BITS:Bountiful Ideas To Share

Get Busy with It!

2012-01-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things have to come out, there are no holding back. Is it wise to let it pour without restrain? Why not. It only gets things wide open and ready to be sorted. Maybe.Sometimes it adds more confusion, sometimes it takes you where you are scared of going. Anyway when it comes to drawing there is very risk involved only chances that some of the things that is born on paper will enlighten, intrigue and even delight the maker. The making process is the most fun, with no planning on my part. Just let the ink flow, the marks begin and the imagination takes the lead. Looking back afterword I can see the thread, the road, the path. That subconscious revealing deep feelings and concerns. Can I say too much in those and feel too unprotected. Can it make sense to the viewer? It is really not the point but I am always interested in knowing where it takes the passerby. I am reading the book by Wassily Kandinsky "Concerning the Spiritual in Art". An interesting look at how the observation of this artist changed the way artists looked at themselves after him. How they were freed from following tradition in making art and accepted that skill was not the only measure to create art with. Guts and firsthand experience with life, emotion and color. Thank you Mr Kandinsky. It has allowed for Artists to come out of their shell. To experiment without restrain and be themselves however good or bad they are and be allowed to call themselves "Artists". Still not done with the book but looking forward to the chapter on colors. I have not been a great fan of Kandinsky but appreciating some of his work nevertheless, intrigued by it and never bored by it. I just don't connect as much with his art as with other painters'. Chagall, Picasso, Odilon Redon, Gustave Moreau, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edna St Vincent Millay, Vincent Van Gogh, Louise Bourgeois, Romare Bearden, those make my heart and breath stop.

Anyway I have had some fun last few days stranded in my house without a car and not wanting to face the outside. What is there to do but read, eat, and make art?

So here are a bit of a mix and match of late stuff including some quick sketches from the Life Drawing sessions that I go to for good measure.

I am still very slow to get back to my fabrics. I have made attempts but it is slowwwwww. So I am trying to be understanding and dabble with other things right now.

Last Reflections of the Year!

2012-01-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

What could I say about 2011 but that it has been a good year! A Year filled with Joy and Life gifts. A full year in our new house with many celebrations, many joys, a very quiet and peaceful year with very little drama compared to previous years of high stress and high movements. This year was a slow motion year, a year to move into one's new world with inquiry, a year to remember as a community, family and friendship year. A year of connection with new soil, new beauty, new simplicity, a frugality of sort, a brake and a break. My mind has encountered new experiences and some knowledge, emotions and images have emerged from those. What more to ask but a slow pace, a good strong internal glow that sustained my needs of the moment. I got to be more present. More available to listen to myself to get to befriend this person that is me and that I have to live with non stop. Not easy all the time to be oneself. I could deal to take a little vacation sometimes and get to be someone else. Never mind that is complicated enough to be me. Well reading is there for getting in other people's skin and mind and lives in a safe way. To experience all that you are not or to recognise what you are. Reading this year was as sparse as the rest. I did manage to be captivated by some, like: "The Sister Brothers"by Patrick deWitt, "Cold Earth" by Sarah Moss, Jamrach's Menagerie: A Novel by Carol Birch, The Empty Family Stories by Colm Toibin, The Adventuress by Audrey Niffenegger , Kafka's Soup by Mark Krick, Great House by Nicole Krass, Tree of Codes by Jonathan Safran Foer, 1Q84 by Huraki Murakami, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere by Anna Gavalda, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. I am sure that I am forgetting some. I got to go to lectures and see Billy Collins in person and Peter Sis and Jacqueline Winspear and Colm Toibin... I have enjoyed good poetry and short stories, very few movies: Midnight in Paris and Hugo being my favorite. The last of the Harry Potter's series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were notable, but most of the others didn't make a big indentation. Yoga has become more important and that might attribute to the special slowing down of things around me and my ability to be aware of the moment.

The biggest even of the year was Emily and Travis Wedding. A beautiful celebration of love and friendship in an amazing peaceful setting. The happiness to have seen my Sister, my Mother, Paul and my friends throughout the year. They all made huge efforts to be present in my life, especially this year and I felt their love.

I am thankful for a great year and I am looking forward to

another adventure on the road of my life

that 2012 is going to be.

Atlanta, Sounthern Living for Few Days

2011-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the Atlanta, Georgia area. First real time spent in this State, a mini vacation to remember for sure.

Our hosts (Travis' Parents) gave us the legendary Southern Hospitality. We could not have been taken care of in a better way. The days were filled with interesting visits, delicious food, impeccable company, amazing accommodation and real comfort.
First night dinner had "Crawfish Etouffe" on the menu, the next night "Chicken and Okra Gumbo" two delicious dishes that Margaret has mastered. Third night was the Cocktail party with cold cuts, antipasto, cheese, dessert and such.

Fourth night we ended up eating at Darwin's a blues bar where I had a mean garlic grilled cheese sandwich with fries and two hard apple cider to wash it down. I felt no pain from the earlier tough Yoga we had.... The music was great too, nice blues. Fifth night Emily and Travis made their bow tie pasta with roasted squash and parmesan with spicy sausages.

We went on walks: one along the Chatahoochee River by an old mill where I could have taken pictures for a week, there was so much to see, we also walked in Piedmond Park and the Centennial Olympic Park where the World of Coca Cola building is as well as the Aquarium in the heart of Atlanta. I also spent some time on the Wiggins property walking on it's perimeter where a lovely creek resides.

Travis and Emily were the guests of honor for a cocktail party at the Wiggins to introduce them as husband and wife to family and friends that could not have gone to the wedding.

It was very nice to meet so many people that have been the foundation of Travis upbringing. After living in the same area for so many years the Wiggins have acquired a large family of friends around them. One could be so lucky to live amongst their friends and family for a lifetime.

I got to have a grand tour of Margaret's Mother's home. Aline is the most talented needle artist I know in the USA. Mrs Ludwig being the other one I know but living in Germany she is not in competition with Mrs Riche. I was in haw of her perfect minute stitches, her patience is endless when it comes to attain that level of skill that makes each object created a masterpiece. Most of her artwork is a creation or has been transformed to fit her liking and level of scrutiny.

We visited the Hindu Temple of Atlanta or Mandir. A magical place that would make a believer out of me. A peaceful place of beauty and faith. I was amazed by the amount of deities carved inside the main room, each with it's own symbols and name carved. Incredible what man is capable of when inspired by it's faith and needs to believe in something bigger than itself.
We had to have Indian food for lunch after that visit and we were rewarded by a feast for all 10 of us.

We visited the Sweet Water Brewery Company Travis' brother working there gave us a grand tour. The artist responsible for the fish logo was performing live on his creation of the mural outside the new building expansion.

We went to the High Museum of Art Atlanta.
Their special exhibit was "Picasso to Warrhol". Nicely laid out exhibit with enough space between multiple pieces from each renown modern artists that I could appreciate the artwork. Louise Bourgeois and Romare Beaden were my favorite of course but notable Picasso not so mainstream as well as Matisse. I am a bit cold in front of Warrhol's mass produced Pop Art but the De Cherico, Miro, Calder pieces made me a very happy visitor. The permanent collection is hand picked and very diverse. Very well organised by country and time the artwork glows by the natural light and spotlights and space allocated for each pieces. A nice flow between genres and mediums.

I particularly enjoyed the folk art/ art brut area. Rev. Howard Finster, a beautiful untitled Minnie Evans.

I unfortunately missed the basement where the African Art is on display. I will survive this but that will give me a push to go back to it some day.

On the grounds are few statues one of them by Roy Lichtenstein who makes those giant cartoonish vignettes with polka dots details that I really enjoy but it was an interesting discovery to me to see this 3D piece with a funny optical illusion. A house that moves and morphs as you walk towards it from being a regular house seen at an angle then a flat panel than to be discovering that the house is actually built in reverse way (concave). You just have to go to see what I am saying...
Another interesting fact is that the museum was built after a plane crash in Orly, France killed people from Atlanta that were largely involved with the art scene. A lovely way to remember those people.

What else... Oh we got to visit with a "lost" friend of ours that relocated many moons ago in Atlanta and we met at Ray's in the City. Great place by the way where I ate a Bread Pudding with Rum. Lovely to see that friendship jumps leaps and bounds and finds us back to where we had left off. I like that!

On our last two days the temperature climbed into the 70's and it was a bonus and a time out from winter. A big Thank You for the Wiggins to have opened their home, their hearts to us and made us feel at home in their beautiful State of Georgia.

Last Night Was a Trip!!!!

2011-10-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

A trip to Capitol Hill in Seattle at 9:30 pm for a book release at the legendary Elliott Bay Book Company. Well Capitol Hill was booming in ways that I didn't expect. It was a pretty chilly night around 36 F. You would not have thought so looking around. A group of young people were playing some kind of a game in a small basketball court on their bicycle (didn't know that game). They were having such a good time it was contagious. Then after parking the car (only a 100yards from the bookstore by the way) I glanced in a small shop that happened to be an ice cream parlor. About eight customers in there were having an ice cream..... It was invented by Eskimos so I guess it is the right thing to consume in a cold night. I was more looking for something hot and full of caffeine for myself though.

After paying for my preordered book and put my name in a bowl for a chance to get a signed copy of Huraki Murakami's new book "1Q84" , I browsed the store. Nice store, with a great selection that made me salivate a lot. Their poetry selection occupied me for a long while, then the art section on African Art, and their Graphic Novels, and again their fiction shelves, their magazines racks. My self control was set on maximum, I was getting dizzy, I was bargaining with myself, justifying why I needed everything I was touching!!! I am very proud to report that I stuck to only purchasing what I had come for: one book and that choice had been made before even coming here. A tragedy in itself! but a brake through in self-discipline... The clock stroke 12 and then the suspense got really thick, and after the booksellers gave away about 19 of the signed copies on hand to 19 other people than meeeeee. I heard my name!!!!! Oh Joy!!!!

My lunatic venture had been rewarded.... It is a very nice dense book with oh so soft pages and a lovely font. I had to celebrate! so, I had a Vanilla Shake and French Fries. I know, I know but it was in sync with the rest of the whole experience. Another memorable little episode of my life.

Now I need to make time to read this long awaited book.

PS: I now know what that bicycle game is called: Bicycle Polo!!! Of course

Big Sur, Pour Sur

2011-10-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

When my friend Mimi said come and visit me while I am house sitting in Big Sur in October I was not as sure as I should have been. After many calculation to make everything work here we were, Bunny and I, taking the plane to San Jose. So we get our rental car and I drive for two hours in an ok weather and already feeling we were not in Kansas anymore we were hoooooo ing and haaaa ing about the view around every curve of the coastal road. Opening our windows the sweet smell of the flowers and fragrant bushes along the road opens up our spirit at once. We are on vacation...Yey! The ocean this vast beautiful expense of vast expectation. So here we were arriving in Big Sur being the good tourists that we are buying already postcards, wine, coffee and cream, the essentials for a perfect stay in an unknown house. Mimi meets us on the side of the road by the Lucia 22 miles post and we are following her as she opens few gates with a push of a button and we are rough roading on the side of the many hills overlooking the ocean.

Live oaks, agave, sage brush, cactus, all the regular Californian vegetation is welcoming us already. Paradise Sweet Paradise, those words are coming to mind as soon as we set foot on that special property. Nothing ostentatious about the place except being perfect. The yard, the house, the sea, the vertical decline to the shore, the expanse of the vista, the hummingbirds, the bees feasting on the fushias, the trees with their natural gentle curves and foliage, everything in perfect harmony. Not a soul or another habitation to disturb the peaceful scenery. Instant calm and "bien etre". Mimi takes us on a tour of the place and we decide on our rooms. I am to sleep in the "love shack"!!! of course all by myself this word means that I am to pamper myself. My yoga teacher would be happy with me. lol.
Attached to the house but with a private entrance I am in a little suite close to the jaccuzi and the little gravel walk to the lower level deck where the view continues to amaze this visitor. In the morning the clouds down below are pushed away in a direct north to south ligne, surely one of the designated daily angel blowing gently in the air to let the viewer admire natures beauty, very much like opening the morning curtains. From now on and for 5 days, perfection was to be on the menu. Every adventure taken was a happy joyful beautiful one. The restaurants around are just amazing. Big Sur Bakery Restaurant offers first class dinning. The Nepenthe another landmark restaurant is now a big money machine with a huge giftshop that you could plan your vacation around. Their cookbook is a must though. We ended up eating instead at Post Ranch's restaurant. "Sierra Mar" We were there for lunch, the sun was out and the water showed it's multitude of diamonds on it's surface. Perfect experience all around, we even encountered the free range wild turkeys and the black tail deers that were on the menu on our way up to find the restaurant.... but that is a different story.... We visited "La Ventana" another restaurant close by. We took a side trip to the Hearst Castle 50 miles of so south down the coast. Well worth the drive as the scenery is amazing. Stopping few times along the road for seals and surfers, ocean waves rubans enfurling in long slow motions. We got to visit the Hermitage, a monastery in the sky, were you can go to retreat and meditate amongst the monks. I bought a jar of creamy honey that is just so thick and fragrant, I love it. Father Arthur Poulin is one of the 22 Monks residing here but is also an artist and his work reminds me of the one of Rabusin one of the naif painters that I admire. The Camaldolese Monks are commited to silent, contemplative prayer. They pray for peace. Not far down is the Esalen Institute where I would love to go for one of their yoga retreat. One day maybe... Another place worth mentioning is the Henry Miller's Library, an energetic place under giant redwoods. Very funky. Henry Miller claimed that Big Sur was the place "where nothing happens", I know what he meant even though plenty must have happened but not in it's regular sense. I had the sense in 5 days to have done very little but when I analysed what happened in 5 days it was a lot just that what went on was all in a pace that matched my heart beat and the natural flow of the tides, the gentle movement of the planet and the movement of the tree branches. The birds were playing with the wind, my eyes were playing with them. So relaxed and reposed I came back with stars in my eyes and plenty of memories to keep the sun shining in the dark days of winter so I want to send up into the Universe, to all that made these five days possible, a huge Thank You! Namaste.

I'ts Fall, What a Folly!

2011-09-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love play on words? I do. Fall is my favorite season. Those colors lift me up in the thin air few inches above the ground and they create sounds in my throat even exclamations of total bliss. Then you have the chill in the air, the cleansing rain, the quick step. The smell of roasted chestnuts wrapped in newspaper... as good as the smell of new school supplies. So lots to look forward in the few months to come. Trying to get our house painted so late is a folly! but we are known for our risk taking actions. We do pay for those quite often. Before it was because of our young age, now it is because of the forgetfulness of the ripened middle age. A bit like the Fall season. Few leaves flying off your branches turning and turning,tumbling to the ground. Where was I???

Oh yeahhh! So I am looking forward to the stay at home and work the days of darkness. When the real colors show on paper or in fabric on the design board. Where things don't come that easy and you have to make them and dig in to find them. Add layers for warmth. When things are not taken for granted. Yep I will have to make gallons of hot tea again and Yoga will add more needed glow. Inspiration always is at it's best when there is discomfort and yearning. A bit like lost love. Maybe that is the reason why we remember who has died in the Fall:, maybe to do it in Winter would be way too sad. Day of the Dead, All Souls Day, La Toussaint, Halloween. Ironically, Memorial Day is in May in the USA. I wonder why?

I also look forward to the food in the Fall: the delicious apples, all this abundance of squash in all shape and colors, the harvested bounty. The thick stews, the chillies, the heavy pasta dishes, the aroma of slow cooking in the house.

This year I am ready to be successful at knitting socks before Christmas. I want to be able to gift at least two pairs of those to some understanding souls. I am looking forward to catch up on the movies that I missed, the books that have piled up, the buttons that need to find their sewed places on shirts. It is time to slow down and take nature's advice": to go dormant inside the earth. My house is my earth where my roots are nurtured and safe awaiting to grow. Hum. It is comfy in here, please come and visit, the kettle is on!

September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ten years and we are still feeling the impact of that terrible day in History. A day to reflect and to hope that we can once again learn and grow from a horrific event. So many questions asked that will never be answered. An alteration, a shift, a break, a trauma, a collective pain.

Do you need to remember when you never forgot? Much to think about.

May peace and compassion prevail in this World of uncertainty. May we find an harmony that will benefit each living organism. May we find the way to understand and respect each others needs. May we find the balance that is needed to survive.

"We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are".

Thomas Merton

Oregon Sweet Oregon

2011-09-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have a soft spot for the State of Oregon. First Emily and Travis live there, then it seems that grapes grow very well there as well as many different crops. The farms look picture perfect in the Willamette Valley. You can travel two hours from Portland and end up in a totally different setting, mountains, the cost, the countryside. It is diverse and friendly and feels safe even in the big city. So there. Now about my little escapade. First stop was about 15 miles south of Portland, Shampoeg State Park, a shady campground where the Wiggins were waiting for us for an adventure in the vineyards. The place to grow Pinots.

So the first one to stop was a very "Archery Summit". Nice Pinot noir. We purchase a nice bottle for our campfire dinner later. Then it was a visit to a less exclusive but very interesting more hip place with a gorgeous view that reminded me of Toscany.

"De Ponte Cellars". Nice selection, no frills. Then the third and last one due to the late afternoon, Cellars close between 4 and 6 depending. That last one had a wine that just blew me away. I had never tried anything like it.

"an accessorized tastor"

Argyle Vineyards have a Chardonnay that looks, smell and taste like butter. That was a first and love at first smell. I need to find the perfect meal to degustate this little gem that I am going to enjoy on and off in my life from now on. The other wines were nice. We also tried their many sparkling wines, one being the color of raspberries. All very fun but sticking to the Brut traditional is a good idea in my opinion. Anyway back at camp we enjoyed a pasta puttanesca with fresh cod fish around a nice fire. What a lovely day it was and a lovely night.

Next day was started early with a stop at "Heirloom Roses". Should I say more? Roses as far as my eyes could see. I raced through the aisle like a mad woman trying to find a couple new plant for the yard.
After great difficulty as I wanted so many of them I selected a "Climbing The Impressionist" and "The Prince".
Emily settled for "Golden Celebration". Can't wait to see those beauties grow.

Portland was our destination for that day and after locating a place to park in the Pearl district we had lunch at Clyde Common.
Travis had a fried oyster sandwich that looked just great. We all were rewarded with our choices. The decoration was very trendy with an aged wood floor that talked to me as well as the repurposed canvas covering some walls.

Of course Powells bookstore was on our agenda and just around the corner.
I could just vacation there and be totally happy. A week would be just fine. But of course we had two hours and I spent most of that time in the poetry section, fiction and the art. I dared not go into the rare room that will have to wait for another time.
A little hike around and it was a visit to Cargo another place where I could get lost and be happy. floor to ceilings interesting decoration. Very stimulating very tempting. I bought a pair of hand carved hands, no surprise there since I have a mini collection of those and two vintage aravic newspaper pages. I was very very good.

More meandering around the city of Roses and around our hotel. I would not recommand this hotel if you want to sleep. The band plays until 2 in the morning but if you join in the fun you can really have a good time.
Good music and good cocktails not to mention the local microbrewries offerings..

Next day we were off to another part of the State, The Columbia Gorge via one very scenic route with amazing vistas and waterfalls.

The sun was with us the whole time, amazing.

Hood River is one of the little gem towns along the River were you can enjoy watching windsurfers and Kite Surfers play while you sip your beer at Full Sail Brewery. I had their Porter of course. Yum. Dinner that night was something that I had anticipated for a long time. Moose's Tooth pizza in Oregon. Same recipe different names but I had the Hitchiker (Backpaker) and the White and was so stuffed I could not move and had only one bite of the mud pie!!!! This little bar is in the middle of nowhere in front of a saw mill and you really need to know where it is. Love it!
We were camping again this time right by a beautiful strong river (Hood River) at Tucker campground. I slept like a baby with the sound of the magical water in my ears. We left early that morning in order to arrive and have coffee and then goodies in town then off to Bend via another gorgeous scenic road.

We stopped at the Rasmussen's Farm and loaded on fresh produces. We were in Bend by lunch time and had a lovely pear blue cheese salad. Life can be so good. Curt went golfing, I went for a walk with Emily, Travis went to work. Emily too later and I played with some new Indigo Ink, paper and uillls I had purchased in Portland. Next day was spent in food, walks with a visit to Between the pages teh little bookstore I love and support and found the last book of Jonathan Safran Foer. An amazing construction and a tour de force to "write"
The Tree of Codes is something I am going to savor slowly. It is a bit tricky to read and assimilate. Love it.
The rest of the afternoon I caught up on internet things while Curt was golfing and the others were working.

The evening was full of activities with appetizer and a glass of wine on a sunny terrace by the Deschutes River where Emily works then a First Friday with a quick view at the end of a Bicycle Race. Later a visit to the Little Woody Festival. Well it was a full week that is why the post is so long. Now some pictures and voila I will close this long narrative, for now that is.

"After Watering, My Little World Is Clean and Sparkly"

2011-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

this one is called "Belly Button", do you see why?

This one is called: "Moist Vegan Tongue"

This one is "Drop Dead Gorgeous #1"

"Invitation to Feast"

Of course after watering this morning It started to rain. After so many weeks of no rain one cannot complain. Anyway rain is grounding me and nourishing me, an instant soporific. So even though my World can be a bit busy and troublesome I taking a time out from all that business and I am enjoying the sound of the rain on my soul.

And a birthday flies by once more...

2011-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Celebrating another year of being alive.

I'll take it!

Looking back on this last year one can say that it was a very full year.

Lots of growth. Lots of learning.

Many new pictures to capture my interest, many new tastes to open my mouth, many poems to absorb

Lots of adjustements, lots of compromises, lots of changes

Much to be grateful for, much to reflect upon, much love to give and receive

New stages, new accomplishements, new vistas

Old friends, lost friends, newfound friends, all cherished chosen ones, fareway and close, forever lost ones remembered

Joy, beauty, well being, breath going in and out, heart beating fast, heart full with more room to expend

Gatherings, meetings, celebrations, few chatter, loneliness

New nest, new feathers, new skin

Many moments to make one feel alive

It is all in all well worth the miles of unknown on this road, it is well worth the journey

When you cannot travel into the World, the World comes to you!

2011-07-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Ethnic Fest in Tacoma is going on this weekend starting today. Today was a trip! It was my little trip around my world. How can people even try to want to unify anything in this World so colorful. We should be able to live in harmony with each other and keeping our own traditions, likes and wants without any problems. When I looked around today there were men, women, children of all colors, size, religion, sexual preference, of every taste, rhythm, style, nation, political preference, wearing everything possible and impossible. Everyone was looking happy, engaged in the day, looking content and ready to smile at each other, eager to learn from the difference of each other, sharing the experience, swaying back and forth with the music offered on stage. There must be a way to extend this state of acceptance and happiness and try to keep it unified in the day to day World.

It was a nice experience, a stimulation that is always welcomed in my life. I just feed on the diversity. The colors of life around are endless. A good way to feel alive and connected to the World without leaving my hood.

This evening ended with a movie in the Park.

How perfect is that?

Paper, Pen and Ink and Other Marvels

2011-07-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Well life is going along just as predicted, one day at a time. It can be frustrating and hectic but there are wonderful cures for it. It includes heavy treatment I mean serious sessions of Paper, Pen and Ink communion. The results are not necessary the point like so many endeavors but the actual act of using the medication. The movements, the rituals, the materiel, all are conducive to instant relief. Try it! it only take moments to feel the benefits. So here are some of the heavy medication that I have prescribed to myself. It has worked wonders and I may continue the treatment as a prevention for what is next to come.

The roses of Tacoma and beyond

2011-07-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

High Spirit Monday

2011-07-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is new as the Moody Monday Blog has taken a sabatical and I still want to publish my pictures on Monday and I actualy like Mondays, nothing to be blue or moody about (for me that is). So here is my
High Spirit Monday #1 Picture

"Koilorful"

Coming Back "BITS by BITS"

2011-07-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

So many things have happened in the last few months. It is hard to know where to start and if all is worth in few words to comment on those amazing events that took place in my life. Summarizing would not come close to the inside turmoil and emotions that took place. So let's just say that life is amazing and I embrace it will the good and the bad. As long as I can feel and remember those feelings I will go on wanting more.
One of the main events was my daughter Emily getting married to Travis. What a thrill to witness their declaration of love and commitment to each other in a decor of peace and growth among their family and friends. The absents were still among us with a quiet minute to think about them at Travis' request. My daughter now bears her husband's name, she has entered a new cycle in her journey. They have chosen well to walk the road in company of each other.

My Sister and then my Mom came for the wedding and it was such a joy to spend time with them, separately and together. I am so lucky to have them in my life. We met Travis' Family ahead of the wedding and really liked them all very much. The Moms were asked to make the Marriage Certificate and I must say that Margaret and I came up with something pretty special to match those two special children of ours.

Another event is the return of my son Paul to live with us for a spell. He has been a lot of help around the house and especially the yard which has decided to grow weeds in profusion. So we are at it everyday some times all day. It is amazing to dig in the dirt. I absolutely love it. The ground is filled with the fatest worms hence the many robins around our home. The peonies and old yellow austin rose bush are doing more than great, they are spectacular. The rest needs improvement. I have grown a couple of oriental poppies that are doing well. So overall things are well in the yard.

The house feels lived in. The rooms are becoming inviting and making history in our lives. Our candlelight dinners are times to share not only food but the events of our days. The routine is quiet and mellow. I am really loving Tacoma especially our North Slope neighborhood.

The weather has been rainy visited by rays of sunshine. Windy and cold for most of June. July has improved and we have hit some tshirt temperatures. Finally!

I have fallen in love with a yard few blocks from my house. A collection of strange old plants that are growing in a bohemian way, no order but total beautimax. One rose bush has the most interesting color and I am looking for the name to try to find it for my garden. My friend Jennifer was with me for few hours, wanted to walk between airplanes we took a stroll to the park, that is when we discovered this place.

My studio is taking shape. Paul helped by shampooing the carpet as we were so eager to move in that it had not been before and was in bad need. It is now spotless Love it. Now I can organize and spread out my wings.

Thinking of that, two of my quilts (Endless Possibilities and Vernacular Protection) will be at the Lynwood Library from July 8th til August 11th then another one (This Way) has been selected to be in the 25 years anniversary of CQA that will be in view during the APWQ show in August. Such an honor for me a newcomer to the area.

So that's a full plate but I feel hungry and ready to sit at the table for more. Those are the last few years of my life that I am planning on spending in full throttle mode. I need my 8 or 9 hours of sleep but other than that I want to LIVE. So there.

Reading wise it has been pretty slow. The pile of TBRB has been getting bigger and bigger and I am still lagging with few pages to go of "Great House" I do love it and it is like good wine I sip it. Few sentences have stopped me on my tracks and I can dream a while of that.

Stopping on my long narrative now so I can go back to my book and glass of wine. Both as stated earlier are to be sipped. Yum!
It's good to be back little "BITS" at a time!

Moody Monday: Organised!

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Moody Monday: Organised

"It's in Order"

Moody Monday: HOT

2011-04-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Moody Monday: Hot

Moody Monday: Blossoming

2011-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Moody Monday: Blossoming

Moody Monday: Green

2011-03-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

"Girdwood Green Goddess"

for Moody Monday: Green

"Fountain Blow" or "Fontainebleau"

2011-03-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

While in Provence one cannot miss the fountains that adorn the center of the village's.plaza Those were used every day by villagers in order to live. Today most are not in function or in bad need of repairs. Some now have signs that detours one from drinking from it: "Eau non potable". But luckily some are still spewing their fresh spring water and regale us by their bubbly sounds. In any case I absolutely love them. I have photographed hundreds. Six years ago vacationing in Lourmarin I started getting up early before my companions to do some drawing on the terrace starting the day with a reverence for the Fountain. Those took on a live of their own and grew on the pages. I personified them and gave them capes or jars in order to hide their godlike bodies. It became a series of Fountain Blow drawings. They are waiting to be taking their threads as someday they will be made into quilts. Here they are:

Then those few strange little drawings were done at the same time. Just because the time was right.

And then for the end something that is on the board until I am ready to tackle on the last of Fish Lake. My studio is almost ready for action, in the meantime I am playing with those in the living room.

Moody Monday

2011-03-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Costumed

Carnaval in Nice: Golden

A Little Taste of Vashon!

2011-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

Vashon Island was named in 1792 by George Vancouver after his friend James Vashon of the Royal Navy, only 3 years after the French Revolution. I can see Vashon from my house! I have watched, many times since moving down here, the ferry crossing the 15 mn waterway. So after my friend Bonnie Bucknam got three of her quilts accepted for the CQA exhibit at the Blue Heron Gallery this month it was the perfect excuse to go for a visit.

I was to meet three friends in the town of Vashon for lunch and shop for few hours. The weather to start with was beautiful and I got to admire the scenery with all the lights on! Then when I got to my first stop the sky was already menacing. But I had not come for the weather.

That first stop ended up my favorite: The Island Quilt Store. What welcomes you first in this fabulous boutique is the bright crisps colors of the Kaffe Fasset's fabric. Entering in the shop you are amongst a rainbow, you feel part of it. The bolts of fabric arranged very cleverly in gradation and it is one color melding into another. Rows after rows from floor to ceiling in a bright and well lit space that I would like to call "gallery" as every chosen fabric seems to be a piece of art. I also like the arranged notions at the front door and books. Just convenient if you are just looking for something quickly and on the run. There are also b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l skeins of yarn. As I am now a sock knitter (half of my socks are now completed! Thank you very much) I look at yarn as potential feet cover!!! I like those covers to be soft in interesting color combinations. I can tell you that this place qualifies for carrying the most interesting yarn. After striking a conversation with one of the owner present (who happen to have strong roots in the island by the way) I found out that Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Mably have been in the shop to teach and visit more than once all the way from England. The largest display of his fabrics must have been quite a thrill for Kaffe. So in the meantime my friends arrived. They marveled at everything as much as I had done and I got my fabric cut (small selection of twig fabric for another series of "Outsider" quilts) and two balls of soft yarn in luscious colors. Well our host (I am very sorry, I didn't learn his name) graced us with a coupon for 10% off at the Hardware Store, the restaurant across the street. It really used to be the Hardware store servicing the Island before it became an eatery. So after peeling ourselves out of the rainbow we were to shop some more. The weather turned on us rather quickly and a hail storm overtook the street. A bit of fun seeing people going for cover under the awnings. The Vashon Bookshop was also a favorite of mine. The store next door to it's right had interesting items from around the world for everyone and everyroom in your house. I ended up buying a little vert de gris bat hanging upside down on a chain. ( I saw it and then came back later for it...). Everyone was so charming in each store it was a pleasure to shop. The flower shop "Blooms and Things" also has some interesting gifts and furniture pieces. The owner has amazing Ikebana arrangements. I got three matching wrought iron candle sticks with green candles ( I love them!). They have a little story attached to them but I will have to tell you in person. So finally lunch was served at the Hardware Store by a beautiful island maiden with tasteful colorful tattoos on her arms. I had the "Garbanzo Bean Ragout". Nice flavorful curry base ragout over a bed of brown fragrant basmati and a mixed green salad with pita bread slices. All that for $10. A green tea to wash it down. They had lovely wines on the menu but ferry traveling is not historically conducive to drinking for me.

Finally we took the road to visit the Blue Heron Gallery. Great space and lighting for showcasing the fiber art display. Bonnie's pieces were worth the trip. Her hand dyed fabric look like suede to me and her stitching hit me in the guts. I love her work. Abstract work should be a visceral feeling to me in order to be remembered. Anyway it was time to say goodbyes to my friends and to the island. I am planning on coming back to check out the nurseries. One has a catchy name "DIG". I like that.

Until then I have more projects to attend to, more nesting to do, and more local places to explore.

Moody Monday: Rock'in

2011-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Rock'In

"Dancing, Dancing in the Street"

Spring is around my corner

2011-02-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Do you recall that sweet smell in the air that says nature is waking up? This morning it was all around me. I could only think of one thing: Go outside for a long walk and breath in deeply the Spring Liquor that is in the Air. So I did. Gaia seemed to wake up too and we only stopped shortly to take few pictures along the way.

It turns out that it just didn't happen overnight. How could I be so blind to not notice those before? What are they anyway? I will have to look them up.

I should have some of those in my yard shortly. I am a bit envious...

Another thing I didn't know!!! So many things by the way, but right around was the birthplace of the American crooner Bing Crosby?!!! Did you know that? Cute house with a view of Commencement Bay. I bet he could not help but sing sweet little soft songs every morning growing up looking at all that beauty.

There are old streets around my corner. I do love them, all expose and not embarrass to show their age. I might have to learn from that one. New take on life: "Feel more like a Tacoma Old Town Street Pavement"

Nice couple of statues in front of this apartment building. I love how random it looks in this place.

Back at home, I am waiting for a cup of tea to brew, wanting to cozy up for an hour with "The History of Love" by Nicole Krauss. Like her husband (Jonathan Safran Foer) She has a way of making the character materialize in your mind in a flash. You then believe that you have known them all your life.

Anyway I am still nesting in Tacoma, trying to find a new way to grow and fit in this new suit of life. It is definitely worth living for, especially when Spring is just around my corner.

Moody Monday: In Love

2011-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: In Love

"Loveconnectionpoints"

Moody Monday: Empty

2011-02-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Empty

"Memory Filled"

Moody Monday: Cross

2011-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Cross

"Cross Jam"

Moody Monday: Timely

2011-01-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Timely

"D'Orsay's Tic Toc"

Moody Monday:Shapely

2011-01-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Shapely

"Ripe"

Moody Monday: Other Wordly

2011-01-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday

"Skyry"

Home, It is where I belong!

2011-01-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have finally a place to call "Home". A place that is unveiling each day old and new discoveries. A place where I sleep and can be me. I place that is surrounded with an aura of love and meaningful history. So we have moved on the 23 and 24th of December into that old neglected house that choose us It did! It has captured my soul and I have not been able to think of any other house, being conflicted with my best judgement I still fell in love and it was a consuming affair that would not let go Finally the affair has been consummated and now that reality and sanity is back I realized how crazy this venture is. I still see the potential and I do love the house, I just don't know if all my idea will come to fruit. It is going to be a different and interesting new life in the old town of Tacoma. I hear sirens, I hear military planes over my head, I see people walking down the street, I see and hear life around me. Things that I have craved and wish for and here I am having all that I wished for and you know the saying: " Be careful what you wish for!" All that is all very new and scary and exiting at the same time. Anyway I am nesting and trying to make sense into all that. I have lived in this country 28 years. I have moved 9 times in those years. This is the first time that 4 neighbors have actually come to the house bringing goodies, stopped and welcomed us to the neighborhood and seemed like the picture perfect scenario that you see on all the sitcoms and movies on TV and films depicting people moving to a new place. I had done it to people but that was a first for me to have that welcome feeling. Waou! Could I finally have arrived to where I belong? time will tell for that. The raccoon that lives in one of the "black Locust" trees in the front of the house is also a neighbor that I really like. Very low key creature that comes and goes without much of a pattern or agenda. Sounds a lot like me!!
So we ended with having a Christmas at home. Unlike any other Christmas before, no gifts, no decorations, no tra la la, just being happy to have a home. Emily and Travis came for two days and we celebrated on the 26 with a nice dinner and few meaningful gifts and the pleasure of each others company. Paul was missed greatly, my boy has challenges that requires all his focus at the moment. I respect him for that.
Anyway things are not all marvelous with this old lady house but we are going to deal ourselves with meeting her needs and challenges as they come and try to priorities, make list and pray for clemency. We have had some visitors already from New Jersey and Vancouver, WA, yey. No Television for two weeks of any kind. Movies from Netflix and NPR radio, what more could we need anyway. I didn't mention my Viking gas stove that I just adore. I have done some pretty fun dinners already. Nothing too crazy but with such a pleasure with the burners that can be tweaked to the right temperature. Just LOVE it. The kitchen is a great room. The rust (red rock Nancy) granite is amazing. Big grey veins going through the rust. Can you tell I am bragging? Yes I am. The cabinets are going all the way to the ceiling. Way too high for my small stature. Well I organized the pantry in the mud room and all those tall cabinets are empty and might remain so. We might not have an entertainment room as we had before but I think that there is potential for one in the basement next to the wine cellar... All we need is time and maybe win the lottery. That is all!
My studio, that is the love affair that I will have to reserve a whole entry just by itself for. I am going to love that space way up in the rafter where I will mingle with the birds and the clouds. Will the hummingbirds come that high? I don' t know!
One other thing. Things are already growing in the yard!!!! The iris and crocus, the peonies, the rhododendrons, the trees have few buds. I would have to wait for five more months in Alaska to see the grass!!!!

The weather has been pretty cold though. Lots of rain and we are waiting for a big snow storm in the next two days. It is OK,. I love to have seasons, 4 that is not just 2. Anyway that is the update for the Stoners of Tacoma report. We are at home at last!

Moody Monday: Open

2011-01-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

First Moody Monday of the Year 2011, Make it be a Happy New Year for Everyone!

"Bellingham Promise"

Moody Monday: Modern

2010-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Modern

"Niki's Nymph's Nanas"

A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

2010-12-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

A really nice visit last weekend with Linda. She and I tried painted the town of Tacoma with a beautiful Sunshine for few days and we succeeded. It was a lovely time. We got to the Museum of Glass, The Seattle Art Museum for the traveling "Picasso" exhibit, we visited our future home "Le Castel de Lumiere". We saw the resident Racoon up his tree, we ate and drank and talked and went up to Issaquah to see Bunny and Mimi. Did a little shopping, art supplies for an adopted family and beads for our souls. A brief evening walk. Overhall a wonderful time. Now the rain has taken over and the roof damaged by a broken branch on the Castel de Lumiere has had some more damage. Flooding in the basement due to the broken gutter that sends a river of water right on the foundation. Then water in the attic. The fence is still to be fixed. Not a good thing. So no house by Christmas, hopefully by the New Year? We shall see how the problem resolve first. Only 10 days before my boy turns 25. Time waits for no one.

Moody Monday: Traditional

2010-12-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Traditional

"Grignan"

Moody Monday: Royal

2010-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday

"Royal Regal"

WiggyStoner's Host Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

To Bend we went once again this month, this time for a fun Thanksgiving celebration. Travis' brother Eric was visiting and it was wonderful to meet him for this special tradition. While the Turkey and the Pork Roast were cooking we went for a nice brisk walk along the Deschutes River. Few people were playing ball in the parks in the snow. Few ducks were doing some comical landing on the iced river side. Others were just gathering in the open cold water. Walking back through the streets I found that amazing fence bordering an empty lot. There must be a really intersting story behind that one. Then it was time to eat and all was well consummed and appreciated. We had pumpkin and pecan chocolate bourbon pies with whipcream outside around a cheerful fire. Just a great time all around. Curt, Travis and Eric went to town for a while and Emily and I stayed home and watched a movie. Cozy, warm and fuzzy. We left through Portland and reunited with friends that we had not seen for 19 years. It was just a lot of fun. They were so welcoming and made us feel like no time had elapsed. The Gross live in New Jersey and their daughter Allison just moved to Portland to live with her boyfriend. We had reunited earlier on Facebook and now the circle has taken shape with more project to see each other in the near future. Since them I have been in bed with a huge migraine that put me out for the count. Oh I am enjoying my new book "The Giant's House" by Elizabeth McCraken. Very different story. Don't know where it is going. No news from the our dream house yet. It is still following it's course.

So that is the story!

Moody Monday: Muted

2010-11-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

"Muted on the surface"

Weekend with Emily

2010-11-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

Another great time with Emily. We managed to do plenty in almost four days. Curt and Travis went fishing in Maupin, OR so we were left on our own to do all the entertaining. No problem with that! We got to do some shopping (Yarn, beads, books), we ate good food at home and restaurants, we did some wedding planning stuff, we watched two movies, we went on a long walk at sunset in the pines, we drank hot tatties at Macminitis, we read, we talked and talked and talked, Emily went to an interview and she got the job....

Emily went to work in Sisters and I spent that time at the library by a splendid fireplace looking at tree house books and magazines, I also visited the "Stiching Post" and was very proud that I didn't buy one piece of fabric. Anyway life is fun when I am with my girl.

Moody Monday

2010-11-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday: Vivid

"Brazil in Nice"

Moody Monday: Occupied

2010-11-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Moody Monday

"No Need to Vacate"

R. Stoner in Phoenix, Arizona

"Scarecrow With Murder On The Side"

2010-11-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter had announced that she was going to be dressed as a crow for Halloween, along with ten of her friends, and so they did. Well when I told her: "Oh a whole flock" she responded to me: "Well it is called a murder of crow". Oh..., so that was new to me and I really liked that. I played in my mind with it, and played with it some more. I joked about that quietly to entertain myself (a bit lonely lately...and I have to supply most of the entertainment) and today, without warning, it translated into this piece. So of course I can't wait for it to be finished to share it because that is who I am and so here it is and it is all she wrote!!! (could not pass the opportunity there too)

(it shows really blue on the picture but it is a dark grey with some green mixed with the midnight blue)

Moody Monday: Vacant

2010-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Moody Monday:Vacant

"Out. Waiting!"

Roxane Stoner

Between Two Rain Storms

2010-10-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Such an interesting weather to have, to hear and to watch. The sound of the rain as it battles the windows energizes me as much as a brisk shower would. I have more sense though than to go out and brave the elements at the moment but as soon as a ray of sun and the blue sky opens up: to the park I go, grabbing Gaia and my camera and here we go. All the foliage is turning right now. Not yet at it's peak but already colorful. The rain intensifies the autumnal colors and I go through them like an intruder with my dark clothes. It is not Warren, Pennsylvania but that will do. The park is full of life, dogs and their walkers, squirrels, ducks, seagulls... The soil is covered with the leaves giving their last breath, their last heart beats, their last hurrahs. I also see future lives in the horse chestnuts, the acorns, the maple seeds with their little wings. So much to see, so much to absorb. I am walking faster to try to bring some warmth into my body. It is crisp and clean. Everything looks so defined and pure. The sun rays disappear once again, dark clouds form in the massive menacing horizon. Time to go. Home again. The sound of the rain as it battles the windows soothes me and it is time to curl up in the big chair with a throw around me and pick up that new book, don't you think?

Homeless

2010-10-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Far from being on the street I am still Homeless. My things are still in storage and for how long that is a good question. I am being productive in searching for a house but we are not ready yet to make a move on any of my finds so not much hope right there. So much of who I am is packed, just as my stuff is packed. It is bad enough to be derooted from my land, family and friend, it is another to have only my memories to keep me grounded. So here I am trying to work it out with a good attitude, making this present tense not so tense. I have been spoiled most of my life and I should be content with my perfect state right now. I have been teased with this little European vacation and I want more. Greed again. Do you know how much stronger the feelings of losses are than the ones of welbeing? I do embrace the strong feelings as it is making me feel so much alive. Drama queen maybe, maybe just in love with the Drama, the Opera, the Passion, the Love with a bit L I am trying to channel them into writings and images. A bit scattered most of the time but that also illustrates who I am. An eternal romantic wondering the pages turned and turned and turned again in search of the impossible without a concrete plan nor sticking to the list.

Another Successful Trip

2010-09-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well we are back at home safely after two weeks of "Marathon Traveling". The mileage was impressive but oh so worth the effort. We got to see the most wonderful people in my family. I have been blessed to be born in this part of the World. The south of France is the most beautiful place on Earth. Touring through ancient villages uplifts my spirit to great heights. The rough cut stones have been the foundation of my love for this area. Of course the bountiful vegetation with the year round blooming flowers and fruits, the sweet sent when you walk and the vistas surprising you with the blue sky and blue water of the Mediterranean sea is something that I never get tired of. Anyway the people that live there close to my heart blend in this all perfect place and so although we had to drive long hours to get there to see all that for few days my heart and body have been fulfilled with a big dose of well being.

The wedding of Martin and Dominique was the excuse for the trip so here are some of the highlight of this very special day:

Marburg here we come

2010-09-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

After 10 hours of flight from Vancouver to Frankfurt we drove to Marburg where Curt and I visited his adoptive family in Germany. Curt's best friend Walter invited us to stay at the Rosenpark Hotel. Walter's Mother Josephina was waiting for us with three gorgeous cakes and some good strong Geman coffee. His sister Renata, her daughter Susana, his brother Mamfred and Mike another poor adopted son from the family were all there to share the feast. Such welcome! Just incredible. Josephina is an accomplish embroiderer specializing in the needlepoints of her area "Hessing".

She had to take many classes and practiced by doing exquisit work on linen that she showed me. I was amazed by what I saw. Flawless handstitching. She surprised me with a pillow cover of her creation that I am going to showcase in my house. It is just gorgeous in the most yummy tan color. I am a lucky girl. well a lucky woman since I have long passed the age of being a girl I suppose.

Anyway this morning after a very long sleepless night we had a delicious and extravagant breakfast at the hotel and went on a very much needed walk.

Up to the castle on the hill through town passing old home five six story high with elaborate facades dated from the 1500's.

The craftsmenship of the time is not lost around as they are redoing the slates roof in fish scales patterns to this day on the outside walls and the roof. What a feast (this time without any calories involved) for the eyes. The Church is also something not to be missed. The outside sandstone sculptures are so well preserved. I fell in love with the doors. The color and the hardware, and of course the scale.

Mamfred came to find us as we were having a Halfen Wisen at the terrasse of a cafe. I also had some bratwurst with Kartofen and Kraut.. A perfect combination for the beer. So off we were on our way for more to see in town. A botanical garden with a medicinal herb garden and some ancient trees. The remains of an old chapelle. Oh an a visit of Walter's office. It is located inside an old pension hotel "The Muller Haus". A large office with a beautiful two sided desk and a view of the river. Something to be proud of. Now back to the hotel for a quick nap and time to post this and then we shall have our Cake and Coffee around 4pm and dinner at 6:30 with Mamfred and his wife. What a life...

The WiggyStoner's came to call...

2010-09-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

So Emily and Travis came over for few days last week. So fun to have some young blood in love around. So we did some going around, eating, checking, laughing, talking. It was full moon so Emily and I spent the night outside. We got to the Farmer's Market on Broadway, a little restaurant Rosewood Cafe that was to come back to often, to the Swiss for an adult beverage and a little bit of walking. So fun! Well of course I started missing them after 5mn that they were gone. Sniff!

Terry came for a little visit too. It was a lot of fun to take her around the bead shops (Shipwreck in Lacey is HUGE) and quilt stores (not so spectacular but nice). Her daughter Shelly came to pick her up and we spend the last afternoon looking at open houses after a fabulous lunch at Anthony's at Point Defiance. Delicious fresh seafood and peach dessert.. What would we do without food???? We would drink you say?.... well then! I am just glad that we can do both.

The Tall Ships were out for a Sea Fair event. I love those guys.

Moody Monday: Blooming

2010-09-06T09:00:00.005-07:00

Blooming in Chicago

Moody Monday: Brmm,Brmm

2010-08-25T08:54:00.004-07:00

Moody Monday: An English man in Cannes

A Few Hours at the Hammer Museum and more

2010-08-16T21:19:00.003-07:00

Life in Southern California doesn't change much in the summer. Hot, hot and hotter so what is there to do in the day. Escape the heat at all cost, that is what! So I have gone to every building that has air conditioning. From Ventura to Riverside where I have been cruising. Freeways don't have any secrets for my Garmin GPS. You want to go where???? no problem, just follow my directions and be ready to make U turns when you don't follow them fast enough. I have also done some sewing at the park in the afternoon under old growth green oak trees. One of them is actually growing sideways. A perfect bench, I'd say! I also rescued a couple of beagles on distress. They were lost and frantic, on a scented trail of some wild creature for sure. Their nose never left the ground. They were shortly reunited with their owners not to worry. So off I was with Paul to the Hammer Museum. The exhibit "Outside the Box" Edition Jacob Samuel, 1988-2010 is showing right now until August 29th. Just an amazing retrospective of this Master Printer who with the genius idea to ask artists that he studied for 10 years at least to make a series or book of etchings. Each box or book or series is unique and reflect a beautiful story behind the intriguing artwork. The collaboration is essential in this form and how each involved got to keep it's identity is an art in itself. If you have a chance run to it. The permanent collection is also a treasure of known and not so known pieces by Van Gogh, Rembrant, Cezanne, Fantin Latour, Fragonard, Gauguin, Gustave Moreau, John Singer Sargent. Pretty impressive. The lighting is perfect in those dark rooms. There is also a contemporary gallery with impressive names but it didn't hold my attention as much. The courtyard is very inviting with fountains, a restaurant and many plants. The Wilder Theater is also showing old movies on Sundays.

Moody Monday: Thirsty

2010-08-09T19:37:00.004-07:00

Thirsty

California Unplanned!

2010-08-06T09:04:00.004-07:00

You know when you think that you are finally getting a grip on things and that you think that you can relax something else is sure to pop up and off you go once again in a frenzy? Well that is what is happening now and off I left for an Unplanned California Trip. I drove! It took me two days. Long hours in the hot sunny weather of the West Coast in late July makes you appreciate that your new home is in the Pacific Northwest where rain is of the essence. Such dry unfriendly area with flat land and imported water doesn't really appeal to me. I do love mountains and big trees and rivers and seas all in one spot and that is were I want to land. But in the meantime the Ventura County is were I am for few weeks. Trying to make the most of it. I am not complaining as it could be worse, a lot worse. It is an enchanted area where things don't look totally real. It is all for show so I need some landmarks to anchor me down and bring me back to reality. Today it is going to be the first day that I have not something planned every minute of the day. So I my plan is to get a swimsuit to go sit and read my book by the water. There is a park where I would like to hike with Gaia. They offer music in the park once a month and have a funky jazz car parked in the parking lot. The visitor's center looks interesting. I am into Free Fun opportunities right now.

Yesterday was my 51st Birthday. Paul and I went after his work to a nice Mexican restaurant. I had Mole Enchiladas, he had Carnitas. We were on the terrace, roses all over of every colors and scents. The sunset was filtering everything in a golden light that made the place look magical. One of the definitions of "Magic" is: an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source... and so it sure feels like it ... this whole trip has had some surreal events. I have to surrender to the forces at work and just make lemonade out of the lemons and sip it and enjoying as it cools me down to the core.

Library card

2010-07-24T09:40:00.003-07:00

I am officially living in Tacoma since I got my Library card. It is a precious commodity with a key chain format so easy to have on hand. Wherever and whenever I go I have a choice of a library to visit in this town. Just fabulous. The one in my neighborhood is about to be closed for renovation at the end of next month so I have planned to visit it often before that. So far three visits. The park just next door is very pleasant with lots of shade and trails going into the thicket. A children's playground. The staff is just a delight. I have so far checked out books on Bungalow style houses, how to find information about your historical home, house plans of the arts and crafts homes, a couple of graphic novels (Buddha by osamu tezuka, Tales of the Weird by Ralph Steadman) then of course I got few movies. I don't have access to a CD player at the time so no books on tape. That time will come. I have of course a couple of fiction but I am not sure if I will have time to spare on those. I am reading other things that I captivating my attention as well as spending time exploring my new grounds. I have set up my watercolors and paper on the terrace looking at the pretty view and just had fun making nonsensical paintings. So days are passing with a more relaxed attitude and I have let go of the stress of the past six months. It is out of my control and what I can control I am trying to make it fun and non complicated.

Tacoma Here We Come!

2010-07-08T11:17:00.008-07:00

Here I am after 5 days driving the AlCan Hwy. My friend Bunny was once again coming to help with sharing the drive down with Gaia and I. We had fun watching the wildlife crossing our path (8 black bears, one grizzly, one fox, a herd of bison, moose, sheep, deers, black ravens galore, hawks and bald eagles). The scenery was amazing. Miles and miles of lakes, spruce and birches, mountains and starting wild flowers. The road is now paved all the way with few gravel where construction was taking place. There were little orange flag all along marking the frost eaves that plague the great north's roads. Except our first night in Watson Lake in a terrible hotel "Westmark" (blood on the ceiling in very close quarter and cigarettes smoke smell, yikes that was bad) we had pretty good luck in Fort Nelson, Prince George (there we had to addapt our electrical ingeneering resources to make the tv and the air conditionning work at the same time, it is all about being resourceful and willing to jump over electrical lines!!!!) and finally Cache Creek.

We listened to books on tapes and had nice conversations. Food wasn't really the highlight of the trip but friendship was. Thank you Bunny! We arrive safe and sound.

It was so fun to already have a visitor for my first days in Tacoma. Nancy was down for few days and I got to enjoy her company fully. We went around areas of Tacoma looking at houses, visited the Museum of Glass, had a wild 4th of July party where I am staying with a live band and tons of people. Watched the fireworks all snug outside in a sleeping bag!!!! it was pretty cold and windy up on the bluff. Those are just few things that we got to do in few days.

I had a hard time saying goodbye to Nancy...

Now it is slowing sinking in that my new life is here. Third day in a row of beautiful weather with incredible blue skies. Mount Rainier is towering over in a short distance and the sail boats are out with all sails out in the evening. It is quite a beautiful present tense. The transition is easier that way for sure.
I am going to explore the city a bit more today with a trip to the main library and the WW Saymour Conservatory at Wright's Park.

Summer Solstice, It was a good night!!!

2010-06-23T11:39:00.005-07:00

First this year my Daughter turned 23 on the Summer Solstice. It is the perfect day of the year to have a baby girl. She is a ray of sunshine in my life.

(Nancy, Della, Stephanie, Jessica, Baby Hamlin, Linda, Lorraine, Diana, Katlyn, Patty, me and Terry)
Then my friends Nancy and Lorraine had comploted the perfect goodbye party at the Glacier Brewhouse private room. So eleven of us partied hard for a long time. They spoiled me with nice words, good food, good wine, beautiful flowers, a gorgeous whale bone native mask

, but it is the friendship that those women have given me for so many years that has made my life so fabulous here in Alaska without them I would have been a lost soul. Few of them (Denise, Ruth, Jennifer, Kathlyn, Pat, Debbie, Gail and Janie, I know I am forgetting some at the moment) could not present but are in my heart and found ways to be with us anyway. They have all helped me put my roots deep in the grown and those are going to be hard to pull because of them. So a huge thank you for friends in my life in Alaska. I love you all so much and will miss "hanging out" with you. Thank you. this is Bill

Five of us finished the evening with a double horse carriage ride downtown.

The Housekeeper and the Professor

2010-06-20T08:58:00.003-07:00

Just finished on the plane the little book "The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa. What a tender little book about three generations coming together into a beautiful equation. Many good information about prime numbers, relationship between caring people and baseball in Japan. Stir that up and you have a story that just cradles your heart. Those characters become real even if not everything makes sense: the professor looses his short term memory every 80 minutes. There is a lot of respect between the characters that is a lesson for today's selfish and greedy World. I don't want to give away any of the essence of this book so I will stay vague. Just read it, it will be worth the few hours. It didn't make me cry, it made me smile gently.
On another note I am back for my final days in Alaska. Tomorrow the packers are coming early and I am going to be busy for few days trying to make sense of 15 years in this strange and beautiful environment. We still don't know what our future location is going to be. I did fall in love with a beautiful home but without our home selling it is challenging to fall in love. Anyway I am confident that life in Tacoma is waiting for us in a good way. I took a long walk with Gaia at the Point Defiance Park, the sun was out, the smell of the salty water, the beautiful quotes embedded in the walkway, the light filtered through the trees, all this in one moment can make up for all the stress accumulated over the last year. So I am regaining faith in what will happen is meant to happen and I will start relaxing and let go of the fear. In the meantime I better get going...

More friends

2010-06-18T10:58:00.006-07:00

Bunny and Mimi came down to Tacoma for few hours yesterday. We decided to meet at the Museum of Glass. There are two fabulous exhibits right now. If you have the occasion to go you will not be disappointed. First one is a body of work from Glass artist: Preston Singletary. Having a Tinglit grandparent has influenced this artist. He has reproduced usual artifacts from his ancestral culture with a new medium: Glass. He has mastered the sand blowing technique, the casting, the color and other innovative ways to work with glass. How interesting to see a row of regularly made with cedar some baskets that are now in glass and still showing the authentic symbols. There are panels depicting those of carving in the front of long houses. The only missing item is the totem. That would have been a bit challenging I suppose. Anyway the low light room brings lovely shadows that enhance the masterpieces.

The other exhibit is about very young children's drawing transformed into glass sculptures by the team of glassblowers from the Hot Shop of the museum. They show the original drawing and comment from the child and the sculpture next to it. Just fun, colorful and whimsical for sure.

We took a stroll to the sky bridge where the Venetian pieces from Dale Chihuly are showcased in permanence and it was good bye until soon.

Of course after seeing a house next to Jefferson Park in North Tacoma by the Proctor district I met old gorgeous trees. Firs and Cypress and other essences that I don't know. One looked like Van Gogh could have known him at some point. I would love to try to make a quilt depicting that giant.

Those are the fresh news from TACOMA, my new town.

New friends

2010-06-16T09:05:00.004-07:00

I am already making new friends. They are very old and wise. They have survived many winters and windstorms and they are teaching patience and focus. They are solid and try to share their ever changing surrounding with a beautiful attitude. They are adapting to the restriction of life uncontrollable madness. I want to learn to let go and trust. Thanks to my new friends I have a better chance to get there.

Stop and Smell the Wood Pulp!

2010-06-15T09:11:00.003-07:00

In Tacoma taking my husband to work in the wee hours of the morning... 8am! I am very focused on driving his car with the professional personal chauffeur attitude that characterize my conscientious self... so I do not use my brake in brisk jerking hits, I miss every single pot holes on the asphalt and I anticipate every potential problem coming my way. The only thing that will take me away from my focus is the smell. That sweet fragrance coming from the wet wood pulp large as a mini Mt Rainier. Hum yum what is that soo ooo oh soooo sweet. I would love to "stop and smell the wood pulp" but I just can't do it yet so I just drive by and smell it, just enough to make me want to take a walk in my dad's wood shed once again, to walk in the mossy forest where the mushrooms rest, to walk in the French newsstand and take a big breath. Sometimes wood can be sweeter than a rose.

Around the Studio in Few Minutes

2010-06-04T09:26:00.006-07:00

I am ready to take down some quilts for the move and want to preserve the moment. Those are the quilts that I don' t want to sell. Those beacons that are helping me find the way to their new resting place. They are the cairns that people create to know where they are or were in their history. Stone after stone they have created my path toward the before uncharted territory. Few mementos along them amicably cohabit in the semi physical place. This studio has not been as real of a place as the kitchen for example. As soon as I step in I am sucked in a realm of fantasy mixed with hard work, love, time travel back and forth where the present can be sliced and eaten like a pie, sweet and juicy. Those ingested calories stick with you like cellulite and even when unwanted will eventualy help you with during future starvation.

Moody Monday

2010-05-30T01:20:00.004-07:00

The Hugging Tree

picture taken by Emily Bailet-Stoner, manipulated by Roxane Stoner

Happy events

2010-05-29T19:04:00.004-07:00

Spring is for happy events. The birds and the bees are aware and so are humans. It seems that when we are starting to shed our winter clothing other mysteries unfold in other domains. jLove is floating around like a palpable insect. The air smells sweeter as the love spreads around. So here are some of the tender moments of this Spring of 2010:
Emily and Travis got engaged,
Liam turned One Year Old,
Arthur and Charlotte are pregnant, they are having a boy,
Jessica and Mark are pregnant and just found out that their baby is going to be a girl
Dan and Ashley had their Wedding ceremony yesterday.
On another note the temperature has improved so much the last three days that I actually sunbathed in a bathing suit on the balcony. Unbelievable! My shoulders feel a bit sunburned: a strange welcomed 'sunsation". (I made me do it...).

While packing, the sky is blue

2010-05-23T10:57:00.007-07:00

I have started to pack seriously in the last week or so. No buyer yet but I will be gone by June 30th. My new life is waiting in Tacoma. Such nice things to look forward to will help the seperation from Alaska. I have yet to cut the strings and remove the roots that I have anchored in the last 15 years. As I will I will let some fall and remain in the ground.

What an interesting life I have had here. Never dreamed even in a nightmare to live so long in such a strange place. That love and hate relationship, nothing new just strange how it develops.

I have been happy here even if this is not the place for me to be. The best was the friendship that I have developed. Those strong intelligent independent women that have been a constant joy and salvation. They have stimulated my being and kept me whole. They are family.

Anyway, once more, my little treasures are being tucked away and moved. Where and when they get to be freed is one of my numerous questions. We are looking for a place to rent in Tacoma. Something small and urban where I can walk to the park and the coffee shop, the bookstore and read my book by the water (under my umbrella, probably). No bear spray is involved in my wandering mind.

Few fun events before I go, a wedding and a trip to Homer, then a long 4 days drive to Tacoma. A road trip to commemorate the Alaskan Chapter of my life. I will remember turning 50, it has been quite a shift.

High Drama In Eagle River

2010-05-02T16:23:00.004-07:00

I don't know about you but the Full Moon affects my family and myself so I do expect high drama around that time each month. More or less, it depends. Well this last one was in the highest of my life and amazingly enough the sky was acting strange too. Big dark clouds, white fluffy ones playing with Sunshine and Shadows over our little corner of the World was matching the intensity of my life. I had to capture this all scene in order to never forget how strong it makes you feel alive.

Moody Monday: Nostalgic

2010-04-19T08:40:00.002-07:00

"Jardin du Luxembourg"

Ruby Tuesday

2010-04-13T22:00:00.003-07:00

For this Ruby Tuesday:

"Duo"

Moody Monday: Watery

2010-04-12T08:40:00.006-07:00

Another Moody Monday: Watery

"Watery. At Last!"

Moody Monday

2010-04-05T13:24:00.002-07:00

Fluffy for this Moody Monday:

I think that my friend here looked very "Fluffy" in the best of way.

Ruby Tuesday on Wednesday

2010-03-31T10:14:00.003-07:00

Ruby Tuesday"The little ruby red that could"

Tacoma, Seattle, It's all Good!

2010-03-29T20:21:00.010-07:00

(Port of Tacoma by night from Curt's Bedroom)

Alright, more pictures of my mini scouting trip. My stay in Brown's Point was a feast for the eyes. The view is something that could never get old. With the motion of the water the light plays and the scenery is ever changing, the mutation of the each hour adds to the equation. Add a really nice house with a friendly owner whose dog is named after Edgar Martinez (a magnificent black Labrador with the best disposition) who took the time for a liquid Sunset cruise in his 1951 Chris Craft, and opened up his house so Curt and I could invite about 30 + people for a party and you have a recipe for something for me to remember forever. I was lucky enough to see my friends Bunny and Mimi few times (Pike Place Market for lunch and some shopping at De Laurenti and few friendly booths) as well as seeing Rikki and Don and meet wonderful people that work with Curt. We had an excellent dinner at Lark restaurant on Capitol Hill in Seattle with la Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Back at home now and trying to reacquaint myself with my surroundings, go through my list of things to do. Busy bee once more.

Taking the back way to get back

2010-03-25T21:43:00.009-07:00

When it was time to get back to Tacoma, I tagged along Emily and Travis through Sisters, OR, following the McKenzie River, Eugene and King Estate Winery. What a gorgeous day it was. We parted ways afterthat and I went back North stopping at my friend's Bonnie for a little bit in Vancouver, WA for a couple of hours, arriving around midnight after loosing myself twice around the port... no comment except maybe... "Thank you Enstar!!!! "

Since then I have had some more fun seeing Cindy L. for dinner at Indochine last night. Delicious. This morning I went to see Bunny and Mimi in West Seattle at a French Bakery "Bakery Nouveau"(then ling takes you to their blog). Pain au chocolat for me. Of course! It was raining today (first day since I got here) and Gaia and I took a stroll in the old town in Tacoma looking at housesJust fabulous time. The air was salty and "vivifiant". I could live here. Will I ever get here? Well that remains to be seen but today I was.

Around the Bend, OR

2010-03-22T10:49:00.009-07:00

Just few days outside of the chill of Alaska is a trip back to reality. Back to where Spring is happening in full force.

(Camelia's in the yard)

(Mt Rainier in all it's glory)

(Inside Curt's temporary abode)
So I landing on time in Sea-Tac and after a night at Curt's home away from home with skyline views of Tacoma from his bedroom we took the road south east to get to Bend Oregon where Emily and Travis leave. It is a beautiful town build around the bending Deschutes river. It is one of those charming town with turn of the century mini and not so mini houses well preserved with studios on their backyards. There is a park following the water. Just a breath of freshair. The temperature is very pleasant during the days with freezing nights. Very healthy it seems.
So we went around town for a little shopping, a little eating, a little beer tasting (Deschutes Brewery Co. ), a little movie going at McMenamins "the Blind Side" (good one by the way), a little hiking at the Smith's Rock (outside of Redmond, OR) where rock climbers take over it's multiple routes overlooking the crooked river down below. (monkey head aove) A really beautiful area. The light was reflecting the colors of the season onto the surface of the chilly water. What a sight.

So a nice break from the few stressful past weeks.
Peace at last.

Moody Monday

2010-03-15T12:11:00.002-07:00

Moody Monday: Domestic

"Trapped"

Fiber Festival 2010 in Anchorage Alaska

2010-03-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

More pictures were added to this folder from Picassa
from the Alaska Fiber Festival 2010

Enigma

2010-03-14T11:34:00.001-07:00

I just adore this Utube video of the group Enigma
"Return to Innocence"

The Eye of the Beholder

2010-03-12T09:48:00.006-08:00

"The Eye of the Beholder", the title for this 2010 Fashion Show, organized by the Alaska Fiber Festival and Art Service North, was just an event not to be missed this year. Amazing things happened, I was under the spell the minute I set foot in the Sheraton's Ball Room. An enchanted world was greeting me where the decor was one of the grand palaces in my story books. The food was displayed on tables with a live person in the center in costumed butterflies or flowers gliding around the room. Big sculptural mask and a gigantic cape by artist David Edelfsen along the walls gave that extra dimension that your imagination needed to be transported in this new world. Few people on stilts meandering among the guests. The upbeat music was exhilarating. That was just the beginning. The tables and chairs were positioned to face the elevated runway and it there were no bad seat as promised. Big screens were in logistic locations around the ballroom to give you psychedelic designs moving with the music. The show was split in section depicting different categories:
Alaska, Under the Sea, Garden, Collections, All Dressed Up, Heavy Metal, Up Town, Women, Fantasy. The awards were given at the end of the show by Janie Odgers who masterminded this whole Alaska Fiver Festival idea along Gail Ramsey and Debbie Boyce.
One of the emcee "Mee Mee" was an over 6 foot tall with tall shoes Flamboyant Drag Queen working as a bartender for Mad Myrna's bar next door to the Sheraton. One of the most fun bar in town by the way.
So now on with my bad pictures. We could not use flashes understandably and the models were very up beat. I took mini movies of certain pieces but can't figure out how to make it to turn a quarter of the way to make it standing up right. (any ideas???).

Enjoy the blurr.

Fiber Festival Classes and misc.

2010-03-10T10:34:00.001-08:00

So after an excellent Quilt Walk and Show at Virtu the Anchorage Fiber Festival 2010 has been the fun time that I expected. Sunday I had a class with Kathyanne White who taught us to print on about anything flat that can be fed to a regular printer. There is hardly any limit and that was just a big double sided sliding door opening in my brain. The things that I am going to try to print on... you shall see. Anyway my favorite print so far was of an image of dry weeds that I took in France few years back that I printed on wood veneer. That picture just glows. It adds depth and a shine that is so sensuous, just gorgeous stuff. Would love to try on cherry wood veneer.

Anyway on Monday and Tuesday it was play day in the Texture class (same teacher) and the whole class exploded with fun little creation. I must say that I wasn't really drawn into that type of things and I ended up with things that are quite mediocre. My last piece is by far my favorite and something that I am going to explore a bit more. I do like metal and that gave me a whole new support for my pieces.

Take a look at some of the colorful work created there.

This one by Nathalie Motten:

One by Linda Knox:

Linda multitasking: listening to the teacher as she eats a piece of brownie. It takes talent to focus.

Carol Taylor is another teacher having workshops at the AFF and her class also added colors to their palette. It was with pleasure that we realized that we could purchase some gorgeous yarn and thread in her classroom.

Rachel Clark was teaching her class on how to sew garments and she gave a splendid lecture as usual at the Museum. Her coats are amazing and she knows how to captivate an audience by her words too.

So overall it is the best of time in Anchorage. More to come with the Fashion show on Thursday night and the Show at the Conocco Atrium this weekend. Come and check it out. It is not too late to get your ticket to the Fashion Show.

Three, four days of grey....

2010-03-03T17:16:00.003-08:00

After three or four days of grey I am having a need for bright beautiful colors. Where is the sun, where are the warm days of summer, the blue sea, the green grass, the blooms. So I went to dig in my box of tricks. Here that is better and that is sizzling, I remember the heat and the overload of colors. How wonderful it is . So for few minutes I close my eyes and I am back once more. That will do for now.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-03-02T00:55:00.004-08:00

A jewel of the sea for this Ruby Tuesday taking in Monaco at the Aquarium.

Award Ribbons for the Alaska Fiber Festival

2010-03-01T23:25:00.004-08:00

Here they are. Terry, Diana, Della and I worked on this project for the Alaska Fiber Festival. Except a red felt backing for one of them they are done and I am going to deliver them tomorrow. Just feeling fabulous to be done with this.

The Theme this year is "Architecture" "Archi- Texture". I printed old sketches of arches on organza in pairs so that blue and red ribbons would match for each category. Then the rest was built on as we worked.

Take a peek:

1st and 2nd Place Parka Challenge

1st and 2nd Place Wearable Art Challenge Ribbons

1st and 2nd place Art Quilt Challenge ribbons

Finally the Winner Doll Challenge and the Viewer's Choice Award Ribbons

Moody Monday: Quiet

2010-03-01T08:52:00.003-08:00

"Quiet Peep"

Ruby Tuesday

2010-02-23T09:44:00.004-08:00

"The Ruby Red Baron"

Ruby Tuesday: This picture was taken in Nice during a "Bataille des Fleurs" on the Promenade des Anglais. A February day on the Cote d'Azur.

new one

2010-02-21T21:45:00.003-08:00

I just got that idea of a title: "Mommy Mummy" for this little piece.

Surface Design Organisation

2010-02-21T13:47:00.005-08:00

Nice show at the MTS Gallery on Mountain View Drive in Anchorage, Alaska. 16 artists with different view and techniques using fiberart as their medium. Pretty colorful show in the still dark winter of Alaska.

Mary Hertert's yardage and assemblage: My stuff:Ree Nancarrow from Denali:Nancy Dobson's framed pieces: This is one of the three pieces from Z. Denise Gallup

Here are Mary Hertert and Nelda Warkentin are in deep conversation in front of beautiful organza layered wall hanging pieces.
Very nice to be part of that group.

"On a Limb" and "Bearely Hanging"

2010-02-19T18:13:00.005-08:00

Two titles for those two well underway quilts.

Also the skirt for the Mask is to be done tonight after I get back from "Mark This": the Mountain View Gallery opening. I will take pictures of the whole display of art from 16 alaskan artists, members of the Surface Design Organisation and then post it really soon.

More work and Ruby Tuesday

2010-02-15T20:44:00.007-08:00

Things tend to happen in their own time and timing is everything. It is a bit frustrating in the meantime. So I have been putting my frustration to good use in taking care of the house for ghosts visitors and friends (thank you to all of you by the way). So I have started a new piece. It has been one that has been waiting patiently to be made. I am not totaly sure about the color choices. I absolutely wanted a blue bird color on the right. The yellow is complementary but a bit predictable in my opinion but It might work anyway. I do like the contrast in the tones. Maybe it means a little more nuances in the blues. Anyway I am having fun with it. The other one is progressing, I do let things brew a bit before finalizing my ideas. I do like his voluted eye on the left. I have to find the twin bead that I have to put on the other side. I want to add another tooth on each side too. Note the shark teeth on the extra middle mouth... He's a scary dood! Maybe I will call it "Drood"!!!

The fermentation process is tricky as if it brews too long it is never being completed and goes stale. I have few of those failed good ideas. So this is not going to be one of those.

So now for the Weekly fun:

"Ruby Slippers"

for
Ruby Tuesday

Moody Monday: Unloved

2010-02-15T08:43:00.003-08:00

Moody Monday: Unloved.

The discarded symbol the day after Christmas is such a sorrowful sight. People can't wait to get the tree decorated and can't wait to trash it. Isn't that the real symbol of unloved? It is to me. Such a waste of a beautiful living tree.

Silent thoughts

2010-02-10T10:34:00.010-08:00

I socialized a bit the last two days so not very productive in the studio when that happens. Although I made progress before that and so here it is.

Another grey day outside but a lunch later with a friend will bring in the needed sunshine in my head to be happy. The house is pretty quiet and it is rejuvenating. I do love silence so at times. I do crave it. Other times it is maddening but can quickly remedy it by getting out of my warm peaceful cocoon for a spell and get into the "Walmart" brouhaha down the street. It is pretty pathetic but it does the trick because I can't wait to be again in my silence once more.

Cabin fever is such a trick. You don't notice it until you just can't breathe and need to open that door and get out at all cost.

The sky is a great source of meditation around here. There is always something changing that makes me stop in my tracks and stare. It is not the Zen type meditative state as it is way too exciting and energized. It is really the only moving, changing landscape around here. The birds have been extremely scarce and looking at the feeder you can imagine that they are frozen somewhere else. So yes, trees are still, houses shut and quiet, rarely any cars down the street during the day. Same about people apart from the occasional kid going to the bus stop. So the sky is the movement that makes you believe that something is alive out there and it is not just a scenery. I have taken really many pictures this winter of this ever busy field of heaven. Ironically it seems that the sun is always trying to spy on us through a hole in this massive grey ceiling.

In the next few days things are going to move fast as I am showing two pieces at the International gallery in Anchorage for the Surface Design Association Exhibit. Then it is the Quilt Walk organization for the FiberFest 2010 coming up in Early March and a Show at Virtu with my very good friend Nancy Dobson.

About selling the house it is not happening. Only two showings in a month. Somewhat disappointing but to be expected in this economy. Well there is not yet a hurry for it to happen.

Moody Monday and Ruby Tuesday

2010-02-09T10:55:00.002-08:00

Two days in one: Moody Monday and Ruby Tuesday

"Coeur de Pierre"

An afternoon in the studio is a good afternoon

2010-02-03T17:20:00.004-08:00

What to do when you are stranded again because of your meds and an heavy fog outside? You are heading for a warm studio. I have been working all afternoon and it is sooooo good. I have missed doing that last few months. The few times I have been working was upstairs on the dining room table.

Few projects have been waiting patiently and will have to be for a little while longer.

A nice clean space was there to inspire me to.... mess it all up again but I have been really good at throwing my paper cuts in the trash bin and limit the amount of fabric to audition and folding the fabric after going back upstairs for the night. So things are working out just fine.

Another African Mask was screaming to be done.

I might make two of those one in the Wood tones. One in the maroon/pinkish hues. Just for fun. For another mask I have directly printed on the transparency from my sketch book. It is jumping up a step and making the lines more accurate to the original design.
Listening to great music makes the world outside disappear, then listening to a book on tape later made the time wiz by so quickly.

Moody Monday

2010-02-01T08:46:00.003-08:00

Mentaller

Ruby Tuesday

2010-01-25T19:37:00.004-08:00

Ruby TuesdayAnother World Maybe

Moody Monday: Snappy

2010-01-25T10:51:00.003-08:00

"Just For a Spell"

Moody Monday

Wintree Lace!

2010-01-21T17:52:00.005-08:00

Mr Frost is in town and of course has had some fun on the trees.

The whole decor is trimmed with wintry lace which makes perfect edges on the trees. So.... WinTree Lace!

Mr Frost is very talented in his skills.

His cold breath surrounds each leaf with such a delicate touch.

Mr Frost makes me smile.

Thank you Mr Frost!

Ruby Tuesday

2010-01-18T16:44:00.004-08:00

"Another Tuesday, Another Ruby Tuesday"

Ruby Tuesday

Moody Monday: Plain

2010-01-17T12:10:00.002-08:00

Plain

January is not that bad!

2010-01-16T00:29:00.003-08:00

January has always been a difficult month ever since I live in Alaska. Why? because it is still very dark, the let down after the holidays, the realization that winter is only going to last another 4 to 5 months!!!! but, now that I know that it is probably my last one I am enjoying every single day. Snowy days, grey days, short days, sunny days, very cold and crispy days. I am saying my goodbyes with this frozen paradise or frozen hell. Hard to decide on a label for this forsaken corner of the World.

Since my house is for sale and all is organized I am starting to relax a tiny bit. Enough so I can do some drawing and thinking on quilts to finish and more planning ahead.

I have done some dreaming over the future house something that might not happen for quite a while. Not much movement in this economy in the house business. Well I am feeling pretty cozy inside and I am looking forward to stay put for a while. Really.

Tonight was Bunco night. It was great to meet with my friends again. That monthly ritual where we can cheat chat about nothing and everything over a very stupid game of dice. Margaritas are the staples. Who ever decided to mix Tequila lime and triple sec was a genius. Ha

So all is well in this little break time. This little respite before the madness starts again. Before I blink again and asked myself "Was it all a dream?" as I do often for those important moments of my life.

I have started "The Lacuna" and want to move on with it and that will happen in the next few days. There is a lot of words that might be necessary but that don't really make it for me at this time. I might try to start it all over again and see if the flow is coming better the next time around. Right now it is water disappearing down my fingers. I know my hands are wet but I can't see what has passed through them. Maybe I need a bucket!!!! to gaze in that beautiful transparency.

Another book that I am eager to start is "The Maze Runner". Everything that has to do with Maze and Labyrinth is for me a source of interest. A dystopian story of a boy waking up in a maze with no memory of where he came from. That reminds me of the trilogy of Lois Lowry "The Giver", "Gathering Blue" and "The Messenger". I just loved those three books. The first one being my favorite and I was so heart broken at the end. It was the most beautiful ending one that makes you feel every description to it's fullest. You, the reader had no certainty of what really was happening to the main character. I am kind of moving to a whole different topic. Oops!

I am also looking forward to July when Tana French's new book will come out. I might have to order it from the UK so to get it 2 weeks before the US. Anyone getting an advance copy from the publisher being able to tell me if it is as good as her first two novels?

Going back to present time. More time for Yoga too. Should be able to practice four times a week now. Yey.

Time to wrap up my little novel here. It is getting late.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-01-12T17:21:00.001-08:00

Ruby Tuesday

"My Two Girls"

Moody Monday: Distorted

2010-01-10T14:03:00.003-08:00

Distorted