Archive for September, 2009
Monday, September 28th, 2009
 Here's the face that kept me away.... Now can you blame me for the absence?! I’m back and have to apologize for leaving my blog unattended since last Wednesday. What’s more, I did so without notice or explanation. Very irresponsible on my part. I’m sorry.
Things have been hectic around here since last week. I took Friday off to prepare for my Granddaughter, Gracie’s, 1st Birthday party. Tom and I were hosting and needless to say there was plenty that needed doing to make ready. My house is always in some stage of disarray and is rarely (if ever) “company ready.” Shopping, cleaning, cooking, baking and such all needed to be done in synchronized sequence.
With Winnie-the-Pooh as the party theme, we set out a couple of weeks ago getting party hats, goody bags, streamers and balloons. I found a WtP cake online that looked doable. The cleaning and such (lots of “and such”) went pretty smoothly and since I’d done the grocery shopping Thursday night most of the provisions we’d be needing for the weekend were “in house.”
Mike, Kathy and Grace arrived Friday night, exhausted from the long trip and the colds they’re all fighting. From the moment of arrival, Gracie took center stage. She’s a happy little girl with loving and attentive parents. It didn’t take long for her to settle in and and begin practicing her new walking skill and while exploring a new place - Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
I can’t believe how quickly this first year has gone by and recall, like it was yesterday, awaiting her birth. There was suspense in the not knowing whether we’d have a granddaughter or a grandson. I can’t emphasize enough how much this new life has added to mine. While we don’t live nearby one another, we are kept updated with lots of videos and pictures. Frequent face-to-face visits are becoming a top priority.
 Opening Presents with Dada The party went well and our Gracie was a gracious and appreciative Birthday Girl. She truly seemed to enjoy each gift, helping her Dada open each one, at times become distracted by the ribbons and tissue paper. Our little Gracie was really “into it,” and with a crowd of mostly unfamiliar faces, she was un-intimidated and seemed to enjoy all the new introductions or reintroductions.
Once the snacks were consumed, presents opened, dinner eaten, candles lit, wishes made, and goodbyes exchanged (with a last hug and sniff of our Birthday Girl), Mike, Kathy, Tom and I settled in to watch Gracie, still full of energy. She continued walking, talking and petting the dog until finally she settled into my arms, unexpectedly. She lay there reclined in my arms, looking around, with Spunky her pink puppy in hand, relaxed and exhausted. What a wonder gift as she lay there quietly, trustingly. Then no longer able to fight off the sleep, she closed her eyes and lay peacefully in my arms for the longest time.
 Grandma & Gracie, The Party Girls She won my heart one year ago - instantaneously! My heart is hers and I am putty in her hands! Happy 1st Birthday, Gracie Girl - Best in the world!
Tags: Family
Posted in Day-to-Day, Rainey's Favorites | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
 "Full Moon on Fourth Lake," Oil on Canvas, 5"x7" Why do I constantly try to push the river? Why am I always taking a shortcut around the art making process I find to yield the best results?
Could it be because I have so little time to dedicate to painting and that desperation steps in? Perhaps, but ultimately desperation reveals itself to be but a thief. A thief who steals what time I do have. Whatever the excuse, it pays to remember there is nothing to be gained by taking a shortcut through the artistic process. My skill level and experience is not sufficient enough to eliminate any of the steps I feel are needed in order to produce a successful piece of artwork.
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’ve proclaimed (repeatedly) that a value sketch and color study are an essential part of the process. I believe this to be true for me, but find myself time and again plunging directly into the painting with no road map and no idea where I’m going or how I propose to get there. Just haste in putting paint to paper and an expectation of instant gratification.
The philosophy I seem to practice is, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Will I ever learn? I hope to… and while this may not be the last time I plunge directly into a painting unprepared, hopefully this lousy habit will become less and less the route I choose to take.
As I examine the problem, I can see that valuable time is wasted by using this unprepared approach. What’s more each failure or half finished piece tends to shake my confidence. Enough!
Value sketch. Check. Color Study. Check.
Tags: Add new tag, landscapes, Oil Painting
Posted in Art Talk, Oil Painting | 3 Comments »
Friday, September 18th, 2009
 Penny and I both wear trifocals. We must be kindred spirits. It’s Friday and I’m proud to report that I walked more than five miles this week.
As you may recall, I recently decided that it’s time to add exercise to my daily routine (again). With that, I dusted off my treadmill and got to it. Well, what I really did is rub the dust off the spot that says how far you’ve gone and rub the dust off the spot that says how fast you’re going.
Picture this. Me on a very dusty, seldom used treadmill with my trusty Beagle, Penny sitting alongside barking loudly in alarm. I can only imagine what she’s saying. “Arf! ARF!” Translation, “What the heck are you doing? Is that thing going to eat you alive?” Or maybe, “Come on. What about me?!”
Truth is, the walking I need to do would not be compatible with what Penny considers a walk these days. Since Penny will be turning 12 in early October (that’s 84 in people years), she has two speeds, slow and sniff. Neither of which would be considered a good cardio workout.
This exercise thing has invaded my life again for a couple of reasons. First, I need to get some weight off to become a healthier me; and second, because I’ve done all the food depreciation I can tolerate without significant results.
What they say is ringing true with me. As I’ve gotten older it really is much harder to lose weight. I suppose one reason may be that I’m no longer caught up in the hormonal frenzy that is called hunting and dating. That urge to find a partner and procreate takes loads of energy.
Think of the hours spent in front of the mirror to perfect your presentation, then taking that presentation “on the road,” and then keeping late hours to market your stuff. All done with precious little sleep. Who needed a treadmill back then?
Today at 50+ things are different (thankfully). My priorities have changed and my goals are more defined. The problem is when it comes to this thing called “exercise” I continue to struggle. Somehow a consistent, long-term commitment to physical activity seems to elude me. I start then stop. Not surprisingly, this behavior has netted no results. But, as I’ve said before, I’m no quitter!
So while I take my walks to nowhere, I can feel my muscles remembering their use, and as those muscles become stronger, the hope is my resolve to exercise everyday will do the same.
Tags: Exercise and Fitness
Posted in Health and Fitness | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
 Three Marbles, Watercolor - Back to tilling my watercolor garden tonight. May this winter be a time to cultivate creativity! My first real season as a vegetable gardener is coming to a close. You might have noticed that I said “vegetable” and not vegetables.
Unfortunately, the harvest from my first official vegetable garden was very lean. Not at all what I had hoped for. While we did harvest quite a few peppers, which we’ll be canning tonight, they were planted in a small spot in my flower garden that has been used and nurtured for a couple of years.
It may take a few more seasons before I can expect a plaque from the “garden club.”
I suspect that since the parcel where I planted my squash, tomatoes and onions was never used as a real garden (only a spot to grow grass and weeds - mostly weeds) it will require more than one season to become productive. While I did add some “organic” material, i.e., hummus and peat moss, I suspect the soil is still lacking in something and, therefore, not rich enough to sustain fruit producing plants in any significant quantity.
So now comes the crossroad. As with anything worth having, gardening requires a fair amount of work and commitment before a payoff can be realized. This “gardening thing” is much like my art, which also requires work and commitment. With both there are times when things don’t work out just the way you planned. The test then becomes whether you will take what you learned and apply it to next season or to the next painting or drawing.
I know that anything worth having requires something from us. Relationships require work, effort and communication. Playing a musical instrument or creating an artistic masterpiece requires the same plus practice and lots of it. All require education and information. Education can come to us in many forms - books, conversations with other enthusiasts, hands-on work that includes trial and error. Every one is an important tool in our arsenal of empowerment. This empowerment that can lead us toward our “harvest.” Whether our goal is a sweet, ripe tomato or a fine drawing or painting, these goals can only materialize if we do what needs to be done.
It’s simple really. What’s required is that we start and then continue even in the face of a “lean harvest.” So this winter I intend to till my artistic soil and make plans for spring when my soil will be richer and my experience will have taken me one step closer to that garden club plaque.
One thing is for sure - I’m not a quitter at vegetable gardening or my artistic goals. I suppose what’s most important to realize is that the payoff is really in the process and not just held in the harvest.
It’s the process that feeds the spirit and that process has an invaluable payoff.
Tags: Gardening, Motivation, pencil drawing
Posted in Art Talk, Gardening | 2 Comments »
Monday, September 14th, 2009
 "Town Speed Limit 35," Pencil, Image Size 3.75"x2.5" The weekend was a good one. I had my final art show of the season on Saturday in Schenectady at The Stockade Villager’s 58th Annual Art Show. I’ve always found this show to be a place where art enthusiasts gather. Whether you’re an artist or spectator, the show is always fun to be a part of.
The Stockade is a historic spot, the perfect place to spend a day sitting while taking in the architecture. The “dog show” alone is entertaining and worth the trip. Saturday’s crowd was steady and interested as always.
The local Episcopal church always provides free coffee for the exhibitors and once you’re set up and registered there’s really nothing quite like chatting with your fellow artists and sipping a hot cup of fresh coffee.
This year was like a reunion really. My friend Anne had her work on display, Glen Marsh and his wife Roxanne were also in attendance with his award-winning and much published Adirondack photography. I spoke briefly with my most influential teacher, Karen Rosasco. Karen taught art in Duanesburg and my sons were also her students, so it was a perfect opportunity to do a little boasting about my granddaughter, Gracie.
The sketch you see here is one I worked on throughout the day while taking periodic breaks to chat it up. The energy was positive and I recall being close to tears with feelings of gratitude at one point. I know it sounds hokey, but that’s the way it felt. Pure gratitude. After so many slow shows this season, shows where you begin to question your artistic direction, this show was a breath of fresh air. The icing on the cake is the Honorable Mention I was awarded for my pencil drawing, “New Corn.”
Now I’m back to the Monday grind and unfortunately, I’m in the midst of a dispute with DIRECTV. It’s uncanny how something like that can steal all the positive energy that was generated on Saturday. I suppose it’s the helplessness that comes with dealing with a large company where the “little guy” seems to have little chance of “winning.” All day long I was having a hard time letting the anger and frustration go. Then I realized that TV, direct or otherwise, is not the most important thing in my life.
The things that really matter to me are God, family/friends and art. Once I reminded myself of that (and wrote my letter) I was better able to put the anger away and pull out some of the positive energy from the weekend.
Life’s little annoyances can steal your joy, but only if you allow that to happen. Once I decided to handle things in a Godly way, I felt better. Unfortunately I’d wasted a good part of my day. I’ll try not to allow that to happen again. Who needs TV anyway, I have my crayons!
Tags: landscapes, pencil drawing
Posted in Art Talk, Day-to-Day, Pencil | 7 Comments »
Friday, September 11th, 2009
 "Dan Weller, A Soldier," (Ink) - This drawing was inspired by one of my husband's (Tom) photographs. Today is 9/11. This day was once called September 11th. It came and went each year without much notice, that is unless it is your birthday, anniversary or the day on which some other significant personal event happened.
And then the United States of America was attacked by people without conscience, without morality - monsters really. Out of the blue on that sunny day this violence shook our lives and people all around the world now live a new “normal.” Our past, lives of relative safety, has been replaced with a hyper-vigilance and suspicion.
I remember that day well. My husband called at work to tell me that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by an airplane. The word “attack” never crossed my mind. My first thought was that it had to be an air traffic control issue. Then a second plane hit and more planes were being reported to be off course, behaving suspiciously. After reaching my son, who works in Manhattan, to be sure he was okay, we found a small television in the office and the vigil began. We watched in horror and waited for some survivors to be found. Now here are eight years later, finding what goodness can be gleaned from this horrific event.
We need those stories of resilience and rebuilding, but also need to pause in remembrance to honor those innocents who went to work that morning never to return and to honor those heroes who raced to their rescue only to be lost themselves.
I don’t profess to even begin to imagine the loss so many have had to endure, all I can do is pause with everyone else and pray that goodness and love will prevail.
Posted in Day-to-Day | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
I’m here to do a little more confessing (see previous confessions on March 16, 2009, June 9, 2009 and July 29, 2009). But first I want to be inspiring, or more accurately, convey an inspiring story.
I worked with a woman a few years ago who went onto gainful employment with another firm. I hadn’t seen her in quite sometime and while strolling through the Farmers’ Market in Downtown Albany a few Thursdays ago, our paths crossed. Honestly I don’t think I would have recognized her until she said, “Lorraine. . . !” She’d lost 110 pounds since last October!
Of course, I asked how she’d done it and the only thing I really remember her saying is that it was, “Torture!” or something to that effect. I gave her a “once over” and a “twice over” while asking more questions, following up with an email full of more questions. She told me she lost the weight with the help of one of those “programs.” You know, the ones that cost buco bucks and advertise “Results Not Typical” with every success story. She said that if I was interested. . .
Anyway, since I’d fallen off the wagon, yet again, in my most recent attempt to lose weight and exercise (my confession) her success began to inspire me. Maybe the time has come to restart, recommit and renew. For real this time.
I have a question though before I begin. Does the fact that I know a successful dieter mean my odds of losing weight myself become less likely? You know. . . kinda like the lottery. Once you know a winner. . . Should I just quit now and accept all this extra baggage? After all I’m not looking for a man and my breeding days are behind me.
You’re right. . . No giving up.
As I begin to rally my internal motivation I realize the real “torture” is in having an unhealthy relationship with food. God provided food to nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. I believe my overindulgence points to a deeper spiritual issue, an attempt to fill a void in some area of my life. The key then becomes trying to determine just what is missing and then to start filling that emptiness with something else. Something healthier and more satisfying, something that doesn’t assault my body.
While I try to figure out just what maybe missing, I will begin again. I know that “results not typical” does not mean that I am doomed to fail. It just means that this problem will require a real commitment from me.
Am I ready this time? I know one thing for sure, I’m not ready to give up. So, yes, I’m ready for untypical results that only I have the power to produce.
Tags: Exercise and Fitness, God, Healthy Living
Posted in God & Faith, Health and Fitness | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
The weekend was busy and, though it was a long one, there was no time to paint. Life was happening again and I was participating.
On Saturday morning Tom and I headed to Long Island for a surprise retirement party. My son’s (Michael) father-in-law (JHop) retired in July after a long and varied working career. JHop’s wife and children immediately began planning and plotting a surprise party in his honor. How fitting it was to be celebrating his recent retirement on Labor Day weekend.
JHop is truly a great guy. One of “the last of the good guys” really. I could tell the moment I met him several years ago - as Mike and Kathy were preparing for their nuptials - just how genuinely nice he is. He’s one of the most kind, generous, selfless, welcoming and loving people I’ve ever met. I could go on. I don’t mean to, in any way, exclude his wife, Mrs. JHop, who is an equally kind and gentle person. I can tell you that I seldom feel as welcome as I do when I venture south for a visit and we stop by their home to say, “Hey!”
Anyhow, I understand that for a couple months everyone in the family was spinning a different yarn in order to keep things “top secret” and the huge payoff was a bon-a-fide surprise last Saturday night.
As I watched the celebration unfold I came to realize just how lucky I am. This family has embraced my son as one of their own and since he lives nearly 200 miles away from me and his old stomping ground, I’m blessed to be sure. I know he has people around him who love him as I do and I am a relatively short drive away.
I know that I’m not the first mother (parent) to have her (their) children settle far from the home front. When that happens there is a loss, a quietness that takes a foothold in your home as your children move away to build lives of their own. Lives you always wanted them to lead, happy lives, doing what brings them feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. But, for you, the parent, comes a temporary loss of identity, a sadness for you with a happiness for them. You had hoped they would lead independent, happy lives, but what you neglected to say was, “Do it all close to home, near me, don’t leave.”
When their paths take them away all you can do is accept it, send your love long distance and pray they find a family like the Jhop family to open their arms.
So while I watched the celebration and family photos being taken on Saturday night I was happy to have my son take a spot in the Jhop family photo as the camera shutter went “click” and everyone smiled.
Tags: Family
Posted in Day-to-Day | 5 Comments »
Friday, September 4th, 2009
 I'll have to share a pic for now. Life has been happening and I haven't had a moment to draw or paint! This was taken on Route 30 headed north near Indian Lake on Thursday morning. Beautiful! Saturday morning as I drove out of Eagle Bay and headed east on Route 28, I was relaxed, refreshed and excited to be headed for Vermont and a short visit with my “kid” (Jonathan) and his wife (Calico). The drive took me through the same rising and falling of the road, revealing vistas and then forests, thick with pines.
I was surprised not to be mourning the leaving, suspecting my detour to Vermont spared me feeling the full measure of my departure. Not only that I left with so much - loads of inspiration, motivation and determination with a heaping helping of relaxation.
I continued to drive, mile after mile, the rain softly falling as my windshield wipers slapped back and forth, clearing the view. I passed through Inlet, Indian Lake, North Creek, Wevertown, driving many miles without passing through a town at all. I finally reached the intersection of Route 28 and Route 9 where I headed south into Warrensburg and stopped at Oscar’s Smokehouse, famous for their meats, cheeses and jerky, picking up a few tasty treats to bring home.
By the time I arrived in Vermont the rain had subsided for the most part and Calico offered me a cup of coffee (Green Mountain - another coffee favorite). While I enjoyed my cup of Java I got caught up with JonBoy and Calico and all their goings on. I love to visit the “kids” and enjoy hearing about their adventures and plans. JonBoy treated us to lunch at the 99 Restaurant, which offers good food at a fair price. We were talking non-stop, plotting and planning and dreaming together. Such fun. Once back at Jon and Calico’s place, we walked their dogs, two large, beautiful and gentle Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Oscar and Adobe, through their neighborhood and before I realized it it was time to head home.
By then I was truly in sensory overload. I stopped for gas while in Vermont before I headed for home trying to save a few nickels. (New York State gas is always around 15 to 20 cents more expensive. NY is always socking it to us. Ouch!) I enjoyed driving through the Green Mountains of Vermont they, like the Adirondacks, are soulful and comforting with their towering presence. Three or so hours later I rolled into the driveway back home.
I don’t go away often, but can truly see the benefit of cutting loose and getting away. It brings new ideas, creates new memories and helps put perspective on things in your life that need changing and things in your life that should remain the same.
Sad Side Note: I just heard on tonight’s news that Oscar’s Smokehouse burned to the ground. I’m so sad for the Quintal Family. Oscar and his wife Edith founded the business in 1943 and have been running the store from this location since 1946.]
Posted in Day-to-Day | 2 Comments »
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Productive Complaining Allowed
Monday, September 21st, 2009Another Monday is at hand and I am happy, albeit surprised, to report that my letter to the CEO of DirecTV netted a positive result. The CEO’s assistant telephoned last evening and things seem to be resolved. Tom tells me the CEO probably has many assistants, but I don’t care. It’s the results matter most.
I remember just one week ago stewing in anger. What’s more, that day was spent stressing, anxiously obsessing and then, ultimately, maddeningly wasted. Looking back now, the best course of action was to write a letter, send all my negative energy away and await a response. No amount of worry or brooding would bring about a desired outcome. I know all that is easy to say now on the heels of my telephone call.
I suppose what I’ve learned from all this is that if you see or experience some kind of injustice, it’s important to “speak out.” With pen and paper or with computer and printer, speak out. There are lots of things that happen in our lives that give good reason to complain, but complaints thrown to the wind or complaints vented to a friend can net few, if any, results.
As I’ve gotten older and more aware of national and global issues, I can see injustices all around. Perhaps it’s time to send a well-thought out missive addressing those issues to “the people in charge.” I haven’t ever been a real “political” person. Most of the time my day-to-day life is all I can handle, but maybe the time has come for me to be a little more political and a little more verbal.
I’d almost forgotten how important written communication could be. And while we’re at it, why restrict communication to complaints, how about some gratitude, kudos and encouragement. Sending thanks, well wishes or just telling someone you love them can bring a smile and make a day. Imagine how you’d feel, opening your mailbox and finding some unexpected note with love inside. I can imagine it and I know it feels good.
Anyway, this Monday has not been a day wasted and the day isn’t over yet! I’m glad of that as our time here is too precious to waste a minute. So tonight I’m going to enjoy a movie with “The Girls,” and only productive complaining is allowed!
Tags: Commentary
Posted in Day-to-Day | No Comments »