Observations on life & art and the inspirations I see around me

Friday, June 24, 2011

Good intentions and black clouds.

If any one is still reading here, I apologize for my absence of 2 months.  I had the best of intentions when I started my blog nearly 3 years ago but intentions also require action. 
1. Blogging was going to help me focus on my art and creative practices and be an encouragement to  others.
2. Blogging was to be a way to keep friends & family informed about my life and make new friends and connections.
3. I would keep it positive and upbeat (most of the time) and learn from it just as I learn from students when I teach.
I think I did pretty well for a good part of the time.  I stayed with it pretty regularly and started 2011 choosing the word, "Harmony" as my theme. I was going merrily along until March when a brick wall jumped in front of me. My resolve has been greatly tested.  It's been a lesson; one I didn't necessarily want. In the end I'll probably be stronger for it.  Life does get in the way when you're making other plans. Be flexible.  Much of the last few months I have felt like the Charlie Brown character under a black cloud or Alice falling in to a deep, dark hole. It wasn't just feeling sorry for myself but also the tragedies in Japan; around the country; and the world. Feeling sorry does not help anyone so I am getting busy to do what I can in each situation.

Summer is here and while not my favorite season, I am determined to mark the change with resolve. I am working on attitude AND action.  I will do what I can and let God take care of the rest. I WILL get back to my art.
Today I'm working on digging out of the funk as I work on cleaning up from the plummeting hail storm we got Tuesday morning. I can be Thankful for the much needed rain; that Karl got a crew to do the major yard cleaning; and we are safe. A new roof will happen in due time and I will replant a few annuals in the ground and pots for color. I will hope someone comes to buy the house as I work each day to keep it in presentable condition. Tomorrow I will celebrate a good friend's 60th birthday and next week I will escape to camp to visit a good friend I haven't seen in ages. I will come home on the 4th and get ready for a PARTY.
Elliott & Celeste are getting married. They have chosen to go to the courthouse. We will celebrate here with family & friends.  We don't have a lot of time (we worked on prep for Ashley's wedding for most of a year) but it will be fun & festive.
I tried 3 times to upload a video to make you smile but you'll have to go to my facebook page to see Karlie's joyous abandonment.  Be inspired.