Field of Dreams - final.

Darkness all around

Oh goodie. An extra day of February. Because February isn't fabulous enough without adding an extra day. Why not add an extra week to March, the 7th circle of Hell of months? Let's just linger here, in the cold dampness that is this time of year, and suck up the lack of light, coupled with the crippled economy, the republican primaries, and the fight to push women back to the dark ages? Hey, let's do it!

Ok, so I will say that spring is coming early this year. The trees are budding, the flowers are popping. I would let it lift my heart a little more if I thought it was going to stick around. But ya know how March is. We could be knee deep in snow any day. Though I could just dig my heels in optimistically and focus on the warm winter and the early spring, and burst through with confidence that spring is really creeping in. Tomorrow is supposed to be 70, for crying out loud. Awesome!

I'm getting away for a little trip to FL in a couple weeks. Just me and a beach chair. Downtime, reflection time. Quiet. No work. Yes....sounds good. I'll bring some paints and canvas and pretend I'm an independently wealthy artist who spends her winters in Florida, painting.

Cloudy Sunday

So there's supposed to be a front moving east across the country, bringing rain and snow. Just cold and cloudy and drab here. I'm going to fit in a trail run before (and if) it does get messy. February is winding down, and the spring flowers are popping up. Brings a smile just thinking about it.

Twisted

Yes, it's twisted, but funny. In a dark, disturbing kind of way.

And oh, so accurate.

And on goes February

Amazingly, I haven't complained much about winter this year, because the weather has been pretty decent. This week is supposed to be in the 50's, which is really warm for February. And we really haven't had any snow, at least not more than a dusting. My crocuses are popping up, and so are daffodils all over the place. Very early, but I'll take it...as long as March and April don't step it up and kick our ass.

I have very small paper cuts all over my hands from handling buttloads of mat board yesterday. And I will say my skin is very dry because of winter, so paper just slices my skin like crazy. Typing hurts, because of the little slits all over my fingertips.

Here's a detail shot of the sunflower painting. Been putting in details and shadows. Still a ways to go, but I'm tired, it's late....and I need to get to bed.

I still need to fix the petals on the fore flower on the bottom left, and then carry the details out to the flowers in the background and also straighten the horizon a bit. Getting there, and so far I'm happy with it.

Life is chugging along, crazy busy as per usual. But it's good. My aunt is in the hospital after suffering a massive stroke. She is still holding on as of tonight. She has always been a great aunt, cool person, and fun to be around. She spoiled her nieces and nephews, having no children of her own. She's heavy on my mind tonight, and my mother and Aunt Ginny are by her side. I just pray that she's as comfortable as possible and that somewhere in that body that has now failed her, she is still there and is deciding when it's time for her to go. I hope Uncle Hub is holding out his hand to her.

Stupid Cupid

Okay, so I don't really feel that way. But this is a funny picture nonetheless.

A little further along

Added some darks. Now in the refining stage. Got to straighten out the horizon and buy a sunflower so I can look at the details. Getting there, but has to sit a few days. Too wet to work with right now.

VD Favorite Post Secret

Happiness isn't in a marriage, but I do like the waiting for happiness part. Happiness is a sole pursuit, and once it's found within yourself, then you can share it with someone. Don't wait for someone to "complete" you.

 Miss Chloe, at the Seaford Bowling Lanes, enjoying a Pepsi in between handstands and the occasional rolling of a bowling ball.

 And there it goes. Thank goodness for gutter guards.

I gotta say, these weren't bad for bowling shoes.

Another update on "Suns". Still working.

All or nothing

I get irritated when people quote the bible to prove an (often political) point, especially the conservative ones. The way I look at it, either we adhere to EVERTHING in the bible, or we use it as a guideline to living a good life. Basically, we adhere to the golden rule, and live our lives making wise, compassionate choices that suit us and harm no one.

Here's an example of what I mean:

"A marriage shall be considered valid only if the wife is a virgin. If the wife is not a virgin, she shall be executed."
Deuteronomy 22:13-21

There are other passages that refer to selling daughters into slavery, sacrificing sons, and not approaching the alter of God if there are faults...such as baldness, faulty eyes, being "unclean"....ya get the picture.

When I asked my minister years ago about dinosaurs, which Dustin was very into at the time. She sighed and told me that the bible was a story...told and retold over the years. Basically telling me not to be so literal. (Hard one for me, but okay....I can do that.) What gets me is what I mentioned above. Those who take it literally...but only the sections that appeal to them. Ya can't pick and choose. It's all or nothing. Unless you like the "guideline" idea. Which I do.

Beebe Art Auction 2012

This is a progression of photos documenting a painting in progress for the Beebe Art Auction. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the Featured Artist this year. I chose an unusually sized canvas, for fun. Can't tell you the theme of the night, but this fits. Will post more as the painting progresses. This is all done in palette knife, and is basically just being roughed in at this point.