One last piece of art i finished last night. it's not a good scan unfortunately, but you can get an idea. it's called birdwoman. you probably won't hear from me for several days, i'll be back when the dust settles...my daughter Marissa who is going to school in Denver will flying in tonight for a long weekend visit and she's bringing her boyfriend to meet the family for the first time. Lot's of excitement and anticipation whirling in the air here. Marissa coordinated the meeting-the-new-boyfriend part of the trip with giving her sister Heather a baby shower on Sunday. I'll have a housefull of company and lots of cooking and cleaning to do before tomorrow. We're still working on the floor - putting in the last of the molding, what a huge job it's been. And admittedly, I've been in my studio creating when I should have been cleaning, picture-hanging and a myriad of other things that seemed within reason when I put them on my list a couple months ago. The truth is, I don't spend much time doing these house-beautifying things, it's just not me. I would love to have a designer come in and do it all for me, but since that's not going to happen, my house will probably always be pretty simple with many jobs undone. Okay...I'm going to confess something, so you understand what I mean. A few months ago I started painting the living room/dining room a warm golden yellow, it looks beautiful. Trouble is, I stopped about halfway, so half the room is white and the other yellow. I am going to finish it, really, i've just had lots of kettles on the fire so haven't gotten to it yet :-)  And in all honesty, it doesn't bother me a bit, it only bothers me to think that I "should" have done it, that Marissa may be embarassed having her boyfriend see it. She is my little cleaning/decorator angel, bless her heart. Whenever she comes home, she dives in to help me "arrange" things, she loves to throw things out (no........). But that's not me, that's her. I spent time with some local artists that I'm just getting to know. I've lived in my community for 24 years and have been a recluse for most of it. All of a sudden the universe is blessing me with like-minded local artist friends and I can't tell you how happy that makes me. They are kind-hearted, gentle, artistic, odd-ducks - my people! Four of us went to visit one of my favorite living artists, 86 year old John Hoover who lives in our community. He and his beautiful much-younger wife showed us around his studio, served us tea and cookies, consented to our photo requests, and answered all our questions. It was so wonderful! After that, two of us headed over to a third's house, who had prepared us lunch, homemade bread and soup. He lives in a simple round house, his walls totally covered with artwork from friends, a worktable in the middle, and a bed in the corner. You go down a couple steps and there is a tiny kitchen with a bathroom off to the left. i was enchanted by the simplicity - things were worn and comfortable, well loved, and lived in. i felt at home. his home was a reflection of himself, no pretense, nothing extra. We took our bowls of soup and thick slices of homemade bread outside and walked the path to his studio - a workspace that is bigger that his house, full of woods, paints, mosses, stones...all good things artists love. There we sat, in tattered old chairs, sipping and munching and feeling the love. So today, I don't feel the pressure to have things perfect for my company - things are as they are, i am as i am, and i do believe that's all that's needed; the people who love you will love you even more when you can relax and just be.

Comments

[Ttracie Lyn Huskamp]

dear katie... have a WONDERFUL weekend. How much FUN this will be! And when it all over, you will have some of the wall painting and floor finishing to-do's DONE!!! YEAH!

Your new pieces are divine!

xo

[Susan Tuttle]

Hi Katie,
Wow--I love your latest piece--the way you framed it is just perfect, and I like the hint of text that I can see in the black.

I also enjoyed your pictures of John Hoover in his creative space--so inspiring! Still going strong at 85!!

Have fun with your daughter and her boyfriend--who cares if your wall is two different colors--an artist's work in progress!

Hugs,
Susan

[kelly]

amen! what a wonderful post, katie. and a wonderful day. how lovely to be among all the local artists and to share in their workspaces and living spaces. i think that sounds so beautiful. the little things in life really do make our days more magical. it is always good to be your authentic self. amen again!! x0x0 - k

[Penny]

Whata wonderful post. Isn't it great when you meet people who think like you do - people who you can connect with at an inner level as well as an outer one. Have a wonderful weekend.

[pam aries]

Oh MY! You are going to have a busy time! Have a whole bunch of fun!!!! Thank you so much for sharing all the cool art stuff! Peace and Love!

[Kristen R]

What a great piece Katie so full of depth. What a lovely day you must have had such a blessing to be around those people who inspire us.

XO
Kristen

[Maija]

I know I would just love your half done wall! I am so glad to see Marissa is turning a new page in her life, and that she is finding happiness with a new man!