where did i go

spt . march 09 . canon rebel

some days i feel like i am flittering
up above the world, looking down
seeing each of you busily working
away, while i just float. i feel like
the last 6 months i have struggled
to keep the creative flow moving
and have missed out on prime
opportunity. never quite knowing where to
begin, what to put my time into or where
my talents will fall.

too many days, my home life interupts
my studio life, each holds a deep spot
in my heart. i can feel the beaches calling
my name, the brushes yearn for more
action and the cherubs continue to grow
so fast before my eyes.

i have finally gotten the studio in a good
flow pattern. things are put away, odds
and ends have been sent to the trash,
old magazine have been pitched. does
anyone one else hoard magazines? do you
buy them because of the colors or artwork
on the cover? holy crap - i have a true
disorder.

i guess what i am trying to say is that
since squam, i don't quite know where i
went. i feel like i am finding myself again.
but it has taken a bit of time. it is confusing
because i came home so full of energy, ideas
and goals.

the gypsy in me yearns to find a new space,
but right now, it is not to be. so i will walk
to my fridge door each day and look at my
little photo of the airstream i dream of, the
one with the little prayer flags draped across
the awning, parked somewhere near the water
with two rickety chairs in front, an ice cold
beer nestled in the grass....listening to a little
marley.

peace.

5 things i am grateful for....

happy 53rd mr. nelson

each day, i remember why i am so blessed and for that i am

grateful.....

1. my most beloved friendships, many of which began over

20 years ago and we still get to celebrate birthdays. mr.

jeff nelson is one of those friends. he is one of the last great

card warriors. each year on all of our birthdays, we get a card

from jeff in the mail. he sends them to our group of friends and

our children. we love him for it.

2. my little tribe of chickadees, who continually push me, cheer

me on, and tell me to suck it up when i am whining. you know

who are and i love you for it.

3. my studio. it brings me lots of warmth and now that i have

it flowing.....i love it even more.

4. my kids who many days drive me crazy, but through that fog

they also have me laughing hysterically

5. my hands.....that glide across the canvas and page allowing

me to create.

what more could a girl ask for.

what are you grateful for?

peace out.

self portrait excavation....it's a retreat!

..the be present retreats..

"The Be Present Retreats were born from the belief that creating
is a meditation of the soul. Each retreat will be an invitation to
pause in your life and gather in a supportive environment filled
with like-minded individuals in a creative, playful, and meditative
atmosphere.The first retreat is this June and registration has already begun.

The June retreat is called Self-Portrait Excavation and is a retreat
centered around the journey that is the self-portrait. Gathering at
The Lodge at Gearhart's Little Beach on the Oregon coast
(about 10 minutes from Cannon Beach), we will immerse ourselves
in paint and mixed media, words, photography, and the beauty of
our surroundings under the guidance of Judy Wise , Jen Goff and

me" {me is the incredible and multi-talented who is alright in my

book - liz elayne.
-------------------------------------------

note....liz is one of the kindest chicks i know. i am very
attached to this girl and i know, she is working so hard to put together
a very creative gathering. so if you are looking for something to do
and you want to find something new, deep within - then do this!

and just to remind you - registration is now open and the deadline
to sign up is april 17th! you can go directly to this page for more
info

cmon.....double dog dare ya!

sneak peek

"bad fog of loneliness."

squamettes.....please please please - do this

for anyone out there, who attended

the fall 2008 squam session then all i can

say is -submit! [2009 attendees, will be

included next year!]

yes, yes - i know it is scary. true it

is. but if you don't - it is even worse,

because here is what will happen...

regret shall set in.

do you feel scared, inadequate?

do you have clammy palms just

thinking about, are you suddenly

biting your nails? just flick that

little man of doubt off your broad

shoulders and simply send in your

submissions.

this is what squam art workshops

are all about and this is the perfect

opportunity to have your work shown

in a gallery and not only a gallery - this

gallery is special. it is owned and operated

by our very own squammie....the lovely

miss schwake. you can check her out here

and here. not only that, but my dear

liz kalloch has had the vision to dream up

this show and share it with each of us. so

lets show her our thanks and send in our

artwork.

i am sure many of us feel like we aren't ready,

we aren't yet an artist, that maybe only a specific

group is submitting - oh contrar. we are all in

this together, so jump in with me....really the

water is fine!

speaking of water, the water on squam lake

is absolutely sparkling clear. i plan of taking

a dip this fall! so if you haven't heard of any

of this and you are looking for a special gift

to give to yourself.....skip this way. there

is literally something for everyone.

[if for some crazy reason, you can't talk yourself

into this, i am available for pep talks via email,

phone or facebook.]