Something. Anything.

Too much time has passed without painting. I bought a 6x6 inch Bristol sketch pad so that I might impulsively create something, anything. Working small takes little time and does not feel so daunting. I also purchased a new bottle of india ink, as the girls have taken a liking to it and used up the last of a few bottles I had around.

Working Hard

As I was saying, I worked pretty much full-time this week. Well- Monday through Thursday, as tomorrow is the office-is-closed-paid-holiday! Happy 4th and 3rd! I think I don't have time to draw and paint, but I doodled in the same spot for four days in just brief moments here and there. This piece of work was created without wasting a moment of design time – as I started up my computer, launched programs, and waited for my computer to process things (such as making .pdf files). Small efforts accumulated.

Fourishing

Todays Harvest: 3 green beans and one sugar snap pea pod. Plenty of lettuce growing in 2 clay pots among my flowers.

I am barely home, but I find a few moments each day to walk around the whole yard and garden to see how things are growing. You can see the lettuce in the lower right hand corner of this picture.

I was thrilled that this evening, finally, I did not have to go anywhere. I've never been more happy to be able to fold laundry. Only halfway through my laundry, I found myself heading out the door after Maya informed me her dress was too short for her band concert tomorrow night. She honestly had nothing else to wear. It's not a matter of dress code or a particularly short dress that we initially bought. It was the realization (after having been mentioned by the band director) that they will be sitting on a stage and the view from the audience could be quite revealing. I felt it was the only thing I could do to put her at ease. Ear infections in both ears and anxiety over her first performance is causing physical and emotional pain. She refuses energy healing from her own mother. The best I could do was buy her a new dress.

Not Lousiana, Paris France, New York, or Rome

Yes. I am still here. I am reluctant to post without art, or at least a photo. And that hasn't been happening lately. Just got back from our second Gary Railcats game this season. It's really a lot of fun. The girls love it. Railcats won! And the added bonus of fireworks tonight. Also, a moment of silence in honor of Michael Jackson along with lots of music and video clips of Michael. I have never lived anywhere else but Northwest Indiana and it feels very strange to try to describe my global position with these references. To this day I can hardly say "Gary, Indiana" without conjuring up the image of a very small Ron Howard belting it out with a lisp along with the tune getting stuck in my head. For that was my first concept of Gary, Indiana. Driving to and arriving at the ball park is a bit surreal and I wonder what it is like to see it through the eyes of a 7 year old and 11 year old?

I wonder where all my time has gone lately.? Not so much as a small doodle to post. Two evenings this week were spent at the pee-wee ball field, as I find the "8 and under" girls' softball games a lovely way to connect with my little community. Never been much of a sports fan and now I've spent about 10 hours this week as a spectator of the "Great American Past-time."

And a whole big whopping 36-1/4 hours at the office. Almost full time this week. (Technically I think over 35 hours is full-time.) Kudos to any full-time working mom. I don't know how you do it?! And, I must say I am in complete awe of the full-time working single mom because I only worked 36 hours this week since my teacher-husband is on summer vacation.

Also, I would like to add that in my effort to "Circle Everything" I am not presently focused, balanced or rolling with it at this time. That is just a lofty goal that at some point in my life I would like to achieve.

Trash to Treasure Opening

The Trash to Treasure Opening was tonight. Lots of people. Lots of art. Very good to see. Here is a photo of my finish Matryoshka set, as I said I would post. This photo actually taken at home before I dropped of the art. Just as I had thought, I was able to take a better photo at home than at the show.

I wanted to create something out of everyday ordinary trash - cylindrical containers - but I already had my paintings on wood planned for the show. I figured I might as well hang them there because they were hanging all around my house where no one was seeing them.

Watercolor Bunny

I opened my sketchbook yesterday and found a tiny little bunny that I sketched quite a while ago. I copied it onto a 3 inch scrap of watercolor paper. Maybe I should paint a few eating strawberries. This morning I picked 10 strawberries, but had to throw out 4 that were already half eaten. Does anyone have any remedies for keeping birds and critters from the garden?

Escape

I woke up very early this morning. 6:00am. Lingered in bed until 7:30. From my bed, I walked straight to the patio to greet this beautiful day. My hanging baskets and pots needed water. I proceeded to pick a few weeds. I found a toad and held him captive in this flower pot. But, he escaped before I could show him to Ellie. It's nearly 9:00am and the girls are still sleeping. The first Saturday of summer vacation.

Our first harvest of the year. By far the best strawberry I ever tasted. I had to throw one away (the one in the top of this photo). When I turned the corner to check the garden, a small bunny darted off. I think he had just taken a bite out of the strawberry. Every time I see a rabbit in the garden, I think of Beatrix Potter. As much as I love bunnies, I feel like I could be Mr. McGregor waving a hoe over my head and there could be a whole family of rabbits hidden close by having a conversation about me and my garden.

Feeling Nostalgic

Here is the dress I made for Ellie a couple of weeks ago. [Editor's note: I switched out the photo because it was hard to see the dress in the other photo.] We were at the fabric store last month, and while I usually have to tell Ellie we are sticking to the list and not buying extras - she didn't even notice this fabric. I very excitedly told her "we have to buy this!" Why? Because it reminded me of when I was a kid 30 years ago. The fabric is gathered with elastic and sold by the inch. You buy as much as you need to fit around your torso and sew up one seam. I feel like I can hardly say I sewed it. I did cut some fabric off the bottom to make straps and if you make a dress, rather than a tube top, you will have to sew a hem, too. We embellished it with a couple of buttons from the button box. And here I am circa 1979.

Living Well

I've run into a few people who have said "You haven't been posting. I check your blog everyday." So good to hear! Just to keep you updated - life is good. I've spent much of my time in the past 10 days gardening and exercising vigorously. (Thanks to the inspiration of Bob Greene. More on that later.) I did sew a little dress for Ellie that I want to share, but she will not put it on for a photo - yet. Other than that - a few more hours at the office and a couple of softball games. I'm loving my sun room studio even though I haven't created since the Matryoshka. Many creative thoughts are brewing in my brain.

Sneak Peek

I knew I would be too anxious to share.

I'll post a group photo (set of six) after the opening.

On My Desk

I feel I am not the only person who needs a deadline to be motivated enough to begin a project. (or finish a project.) I have to say, I had this idea for the "Trash to Treasure" show two years ago. And, the motivation to begin it yesterday... the deadline to drop off the work is this Sunday. Originally I thought I would paper mache the containers and paint with acrylic, but I've decided to just wrap them with watercolor paper and paint with watercolor. I don't know if I will post the finished piece before the show? It could be such a spectacular unveiling. Why spoil it? A watercolor matryoshka made out of garbage? I'm guessing this is probably the only one world-wide? 

After having shot this photo this afternoon, I am even more excited about lugging my work desk out of the basement for the summer sun-room studio.

I think I will include a copy of this black and white photo for the show. And, when listing materials used I think I will spell it all out: oatmeal box, cornmeal box, salt box, baking powder can, paper towel tube, mini-m&m container.

Fast Forward 10 Years.

I was inspired to start running 10 years ago (almost 11) when I was 7 or 8 months pregnant with Maya. I did not start running at that moment of inspiration, of course. I felt so huge and completely disabled. I started noticing every jogger on the street and was determined to run as soon as I was able. After Maya was born I vowed that I would start off slow and walk everyday (about 2 miles) to take off the extra weight, but more importantly to give myself a break. I needed to step away momentarily from the feeling of being overwhelmed with the immense responsibility of motherhood. I did not walk with Maya, I walked away from the house so that I could be alone. This photo was taken from one of the few times I put on the Snugli. Even then I worried. . . was it too hot outside for her? was her head was bobbing too much? was her neck was strong enough? was she was going to spit up along the way? was I going to have to walk home drenched in puke?

I used to hold this tiny baby in my arms and worry if I would be a good mother. Could I teach her to be a kind and happy person? Could I help her live up to her full potential? Could I keep her safe from the crazy world out there?

I looked forward to the day that she would be big enough and strong enough to maybe ride her bike along side me while I jogged. I thought by then, I wouldn't be so stressed out and worried about motherhood and wouldn't feel the need to momentarily escape. I thought, by this time I would know if I was was doing an okay job as a mother.

We've arrived at and surpassed that goal. It was Maya that really inspired me to start jogging again. She was on the track team this Spring, so I asked her if she wanted to jog a mile and a half with me around the neighborhood. I was so out of shape. I had not run in 7 months. I ended up telling her "go as fast as you want, but leave your watch running so you can tell me my time when I get home." She ran it in 15:05. I stumbled in at almost 18 minutes.

I have renewed my interest in jogging, and I've jogged almost every day since then. Each day I have shaved a little time off that 18 minutes. Yesterday I was down to 15:40. Maya is happy and encouraging me, but let me know if we raced - she would win. We plan on trying that soon. I told her she would probably beat me, but best of all, we would both run a lot faster if we raced.

It's hard to believe 10 years have passed so quickly. This little one has taught me a lot. She has challenged me and made me a stronger person.

The best of spring.

The lilies and hostas I moved last weekend are looking lovely. Now that the weather is warm, the kids are able to occupy themselves for longer periods of time. Quite a relief after a long winter. It's so good to open up the windows and let the fresh air in. I love walking out the door without a coat. And, I've finally taken up jogging again. I've exercised pretty consistently for the past 10 years, taking breaks for short periods of time over holidays or busy times. But, this past year has been bad. I ran a 5k last September and haven't picked up any routine since. That's 7 months! Proud to say I am starting small, but consistent. I've jogged a mile and a half 10 out of the last 11 days. Slow. But a little faster each time. My next goal - painting small but consistent. Not much going on there lately.

Digging

Saturday was full of sprouts, roots and creepy crawly things. I guess I could add to my list of favorite things to do - digging in the dirt. I turned my little veggie garden by hand and moved some lilies and hostas to the back of the yard. Both Maya and Ellie wanted to share in my enthusiasm and each transplanted a couple of things themselves. Ellie did not want to hold any worms in her hands as she used to when she was two years old. We all took a little time to watch all the creepy critters for a while. I saw some of the biggest grubs and night-crawlers I have ever seen. I'm guessing big worms will be good for my garden. Big grubs will probably eat my lawn and attract more moles.

Again I was going to paint this in watercolor, but decided to digitally play around with a small sketch from my sketchbook.

As for TV Turnoff week...

I could say it was completely effortless. I probably benefited most of all. I don't watch much TV, but I usually turn it on to unwind right at bedtime. Reading is really a better option for that. And I think the girls have forgiven us for forgetting to tape "Dancin' with the Stars". They are sad that they missed the big group dance and last week the stars were supposed to design the costumes. One week later - does it really matter?

Impossibility - Illustration Friday

One of the first things that popped into my head

was a ship in a bottle.

That's not an impossibility.

On the other hand,

getting the ship out of the bottle?

Happy Birthday Rosey!

The fairies that visit Maya and Ellie are named Lilly and Rosey. Today is Rosey's birthday! Ellie has been waiting for months to do something special for a fairy birthday, since her American Girl "Tiny Treasures" book is full of miniature projects that we can make out of stuff we have around the house.

What a beautiful celebration it will be
when the fairies visit the fairy garden tonight!

To give you an idea of the scale - the plates are buttons, the cups are Perler beads, and the candles are short snipped pieces of plastic coated electrical wire. The tablecloths are tissue paper. The streamers are curling ribbon, but I split them lengthwise to make them narrower. The cake is cut from an everyday household sponge (the size of a quarter). The directions say to paint it with white acrylic paint, but I used gesso because it's thicker and looks creamier. Ellie made the banner and hats (and pies, of course) all by herself and wrote a beautiful letter.

TURN OFF WEEK

TURN OFF WEEK
APRIL 20-26, 2009

The following is a re-print from last year - written earlier than that. I hope I don't sound too preachy, but I don't feel I could say it any better than this. I really just want to present the idea to people and perhaps inspire. I don't ever intend to tell people how to they should live their lives.

TV Turnoff has evolved into "Screentime". Yes, last year I let the girls play Wii and I feel that was a mistake. I think they played more video games than ever. I told them maybe this year we could limit Wii use to only sports and fitness, but we FINALLY have some spring weather so why not ride bikes and play catch?

I also told the girls I will not be going one week without using the computer. But, I will refrain from playing any computer games and I will not spend every morning surfing the internet while I drink my first cup of coffee of the day.

Why would anyone turn of their TV?

I've gotten used to the looks I get when I tell people that I don't have cable TV. It feels a little like I've just told them I am from another planet. But last year when I suggested to a few people that they turn off their TV for one week, they looked at me like I had just asked them to cut off their right hand.

My personal crusade started in 2003, when my four year old daughter came home from playing at the neighbor's house and told me it was "TV Turnoff Week". She informed me we needed to make a sign with and red circle and a line through it, put it on our TV and we couldn't watch TV for a whole week. My husband and I thought it was a great idea, especially since it was suggested by a four year old.

It was an eye-opening experience. Shortly before that, I had started working part-time to spend quality time with my two young daughters. I realized during that week that I needed to question the quality of time spent. Sure, we only watch PBS educational kids shows, but why was the TV on all the time?

The first few days were rough. Emotions ran high. I realized how often I used the TV to shut down emotional outbursts when I could not rationalize with a four year old or a one-and-a-half year old. I also used it to calm them down when they got a little too rambunxious. So the fact is, I was constantly using the TV to distract and sometime mildly sedate them. That is a sad fact. But, still in the first few days of "TV Turnoff Week" during those rough parenting moments I wanted very badly to give up and give in to the easy answer... "Hey look! It's Barney!"

It was a lot of work. I spent much more time dragging out toys, putting them away, cleaning up finger paints and other project supplies.

But, by the end of the week a lot had changed. I noticed a difference in my daughters' attention spans and imaginations. They began to play more independently and for longer periods of time. A new quietness had settled into the house. Everyone was more attentive. We didn't have to compete with the TV for the kids attention or talk over the extra noise. It was so fabulous I keep asking myself, "Why don't we do this more often?"

The truth is, we may have cut back a bit since then, but TV is sometimes more than a bad habit, it is addictive and a tough addiction to overcome.

The following year (2004) we missed TV Turnoff Week because I was not informed of the dates. The year after that (2005) I decided to look it up on the internet, to inform people and to invite them to participate. The next year, (2006) I hardly mentioned it at all because I feel my efforts are futile.

I had remembered seeing an article in the newspaper when I was in my mid-twenties about school kids who were challenged to not watch TV for a short period of time (maybe it was a week). The article was about a few kids who enjoyed it so much they kept going for months! I admired those kids, because at the time I was quite the couch potato. I thought perhaps those 10-12 year olds had more interesting and fulfilled lives than I had.

I do not want to imply that TV is horrible. I am not going to quote statistics that state TV makes people violent, obese or stupid. (All though in excess, I believe all those things are possible.)

I would like to invite everyone to experience the difference that I have experienced. And, I am not just addressing families with small children.

How many of us adults use the TV to distract ourselves from our emotions or shut our minds off from our anxieties? If turning off your TV could improve your attention span and imagination, would you do it?

I cannot suggest that turning off your TV will be easy or make your life instantly more wonderful. But, sometimes the more difficult task is the most worthwhile and rewarding.

Traveling

1) Grouseland. The home of William Henry Harrison, Vincennes, IN
2) George Rogers Clark Memorial, Vincennes, IN
3) The Labyrinth, New Harmony, IN
4) Inside the Roofless Church, New Harmony, IN
5) New Harmony Inn, New Harmony, IN
6) Full scale replica (42 feet) of Athena
7) The Parthenon, Nashville, TN
8) Guitar shaped swimming pool Music Row, Nashville, TN
9) Hiking in Nashville with Katie

Unbalanced, but Graceful

I've been thinking of making a mobile for some time now.

This past week, I realized it would be a great exercise for my Women's Circle. I am the only "artist" (in title only) of the bunch. My friends love when I lead them through a creative project. And I love drawing out the creative side from those who struggle to do so. We gather to expand and grow spiritually, and of course I feel creativity is the best way to connect with Spirit.

Initially I thought we could create symbols of the aspects of our lives we strive to keep in balance: mind, body, spirit; family, career, health, prosperity; etc. I may still explore that option, but I found a downloadable pattern on the Web for this paper mobile I created today.

"This paper mobile hangs
gracefully and the components
slowly change their orientations
as gentle wind currents flow
around any room."

Beginning from the bottom and working upward, it is necessary to find the center of balance of the smallest piece, (by balancing it on your finger) then attach to the next larger. Starting small and building up, again find the center of balance of the connected pieces and add on.

So here is a symbolic reminder to keep in my conscious mind. Find the center of balance. Start small. Build up. Move gracefully. Slowly. Always changing orientation. Gentle currents. Flow.

And in actuality I'm uncertain if it is not quite balanced or just a little flimsy? Symbolic of myself? Perhaps a little too flexible, to the point of looking a little saggy and weary. I will begin again, with posterboard (or heavy cardstock) as recommended rather than a lighter-weight cardstock. In spite of all that, it's still beautiful.

Poise - Illustration Friday

A flower girl who takes her job very seriously.

Earth Hour 2009

It would be exciting to see
Earth Hour
really catch on with an
observable effect.

This Saturday,
March 28, 2009
please turn off your lights
at 8:30 pm local time.

Seven More Bunnies!

I wondered if I made a lot of little creatures - would I make them much faster? I made this batch of seven all at once, assembly line style. It went pretty quickly. And now I am so excited to have lots of bunnies for Spring... and Easter.

Tiny Treats

Ellie has been wishing for the American Girl "Tiny Treats" book for some time now. Last night we went to Barnes and Noble to spend gift cards and Ellie got her wish. Unlike the miniature blueberry pies she makes out of bottle caps, felt and beads, these tiny treats are edible. A little powdered sugar, cinnamon and melted chocolate chips turn Cheerios into tiny donuts. The tiny breakfast is made from white melting chocolate (for candy molding) M&Ms, tiny bits of Tootsie Rolls and real toast cut real small. We can't wait to make some of the other treats.

Legendary - Illustration Friday

Irish legend says if you find
a four leaf clover, it will bring you good luck.
Good Luck! And Happy St. Patti's Day!

Don't Think. Just Do.

It seems when I don't have time to create, I am flooded with creative ideas. Then, when I find I have a little time, I don't know what to create or where to start. Today I was surprised to have a little time to myself as Ellie went off to a birthday party and Maya played at the neighbor's house. When I realized I could actually sit down and paint I worked very quickly for 2 hours on these four little pieces. Nothing was pre-planned. Nothing feels quite finished. They may be under-paintings or preliminary sketches for future works.

OPRAH!

Oprah was so much fun! I never really thought about going. When Katie lived here, she asked me once why we have never gone? We are right here! I guess tickets are really hard to get (of course). My neighbor told me last week she was going. She said they were looking for an audience full of moms with crazy mom stories. She wrote in on the website, and they called her the next day to ask her to come. There is not an air date scheduled for the show yet, but they said probably within the next month, so watch for previews of "The Secret Lives of Moms". I will talk more about the show when it airs. I don't want to be the one to spoil it. I will say this... there was one small giveaway! Yay! I want to go again.

I was going to take my "Intricate" watercolor to work with me to scan. I really should be scanning my artwork rather than shooting it with a mediocre camera. But - what a busy day! I had to wake up at 5 to leave at 6 to be downtown by 7 - back home by 1pm (confession of a bad mother... at that point I had not made arrangements for someone to care for my children). I called the neighbor to catch Ellie off the bus. Went to work at 1:30. Chatted and showed off my new minoHD flip video camera - THAT OPRAH GAVE ME - to everyone at work. Got a little bit of work done. Was planning on working until 7 or 8 pm, but then remembered I had a Girl Scout meeting at 6. We met at our small town local historical society to earn the Local Lore badge. It was very nice. Now it's 9pm and I should really think about going to bed early again.

Intricate - Illustration Friday

I started this yesterday and was planning on starting over. But, I sliced open the tip of my index finger on a can of cream of mushroom soup. For now, drawing is too cumbersome and a little painful. I better just to go to bed early tonight so that I can wake up at 5:00am to get to the OPRAH! show! Yes! I am going to see OPRAH! and I am very excited.

Survival

I survived a Girl Scout overnight with 19 girls ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old! Much thanks to Yvette for doing all the planning along with the other grown-ups who give me the confidence and courage to put myself in such situations. We were blessed with some spring weather, finally! I am proud to say I am the one who was able to get the fire going in spite of pretty damp wood. We were impatient and I prematurely spread out the coals for cooking s'mores and apple desserts. At that point I killed the fire and we ended up in the kitchen. I am especially proud of my little Daisies who were quite the little independent campers. Such fun makes me not want to resign next year as I continue to lament the difficulty of managing 2 troops... and a job... and a family.

Make the world a better place.
peace.

Happy Birthday!

I didn't want to mention that the bunny house was for my 3 year old little niece. I think Auntie Rhonda was more excited than the birthday girl. She told me she was hoping it could be. Maddie, take good care of the little bunny family. May your Golden Birthday be full of sweet treats and happy surprises!

Love,

Auntie Patti

Breezy - Illustration Friday

Bunnies Find a Home

Truth be told, it was never a dog house. Pookie (the dog) was anxious to model it and I was anxious to share - before the bunnies were created.

A friend asked me if I had any sort of pattern for the house. I am happy to say "no". I am the architect, builder, interior designer and creator of little creatures. I even knitted the blanket on super small knitting needles. This is what I lay awake in bed at night and think about. I am planning on improving the process with the next little playhouse.

Dog House

5"x4"x4" Matt Board and craft paper.