SUN-DAY

Crescent Point early morn

Another downright gorgeous day of sun-drenched, windblown skies and glittering water.  Such a blessing to live here amidst all this glory.
As I walked the shoreline this morning I found myself thinking of the busyness that is this time of year for many of us. This brought me straight through to mind-full vs mindful.  While minds--my own certainly included--may be full to the brim with all there is to be done, it is so worth doing to keep my eye on the mindful as well. Counting blessings!

CHALLENGES AND GROWTH

Thematic

Ah, the challenges of preparing to do a summer-long festival!  They are many.  Some are more challenging; some more routine. All lead to areas of growth and, hopefully, a WOW presentation.
For me, the routine ones get in the way of creative play and the big challenge there is to stay in a zone like the One A Days provided. 
Perhaps I'm kidding myself; perhaps waiting for that Calvin and Hobbes moment of inspiration--last minute panic. At any rate, taking a short road trip to re-open that creative place that is just at the edge of things. Santa Barbara here I come!

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

#131--Home for the Summer

Maybe not much to look at right now, but this will be my home away from home for this summer's busy Sawdust Art Festival season.  Booth pick was done yesterday and now the countdown begins. The 50th anniversary of this Laguna artist showcase opens to the public on Friday, June 24th and there is much to be done before that date arrives.  Not least of these is getting a satisfactory structure built on the pictured site.
I am excited to return to this street-side location with a view of the world outside.  It is deep and open-feeling with plenty of room to create while I am there.  WooHoo!!!

FIFTY

One A Days

So here you can see what fifty One A Day paintings can look like when matted and put in plastic sleeves.Not sure just why I felt the need to do this with them, but somehow it felt kind of like an honoring of the commitment.
This was a challenging exercise. It was also one I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. There is so much of stretch, explore, grow in committing to create a completed piece of art each day. I say give it a try!

WHY I WAKE EARLY

Mary Oliver said it sooo well:  "Hello, sun in my face....good morning, good morning, good morning.Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness."
On this glorious Saturday morning I again wake early and refresh every aspect of me.  Whales and rainbows and paddlers...and oh, those clouds! Oh, my!
Rejoice and begin the day for fortune smiles!

PUT A BIRD ON IT

"Put a bird on it" gets bandied about a lot at the workshops (and other places as well.) Since I am exceptionally fond of birds anyway it is especially appropriate. Their song starts my day out well and their antics along my morning walks entertain me.  And, especially in the spring, it seems the mourning doves do sound their mellow crying more--an oddly soothing sound these May evenings.