Spring is in The Air

Safe Passage

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

6"x3-1/2"

Double Matted 8"x10"

So I've spent some real quality time in the studio over the last couple of days so there's no whining from me today. Thursday I'll head up to the Silverbridge Gallery to drop off some new work and then in the afternoon Ellen from Ridge West is coming by to pick up my artwork for the show. I've really hit my creative groove which is turn making me a very happy camper.

I went out for a walk yesterday and the signs of spring are everywhere. Snow is finally melting, the road is dry and clear and my roof is breathing a sigh of relief after what has been a grueling winter. We've also had a visitor the last few days who seems to have found love with my cat Simba. We initially thought it was a female in heat as she would cry outside our bedroom window at 3 a.m. requesting Simba's presence. We, needless to say did not find this amusing in the least. At one point John went outside with the broom and starting banging on the deck to scare it away while Simba cowered behind the curtains in the house. We found out yesterday that she is a he. I opened the back door and he, in a very bold manner I might add, tried to get in.

Simba may be slightly flattered by all the attention but at the same time he is deathly afraid of his own shadow. I think this cat whom Sierah has named Sheila, which we may now need to change to Sam in light of his maleness, intimates Simba.

He seems totally uninterested in being friends and tries his best to escape from Sam's unnerving stare. Ahh, destined to become a one sided relationship afterall.

Even The Cat Is Confused

Poor Simba........he really loves the outdoors but unfortunately has been forced inside the last few weeks due to the weather. We have been experiencing a major winter storm since last night at midnight and as of this writing (3:46 in the afternoon) it hasn't stopped snowing. So this morning I think Simba had just about had enough of this winter wonderland. When I opened the back door he ran out into the snow and just sat there for a few minutes........obviously confused. ...he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer but loveable all the same. It didn't take him long to realize there wasn't anyway out of this stuff so very gingerly he made his way back into the house....looking very depressed.

Jamoca

Today is a very sad day for our family. Our cat of 20 years, Jamoca, is going to be put down this afternoon. We have struggled with this decision for the past few months as we have watched her health fail and have decided this is for the best. Although we realize it is necessary it doesn't make it any easier for any of us. We brought her home only two months after we first got married. At night she would sleep on my stomach for the first few weeks we had her. She felt comforted by my breath and I, by her presence. We named her Jamoca because our favourite ice cream at Baskin and Robbins was Jamoca Almond Fudge. She has been with us through countless moves to different locations, through the birth of both of my daughters, through the adoption of our dog Miner. It feels like the end of an era and I guess it is.

John and I spent all of our time with her last night. Talking to her, petting her and just staying close. Tonight when we are together as a family we will sit and recall all the past memories we have shared with her and in the end, remember how much she was loved.

Hanging On By A Thread

Yes, this really is the name of this artwork which will be a part of the show I am doing at the Double Doors Studio in June. Actually this piece just about sums up how I've been feeling this last week. Lots of stuff going on with the kids, the husband, the cats........poor Jamoca who is 20 years old is having a hard time of it. I think dementia has set in. She hisses at the wall, the refrigerator, the plant, etc. all the time. Kind of sad but kind of funny too. The girls and I giggle but not when she's around.

I've been particularly busy trying to get finished for the show........always a struggle when your on a deadline. Reminder to self.....more artwork....less housecleaning.

We are putting in hardwood floors this spring so I am debating painting as it is the perfect time to do it. The walls look rather sad and I'm sure would love a fresh coat of paint. We have an interior decorator, Lisa Freeman in town and I have seen some of her work.......outstanding. So she came over yesterday to help me choose a colour. She remarked on one of my pieces of artwork, Cold Wind Blowing (see my first post) and I took her into my studio and lo and behold she loved my work. She will be putting a piece of art and a little blurb about me in her next newsletter. Thanks Lisa

Well, must run.....I have to send off one of my images to the printer for the invite for the show, more laundry needs to be hung on the line, I can hear Jamoca hissing upstairs and tonight I am volunteering to make salad for my youngest daughter's play at school..........oh, and of course the studio is calling. Be well,

Happy Belated Mother's Day

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.

My mother's day was just perfect. French toast with fresh fruit for breakfast and our friends Charlie and Joan over for dinner. I spent maybe 10 minutes in the studio and the rest of my day outside planting some flowers in the garden as well as pulling lots of weeds.

This is my "zen"cat Simba. Why do I call him a "zen" cat. His favourite thing to do is relax which reminds me to take time to do the same. A good reminder for all us.

Work is going wonderfully and I am really excited about the new pieces I will have for my show on June 23rd. Lots of colour and texture as well as acrylic paint on cotton. I'm even thinking of an abstract using dye on silk. I've still got some experimenting to do. Hope your mother's day was as lovely as mine.