In a Pensive Mood

No art to share. Just some photos and thoughts. Hey, wait! Photos are art, right? So here's my story.

I have made some pieces while I've been gone, but they were gifts and they flew out of here without having their pictures taken. I see change in my work as I get more confident and learn new techniques. I'm looking forward to a Summer of experimentation.

I have been writing more and just noticed that I am going through, what I finally realize is, my "change of seasons mood."
I feel like I am seeing the familiar for the first time. Boundaries get blurry and it seems that the fantastical is possible.

Because I grew up in Cleveland, I am most comfortable in cooler weather with occasional dark and rainy days. People say that there are no seasons in California, but there are. And as we head straight into Sizzling Summer, not my favorite, I'm pausing to soak up the images I love from the Wistful Winter.

Late Winter brings amazing light in the afternoon. It seeps into our old house and does magical things. I find myself arranging my day so that I can be home for this show. Here are some examples.









Then we have overcast conditions that just seem to erase the sky. Suggests a kind of limitlessness to me. Some overcast can make me feel claustrophobic, like something is closing in on me. This one makes me feel exposed and boundless.


Right now, I feel a bit like I'm stuck on a shelf, waiting for someone to take me down and put me to the work I've come to enjoy. For years my camera took pictures of vacation spots and holiday gatherings. Only in the past few years have I come to appreciate what an entertaining companion it is for me. I had no idea it knew so many tricks!



But then I come into this room I am now calling my Den. Out of habit, I still slip and call it my Office. I can't quite call it my Studio yet. Still struggling with a bit of impostor syndrome. But whatever I call it, this is the room I have claimed as my own. A place for art, writing, reading, napping, meditating and playing with like minded friends. I'll guiltily admit it may be the best room in the house. Come on in.
I'll share the beautiful orchids a friend gave me because she missed my tea party. She is someone I don't really know very well, so it was extra touching to have her remember me like this.

Right now, I'm off to visit with two of my favorite people, The Queen and Princess of the Royal Icings. Later, I'll be popping in to visit many of you.

Here's to a Splendid Summer of art and friends.

Don't pay the ransom, I've escaped!

Christmas was lovely, here at Trails End. All the mom's will relate when I say how happy I was to have all of my family around the table. Ahhh, life can be so good!

Due to these crazy holidays, and some wonderful babysitting days, I have not done a lick of art. My husband surprised me with many art supplies so I am eager to get painting pasting again.

In the meantime, just to put a bit of color on these pages and to share some camera fun I've had, I'm posting a little bit of "the ranch". I want you all to realize that I use the term "ranch" with my tongue firmly in my cheek. This place used to be a working ranch, but not on our watch! We enjoy the peace and quiet and the lovely wilderness this has all become.

These are shots of the court yard at twilight. Those of you who live in So. Cal. will likely agree when I say that the light right at sunset can be magical.





I took these through the windshield driving on the ranch road on a rainy day. As I recall, several other bloggers also love to take pictures from the car.




I've been enjoying all of your Holiday posts and look forward to a great year of making art and sharing here. I can hardly explain to people I've known for years what this blogging thing means to me. And how much I enjoy all of you. OK, it's time to sign off. I'm getting all soppy.
L