"night mind" - a quest for charity launches a new series

My studio is adorned (inside and outside) with skulls.  My fascination with skulls met a kindred spirit when I first became aware of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings of skulls while in high school.  Mmmmm…….yes…..!  Over the years I have played with ideas around creating with skulls and bones…but only in my mind. While playing in Jackson Hole last month, I enjoyed the typical “way-too-short-but-what-a-charge” connection I share with fellow sculptor Ben Roth.  He is lit.  Bright and beaming, muse and amusing, Ben fully engages in life inside and outside the studio with a passion that rivals my own.  We never have enough time to exchange ideas, talk shop, talk life and tell tales but I always walk away with something to chew on (and a grin).

Ben told me about his idea to have a Trophy Art fundraiser for the National Museum of Wildlife Art - grand good fun (I have a fondness for trophy art).  So I decided to pull off a rather last minute entry as a good excuse to play with skulls and support a museum I cherish.  I only had a few days to complete and ship the sculpture to meet the deadline but the time limit turned out to be a blessing as it forced me to work small.  During the past two years I have tried several times to create on a small scale something from what I am exploring in my “Reliquary” series – but so far nothing has kept my attention.  My desire to create art potent with spirit along with my current obsession with the feeling of reverence just hasn’t found a way to be squished down – but there I was in my studio with a deadline and ideas and...well...

The sculpture is 9” x 5” (yes – that is inches…!)  

Carved from a scrap piece of black walnut left over from the Bison Bench, tiny feathers line the niche and gold-leafed barbs adorn the 100-year-old barbwire.

Can you guess which wild bird the skull is from?

The sculpture is on exhibit (and for sale) at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, WY until March 15.  Meanwhile, I am excited to continue this series and play with skulls...

jackson hole - snow, sunshine and art

new project, new scale and still plenty of wood chips and sawdust

I have experimented off and on with materials and ideas to explore some of the reliquary concepts of the large sculptures on a smaller scale.  So far nothing has compelled me enough to complete.  But I was recently inspired to create something for the "Trophy Art" fundraiser at the National Museum of Wildlife Art."  The right combination of timing, materials, motion, emotion, curiosity and all I learned from my previous (unsuccessful) attempts has me intrigued, engaged and excited...

I haven't forgotten you...

Psst… hello….!

I feel like I need to whisper my way back into blog-mode after a rather lengthy hiatus from blogging, e-newsletters and social media.  Every year I barrel into the holiday season believing somehow that I will continue to get plenty of work done but the reality is that never actually happens.  Why fight it?  Rather better to embrace the season.  But then there is the post-holiday month of January which I also have the habit of believing I will launch right into with a New Year fresh fury but I am learning.

Listening…

The truth is that January beckons me into a regroup and retreat mode more and more each year.  Why fight it?  I have a yearly ritual on January 1^st that I have completed every year since I can’t remember when.  The ritual is simple and facilitates revisiting each day of the last year and glancing through the New Year as I go through my daily planner; see the record of my activities, gatherings, work-outs, adventures, weekly weight, projects completed, phone-calls made, blog posts written etc.  I keep consistent records.  As I go through the old planner I transfer birthdays onto the new planner.  The ritual involves a candle, tea and Bailey’s and a few other meaningful activities; it simply honors a transition.

With each passing year, I find myself requiring more than just a few hours to revisit and regroup.  I welcome space from my studio and from much of the busy world.  I would love to catch you up - so much has happened...!  But let me start by whispering another warm welcoming “hello!”  Feels good to be back.  Since my last blog post I have ditched my studio for weeks at a time yet I have also already completed and shipped one totally new sculpture in a new scale and with new materials.  I have begun the next sweet little bronze.  I have traveled and I have hunkered down for days in a row without leaving my mountain.  I read inspiring books, cleared my closets, aired out my soul, held carefully my heart and sought clarity and healing.  Grown.  Grounded.  Refreshed.

Inspired

Can’t wait to share more…!

bozeman annual ice festival weekend = frozen fun!

Luckily I won a contest to name the group of women climbers we had formed the first year I began to climb rock.  The “Rack Pack” seemed a fitting name since climbers carry a “rack” of gear on their harnesses and women carry a “rack” daily (hee!)

The winning entry got me a FREE pass for the Annual Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival.  Honestly I was so broke at the time I very likely wouldn’t have been able to attend the festival if I hadn’t won the contest.  I had tried climbing ice once before by duct-taping crampons onto a pair of winter boots (sketchy and problematic) – hardly a good solid start to the sport.  The Bozeman Ice Festival geared me up with demo ice axes and crampons for the festival clinics.  Steve House and Zoe Hart led the Beginners Clinic and from the first swing of the ax I was instantly and insatiably HOOKED on ICE…!  The next day Steve suggested I join the clinic led by Conrad Anker – the only girl in a pack of men in what turned out to be the advanced group.  Grinning with gumption and pure love of the new sport the fellas accepted and encouraged me.

My girlfriend Amy Bullard started a women’s only clinic at the Bozeman Ice Festival a  few years later.  The clinic has grown to be the largest on ice clinic for women in the country – and very possibly the world.  I volunteer every year to share my love for ice climbing with the ladies.  Last Friday at the women’s clinic was a blast.  Gear for women has come a long way in a short time.  Colors are brighter, gloves and ice climbing boots are   actually made for women now (my first pair of boots were the smallest available men’s size at the time - too big but better than nothing).

Yesterday I joined dear friends from Jackson Hole and Whitefish (in town for the festival) for a super fine fun day climbing in Hyalite Canyon.  The four of us enjoyed the moderate temperatures and the fat ice at Palisade Falls.  Life has kept me from adventuring much on ice the past few seasons but playing during the festival this weekend refreshed my urge and desire to spend more time exploring Momma Nature’s sculptural creations.  I MUST find more time to climb!!!

2014 Envato World Photography Awards

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Irresistible Fashion Colors

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Sleek New Style For Blog

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Building A Better Responsive Website

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

New Photoshop Tutorials of November 2013

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Amazon Prime Air Drone Hunt

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Listen, Watch And Share!

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Speed Up Your Website With Contrast

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Music Festival 2014

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

What is Your Expectations From A Website?

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Choose To Live Healthy

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

Double Exposure Photography

Didn't need no welfare states. Everybody pulled his weight. Gee our old Lasalle ran great. Those were the days. We're gonna do it. On your mark get set and go now. Got a dream and we just know now we're gonna make our dream come true. Come and dance on our floor. Take a step that is new. We've a loveable space that needs your face threes company too.

All of them had hair of gold like their mother the youngest one in curls!" It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. Straightnin' the curves. Flatnin' the hills Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Today still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. So this is the tale of our castaways they're here for a long long time. They'll have to make the best of things its an uphill climb.

Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. He's gainin' on you so you better look alive. He busy revin' up his Powerful Mach 5. Fish don't fry in the kitchen and beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin' just to get up that hill. The weather started getting rough - the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. the Minnow would be lost. The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Goodbye gray sky hello blue. There's nothing can hold me when I hold you. Feels so right it cant be wrong. Rockin' and rollin' all week long. Doin' it our way. Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is. Well we're movin' on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky?

drawing

I have been making time to draw.  Too much desk time munches away at my soul.  I have been busy in the business part of art.  I must pave a path for the latest sculpture series and then a whole new realm for me to rally the funds needed to place the bison bench sculpture at the airport (more about that later). Frankly, I get downright grumpy if I am not creating or adventuring.  Squeezing in studio time gives me a glimmer of freedom to create and shines a beam of light as I forge forward through the trudging part of the journey as an artist.  Every adventure has trudge and drudge not-so-exciting and often miserably painful moments.  The adventure could be a summit, a relationship or a career – things that involve passion, purpose and intent.  No matter how exciting the peak or how rewarding the journey, often much time is spent in non-glorious actions.  Ah – but a whiff of the vision – a glimpse of beauty, a hug, or a tiny victory can keep me going like the Energizer Bunny.  A wee bit of studio time is a promise to myself of a future with MORE studio time once again.

So each day I stand in front of my easel to face the tantalizing fear and promise of blank paper; seductive and frightening.  For a few moments or hours I slurp color onto paper, grinding it impossibly dark under my nails as a powdered rainbow of color falls at my feet below the easel.  I find myself buoyed between the kind of light-hearted-full-of-possibilities kind of laughter and the soul-wrenching swarm of sadness-near-to-tears emotion as I draw.  Open.  I search and feel through color.  A bit lost.  A bit found.  Klutzy.  But no matter how I feel during the process of drawing, afterward I feel somehow better.  Renewed, not unlike the feeling after a grueling workout when progress cannot be instantly seen but felt somehow.  I enter my office with the post-workout feeing of progress which fuels the uphill moments while working the business part of art – which in turn will create the financial freedom to sculpt once again the zillion ideas dancing and stomping loudly in my soul.

december morning

blessed thanksgiving memories

I have eaten fresh crabs caught in a cave while ship-wrecked on a Mexican island, climbed frozen waterfalls in sub-zero temps, shared thanks and 3 picnic tables full of potluck dinner in Redrocks campground with climbers and their children from all over the world, skied and soaked in hotsprings, ate chicken pasta in a small family owned restaurant in Rome while traveling Europe alone at 17, dined with fine china while sharing tradition with family and friends, and yesterday I tagged a summit - all ways of giving thanks, sharing place, peace, adventure, love, play and simple abundance during Thanksgiving Day. FULL-to-overflowing with gratitude.