insert witticism here

Sinus infection, ear ache, sore throat and fever. Lucky me. Plus, the meds are making me itch SO BAD! Tried to sleep for a few hours but ended up downloading vast quantities of apps to play with instead. Even tried one that was supposed to help me sleep by playing relaxing souds (rain, padding water, breezes and other soothing sounds) like they do at the spa. Still didn't sleep.

Talked to Dad in the afteroon. He'd just gotten back from Maine where my nephew shot his 3rd moose. It was HUGE! They brought 900 lbs. of moose steaks, burger, sausages, etc. home. I'm not thrilled with their hunting, but the animals live good lives in the wild (vs. those on cattle farms) and my family (not I, but the rest of them) do eat what they kill.  Also, the extremely low fat and cholesterol makes it very healthy. So, yeah, after so so many years I have finally come to terms with the hunting.

Anyway, Dad is going to come down for lunch one day this week (when I'm not so oboxiously sick) 'cause I really haven't seen him too much lately. I saw him briefly the day I got home from Squam, but was too tired to hang out. Before that he was in Alaska and before that I was in the hospital. So, yeah, think I should hang out with Dad for a while. Optimistically, I plan to make lunch here. Reaistically, we'll probably end up at the new restaurant down the street. This place was so great when we first moved here. The food was great, the prices were low, they had huge luxurious buffets on holidays and a great bar/venue for live music. My bridal shower was there too, in one of the dining rooms. Anyway, it;s been done over and I'm hoping it's even half as good so it can be our hangout againl The kind of place you might go out to when you want to go out but don't really have plans. Hecjk I don't even drink anymore so I'd just be in it for the music.

Later on I called Mom (I do wish she'd call me once in a while). She always says she knows I'm busy but more to the point I think she doesn't want to *bother* me. Well, it makes me feel bad but there doesn'r seem to be much I can do to change her. Talking to Mom, she seees irritated and on the verge of tears when she talked about her sisters. I don't know if I should attempt to intervene and see if they'll make an effort. For all I know she's doing the same thing to them that she does to me. Next week is another CAT scan and I'm going to be terrified til we hear from her doc. I am praying that it hasn't progressed. Or maybe, for a miracle! PLEASE~~

Just show up. Just show up. Just show up.

I haven't been here in a while and I'm not totally sure why. Well, lately I've been rolling a book idea around in my head and I haven't *done* anything about it. For nearly three months I've been developing characters and setting scenes, but it's all been in my head. I think it's time to admit that this might be writers block. Not something I've dealt with in quite some time (if at all). I couldn't help but equate this with facing a blank canvas and for that I've learned to just show up. Put something down, anyhing, just start working. You can go back and edit it later, or throw it away or just paint over it. In paintinng (and all my art making) I truly enjoy the process and generally don't hem and haw over each little brushstroke. If I get something worthwhile out of it, well that's a bonus. Arranging my palette, stretching a canvas, mixing colors and patting it on (or dabbing or scrubbing..) is meditative. I believe this approach allows the painter to get out of their own way and access the non logical, creative pathways of the brai.n.

in progress shot

This painting had too much going on. There were several "ideas" floating around and nothing really worked. So, now I'm reworking it. Thought it would be more challenging than starting over with a white canvas. I like it so far and will post pics of the progress soon.

No sleeping equals lots of time to play. This is a piece of a painting I'm working on. I really like the different line qualities. I'm working on other elements in the same style, but this is the only section I'm 100% happy about. Now I have to glaze different areas and I'm not sure the paint markers will stand up to it. May try fixative before moving onto glaze. I think the "scribble" quality is due to me doing the Traci Bautista class online.

Glen came home today and we went for a ride to go pick up a delicious dinner (I had a Chicken Caesar panini)and take it down to the beach to eat. I wore a new sleeveless dress (that probably shows too much cleavage) and the weather was just perfect! I know this is optimistic, but if this holds we could conceivably have 6 months of summer!!

Making Cards with Claudine Hellmuth

This is the most recent card kit I've purchased. I'm not really into the whole scrapbook, premade type crafts, but sometimes the elements included lure me in. That was the case with this, "Welcome To Swellsville" cardmaking kit from Claudine Hellmuth. It was Crafts day on HSN and I'd stopped to watch a bit and see if there were any must have products. When Claaudine showed this kit it looked like alot of product was included. Heck, she *said* there was alot - more than enough to make the cards and other items. Well, when I got the package and took the time to browse the contents I was somewhat disappointed. The illustrations are adorable, but some of them seem sort of random. Not only do some seem sort of "alone" they don't really have anything else in the kit that works with them. I hope that made sense. Secondly, the pieces do seem suited to a particular pairing or assemblage. There's not alot of creativity in what your cards come out as. Lastly, there isn't alot of product. There maay be a good quantity of cards and patterned paper, but there aren't NEARLY as many rub ons (very skimpy selection) or any of the other  pieces that have the illustrations on them. You can see a few cards I made on the right side of the photo, they are cute. All together I'd give this kit a C+ and U hope Claudine comes back with more well thought out products.

carpal tunnel break

my carpal tunnel is bad, so I'm trying to be kind to my hands. I'll be back as soon as I can. With pictures of the painting I'm doing for my Dad (I hope!).

art supply haul

My Michael's haul for today. As you may know I've had an infection for 5 weeks now and am just getting back on my feet. So, when we went out today I had to poke around and see if there's anything I "needed" at Michael's. First, I found the tape. They had loads of the colorful squares (my least favorite), some of the red gingham (not my favorite) and only one of the black polka dot and black/white ornate (I SO would've bought extras for a friend :(  Well, the tape was .99 so I had to get them all, Then there are those 2 clear stamps. There were more, but I don't use stamps much anymore, so they need to be versatile for me to buy them. They were .49 each. The big pack of oil pastels was some cheap brand, but I felt like I needed some so I figured I'd try them for $5.00 and I'm glad I did as they are creamy and smudgy enough for what I wanted them for. Lastly, there are those 2 glitter glues at $1.00 each (cheaper than Stickles!) and a pack of silvertone charms. As I walked out to the car I felt sort of guilty for letting material possessions making me feel happy. But, I love bargains and these are colorful things that inspire me to keep cutting, gluing and drawing. There can't be anything wrong with that.

still scribbling..

I've been working my way through Traci Bautista's Strathmore workshop for a few weeks now. It's been slow going due to the nasty virus that invaded my body, but I'm back at it now. Her work is so "pretty" and I couldn't put my finger on why at first. It is doodling afterall, not photorealism or impressionism or any of the isms we normally equate with pretty. Well, what I've come up with is (a) her color palette is saturated and gorgeous (b) her doodling really is doodling and as such shows the energy and dynamic personality of the artist.  What I'm getting at is - if you can give the workshop a try. You don't have to know how to "draw" you just have to be willing to play. Playing is always the most important part of art for me, so this my perfect diversion.

If you fall in love with her style and need MORE Traci, her new book is out and it's G-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!  Hubby just gave it to me for my birthday and not only is there plenty of eye candy it also is incredibly inspiring. It really compliments my method of creating which is it's all about the process. Looking at Tracy's work I don't see painstaking efforts at realism or something else more lofty. It's an immediate kind of art and that is the tyle of art that accesses the dark recesses of the mind. Those are the places we don't consciously reach very often and honestly, they need to be aired out and dusted periodically!

So, that's what's on my mind lately. I have an art supply haul I photographed, but there are technical issues right now. Maybe I'll sort it out for tomorrow.

going back to Squam...

Look at that. Who wouldn't want to return to Squam lake again and again? Coupled with the divine souls that gather for Squam Art Workshops and it really is a no brainer. I once heard it described as "finding your tribe" and I can't think of a more accurate description. A group of people gathered to make things. To create from nothingness. Humans with a need to sing, paint, write and take pictures.

About 2 weeks ago I decided to register for the Fall session before my first choice workshops were gone. It took me a few days to fill out the application as I didn't want to miss out on anything or get less than I could out of the experience. Gentle yoga down by the docks, paint and pages as well as rocks and wires. Honestly, I don't remember if these were my first choices, but I was so up in the air I let fate choose. Finally I wrote my check, tossed in some star shaped confetti and decorated my envelope. Within a week I had my confirmation in my email and a nice note about my embellishments : ) Now, there's just PAYING for the rest of it and elaborate list making (which I won't allow myself to entertain until August). Is it too early to bejewel a flashlight for the occasion?

I had the good fortune to spend Sunday afternoon with my good friend, Marie. She taught me how to make wire wrap rings and some of them were pretty good. Some needed minor adjustments and some just got taked apart and reformed into something new. The one above is my favorite. The maroon Czech glass oval ended up slightly off center of the "nest" I'd wrapped under it. That shape was crying out for something small and contrast-y. I think the green fresh water pearl does the job beautifully. I may take it a stap further and add something tiny and square. We'll see. Right now I'm enjoying looking at it and enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Saturday I dragged the husband into A.C. Moore to use some coupons. First I grab 2 things I need (wire) then we go to the mall entrance to check out. Then I grab 2 things I need and we check out at the exit. Finally found some spray ink (yay!) and got a giant frame for my movie poster from Sweeney Todd. Of course, now there's more I need and a whole new batch of coupons. LOL!

I CAN"T FREAKIN' EAT!!!!!! GAH~!!

It's been a bad day. I really have been having some terrible problems eating lately. I just get so sick. Most of the day I was sick, and when I'd felt better for awhile I ate some popcorn. Yep. It's bland and it seems to be the only food I can handle. Lame. I was loving it for quite a few months, but now I'm kinda resentful. Know what triggered my stomach trouble today? Greek yogurt. A food i thought was safe. After being sick for HOURS I couldn't have any more yogurt and I am afraid of protein shakes. Nothing seems safe. And taking my vitamins & pills in this condition is rough. PLEASE let me wake up feeling better! I have 2 doc appts. I need to make it to. One is a good old fashioned bewbie squishing (mamogram). Lucky me! (and I really mean it 'cause too many people don't have healthcare right now and this is so important.)

Grasshoppers & Tim Bits

 Way laid back day. Slept late (yay!), ate my greek yogurt (working on my protein intake) while Glen ate his cereal then put on my bathing suit and walked down to the dock. It was beautiful and sunny. Went in swimming for a bit, but the sun was in and out so I didn't stay as long as usual. My legs are still sore though, so I did get a fair bit of exercise. Went back to the house and hung around the deck watching the hummingbirds come and go. I am always amazed at how tiny they are. They look so much like bumblebees to me!

George the Grasshopper

While sitting on the deck this little fella came round. Since he was hanging out I figured I'd try to get a good picture of him. Why I didn't try macro, i don't know. Of course the weather turned gorgeous again. Didn't bother swimming anymore though. We decided to go get some groceries and explore a bit.

Since Glen has been pretty into coffee lately we stopped into Tim Hortons. Strangely, even though we drove all over Canada we had never tried it. I heard Tim Bits were the thing to get so we got a little box of them and a really good donut that had vanilla cream in it. While eating and hanging out i struck up a conversation with some older women wearing red and purple.

Of course that means they're in the "Red Hat Society" so I asked them what adventures they had planned for today. They said they were just there for coffee, but had recently taken a trolley trip up a mountain (I forget which one). They wanted to know all about us, where we were from, what we did, etc. I love chatting with strangers. It makes me feel that there's actually hope for the world when I meet people that aren't mean and bitter.  Cynical? Eh, at least I still have hope :)

Next we stopped at a Rite Aid because there were some chairs I wanted for the deck (here and at home). Luckily I found them! They're black iron with wicker seats and they're half off 'cause it's the end of season. We just have plastic furniture on our deck at home and I want to "stage" our deck when we decide to sell. They didn't have the matching table, but I'll get it next summer (or at another store). The deck chairs here are pretty old so it was good i found some replacements at such a great price. They may need to be painted white, but my dad has a spray paint machine so that won't be a problem.

Finally, we went to the Super Walmart for groceries. Found a new flavor of sugar free pudding. YAY!! Caramel!! Haven't tried it yet, but anything that's caramel and only 60 cal. is a winner in my book. Also got a box of mini cupcakes. Perfect for me, so I can have one but not get sick. And they're chocolate with chocolate frosting, so Glen is happy. LOL!!

Mostly this evening we've been relaxing. I took a little nap, Glen blogged. We're going to watch a little Craig Ferguson. Life is good :)

on the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again. Yep, we're back at the lakehouse. Had a few days free so we came up, hoping to squeeze some more fun out of summer. I had a therapist appointment first thing this morning. She's nice, but I don't know that she's a good *fit*. She is also a nurse about to be licensed as a NP, so she understands my health concerns and nutritional needs. That's helpful. Maybe I was with my last therapist so long that we weren't breaking any new ground? Maybe she was too nice? Guess I need to roll this around in my head for a bit.

Then we had to give the housesitter our keys and drop our friend's birthday gifts off before we hit the road. By the time we got here we were both a little tired (and I was so sore!) so we indulged in short naps. The Maine air is just so different than home. I love falling asleep and smelling that air. Now we're sitting here eating sammiches and watching "Pawn Stars". Chillin'

Anyway, I think "Captain America" and "Super 8" are at the drive-in. Glen knows I'll see almost anything if it's at the drive-in, so I'm sure we're going. There's also a really nice independent bookstore down the road that has a great magazine selection (I love to buy art magazines on vacation). Mostly I'm planning on hammock naps, laying on the dock reading, swimming and painting in the backyard. We'll BBQ in the back yard and eat big salads made from the garden veggies. Late at night we'll have a fire and watch the fireflies! Yep, trying to squeeze the last bits of fun out of summer.

Blah. I just noticed I forgot my vitamins (it's always something). If there's a CVS in the area I'm in luck because I have $10 Extra Care Bucks to spend. If I have to pick them up at Rite Aid or Walmart so be it. And, of course, I'm still on the hunt for the Dreamweavers palettes so browsing the drugstores is a great idea.

Glen wants to blog, so I'm going to go take a bath in the giant tub under the stars (love that skylights!). Brought some Lush bath bombs and books - I'll be in there for hours!!

one of my fave people singing one of my fave songs

Zookeeper & Bad Teacher at the drivein this weekend

Found the Wet N' Wild Dream Weavers Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palettes

Haven't tried them yet, but they look super pretty. There are neutrals there for me to try (I'm more of a brights girl) and that yellow and pink are definitely out of my comfort zone, but I'm willing to give them a whirl at this price. The matte black looks like MAC's Carbon (which I already have) and the black glitter looks like Black Tied (which I also have). Guess I'm pointing them out 'cause those two dupes justify the whole set. 2 MAC shadows would be $22-$30 depending on of they're pro pans or pots. Wet N Wild quality has improved so much in the last couple years that I look forward to their new releases as much if not more than MAC's.

On another note, I am reading  Ron Sheffield's Talking to Girls About Duran Duran  and it's SO GOOD! The writer grew up on the South Shore of Boston (like me) so the references to local stores and radio stations is a crazy blast from the past. Thinking about getting it as a gift for a good friend. I think she'll enjoy the reference and reminiscing as much as I am. Strangely, I didn't care for his last book. Glad i gave him another try.

Lately I've been somewhat obsessed with nailpolish and the interesting things that can be done with it. After cruising MUA for hours, I've got a pretty good list going of colors I need, where to get them, etc. Since I didn't go anywhere this weekend I had to shop my stash for today's manicure. I also REALLY was jonesing for a duochrome.

This is the color I came up with. It's Sinful Colors "Let Me Go". After 3 coats I'm pretty sure it's not going to get any better. It's a very subtle opalescent effect. However, I'm pretty sure it would work out better with a blue or purple underneath. When this mani starts chipping I'll give that a go. Unless I come up with a new & fabulous polish in the meantime.

Tomorrow we're going to see Winnie The Pooh and I'm uber excited!! We'll stop for snacks and juices before the show. There may be random nailpolish browsing also. I'm just looking for the more interesting Sinful Colors I don't have and maybe the quick dry Wet N Wilds. I think the Party of Five glitter is a must have and it's only $1.99. Possibly Buffy The Violet Slayer, too!

sad songs, they say so much

Hanging out in the livingroom (the coolest room in the house) with Glen while watching "The Tourist" on DVD. Glen doesn't seem interested yet. I hope there's an explosion or something to lure him in!

It's been a terribly hot day. We haven't left the house and tomorrow's not going to be any better. However, boredom will probably win and I'll go do SOMETHING SOMEWHERE tomorrow. I really want to go see Winnie the Pooh, but I'm afraid super hot days probably mean the theatres will be jam packed with annoying little kids. So, we'll wait a week or 2.

Monday Glen took me to the pain doc. We discussed how bad the pain was when we TRIED to drive to Maine. There are a few options, none of them great and certainly none guaranteed to work. So, for now my meds are changed and I'll let her know when I'm ready to try injections again. I'd have a new doctor for that, which is great 'cause the last doc was kind of a jerk. There's also a thing they implant in your back that sends out electrical signals that are meant to confuse the pain signals. Not thrilled with the idea of an "implant". Sounds painful and invasive. Hopefully it won't come to that.

My new TENS machine arrived today and I can't get it to work. Will fiddle about with it later.

Working a wee bit on my online class. Must really throw myself into it. I'll regret it later if I blow if off. It all comes down to feeling like I need a dedicated space to work. Of course, my studio is filled with tvs and video game systems (and video games) so it's overwhelming to think of making room for making art.

Small Haul to make a gloomy day brighter

Getting on with things...

It was another horribly hot day. I didn't fall asleep until early this morning so I slept a bit late. Glen got up and went to his doc appt. alone while I hid in the a/c. Turns out he had a staph infection in his nose. Will pick up his meds @ Target tomorrow.

My toenails are now flourescent pink and my terribly peel-y fingernails have a coat or 2 of "seaweed" on them. The sage green is strangely beautiful in it's dinginess. "The Soloist" is on tv and I'm half paying attention to it. RDJ is so damn good. Willow is sleeping on the couch across from me. I wonder what Glen and Emma are doing?