Thursday, December 31, 2009

Let us never speak of 2009 again.

I was at a get-together at a friend's house last night and it seems universally agreed upon that 2009 s*cked really, really badly. I think after today, we shall never speak of it again.

Looking forward to heading out to DC today for a wing-ding of a time with crazy Lorrie. Spending two nights at a beautiful resort on the National Harbor. We get to dress up and be all girlie, what fun. Unfortunately, we won't have anyone to kiss at midnight, so we'll just send up kisses to the sky like Eddie Murphy and his iiiiiice cream. (I know that probably was lost on most people - watch "Delirious".

Found this video today, soooo cute.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please let 2010 be awesome!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Quiet time

Ahhh...a week off. Sleeping in, working out, napping, getting my nails done, having time to get into the studio. It's heaven. HEAVEN. I love my job, but I really like having some time off too.

Rehearsals for "I Ought To Be in Pictures" by Neil Simon are going well. Nearly "off book" which means I know my lines. It's much easier to act when you're face isn't looking down into the book you're holding. The opening is January 22, which is right around the corner. Not a lot of time, but we'll get there. One of those wham-bam plays.

Time for a little coffee. The house is very, very quiet. Peace.

Christmas Can-Can

Thought I'd embed it...it's worth watching.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Post Christmas



Today's Post Secret fave. I don't even want to know the party affiliation of my family members.

What a beautiful sunny day. Off to the studio!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Can-Can

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1909243034?bctid=53156488001

Be yourself

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull
Happy Christmas Eve!

As the New Year gets closer, my mind will turn to deeper thoughts and planning/pondering 2010. In my 45th year, there are things that I am (finally) resolute on. One of those being that I am okay with just being myself. I have done what the above quote suggests for a good portion of my life, and it is truly a soul-sucking process. Now my mantra is - if it's working for me, my kids and/or my friends and I'm not hurting anyone, then it's good enough. Once you change for one person, another will come along and expect the same for them. Soon you've changed so many times and whittle away so much of you, that there is nothing but a suggestion of who you used to be.

Life is good. I have a home, a job, healthy children, a great family and friends, a studio where I can do what I love most, and so much more. Sometimes it's difficult to balance it all, and sometimes the balance isn't always there, but life is a work in progress. There are going to be bumps, people you piss off, and people you hurt. But when it all boils down, you still have to live with yourself and be okay with your own decisions.

R.I.P. to Big Bob. You were da' man. They serve lasagne in heaven, I'm sure of it. ;)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Time treadmill

Wow wow wow. Once again, the time warp has happened and tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I have most of my gifts to wrap still. No cookies made, blah blah. (I really don't care, though, so it's not so bad.) One more commission to finish tonight, in time for Christmas (nothing like last minute) and then a couple days of rest. Vacation time next week so I can spend time in the studio and with the kids, and at rehearsal...probably won't feel much like vacation, come to think of it.

Looking at my poor, dried out hands from the winter weather already. My body/skin/hair/brain just hates the cold. All I can do this time of year is think about the sun and the beach and how to get there.

This is my blog, so I can freely say MERRY CHRISTMAS without worrying about offending anyone. I hope it's peaceful and happy for you.

Monday, December 21, 2009



This is a cool Post Secret because of the DMB reference. (Love him.)

So, I'm looking out my office window and there's snow and ice. Rehoboth didn't get hit quite as hard as places north of us, but it's still covered out there.

I have a bunch of pics to post, will do that very soon.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Stringing up the LIGHTS!!!

I know Christmas lights can be a pain in the butt, but this is ridiculous!



LOUISA, Va. (AP)- A Louisa County man who pleaded guilty to killing his wife after an argument over Christmas lights has been sentenced to life in prison.

Louisa Circuit Court Judge Timothy K. Sanner sentenced Forrest M. Smythers Jr. on Monday to life plus three years for first-degree murder and felonious use of a firearm, and five years for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Prosecutors say the 54-year-old Smythers shot Dawn Smythers once in the head with a .22 caliber rifle in their home on Jan. 16. Forrest Smythers told investigators that he had wanted to take down their Christmas lights, but that his wife had opposed the idea.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Uncle Jay



This was his 6 month review. He'll probably post his year-end review in a few weeks. Stay tuned...

10 days

Until Christmas, and then a few more till New Year's and then.....then.....JANUARY. One of the biggest wastes of a month there is. It's long, it's cold, it's dark and God, it's miserable.

BUT, for now, we'll focus on December 15. The decorations are up, the party planning is in progress (well, kind of, in theory...I am thinking about it, if not really acting on it) and the enormous amounts of money are flying into other people's hands. Check!

First real rehearsal for "I Ought to Be in Pictures" last night. Jim Killion is a riot. Should be a fun one.

Just added another commission (for CHRISTMAS) last night.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Web updates

The website has been updated.

Mini's are marked down to 50% (let's move 'em!). They are now $50 each and going fast. Need a holiday gift?

I can now take purchases online as well.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

All nighter

My daughter has been up for something like 26 hours and is quite proud of herself for pulling her first "all-nighter". She and a friend decided to get 2 LARGE Amp energy drinks and drank them around 10 p.m. They did not sleep at all. In fact, were so "amped up", were out climbing the big dirt hill behind the house at 6 a.m. I told them they could be an advertisement for the stuff. Certainly works.

Post Secret isn't up till later today. Off to Christmas shop....

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping

One of my favorite (non-traditional) Christmas songs.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

December 10 and the weather is nuts.

Yesterday was something like 65 degrees, today is a gale warning. The day before yesterday was flash flooding. It's like someone is up in heaven playing with the knobs or something.

I auditioned for "I Ought To Be in Pictures" by Neil Simon, a 3-person play, opening January 22, 2010 at Possum Point Theatre in Georgetown, and landed the role of Steffi. Excited. Will be running around like crazy again, but still excited. Playing opposite very talented people.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Lightening the Soul

From today's Daily Om.

Lightening the Soul
Soul Evolution


From the moment we are born, our souls may feel heavy because they are carrying the weight of all we have lived, loved, and learned in our past incarnations. It is only when we actively seek to work through our issues that we can lighten the load and our souls can evolve. Divesting ourselves of what no longer serves us, such as unwarranted fear, the inability to feel empathy, or self-limiting behaviors, are just some of the many challenges we may face in this lifetime. While some issues we face are easier to deal with because they are the final remains of residue from a past life, other issues offer greater challenges because we are meant to work through them throughout this lifetime.

Often, we expect ourselves to recover quickly from difficult or painful circumstances. When we do not or cannot, we may feel emotionally inept or hopeless. The evolution of the soul, however, is an ongoing process that can take many lifetimes. It is a matter of accepting that even when we do our best there are going to be situations, people, and outcomes that we cannot control. It is also important to remember that your experiences now may be setting the groundwork for future healing, whether in this lifetime or the next one. The more you release in each time, the more you grow and the more your soul will evolve.

Although it is not always possible to work through all of our issues in a single lifetime, it is important that we confront what we are called to face in this life and do the work we need to do. It is also important to remember that the most effective way to let your soul grow is to be an active participant in life. Be present in each moment and your soul will do this work for you.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

No-snow

Is anyone in Sussex County surprised we didn't get snow? We have this no-snow bubble around us for 95% of the time. And I think when we do get it, and it hits the ground, there's some kind of Sussex acid that dissolves it, to teach it a damned lesson.

My ex-husband is stranded, however, somewhere out in West VA. They got quite a bit. And my friend in Stafford VA got it too. I'm okay with it.

So, off to the studio to paint for a peaceful 3 hours or so. Yay. Today's Post Secret - appeals to my romantic side, which takes up most of me.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Fuhhhhhhriday

Haley and I watched The Polar Express last night. I used to read "special" Christmas books to the kids (every night there was a bedtime story, but certain books were reserved for Christmas time). The book is not very long and is beautifully illustrated. The movie, however, is very long and doesn't stick to the book very much at all. That doesn't take away from the charm of the movie, just makes it different. The animation is amazing in the movie, but at the same time is a little creepy/unsettling. I absolutely love Tom Hanks, but even he is a little scary. The ghost is enough to induce nightmares, and the (absolutely awful, obnoxious) kid with the space pajamas and thick glasses needs to have a severe ass kicking by all the other kids on the train. You know Santa wants to do it too...desperately...but contains himself.

All that being said, the movie is truly a feast for the eyes and definitely worth seeing, even for adults. It's always a good reminder to get back to just innocent belief and away from our grown-up (boring) skepticism.

The theatre sets are done. One more commission before Christmas, then it's time to get some new inventory. Even I am bored with my stuff. Yawn.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Rain

So, as I was walking through the RAIN again today, I was ducking into a parking garage (stupidly forgot an umbrella and trenchcoat) and saw a sign that said "Violators will be Immobilized". Isn't that COOL? I had images of ray guns held by little parking garage attendants, that would zap any and all violators, rendering them useless, and yes, immobile. (I know, it's probably just a boring old "boot" that they put on the cars, but I immensely enjoy my version better.) In fact, I would love to post a sign on the doorway to my home that says something similar.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December

One more month of 2009. I remember last New Year's Eve - feeling/hoping/wishing that 2009 would be a FANTASTIC year. Huh! Not so much. In fact, this year was one of the worst in many ways. Though it also has had some remarkably fantastic moments. The kids are healthy, we're in a new house, I'm in a new job, Dustin is happy in school, Haley is growing up to be a beautiful, fun, young woman. I know that New Year's Eve is just another day, really...but there's always something so hopeful about it. As if maybe, magically, the universe will alter itself in some way and January 1 will open the door to all and every good thing.

Haley and I will be decorating this week, and since I haven't put up our (fake) Christmas tree alone...for a very long time...it should be interesting. I'm anticipating quite a few words of a colorful variety. From me, not Haley. Well, who knows. She did decorate the tree by herself last year and did a fine job. The job is hers again this year, should she choose to accept the challenge. I'll bake cookies in return.


She loves to get in the Christmas tree box. Wonder if she'll fit this year?

Sunday, November 29, 2009



What would be nice is to have both in one person, yeah?

A beautiful Sunday today. Painting on the docket.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday....eh.

I am not a lover of shopping, so no, I did not shop, begin my Christmas shopping, or even look at sales flyers today or any day preceding today. My kind of shopping is done right here, on the computer, in my comfy clothes and preferably barefoot or slippered. Click, click, click, done. Anything that can't be bought on the computer...and I mean REALLY CAN'T, will be taken care of in person, reluctantly. When I drove past the Outlets and saw the busses and the out-of-state cars, and the people running the red lights to get IN to the Outlets, and all the parking spaces gone and people parked in the grass, yeah....I thought, oh, I sooo want to do that.

Not.

B.A.S.E. was open all day today though. We decorated Gallery C with everyone's work, and there were lots of goodies around. It was a day to paint...all day....which was absolutely wonderful. Two more commissions finished, and another with much more progress.

Tomorrow is the Run for the Rose 5k, which I may do. Hopefully it won't be as cold or windy as it is right now. Very both. Then Sherry and I have two theatre sets to finish (not excited).

Tonight is chill-time. Maybe a few drinks, a hot bath and some company. Enjoy your Friday, Black or not.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving.



A great day to be a vegetarian. Think about it...one meat on the table and TONS of vegetables. :)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Works on paper

These are a few pieces for a "works on paper" show at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria VA. They are 4 x 6's (requirement of show) on 400 lb. watercolor paper. The medium is art marker and colored pencil. These were just fun departures (complete departures) of what I normally do, and since the show is in VA, I feel that they can be entered under the veil of anonymity. A freeing kind of feeling.

Will post some of the finished commissions by this weekend.



Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sunday




This made me smile, because I can totally relate to loving Christmas music this much.

I've begun to really look forward to Sunday mornings (even if I have to go teach a class at 9.) I love checking the new Post Secrets more than I love sitting down with the Sunday comics -- which frankly, are the only reason I look forward to the Sunday paper. I mean, they'e in COLOR! I have no idea why my kids don't understand this, or how anyone can read the paper (any paper) without reading the comics. I save them for last, like dessert. Oh, and I throw the sports section on the floor. Unless there's running results in there.

A pretty, sunny day here. Looking forward to getting some things accomplished.

Friday, November 20, 2009

So...

So is that Damien Rice song not beautiful? I didn't like the movie "Closer"....at all. Saw it alone a few years ago and left the theatre feeling morbidly depressed. (If you're not following, "Closer" is the movie that is featured throughout that video...a very dark, disturbing, make ya want to slash your wrists kind of movie.)

And speaking of movies, I guess "Twilight" is out in the theatres. I have a friend who is wayyy into the whole thing and has read the books more than once, and probably more than twice. My daughter will want to see it too, but her interest is not on the obsession level. I think she just likes the Edward guy because he's cute.

Focused on completing COMPLETING two commissions this weekend. Time to get rid of the feeling of being behind the eight ball.

Damien Rice

Thursday, November 19, 2009

12:19

Strange week full of apologies and confessions and connections and disappointment. Life can be so mundane one minute and the next be imminently interesting. When it's mundane, it's so much easier to sleep.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

November

I know the saying "time flies" is such an old cliche that it has totally lost any meaning. But every year, when this time of year comes around, I find myself stunned that the holidays are nearly here. It takes me so long to get out of "summer mode" (probably through a well-practiced study of denial) that when I look at the calendar and see November 18, and realize Thanksgiving is a week away, I am utterly amazed. Then I start hearing about people Christmas shopping, and all the good deals that are out there, and I think....uh....that hasn't even crossed my mind yet. In fact, I have thought for years that my current idea of a fantastic Christmas would be to spend the day with family/friends and say to each other "my Christmas gift to you is the agreement that we won't buy any Christmas gifts this year." Everyone is spared the craziness of the retail crap, people can stay relaxed, and we can just enjoy the decorations, the music, the food and each other. Ah yes...if it could only happen. Haley has been talking about Christmas quite a bit. She's anxiously awaiting the "25 Days of Christmas" on the Family Channel. She loves Christmas, but seems to be more into what I was just talking about - the ambience - than the gift giving.

Dusty comes home a week from today, and he is very ready. And of course, we are very ready to see him. (Not that I see him much when he's home...that pleasure goes to his girlfriend.)

Two theatre sets to check out tonight, and both need to be done asap. Sigh. This time treadmill is brutal, just no getting off to catch up.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Designers


I have gotten out of logo design, but really laughed when I saw this Post Secret. Sometimes it's very difficult to come up with an "original" design for a boring company. People get their inspiration from all different kinds of things.

This has been a good weekend. Got to see "Rumors" by Neil Simon at the Patchwork Theatre in Dover, and they did a fantastic job. Very funny show. Also saw 2 1/2 films at the Film Festival. Walked out on one because of some bad researching on my part - that's all I'm sayin'. Had sushi (twice) and now getting some painting done. I'll save the cleaning till later.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Reason Why

Mistakes

This came from a friend of mine - pretty good stuff.

Sometimes we learn very slowly. And sometimes, we are just hoping that a different ending will occur to the same situation. And sometimes, it does.

Sometimes we want something so badly, we don’t care if we get hurt as long we feel good while we are making the mistake.

Sometimes, we just don’t care because we want it so badly. It is worth the risk.

And sometimes we like to hurt ourselves.

And sometimes, we don’t care if we hurt ourselves as long as we don’t hurt others in doing so. And that is probably when we stop doing it.










________________________________________________________________

Estrangement and confusion and way too much thinking.

Why is it that the less time I have to do things, the more efficient I become in getting them done? If there's a spare half-hour and I need to clean, I will clean quickly. If I have all day to clean, I will put it off and maybe it won't get done at all. Same goes for painting, or grocery shopping, or whatever. There's something about a deadline or limited time for me that just makes things happen.

I had some comments about the "Breathing" post a few days ago. Just song lyrics y'all. Just like them. Same goes for the Post Secrets, just like them. Sometimes there's meaning behind them, sometimes they're just cool.

The Film Festival starts this weekend. I've been carefully making my choices. It's almost as fun as creating my Netflix queue.

So, I have several commissions that need to be done by Christmas, some by Thanksgiving. This week is going to be a week full of painting in the evenings. Looks like a whirlwind couple of months on the way. We are having a Black Friday Cash n Carry sale at B.A.S.E. where much of the art will be marked down for holiday specials. Truly a great way to get some fabulous art at a great price. But remember, we're starving artists and can only mark things down so much. We're already eating enough peanut butter and jelly.

So the question of the day - if someone makes a mistake, then makes it again and then once more and is punished for it each time...seriously punished...would that person make that mistake again? And if so, why? How many times does it take someone to learn from a mistake? And is it like the ancient yogis believe - that we are here to live this life, to make mistakes and learn from them. If we don't learn everything we need to learn, we are destined to repeat until we have learned. Only then can we move on to nirvana, to eternal life. I hate making mistakes, especially big ones, and will beat myself up for it, probably more than any punishment given by any outside party. If I make the same mistake again, look out....not only am I in great disbelief that it happened again, but Lord, I am impossible to be around for quite a while. Once is enough.




Friday, November 6, 2009

Namaste

This weekend I'll be in my 500-level yoga training with Silver Lotus. Susan Hamadock is the instructor and she teaches svadhyaya yoga. Hope I have that spelled right. It's yoga which focuses on the study of the "self" - crucial for getting in touch with spirit/mind/body. Susan is a fabulous instructor, and is who I completed my 250-level with. (Also completed a 250 with the Yoga Institute in Houston TX.) This is a pretty in depth study, and is one of four (?) weekends, I believe. Usually a very peaceful thing, and it's very disconcerting to leave the studio at lunch. Everything is so quiet in the yoga studio - lots of meditating and quiet talk, asanas, chanting...and then you go out on route 1 for lunch. :) Not so quiet. So another weekend with limited painting time. I am squeezing it in during the evenings and early morning hours with an occasional lunch hour carved out. Things get done. Eventually. Caffeine helps.

Breathing

I'm finding my way back to sanity, again
Though I don't really know what
I am gonna do when I get there
Take a breath and hold on tight
Spin around one more time
And gracefully fall back in the arms of grace

I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside Heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be

I am looking past the shadows
Of my mind into the truth and
I'm trying to identify
The voices in my head
God, which one's you?
Let me feel one more time
What it feels like to feel
And break these calluses off me
One more time

'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside your door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be

I don't want a thing from you
Bet you're tired of me waiting
For the scraps to fall
Off your table to the ground
I just want to be here now

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Picasso

The artist goes through states of fullness and emptiness, and that is all there is to the mystery of art. - 1954

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Working field trip

The trip to MD and VA was fantastic. Here are some photos:

Figure drawing class - The Yellow Barn Studio, Glen Echo MD.

Bill VanGilder's studio - works in progress. Beautiful.

Glen Echo Park - an amazing place, full of history.

bill VanGilder's beautiful home in Gapland MD. Could have spent all day taking photos. Incredible landscape.

Students work at Glen Echo

Glen Echo Park

A Mongolia "yurt". Now used as a pottery studio. Very, very cool.

Bill VanGilder's home studio


Sunday, November 1, 2009

Breakfast at Tiffany's

I don't know how I got to be 45 and never saw "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Never knew how gorgeous George Peppard was either, but now I know. Loved the quote,"no matter where you run, you always run into yourself." Audrey Hepburn's face was great when he said that to her. A bit of an epiphany I suppose.

Speaking of running, I'm going to go run. Maybe I'll run into myself.

Quiet


Post Secret


Halloween - one of the best days on the calendar has gone by entirely uncelebrated. What a travesty. :) No trick or treaters at the new place (but I now have chocolate for emergencies) and plans for the evening fell through. The good thing is I went to sleep early and woke up to some sunlight because of the time change. The sky is beautiful at the moment, there are birds singing, and the house is quiet and peaceful. Not a bad way to start a Sunday.

I'm leaving today for a few days of work travel. Going to visit the Frederick Pottery School in Frederick MD, the Yellow Barn Studio in Glen Echo MD, the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria VA and the Lorton Workhouse in Lorton VA. I'm very excited about seeing all these places, it' like candy for my mind and eyes. What better to do on a work trip? Will also get to see one of my bff's while I'm there.

Now there's geese passing by, making a racket. A great fall morning, even if I did miss Halloween.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloweenie

Flu?

Lots of flu going around (duh.) My daughter had it for two weeks, and it was confirmed as the flu. Don't know if it's the "swine flu" or not. They sent her swab off to CDC to find out. The thing is, even if is the swine flu, they do nothing any differently as far as treatment goes. It's amazing to me how much media attention this is getting. Yes it sucks to get the flu, and certainly no one wants to get it, and I know it's possible to die from it...but really, it's the flu. It's not like some strange new thing that causes your limbs to spontaneously fall off your body.

Our gallery manager at work has been out all week with it. He just came in to work (still sick) and used my computer. I immediately doused my desk, chair, computer and mouse with Lysol when he was finished. He probably came in just long enough to infect us all.

Still no plans for Halloween, but am thinking seriously of going to the Rudder Saturday night the Halloween party. I can't let it go by without paying my homage.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Where did it go.

Wow, the weekend went fast and I feel like I accomplished absolutely nothing.

This is one of those nights where my head hurts from thinking. Not that I'm thinking of anything award-winning, just a busy mind. I'm not thinking anymore tonight. Taking a John Grisham book to bed.

Post Secret..


Thursday, October 22, 2009

Armor

This is an excerpt from Yoga Journal. I am familiar with this type of release happening in a hip opener or backbend class, but have never experienced it myself, until last night. Took a fantastic class from Ed Harrold - a very deep hip class, focused on the right side - which just happens to be my weak side and tight area. It was amazing, and felt like a soul pot-stirring. It's just one of those things that you can't understand until it happens to you.


It's a Good Thing

"The holistic system of yoga was designed so that these emotional breakthroughs can occur safely," says Joan Shivarpita Harrigan, Ph.D., a psychologist and the director of Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care in Knoxville, Tennessee, which provides guidance to spiritual seekers. "Yoga is not merely an athletic system; it is a spiritual system. The asanas are designed to affect the subtle body for the purpose of spiritual transformation. People enter into the practice of yoga asana for physical fitness or physical health, or even because they've heard it's good for relaxation, but ultimately the purpose of yoga practice is spiritual development."

This development depends on breaking through places in the subtle body that are blocked with unresolved issues and energy. "Anytime you work with the body, you are also working with the mind and the energy system—which is the bridge between body and mind," Harrigan explains. And since that means working with emotions, emotional breakthroughs can be seen as markers of progress on the road to personal and spiritual growth.

That was certainly the case for Hilary Lindsay, founder of Active Yoga in Nashville, Tennessee. As a teacher, Lindsay has witnessed many emotional breakthroughs; as a student, she's experienced several herself. One of the most significant occurred during a hip-opening class. She left the class feeling normal, but during the drive home became extremely upset and emotional. She also felt she'd experienced a significant shift in her psyche—something akin to a clearing of her spirit. Lindsay felt, as she puts it, released. "There is no question that the emotion came out of my past," she says.

By the next day, her opinion of herself had taken a 180-degree turn. She realized she was a person who needed to constantly prove herself to be strong and capable, and saw that this was partly the result of an image instilled by her parents. Her spirit actually needed to recognize and accept that she was a proficient person and ease off the internal pressure. This realization, Lindsay says, was life-changing.

Not every spontaneous emotional event is quite so clear-cut, however. Difficult and stressful breakthroughs occur most often when the release involves long-held feelings of sadness, grief, confusion, or another strong emotion that a person has carried unconsciously throughout his or her life.

"Whenever something happens to us as a kid, our body is involved," says Michael Lee, founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, which is headquartered in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts (see "Therapy on the Mat," below). "This is particularly true of trauma. The body comes to the defense of the whole being. In defending it, the body does things to stop the pain from being fully experienced.

"Emotional pain is overwhelming for small children, because they don't have the resources to deal with it," he continues. "So the body shuts it off; if it didn't, the body would die from emotional pain. But then the body keeps doing the physical protection even long after the situation has ended."

Painful experiences, Lee adds, can range from small, acute ones to intense, chronic problems. Still, the mechanism at play is unclear: "We really don't understand the body-memory thing," he says, "at least in Western terms."

The Body-Mind Connection

In yogic terms, however, there is no separation between mind, body, and spirit. The three exist as a union (one definition of the word yoga); what happens to the mind also happens to the body and spirit, and so on. In other words, if something is bothering you spiritually, emotionally, or mentally, it is likely to show up in your body. And as you work deeply with your body in yoga, emotional issues will likely come to the fore.

In the yogic view, we all hold within our bodies emotions and misguided thoughts that keep us from reaching samadhi, defined by some as "conscious enlightenment." Any sense of unease or dis-ease in the body keeps us from reaching and experiencing this state. Asanas are one path to blissful contentment, working to bring us closer by focusing our minds and releasing any emotional or inner tension in our bodies.

Though the ancient yogis understood that emotional turmoil is carried in the mind, the body, and the spirit, Western medicine has been slow to accept this. But new research has verified empirically that mental and emotional condition can affect the state of the physical body, and that the mind-body connection is real. (Newsweek and Time both dedicated issues to the topic last year.)

Many doctors, psychotherapists, and chiropractors are embracing these findings, and are now recommending yoga to help patients deal with problems that only a few years ago would have been viewed and treated solely in biomechanical terms.

Hilary Lindsay recently experienced this firsthand. "I woke up one morning with my body completely distorted," she remembers. "I went to see a chiropractor, who told me plainly, 'There's nothing wrong with you physically.'" The doctor suggested she try a Phoenix Rising session, which she did. The practitioner put Lindsay into some supported yogalike positions on the floor. "He did not focus on anything more than, 'Here's this pose and how does it feel?' I would say something; he would repeat my word and say, 'What else?' until I would say there was finally nothing else." The therapist never analyzed or discussed what Lindsay said, but still, she felt he helped her to see her problem.

"When I drove off on my own, I realized my words had just painted a clear picture of my approach to life," she says. "I saw a power-driven maniac who was probably in the process of driving herself nuts."

As the day went on, she felt physically healed, and attributes that to the emotional outcome of the session, which the asanas helped her access. In other words, she was able to release the distortion in her body only by releasing her inner tension.

"I did not have any repeat of the symptoms," Lindsay adds, "and I felt the calm that comes with knowing yourself a little more than you did before. The awareness does not occur like the lightbulb over the cartoon guy's head. It doesn't come ahead of its time. The student has to be ready to receive it."

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ween



Beautiful video, beautiful voice, beautiful man.

This Friday is the LDAF Blue Jean Ball, from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Tons of art - some of which is being auctioned, some for sale. I have a piece in the live auction, a painting of the Townsend Barn on Kings Highway, and 3 pieces for sale as well. It's a great night - LSMJ plays, great food, and fun to dress up a pair of jeans with some "bling". Will be at Sea Witch Saturday and Sunday painting faces, so stop by if you're in town!

Monday, October 19, 2009

But how bad are they...



Yup, and some are better left taken to the grave. Have you ever felt really bothered by a secret of your own...plagued...tortured, and then you hear someone elses deep, dark secret and suddenly feel like you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about? It's kind of a liberating feeling. But then again, there's also that feeling that maybe it's time to get working on doing something that would be worthy of feeling shameful and being forced to keep it a secret. Or maybe...not so much.

Two weeks left in October. Unreal. I haven't even brought out Halloween decorations or, made plans for Halloween...except for painting faces at the Sea Witch festival. Unheard of for a Halloween freak.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

74 days???

till Christmas? Is that right? I saw that on Alison Stanfield's website yesterday. Just can't be possible. Though, I guess since Christmas trees have been in Lowe's window since September 1 and in Michael's since AUGUST, well....it just can't be far away. Start your shopping now! (Or better yet, move to a country where they don't jam every freakin' holiday down your throat 4 months ahead of time. Next week, the Valentine's Day chocolate will probably start appearing.) I mean, really...who does that? Does anyone buy Christmas trees in September or even October? Whoever that person may be, is wayyyyy to organized. I'm just going to focus on the 13 days of Halloween that will be starting soon on the Family Channel. Haley and I love it. (We do like the 25 days of Christmas also, but I'm not talking about that till December.) Hmmphf.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Friday, October 9, 2009

This and that.

Here are a few new pieces - commissions. They were taken with my phone, so not too sure on the quality.

What a great day! Friday AND in the 80's in October? Whooohoo!


Thursday, October 8, 2009

Gettin' dirty

www.delawaremudrun.com
That's the race we're doing this Sunday at Frightland. I've never done anything like it before, and I'm using the word "race" loosely. I think we're going to be doing more laughing than racing. Will post some (muddy) pics when it's all done but the cryin'.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Trivia and paint and unbelievable weather

So, team trivia is FUN. Name an 11 letter word that starts with C that means something that is done in secret. Have been playing for the last 3 weeks, and surprised that I'm enjoying it so much. Livens up a boring Tuesday night.

Got a little painting done today. Seemed like I wore more paint than I got on the canvas. Also squeezed in a run over lunch, which leads me to....

unbelivable weather! Today was so gorgeous. The ocean was blue/green and glassy, with sets of waves that were peeling perfectly, even had the pretty ocean spray blowing off the top of each wave. I really felt lucky, having the opportunity to run down the boardwalk and have that as my view over lunch. Running by Gus and Gus was difficult though...the smell of those french fries...yum. You could have had the beach almost entirely to yourself today, it was a little slice of heaven.

The rest of this week looks as hectic as the past couple of weeks. Managing to get things done, but slowly, slowly. Getting a half hour here or there to spread mulch or sketch in a canvas or clean is about as good as it's getting. I'm trying to keep the weekend somewhat open so I can have some time to focus on one or two things at a time, instead of 7 or 8.

Bon soir!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Good and Bad

My Uncle Hub died last night. He was a really, really cool kind of guy - very laid back and funny as hell. He cussed like a sailor, but not in a trashy kind of way - just was part of his normal speech. He especially cussed at golf on t.v. or when speaking of golfers on t.v., or when referring to his golf game. :) By the time they found his cancer about a month and a half ago, it was already stage five. An aggressive cancer, similar to pancreatic. The good thing is he didn't suffer for too long. The bad thing, of course, is that he did suffer and it did take him quickly - we didn't have much time to get used to the idea. So, we miss him and will continue to miss him. He and my aunt were married for 51 years, and fortunately got to celebrate their 50th in fine fashion last year at a party they threw for the occasion. I'm especially glad now that they did that.

Lots to do here and in the studio. Time to get to it. Here's today's fave P.S.

Friday, September 25, 2009

O'Keefe

"I hate flowers - I paint them because they're cheaper than models and they don't move! - Georgia O'Keefe


Who'd have thunk it?

So, it's Friday and I haven't been in the studio much this week. Everytime I had it scheduled, some other extremely pressing (sarcasm here) matter came up. My son had a mini-emergency regarding coming home this weekend....just HAD to come home, and because it was an urgent matter for him, because an absolute emergency for me to deal with. (Sarcasm again...could ya tell?)

Sherry and I will be face painting tomorrow, hopefully not in the rain, at the Fun Fest at Winswept Stables. We volunteer our time, and all the money raised goes to the Ladies Auxilliary for Beebe Hospital. A good cause - they raised money for a new mammogram machine last year. Good work ladies.

Another commission came up yesterday, taking me to seven. Painting, marathon painting is in my future. Gotta block out some major time.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Goethe - can't find a quote I don't like.

Man surrenders so readily to the commonplace, his mind and his senses are so easily blunted, so quickly shut to supreme beauty that we must do all we can to keep the feeling for it alive. No one can do without beauty entirely; it is only because people have never learned to enjoy what is really good that they delight in what is flat and futile as long as it is new. One ought at least to hear a little melody every day, read a fine poem, see a good picture, and, if possible, make a few sensible remarks.

-Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

random

What a week so far. Very busy, very little time for much other than working and sleeping. The random minutes in between have been filled with "must do" type of things and filling out lists for things that can wait for the weekend. The good thing is that it makes the time go by fast, the bad thing is...well, it makes the time go by fast.

Had a great yoga class tonight - this particular teacher works a lot of mental suggestions, almost therapy-like- into his asanas, which I find particularly attractive. I'm so blissed out by the time I leave.

I'm looking at something beautiful at this moment. Something peaceful. And once again, feeling that life is indeed, good.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

dreamin'

So, isn't the subconscious amazing? How someone can mention something in passing during the day - you listen, process, seemingly forget about it - until you sleep. Then your subconscious comes along and WHAM, says "did you think you were going to get away with not thinking about this?? Not so much!" That's how I woke up this morning; with one of those very real, very intense dreams right at dawn. The kind that makes you just lie there and say "whoa." So, I'll be running at lunch to try to process all of that, and hopefully leave it in the street somewhere.

DAMIEN RICE. Have been listening to him on satellite radio. He's a new favorite.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

the race

The race went well - ended up being the first female, so very happy about that. It felt so great to be racing again, I guess I missed it more than I thought. I was smiling as I was coming down the chute.

We also got some beach time today - Lewes Beach was picture perfect, absolutely beautiful. The weather was amazing. Had some good laughs too.

I didn't make it to the studio tonight though, the only "down" part of my day, but plan on getting there before AND after work tomorrow. Can't neglect the painting.

:) Life is good.

Cannonball!!!

I'm running the Cannonball Run today in Lewes, the first race I've done all summer. The last race I attempted - the 1/2 marathon in Lewes that I trained for all winter - was a disaster. Not physically, but mentally, due to the multi-disaster month of April for me. It all came crashing down in a supremely unwelcome way at about mile five. So, I took the summer off to give my wrecked head and heart time to heal. Now I feel ready. I hope I am.

Today's Post Secret. I've always been told that it's difficult to beat a polygraph, but I have a pretty strong feeling that I know someone who could.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Commissions, coolness, comedy

Close to knocking out two of the long list of commissions (not a bad problem to have). I will post them soon - charging the camera battery.

Planning on doing a painting of the Townsend barn...the one on or near the proposed Lingo/Townsend shopping center that's being proposed (and battled against by Lewes residents) just in case the developers win and the barn gets torn down. Saw it from a different angle the other morning and had one of those AAAAAhhhhhh, look at that...moments. It will be a nice auction piece for the LDAF Blue Jean Ball next month. The only problem is that working full-time cuts down (seriously) on studio time.

Went to Que Pasa last night - beautiful night (cool, but beautiful) and sat on the beach while having dinner...then walked on the beach at night....one of my favorite things to do. It was deserted, nothing to see but the boardwalk lights off in the distance. I could hear people in their houses on the beach, talking and laughing, a very peaceful kind of thing. Also got to catch LSMJ at the Rudder for a bit. That lead singer is going to have serious neck problems, if he doesn't already. I'm just sayin'.

Watched "Yes Man" yesterday and loved it. Jim Carey just cracks me up. I'm no smarter for having watched it, but sure got some great laughs - the scotch taping of his face was particularly hysterical, though I'm embarassed to admit it.

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY getting back to racing. Tomorrow. I have had such a hellish time of it over the past couple of years, that all competition and motivation just got drained right out of me. Now I'm starting to feel like myself again (thank God). I have no idea what my times will be like, but I'm going to really try not to care. Just feel like moving my feet, very fast. We'll see.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pondering again....

I don't know what it is about Fall, but it's a tough transition for me. I really, really love summer, and I actually like Fall weather, but know that Winter is on its heels. This is the season where I consciously have to practice living in the moment to keep my mind off of the winter season. Besides, we really got kind of ripped this summer, didn't we? June was a wash out, and then even after that, the weather was pretty mediocre. Fall has swept in very quickly and pushed the meager summer weather out to make way for what is forecast to be a bitterly cold winter. WHAT FUN!

Love my new job at the Art League. Today is "move the office furniture around the way you want it...and paint the walls a different color...day." I'm looking forward to getting organized and comfortable in the new space. The office is really nice, and has two big windows that look out to the Paynter's Studio, which is nestled under many large trees, so the sun filters through. It really is peaceful and serene back there. The people are great as well.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Rachel Getting Married

For some reason, I thought it was comedy. Not so much. Talk about a depressing movie! Tina came over to watch it with me, and she said "I don't think this is a comedy...I think it's a pretty heavy movie..." and she was right.

So anyway, I need to get organized. Quite a few commissions coming in, and now that I'm working full-time, I need to get some major time management going. Instead of doing things like watching life-sucking movies and blogging. :)

Today's Post Secret fave - true dat!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Art League

I am finishing up my first (partial) week at the Rehoboth Art League and really love it so far. My job largely consists of planning all the educational programs here, including recruiting instructors. If you are an artist/artisan/creative spirit and would like to teach here, or know someone who would be a good fit, please contact me. I am currently lining up programming for January-April.

Here's a shot from the Outdoor Show that was held this past August on the Art League grounds.

Monday, September 7, 2009



Post Secret Fave.

Today my nephew turns 15. FIFTEEN, OMG. That means Haley will be turning FIFTEEN soon too. I remember that year better than any year in my life, and it was miserable for me AND my poor mother. I am living in fear that I will have the ultimate karma payback waiting for me in March.

If you have any ideas for what you'd like to see offered in the art field (programs, speakers, workshops, classes....) let me know, I'm compiling an idea list and would love to know what Sussex County wants.

My friend Sheridan sent me this, and while I don't recommend it, (you'd probably go to jail for it) it did give me a good laugh.


Enjoy your Labor Day, avoid the traffic, be safe!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

RAL

Wow - big reason to smile. I was offered the position of Educational Director with the Rehoboth Art League and will begin next week. Very, very excited. My brain is in high gear with possibilities. :)

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Is this art?



Art, or a lifestyle, I imagine. I was just in the elevator with this guy. Seriously. It's fascinating, disturbing and incredibly interesting at the same time. I did speak to him, but would love to have a real conversation...imagine the content.

Friday, August 28, 2009

NY

We're off to NY again for Dusty's indoc graduation. Always fun going to the city (unless a motorcycle runs into your new car in the Bronx...but we're taking the train this time).

Could be some big changes happening this Fall. Some have already started, and I'm smiling again. A good thing.

The Children's Beach House BBQ is this Saturday night. A great event for a great cause. See custom-painted tables by local artists which will be up for auction. The same artists (including me) will be showing their artwork as well. If you'd like to attend, call the Beach House in Lewes for tickets. It's a lot of fun - a beach barbecue.

Time to pack!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Dusty



This is today's Post Secret fave, and how I feel about my children. Today Dusty has been at indoc training for one week. I've been worried about him, but the worry has been passive because there is no contact allowed until indoc graduation on the 29th. However, he wrote to his girlfriend Mel this week (THREE letters and none for mom or Haley, but that's FINE!) and claimed indoc to be "fun". So, my mind is at ease now because I know he's handling it okay. Looking forward to watching my "baby" graduate and begin his maritime training next weekend. We won't be driving into the Bronx this time, taking Amtrak instead, even though it's ridiculously expensive. My car insurance rates have doubled due to all these lovely accidents.

Once I figure out how to link my phone to my computer, I will download the "Seafood Shack" commission I'm currently working on. It's a great building - orange and blue - so lots of opportunity for crazy colors. Right up my alley.

Have a great Sunday, mine's wide open!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Geese, art, transitions



A little late on my fave Post Secret this week.

So, the geese are flying at sunrise and sunset already. Not everyday, but some days. I watched a tree blowing in the wind today and it was losing quite a few leaves. They were all green, but I started thinking about fall being right around the corner. And Haley and I just saw a Kmart commercial saying "it's never too early to shop for CHRISTMAS!" That's just way out of line. Soon we'll be having Christmas all year round.

Painting has been going well - working on several commissions. I do have some other things to get done too, including the Farmer's Market for RAL. Hopefully this weekend.

So many transitions going on. Seasons coming to an end, career possibilities, new place to live, new life in general, Dusty going to school...sometimes it's an awful lot to take in. Optimism and positive energy are the goals for right now. I'll take it day by day.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Beautiful weekend......and birds.



Today's favorite Post Secret. I can see my mother doing this.

Yesterday's weather at the RAL outdoor show was amaaaaazing. Lots of people in the morning. Thinned out a little in the afternoon, but still well attended. Made some sales, hoping to have some more today. Less to pack up and great motivation to create new stuff.

Dustin turns 18 next week, on the 15th. He starts his "indoc" at college on the 16th. My heart is already beginning to break. Ugh. A whole new kind of pain - similar to the first day of school, but a lot deeper this time. He's such a fantastic boy, I hope they don't beat up on him too much. (cringing.) Fortunately he's 6'6", and I saw the regiment guy (not sure of his exact "title"...probably ass kicker or something) and he's probably 5'8". So he'll have to crane his neck to yell at Dusty. LOL.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

RAL

The Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Show starts this weekend, Saturday and Sunday. (Wow, I can't believe it's been a year already.)

I'll be there ONLY the first weekend - so come out and buy alllll my artwork. Please. Pretty please?

The show is on the grounds of the Rehoboth Art League, in Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth DE. There is a shuttle that leaves from the Little League fields on Holland-Glade Road (between Tomato Sunshine and the outlets) and takes you/brings you back to the show. I strongly recommend the shuttle. Traffic is an absolute nightmare otherwise. Trust me.

Sunday, August 2, 2009



Today's favorite from post secret.

To the studio today! Next weekend is the Rehoboth Art League outdoor show's first weekened. One more big summer month to sell!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I can't friggin' believe it.

So....car totaled in April. New car at the end of April. Sideswiped in work parking lot while temp tags still on - $1000 in damages. No note. Then clipped in parking lot at convention center....again, no note. Didn't report because afraid of insurance going up. Dusty and I are outside of the Bronx today on the way home from college orientation, and a dumbass on a crotch rocket actually RUNS INTO my car while we are stopped dead in bumper to bumper traffic trying to get to the GW bridge. He falls onto my car. When I get out (pissed as hell) to see what damage there was (notice I didn't notice his condition initially) I said, I need your insurance info. I pointed to the (small)shoulder, indicating to him to pull over there, he picks up his piece of sh*t toy, and speeds off....IN BETWEEN CARS, because dumbass jamaican-looking crack-addicts with no insurance and police records don't have to wait in traffic and don't have to have INSURANCE OR A LICENSE can do that.

Soooooo once again, probably $1000 worth of damage to my car with less than 4,000 miles on it, but already a lifetime of experience.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Ny again!

Off to NY again, how cool is that?? Dusty and I are going this time - for his orientation for school. I get to spend some time in the city while he's getting "oriented". Should be fun.

Gearing up for the RAL Outdoor Show in a couple of weeks - I'll be there the first weekend with some new originals. The show is on the beautiful grounds of the Rehoboth Art League in Henlopen Acres. If you've never been, go! It's free, it's summertime, there's art!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Sunday again

It's amazing to me how quickly this summer (and every summer, really) is going. Winter just drags it's big old ugly feet, but summer just sprints on by. I've already seen Christmas decorations at Michael's (made me feel homicidal) and back to school commercials. Depressing as hell. My goal is to squeeze out every minute of the remainder of the summer and enjoy it to the hilt. Even IF the crowds in Rehoboth which include hordes of people crossing against lights, hitting my car (twice) without leaving a note, walking 3 and 4 across the sidewalk, and having absolutely no manners (have men given up offering their seats on busses when it is standing room only and women get on?)I will enjoy it despite it all!!!

Last night, Sherry and I moved from our studio at B.A.S.E. to a bigger studio next door. It's just her and I in the space, and we have a nice big front window. It's great!! We can spread out and the visibility is awesome. Hopefully it will pay off (literally) for us. The studios are really something to see. If you're out and about, please stop by. We're in the old Epworth Church on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth.

Here's my fave from Sunday's Post Secret.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

In progress


This is the latest in-progress, called "Watching Them".


This is close to being done, but I'm still messing with it. An old beach house turned shop, next to Kennedy Gallery on Wilmington Avenue.

This is complete, but seems kind of incomplete to me. Not a whole lot of detail.

I learned something today. Do not run at dusk in the summer. If my mouth was open, I inhaled bugs through my mouth. If I closed my mouth, I inhaled them through my nose (which was somehow worse.) There was a period of time where I wished it was possible to run without breathing. No such luck. Bleh.