Looking back over last year’s journal entries and blog posts, I was blissfully UNAWARE of what was barreling our way.* Doug wasn’t. He bought the last gallon of hand sanitizer in the drug store, and ordered masks and gloves by the end of January February 2020 Then,...
Journaling with a Paintbrush
Happy memories make good subjects for my paintings --Sometimes, I can't describe them with words. My paintbrush can be as effective a journaling tool for capturing a happy time, as my pen and notebook. A favorite place from my memories is Joanne Scott's studio...
Because I Don’t Know What to Say
Because, more often than not in these times, I don’t know what to say, my thoughts can feel like dense fog — groping for understanding. This fog might explain why often I am at a loss for words. Bottom line, honest to Pete: I don’t know what to say when people...
Starting 2022 with a Clean Dining Table.
I am starting 2022 with a clean dining table. Note: in a few hours this will be a mess again. The dining room table is both our work spaces. But for now, it is tidy, and I read a little “devotion” about gratitude even — especially when life presses in. Peering down...
A True Truth or Two
It’s true: I don’t like to think of myself as losing ground; but: When your mind thinks you can do what you did at 35 and you’re 70 years old, it’s only a matter of time before you get yourself hurt. (John Erickson) Maybe it’s because I had so much time on my hands...
Writing — JUMP IN!
So, the other day I had a casual conversation with a younger woman who likes writing, but is reluctant to wade into words, arranging them in such a way that satisfies herself and communicates her thoughts. My analysis — not her’s. Writing is . . . tricky. Being...
This Time Last Year and Some Impressions of Today
Looking back to this time last year, in my journal, I have some impressions, given the times that are today. This time last year I was way more productive; listening to several books, and completing several paintings — I rarely left the sunporch. Productive as I was,...
Three Small Paintings
Last week I occupied myself with three small paintings. Two were disasters, requiring immediate Gesso interventions. One was worth keeping, the first one. Looking at it, though, I can see the proportions aren’t right: too much container compared to the tulips. Well,...
Don’t Look Back
Don’t Look Back my owl meme counsels: You aren’t going that way. But I still look back over last year’s journal entries. I am looking for any premonition of the trouble that defined 2020. Nada. Unaware I was; totally. But, I noted some advice that now seems...
Now, Murder, Rioting and Looting in a Pandemic
On top of the pandemic and economic woes, now we face murder, rioting and looting. It’s like waking up to the headlines of 1968, 24/7. Four policemen took the life of an African-American man, George Floyd ,while a bystander filmed it. Violence erupted . . . All the...
Creating an Accurate Timeline
Even though I keep a daily journal, I haven’t kept an accurate timeline for all my paintings. I know by March 9th, I had painted a Baltimore Oriole, and that after completing two owls. By then, the steroid had kicked in and so had COVID-19. (Prednisone and Proverbs)...
The Wonder of Words
In these upside-down days, the wonder of words is that they can keep me anchored in ways that everyday jobs, errands, and tasks once did. Therefore, keeping a journal and “blogging” is a good use of my time. Arranging and re-arranging twenty-six letters into sentences...
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