CRAZY CONTROLLED

 It was late last night and I finally just felt I had to give up. Very disappointing, but I wanted to read a bit and then get a good night's sleep so I silenced the phone and picked up my book. 

BUT...I just could not get with the story, my mind too busy focusing on the individual words. I kept trying. And then....

"Knew"--the word just popped out from the page at me and I knew (intended play on words here😉.) The word had to start with "kn." That was all I needed to solve.

I love this puzzle game and am quite happy that the originator sought to keep it from becoming addictive by doing only one per day. It is addictive, but controlled.

Thanks to my daughter Kendall for turning me on to this.

WHIMSICAL PLAY

Sometimes it's all about whimsy in these Mixed Media Playtime work(?)shops. From Picasso to Emerson to Maslow and beyond runs the recognition that play is a necessary attribute of creativity...and life. I adhere to this wholeheartedly and hope you do too.

Play on, MacDuff...and everyone else 😃

AND DON'T ALL THINGS HAVE BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS?

In the midst of my personal "January Clearance"--emptying boxes and bags and crawling around the studio to suss out things hidden, I ordered this book. I have only just begun to read it and am thoroughly impressed by the writing. It is a unique style and might not appeal to all, but I am intrigued.

On the clearance front I've been pretty successful and have a treasure trove of old art work going to the thrift store and a huge pile of empty boxes awaiting the recycling bin. The best part? Letting go makes room for new creative ideas. And in that vein I came across this great quote:  Holding onto something that is good for you now may be the very reason you don't have something better.

Onward with the clearance (with a bunch of breaks for reading.) Oh, and crossing my fingers for omicron heading out to make way for January (full) and February workshops.

RAINY DAY PLAY

 

Rainy day play brought on some sunny color and, after struggling with some blog glitches, a cheery disposition showed up. So, yes, Andrea, still scattering joy 😀

Despite the year continuing to show strains at the seams, an overall assessment says it was a pretty good year. Daily walks, good health, good friends, scattered workshops filled with new and returning faces, a couple of opportunities too good to pass up, old friends showing up after many years...I could go on and on. My gratitude list is pretty darned full 💓

I hope all who are reading this can add up the gratitude moments against the disappointments and come up on the plus side. And, if for some reason you can't, I'll leave you with Maya Angelou's words, Every storm runs out of rain.

SCATTER JOY

Well, it's that time of year once again, Cards go out, Carols are sung--their music fills the air.  The fragrances of pine and cinnamon and baking waft around us.  And....most of all, joy gets scattered about, or at least the wish for it. Well, I'm here to say let's make joy scattering, not just a seasonal thing, but a year-round activity. It can start with small kindnesses handed out , a smile, a hearty hello, and just go on and on from there. Let's try it!Meanwhile, Happy Holidays!

WINTER FANTASY FUN

thru december 19th

This is such a great opportunity to buy from your local artists, support them, and give unique and interesting personal gifts to family and friends. There is a lot to do besides purchase gifts too...entertainment, good food, music, Santa, holiday decorations. Check it out and come to Laguna any time the next three weekends.

www.sawdustartfestival.org

 

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

 I have to admit that often I say my inspiration arrives, as for Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes, in last-minute panic.

This time the arrival was far more peaceful and kind of developed over a bit of time.

In September student Camillia (always full of laughter and joy) brought me a crow card she had purchased on her magnificent summer trip to visit baseball parks. I was enamored, but did not see myself doing anything like it.

Yet, the seed was planted. Seems as soon as everything was boxed and ready for the Sawdust Festival's Winter Fantasy I had time on my hands for pure play. Why it went to creating stamps that then became printed cards I can't really say. But there it is. Six individual, different designs--all crows of course! It was a lot of fun. Now what to do with them? Send short personal notes, I suppose. Or make more. Or......????