Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Cherry Tree

The Cherry Tree fell, Lis...he said as he brought her coffee early in the morning....she rubbed her eyes and said no, can't be true George...but George (my dear Ron) was telling the truth....it had started about 4 am with some wind and noise, big nudge in the ribs...what was that??? Hmmmm???? Sounded like lots of metal banging?  I dunno.....snore.....Later I arise and casually survey the sunrise and it's indeed blocked by a fallen tree, spanning my backyard and so, everything else aside, burying our beloved tree is now the order of the day.   No pets, buildings or humans were harmed with the exception of our sore backs.... We rolled up our sleeves and it took the two of us with the help of a neighbors chipper, nearly three days to fix it all....


There was a huge branch that looked like it was meant for a swing, that kept the tree from crushing the back of the barn as it fell.   You can't see it well at all in these pictures, but if it had not cushioned the fall, severe carnage imminent...we were so blessed...
My gentleman  of perpetual pants falling down worked like a demon to repair the damage, and the darn rock wall kept crumbling, I had my own chainsaw for the project and felt like a warrior queen.



It's pretty much all better now, wood hauled, mulch spread, lawn recovering...yay!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Remember Me?

My first online workshop, and it's been so incredibly amazing, thank goodness it goes until December because I've been interrupted.   Of Towers and Turrets , please do check it out.....lots of wonderful ladies from all over the world, sharing the most incredible work as they/we learn from these fabulous instructors!!!  I am hooked, Sharon and Deryn are an amazingly complimentary and effective team and I highly recommend this workshop.  It's not too late to sign up either.....A series of very professionally executed and just plain fun videos guide you through everything from tools and sources, detailed instruction and review....forums filled with lovely, encouraging and highly inspired people bouncing information and encouragement all over, a veritable treasure trove, all of it.  Our instructors seem to never be further than a whisper away when you have a question...I really wish I could spend more time hanging with this particular gang, I know I could make some new friends.  My only  regret is that the workshop will be closed at December's end, so much to absorb and to really appreciate what everyone is doing, well....that's my own fault and I knew I had conflict.  I review the vids as I can, paint and plot and poker face me laughs out loud regularly at their banter, I jiggle around and hum to the funky music...I love how relaxing yet inspiring it all is.  For many examples of the class work, and personal works of Sharon and Deryn, do click away.   For a workshop that will potentially alter your perspective, teach and refine your skills, and add layers of soul to what you create, just do it.  You won't regret a minute of it.

I've been occupied, truly overwhelmed with tasks and things which have required a great deal of time and energy.  Consequently, much catching up to do.  And so then life literally dropped a huge and antique cherry tree  across our backyard this Sunday morning early, and I'll post on that at some point, when my back stops aching from the clean-up.  Most fortunately, no people, pets or buildings were damaged.  This weekend is also Candy Dance, the huge art and craft festival that's been happening since the 1970's, and the dinner dance which is celebrating it's 90th something anniversary.....but for now....I've done more work on my studio and it's a magical place.  I can't wait to get back into it! I think I will just let my pictures speak for themselves a bit here.....This place has become very important, I love being here surrounded by pretty, interesting, inspiring things and all alone.....things are happening here.....

the little owl clock I told you about, Susan, in front of your fabulous bridal shadowbox....
Yes, things are happening here.  I just listed this piece on ArtFire.  Until next time, check in with me if you happen to come to Candy Dance....
Smooches,
moi