December 10th. The date of my last post. Ay caramba! Time continues to be a steamroller. Hijole!
The winter weather has given us some beautiful views. We had an afternoon of snow, our first of the year. On December 28th. Haha. Lovely, big fluffy flakes floating down. It was fairly heavy for a while but it did not stick. Mingus disappeared behind a veil of white and reemerged powder-coated. It was heaven while it lasted.
We have had gorgeous pink sunsets.
My birthday week was filled with appointments. Blood tests, breathing test, bone test. Mostly standard bi-annual stuff, just all happened to land in the same week. Eesh! And here we are, in the middle of the month already. You know what that means. The February 30-Day Creative Gathering will soon be here! Oh my!
After another mini organizing binge, I made three starts. Art supplies and papers are at the ready! Paint pens and pencils. Scribbles to ease the intimidation of a fresh clean sheet of paper. I plan to add a few more layers to these backgrounds. And I hope to have 6 to 12 starts ready before next month. Knock on wood.
Our trees are still holding on to their leaves. I keep meaning to look up the reason why. I am sure it has something to do with how dry the past year has been. This photo is a few weeks old, but the tree looks pretty much the same.
I ordered a pad of Strathmore watercolor paper after watching an artist use it online. Cold Press, 140 lb., acid-free, 100% cotton. 12 – 8 x 10 sheets. It was about $10 on Amazon. I did see it later at Walmart, for a few dollars more. It has a grey cover. I played just to get a feel for it. This is a tiny sketch. I like the paper, the tooth is nice. I’ll talk more about it in another post.
Thinking of my father today. Missing him on his birthday. Truth be told, I think of him every day. We are still in limbo due to COVID. My best friend in high school lost her father the day before mine passed (on July 14th). He was our high school principal.
My dear friend from California lost her dad the Saturday before Christmas. We also lost my Dad’s elder brother Willie, the Sunday before Christmas. Heartbreaking.
Horrible, heartbreaking six months.
Looking for quotes brought tears to my eyes, this short one will have to do.
Your posts are always so thought-full that I couldn’t respond right away, especially when it comes to grieving for your father. I remember after my dad died I heard someone say that grieving, which is so hard, is loving…we love them so much and we are feeling that love with our grief. So it is so very difficult, but it stays with us for quite some time which is so very natural, so very human. The photograph of the moonlit Mingus is quite stunning, such a beautiful moment captured. I’m glad you have lots of starts happening and I look forward to seeing what happens with them very soon in February. I’m in a bit of a creative momentum and hope I can keep it up through that time. Sending you lots of love and a very big abrazo!
Thank you Laurelle. It is still so surreal. I know it is true. But not being able to gather with family, or take care of those final details, makes it feel “not real”. So strange. And I think of how many others are having the same experience.
I watched a movie this morning, A Monster Calls. It’s a beautiful film. About a boy losing his mother. I was bawling. Throat-clenching, painful bawling. I wasn’t thinking of my Dad. I was lost in the story. But of course, of course, I felt his pain.
YAY! So happy that you are busy and in a creative surge! Your new works are gorgeous! 🙂
So excited you will be with us next month Laurelle!
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¡Un gran abrazo de vuelta para ti! ¡No, muchos, muchos abrazos de agradecimiento! xoxox
Beautiful tribute! Sorry for your loss! Your area is so full of inspiration! Thanks for sharing the photos. Great starts, several online teachers are all for activating the canvas. At least 4 I can name off-hand, Really hope I can join this February! Your site doesn’t save my info 🙁
Thank you, Carol. I appreciate that. 🙂
Hmm, sorry to hear that Carol. I’ll have to research to see why it isn’t saving your information. ;o(
Your area is so full of history! And that is inspiring! 🙂
Yes, I can think of four or five who have mentioned it, and they are probably all different than the artists you have in mind. LOL. Haha.
This has indeed been a difficult time for you, Sheila. I’m so sorry. Sending you a million hugs.
A million thanks dear frined. A reflection of the world, Chandra. So many people I care about, are dealing with the loss of those they love, or horrific auto accidents. But God’s grace has been shown over and over. And we are reminded that there is so much we can be thankful for.
Hugs and prayers sent your way 🙂
A lovely post. I feel for your loss. I lost my Dad 14 years ago and still feel it. It never goes away, just gets easier to deal with. I also believe we will meet again, but I often feel his presence, especially when I’m tackling some complex fix it problem. He also said he would visit me as an eagle and it’s amazing how many times I’m having a hard time and look up and there he is on the wing. I hope your various challenges are healing. Missing your posts.
Aww, thanks Sea. I did not mean to completely drop off.
My Dad loved Eagles too. And The Eagles. Haha. There are reminders everywhere.
Every time I go to town, the radio reminds me. Never fails.
The challenges might be healing. Yes. They are a distraction for sure, and that is a good thing.
Sending prayers your way. 🙂
I’ve been thinking of you, Sheila.
Me too you Christine. 🙂
It sounds like you have had quite a time. I am sorry to hear about all the losses you have faced. I have been lucky so far and haven’t lost anyone lately. I am getting organized for the February 30 as well. I have 3 stations set up in my studio but will need to find room for another as I have as I want to make more 3D frogs – life is good in spite of Covid 19. Take care
Very true Val. Life is good. 🙂 Thank you.
WOW! you are on the ball. Why am I not surprised! 4 stations! Oh my! You are going to have lots of fun!
I am excited to see the results!!
Wow, what bookends you posted here, with that magnificent sky and then that magnificent trio of Willie, Frankie, and Ray—just LOVE that last photo of them! Thanks for the update on many fronts, Sheila. I’m so sorry for your horrible, heartbreaking six months. Holding all best wishes that your own health is good.
Thank you Dotty, I am doing well, and the check-ups were all excellent. 🙂
I usually am unable to get a good night shot. I thought those clouds were great. 🙂
I love that photo as well. And that is how they always were when they were together.
Laughing and smiling. 🙂