I have been busy for several days trying to get ready to go to an art retreat. Organizing the supplies for the workshops have taken up much of the time. Deciding how to get all the stuff from here to there was a problem for me. I finally bought a new set of luggage. The largest and smallest piece I will use to pack my clothing. The second largest will carry items I have been busy with the rest of my time-making art items for the artists sale on Friday night. Having not attended a retreat before, I have no idea what to take to sell. I will have to see how the things I made sells. I might be rather out of touch with what will sell, since we have been out of the Gallery seven years. I will have a better idea after this retreat. I bought a tool bag on wheels to take the stuff I need for the amazing quilt workshop. It is big enough to carry everything I am hoping, even my sewing machine. If not, I will just pare down. I put all the tools and supplies I need for the silversmithing workshop in my bag I have used for years to carry stuff back and forth from work. So, so far, I will have five bags full of stuff to load into the car. Won't that be fun? At least three of them have wheels so that should help. All of this has been therapeutic for me, giving me something to focus on besides the same oh same oh. Only four more days till I leave!
Bubba and I took pictures of the wild flowers on one of our morning strolls. I will have to download them as soon as I get some time. I am campaigning for a new camera. I can't believe mine is outdated already. I want one that can take better pictures with more pixels, but is still a point and shoot easy to use camera.
Tomorrow, I am going to make a carrying case for my laptop. I have this idea in mind so I hope it works for me and will keep my laptop safe when I am traveling. That will make one more bag for me to load! Plus, I have a small camera bag too. Whew!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hanging Out
I am not doing anything responsible this whole week. I had assumed I would be on vacation now. But, life has a way of interfering with plans. So I am at home. I decided to take a "home vacation." So I am not doing one single required thing. I have read, and read, and read. I have hung out on the net. I have organized some supplies for an art retreat I am going to at the end of June. Bubba and I have taken some walks. I actually got to use my new scanner and am delightfully surprised at how easy it is to use. I am doing a bit of artwork. I do miss my family though. Not the vacation I had planned on, but better than nothing. I am getting geared up to start my own happiness project. Having a happy vacation is a step in the right direction.
I do have plans once my vacation is over. I need to spring clean a few areas. I might try to sell some stuff on the net. Not on ebay but there are other places, like ksl.com classifieds. I want to make some art pieces I can sell. I wish I had some now, as I could take them to my art retreat for sellers night. I want to bake cinnamon rolls! Yum! I want to go "junking" in the second-hand stores for stuff to use in my art. I want to straighten up my end of the garage. This is just a partial list of my want to's. I will surely have more to follow. Oh, yes, I want to journal a bit more. I will continue to read and compute. I am thinking seriously of buying a new camera with more pixals. Mine is only 2.5 and now they have cameras up in the double digit range. I need to learn to use my photoshop elements program first, maybe. Well, I am off to enjoy my vacation again...a good read is coming up!
I do have plans once my vacation is over. I need to spring clean a few areas. I might try to sell some stuff on the net. Not on ebay but there are other places, like ksl.com classifieds. I want to make some art pieces I can sell. I wish I had some now, as I could take them to my art retreat for sellers night. I want to bake cinnamon rolls! Yum! I want to go "junking" in the second-hand stores for stuff to use in my art. I want to straighten up my end of the garage. This is just a partial list of my want to's. I will surely have more to follow. Oh, yes, I want to journal a bit more. I will continue to read and compute. I am thinking seriously of buying a new camera with more pixals. Mine is only 2.5 and now they have cameras up in the double digit range. I need to learn to use my photoshop elements program first, maybe. Well, I am off to enjoy my vacation again...a good read is coming up!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Happiness Projects
I think I need to start a new happiness project of some sort. I have researched some on the net. They all have to do with positive attitudes and positive thinking and all that stuff. I have practiced some of that on an off for years. It is kinda like exercising, you have to do more and more and more in order for it to work. Eventually, you are spending all your time on it. I think feelings have much to do with how you behave. I know I cannot be creative when I am tired. Nor can I be as creative when I am experiencing sadness. However, when I think about it, most of my poems have been written while in the throes of dealing with sadness. So maybe it is that certain areas of creativity are disabled by certain types of feelings. Disappointments also affect a persons happiness and creativity.
My happiness project needs to focus on not allowing outside influences like negative feelings to affect how I feel and so not affect my creativity. Being visually creative is what makes me happy. I will need to work on this some more.
Here's a start:
I see the many wild flowers
Here and there on my wild and untouched rocky land.
Deeply purple sage types growing by the rock wall.
Bright hot yellow buttercup looking flowers sweeping across the sage flats
And bouncing cheerily in the breezes.
Brilliant orange blooms on sage green stems of the mallow plants can be seen at random.
Tiny mounds of the desert daisies, like blobs of pale, pale pink dot the desert pavement here and there.
The glowing white beauty of the primroses and the pink tinges they turn into as they die at random are within view.
Ah, what are these majestic looking pinkish purple flowers and those white bushy looking ones over there?
And where do they come from, all these beauties, that light up the environment with such sweeps of color
Set off by the great clumps of dull green sage bushes, wild clumps of grasses, and of course, the cactus' that will soon bloom.
Too, there is the wild onions delicate globes of white blooms on tiny stems.
The beauty of these wild flowers are unmatched, are given by nature freely, are a true source of happiness for those who want to see.
Happiness might be encouraged with simple things like wildflowers accepted gratefully.
My happiness project needs to focus on not allowing outside influences like negative feelings to affect how I feel and so not affect my creativity. Being visually creative is what makes me happy. I will need to work on this some more.
Here's a start:
I see the many wild flowers
Here and there on my wild and untouched rocky land.
Deeply purple sage types growing by the rock wall.
Bright hot yellow buttercup looking flowers sweeping across the sage flats
And bouncing cheerily in the breezes.
Brilliant orange blooms on sage green stems of the mallow plants can be seen at random.
Tiny mounds of the desert daisies, like blobs of pale, pale pink dot the desert pavement here and there.
The glowing white beauty of the primroses and the pink tinges they turn into as they die at random are within view.
Ah, what are these majestic looking pinkish purple flowers and those white bushy looking ones over there?
And where do they come from, all these beauties, that light up the environment with such sweeps of color
Set off by the great clumps of dull green sage bushes, wild clumps of grasses, and of course, the cactus' that will soon bloom.
Too, there is the wild onions delicate globes of white blooms on tiny stems.
The beauty of these wild flowers are unmatched, are given by nature freely, are a true source of happiness for those who want to see.
Happiness might be encouraged with simple things like wildflowers accepted gratefully.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Free Woman and Happy Artist!
Well, it is official! I am retired. Only 15 more days to work and I will be a free woman and happy artist. I have a full schedule already. Camping with family for Memorial weekend, then a road trip with family starting on June 6, and then an art retreat starting on June 25th. I think there will probably be a camp out for 4th of July too. Then I want to do a couple of one or two day road trips if I can get a roady partner lined up. Then there is the July 24th camping and who knows what other week ends of camping. Hows that for easing out of the work environment? It doesn't sound like I will have much time to be artsy but that will come when everyone settles back into life after school starts. I also have an idea to make a giant maze around the acreage somewhere...quite a ambitious project so I may not get to it too soon. And I have to do some painting ON and IN the house...it is screaming at me to do something to make it feel and look better! And cooking! It has been so very long since I have had the time or energy to cook...I am actually looking forward to that! And sewing...just some artsy efforts there. Is there such a thing as free/intuitive sewing? I am hoping one of the workshops at the art retreat will get me going with this. I thought I would also do some gardening, but since I have all these trips planned, I don't think so, as keeping it watered when we are gone is a problem. Then, when it cools down in the fall, I have to learn how to do some digital art on the computer!
Whew! Hope my energy holds up for all of this wishful thinking ideas. And, I probably have more things I want to do, but can't think of everything in one sitting. LOL
Whew! Hope my energy holds up for all of this wishful thinking ideas. And, I probably have more things I want to do, but can't think of everything in one sitting. LOL
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Headache
I am at home with a terrible infection in my head and on my lungs. My head aches continually. It is difficult to do anything like read, the computer, art, with the headache. The wind is blowing outside, which doesn't help. The air in the valley looks all dusty from our rocky perch. We have blooms on some of our apricot trees. A few blooms on our cherry bushes. A few tulips are finally blooming. The buffalo grass area has gobs of foot tall wild plants with yellow blooms. I need to try to idenity the plants fo satisfy my own curiosity. I have some bulbs I need to plant but haven't been able to get out of doors to do so.
I only have about 20 days of torture left, then I will be free, free, free. I cannot believe that I have been able to stay on my job for 25 years! Not too much about it has been pleasant. I have been like a stranger in a foreign land working there. I have been a good worker until I finally accepted that I would never be a respected worker, nor would I ever be able to advance in my job. It would have been nice to have been accepted and recognized for being good at what I do. I have been able to continue by telling myself "its their loss", not mine. My mental peace, not having the job anymore, will be such a pleasure!
I only have about 20 days of torture left, then I will be free, free, free. I cannot believe that I have been able to stay on my job for 25 years! Not too much about it has been pleasant. I have been like a stranger in a foreign land working there. I have been a good worker until I finally accepted that I would never be a respected worker, nor would I ever be able to advance in my job. It would have been nice to have been accepted and recognized for being good at what I do. I have been able to continue by telling myself "its their loss", not mine. My mental peace, not having the job anymore, will be such a pleasure!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Retirement Countdown
I usually can pass the time easily, no problem. I have been looking forward to retiring for several years, so I now find time is moving v e r y slowly, as i get to the last weeks of officially working. I have cleaned out my desk and files and brought home all my personal items. I am trying to complete all unfinished items, and am very close to being done with those. I hate to look at the calendar and realize I have 7 more weeks to work. 35 days. It sounds like a lifetime. Especially since I have everything in order to go! And, also, since I have been put on the "thank god we are getting rid of another non member" list so have had some problems with being treated fairly. I will be so thankful to not have to associate with prejudicial people.
I am trying to focus on organizing supplies I will need for my persoanal retirement gift to myself...an art retreat. My son and family bought me a mini tourch for mothers day i needed for the metal smithing workshop. My husband bought me a pair of pliars that twists wire. I have picked up some trinkets and beads, trims and pieces of cloth for the quilting workshop. Things are coming together for the much anticipated retreat. I am trying to come up with an idea for a trade item. i have not been to a retreat before but evidently, the artists all bring items to trade? I will have to ask others who have been to retreats for some ideas.
It has turned spring like for this week end and I went to a couple of garage sales, and planted some peas, and moved some rocks out of the garden spot so it can be tilled. How lovely to be able to get out of doors!
I am trying to focus on organizing supplies I will need for my persoanal retirement gift to myself...an art retreat. My son and family bought me a mini tourch for mothers day i needed for the metal smithing workshop. My husband bought me a pair of pliars that twists wire. I have picked up some trinkets and beads, trims and pieces of cloth for the quilting workshop. Things are coming together for the much anticipated retreat. I am trying to come up with an idea for a trade item. i have not been to a retreat before but evidently, the artists all bring items to trade? I will have to ask others who have been to retreats for some ideas.
It has turned spring like for this week end and I went to a couple of garage sales, and planted some peas, and moved some rocks out of the garden spot so it can be tilled. How lovely to be able to get out of doors!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Lucky Lucky Lucky St. Patrick's Day
An almost like spring day and I am on my way home. I stop at the mail box and heard some thumping and thudding. I open my box, and what to my surprise it is totally full of boxes, packages, and mail!
"Get me out of here, get me out of here," I hear a faint voice crying. One by one I take the goodies out of the mail box and load them on the front seat of my SUV, all the while, one of the boxes is emitting what I have to describe as sounds from a very unhappy person.
I take all the mail into the house, change my work clothes, make a cup of tea, then sit down to look at the mail. I realize, then that the noises I am hearing is coming from a brown box from LORE, who has been hosting a most interesting swap.
"Okay," I say aloud, "Lets see what we have here," as I shake the box a bit. The noises instantly quieted. I get out some sissors to cut tape and such and pull out of the box a wonderful little suitcase painted copper and silver. Oh, I think, how darling and vintage this is! I begin to work on the latch so can open it, however, whomever, is inside does not help and pushes on the lid so it is difficult, but I finally get it unlatched. Immediatly, the lid flys open and I find the case is soo full of wonderous things! I notice the lid and the inside of the case is covered in what looks to be an old letter with faded words in a lovely green. On the very top of many things I find a tag book, with pictures on the front and describing the beginning and parts of a the most lovely little creature. She carries with her supplies for me to use and healing items. I am enchanted, just from reading the book! I set the book aside. Let's see, whqat will I look at next? Well, of course, it is the owner of the voice! How wonderful she is! I am thrilled with her, and her special little medicine bag with a crystal an art supplies, and turquiose for protection. How appropriate for me. I already have learned a lesson from her! (I wish I had added more embellishments for my swap partner.) How sweet and soft she is and I fall in love with her. Her purple and colorful dread locks fit her so nicely and she looks at me with eyes and face that are compelling, some what reminding me of Mona Lise, and therefore that becomes her name instantly. She is dressed in such soft clothing, much like I prefer, with the word comfort stitched on the skirt. My philosophy is reflected from her!.
I position her next to me so she can watch me type. The next thing I pull out is a jar of magic beads and buttons, that I am sure Mona and I wll do something with together. (See next post for continuation)
"Get me out of here, get me out of here," I hear a faint voice crying. One by one I take the goodies out of the mail box and load them on the front seat of my SUV, all the while, one of the boxes is emitting what I have to describe as sounds from a very unhappy person.
I take all the mail into the house, change my work clothes, make a cup of tea, then sit down to look at the mail. I realize, then that the noises I am hearing is coming from a brown box from LORE, who has been hosting a most interesting swap.
"Okay," I say aloud, "Lets see what we have here," as I shake the box a bit. The noises instantly quieted. I get out some sissors to cut tape and such and pull out of the box a wonderful little suitcase painted copper and silver. Oh, I think, how darling and vintage this is! I begin to work on the latch so can open it, however, whomever, is inside does not help and pushes on the lid so it is difficult, but I finally get it unlatched. Immediatly, the lid flys open and I find the case is soo full of wonderous things! I notice the lid and the inside of the case is covered in what looks to be an old letter with faded words in a lovely green. On the very top of many things I find a tag book, with pictures on the front and describing the beginning and parts of a the most lovely little creature. She carries with her supplies for me to use and healing items. I am enchanted, just from reading the book! I set the book aside. Let's see, whqat will I look at next? Well, of course, it is the owner of the voice! How wonderful she is! I am thrilled with her, and her special little medicine bag with a crystal an art supplies, and turquiose for protection. How appropriate for me. I already have learned a lesson from her! (I wish I had added more embellishments for my swap partner.) How sweet and soft she is and I fall in love with her. Her purple and colorful dread locks fit her so nicely and she looks at me with eyes and face that are compelling, some what reminding me of Mona Lise, and therefore that becomes her name instantly. She is dressed in such soft clothing, much like I prefer, with the word comfort stitched on the skirt. My philosophy is reflected from her!.
I position her next to me so she can watch me type. The next thing I pull out is a jar of magic beads and buttons, that I am sure Mona and I wll do something with together. (See next post for continuation)
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