New Baby!

I became a grandmother on Mother's Day! What a great gift. Everyone is doing great and she is precious.

It's Finished!!!

The rough draft is done!!! I created the calendar project in 2008/ 2009 and began the book in September of 2009. Tomorrow I mail it off to my mentor in WI. Hard to believe! I have no idea what the future holds for it, but I know I've enjoyed the process of working on it. What a ride!!!!

Closing In

I'm finally closing in on the finish line of the rough draft of my book. I just have to hope that my technology challenged brain has not led me into a trap I can't get out of. I've been revising the draft at the lake and will be heading home in the morning to print out the first flash drives set of pages, illustrations and all. I had a scare or two tonight with the computer but I think I got myself out of the jam I created. I can hardly believe I have done what I have done when I barely know how to turn on a computer. I'm eager to send the draft off to my mentor. I'm a little nervous as well, as no one has seen this thing except me. Then I come back around and realize I have been totally engaged in it's creation and that alone is enough for me even if someone else is less than thrilled with it. I am grateful for the focus it has given me over the last several years. I will miss this part of the process!

And The Walls Came Down

Today marks a new beginning. What better symbol could I ask for than what is about to happen today? Teaching my art classes, doing my own art work and developing the calendar project has taught me everything begins with tiny steps. The walls came down in the dining room and up the stairwell this past weekend and our much thought about, planned and re planned remodel has officially begun. I love the fact that the first act of "construction" starts with a new set of steps! These will be safer, easier to navigate and will be built, one step at a time. They will eventually lead to an open and exciting new space upstairs. After all the upheaval in our lives since December it's going to be great to climb new steps to a bright and cheery space. Interesting that my book will be ready for the next step this week as well! Art and life, a series of steps.

Take a Flying Leap

Tuli and Dylan are at it again. Just when I needed it a few weeks back I got this shot of them embracing being alive. I'm coming to appreciate all they can teach me. I have many friends and several art students facing challenges of all different types. Life can be hard. But watching these guys doing what they do best, "dog bliss", reminds me to get out there and find my bliss. Each day is special. This week I've started a new group at the college with the part one, "Learn to See as an Artist Sees " class. What a gift it is for me to assist them in this journey as they too, take the leap, a leap in the form of just signing up for the class! I'm totally grateful for this opportunity to work with them and I'm looking forward to taking a few leaps of my own!