New Small Work

The following small pieces hatched from a single length of raw silk were completed over the past few days. 

Some of the bits were joined together with a zigzag stitch over fibers.

Some stood on their own.

Seed beads were added on each, sometimes in scatters...

...and sometimes in lines.

Sizes range from 3.5"x6"...

to 5.75"x9".

 Happy Mother's Day tomorrow.  I get to see my mother (and Dad) on Thursday when I go to Denver.

We Talk (briefly) about the Weather

One word: Snow.  Here's a memory of spring as it was unfolding the past few days...

alder

blind river rapids trail in a moment of clearing between squalls

fiddlehead fern

crystal mountain under a squall

alder again

lovely spring, I know you will return again!  (hurry back)!!!

Hatching

Several small works emerging from a larger piece of raw silk eco-dyed last summer and textile painted in the fall are now being stitched and beaded.

the raw silk was dyed with onion skins and rust

After being fused to two layers of felt and machine stitched, the cloth hung on the design wall all winter.  Sometimes work has to incubate, right?  It's fun hatching a new little series this way, chopping up and re-configuring the pieces.  I plan to add hand stitching and seed beads, and whatever else seems right as I go along.

Daily Drawing and the Latest Blossom

pigma pen and prismacolor pencil in 8x6 Gamma

Early in the week, I was sunk in a fog of self-imposed, self-centered gloom, living in the past and the future - both real bad neighborhoods.

'Web of Spring' - watercolor and inktense pencils in 8x6 Gamma

No amount of glorious spring rain or prayers for help could lift my heart.  God seemed remote as the moon.

'Deer Girl' - pigma pen and prismacolor pencils in 8x6 Gamma

Yesterday God's help came in the form of a listening ear and wise words from a fellow human being - angels suddenly apparent everywhere.  My stick said 'Live and Let Live'. 

Heart soars again in this day...

...this moment, this morning hour when everything is just as it should be and I don't feel compelled to judge any of the amazing NOW.   Hey, thanks God, for doing for me what I cannot do for myself once again.

The first salmon berry blossoms are here!

Scene, Recently #26

Village Challenge

I was over visiting Kel last evening, and became inspired by her post about community.  She challenged readers to make a visual depiction of their support network as row houses.  Here's what followed in my sketch book as I reflected on my own tribe.

pigma pen, watercolor, cassein and prismacolor pencil in 9x6 sketchbook

Detail

Great prompt, Kel.  I have a lot more contemplating to do on the supportive relationships in my life.  Blogland friendships are a part of that, for sure, and I thank you all for your comments!

(Thisdrawing is the final page in my 9x6 daily book, and I will be moving into a pristine new Stillman & Birn 'Gamma' series book next.  Thanks for the recommendation, Lynne!)

View from the Top

As spring advances, snow retreats and our walking destinations increase.  Sunday we were able to climb up one of our favorite logging roads for the first time since last fall.

We had record snow depths this winter and although the road is now clear, mounds remain on the muskeg and in shady spots.

Up near the top of the hill Flossy paused to pose.

This walk is straight up and very steep going, but the views are worth the climb.  (and of course, it's all downhill on the way back to the truck)!