T H E Y E A R!

Dog Portrait Commission Finished

2011-05-06T16:13:00.002-05:00

Teddy

12" x 16"

oil on canvas

This commission is a long distance one. Always more difficult if I haven't really seen the dog. The photos were excellent and with emails I think we got it right. She is a champagne colored Chow Chow.

Being home now is a good feeling, there is so much to take care of on a farmstead. I know my blog and my art have suffered...but I will get the paint flowing again within the next few days/weeks.

This time away from 'always in the studio' and my lack of presence online

was absolutely necessary at this time.

Spring has been slow to get here. It has been dry, in fact we are considered to be in a drought. Cellar is almost dry, haven't heard the sump pump in a very long time. And wouldn't ya know it, they are predicting temps in the 90's Sun. into Tues.

Time to dig out the small AC for cool night's sleeping I think.

Mom is hanging in there. Each day she gets a wee bit stronger. She has a great support team! We are all crossing our fingers that she continues her healing and feeling better than she has in a long while.

A Letter to Someone

2011-05-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Whoever You Are,

Many days ago, I went to the CVS pharmacy store in Shawnee, Kansas to get some enlargements made on the self-service Kodak kiosk. I took my little black and white jumpdrive with lots of my photos on it, as well as some quick additions to enlarge for some better look at commission photos. In my confusion with the machines not working right and my having to switch back and forth from one machine to the other and then back again...I left my jump drive (it cost me $29.95) in the last machine I used.

When I called the photo department upon getting home without it, they didn't see it left in the machine. You probably could use a 2GB jumpdrive for your extra storage, but know you took away some of my ONE and ONLY shots of our sweet dog Herman who we lost in November. As you looked at the photos on this drive, you would have seen many of my ONE and ONLY photos of my granddaughter Scarlett. If you found it and had turned it in to the sales counter, I would have all of those many ONE and ONLY precious photos, which mean absolutely nothing to you. Silly me for not backing up those photos.

If you read this, just know that had I found your jumpdrive, I would have so understood how irreplaceable the content on that drive was and turned it in for you to return to the store to find in safe keeping. I know there is no substitute for these important memories. You could still return it, no questions asked. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Pattie Wall

Just Another "Where I Stand Sunday"

2011-05-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

Packing and getting ready to go back home for awhile. Mom is making very slow progress, but progress all the same. I have a new and revised admiration for nurses, specialists, doctors and therapists - hospital and skilled nursing facilities in general. What a difficult and sometimes thankless job. Knowing that we will all rely at some point on health care providers, we need to give them much more credit. Mom has had the best! We feel fortunate to have made it this far! Each day is a small step - each day we are hoping she is that much closer to maybe coming back home.

My auto is packed to the gills...a few added provisions of items not found in my part of the world and it changes the loading pattern. Oh well, it's packed in tight so nothing will shift on corners for certain! Dropping off my submission to the "Kansas 150" art exhibit in Topeka. More info to come.

I have mixed feelings about leaving. No one told me what a big job it is to do daily "nursing home visits and family care" - now I leave my dad to do it all...it drains you mentally and physically, but has to be done in this case. Hang in there Dad!

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-04-24T06:00:00.014-05:00

Happy Easter - from the 'studio away from the studio'. I know it is a special holiday, however, I am spending it in the way that I want to and need to, in front of the easel. This is the latest commission...the beginning, of course. I sort of wish I could leave it in this whimsical state, and it may just end up looking like that anyway. I like it alot! I had to 'grid' the features - so I could get the likeness perfectly. I think what is helping me feel so good about this one is my love for the 'belgian linen' surface of the canvas. Picked some of these canvases up at Jerry's Artarama in Fort Collins while there. Maybe I will focus on more dog breeds in this manner upon returning home. I will make a trip to have breakfast with my mom in the nursing home this morning and wish her a Happy Easter.\

This is a Chow Chow - more progress later. Have a super day however you spend it!
Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.
There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

A Dog Portrait Commission in Oil

2011-04-22T17:51:00.002-05:00

"Boone"

12" x 12"

oil on wrapped canvas

This commission is finished. Needs signature and drying time. Boone was a Redbone Coonhound. He passed before his time in a freak accident when a tree fell on him during a violent thunderstorm. It took him instantly. So sad. From the stories the owner has told me, he was quite a character. Seems as though I have run into so many people

who are grieving their loss of a dear 'pet friend and family member'.

I get such enjoyment from painting animals...I think I have said that so many times.

It is what keeps me so interested in painting.

Where I Stand Sunday

2011-04-17T16:19:00.002-05:00

Redbud, Dogwood, Bradford Pear are in bloom and many office parks and businesses have bunches and bunches of bulb flowers and pansies drinking up the springtime air...they are brightening the days.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.

Adaptation

2011-04-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

The phrase "home - away from home" has a new twist. It's "studio - away from studio". I have to keep telling myself, it's like taking a class away from home. Be patient and the creative juices will flow eventually. Commission work has traveled with me to KC. Mom is still in a fog but making little tiny steps each day. We are on daily vigil trusting and praying that she will come out into the clear blue sky, start sailing smoother through each day and get to come home soon.

Will post more as progress happens. I appreciate my 'followers' and regular 'visitors' so much!

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Where I Stand Sunday (and where I have been)

2011-04-10T08:46:00.001-05:00

That stuff on the floor in front of me, it's becoming a 'blur' is all I can say. I have been away.

My mom had her second stomach surgery - just another component to the big 'C'.

I have been with my dad and family while she came out of surgery last week..

and of course our taxes weren't done when I left.

Therefore I am back home trying to help get them done.

It is excrutiating!!

I don't enjoy it, don't know anyone who does except maybe an accountant.

My mom has a long road to recovery ahead.

I will be headed back that way again soon,

to help where I can and to be with her while she regains her footing in the world.

The doctor says 'baby steps' and I truly believe that.

She was in ICU for several days...

unaware of her surroundings.

I find it interesting how with help, your body goes into it's healing mode.

She will be there for many, many more days.

We hope she can return home one day soon.

I want her to know she is missing Spring - and she really loves Spring.

So many pain meds, I am not sure she is aware of much.

Get well soon mom! We need you back here with us!

P.S. I will be taking my paints with me so

I can get some art going while we wait, I am hopeful.

Where I Stand Sunday is an ongoing photo essay examining the different places I spend my life standing.

Too often we take for granted the everyday places we spend our lives walking on.

There are several others who also write this on Sunday, see sidebar.