Art

My Art

     I remember drawing long long time ago. Pencil drawing. Small little pictures like a comic page. My friend, Kim, was really good at it and I wanted to do the same kind of drawing. Sometimes I wonder if she has any of those drawings still. Maybe I should ask her.
     About 4-5 years ago, I thought painting would relax me. It seemed to be one of those things others did and they seemed happy so I decided to just buy some paint and a canvas and start something. Now looking back, I should have taken lessons. As with many things, once you start bad habits with a new activity, it is hard to turn back.
     When I started, I learned a few things about myself. One most important lesson is that music seems to open up your senses. Turn off the TV. Turn on a little Jean-Francois Paillard and his Paillard Chamber Orchestra sounds and you will find yourself immersed in the most positive thoughts.
     Below are some things I have worked on. I tried to organize them according to first pieces to most recent. This page is for me to organize my thoughts on my own art.

Sunflowers

Yellow Flowers

View From Alaska Hillside Home

Italy Poppies

More Poppies

Just Painting Christmas Colors

Tried something different as I pondered my life

I love biking

So I tried it again

Bike!

Swimmers among us

Bike Series

Triathlon Life

More to come.....

Stronger

Yes, I am an IRONMAN!

I heard it as I crossed the finish line on Saturday evening. After 14 hours, 37 minutes, and 58 seconds, I came to the conclusion of a year long adventure in training. The moment was not what I expected. There was cheering. I heard my name called out and the excitement of finishing was like nothing I had experienced before, yet I was too tired to enjoy it. Must train and do it again to relish it better.

planting seeds

Being from the south and being a country girl, I have planted a few seeds. Begrudgingly when I was young. Now with pleasure as an adult. It is just too bad I can't remember when to plant, what to fertilize the seeds with, or how much water to give. I know when to weed. That would be anytime something other than the desired plants pops up. And of course, most times I can tell when to harvest. Anytime the fruit looks yummy. The days are getting warmer and planting season has begun. Trees are budding and flowers are blooming. I have chosen the seeds I want to sow.

The seed of love is first to go in this spring. I have planted it all year long but this ground around me needs an extra dose. I felt it at a recent wedding seeing so many people I have been close to in the past but haven't seen in so long that I wasn't sure if they were willing to share their love. They were. It helped me remember that no matter how far or distant you may have been with someone close, you can always make some time to connect when the opportunity presents itself. So with love, I plant the seeds that have been given to me back into ground to let it sprout more. It won't go to waste. If hatred pops up, I will tenderly weed it out. As love blooms, I will embrace the lovely colors and smells.

Spending time

Mama's are here to do this. I have said it so many times this week while spending time with Stephanie in Portland. It isn't a "have to" thing. Well, it isn't, really. Mostly, it is a "want to" thing. I love doing things for my kids. I love them so much and it comes easy to just give to them without a second thought.

Dear Friday

Dear Friday,

I want to thank you. The week has gone by so fast. You are here and nothing catastrophic has happened this week. It is also December and it doesn't look like the normal December Friday I have experienced the past 18 years. Temperature is 75. I am wearing flip flops, a skort, short sleeves and my hair is tied back. A run this morning and an easy bike ride this afternoon, outdoors, again and now contemplating sitting outside to read. Not sure I can contain myself.

What did I do to deserve such a perfect Friday? It was like you knew I would always return to see this day. Yes, I visit you every 7 days but this time it is different. I recognize that I have truly missed you. The trees that hold on to their green and only shed a few reds. The humidity that is still warm yet welcoming to dry skin. The sky that is blue with occasional white puffs floating lazily by.

I hope you can return and maybe even visit those I love with your warmth. The world has turned. Others need to experience a Friday like you to ease their stress.

You are my Friend who I never really appreciated and didn't think I would deserve to see again. Thank you for showing up.

Nostalgia

It happened again. I suppose it will many more times in the next year as the Southern exposure slowly infuses my days. The warmth, the constant reliable sunshine, and most of all...the fried everything just brings back memories.

Those senses all bring delight to my well being although maybe not the fried everything part. I really have enjoyed the running outside. Even on a rainy day. The other morning, I looked outside and thought "yuck". There was no sun. Clouds were everywhere and not just fluffy white ones but dark fluid filled ones just waiting for my feet to step out.