Hi ho

This is another image of the "Beer Tree." This is the large original attempt at this painting. Later I will put a photograph in of the tree. You'll be able to see what you think of this painting's verisimilitude. ( That word is for you, Karen l. Gotta keep you on your toes!)

I have been mulling over anonymous's (?) comments about my last posting. It amused me as her exhortation to think about life and not death was exactly the point that I thought I had made in the posting! Hmmmmmm. I think part of the mulling over life and the necessity to savor each day and each spring, etc., comes from living in a small town. This week we have two funerals of people that we know well. Each month several friends or acquaintances "bite the dust" and we are very aware of the tenuous nature of our lease on life. So, Carpe Diem! Make the most of each day. Onward and upward! Which is what I take from the comment! And the point I thought I had made in the posting!

Today I went to the gym and heard them remark that I had not posted for a day or two, and I realized that I had not decided what to say about death. Have I covered it well enough so that I can go on in the future and talk about LIFE! I think the realization that death awaits us all makes us savor life all the more. Yup. Carpe Diem! The first time I remember hearing that expression was in the movie, "The Dead Poets' Society." I thought it was a terrific movie and Robin Williams was great in it, but it is a very difficult movie to watch. I have never had the courage to watch it again. I love Robin Williams in movies but I don't like his comic schticks. He is way too manic for me. "Awakenings" is another of his good ones.

Off to make lunch and then to paint, etc. Take care.

Sunday

From my window the view is both beautiful and dreary. Rain is predicted and the rusty grass will begin to turn green. The life cycle will begin again. Soon, George will be fussing with the garden (the left part behind the birdhouse he uses and the right part behind the foreground tree our neighbor uses). George and I have begun saying, "Well, I guess we will see another spring!" At our age, nothing is certain. In reality, at any age, nothing is certain... but at our age we can see the handwriting on the wall... each day of life is a tremendous gift!

Yesterday I went to a birthday party for Ellen Eilers. She is 90 years old and is still completely dedicated to living! Somewhere on this blog I included a picture of her. Her art is great, but even more inspiring is her zest for living. At her party I was chatting with the others at the table and we were discussing whether we would want to live to 100. We all agreed that we would like it if we could have all our marbles and reasonably good health. In actuality, of course, we just keep on truckin' with what we have. So far so good.

On that note, I will trundle off to getting dressed and ready for church. I am lector today. I love being lector. I get up in front of the congregation and look out and see the people whom I love. And then, I have the privilege of reading the Lord's message to them. Doesn't get much better than that! What a thrill to be alive and "Still Kickin".

Take care.

lAnother Try....

Ok. I'll see if this picture cheers you all up. This is a picture of my sister sitting in our breakfast area/dining area. The dot on her face is from the chain that is hanging down from her glasses. She lives in the big city in a fabulous apartment. I have shown you endless pictures of the views from her SEVEN windows. Her adventures on the skyways of Minneapolis always cheer the country mouse in me. Sort of a variation (for me) of "it's fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there." I think she had that feeling living in the country. She visited us for five years before succumbing to her love of the bright city lights!

Our weather is in flux... that dreaded time between winter and spring when it is just damp and ugly. It is the harbinger, however, of wonderful times to come. Just stick around and you will see that wonderful Spring Green. There is a town in Wisconsin named that, as well as a color in my watercolor collection.

Ok. That's it for today. Take care.

Counterattack

OK. Stay with me, now. The day outside is foggy, gray, miserable. I decided to look through my pictures and find one that was the opposite of foggy, gray and miserable, and I came up with this one and managed to download it (or upload it?), which is a miracle in itself. This portrait of a tree should be colorful enough to make you look at today in a cheerful fashion. This is one of three such portraits I have painted, as it is an actual tree that grows on the shore of Lake Waubesa in Wisconsin. It is called the "Beer Tree" because the farmer that had the property years ago kept his beer stored in the hole in the base of the tree. His wife, so the story goes, wouldn't let him drink in the house, so he made this adjustment to continue his drinking. Whatever it takes?

Well, ok, this is a great day to be alive. Don't let the grayness get you down. Do something lively and fun today. My friend and I are going to Fergus to visit the Waage Art Center for their annual invitational show in which we both have paintings. The tea is today from 3 to 7, so we will go and schmooze and look at the art. Should be great fun! You are all invited! We will then come home and go to our respective Wednesday night Lenten Services. All in all, a great day.

Take care.

Small World

Wow. I got a comment from a friend and student whose class is celebrating their 50 year highschool reunion. I'm invited as their teacher ... oofta. Talk about a blast from the past. I'm so excited and I do plan to attend this gathering. I realize I'm only about 9 years older than these "kids" are now. And I'm frisky as my exercise buddies can attest! Right? I even have the hulu hoop tries up to seven revolutions. Wahoo. It will be an interesting meeting as we all try to adjust to our views of each other... after 50 years. Wow.

I also check in often to the Laurie R. King blog (there is a link on this blog) and she received a comment from a gal in Brazil. We lived in Brazil for five years, so that was another reminder of our past. Life is so interesting a weaving of the past and the present ... and then the future. What will it all entail? Carpe Diem, for sure. Make the most of every day.

I have made mention of our book club in this blog from time to time. The husband of one of our members has died. Duane was a person who made the most of every day and then fell victim to Alzheimer's. Although his final months were a challenge, his life was a blessing to all. May God bless and keep his family at this difficult time.

Take care.

Whew!

I had a big day yesterday. To the gym. To Alexandria. Home to make dinner. To the Art Center to work in the lending library. (It's open Thursday evenings from 5 to 8.) Then to an Americal Legion Auxiliary meeting. I have just joined this group and it is fun to attend.

By the time I got home at 9 o'clock, I was really tired out. But what fun that there is still so much to do at my "advanced" age. Today I have been taking it easy and only went down to the Center for a couple of hours. I'm still working at arranging the books. Some of the other volunteers were there, too, and we talked over plans for the library area, as well as set up some things getting ready for the open house tomorrow for Della Conroy, the featured artist.

I hope that many of you will come to meet her and peruse the art as well as check out the new library area. See you there? Take care.

lighter?

Oh, wow. I managed to do it. Now, of course, I can't remember the names.. but it is a picture of little people drawing on the table in the new lending library. Please notice how cute they are, the wonderful terra cotta paint in the back ground, and the books, ah, yes.... the books. I was planning to be there yesterday to begin going through the books that have been donated and reorganizing the shelves. But it will have to wait until I feel a bit more able to function. Soon.

I'm scheduled to work on Thursday evening, so I can definitely do it then.. but I was hoping to get in a few licks before that. All in due time. And remember that there is a wonderful art exhibit, too. The "Open House" for that is Saturday when Della Conroy will be there to talk about her art. 10 to two. Should be great.

Take care.

Monday blues

I thought I had lightened this picture up so that it would look better, and I will continue to try to do that. We had so much fun on Saturday down at the aborning lending library! We still need children's books. Several boxes full of grown up books came in. I just realized one must be careful not to say adult books, as that can have an unfortunate connotation. Sigh. So many pitfuls we face as we attempt to write the English language.

I am having a blue Monday with intestinal challenges, but my spirits are high. I will use the day of enforced home staying to get several projects worked on. The never-ending projects. It is so great to have plenty to do. One has no time to get bored. The trick, however, is to remember the projects so that they DO get done. I am becoming a rabid list maker.

Back to my projects. Have a great day and take care.

Seventh Heaven

That's where I am! My daughter and son-in-law came yesterday and are leaving today, but we have had enough time to really touch base. Great. Our ladies' get-together went great yesterday and we talked our heads off. Well, not quite "off."

Our lending library's open house is today. I am ecstatic about that, and the fact that my daughter is able to be here for that adds to the excitment. Well... it doesn't get much better!

My daughter and I went to "Because I said So" at the movies last night. I am saying don't bother. Even the sight of some of my favorite actors doesn't cut it. The guys went to "Zodiac" and that seemed to be interesting from their comments, if the thought of the study of serial killer research thrills you! The theater was PACKED even though it is a nine plex now. "Wild Hogs" was sold out for the early performance.

Well, off to my thrilling day. I will try to take a picture or two to include (hopefully). Take care

Double Wow!

I went down to the Coffeehouse Art Center yesterday (no, we don't serve coffee now, that was in another lifetime) and the improvements on the facility are truly awe inspiring. Various volunteers have rescued the room that used to be the kitchen and made it a cozy reading room. It is WONDERFUL.

C. M. Stinton and her husband, Dale, did yeoman service. I can never remember how to spell her first name (Corinne, corrine, corrinne?) so C. M. will do. Fantastic. The floor is a miracle.

Then there was the work involved in tearing off the old wall covering in the kitchen and mudding it in such a way that all of the multitude of flaws were covered, and then painting it a wonderful terra cotta. Well, really, you have to drop in to see it. It's worth a special visit. Steve, Jacque, Gwen, Connie, Joel, Julie.... Whoever else I don't know about. Hats Off! Oh, yes, I mustn't forget Marc and his hard work at an earlier time.

Then, besides the great room to start building a lending library, there is a great art show in the main room of the Center. Della Conroy has a show on called, "Mostly Landscapes." We hope to be ready for a public viewing by Thursday afternoon at five.

From then on, The Center will be open Thursday nights from five to eight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to two.

I wonder if people realize that all of this work is done by volunteers for the benefit of all of the citizens and their quality of life - painting, music, talking, reading - ART. The part of life that makes all of the work of life worthwhile and fun. The part of life that makes Evansville an exceptional place to live and work. We hope that this summer will be the break-through year for our endeavors, and more and more citizens of our area will take advantage of this rich resource right in their midst.

We have worked hard to make this available and will continue to do so. We're "only" volunteers. How about that "only." Is there any better bunch of people in the world than those who volunteer to work for the good of all? Think about joining the ranks of the volunteers in the area of your interest. We would welcome you to help the rest of us volunteers at the Art Center, as well.

Results!!

See the comments after the last blog! My pitiful pearl act got some action. Thank you one and all!

A bit of fine snow is coming down as I am preparing to head to Battle Lake to the AOTL Board Meeting. According to the prognosticators nothing drastic is headed our way, so I will take them at their word and head out. I miss the BRIGHT sun on the snow, however as it is a rather gray day. The white is still extremely white, however, so that will have to do.

After the board meeting and lunch, I will head home and see what I have in store at the Coffeehouse Art Center. We are going to be having a lending library there. The room is all ready to go and I have not seen it yet. Very exciting. I will start arranging the books today and continue tomorrow. Wahoo, as I am always prone to say when exciting things loom! Double W.

Off into the snow. Stay warm and take care. (And I love comments! I won't wail and sob, but I DO love comments! Yowsah.)

sun on snow

The assault on the eyes is glorious! After a few days of snow falling gently and then not so gently on the gray background, to see the bright light and distinct shadows is a blessing. My eyes can't get enough of it! As a borderline SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) sufferer my reaction to the sunlight coming back is extreme. Wow. It is great.

Finally, Minnesota had a good old fashioned winter snow storm. It was a rather wimpy storm as I compare it to some of the storms we have had in the last 30 years, but at least it was something. About a foot and a half of snow here. We didn't get the real blizzard stuff, so it was rather benign, but those to the south of us got the more wild stuff.

I was watching Canadian television and they were having some of the storms stuff, too. They were interviewing people on the street. One woman said she loved it. It was Canada, after all. That's the way I feel. Finally, a storm that makes me know I live in the greatest state of the 48 contiguous states. You have to be strong and valiant to live here! Of course, Wisconsin and Illinois got some of the worst of it, so I guess they qualify, too. To say nothing about the Dakotas! Wahoo.

The weather farther south was awful. All those tornadoes. Yup. I'll take the blizzard. Wow.

To change the subject, I was really pumped yesterday when I saw that my posting had received four comments. I let out a yell, clicked on comments, and found what I found. You will have to look yourself to check it out. You guys... leave me a comment now and then so I don't succumb to low esteem and loneliness. Please. sob, sob.

Have a BRIGHT and SUNNY day. take care.

The blessing of snow

Because Minnesota has been on the brink of drought, the snow is a great gift to us. Hopefully it will be a water-filled snow and go some way toward ameliorating the drought conditions. I guess in the northern reaches they need about 60 inches of snow, which probably won't happen, but we will get a healthy amount, I hope.

Last night we were at Christina Lake Lutheran Church for their Lenten Services. They are concentrating on missions for this Lenten season, and George was going to talk about Brazil and our stint there as missionaries many years ago. We got there for a supper served by the young people, and when we went up to the sanctuary, someone looked out and realized we were in the midst of heavy snow and wind. We sang two hymns and headed for home. I presume everyone made it. It was the usual exhilarating ride through poor visibility and snow pack. I actually kind of enjoy it because of the challenge and thrill. Hmmmmmm.

We also cancelled the meeting on Friday morning at which I was to speak about Paraguay. Izzy wondered why I would be speaking on Paraguay. The Christian Women of Paraguay organized and published the materials for the World Day of Prayer, which is on Friday. Their theme is "United under God's Tent." The following material is in the bulletin I received:

"It is wonderful to have the assurance that God receives us wherever and whenever we meet together in the Lord's name to pray. God's tent extends over all the places in the world where we are celebrating the World Day of Prayer service developed by the women in Paraguay."

Even though we will not be meeting because of the snow, we can join in these pray-ers in our own homes. And the men are also invited to join us!

Take care.

Mission Accomplished

I feel rather proud. I finally got a picture posted ( a miserably dark picture, but still ) to match my last posting, and yesterday I did two of the things I have been planning for a long time.

Some time ago, I took two of my older paintings in to Randy to re-use the frames to frame two of my newer paintings. Much more cost effective than new frames. And I have been wanting to do some more painting on one of those paintings for a long time, anyway! Two birds with one stone, to use a cliche.

Then, in order to miss the predicted snow storm, I took the two newly framed paintings to Fergus one day early to enter them in the invitational art show that they hold each year. They have a newly constructed art center at the college that is fabulous.

I also organized and sent in my entry to a juried show of mid-western art sponsored by the New American Paintings magazine. I finally broke the entrance barrier and DID IT. I suppose I have been trying to get up the gumption to do that for at least 10 years. Now I will continue to attempt it until I succeed in getting into the show. I have broken the "entering" reluctance barrier, now I will continue until I break the "gaining entrance" barrier. Once broken initially, any task becomes easier the second time.

Now I must prepare a talk I have been asked to give on Friday for the World Day of Prayer. They are warning us of severe snow coming, so I don't know if the meeting will actually be, but it is good for me to read about Paraguay, anyway.

Okay. First, the gym. Then some painting. Then the talk preparation. My day is set. How about yours? Take care!

3:00 AM

I'm looking at my reflection on the darkened window glass.. and behind me a reflection of my many books, stamp pads and tote bags. The stamp pads are in an antique printer's drawer, and the tote bags hang up on wooden pegs. The books are arrayed in the usual fashion.

I awakened aware that I should work on getting some paintings pictured and an entry typed to enter four paintings into a juried show. So that is what I am doing. After my computer crashed I had to get used to a whole other way of printing pictures. I think I have finally learned how to do it and print them. I have yet to find out how to post them to this site. Perhaps that will come in time! Or in a new computer! Perhaps my saying that will make this computer toe the mark. Right.

We are having a brief respite from the snow. The world is beautiful but dark. Take care.

Quiet Sunday

It's amazing how quiet it seems here in the "country." Those of you who live on farms can't see me describing my spot as "country" but compared to "city" it definitely can be called that. There is not much wind... not enough to make sound... and the pine trees are heavily laden down with snow. This is part of the the scene that meets my eye as I type this posting. The incredible part of it for me is the quiet. It almost assaults my ears.

I am trying to process my art experience of Friday. Each time I take a workshop there is something that ignites within me. Many of the times it is the fun I usually have in a group of people who are passionate about some of the same things I am. I am particularly taken with what I learned on Friday as it connects me with something I have wanted to explore for a long time. When our cousin Charles Olson visited a couple of years ago and saw my paintings he mentioned that it was too bad they had to be behind glass. I have pondered his remark and tried to find a solution. One of my favorite people bought a painting and put it behind museum glass. If you are not familiar with it, it is an absolutely invisible glass that still has UV protection against the sun. There is no reflection at all. Amazing! And amazingly expensive! I am on the trail of a method of presenting my art without glass. Stay tuned!

Another thing: I was experimenting with a Mark Rothko-like deal for creating fields of color to swoon over. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO excited. The draw-back to my plan is that I need to buy some different water-color pigment to proceed. The pigment is available at "Cheap Joe's Art Stuff" but is still pricey. So - I have been saving my pennies for a new computer - and now will have to add pigment to that goal. Oh, life is grand. I am pumped! Sooner or later all will fall into place. Stay tuned II.

Ah, the quiet. In the distance, I can now hear a snow blower. Awhile ago a snow plow came past. But, still, the main thing is the silence. A wonderful silent Sunday.

Oh, yes, a good Samaritan plowed out our driveway. Thank you, Darrell. Since George is still somewhat under the weather, it is doubly appreciated!

Take care. Enjoy the white stuff.

Soft Saturday

The snow is coming down in a determined fashion. I love it. All is quiet.

I also loved the workshop day, but I put my back off a bit. Too much leaning over at just that RIGHT angle. Or WRONG angle, depending on which way you look at it. Anyway, I am better today as is George. He was off his feed yesterday. Either a touch of food poisoning or a bit of stomach flu. He also is better today.

I am deep into thinking about a new way to do art. I think I have received a new way to "frame" my art as well as some new ways to do art. I am in seventh heaven researching it all and trying to think about what can happen. Of course, I have to buy some stuff. Always one of the draw backs to learning new things. I got my Cheap Joe's catalog out and started toting up the result of my mania. Oofta. But it is thrilling to me. Yowsa.

Now to go in and watch Saturday Golf. With the special pillow at my back. Double Yowsa. And I'm making chocolate chip cookies on the side. I stored some brown sugar in a jar and it got hard as a rock, so I moistened it up and put it in the microwave and it became sort of strange. So I measured it and realized I had just the right amount to make cookies. Voila. I actually have all of the ingredients at hand. So I don't have to put on snow shoes and head to Nelson's Store. Not that I own snow shoes, anyway!

Take care and have a spectacular Saturday.

Workshop Day

I'm getting geared up for a one day workshop in New York Mills. That's the town that has the Great American Think-off. Today they are involved in an art day. I love art workshops.

Today is going to be a strange conglomeration of feeling adequate and inadequate. When I first started this art stuff, I was always the new gal on the block, not knowing anything about anything. Now I am the old-timer who is usually in the know and helping others get settled. I love that. But more than that, I love learning new ways to make art.

I will report later on what I have learned and try to post an art "thing" in the new technique I will be learning. I am glad the big snow isn't supposed to come until tonight and tomorrow. And I am glad the big snow is coming. We can use all the moisture we can get. Take care and don't get stuck in any snow drifts.

Ash Wednesday

This morning I entertained our book club. There were only three of us as the ill husband of one of our members took a turn for the worse. Only two of us had read the book recently, although the other had read it some time in the past. We had a great time reading the book and discussing Anne Tyler's books in general. My favorite, by far, is "The Accidental Tourist." We came to the conclusion we like her writing with her quirky characters and situations and we can overlook some of the less than fascinating outcomes.

I served a brunch of coffee, jello, muffins and deviled eggs. This is our set brunch and is an homage to our erstwhile member, Fran. We still miss her, and hope to travel down to see her again in the future.

Our choice for the next book is "Snowflower and the Secret Fan." I do not know the author. I'll have to log on Amazon or Barnes and Noble to try to find it.

Lent starts today. Church tonight with the symbolic ashes on the forhead. The symbolism of the ashes hits home to those of us of my age. We are actually staring into the jaws of death... in terms that some of the younger people don't think about. We really are going to die in the rather near future, while - although we all are going to die, period - it isn't as much on the minds of the younger folks. The fact that Jesus came to throw us a life-line into the after-life looms large in our thoughts. Thank you Jesus!

Take care.

Today

I arrived at the gym this morning and went around the circle of machines once, having my usual good time when I realized I didn't feel very well. I went home, and then realized I hadn't remembered (!) to eat breakfast. Someone with diabetes should know that that is a no-no, but it simply escaped my attention. So I ate a piece of bread with peanut butter (not the brands that are thought to cause poisoning) and soon felt better! I got busy doing some projects that I am involved with, made lunch, and then started re-reading one of my favorite books.

It is "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver. It's the kind of book that makes you glad that you are able to read. Thrilled, actually, and wishing you could also write like her. What fabulous writing. I have not been such a fan of her later books, but her first ones are aces.

On Wednesday my book club is coming to my house for a meeting. Two of our members have been in India for a month, and I was in Virginia for the month before that, so it is two plus months since we have met. We will be discussing "The Ladder of Years" by Anne Tyler. Pretty good, but not a favorite. I am eager to see what we each of us has to say about it and about our lives in general. The fourth member of our group has been struggling as her spouse has been ill. We are our own support group, all in the guise of a book club!

Take care.