Sunday Afternoon

The third day of the current storm – we headed out the road for the afternoon walk, in search of a break in the rain, and found it...

  ...about 21-mile at Ohmer Creek.  

We walked the highway, which has been scoured clear of ice by the torrents of rain.

The blueberry bushes showed their fiery red stems against the gloom of the forest.

 We ended up walking all the way to the old log dump, three miles south of where we parked the truck.  It was a long hike back, but really beautiful.  So grateful the rain held off the entire time.

It was nearly dark by the time we got home. 

 The pets were glad get back indoors and onto the Couch of Comfort.

We were glad for a good dinner waiting for us in the oven, and the cake I baked this morning.

Happy week to all!

Painting

I went to the studio this morning intending to make a Tyvek junk journal like I saw over at the fabulous Amy's blog.  I want such a journal to write my Small Stones in.  So I was painting Tyvek and having a really great time -

so great, in fact, that I decided I wanted to do nothing but paint - FOREVER!

And I had these canvases all stretched from last summer so I made a switcheroo and spent the rest of the day in color paradise, pushing acrylic paint around.

 I haven't painted on canvas for years.  Why not?  So many interests,  so little time!

Before I left to go home for the day, I started two more.  Can't wait to get back in the morning!

Daily Drawing

'Got Bertram?' Pigma pen and watercolor in 9x6 sketchbook

Small Writing Challenge

Thank you to Kel for bringing to my attention the River of Stones project, which fits right in to my new years’ resolve to become more keenly aware of the moment, day by day.

I’ll be posting one small writing each day for the month of January, over toward the bottom of the right sidebar under the heading ‘Small Stones’.  These writings will be based on some closely observed moment, object or incident I encounter that day.

'The Winter Rainbow' daily drawing, Pigma pen and prismacolor pencil in 9"x6" sketchbook

If you are interested in participating, it’s not too late.

An End to the Doldrums

I rejoice to say: sure enough the malaise has lifted - progress made on the challenge piece for Fiberactions - and ideas bubbling around for new work in the New Year.  Here is a little glimpse of the challenge, just a little detail because the reveal is not until January 15 here.

raw silk dyed with rust and onions; cotton dyed with procion; textile paints; beads

The last spectacular sunset of the old year happened last evening.

I share it with you here along with more trumpeter swans...

and best wishes for a creative 2012.  See you there!

Scene Recently, #21

The clouds parted for a rare glimpse of sunset at Blind Slough on a recent afternoon.

Reflections While Shirking

Reflections at year end as we enjoy some quiet days off from the usual routine:

In the studio, fooling around on a piece for the Fiberactions challenge (due on January 15), feeling weary, stuck and empty-headed… 

detail of work in progress: stamping on vintage kimono silk

detail of work in progress: stamping on eco-dyed raw silk

 

This will pass, I know, but it’s uncomfortable as always when beginning to work again after a hiatus.  Others have wisely suggested that at the start of a break, it’s helpful to leave something in progress waiting for you – I wish I had!  Experience tells me that it will be ok, just get in there and make some chaos – the doors to my imagination will fly open again.

 

We have taken some good walks on these afternoons while I am shirking my studio, and I believe this time off will play into the next body of work.

 

 

What is your remedy for being blahhked?

By the way, thank you so much to all who read, comment and follow my blog - I plan to have a give away early in the new year to celebrate my anniversary.