Where I Stand Sunday with Music

When we moved back to Colorado from Kansas, somehow, our 2 guitars and amp got left behind.  I am not sure, but we think we had them staged in our quonset hut and then drove off without them.

Long story, short, for Christmas this year, we went to Guitar Center in Pueblo and got all new stuff. An acoustic 6 string for me, an electric for him, two amps and the accessories to make it a successful time to play.  I have played guitar since I was 15 or so, back in the days of  the Vietnam war with it's protest and folk songs being cranked out and played on the radio and music and dance shows galore. 

Our neighbor recently gave us HER electric guitar, of which I put new strings on and bought a 3rd amp for.  I bought the large YAMAHA keyboard and stand in the photo, when we lived in Golden, back in the 90's.  My mom was a piano teacher, we always had a piano or organ at home, I took piano lessons for years, never became very good, but with time devoted to a piece, I can read the music. 

I actually play mostly BY EAR.

So we are set.  We have loads of music books and sheet music we have downloaded,

 along with tons of mp3 recordings or CD.  We both love music and it almost always playing at our house and garage and studio.

Funny, my DH and I were an 'item' back in HS, then we split, each got married to someone else, those matches eventually didn't work out and we got BACK together 20 years ago.

We had a little folk group we dinked around with back in the late 60's.  

I have kept a sacred (to me) little notebook where we wrote ideas, lyrics and cords.  

Something happened to the feed on this blogpost, the photos I added are gone..and I have erased them off my phone.

(Neil Young)

I don't play as well as I used to, but that doesn't say 'I can't'.

"Stay at Home" is sure to bring it back, arthritis or not.

Me, in my room, age 19...with a 12 string (which I loved).  You go along in life

and wonder, where in the world did THAT go to???  Don't recall...must have been sold - when I needed money or something.

How about you??  Do you play an instrument, like to sing, like a certain kind of music??

"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 every day places we spend our lives walking on.

Where I Stand Sunday with the Sunrise

For the last 2+ years, I have been able to rise (most days) and stand on my front deck and catch beautiful sunrises over the Wet Mountains, in Colorado.  In the evening, I stand on the back deck and catch the sunsets over the Sangre de Cristo mountains.  Today was no exception.  My phone and my cameras are full of colorfully awesome skies - morning and evening.

In a quiet space in my head as I view these spectacular events, that song from 'Fiddler on the Roof', always plays...

Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset,

Swiftly fly the years.

One season following another, 

Laden with happiness and tears.

and although we are in a much HEEDED 'lockdown' with most everyone else on the planet, it seems like time is standing still, but the days continue to fly by - a contradiction of events. Here are a few more morning breaths of color...

I am grateful to be able to see these skies each 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 out lives walking on.I am not the only one who posts about this - google it.

Where I Stand Sunday - Looking for Signs

The Hope of Spring - that is what I went looking for today.

The only thing 'green' in this high desert setting is the Yucca plants, BUT their

greening, definitely spruces up the landscape.  Maybe there is HOPE.

I checked the local ant hill, no activity yet but I know they will be back, they always are.

Looked at the birdhouses, as I know the Bluebirds have returned, but they aren't around the houses too much yet.  When I DO see them, they seemed to have picked their houses for their spring brooding.  That is HOPE. We have about 7 birdhouses, all cleaned out recently, thanks to DH.

AS you probably ARE...I am doing lots of little things today that need to be done once in awhile, like clean the shower, vacuum the house, clean up the stack of dishes from last night and this morning...living off-grid as we are,  we don't do dishes after the sun goes down, 

we generally wait til after breakfast and showers.  

Once upon a time I was gluten-free...it helped my stomach for sure..but since then I have lightened up on my gluten-free life - I eat food with gluten once in awhile. One of the great things I kept doing since those days is baking gluten-free banana nut bread.  It is so good.  Cooking and baking have taken a special place in my days.  I want to make good food and I want us to eat as healthy as we can, eating lots of immunity enhancing items.  I have one of those very poor immune systems.

More thoughtful meal planning, also, helps to keep that battle against LOWER immunity going. 

NOW that my income taxes are done..(what a struggle because I generally SO dislike doing them),

 I am ready to return FULL FORCE to my studio. That is HOPE.

DH and I have lived remote for MANY years..we chose that when we retired.  We lived on a 100 yr old farmstead on 7 acres near a very small community in Kansas for the first 11 years and now live on a 40 acre ranch near another small community in Southern Colorado.  We are hermits - and that is the way we like it.  It isn't hard at all for us to 'distance' ourselves from others.

Today I am sad.  I think about all the people who have died due to COVID 19, all over the world..and how the relatives and friends are coping (or not) with those losses.  There doesn't seem to be much HOPE there. 

It's important to stay in touch with one another.  Even if it is on social media.  I use Facebook Purity (an app you can download to your FB) and I put in 'keywords' that eliminate the crap that is being shared.  I choose only what I want to read about or see.  It helps keep my blood pressure in check - ha ha.  And I have 'snoozed' MANY people, as well.  Feels much better.  

So MY HOPE for you is you are keeping a positive vibe for yourself and your loved ones, you are taking care of yourself and washing hands and keeping distance..

and you have LOTS to keep you busy.  

I would love to say, "It'll be alright, don't worry!", but you wouldn't believe me because I

don't believe it myself.

"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 out lives walking on.

I am not the only one who posts about this - google it.

Where I Stand Sunday

WE have always done our own Income Tax each year.  With a 'business' added on to the 'personal' filing, it takes extra time.  I am in that 'time' - and I say 'I' because I am the one who does most of it.  I am actually after it a bit earlier than usual. It took a slow start, as I also needed to paint to get something for the first art show of the season at 3rd Street.  I had some travel and visits, as well.  I didn't want to jump both feet in, til I had all my 'irons in the fire' cooled off, so to speak.  

So, here I stand, and sit, and grovel...days upon days - of reconciling, digging, running figures - I am an ARTIST, NOT a bookkeeper and a very reluctant one at that.  Each year as I finish up, I consider doing the whole thing differently...and then the next year comes along and it just doesn't happen. Time to mull it all over is not a problem, anyway.  I seem to have time.  But to me it's like going to the Dr. or Dentist for a dreaded appointment, having something done you don't want, like a root canal or a colonoscopy..ha ha.

"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 out lives walking on.

I am not the only one who posts about this - google it.

Where I Stand Sunday

As I wrote somewhere below, Chaco, the dachshund, the 'wiener' dog, our ONE and ONLY dog is almost 17.  He is doing well...he has the best care from our vets along the way..Dr. Amy in Kansas. Dr. Patti in Pueblo and Dr. Kayla in Westcliffe.  Like in 'people drs'., his vets have seen that he is on the right amount of meds, supplements and food.  If you would have asked me - way back - when we had 3 dogs, who would live the longest? - it would NOT have been Chaco..but HERE HE IS.  

He still has a cute attitude and a bit of humor going on.  His antics makes us laugh and smile.  He sometimes lopes along/a sort of 'bounce', in a pseudo-run.  His sight is going and he needs you to clap loudly if you want his attention.  (Kind of like us, as we age.)  Chaco howls when I am gone, just like a hound dog.  (We have always been very attached to one another.)  He is an old man..but a sweet old man at best, altho sometimes he gets 'cranky' and can reach out and snap at you..we had to learn how to get around him with hands and arms..so as not to get nailed.  He needs to be carried out to do his 'jobs', but we don't mind, it keeps US hoppin'.  Neither of us have ever had a dog reach this old age, so we are experiencing it one-day-at-a-time. 

Our dogs have been everything to us.  Married for almost 21 years, we have always had dogs. I don't know what we will do when Chaco goes.  No doubt our lives will change greatly. However, I don't worry about it, as life will be ~ what it is.  It's March, a month that brings that idea of 'luck'.  We are LUCKY to have him, each day a gift in that regard.

SO, HERE I stand this Sunday, MARCH 1st...both of us giving Chaco some 'bouncing' time 'out front'.  Nice that the mud freezes each night...doesn't get mucky until afternoon, and then we try to steer clear of it. Enjoy your day!

  

He is hopping into the wind.

Chaco with Herman in 2007.

"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 out lives walking on.

I am not the only one who posts about this - google it.

Where I Stand Sunday

This palette is from 'horse one' and now 'horse two'...

it reminds me of a human portrait palette - interesting.

Horse two is coming along, but far from finished.

For my palette, I use a piece of plexiglass with the 

reverse side spray painted with grey primer.

Day 19 on Being Thankful and Where I Stand Sunday

Standing isn't as comfortable as it was a few days ago, guess I have to take the good days with the NOT so good days. However, I am standing with two of my favorites in the world..my dogs, Chaco (red Dachshund) 

and Bailey (gray Weimaraner).

On chilly, breezy days, they have the enclosed back porch to be in.  Bailey loves the extra warmth when the sun heats up the area.  

I don't know what I would do without my dogs.  I love them dearly..they entertain, keep us company, and are just the thing that complete our everyday living.  They are good alarms and alarm clocks.  

They love to snuggle...like lots of attention (what pet doesn't?).  

 I am thankful that we have them and life affords us the opportunity to care for them and love them the way we do.

Today I have finished a commission and I am going to post it, as the recipient would never visit here and see it.  

"The Pike"

9" x 12"

acrylic on black gessoboard

Stood and Standing - All in One

Beautiful days make for lots of time to work on what we want.  Me, on my painting, DH in his auto/workshop that is right next door to the studio.

Where I Stand Sunday

Getting up with the chickens...love that full moon!

Where I Stand Sunday

Today began - in the fog.  As it lifted, I tried to do some plein air painting with oil.  It has been so dry, the trees have suffered as well as the farmcrops and gardens.  Difficult to make 'pretty' out of 'dry' ~ even tweaking it, I found out.  But I gave it a try.  The sun finally came out about the time I was giving up. 

 

 

Yesterday, I took 4 paintings to McCook, Nebraska..about 2 hours from here with my friend, Gwen.  The Open Fine Arts Competition opens at:

 

McCook Art Guild

McCook Art Center 209 Norris Ave.

McCook, Nebraska 69001

308-345-4816

September 22 ("Opening" 1 - 4) to October 6, 2011

There are certain business hours, be sure to call ahead for that info.  Should be about 125 (2 dimensional, as well as 3 dimensional) works there.

What surprised us is ~ we learned that there is an abundance of 'artists' in that area of the Central Plains/U.S.A.

So now, the R.C.A.A. (Red Cloud Area Artists) is represented at this event!

It is so nice to be able to spend time with another 'artist' who loves talking 'art'.  Our shared ideas helped to feed our inspiration.

Anyway, it's exciting to be sharing my art in two events at this time, "Chrome, Smoke and Flames" in Russell, as well.

I also submitted three works to the 'Over 60 Competition' with The Artist's Magazine.  (OK, so now you know I am over 60. )  News of those selected for awards and to be featured in the magazine comes in December.

That has been my goal since being 'down' most of this year with my ankle break...to stand myself back up and GET OUT THERE! 

 

Now, time to get prepared for teaching a two-day workshop in

mid-October in Bennington, Kansas on "Painting the Figure in Oil" -

looking forward to it -

along with plenty of time in front of the easel 'til late October

when I have more surgery on my ankle area.

 

Where I Stand Saturday/Sunday

These pastels are remnants of some reworking I have been doing on a few pieces that never made it past the easel.  When I look at some of my older works, I see so much of what needs to be done.  So these two below got a 'pastel make-over' and are headed for a new show mid-September.  

 

This week, as well, I realized that each time I am able to spend a little more time, than 'hurry-up your show is tomorrow!' -  I understand and become more proficient with my mat cutting system..which is key to framing and presenting watercolor and pastel paintings.  I love having that time.   

 

Today I didn't feel like that duck in water you may have heard reference to, calm on the surface and paddling like mad beneath.  Nice feeling.

 

"Rainbow Bridge"

pastel on Canson paper

9" x 12"

 

"Chinle Arroyo"

pastel on Wallis sandpaper

20" x 12"

 

 

Where I Stand Sunday

According to the Salina Journal today, Kansas is experiencing the 6th driest year since 1895 (that includes the "Dust Bowl" years in the 30's). 

Today, I was in Russell, Kansas for the art show opening
and stopped on the way home, 'here'.

This little concrete bridge interests me each time I pass it, so I pulled off the highway to just stand and look at it.  My car thermometer read 104 degrees at 5:30 P.M.  Hot, hot, hot.  This bridge is over a dried out creek bed - the farmer enters his fields on this little dirt road that goes over the bridge. 

 

So many fields have dried ponds and dried streams.  I feel for those cattle ranchers.  I don't know where the cattle in some areas get hydrated.  The corn crops look like those dried out stalks you see in October bunches around Halloween.  Just ruined.  (No, we didn't get ANY of the Hurricane rain.) 

 

Lots of people showed up for our art opening at the Deines Cultural Center - which is a true gem of central Kansas' art venues.  I was able to do some 'drive-by' photos of people viewing the show.

 

 

This was one classy gal, she was all decked out.

I got a kick out of her.

You just never know when one or more of these will turn into a figurative study.

I like using them, because they are 'anonymous'.

 

The news article I mentioned above also alluded to the fact that "drought years, usually come in pairs or multiple years".  I don't think I am ready for that one.

Last year was the 4th driest year, so there you go, two years down!

(Whoops!  I am not laughing...)

 

Where I Stand Sunday

Almost a third (probably) of my day is spent walking without crutches now.  As I have said before, 'gimping' is frowned upon, so when my ankle and foot have had enough and my body starts lightening up on my left leg, it's back to cane or crutch.  Pool therapy is helping mostly.  After I do my water exercises, I am sore for that day, but the next day is usually a good one - so that is today!

Been trying all morning to work with 'Colour Lovers' (a site where a creative community shares colors, palettes and patterns and also has a component to sort out and ID colors in a photo) which assist in color wheel applications via my laptop.  Having no luck downloading a photo that has so many greens in it, which I wanted to sort out.  Got out my iPad and 'lo and behold' they have great apps that are simple to use for that same purpose. I have just downloaded apps named 'Colorschemers' (from Colour Lovers) and more user friendly and appropriate for my needs - 'Glidden Professional Color Concepts' - both 'free' apps. 

Another great app for the iPad from http://www.outdoorpainter.com is 'ValueViewer'. I find my iPad invaluable for painting time at the easel.  There are many 'helps' out there, if you need them.  What apps do you use for artists on your iPad?

Where I Stand Sunday and New Pastels

Just about ready to drop these crutches - maybe by tomorrow.

This isn't easy for me.

I have just a speck of faith in my muscles, which are being exercised several times a day.  PT is great - everyone should have PT in their life. 

When I get all done with this rehab,

I hope to maintain a regimen of daily exercise which includes

bone and muscle strengthening.

This older body of mine, can't take another break like this one.

Tuesday I get to exercise in the Therapy POOL!!

Here is the finished pastel from last week.

"Along the Walkway - Atitlan Gardens"

(seems I like to name everything with the word 'sunshine' lately,

can you believe I was thinking in the "Atitlan Sunshine"?)

8" x 9"

pastel on Canson

I have a new 'grandpuppy' - Wally - who is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

and lives in Colorado, so I haven't seen him yet. 

From his photos he is a doll and a half and

seems to be growing like a weed.

I couldn't resist capturing his early puppyhood.

Dig those moss colored green eyes?

"Wally"

9" x 12" pastel

on Strathmore pastel paper

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

I have determined that this weekly post is irrelevant at this time...I am not standing. I have four places I can sit, that's my Lazyboy, my wheelchair, the whole backseat of the car and bed, and those are the four places I stand on one leg with crutches. So...I hope to supplement this missing piece with more art.

I think to myself, how sad I will feel that I didn't use this unlimited time to paint, draw, design, study...so in order to alleviate that outcome, that's my plan going forward. The biggest issue is - it is like painting standing on your head. I grapple with where the paint pan goes in a lap that already has a pad of paper in it, trying not to spill the rinse water, it's not the perfect or most comfortable 'making art' situation. I am fortunate to have an iPad. I have discovered it's a limitless tool for any artist and I invested in the iGet, which allows me to stand it up for handsfree use, right next to my elevated leg. It's like viewing a carnival sideshow. "The Incredible Broken Ankled Painting Woman"!!

I have known and seen many disabled persons in my life. I have a new understanding for how frustrating their lives must be. To know they have to adapt to their situation, conquer adversity and continue to have a quality of life truly amazes me. They are heroes. And hopefully they have someone that helps them or checks in with them often. It can get a person down, real easily.

I am lucky to have someone who keeps me "in check" - when I get down, he cheers me back up, when I complain (and I work hard at NOT doing that) he throws some comic relief my way. No matter what life has given me right now, I am still here..I am still loving life, and some day this will all be just a memory. I will look on the art I do right now as "that which was from the 'broken ankle' period". Thanks also, to YOU my wonderful friends, for your support and caring.

Where I Stand Sunday

A little fancier look...but the days go by - all in the same way for the most part.

I now have some impetis to draw, the sketching materials are at my side.

I am in front of the TV that has the DVR...yea, no commercials!

Thinking of freeze framing some shows to sketch portraits.

Since I am not a 'big box watcher', this is kind of a novelty right now.  It will wear off soon.  Some of my faves - Comedy Central (laughter is the best medicine of all), Halogen and of course TLC, HGTV, DIY, History Channel, Food Network and throw in a few HBO specials and movies and I am good for quite awhile.   Phone calls, comments and nice cards arrive daily - thanks.  I have a long way to go on this journey.  Knowing you care makes it a lot easier.  Best idea we have had ~ that we didn't realize, buying two Lazyboy recliners last year.  Who would have thunk what a perfect set-up it would be for me - at this time.  Watching "Concrete Canvas" right now...amazing! 

Keep checking back, maybe the excitement and some new energy will pick up soon! 

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

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.

Where I Stood Sunday

Ooops!

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

Been in the studio, planning and organizing and painting.

Onward!

Where I Stand Sunday

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.

Where I Stand Sunday at the Beginning of the New Year

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!