Hello everyone!  And Happy New Year 2013!
(a little late - but here it is!)

Art has been on the slow side since back surgery, although the work on the 20 Page Art Journal continued, was finished, and the journey recorded for all to see on this website as well as four different showings along the Gulf Coast. Two above pieces are in the process of being framed for showing.  The first one is simply called "Papaya and Peach" and the second one is called "Desert Storm."  These incorporate an usual process with both soft and oil pastels, on a sturdy gesso paper known as "Stonehenge" paper, and are large - 22" x 28" both which also have interesting textures.

Then a "lull" where I concentrated on healing from back surgery, which now appears to be quite successful, but due to continued problems with "getting around" for me translated "zooming all the time," I am informed I need knee replacements because of a childhood abnormality of the knees that has caused much damage. I have no kneecaps on the fronts of my knees.  But healing time is much quicker they tell me.  I choose to believe that.
 
Right now I am at work, prepping some pieces for a proposed showing at Adonna's Bakery and Cafe on Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. I'm not sure when we will be hanging; when I say we, I mean the Pensacola Branch of Pen Women, a National Organization of Women Writers, Musicians, and Artists.  Also working on finishing up "Crow Woman" and attempting a special, unusual framing project for her. 

A variety of pieces have been placed in a small, but quite elegant gallery in the historic Old Railroad Depot, also known as the Crown Plaza Hotel in Pensacola.  (A plug for my friend and owner of the Gallery, Stone and Glassworks, Marilyn McDonald Dorsey.)  You can see some of my pottery, photography, and unusual pastel works as well as watercolor. Marylin has a variety of pieces, from some stunning glass work, jewelry, painting, and one of a kind innovative art pieces. The Gallery is located across from the Civic Center, also in the downtown area of Pensacola.

So here's to a wonderful year to everyone.  Even with challenges ahead we can make a spot in the sun in which to do a little "shining" in the world.  Keep on keeping on! 

Is everyone back in school - settled into fall routines?  

My routines are completely "down the tubes," as they say.

Back surgery went well, once I finally got there, waylaid by anemia a couple of times, needing treatment.  So, as I journaled, much of what was going on in my life, was reflected in my journal.  This photo of a journal page is called "Metamorphosis"  More detail resides on the 20 Page Journal tab of this website.

Trying to use pain, lowered functioning, loss, though temporary, of abilities - as a learning tool, and being boldly wise about it while often being a pain because of some whining, somehow we have made it through.  Friends, family, a new baby girl (granddaughter), kind thoughts, prayers from many I'll probably never know about, held me together. We went through a hurricane though we were only on the edges, a major tropical storm before that, trusting faith to keep us all firm and standing.  Literally. Now just need  to gain my strength back.  

Another Journal, this one for the Brooklyn Arts Project is underway - I think I will title it "Uncommon Chickens" - - more to come as I work on it, and a piece I must paint/charcoal of a young woman from the Crow Tribe, then getting art ready for Christmas displays are in the near future.  

It will never be the same again.  Have you ever crossed those kind of bridges?  Perhaps the Uncommon Chickens Journal will reflect a come back, we'll see.  We often use the word "chicken" especially when young to express taunting of someone who is in fear, or too wise to do something foolish.  I hope this Journal will be a story of uncommon chickens who show courage, the ability to have fun and try the possible and impossible, be themselves, no matter what other chickens think, and who aren't afraid to be an uncommon chicken 

Have a great fall everyone.