Sunday, April 27, 2014

Spring is here.

We are having the most lovely spring again. Last year, it seemingly went on forever, and this season is holding up very well. Because of the prolonged deep cold we had the past winter, so many plants are responding very well, such as the jonquils. They are bloomed out for the most part now, and the peonies are looking good for beautiful flowering. Mayapple, star gazer lillies, irises, woodland phlox and deciduous ferns are all providing much viewing pleasure.
    Some things did not survive the bitter temps, and I had to replace catmint, rosemary and Greek oregano, which surprised me. It's pretty tough. The holly ferns got bad frostbite and had to be trimmed WAY back, the aspidistra too. New shoots are coming up on those hardy plants.
 The houseplants are slowly making their way outside, even though there are supposed to be a couple of chilly nights this week. Now that I have the front porch back for my use, I am filling it up with greenery and that makes me very happy. 
   I'm also feeling the urge to start new sewing and quilting projects. A new bed quilt is in my near future. Haven't tackled a big quilt in a long time, and I want something all fresh and new for my bed. I've got everything together and will begin soon. 
    Other projects in the works are some new skirts and tops for summer. I'm trying to decide if I want to grow out my hair and it's looking pretty ratty now. I figure a cute fun skirt will keep everyone's eyes off my head!!
    Stay tuned for updates and photos!!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Two shows

After such a long dry spell, I was in two shows this month. No sales reported as yet, but it's good to have my art work out there for people to see. I'm itching to get back into making more art and hopefully the new normal will allow that. 
This is one of my quilts at Gallery Ten Ninety One, with Pam and Peggy book ending.
Here's a shot of the exhibit at Wings Gallery. My quilt is in the middle. 
   Both shows are currently up, one comes down Saturday, the other the first week of May. 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The new normal

The dust has not completely settled on my divorce and I am becoming increasingly impatient with the powers that be and a power that would like to be. The stress of this situation has crawled into my sacrosanct dream world, with visions of me performing innocuous tasks in unfamiliar places, and I wake in a troubled state of being. It's hard to explain with mere language. 
   In an effort to persevere, I am inviting friends and family over and giving them food and various beverage. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Dinner's on me. Thursday, I had gal pals over for the sewing guild board meeting, something I haven't been able to do in ages, because of the circumstances in this house. Everyone was glad to be here and we had a show and tell of the projects I'm doing. Brunch was a success--gougeres, chicken salad from Costco, fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee, and juice. Nothing complicated and all very tasty. 
   For tomorrow's feast, I'm firing up the grill. Chicken, corn in the husk, quiche for the vegetarians, fruits, veggies, breads, crackers, cake for dessert. Potato salad, deviled eggs on request, from guests who want to participate. 
   This is what was missing from my life for so long. It doesn't take much to make me happy and I had to go to extreme lengths to get here. Life is a journey "they" say and I've packed my bags.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Fiber art

Finally, at least for a little while, I'm back to the original intent of this blog! Last week was busy with artist receptions for two shows. both are group shows, one with MACA, now known as Tennessee Craft-Southwest, and the other is with my gal pals from the community center. The show with former MACA is at WKNO studio's gallery, Ten Ninety One, the other is at Wings Gallery at the West Clinic.
   I'm happy to be showing my art work again after such a long dry spell. My art is important and I really want to get back to it. My life has been turned upside down, shaken, then set upright, like a snow globe. The dust has not settled yet. Most days I feel too old for this shit, but I must persevere. Not just for me, but for my grandson. He deserves a decent shot at life.
   There are so many ideas to explore and create. Life has been good to me and should be lived to the fullest.
   Where is the drama free zone I want to be living in??