Random thought about my week Jan 25 to Jan 31, 2015

Artful Wordsmith Lesson

Jan. 25:

I am going to be posting art work done during the week.  This one was actually completed on Friday of last week, but I wanted to post it today for a reason.  This is part of Lifebook 2015 and I really enjoy the lessons.  Actually I started not to participate this year because I had become severely discouraged by posting work and not getting comments.  I know, I know that is not the reason to do art, but I felt very vulnerable posting my work and to not get many comments just messed with my head.

What changed?  Well some of my art friends are teaching this year so I just had to support them.  In the process of supporting others, I decided that I could adopt the following attitude.  Comments should not be the expected outcome of my art journey.  I had to really examine my intent, it is to be popular or is it to have fun.  I am 65 years old, I will probably not make money from these efforts, but I can just create for the sheer fun of it.  Also, I can release fears and frustrations by putting my heart on the canvas.

I am still somewhat tentative as I create and my goal this year is two fold, believe in myself and go for the gusto.  So today was a day of deep thought as I checked in to make sure I am still on track with my goals.  So far so good.

Jan. 26:

Completed the Ballerina lesson by Patti Ballard.  I did not watch the video over and over, I printed out the picture and used it as a guide.  It was really easy, although I need to get better with the jaw shape.  I have been hesitant to try using photo's as a guide for drawing and painting, but I think I am really going to give it a try.

Tonight Bible study begins, will be studying the second phase of Isaiah from chapters 40 to 55. Should be really good.

Jan. 27

I have spent years pushing myself, operating on 3 and 4 hours sleep a night, thinking that was all that I needed.  It wasn't.  Lately my body has been telling me it needs more rest, it needs more attention
and I am starting to listen.  Another thing is I dream in technicolor with sound.  I used to think it was crazy, but it isn't it is just me.  Some of those dreams are messages, messages that I need to listen to and explore.

Taught Religious Ed today.  We are starting the study of the Mass.  How can we make the Mass come alive for 7 year olds.  It has to be more than a thing we do,  means to an end.  The Mass and the act of going and participating has to become a way of life, a part of their core being so that when the time comes when they walk away (and for most it will), there will be a yearning in their spirit that will call them back and they will answer so they can be fed.

I put a base coat on the cover of a book I am using for Mixed Media 201 class.  I love the base and how the colors mixed together.  But the real deal is that I just could not leave it blank and lifeless, the colors bring it to life, give it depth and make it personal.

Jan. 28:

5 am.  A dream woke me up this morning.  Not a bad dream, not a nightmare; it was a call, a call to get busy and do what I am supposed to be doing.

My husband Donald was in the dream doing what he has always done...."My wife can help you....." in the dream was a lady who wanted to write songs. Donald felt I could help her write her songs.  She was sitting with her book with nothing on the page but desire.  She told me that she felt called to write, the words were welling up inside of her begging for release.  Her husband picked up his guitar and strummed a few cords, but she could not voice the words.

"I took a walk today, looking for something to feed my soul,  yes, I took a walk today looking for something to feed my soul, there were no answers, only and empty goals."  In the dream I sang these words and everyone stopped and looked at me.  Immediately Donald said you can write her songs and I said no.  She had to do it for herself.  If the words are welling up inside of her, only she can let them out one word at a time.

When I woke up I realized that the dream and message was for me.  It is time to follow my path, do my art, write my words, take my walk and find what will really feed my soul.

Today was a busy day.  I was lector at Mass this morning, then grocery shopping.  Home to do chores and get ready for meeting at church.  Fell asleep early, a sister was tired.

Jan. 29:

14 years ago I said my final goodbyes to Donald Hoagland.  Where has the time gone?  I often think about that day because it reminds me of how important it is to really get to know someone.  Donald was an interesting and complex man.  He could be funny and exasperating at the same time.  He put the Cheap in cheap and yet he could be very generous with his time.  He fancied himself a ladies man, yet he needed the stability of having someone he could count on.  He wanted to live forever and died relatively young.  Miss you everyday Donald.

Since I went to sleep relatively early, I woke up early.  No dreams last night.  I woke up to Rick Steves touring the Amalfi coast.  It piqued my interest since I was there in 2007.  I was reminded of how wonderful my life has been and all of the experiences I have had.  I was also reminded that I have so many pictures that I can sketch in my journals....I have built in prompts......

Today I am going to Aaron Brothers to take advantage of the closing of our local store, what sales will I find?  I found black gesso for $5.00, a Sillman and Birn journal for $8.00, string gel for $5.00 and other great deals.  I am a happy camper.

While waiting on the bus I was thinking about the Art Chain challenge in which I am participating, and the type of art I do.  I realized that I am truly  mixed media artist.  By that I mean, doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  Not so much drawing and painting but photography, needle arts, jewelry making; just enjoying the process.

In the Shadows of Zion Utah

This photo was taken in November on a driving tour of Zion National Park in Utah.  I love taking photo's with shadows.

Jan. 30

Rainy day in Henderson.  It rained all day and I stayed home. Worked on art, relaxed, enjoyed chocolate milk, took a long nap and then watched Serena Williams win the Australian Open at 3 am.  What a day.  I am finding that I like staying home creating and I need to get on track with my scarf of the month project.

This was a nice week.  Until next week, take care......pilgrim