December

Where did that year go?

We had our second opening for the Flynndog Gallery art show. I sold a painting to another artist!

Went to a Cookie Swap, which also included a fun game where I brought home several small useful gifts! The house was decorated to perfection which got me in the mood. I think this is an American custom, something like also decorating a tree and the stockings? I’m not Christian, but I do love the festivities. As a kid we chopped the tree down in our yard where my Dad grew them. I have always loved Christmas ornaments,in fact it is one of those things I collect when traveling. This year I went to a friends and chopped a tree from her backyard. Funny thing is, all the needles dropped off about 2 weeks later( yes I watered it!) it was a prickly thing that attacked me as I tried to keep it upright without a stand in a makeshift gallon of water. Frustrated, I put it outside and decided I needed another one. What an ordeal,taking all the ornaments off again. I found another tree. Doug Hamlin from Hamlin Family Christmas Trees was so sweet to trust me to send payment ( a discounted) as I had no money on me. It was a cute tiny tree! Back at it, decorating and putting stockings up…got me in the spirit. I photographed many Christmas trees this year, Trapp Family Lodge had themed trees that were amazing, too many photos to add here. I also made a fun game for two families called the “Saran Wrap” game, google it. Last time I ever buy saran wrap,ugh, can’t believe I did that, but it was a hit! I hate plastic if you didn’t know. Seeing my family for Christmas was special, first time in, I think, 20 or so years!

I celebrated the Winter Solstice at the Earth Clock at Oakledge Park. Bring back the light….Actually where did the sun go?I haven’t seen it much. I always wonder how solar power works in VT?

As you know,I Despise plastic, so this year for small gifts, I painted wooden clothespins. It was relaxing and a good meditational pastime. They can also be the chip clips were appreciated by friends who then ordered a few. They have many uses: chips,cards,reminders,business cards,notes, hair clip in a pinch… anyone else have a use for them? Let me know. Customizable.

Thank you for all those who donated to my Go Fund Me Panama Art Residency. I sent in my deposit…I am going! So many preparations…. and research, It is not funding a vacation, it is Education and I believe part of a climate change engagement. Being unplugged will feel strange but healthy.

Hamlin Family Christmas Tree I bought!

Naughty Christmas Tree!

Stefania’s Tree

Rescue, Mumbo and Little One are not forgotten!

November

Embarrassed that I am so far behind in my Blogs! Thanks to the snowstorm, I am hunkered down at home and Love it! 1”-2”/ Hour and single digits later, fire in Woodstove, baking bread!!

Life has continued to be full!

Flynn Dog Art Opening: This show was political for me. The theme of “Contrast” brought up many feelings. In the current global situation, I couldn’t help myself. From Plastic vs. Nature, to the variety of what Love means, to the opposites in the everyday(and much more) to sheer beauty of the black and white rocks of Vermont.

Last Pain Clinic meeting: I am currently off my prescription drug and feel better. I will miss this group of loving souls.

Ice and snow!! shoveling and cancelled work, OH YAH,Vermont . First Winter in 15 years!!

Went to a play see my buddy Carter Monks. WOW, These high schools are much more advanced these days, I could actually live in the sets they constructed! It was professional. Kudo’s to all the parents and kids in Bristol,VT

Started dancing Nia again and it feels great. What’s Nia you ask?: Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music in more than 45 countries.

Thanksgiving was spent at a friends house, I had my yearly turkey, mmmmmm YUM.

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen instead of doing art, but I enjoy making good food and trying new recipes! I have been eating Organic since 1982! Damn time is going too fast, it feels strange.

truth

June 20

The Strawberry full moon has passed and the Equinox is tomorrow, how time flies. Since my last post I have done a few things. Our 10 women Art Tribe had a retreat at Rock Point School. We are working on our next show and came up with the details as well as played with various techniques that each member brought.

The Penny Cluse show in Burlington,Vt is still up. The theme “Inside”. 120 artists were given a

6” x 6” block to work with. Can you spot mine?

I participated in a Ephemeral Nature Art Experience ( Andy Goldsworthy style) on the bike path next to Perkins Pier. The group was small but the fun was large.

I am a volunteer for Healing Winds, a sailing reprieve for people with Cancer. We had a fundraiser and I of course took part in the photo costume booth.

I just got my first boat!! Ok, so it’s a kayak, but I love it! We have been exploring areas one normally can’t go because of the flooding this year. And it continues to rain.

Healing Winds Fundraiser

Rock Point Art Retreat

Penny Cluse Show “Inside”

Ephemeral Art

My new Kayak!