Yesterday as I was taking clothes out of the dryer, I, in all my widsom, pulled a stupid muscle in my back.  No, the muscle wasn't stupid, I was, as I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing and leaned down in a weird twisted way and bam.  Initially the pain almost brought me to my knees it was so intense but I managed to hobble into my room and make  it into bed ...... then I started crying.  Why?  because I'm a big baby and because this new ailment should be good company for my preexistenting earaches.  Yes, earaches which have been plaguing me since last summer.  They are on and off but lately and unfortunately, more on which makes working really hard when it feels like your head is going to blow off.  Saw the doctor and she told me it was fluid behind my ear but had no idea why is was there.  She said sleep propped up and take a decongestant.  Not helpful.  May at some point have to see an allergist but for now I'll just take to my bed with my pencils and sketchbook and hope my daughter (who is home on a snow day) will care for her mother. Yes, I am laughing as I say that because yesterday I was calling to her for five minutes as I needed her to refill my hotwater bottle.  When she finally got to my room she had that somewhat annoyed look on her face although I could tell she was trying to smile and be caring in an somewhat disturbing way... perhaps a little like Nurse Ratched in One Few Over The Cuckoos Nest.   How lovely to think I'll have children to care for me in my old age ..... yeah, I'm laughing again.

So the snow isn't here quite yet but the above picture was taken last year ... just a preview of what's to come I'm sure.

The local newspaper The Orillia Packet & Times called me up a couple of days ago for an interview about this weekend's Art Show.  You can read it here

Shaping up to be a great show and if last year was any indication we should have a good turnout.

                              

 A Moment in Solitude

SOLD

The above piece " A Moment in Solitude" sold at the Silverbridge Gallery over the weekend.  Bittersweet really as I did think at one time I would actually keep it for my own collection but so be it.  

I've been trying to get ready for the show in the village for the last little while but the old mojo isn't flowing quite as freely .... must be the imminent threat of cold weather and grey skies.  So as you can tell not a lot of blab about but if your around the area this weekend stop by and say "hello".  

Ahhhh summer.... I'm missing it already which is probably why blogging has fallen by the wayside.  The weather here in my little corner of the world has been so fabulous that being cooped up inside hasn't been on my list of "to dos".  I hear the rain is coming in tonight so back to work I go.

This morning Breakfast Television on CityTV  had a small segment featuring Alison Goodwin of The Village Gallery talking about buying and choosing art.  A piece of my work was there along with some of the other artists they represent.... but don't blink or you may have missed mine.  Hint..  bottom left hand corner of your screen.

I've been organizing our little "art" show here in the village which ramps up on Saturday November 27 and run until Sunday November 28th.  We have a wide range of mediums covered with 12 artists in total and through word of mouth generally have a good turn out.  More on that next week.

Off to enjoy the sun.....

Nana & Me

My grandmother passed away last night ... she was 94 years old.  Although it was expected it doesn't by any means make it easier.  The last 15 years of her life she spent living with my mother as my Dad and my grandfather had previously passed.  It's funny because I had never thought them the best of friends before my Nana moved in but it became apparent as the years rolled by that my mom and my grandmother had forged an unbreakable bond.  Nana loved bingo, baseball games (she knew all the players and their stats) her family and in the last year she always mentioned how she was "just hanging" on long enough to see the birth of her great great grandchild Max.  She did and I know it brought her immense happiness.

I knew Nana loved me through her actions although it was not verbalized all that often until the last few times I visited her at the home.  As I was leaving she would reach for my hand and pull me close to kiss my cheek.  I realized she knew I  was thinking the same thoughts that were silently moving through her mind .... "it may be the last time I feel your hand in mine or the last time I have the chance to look into your eyes and really see you"  At those moments she would tell me she loved me and yes, that was enough.

I will always give credit to my Nana for instilling in me the value of working with my hands... a creativity that may have never manifested itself  if not for her.  Within that realm of creativity lay the skill of baking and of art.  To watch her fingers move the needle effortlessly through the fabric when she sewed ...as if through water .. silent and smooth.  I would marvel at how it all seemed to come so easy for her when my embroidery looked to be a simple tangle of threads in my lap.  She would smile and tell me it was just experience at which point I would feel a small surge of hope that perhaps one day it would come as easily to me.

This morning I stood in my studio with my work all around me, closed my eyes and took the time I needed to appreciate what had been passed down to me .. the ability to create and the overwhelming joy that comes from that.  

And yes,  your right Nana it does come so much easier now it must be the experience I've gained after all these years and a wonderful teacher.

Safe passage.    I love you...

50 You Say

So today 50 reared it's not so ugly head!

I say that because everything about being 50 isn't as bad as people make it out to be.  My friend Rita says 50 is the new 30 and I believe her ... you bet I do.  Yes, granted things are a tad different than when your in your 20's  but 20 was a time of uncertainty for me and perhaps a bit of insecurity because I just didn't know who I was or where I was going.  I hadn't yet discovered how good it was to just be me and I kept trying to meet some stupid expectations that society had set for me as a person and as a woman.   30 was when I had my girls and those years are a bit of a blur to me now but don't get me wrong as I did love that period but there were moments in which I was totally consumed with doing the "mommy thing" and  totally lost the "Melody" thing.

So here I sit at 50 and to be completely honest  I know so many people who have passed from my life whose memories I hold dear but I can't call them up to say "hi" or even tell them I miss them so I am continually reminded of how precious and dear life really is and everyday I just feel so damn grateful that I'm healthy (I mean,  I think I am but being a bit of a hyporcondriac you just never know) happy and here.

And once again thanks to my friend Tom who always reminds me  ..."Happy Birthday Mel.  Make this the best day of this year...share with family and friends.  You have earned another FREE trip around the Sun...staring tomorrow!

P.S.  Must thank my friend Judy for the BIG 50 hat which I think I did manage to put on my head after much coercing.....for a total of 45 seconds ... not becoming whatsovever but John did manage to snap a pic of me wearing it so my mission will now be to find it and destroy it.

For some unknown reason Blogger is not allowing me to post photos this morning so let's just pretend I've put up another wonderful pic........

A week with lots of up and downs

-  John was in Toronto yesterday and was kind enough to drop by The Village Gallery with five new pieces as they've sold everything I've given them to date which is wonderful news.  The pics should be up on the site by the weekend according to Megan

-  the studio is in chaos at the moment as I'm am moving things around.  The space I'm in now in  is really just a spare bedroom and will go back to being a spare bedroom as well as my sewing space.  It just makes more sense since I'll be taking over the downstairs office for painting and  the north light is incredible almost all day long.

-  so the sad news:  my grandmother has now been moved into palliative care.  During her recent bout with pneumonia it was discovered that she now is faced with cancer in one of her lungs.  They are keeping her as comfortable as possible with pain medication and although I'm a realist and the logical part of my brain understands she is 94 and has lived a full life .... the emotional part of that same brain is still finding it difficult.

This is the view from my bedroom window which still after all the years of living in this house, never fails to make me feel grateful.  This little tree seems to be hanging on as long as possible hoping for a few more sunny days as everything else in the yard is completely bare.

I've spent the last few days trying my best to organize our small community art show that is going into it's 3rd year this November.  We started out with the simple idea of wanting more people to become aware of the vast majority of great art work that is within our area alone.  I think we've been surprised as to the support we've received as we haven't done much advertising and most of the attendance has been through word of mouth.

New documentary I'd love to see called TheLegend of Pale Male .....inspirational to say the least

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/thelegendofpalemale/

Building A Mystery

Mixed Media on Canvas

Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

Today I'm heading up to The Craighurst Gallery to pick up a few pieces of my work.  Hartley had asked if I would mind leaving them there after Images was over just until the 27th at which time a new show will hang.  Since I'll be heading up to the Silverbridge Gallery this week though I need to scoop a few pieces to add to what they have of mine which isn't a whole hell of a lot.

The Village Gallery has a show starting up on October 22nd but unfortunately I'm not going to get a chance to get down there with some new stuff until the 27th which was really bad planning on my part.

Oh, and my friend Rita Vindedzis sent me the following clip she found of my work on Cityline TV just in case you hadn't seen it or may be interested in seeing it or just have nothing to do for the next  few moments and are looking to waste some time ....... you pick....

http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/53234790001.000000/mixed-media-artwork/

Good news!

All three paintings that I had at The Village Gallery sold yesterday.  The above "Breathe Into It" was one of them.

This year's Images Tour was my best to date with lots of sales and the opportunity to meet some really cool new people.  I ended up selling almost all my small matted pieces along with three originals so when all was said and done I was pretty happy.  It was exhausting though, seven hours straight of non stop talking for four days has worn me out as I've come down with a crappy head cold.  Last week I had a sore throat which I thought would materialize into a cold but unfortunately it was only a prelude to what was to come.  But enough of about that.....

Last week John and I attended a dinner at the Carlu in Toronto to celebrate his CFP status (certified financial planner).  Wow, what a spectacular venue.  I almost felt important wobbling around in black heels that were way too high for me.  I could picture myself wiping out right in the middle of the cocktail part of the event... feet in the air and dress up over my face.... not a pretty picture by the way.  The Carlu reminded me of all the old hotels of the 1930's ... lots of grays and taupes with accents of silver... gorgeous spot.  I tried to take it all in because I'll probably never get a chance to go again but it sure was beautiful.

Windsong

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

Sold

The Images Studio Tour kicks off tomorrow and runs for four days.  If your in the area and would love to see some fabulous art and take in the gorgeous fall colours ... check out all the info here ...would love to see you so come out and say "hi"....

Today I've assigned myself the task of getting it together for the Images Tour that kicks off on Friday.  Thursday is set up and as usual I don't feel I'm ready but whether I am or I'm not doesn't seem to make any difference as it's happening all the same.

I also woke up with this brainstorm of an idea this morning which I gently (notice I say gently)  bounced off John this a.m. while he was eating his breakfast.  Me:  How about if I take over the downstairs office which gets plenty of beautiful light in the morning and which we don't use a hell of a lot and turn it into my painting studio???  Him:  what about the studio your in now?  Me:  well I would set up my computer there as well as continue using that room for sewing.  Him:  so you'll now have two rooms dedicated to your art? (Rolling his eyes)
 Me: (in a batting my eyes sort of way) No, not necesarily as maybe we could put a single bed in there and also use it as a guest room as we never seem to have enough space when people come to visit (thought I'd throw that in there that way it would I appear as if I were being flexible.  Him:  yeah, that could probably work.  Me: (quietly and to myself) that was way easier than I thought it would be.

The last few days I've been fighting off the cold that my youngest daughter had last week.  I've got a sore throat and earache with only the threat of congestion.  I've been drinking lots of tea, eating well (chicken soup), popping vitamins and resting.  This is not the week I had planned on having seeing that Images is right around the corner but "the best laid plans.... and all that stuff".   


Was listening to Robert Plant this morning been interviewed on Q with Jian Ghomeshi while I did up the dishes this morning.  Interesting guy but I'm not too crazy about the new album which is entitled "Band of Joy" but that's just me.  Rolling Stone gave it a favourable review so what do I know.  


Going to try and wrap a few things up in the studio now and then maybe a small nap although I did sleep 10 hours last night I'm still kind of tired..........

Breathe Into It

12"x36"

Acrylic on Canvas

Received an email from Megan at The Village Gallery saying my new work had just been updated onto their site ... 

Take a look at The Village Gallery

Spent two days visiting with my oldest daughter at university.  She will turn 18 at the end of this month and we wanted to head up and have a b'day dinner with her ... 18 is definitely one to celebrate but in my opinion all birthdays should be celebrated just because your here and your breathing.... enough said!.  Anyway, she is doing fabulously and really happy .. has met lots of new friends and is enjoying her classes even though she says there is way too much homework.

This week is my last week to get work finished up for the Images Tour so I'll have my nose to the grindstone on a full time basis.   Really tired today but I'm headed into the studio to try and once again get organized and clean it up in there ... yes, there is a pattern here.

More to say this week so stay tuned.............

So I read this a.m. that The Doobie Brothers are releasing a new album at the end of this month.  Tom Johnston on vocals/guitar .. he was always my favourite (sorry Michael McDonald) Patrick Simmons vocal/guitar.  One the THE all time best bands ever. .. hands down.  I saw them years ago and did they put on a show.  Judging by this performance from a few years ago at The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts .. they still got it!

The last few days have been busy ones for me and yes, I'm glad to finally be back home.  I spent a few days visiting with my family and my Nana whom I had previously mentioned was now in a nursing home and got a chance to hold the newest addition to our family my great-nephew Max ...... adorable!

Tuesday morning I met with Megan at The Village Gallery as I was dropping off new work.  We had a brief chat but I was on a tight timeline to get back up here for the Images Studio Tour kick off.  It was a great afternoon and the sun graced us with it's presence which was a far cry from earlier in the day when the sky opened up with a lightening storm that I heard was quite the spectacle.

Big thanks to Jan Wheeler for opening up her place for the kick off.  Here's some pics of the afternoon....

The food was fantastic but it was the chocolates that held my attention

This guy stopped by

Jan made up wonderful artist statements to accompany the work that was displayed

The Yearning Fields

Thread, Wool, Silk & Paint

16"x16"

Matted & Framed

So I'm off for a few days to visit my family most especially my Nana who has been put into an old age facility at the age of 94.   I heard she was off bowling a few days ago and was the best of the bunch so I'll be interested to hear that story from her.  Tuesday morning I'm headed into The Village Gallery to meet with both Alison and Megan and to bring in some new pieces.

Tuesday afternoon I'm back out here at Jan Wheeler's home for the Images Tour Media Kick Off which should be fun.... lots of media types as well as great food and other artists ... fabulous way to spend an afternoon.

Cheers..........

Lost & Found

Mixed Media on Canvas

20"x20"

So anyone who knows me knows what a sucker I am for movies that show the strength of the human spirit.  I mean come one, who doesn't love to watch a film that not only inspires you but just makes you feel damn good.

This one looks like one to put on the list and having both Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale in it doesn't hurt either...........

The Fighter

Wide Open Space

Paint, Wool, Silk & Thread

Matted & Framed

16"x11"

O.k. finally some new work to report.... about time I'd say. 

 I've been hard at it this week and finished two pieces today which went directly to my framers so they'll be ready for the Images Tour at Thanksgiving.  Nothing like a solid deadline to give you some perspective.

I'm really pleased with both of the works although  one of the pieces I almost tossed twice as I just didn't feel it was headed in the direction I had initially hoped it would.  Glad I kept at it as it may be one of my favourites after all is said and done.  I'll post it later this week.

This piece was completed in my usual way which is cotton laid on top of canvas,  painted, threaded (the trees in the distance) and then overlaid with wool & silk which is then sewn down.  

Sierah Lake Superior 2010

Last week at this time we were helping pack my oldest daughter up to head to the next adventure in her life....university.  Everyone's spirits were high and John and I sort of got lost in her excitement as this was a big moment.  Can't say enough great things about the university as everyone on campus was happy, energetic, friendly and amazingly helpful.  We started moving things in and then took a break to head downtown for lunch.  Came back finished setting up her room and everything was going so well until the "dreaded goodbyes" ... damn those goodbyes they get you everytime.  I promised myself I wouldn't cry because  

1.  I didn't want to make her cry or feel upset on such an exciting day
2. My mascara would run everywhere and my eyes would remain puffy for hours which would be a sure sign to others I couldn't hold it together at least until I got to the car
3. I wanted to show everyone who told me that I would cry that I wouldn't

Well you know the rest....... the tears started for her and I at just about the same time.....holding it back just wasn't possible.

On the way home in the car the three of us were silent.  In many ways it felt almost deafeningly quiet.  I think we were all busy dealing with her leaving in our own ways.  For me it was memories of a beautiful little girl who used to sit on her bed in the dark and read books aloud long after the lights went out just because she loved to read.  A sweet gentle child who has in no time at all grown into an independent, beautiful young woman with her life waiting with open arms...........

Can't wait to see this new film by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) starring James Franco....
127 hours....

Breathe Into It

Acrylic on Canvas

12"x36"

Available at The Silverbridge Gallery

Just reading one of my fav blogs by one of my fav painters Heather Horton who has been involved for quite some time on the book "Photographs & Writings of Christopher McCandless".  

Chris McCandless's journey was chronicled in the book "Into The Wild".   by Jon Kraukauer.  It sounds so exciting and being such a big fan of the book as well as the movie I can't wait to get my hands on it once it's published.

Night

Work in paint, thread, wool & silk

This last week of summer is proving to be a challenging one what with my oldest daughter headed off to her first year of university and my youngest needing/wanting endless amount of stuff for high school.  On the bright side my studio has been reorganized and is ready/set for work once I get a chance to actually get my butt in there.  

The above piece is one of the small ones I will have available at the Images Studio Art Tour this Thanksgiving.  These smaller works generally measure about 4"x3" and are double matted but not framed.  They are never sold at gallery as there just isn't enough margin to make it worthwhile for me or the gallery so I only sell them directly through me or at any shows I do.  If your around on the Thanksgiving weekend come out and say "hi" as once again there are an outstanding group of artist participating..... info on the site.

                                                courtesy of iamblessed

So I haven't posted anything for awhile since I haven't had any new work to share.  Oh I've been in the studio but not producing all that much since it looks like a hurricane swept through and it's just so damn difficult to work in a messy space.  Today all that will change... I wonder how many posts I've spent going on and on about how messy my studio is and how I'm going in to clean it up.... definitely a pattern going on here.

After all the dreaded housework sorts itself out I'm determined to spend at least four hours getting things together.  Other than that all is well but I'm missing sitting on the beach today watching the waves come in off Lake Superior

For All The Dog Lovers Out There

TULIP

Silent Songs

20"x20"

Acrylic on Canvas

Just back from two weeks on Lake Superior .... the most inspirational place I know.  Lots of new ideas for upcoming work.... stay tuned!

Lake Superior Dreaming

Inspiration calls ............

Home

Row of Reds

Mixed Media

SOLD

Nice to be home!

If you caught the not too subtle cue of my last post you'll know we headed off to California for a week.  Yosemite to be exact.  Sierah and John climbed The Half Dome while Holly and I sat by the pool.  The entire day they were gone I was on pins and needles as The Half Dome is not only daunting but dangerous if your not prepared.... but I knew they were and it ended up being such a major accomplishment for Sierah right before heading off to university in September.  I'll post some photos this week.  Still feel a bit jet lagged but I'm coming around.  The drive from Fresno to Yosemite was cram packed with hills and sharp turns so once again I'm thanking the manufacturers of Gravol for their tiny little pink pill.

I checked my email at the hotel and received a great one from Carol Currie.  She generously took some of my work to The Thunder Beach show and I ended up selling Row of Reds (my biggest piece to date) as well as a painting.  Row of Reds just happened to be one of my all time fav pieces and if it hadn't of eventually sold for the price I wanted I think I may have just kept it for myself.

Warning:  cheesy family pics ahead.........

See you in a week ..... thanks Fletch!

Good News!

Ancient Voices

16"x16"

Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

SOLD

Yesterday I heard from Megan at The Village Gallery with (yay) good news.....they sold two of my mixed media on canvas pieces.  Yep,  I'm a pretty happy camper.  

Just found this trailer for a documentary I'd love to see as I've always been totally fascinated by the people who attempt to climb Mount Everest.  Bet you never knew that about me but it's true.  Not that I have any desire whatsoever to give it a try but reading about it .. now that's another story.  Years ago I read Jon Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" which is still one of my all time favourites.  If you ever want to read a true story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the baby for you..

So here's the trailer for "Wildest Dreams"

Mondays........

Lost & Found

20"x20"

Acrylic on Canvas

Some people view Monday morning as quite motivating, you know, the start of a clean slate, brand new week to make things happen.... I clearly am not one of those people but I've got to kick it into gear as there is laundry to be done, work to be started and finished and the floors need a good washing.  What I really feel like doing is sitting outside with a good book but it's not going to happen today.

Yesterday I was checking in on Rita's blog and she was talking about good books for summer reading.  I think I mentioned a few posts ago how I had finished Elizabeth Gilbert's "Committed" and enjoyed it.  I also picked up "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" only because everyone kept telling how I just had to read it.  I never really like going into a book that way as the expectation is just far too high and at the end it just doesn't seem to measure up but I'm keeping an open mind.

So other than this little pathetic piece of "fluff" I've thrown out there I really don't have anything much to say...apologies all around.

Oh, but I will be heading to Midland on Thursday to take up my work to Carol Currie for the Thunder Beach Show

Expermentation

In Progress

Acrylic/Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

16"x16"

So I've been a pretty busy camper these last few days as I'm trying to make up for the time I lost last week.  Family came to stay for seven days and it just wouldn't have been right to take off for hours at a time to the studio which just happens to be outside in the garage.... I'll just call it my "summer studio".   I've really taken to what it is to paint in the fresh air.  When I need a break I simply hop on my bike and go for a ride ... rural living you know....

In Progress

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

16"x16"

I've found the last few weeks to be a real experimental period for me.  Sometimes I get too wrapped around the axel when it comes to deciding how I want to work and in what medium.  I'm giving myself a big break and just deciding to go wherever my instincts take me.  I'm at  a stage in my life where I'm refusing to be pigeonholed. At this moment I'm enjoying the lusciousness of working in oils.  The slow drying qualities of the medium I've developed a love/hate relationship with but oh, the fluidness of the paint is like drinking a good red (Bonterra) and listening to Miles Davis......  now, that's a one good visual...

New Work in Progress

Oil on Canvas

6"x6"

Just as my energy was beginning to lag someone sent me this

Now I'm wishing I had a few of the vitamins he's on.

Fading Rituals

Mixed Media on Canvas

6"x6"

SOLD

This week as far as work goes (the art kind) ...will be a write off. 

 My inlaws arrive on Monday for my daughter's graduation and then leave on Wednesday for Toronto.  Wednesday I start cleaning the house and grocery shop for the second shift as my family arrives on Thursday.  They depart on Sunday just in time for my inlaws to show up for dinner on Sunday night.  Come Monday all goes back to it's usual comforting pulse of silence....o.k. maybe not silence as I forgot the girls are off school for summer break........you'll find me working in the garage.

Things have been slow lately and I'm simply trying to finish up two pieces to deliver to Carol Currie for the Thunder Beach Show on July 17th.  Other than that I've been kind of wandering around doing my best to reorganize and purge my house of "stuff" that seems to have collected in drawers I never find the need to open.  I know there's junk in there so that's why I never open them.    The rain here seems to be relentless and day in and day out it seems rather gloomy.... not good weather when it comes to being inspired..sunshine is my drug when it comes to creativity.

At the moment I'm  reading "Committed" by Elizabeth Gilbert and am really enjoying it.  If you read "Eat, Pray, Love" and think this book will be anything like that..."it's not".  I read many of the reviews on Amazon and thought the people that didn't like it were looking for a sister book to EPL.  This book stands on it's own merit and as far as I'm concerned she's a really good writer.  It's frank and honest and 

gives you a sobering look at marriage as a whole.

Anyway, I'm off.. ..time for a bit of meditation as my practice has been lagging lately

Today the rain didn't stop until about an hour ago which fortunately gave me enough time to head outside and visit my newest obsession.  O.k., obsession might be far too strong of a word but I am totally fascinated by this ......

This spider is living just outside my kitchen window and I can't help but check in on him multiple times a day while I'm doing the dishes.  Now I know most people find spiders creepy and generally high on the "yuck" scale but I just happen to be a freak so I find them awesome.  Snakes creep me out so to each his own.  Yesterday a fly got caught in the web and you should have seen that spider move.  I watched as he wrapped it up and saved it for a midnight snack.... it was better than You Tube.  

Other goings on outside are that my pepper plant is doing exceptionally well as is my basil, parsley, rosemary and thyme (hey, that's part of a song).  Instead of planting the herbs in the garden this year we decided on putting them in planters on the deck as we just seem to use them more often that way.  

Hope whatever your doing in your corner of the world is making you happy.......