Penny and Peaches (the morning vomiter). Nothing like sharing a sunspot with a friend.
Archive for February, 2009
Saturday Afternoon Update
Saturday, February 28th, 2009Thoughts on Friday
Saturday, February 28th, 2009
This is Fluffer, our hairball hacking, squirrel killing cat. "Let me IN." Fluffer really is very sweet (to us).
It’s Friday. The end of the work week is finally here for me. I don’t have big plans for my weekend in the worldly sense. My pockets are full, not with cash, but with two days to spend as I please. As I’ve gotten older, shopping at the mall holds no allure, fashion tempts me not (as you already know) and only the very best movie will bring me into the theater.
These next couple of days will be spent at home - for the most part. Painting, cleaning, writing or listening to music. Enjoying the day at my own pace. Doing the things that feed my spirit. I might linger in bed a bit longer than usual after spending a late night painting. My cat and dog alarms have no snooze button, but they are adaptable. The weekends bring a chance to watch the birds at the feeder, observe the sun move around the house casting sunlight on the floor and illuminating the dust. I’ll find Penny (my trusty Beagle) and Fluffer (our affectionate squirrel killer) sleeping in the sunspots, following as it moves from here to there. If the sun doesn’t cooperate and hides behind the clouds, no problem, the wood stove will provide a comforting warmth with Penny and Fluffer close. So close there’s a legitimate fear of singed fur.
The afternoon will be spent washing clothes, vacuuming (my Dyson still rocks), dusting and trying to create order where none existed all week. I’ll feel satisfied as I walk around the house savoring the art, knick-knacks, old stuff and other junk we’ve collected over the years. Maybe I’ll stop in the midst of cleaning to look at old pictures, what a rush of emotion that will bring.
Then when evening comes our home becomes a haven as the world goes dark. We seem to exist alone on our dead-end street. Dinner can be simple and unplanned or a crock-pot meal we’ve been smelling all day. Who knows. Either approach works. Sometime during the weekend a trip to the store will take me away from home. That’s okay - it’s on my schedule when I choose. I think I’m really a frustrated free-spirit - aren’t we all. Left to our own devices how would we lead our lives?
….
It’s Saturday morning, the sun is out. My cat and dog alarms are much more insistent than I had hoped so I was forced out of bed a bit before I’d like. Start coffee, let Penny and Fluffer (with bell collar on) out, let dog back in. I take a cup of coffee before it’s done brewing (no beeping this morning) and I head for the living room to enjoy the birds. I discover along the way that the cat had vomited during the night, twice, in the hallway, I can’t get around it. I resist the temptation to swear not wanting to spoil my weekend so early. Paper towels and rug cleaner in hand I clean it up. And then I head back to the living room. Just as I’m about to sit down with my coffee I notice the cat decided to spread it around. Again, I resist the temptation to swear, paper towels and rug cleaner in hand, I clean it up, again.
I’ve learned some valuable lessons this morning… Life is messy and unpredictable. You have to be ready for the unexpected and it should be faced with a smile and paper towels plus rug cleaner in hand.
A Week for a Miracle!
Friday, February 27th, 2009
Tom & Penny On Our Road. He's proven that men can listen and miracles do happen!
My husband said something supportive this week. How cool is that? As I headed home from work on Wednesday I gave a call home (as I usually do). I pulled my car over to make the call, of course. Our conversations are typically short, “What’s cookin?” . . . “Nothin’, what’s cookin’ with you.” Don’t judge . . . Anyway, during this conversation, I was quite surprised to hear Tom suggest we eat out. Wow!
Now, as you may know, if you’ve been following along with my chatter, we live in a relatively remote area. Around 15 miles away you’ll find, McDonalds, Burger King and a few other privately owned, non-franchised food producers. We decided on Fernando’s, a bar/restaurant with a castle/dungeon theme, lights usually low, creating a cavernous feel. Cold beer on tap, fried food and burgers their specialty.
We settled into our booth and were greeted by a friendly waitress, who took our beverage and dinner order, then left us to our “marital couple” chatter. As you can imagine, I talk a lot about blogging these days and what I’m going to write about next. How can I keep going…. what will I say…. will I run out of things to say? With that, Tom responded, “You won’t run out, you have a lifetime of experiences to share.” Well…. Knock me over with a feather. Supportive, profound and he was listening!
Now, I’m not implying that Tom is not supportive, but he’s a man after all. He does the best he can. On this day he said just what I needed to hear. Bingo! Jackpot! Call off the dogs!
I can’t express how surprised I was and how good Tom’s remark made me feel. He gave me the courage to continue and is helping me dig deeper into the recesses of my mind for memories, wisdom and humor to share. His remark has set me free. Thanks, Tom, you’re full of surprises and prove that miracles happen at any time!
Plaid is King
Thursday, February 26th, 2009
Now if you thought I'd post an incriminating pic of me in my Wal-Mart outfit - wrong. That's my sister, Bethy, and me wearing early plaid.
Okay, I’m the first to admit that high fashion is not my thing. While I do try to dress in a somewhat presentable way, I suspect on the weekends I’ll always look on the verge of being mistaken for the homeless. Were it not for the keys in my hand, I could easily ask for spare change from strangers at times and accumulate quite a stash out of pure pity.
So it happened last weekend when Tom and I headed to Wal-Mart to pick up our weekly provisions. Now before you rant about buying American, for us Wally-World is the only game in town without traveling many, many miles. So the decision becomes, do we give our hard-earned money to the Chinese by way of Wal-Mart or the Arabs. We like Chinese.
Anyway… we live in an area where real people reside. What I mean by that is spandex can be worn by anyone and plaid is king. So when we headed out to Wally-World on Sunday I grabbed my two-sizes too big, men’s, green and black plaid shirt, jeans and boots. In my official “locals uniform,” I was sure not to stand out. As I was buttoning my shirt I did notice that the buttons weren’t cooperating by easily slipping into each buttonhole. No problem, these days persistence is my motto so I just buttoned away.
Coat on, out to the car and onto the store we go. Our ritual typically involves a stop at McDonald’s for breakfast or (as on this day) lunch. I’m prone to overheating these days so off comes my coat. All is good - I’m in plaid after all. After lunch we commence shopping.
As we’re rolling past the Eight O’clock Coffee, Tom beings to laugh. My shirt is inside out, tag exposed, but perfectly buttoned. At first I decide to just ignore it in spite of Tom’s continued laughter. For a moment it did cross my mind to visit the ladies room to correct things - I let that thought pass on through without action. I’ve been to Wally-World in much worse outfits. This is really one of my better weekend home/shopping ensembles.
I recall one outfit in particular. It was summer and I’d been working in the garden (yes an excuse). I’d not been feeling well, so I just threw on any old thing (and another excuse). As I strolled past one of the mirrors in the women’s department I gasped. There was a woman wearing pedal pushers (these days called Capris) tan with a few stains from working in the garden, black Merrell’s worn and dirty (mostly used for lawn mowing) and white half-socks. Nice! Since that day I try to pay more attention to what I wear so as not to scare young children at the store.
This day I wasn’t scaring people, but I was attracting a few looks. Astonishing, I felt judged in my hometown Wal-Mart. I put my coat back on for a time until I began to overheat and was forced to remove it again. Hey they should thank heaven I wasn’t wearing spandex.
Truth is I’m not interested in a makeover or in wearing expensive designer duds, though I’ll admit a bit more attention needs to be paid to my wardrobe. With those fashion flashbacks in mind I’ve begun trying to spruce myself up some. Wearing not only what is comfortable, but clothes that look better too. Don’t get too excited, you’ll not catch me in Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choo’s. (Truthfully, I never heard of them until I watched Sex and the City), and I don’t think I’ll ever cross the line into extreme vanity. What I will admit is there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance and it actually makes you feel better, more successful. Yes, I’m becoming a more successful, better-dressed Wal-Mart shopper. Watch for me at a store near you.
My Neighbors in the Red House
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Headed to Work - Pink Flamingo and All. Just pulled out of my driveway. I'll check on the Browns and keep you posted.
We’ve never met, but I know them well, this family in the little red house. In November of 2000 we moved even further out into the countryside. My morning commute is long, 38 to 41 miles depending on the route. I’m a human being and an artist - I observe things.
This little red house - an older ranch style with a small-detached garage, one small economy car and an older SUV, both parked outside - is on my way to work. Neat, no frills, no flowers in summer, one small, scraggly shrub ill placed in the front of the house. Set on a main road, the curtains (sheer, but not transparent) are always pulled. I watch this house each day; curious, conjuring up my own idea of who lives there.
Finally, I see someone, a young man with dark brown hair. He dutifully mows the law each week. He uses a push mower on this significant lawn. I see him regularly and no one else, when finally I see her. Petite, also with brown hair. Good, he has a wife. They appear to be hardworking; one car is usually gone before I pass by and the other gone when I return home at the end of the day.
Most of the time, during the summer months they leave for the weekend. I imagine they have a small boat and go camping each weekend. I’m mystified by that decision because they live in such a rural place, but I understand it since they live on a main road with little privacy.
One day I see a flurry of activity. Tables are set up; many cars are in the driveway, the garage door is open, many young men and my brown haired friend, laughing with beer in hand. The women, huddle near the house where a picnic table has been placed, are also laughing and talking. Friends from the lake I surmise.
Day after day I get to know my neighbors in the red house. One day I see Mrs. Brown; she appears to be pregnant. Congratulations, I think to myself. The Browns are having a baby. Day after day I watch this little red house weaving my own story of their lives. After a fashion, I see Mrs. Brown with a baby in her arms. Wonderful! Eventually a swing set appears, a dog, a doghouse and colorful plastic things (mostly pink) in the yard. At Christmas, I see a large inflatable snowman near the front door and then another baby arrives and another dog is added.
Today on my way to work I see there’s a large dumpster outside the house. Filled to capacity, some colorful plastic things (mostly pink) are on top. Could the Browns be renovating? Doing an early Spring-cleaning? Or Moving? No…. Not moving, we’ve become such good friends. They never said a word. These neighbors of mine, I know them well.
On the way home I see the curtains are still up, a light is on and the dumpster is gone. In the morning a minivan is parked out front. I don’t recall whether they got a new car. I’ll be keeping watch as the snow begins to melt and the little red house comes alive again to see who emerges. Will it be the Browns or someone new? In either case, we’re “friends” and I wish them well.
Monday Update
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Me, Ma & Bethy 1960 (Gosh we're cute)
Mondays are tough. Everyone seems in their own personal haze as we make our the regular stops for newspaper and coffee. Elevator companions, always quiet, are even more so on Mondays. No eye contact or talking allowed. Phones in the office remain mostly silent until afternoon and then calls come in sporadically after that. You’re relieved, the quiet giving you a chance to figure out what you were doing on Friday. Oh yeah… that’s what I was doing. The coffee has begun to take effect. Time to get busy instead of just looking busy, but now it’s time for lunch and a little fresh air is in order to seal the transition from weekend to work week. Of course, time must be spend answering the famous Monday morning question, “How was your weekend?” And so it goes Monday after Monday.
Luckily I made plans to meet my sister (best friend and shopping companion) for dinner and a browse through TJ Maxx after work. That place rocks. Bet and I have the same rhythm when it comes to shopping. We know when to provide the proper response, “Get it!,” and never respond, “Do you need that?” We’re typically TJ Maxx “closers,” leaving only after we’ve been given the 15 minute till closing time alert. This night we’re done before the alert sounds. I for one can’t think of a better way to end a Monday and ease back into the work week.
My hope for you is that you have someone like my sister, who you can shop with, laugh with, cry with and just sit in companionable silence with. Those relationships are a gift. If you don’t have one, find one. If you have one be sure to tend it like a spring garden, water it, fertilize it and help it grow.
Work In Progress 2-Tulip Salvage Final
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009Happy Monday!
I’ve posted the final stages of this Tulip Salvage Project on the “Work in Progress No. 2″ Page (at right). Check it out to see the complete salvage project plus the FINAL painting. Judge for yourself if the painting was made better or worse. More later…
Morning Music
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009
Morning Music (A Reenactment)
I wake each morning to the same music. My alarm is set for 6:30 a.m. I seldom, if ever, get up with the alarm. The last few mornings Toby Keith was serenading me. Much as I love Toby (and I do, but don’t tell my husband), I turn off the alarm and roll over for a few more Zees. Toby is only the beginning of my morning music.
The alarm rouses my trusty Beagle, Penny. She is a gifted musician. First the chewing…. “Chewwww, Chewwww, Chewww…” Then shaking those floppy ears, “Flop, flop, FLOP,” and then scratching, lots of scratching and finally her morning patrol. Around the bed, “Who’s awake?” Shuffle, scuff, shuffle and then a half hop, front feet on the edge of the bed (those legs are way too short for her to see you otherwise) staring into your sleepy face. With feet on the edge of the bed… Tap, Scratch, Tap (if she can reach you) with her paw. No response? Shuffle, scuff, shuffle to Tom on the other side of the bed. Her mental plea, “Feed me, let me out, but mostly Feed ME!” Still no response, she’ll retreat to the kitchen for her morning spin - chasing her tail - we’ve taken to calling it Penny’s Pilates.
Still snuggled in, our cat alarm goes off. As small and petite as Fluffer is, she has a pretty loud MeoWWW. So, from the edge of the bed, “meow, Meow, MEOW.” Into the hallway, “Meow,” near the kitchen door, “Meow.” Then back into the bedroom, her nose touching Tom’s, “MEOW.” If you fall for it at this time of the year and get up to let Fluffer out, you can expect - open door, sniff air, turn around and promptly run back into the house (without setting foot outside).
Finally, I extract myself from my snug, toasty bed to start the coffee (Eight O’Clock, of course). Actually, my bladder alarm has insisted I get up (my bladder alarm doesn’t sing). Once the coffee is going I return to bed - just five more minutes. At this time of year, with snow still on the ground, it just makes sense to snuggle back in until the coffee is done. As I lay in bed I hear the coffee machine music. Gush, plunge, gush plunge, until five minutes later, beep, beep, beep. My sister-in-law and brother have the same coffeemaker and she informed me one day it beeps five times. So as I lay tucked in bed, I wait for the beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, counting along in my head. That’s my final cue. It’s time to get up and face the world. Ready or not world here I come.
It’s funny, when you get together with friends or family and you’re asked, “What’s new,” you realize “what’s new” is hard to describe and wouldn’t mean much to them. My morning music and so many other little things that happen each day won’t make the headlines, but they’re what weaves the fabric of our lives. Most of us lead seemingly ordinary lives, but when really examined deeply, you realize you are the star in your daily concert. So go out and make music today!
Work In Progress 2-Salvage (Stage 3&4)
Friday, February 20th, 2009
Tulip Salvage No. 3 - Sketching
Okay… what I’ve done next is sketch in the additional tulips, overlapping to create a sense of distance. I’ve decided that five tulips (imperfect balance) would be more interesting than the two I began with. You can see here the area that I’ve scrubbed. As I suspected, I was unable to remove all the paint, but that’s okay because in that area I intend to use a glazing technique, which is essentially layering color.
Tulip Salvage No. 4 - Controlled Washes
What I’ve done here are several controlled washes. A controlled wash is wetting only the areas where I intend to apply paint, i.e., the tulips and around the leaves. At this point we need to let everything dry completely. I feel the piece has already been improved a bit although there’s still much more to do. It is likely the foliage will need to be darker than I would typically make it since I have to cover my initial mistake. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Time to let things dry.
Work in Progress 2-Salvage (Stage 1&2)
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Tulip Salvage No. 1
This next project is a bit different from the first (see Artwork In Progress No. 1) where I demonstrated my painting process from start to finish. This time I’m going into my pile of unfinished paintings. These paintings were left unfinished because I felt they we failing in some way. So let’s see if this painting of tulips can be revived. Even if this painting doesn’t end up being something you might hang on your wall, it is likely you will learn something by finishing it.
I feel this painting is a “failed attempt” to paint tulips because it is lacking a pleasing composition and interesting value pattern. My choice of two tulips is uninteresting, the focal point not defined, the tulip on the right is too long and narrow and the foreground foliage is overworked (too gray). I’m not sure this piece can be salvaged, but let’s make it the best it can be.
My first step is to tape the painting (using masking tape) to a board. I am using my sketch board, but you can use a piece of plexiglass if you have it or some other rigid surface. The disadvantage to taping your paper to the table is you cannot pick it up easily if needed to move the water and paint around the paper.
Tulip Salvage No. 2 - Scrubbing
My next step is to take a damp paper towel to scrub specific areas of the painting in an attempt to remove the unwanted paint. The Arches 140 Lb. Cold Press Watercolor paper can take a fair amount of scrubbing. It is unlikely you will remove all the paint - certain colors are very staining - but do the best you can. My paper towel preference is Viva, they are very thick, absorbant and durable. Be sure to stop by later to check on the salvaging progress!