When I am writing for work the words flow just fine. When I am writing here, which I think of as running scales, snapshots of my life transform into paragraphs quicker than I can tap them out. Often they are lost, left on the conveyor belt of the grocery store or the pillow on which I laid my head to recover from a rare and ridiculous hangover.
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| Peacocks |
But the story that I want to tell, of how home has affected me since I was small, sticks.
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| Orange Blossoms |
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| Show Off (Peony) |
Plodding and pedestrian, I only keep it as some sort of pre-writing that has captured facts that I don’t want to lose. I don’t want to admit that it was a waste. Of time. Of energy. Of ink.
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| Mums the Word (Chrysanthemum) |
Sitting at the large round table in my dining room to paint is different. It is not effortless and there are lots of mistakes and many starting overs, but I am finding lightness here. Here, I find my groove.
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| Roly Poly |
Painting feels as natural and essential as writing has in the past. I am trying to open myself up to it and stop judging what I should or should not be doing.
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| Dancing Girl |
The boys and dogs don’t notice a difference. At least they have not mentioned that the writing mess of legal pads and pages of text scratched through with my thick black pen has been replaced with canvas and brushes and small bottles of paint. If they’re aware that I pull on the same tattered and splattered jeans every day and that my hair is always in a ponytail, they’re not concerned. Their trains, as it were, are still running on time. Mine, too, I suppose. It’s just running in a different direction.
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| Something to Crow About |
KC Needlepoint has very graciously offered to feature my work for the month of October. This is the first group of canvases; I’ll post the rest when they are available. You can find them on their site, here. If you have questions, please feel free to email or comment here.
These designs are so beautiful! I wish I had the talent, the know how or the time to learn needlepoint. You are so very talented!
I've quilted, I've knitted, but I've never had the urge to try needlepoint. Until now.
Very fun designs. I enjoy your blog!
I always look forward to your posts because of your writing style and content which is personal, touching and inspirational. You give of yourself in your posts. Seeing today the results of your varied creative energy is wonderful! The designs are charming and whimsical, always a great combo, with a Japanese flavour. Well done!
How totally wonderful!
Makes me want to take up needle point 🙂 I don't know if I could pick a favorite, but the whole bunch on one window seat would be amazing.
Congratulations
I absolutely adore these canvases! I am definitely getting some. And for those who have never needlepointed before, the portrait canvases are a wonderful place to start. You will have a dramatic piece when finished without the stress of too many colors to deal with. It is addicting, I warn you.
Patricia I am so thrilled for your, your designs are amazing, so unique!!
Now you just need to teach me how to needlepoint!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
These are wonderful. Nothing intimidates you, does it?
I'm selfish though, knowing this latest endeavour takes you away from your amazing writing, I'm a tad resentful. I'll wait.
Gail – I've learned that when you are doing something you love you just have to lean into the fear. It tends to work out. I'm missing the writing, too. Hopefully, the creative juice will jump start things there for both of us. Miss hearing from you – hope you're doing well.