The Barnyard

Horses and Leather

2012-01-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things. It's like chocolate and peanut butter, cookies and milk, snow and a sled, cheese and more cheese. Horses and leather are good alone but together take it to a whole new level of sublime.

Saddles, tack, saddle bags, holsters, boots (boots really deserve their own post), fringe, chaps, scabbards, sheathes. I love them all. I admire the stitching, the craftsmanship, the smell, the feel, the look, the practicality.

I am in the process of transitioning from English to western riding. English of course has it's own appeal; tailored, classic, and athletic. But western riding opens up a whole new world of well made tack, utilitarian horsemanship, American history, and purposeful riding.

Ortho Flex fit her but not me - sent it back

In the search to find a well fitting western saddle for my wide horse I have been on quite a learning curve. Although I have been riding for 30 years, the Western lingo is completely different. The tack has mostly the same parts but different names. They are measured differently. The saddle sits differently on the horse. The rider sits differently in the saddle. There is a lot to learn.

Beautiful roping saddle did not fit her - sold it on ebay

I have also realized, after three saddle purchases in an effort to find the right one, that I love western saddles. I can see myself becoming a collector. (Don't tell Dave). Maybe a saddle to go with every pair of boots?

Fisto admires the saddle I bought yesterday, a used Circle Y. Hope this one works!

Kittens

2011-06-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

Itty Bitty Kitty

I have not properly blogged about our kittens. Perhaps I was being cautious; not wanting to shine a spotlight on them ( if you call call my blog a "spotlight"... more like a candle) until I knew they were going to live through the introductions to the dogs. Seriously.

I think only Dave really knows how much I love kittens and cats. I become transfixed by kittens. (Trying to put the feelings into words would convince you that I am a "crazy animal person" and I'd like to avoid the label.)

The timing is all wrong or all right depending on how you look at it. We are stressed, cramped, and unorganized thanks to the kitchen remodel and so I go and bring home two tiny kittens. While keeping tabs on their safety, whereabouts, and litter box adds to my list, watching them play, having a tiny weightless soft fuzzball asleep on my chest, even watching them sleep, unravels any tension that I might have.

After plenty of discussion and days of observing them, we finally named them. Larger, older, spunky male kitten is Fisto. Tiny, younger, runt of a female kitten is Itty Bitty.

Fisto

The dogs seem to have concluded that they are not targets but fixtures in our family. The first night the dogs couldn't leave them alone, sniffing and licking (tasting?) them. The second day they all relaxed. By day three only Maive, our mutt rescue, still had any interest and she seemed to be keeping tabs on their whereabouts and licking them all over as if they were her puppies. Now Maive actually enjoys a gentle paw batting play with them.

Our fat gimpy cat Mrtyle (she deserves her own blog post - good story there) was horrified by the kittens. But she too has settled into their presence. She particularly likes Itty Bitty Kitty and holds her down for a good tongue bath once in a while. If Fisto gets to spunky with her she hisses and bats him with her snaggle foot. Fisto is a bit dense if he doesn't realize that Mrtyle exists to eat and sleep and playing is the last thing she'd ever do.

They have settled in nicely. In a week or two more I can relax further because they will finally be too large for the nearby family of hawks to carry away. Well, Itty Bitty might be at risk of capture by talons till the end of her days.... tiny thing.

Artistic Suicide

2011-06-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

I wonder - how many truly successful artists there are out there. Let's define artist as someone who makes a one of a kind product to sell. Let's define success as an income capable of supporting a person: some sort of shelter that at least has insulation; enough food to not be "starving;" enough money to invest back into their career, like buying a laptop, painting supplies, or a pencil perhaps; health insurance would be nice.

To make money selling something that you have created there are two requirements. First, you have to be making something that people want - a lot of people. Second, you have to be able to make enough of it, get it out there, and sell it. This does not come easily to anyone. Few might be so genius either creatively or in the marketing department that they find Easy Street. But for the vast majority we have to work... hard.... forever.

There are further complications with making and selling art. Artists can't sustain their creativity in a constant linear direction. We get something good going and then the muses withdraw their support and send you hurling into another direction of unexplored creativity. Try to sell THIS now. The muses don't stand a chance against THE ECONOMY. We are trying to sell the most superfluous product of human existence; adornment. You can't eat it, drink it, live in it, or even smoke it. When THE ECONOMY has spoken, all artists listen.

The artist's greatest challenge is to find their way through the pitfalls to thrive, create, SELL, defy the muses and THE ECONOMY.

All of this said, I will not be deterred and I personally know dozens of others who have chosen this path. Give your artist a hug. Or even better, buy art.

Mohonk Awesomeness (Evan's title suggestion)

2011-06-20T03:49:00.000-07:00

Under the stone arches where the carriages used to pull up to drop off guests

What I love about Mohonk Mountain House:

I don't have to cook - Not only do I not have to think about what the heck I am going to feed my family three times/day and then make it happen, I am SERVED the most fresh, delicious, decadent food I could ask for.

Everywhere you look is something extraordinary - Whether God made it or inspired a person to make it, Mohonk is a visual feast. The mountains, lake, and blooming mountain laurel are the back drop for the sprawling Victorian castle, stone work, antique furniture, gardens, and thoughtful wooden walkways, ladders, steps, and gazebos.

Looking back at the front of the house from a cliff top path

The kids love it - I was lucky enough to create memories at mohonk when I was a kid and this weekend my boys got a chance to make their own. Rock scrambling, great food, picnics, wildlife, swimming, exploring, and happy parents make good memories.

There is so much to do - You can be active all day and never do the same thing twice. Or you can sit like a bum until the next fabulous meal.

Hiking the Laborynth

Family - When you are not busy with work or maintaining your own household you get to focus on the people you love.

History - Next time I will learn more about the history but I am sure it is fascinating!

Dave went exploring in the Barn Museum and took a picture of this steam engine that used to power the place

Seclusion - Just the deer and chipmunks up here.

It's Kind of Like Pregnancy

2011-06-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

Incredibly strong truck effortlessly lifting away about 30,000 pounds of concrete ex-floor.

When we embarked on the kitchen remodel, my sister compared it to pregnancy. She said, "In the beginning you are nothing but excited. Planning and dreaming. Then you realize it will be a long road with more than a few bumps (literally in pregnancy). Towards the end you are uncomfortable, cranky, swollen, and wanting it to be over with. And after that you are blessed with the results."

Well, we are not exactly towards the end yet, and I am not swollen, but I can see how the analogy works. I began buying, washing, and folding tiny little unisex clothes long before I was even pregnant. I also dabbled with my rulers, draft paper, pencil, and eraser years before we had $ to tackle the kitchen. Half way through my pregnancy the aches, pains, and unexpected changes crept in. Why does my hip ache? Where are my ankles? No one told me my mind would function at half speed. The kitchen situation has its share of the unexpected and growing pains. I need to make how many decisions by Friday? The plumber (God) is on vacation for how many weeks? No one told me my mind would only function at half speed.

I"d say in pregnancy terms that we are at about 25 weeks. More than half way but the real intensity yet to come.

New door and window openings are in place and floor is ready for radiant heat then concrete.

Contractors

2011-06-14T03:51:00.000-07:00

I love my contractor.

I hate my contractor.

I love my contractor.

My contractor and his sub-contractors hold the balance of my sanity in their hands. One day they are Santa Claus on steroids delivering to me the concrete fulfillment of a vision that I have been cultivating for 10 years. The next day they are just the dust swirling in my deconstructed hole of a kitchen. They are strong. Skilled. Seasoned. I need them to do what I can not.

I love my contractors!

When they are here.

Thanks

2011-06-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

I am feeling extra blessed today.

The kitchen construction has cast a dark cloud on my mood lately... the irony of being fortunate enough to make such a significant home improvement. I was having difficulty summoning a positive thought to save my life. Overwhelmed, out of balance, buried, deep in a quagmire. Even my back, which has been strong and happy for two years strait, was tight and aching.

In the midst of the night, as I slept, God must have flipped the switch on my moodometer. Maybe it has something to do with the humidity level and temperature dropping significantly. Or that Dave and I crossed several chores off my list yesterday. No matter the reason, I am so relieved to feel back in control, to recognize my good fortune, to be able to bend without a shooting pain, and to have a smile on my face.

I"m going to ride this wave as long as I can!

Carmelita (I wrote this 3 years ago.)

2011-06-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Carmelita by Hammer out of Carmen from Joy to me.

I wasn’t even looking for a horse. And now, I can look out of our home and see Carmelita, my four year old Nokota mare, in our humble pasture. She seems too majestic for our nook carved out of a hill in the “holler” on Providence Road in good ‘ole Cecil County, Maryland.

I first saw Carmelita in some photos in a home made “horse for sale” flyer. I was perusing Joy Cully’s shop, The Merry go Round Room, at Fair Hill International 2006 where I also set up and sell my artwork. “What a neat looking horse,” I remember remarking. “What is a Nokota?” Joy suggested I look up the Conservancy website to find out. I was thrilled to learn about the breed and the efforts to preserve it. But, I wasn’t looking for a horse.

Some Nokotas on Seth Zeigler's Pennsylvania farm: they have to most wonderful colors.

Two months later, I ran into Joy at a Taco Bell in the Perryville outlet mall. Christmas shoppers were hungry and the line was out the door. I didn’t know Joy very well but was still surprised that she was at an outlet mall and in the Taco Bell to boot. We said “hello” and before she left she stopped at my table to talk to me about an art trade. I love to trade so we arranged for me to come to her place.

With the trade completed, the conversation turned from art to animals. “Do you still have that mare you were selling?” I asked. Joy said, “She’s out back. Would you like to meet her?” Of course I would.

One of our first trail rides - I LOVE that she loves water

Despite the fact that I wasn’t even looking for a horse, I visited Carmelita several times that winter, fell more deeply in love, and began to plot how she might end up out my back door. Joy and I got to know each other that winter as well. I realized that Joy was selling Carmelita while still wanting to hold on to her with all of her might. When she realized that Carmelita could be with me and still be a part of HER life, Joy did everything she could to make it easier for me to decide to buy Carmelita. I had work to do though: fences to fix; grass to grow; hay to buy. A horse was coming!

She is everything that other Nokota owners know and are familiar with; strong, brave, curious, calm, noble. And through my relationship with her I get to see that she is even more. Every day I marvel that she is here. I walk up my hill to her and bury my face in her and try to steel some of that strength and grace that comes so easily to her.

Pay attention to what fate throws in your path. I wasn’t looking for a horse, but in a Taco Bell, in the middle of Christmas shopping mayhem, I found one.

Recent trail ride

Thank you Kuntz Family - gaurdians and advocates of the breed. Thank you Joy for making the path to Carmalita as smooth as possible. Thank you to my husband Dave for encouraging me to spend the time and money that horses require so that she can be a part of my life.

Country Living

2011-06-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

I have submitted my blog to a "Country Living" magazine Blue Ribbon Blogger Awards contest. If what they say is true, my blog with be reviewed by a panel of "Country Living" Editors and noted bloggers. Do tell! Categories include: Collecting (check), Decorating (not so much), Crafting (I got that goin' on), Entertaining (not lately but, yes), Food (yes, please), Gardening (does it count if I hire that out?), Green (my recycling bin is green), Home Renovation (indeed! please see previous posts of our kitchen), Lifestyle (WAY country), Pets (we have enough I think).

Here in the holler, we are living country. I'd say anyone with fencing that serves more than a decorative purpose, more than 2 acres, several misused outbuildings, a baby pool with a playground slide in it, and the need for hay ... can call themselves country. So I've got the lifestyle going for me. I'm sort of Martha Stewart with an edge... and dirt.... and maybe less organized... smaller empire.... less "people".... okay, I'm nothing like Martha Stewart except for my medium length blonde hair.

They want to see eye catching photos and design that lure in a reader. My blog design is pretty run of the mill. I don't know how those fancy bloggers do it with frilly picture frames, fancy backgrounds, and custom heading banners. I'm a blogger not a web designer.

As for eye catching photos I try my best to punch up my writing with interesting well positioned accompaniments. Like, here's me right now concentrating really hard on my post.

I hope the main emphasis of the judging is on blog content. I might stand a chance if they are looking for creative souls who can convey their anecdotes and ideas with humor and a sense of entertainment.

Statistical Recap of the 2nd Grade Talent Show

2011-06-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

45 students
33 acts
2.5 hours
5 hoola hoop acts
4 acts featuring the song "Dynomite"
50% of parents texting
10 technical glitches causing
8 start overs
6 joke acts
10 one minute routines set to 3 minute songs

It was still a joy to watch those little people get into their thing on stage.

My White Hen

2011-06-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

This little white hen came to me when my friend, Caitlyn, picked her up off of the road after her box was thrown from a chicken truck.

Maybe the hen was thinking she had come into some bad luck as her box left the truck and she was flying through the air into the unknown oblivion. It must have been a strange feeling. But the daily life of factory farmed egg laying hens is where the real misfortune lies. I won't go into detail about the conditions; honestly what I imagine is probably not even as bad as it really is.

So Caitlyn asked if we would take her. I love a rescue. When we released her into our run she stumbled around like a drunken sailor. She must have never stretched her legs in her life. Her feet may have never before touched solid ground. I noticed that the tip of her beak was cut off. She was skittish and skinny on top of her wobbly legs.

My big fat content hens made sure she knew that she was not one of them - all crazy and untrustworthy as she must have seemed to them. "Girl, that bird is CRAZY." "Oh my! Maybe she hit her head." "And why's she so white?" "Do you thinks she's blind?" They chased her away from the best bits of kitchen scraps for a while. They can be so caddy.

After a few months she found her strength and her place among our hens. She can run like the wind when she needs to. And she lays one huge white egg every day. I know in the scheme of things her life has little meaning, but she is her own epoch novel of dispair, escape, mistrust, acceptance, and salvation. If only we had a rooster she could also find true love.

You're Messin with my Mind, Man

2011-06-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged much lately because the thoughts that want to stream from my finger tips are not the happy upbeat sort that I want to convey to the world (Okay, "the world" is an exaggeration; I have 12 followers). We are starting week 5 of our kitchen remodel and so far we have seen about one week's worth of progress.

I am told this is normal. I get a lot of "that's contractors for you." And "It's going to take twice as long as you think and twice as much money." I'm just not sure what to do with comments like that.

I am trying my hardest to relinquish any expectations I had/have. I am trying not to let the hope for a returned call, or even better, an actual visual sighting of a contractor creep in to my mind. I am trying to concentrate on creating critters and paintings worthy of sale in a home that is cluttered, cramped, and ripped apart. Every day, three times a day, I search our makeshift kitchen for healthy meals for me and my family.

Does anyone have a happy kitchen remodel story? Does anyone have a dinner invitation? Are any of my friends Zen gurus? How about just a piece of cheese to go with my whine?

The Kitchen: Money and Meltdowns

2011-06-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

kitchen before

Since we bought our home 10 years ago, we have wanted to remodel the kitchen. Five weeks ago we moved out of our kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom - 1/4 of the square footage of our home. We are camping in our own home with a sink on the porch, grill outside, washer and dryer in our dirt basement, and fridge and small appliances in the dining room.

Kitchen renovations are notorious for high stress and high dollars. So far we are managing quite well on both fronts. In addition to new cabinets, appliances, countertops, and so on, we have taken out our walls, floor, ceiling, and windows. It is a deep project but we don't have deep pockets.

as it is now

We have saved the most money by recycling cabinets from another kitchen. We really lucked out when the sister of a friend was tearing out her very large kitchen and was willing to give us the cabinets in exchange for a donation to Habitat for Humanity. She also gave us a nicer refrigerator than we ever would have bought. Score!

We also saved a bit by doing to demolition ourselves. This was no sacrifice on my part. I could not wait to take out my pent up frustrations on the crappy cabinets, rusty appliances, and ill built walls. We let the pros handle the floor which was a mishmash of concrete, stone, wood, tile, and linoleum.

in between

Dave took the time and effort to set us up with sink with hot and cold water which has been a life saver. Were I carrying dishes to the second floor bathroom, I would be bald by now. He also rigged up our washer and dryer. Since we do a load of laundry every day (or more likely seven over the weekend) this has been a hair saver as well.

Today the Mason comes to block in the old windows and open up two new windows and a French door. Next will be the radiant heat and the concrete floor. When the floor has cures the new walls will go up and we will begin to see the new space as it will be. GLORIOUS

I am sure the real freakout and meltdown stress will come. I am also certain we will spend more than we intended thanks to our champagne taste and crazy old house with issues. So far so good.

I'm Back

2011-05-31T03:11:00.000-07:00

I have really missed writing in my blog. I was thrown into a blog abyss for two reasons. First, the blogger website was all messed up and I couldn't access my account.

Second, and the real reason, I have been a little off center and preoccupied. No one wants to read a birdbrained blog post with no humor, lots of whine, and maybe even a little hostility.

So here is a quick list of things I am excited about and hope to share with you in future posts:

Kitchen is completely demolished!! Isn't that great? You know what would be even better? If it got built back up again. (See what I mean about the undertone of hostility?) Last week the project sat idle. We are waiting for the plumber. Please take a moment to send out a little plumber prayer for me.

We have two new family members! Meet Fisto and ?. Evan wants name the little kitty Mady. Max wants her to be Sadie. I keep calling her Itty Bitty Kitty. I'll let you know which name sticks.

I am a felting fiend! I have 14 weeks until the Brandywine Arts Festival. I have a list of ideas, some wool, and some felting needles... let's see what I can do! I am looking for suggestions for simple little Christmas ornaments so let me know what you want to see.

Something Mis-Happened

2011-05-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our brains and bodies usually work very well together. Our lives depend on it. We make countless decisions everyday. Usually we come out the other end of the day unscathed.

I've had three miscommunications between mind and body this week. The third one was enough of an event to pull me out of my blog hibernation and write.

The first two were while running. I was enjoying the sweet Spring smells as I ran on my favorite trail at Fair Hill when I came to one of the stream crossings. What I thought was some exposed pebbles in a shallow spot was actually floating flower buds. Splash! Up to my ankle. Not an injury, but an uncomfortable mistake none the less. The second, same trail different day, the tip of my toe caught a root and I went flying through the air. After a good jarring to my shoulders and neck I kept running out of spite for that root. I think it grew up just as I was passing and had a good giggle as I tried to get myself off the forest floor.

Today I had the final mishap in my hat trick. Dave and I are beginning our kitchen demo. We had a stuck upper cabinet. It seemed to be stuck to the one next to it. He unscrewed the adjacent cabinet and that was my cue to get up and help. I held one while he took out the final screw of the other.

We thought they would come out together. All I thought to do was support the cabinet from the bottom while they both came out. But they miraculously disengaged. Before I knew it the top of the heavy cabinet was coming down on my head. I ducked my head inside of it but then the middle shelf was pressing heavily on the side of my neck. I buckled under the weight into some bizarre position that I couldn't recreate if I had to. I have no idea where my hands, my strength, or my sense were. I was stuck and in pain.

I must have been shouting "ouch" or "help" or something because I hear Dave saying, "Are you okay!!??" Finally I manage to yell, "Get this thing off of me!!!" Dave had to put his heavy and unwieldy cabinet down before he could remove my bad choice in hats.

I have to admit I cried a little. I can't remember the last time I was stuck and scared.

Generally I think of myself as a capable, sure footed, athletic person. Maybe it's time to revisit that description.

On a Hill in the Holler

2011-04-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

I realize our home needs a lot of work. Just ask Dave how many times I have picked up a real estate magazine in search of a better place. With intense grassisgreeneritis I would study each property and choose a handful of places that were definitely "better" than ours. Our house is old, it doesn't have a ton of character to make up for the age, the kitchen is atrocious, our property is 100% hill, some of our neighbors are sketchy, and what animal lover wouldn't want a little more property? We even went as far as to put our house on the market once.

But something has clicked; I have not looked, in earnest, at a real estate magazine in over a year. I feel dedicated to our plot. Maybe it's because I can finally see all of the visions that hung before my eyes when we first bought the property (10 years ago) becoming reality. Or maybe we have just invested too much time, energy, and money to walk away now. Or, I have finally fallen in love.

With my new love goggles I see the house's character, the kitchen's potential, the beauty and protection of the hill, all of the work that we have done here, and the neighbors? What neighbors?

When we bought this property it was just a house on a hill; figuratively and literally, there was nothing else - no fences, no out buildings, no landscaping, no paths, no patio, no pasture. Now when I pull into my driveway I see the home that we have created together.... and I cherish it.

My Saturday: A Poem

2011-04-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's raining
It's pouring
friends come tomorrow morning
lots to do
the house is poo
today will not be boring

I'm cleaning
I'm tossing
my kids just need more bossing
the laundry's done
the washer's run
my list still needs more crossing

I made it
shipped it
the money, I have flipped it
it's in the bank
you I thank
recession I have nipped it

I'm raking
I'm spreading
Too much mulch I'm getting
now some here
now some there
my plants can now stop fretting

I'm dicing
I'm chopping
my good man is out shopping
carrots shredded
cabbage dreaded
the coleslaw in a bowl is plopping

More laundry
more cleaning
chaos is finding meaning
a few more tasks
I'll have to ask
the kids to please stop screaming

This poem structure is too hard!!! Oh well. You get the idea.

Blogstipation

2011-04-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

I have many momentous blog posts brewing inside of me. I really doo. I am a little backed up by life and all (you know, stress does that). I will get them out. Even if I have to sit here all day, I will get at least one good post out.

Go Blow Eggs... the Modern Way

2011-04-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother was a huge influence in my life. She was the matriarch of our creativity. One of the fond memories I have of her is us blowing out eggs together.

To blow out an egg, one must first make a small hole in the top and bottom. My Grandmother did this with a needle. Carefully gently work the needle to create a small hole on top and a slightly bigger hole and the bottom without cracking the egg. Not the least stressful thing you'll ever do.

Once you have the hole, and about half a dozen cracked eggs, you put the needle up in to the egg and twist it all around. You want to scramble the sucker so there are no yolk sacks intact to block your hole.

Then you put your mouth around the top and BLOW. Blow some more. Try harder. Keep at it. Here it comes. Shoot it went back up. Man, your face is red. Take a break. Blow again. All that for just a dribble? Try harder! And so on until, eventually, you have a break through and the slimy egg comes shooting out of the tiny hole. Now you have an empty egg to decorate and last forever.

Well, my good friend, Molly, and I wanted to get together and make empty eggs to decorate and have forever. So I collected about 3 dozen eggs from our chickens and headed over to her house with them, a few needles, my boys, and baked french toast for brunch.

First we eat. Then we start on the eggs. The needle I brought ( a leather awl) was consistently cracking the eggs. Frustrated to see any egg be wasted, Molly suggests we try a dremmel tool. I try to wait patiently without continuing to crack eggs with my needle while she and her husband Jon set up the dremmel.

Max almost PASTED OUT!!!!!Because he blew 16 eggs out!! (max wrote that)

Molly quickly figured out how to make perfectly round smooth tiny holes in the eggs with the dremmel. No more wasted eggs.... and we commence to blowing. After 10 minutes and near hyperventilation with only one egg each finished, Jon the tool man suggested the air compressor. I just laughed it off. I my mind the air compressor was a loud and scary monster that was used on giant metal machinery like trucks and tractors. Next thing I know there is a tube snaked into the dining room and Jon is poised to blow an egg with what looks like a tattoo gun for the Jolly Green Giant. I will not bore you with my account.... here is a video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-KQaleS4pw&feature=youtu.be

After a bit of tweaking to the air pressure we had an assembly line: Molly at the dremmel, I scrambled the insides, and Jon, in the blink of an eye, blew out the egg. My Grandma was smiling down at the comedy and efficiency of it all.

Mystery Escape

2011-04-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

Otto, the fearless leader

When we leave our home for an outing there is a complex string of tasks regarding the animals that must be executed for their protection. The dog door must be capped from the inside keeping all canine beasts in the house and out of the yard. A gate must be placed between the kitchen and living room leaving Otto and Maive, the big dogs, on the living room side and Rock, a JRT, and the cat on the kitchen side. The door which connects the kitchen and laundry room must be latched to remain open 4" so the cat can access her food and litter box without the company of the JRT. We exit the kitchen door (our house is a "back door is the front door" kind of a house).

Yesterday the family and I set out for a morning of egg blowing and brunch with friends (that's another post, folks.) I let the chickens out of their coop to graze the yard while the dogs were locked in and we were out.

When we returned Maive, one of the big dogs who likes to hunt, was darting wildly around free range style - not in the fenced in dog yard mind you - free like a bird.... bird.... bird?..... the chickens!! Wait! Rock, the JRT, and Otto are both barking at me from the yard! The cat!

Maive, the huntress and Houdini

I tell the boys to wait in the car until I determine who is alive and who is dead. I approach the house and the door is already open. What the? In the kitchen I see the cat sleeping happily by the fire. Phew. But the gate is still up. Huh?

Max and Evan ignored my request and when I came back outside to tell them they could get out Max was yelling "The chickens are alive! I found them! They are alive! They are behind the barn! How's the cat?!" "Alive!" I say.

I will never understand how the door got open, Maive got out, the dog door got open, and Rock got on the other side of the kitchen gate with Otto and out into the yard. Critters sure do keep you on your toes. I can't tell you how many times I wish I had a surveillance system.

All is well that ends well. But what about the next time I leave the house?

The Final Painting

2011-04-03T14:02:00.001-07:00

With a little help from my artist friend, Viki, I put the final touches on the painting.

Here is the impression I last left you with....

That was taken with my ipod - so not a very good photo.

Here is the painting that my happy patron left with on Saturday...

Back to felting this week - there is nothing in my etsy store!

It's Not Mundane It's My Life

2011-04-02T03:05:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for my day to day life. My daily routines comfort me. In my home with my family I have all that I need. Aside from the never ending itch to create, there is not much I crave.

When I wake up I sit at the kitchen table with my laptop checking all of my super important online happenings. Dave has either left early for work or is sleeping in on a weekend. I make coffee. I stoke the fire. At some point a puffy faced squinty eyed sleepy headed boy walks into the room. He climbs into my lap for a brief, but cherished, embrace, asks for a breakfast treat, and then disappears into the living room to watch TV or play a game. And then the day can unfold, usually into some version of the day before.

I would not trade my routine for anyone elses or for a life of travel and adventure. Although, a tropical island get away here and there would be a welcome break from the norm.

More Better

2011-04-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here is where I left off yesterday...

Here is where I finished today...

A Portrait Painting Progression

2011-03-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

I do still paint. I had to dust of my workspace, freshen up my pallet, and re-clean brushes before I could get started. I also had to juice up my inspiration before I tackled a portrait; a little Sargent always does the trick.

I started on a panel that already had a painting on it - an old crazy looking self portrait that I never wanted the world to see. A little something already going on on the canvas helps me stay loose and gives the new painting more interest and life.

First I lay in the darkest values. I try not to go back to my darks once they are in... for some reason, trying to darken an area far into the painting always spells disaster. Since the canvas started so dark, I didn't have to do much.

Next I begin adding medium and light values to begin to define features.

After a few more minutes, more details emerge and it starts to look like something.

She still looks older than she should so I keep lightening and softening...

I decide that the features are not right. To get them right I have to scrape the whole face back and start over. At this point I turned my reference and my canvas upside down. Looking at it upside down helps me see what is really there and not what my mind thinks should be there.

With the features redone she is looking more like the real person. Tomorrow I will put away the photos and work on softening and rounding everything, giving it more atmosphere and solidity..

Stay tuned... more photos to follow...

Doin the Kitchen Limbo

2011-03-30T03:26:00.001-07:00

Yes, we are planning to remodel our kitchen. This Spring.... summer? I don't know. I don't know yet when the contractor will be ready to start. I also don't know...

whether our plan falls into our budget
how long it might take
what my painted cabinets will look like
which countertop I want/can afford
what stainless gas range I want/can afford
how we will do our laundry
where I am going to put everything that comes out of the kitchen
back splash?
what lies behind our soffits
can we get rid of the soffits?
my whole plan hinges on those dumb soffits

The list goes on and on. And so I try to concentrate on my work. I try not to make more holes in the walls. I try to make social plans for the next month or two as if life will still be normal and constructionless.... but will it? And so I am doin' the Kitchen Limbo.

Hare Today Gnome Tomorrow

2011-03-29T03:11:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday felting snow hares. Today I hope to photograph them and list them on etsy. And then, if things continue moving as they have for the past couple of months, they will be gone. I will need to make more. But I also want to make more hedgehogs. And I'd like to make gnomes, donkeys, mice, ponies, not mention more basket bunnies and lifesized bunnies for Easter. For a show in the Adirondacks this summer I need to start mooses, bears, raccoons, chipmunks, foxes, skunks, owls, and deer. In a month or two I should start building my inventory for Fall which means ornaments, reindeer, and Mr. and Ms. Claus.

I had a bag in which I'd hoped to start accumulating critters. Every time I made a critter for etsy, I made one for the bag. I can't tell you how satisfying it was to see the bag begin to fill. I had about a dozen "extra" critters in there but then Vulcan's Rest in Chesapeake City requested more critters and now my bag is empty.

I realize that quickly selling what I make is a good problem to have. I hope I am not coming across as complaining. But scrambling, yes, that I am. ( Here is my daydream: I imagine something like a ball pit full of critters that I have made. I run towards it, leap into the air, and descend into the abundance. I emerge with bunnies and gnomes spilling off of me. I reach down and toss them about. Critters everywhere ready to sell.) I am always getting faster and more efficient but I can't stop wondering "how can I make more?"

The Perfect Storm: Waking in the Middle

2011-03-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

The way I see it our little home does not stand a chance at cleanliness against the waves and winds of three fierce factors: rural family life (kids, animals, dirt), my personality (not neat), and my home based career (all of the things I create and all that I use to create them are in our home). Nothing brings it into clearer focus than Spring.

I have been waiting for the Spring Cleaning Urge to strike. Tick tock tick tock. Hello? My house is a mess here... Spring is springing....Urge? Meanwhile I am beginning to notice the dirt that all Winter I was able to ignore. I see the crayon on the wall, the dirty spots on the curtains, the gray unknown laying in wait at the bottom of my window sashes, dust on the tops of my framed art, musty (boarding on a tactile tackiness) dog beds, and bug carcasses in the light fixtures.

And that's just the more subtle dirtities, never mind the in-your-face messes. School papers everywhere. My papers everywhere. Evan's little personal tornado of clothing and toys. Max's gazillion lego happenings. Laundry and dishes always. A constant tide of dog hair. And my work: finished critters, wool, unfinished critters, pens, pads, paintings, old ones, new ones, paintings paintings paintings.

Spring also awakens a pull to the out of doors. All of a sudden my eyes can see the yard that lay untouched for 4 months. Limbs that fell from heavy snow strewn the yard. Weeds emerge along with the tulips and daffodils. Months worth of three dog's poop is scattered about waiting... for me. I notice the horse's fencing is down, not in one or two places, but everywhere. When did that tree fall onto the fence? Man, that's a lot of manure.

Fortunately for my marriage, Dave and I seem to have the same attitude towards the clutter and dirt. We are a good team; we live harmoniously with each other and the mess but when it is time to get it together we are a force of our own. The mess doesn't stand a chance. I organize and pick up the pieces and Dave cleans like a mad man. It'll happen.

We won't have you over for dinner until it does.

Good Hair Day

2011-03-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

Old tired hair

About 5 years ago, after the birth of my second son, Evan, I cut my hair off. Whack! From mid back to pixie! After a year or so I grew tired of my face sticking out of my hair so I grew out the pixie. Then, for about 3 years, I sported a Posh bob that never looked posh. Today, with inspirational photo in hand, I went to my hairdresser friend Lauri and asked for a change.

That's not me, folks. That's the inspirational photo.

After she spent 2 hours highlighting, washing, cutting, drying, recutting, and styling, I stepped out with a BANG so to speak. I felt light, happy, and current. Thank you, Lauri!

My new do must have inspired me to help others. I have attempted to felt, and failed, 3 different hedgehogs. The challenge was how to represent their spikes. Finally I figured out that the rabbit angora would be perfect. It's the opposite of spikes, soft as a cloud, but it looks right and makes a cuddlier critter

hedgehog inspirational photo

I spent the rest of my day giving new life and glorious hair to a little rodent. Finally, a camera worthy hedgehog.

Who has better hair?

The Whole Bunny and Nothing but the Bunny

2011-03-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday's class started with enthusiasm and wool and ended with a BUNNY.

We sat around a table our foam in front of us each with two needles ready to go. I tried my best to explain each step and demonstrate when needed. I had to move us along, as it is tempting to stab at your creation longer than necessary, but still be mindful not to leave anyone behind with half felted legs, mismatched ears, or ill-placed body parts.

It was all fun and games until we got to the process of felting on the rabbit angora. With our bodies, legs, and face details all finished, it was time to add the fluff. I'm used to it but I suppose it is a bother. Each little section of fiber has to be aligned by hand before you can felt it on. The angora is so light that it flies away from you; you find yourself batting at your nose, clawing at your cheeks, and trying to blow sideways at your own face because single fibers are tickling your skin. It is so soft and light that your mind tells you to be gentle but no, you can't. I needed to give my group an injection of conviction, "Ladies, don't pussy foot around! Grab it! Hold it! Pull it! Put it where you want it!"

Shocking, I know. But once everyone realized that they were in control the bunnies fared far better.

As usual, the end of the class felt rushed. We were felting until the end - no one wanted to stop. I wish I had taken more than a minute to appreciate each creation. I think that everyone left happy with their critter and maybe picked up a few tips.

Thank you Kathy for the pics!

I Find it in the Darndest Places

2011-03-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

Inspired by working with clay and the life of a celebrated therapy whippet.

Inspiration can come from...

a compliment
competition
a sale
a moment in nature

Sitting on a rock ledge in Keene Valley, NY.

$$$$$$$
a letter, note, or email
love
a photograph

Inspired by a photo I took in Saratoga and the quiet early morning light.

life
death
beauty

Inspired by an intimate moment between the foxhounds and their doting keeper.

a suggestion
new supplies
a challenge

A friend suggested I felt the Headless Horseman... I HAD to do it.

technique
a deadline

Inspiration is as much a part of my life as food or love. I can't imagine life without it.

Far from Perfection

2011-03-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

One of the comments I get often in regard to my work is, "You must be so patient!" I am sure a confused look flashes across my face before I compose myself and gracefully accept the compliment. Does the person believe that I have toiled away and fussed over every detail, forcing myself to persevere even when the task of creating the art seemed to take forever?

I am not patient. I am not meticulous. I am definitely NOT a perfectionist.

In my line of work perfection is boring. Surgeons need to be perfect. Wedding cake decorators can strive for perfection all they want. Bridge builders should definitely try as much as possible to be perfect. If I were to stab my critters until they were symmetrical, smooth, not a hair out of place so to speak I would have felted the life right out of them. Same goes with painting. The last thing I want is for something I created to look like a photograph.

So in my line of work my brash spontaneity serves me very well. In day to day life... that's another story.

I'm no Doctor

2011-03-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

Sigh. My sister has started a blog. She is witty and has always been able to make a blank page come alive. I am fascinated by this glimpse into her medical life. But I am also made aware of her big brain and the non-sister very serious intense undertaking that is her career.

While I try to blog about my mundane day of needle felting or painting all by myself without so much as a change of scenery, my sister is recounting medical miracles, surgical intensity, lives in the balance, and silly or gross anecdotes, from her school, residency, internship, and practice, all the while using detailed medical jargon and impressive doctorish wisdom.

I will continue to write. I'm not the type to throw up my hands and walk away. If you have not read her blog, I might be safe. If you have, I will do my best to convince you that my felting needles are the instruments upon which the fates of my needle felted critters' lives hang. And the tiny shaped details can only be pulled from the wool by my deft hands. Then there are the complicated mechanics of my easel; only the precise angle and tension can cradle the surface properly to facilitate the potential flow of creativity like a breath or pulse. Any minute I might be met with a creative crisis which threatens my art's very existence!

We each have our calling. Thank you to the doctors of the world. Have you hugged your doctor today?

Wool and Teaching

2011-03-16T11:10:00.001-07:00

I am teaching a felting workshop at Vulcan's Rest on Sunday. This will be my fourth class there. We are going to make puffy bunnies. So far there are 6 people signed up. I can't wait; I love teaching.

When I start a felting class I usually do not know anyone. This means I don't know if they have felted before, or if they are otherwise artsy/craftsy, or if this is their first time trying anything creative, or if they are proficient in all arts and every other craft in the world. So I get my feelers feeling quickly. I don't want to insult the wise nor leave behind the clueless.

A few women in my largest class to date: 12 people for 8 hours. We made snowmen and other Holiday inspired creations.

Pretty quickly I can figure people out. There are the brave (my favorites): "I get what you are saying and I am going to run with it." There are the stubborn: "I am paying you handsomely for your sage expertise but I think I will pretend I don't need any instruction and don't even think about making a suggestion." Then there are the needy: "Is this right? How's this? Is this cute? Can you help me?"

A few of the finished snowmen: everyone got really creative

No matter what a person's felting constitution proves to be, she (I have only had shes) leaves the class with an adorable creation. Something that was once a pile of wool has been forever changed thanks to inspiration, creativity, and a teeny tiny bit of genius guidance.

I Did It!

2011-03-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

I started my work day with a pile of wool, some wire armatures and some half finished critters; a hairless snow hare, two fox stick figures, and a basket bunny embryo.

First I gave the basket bunny a fighting chance at life on etsy...

Then I tackled the bald snow hare and gave him a glorious luscious coat that would put Fabio to shame.....

Next I worked on the foxes, one of the most complicated critters I make. Don't ask me why. It's complicated. Anyway, they are now proper foxes....

Finally, I wrapped some more armatures so that when a new felting day dawns I will be ready to finish them up! Two more hounds and a sheep....

I'm Telling the World

2011-03-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Apparently my blog posts have been viewed in Belarus, Iran, Japan, Russia, and China (according to my handy blogspot stats.) So I am telling the world!

Today I will start 1 sheep and another hound. I will also finish 1 fox, 1 snowshoe hare (he needs his fluff), 1 basket bunny.

Pics by the end of the day if I get it all done! Do you think I can do it?

Yard Sale Fever

2011-03-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

As you may know, we are about to remodel our kitchen. First we have to clean it out entirely. Every single item from existing cabinets to mellon-baller HAS to find a new home. The most important 1/4 of our home will be ripped apart down to dirt and cinderblock walls. And while all of this is going on we will be using the converted dining room as our new family hub.

The upheaval will require me to be organized and to get organized I need to PURGE. I already have boxes of stuff piling up to go and I continue to clean out cabinets, closets, and drawers.

Every time I go trough the effort of weeding out the excesses of our lives, I think, "I should have a yard sale!" And every time I have a yard sale I think, "I am never doing this again!"

Do I really think that people want my cast away crap? Am I that desperate for a buck that I put myself through the yard sale ringer?

Box it up
Haul it out
Advertise it
Clean it
Tag it
Arrange it
Sit with it
Haggle over it
Load 99% of it back up
Deliver it to the Goodwill

On paper, the yard sale debocle appears to be "not working for me." And yet there must be something about it that I love. I must be "getting something out of it" if I am always drawn to do it.

I will ponder the yard sale psychology today while I sidestep the accumulating boxes of crap. I'll let you know what I figure out.

Raisins and Other Body Parts

2011-03-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

To be or not to be... anatomically correct. I work very hard to capture details and realism in my needle felted critters while injecting my own artistry to their character. I love felting tiny little noses, pads on paws, the furrow of a brow, folds of a jowl, and giant hare feet. Recently I have felted a few dogs and for the first time, especially with the short haired breeds, I am facing the decision of how detailed to be in the bodily functions area.

Shall I just blur them out like Ken and Barbie? But, a dog butt would not a dog butt be without the little raisin nestled under the tail. And what fun would it be to pose him lifting his leg if there were no reason for him to need to do it? Why shouldn't I enjoy felting little sheathes and butts just as much as the other details?

When you look at your anatomically correct critter and see his perfectly felted penis, don't judge me! "Oh my, look at that. Seems as if she must have had fun making this one."

Have You Ever Tried Whining Back

2011-03-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet little Evan.

Max, for the most part, is a consistent, predictable, and happy boy. Evan is a roller coaster of emotion and, well, let's just say he whines.... A LOT. On this point, I am as nonfluctuating a parent as I know how to be. I say, "Evan, I don't understand you when you talk like that," or "Sure, I'll get that for you when you ask in a normal voice," or "Why are you whining? There is no reason to whine. I am here and happy to help you," and sometimes "EVAN STOP WHINING!" But I am sure, just as my nose no longer smells the dog odors of our home, and my eyes don't see the dilapidated kitchen, my ears no longer hear Evan's sad whiny tongue. Maybe I am not as consistent as I think I am.

Whatever the reason, I have not been able to stamp out the brain piercing tone. One day, out of complete frustration, exhaustion, and because I was tired of my other methods, I looked at him and began talking in my most whiny pathetic voice. It was not pretty. It surely was not effective. I hope I never go there again. I don't recommend it.

The whine emanates from the center of his little being and it as intensely a part of him as his contagious smile, lovable mushy face, and heartfelt joy. He is MY roller coaster.

The Sunday Morning News Paper

2011-03-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

When I was little, on the weekends, my parents would be enveloped in the newspaper. I admired how they were able to manage those huge floppy pieces of paper and noticed how carefully they kept the sections together and passed them back and forth all the while sipping their coffee. The routine was familiar and comforting.

Today my newspaper is my laptop. Every morning my boys come downstairs all mushy and sleepy and visit me at the kitchen table where I have my nose in my laptop. I pull them in for a hug before they push away and ask for their "breakfast treat." Then, I return to my computer. But my bright and shiny laptop seems to have a disturbing presence in the room. It doesn't smell good and flop around like the news paper. Instead of softly encompassing me it seems to pull me in to a lost and distracted space where my kids can't get to me.

Eventually I abandon it to give Max and Evan the attention they want. As soon as I rise, one or both of them run in and take the laptop over exploring free online games.

Bunny Munny

2011-03-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

The bunny that started it all in 2010; my first snow hare.

At a time when the economy is what it is, galleries are closing left and right, and selling original art is is like like trying to convince a person that they want to pay me to shoot them in the foot, I am so glad to have found my needle felting niche. But I could be felting the best felted wool critters in all the land and not achieve the success I am having without Etsy.

Most of you are familiar with Etsy: the online marketplace for handmade items. I have had my etsy shop for one year now. It started with a BANG last winter! Then it fizzled to a sad trickle over the summer. In the Fall of 2010 I couldn't list much on etsy because I was hoarding my critters for local shows. As I got back into the etsy swing of things in 2011 I am so pleased that my shop has so far found a strong and steady pace.

Basket Bunnies

Most of what I sell are bunnies. Which is funny. I like bunnies but they are not in the front running. I must have the cunning to make them "right on the money." I felt so many my fingers are numby. I am so grateful for my etsy bunny money. With it, I will make my kitchen unsurpassably stunning. And in it I will cook dinners so yummy. Shoot, that's a "m." Dag-nabbit guess I'll start rhyming "rabbit." This could become a habit. I'll stop; I'm sure you've had it. Or else your thinking of the next rhyme to nab it or grab it.

White Rabbit

Thank you Etsy shoppers! I love my job! God willing I will be felting bunnies and other critters for the rest of my days.

SKWERL!!!!

2011-03-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

This morning I let the dogs out in to the yard for the first time of the day and they darted to surprise a squirrel as usual. But instead of the usual smart squirrel who keeps his nut hunt close to a tree trunk, the dogs were startled to find a squirrel in the chicken coop.

I guess the little fellow had found his way in to steal some grain or some of the kitchen scraps we share with the hens. Had he just laid low, he could have waited out the dogs presence. But no, his deep rooted instincts told him "run for the tree!" His escape was interrupted by a wall of chicken wire. Suddenly three dogs were charging around the chicken run.

How are they not getting me?! Why can't I get to that tree? Around and around he went like a motorcycle in the iron cage at the circus. In the coop. Out of the coop. Onto the wire. Onto the ceiling. Back into the coop.

And the hens! Clucking and strutting. What's going on here? I don't know, ask her? Why should I know? I can't see anything. Let me tilt my head this way, now that way, now take a step and tilt my head again. Who said that? What? Did you hear that?

And the dogs! It's in there. Got It! Nope. It's up there! What? Where? Who? What are we after? SKWERL! There it is! Bark! Bark! Barking does not help!

Finally the little guy found his way out through a small crack in the door. Three dogs were waiting there for him and the tree was a good 10 feet away. A slow motion recap would have put "The Matrix" to shame. A full body twist to the left as sharp fangs pierced the air. Leaping over the tenacious Jack Russel's head. Contorting his whole body while simultaneously launching onto the tree as jaws of death echo a loud "SNAP" on the right.

And then it was over. The dogs were left looking at each other and then up the tree and then at me. I can only imagine how alive that squirrel must have felt while he caught his breath in the tree tops.

It's About Balance, Not Carbs

2011-03-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Eggs are bad. Sike, they're good. Butter is bad, but go ahead and slather your carbs with flavored vegetable oil products. Don't eat sugar! Here, try this sweet tasting powdered chemical instead. Don't eat fat. Do eat fat. Red meat is the DEVIL. Bananas are the perfect food. Maybe bananas are the Devil. Whole grains. No, wait, no grains. Strike that - only grapefruit. Grapefruit and red meat.

Have we lost our minds?

A Moment in Yoga

2011-03-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

My thighs are rotating to the exterior as I bring my thigh bone forward in space. My calves are rotating from the upper outer shin like a vine down around the back and then over my inner ankle and arch of my foot to the outside ankle in order to lift my navicular bone into alignment. My pelvis is vertical so that my light is shining strait down. I am ironing my butt towards the floor while lifting my ribs off of my lumbar. My shoulder blades are open like the wings of an angel. My ribs are tilted up like vertical blinds and my collar bones are reaching for the ceiling to create a bird bath on each side of my neck. My right leg is bent at precisely a ninety degree angle. The heel of my right foot is in a direct line to the arch of my right. My left heel is stretching and reaching for the floor. I am gazing beyond the reach of my extended right arm, with purpose. Oh, and I am breathing.

Stay on task, Sara. I think I'll peek to see how Mary Jean is doing it. I wonder what should I eat for dinner when I get home. Should I go with pewter or brass for the kitchen knobs? How many skylights are in this room? Man, that's a big poodle. Breath.

The instructor is helping someone else. Does he see how hard I am trying? What is he DOING over there? Shit, I forgot to breath. My thigh is burning. I can't worry about my shin vine anymore. Something's got to give. Why isn't Mary Jean shaking too? There goes my light! I think I'm stuck.

What Do You Do

2011-03-04T03:12:00.000-08:00

We are invited to a party on the 12th. There are several problems with this. Finding a trustworthy babysitter in the Holler is slippery. Also, this means I will have to stay up past 8. Lastly, I will have to meet new people, chit chat, and answer questions about what I do.

For some people it's a walk in the park:
I am a lawyer. Okay got that. Very clear.
I am a computer programmer. Okay, I know nothing about that but I can easily picture you sitting in front of a computer at a desk.
I am in mergers and acquisitions. Mmmm, very impressive.

I am an Artist. Blank stare or overly eager head bob with a sip of their drink. I feel as if I have just tried to hand this person a cloud. I try to follow up with more details... I paint, mostly in oils and pastels. Ahhhh, I see. Then I feel as if I need to dig deeper: I am dedicated to my career path, honing my skills, selling in galleries and juried shows. My goal is to support my family some day and become a household name. I can tell I need more: I paint the rural landscape and people, horses, and dogs. My studio is in my home. A glimmer of recognition. I might have convinced him/her that I am a real artist! I also make and sell needle felted critters on etsy. Blank stare.

The home makers have it worse. I am also half homemaker so I am dealt a double whammy. You feel as if you should have a list of your daily head spinning chores and tasks to carry around and show people to justify how you spend your time. What do you do? Here, read this list.

I am guilty of falling back on it but I think the question should be ruled out altogether. Let's come up with a new icebreaker.

Perhaps back to: What's your sign?

My Spaces Continued

2011-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine was over the other day. I brought her to the third floor to see my new felting work space. She said, "Wow, Sara, it's like a tree house!" That's what she said, but on the inside she was thinking, "How does anyone work in this childlike, fun-sized, no-head-room, under the eaves, room all of the way up on the third floor?"

Actually, I work just fine, thank you. Previously I had spread my wool, critters, and all that goes with it across our dining room. It looked as if several sheep exploded in there. We rarely use the dining room so it was okay. But now that the stuff is out of there I feel the relief of having a designated space for my crap - I mean craft.

Happily I toil like a little gnome under the eaves making sweet little felted critters to share with the world.

How Long Did That Take You

2011-03-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked how long it took for me to make a creation....

Despite the fact that I am asked all of the time, that question always catches me off guard. I am never sure how to answer.

Maybe that person thinks that worthy art should take countless hours and anything less than 3 weeks is junk. Or, if I say "3 hours" he/she might start some sort of twisted division of the price revealing a warped perception of what I make per hour and therefore a VERY warped idea of my annual income.

Sometimes I can't answer because I don't know. I don't clock in and out every time I run down the two flights of steps to stop the dogs from barking, catch the UPS man, check my email, use the bathroom, snag some dark chocolate, or skip work all together for a sick boy or a snow day.

I believe that my best paintings are actually the most spontaneous and easily achieved. If I have to labor over it, it sucks.

Felting is a different matter. Although I have become very adept at the craft, it takes as long as it takes; there is no fast fantastic snow hare or slow laborious sucky snow hare.

No matter what the art or craft, though, a wise man told me to answer, "it has taken me my life time."

Here is a mini snow hare in the works...

... after about and hour and 2 trips downstairs I've got the armature covered and ears made...

...about another 20 minutes, or was it 40, and the face is taking shape...

.... a finished face and ready for fur... after I check my email and have a cookie...

... somewhere between 1 and 4 hours later all fuzzy and sitting pretty ready to be photographed and listed on etsy.

My Peeps

2011-03-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

My sister recently pointed out to me that I have "people." She's right. In the past year I have sought the help of a certified professional organizer, a landscaper and her mighty crew, a business communications and development guru, friends to help felt, and a young unemployed computer whiz helper/errand boy. On any given day I might explain, "my organizer is coming today" or "the landscaper is here" or "today I am training some help."

What I can't figure out is - does this mean that I am hugely successful and important ( you know - like a posse ) OR that I am and artist flake incapable of managing my own life? Maybe it is a mid-life crisis; hit 40 and realize you have to get your shit together.

Whatever the reason for this influx of help and delegation of duties, my life is better for it.

Next up - a Cleaner of the House!

My Spaces

2011-03-01T03:09:00.000-08:00

Every morning I wake with my head ready to burst with eager thoughts about my day, my work, and my impending KITCHEN REMODEL.

I will provide you with a few pictures. When you see them, you will experience a heartfelt outpouring of emotion. (If you only know me by my artwork, I hope I have not shocked you by shattering any illusions of a Martha Stewart lifestyle.)

I will say that that the hole in the floor (and now "holes," also in the ceiling, walls, and soffets) are my own doing; I just had to know more about what we are up against. And let me tell you, it doesn't look good. I'd say that more than half of our budget is going towards structural changes.

If we can share our food and our love and our time together happily in such a dump, I can't wait to see how cleaner, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing space affects my family. Maybe that's the point; we don't need "things" when we have each other. I want my new kitchen anyway!

Next time I will enlighten you about my work space.

Now on Etsy

2010-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while. I got distracted by Facebook for a year or so. But my enthusiasm for Facebook is thinning and I recently opened a store on Etsy.... two very good reasons to turn my attention back to my neglected blog.

Tomorrow I will start anew.

Open Studio Show

2008-09-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Fox Studies, pastel, 25x23

I just wanted to post some details for my Open Studio Show October 4th 11-7 and the 5th 12-6.

I will showing my own original work, prints, note cards, and painted furniture in addition to my Father's paintings and my sister's jewelry.

I hope you can join us for some great art, unique gifts, and delicious food and drinks!

Directions: From the intersection of Rt 273 and Rt 213 in Fair Hill go south towards Elkton to your third road on the right. Turn right onto Providence Road. Go 4/10 mile and see Art Show signs on the right.

For more info call me: 410 392 7613

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Final report

2008-09-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fair Hill Nature Center

School House

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Tuesday

2008-09-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

I worked at the Saw Mill today. I enjoyed the long walk down the hill to the river thinking I might paint the water. I decided to work on the Mill instead as there was no sunlight and I thought I could still make the ruins interesting.

After working for a while, I stepped back and realized the painting was very flat. Just then the sun burned through the cover and lit up one side of the Mill. Quickly, I lifted paint to match the sunlit stones and for a quick minute, could see the potential in the scene. I might plug away at it some more. This was the most difficult subject yet.

Aside from painting, I really enjoyed being a "fly on the wall" on the little lane near the river. The first passer by appeared to be just a woman walking her dog. Only when she got closer did I see that she had two parrots on her shoulders! Another woman ran by with her dog and then a pair of bikers came through. Next I heard the clatter of a horse and carriage. Coming over the bridge was a good customer of mine who just won her combined driving event two weeks ago driving her single horse. What a neat sight a horse and carriage are. I wish I had thought to ask her for a ride back up that hill.

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Monday's Report

2008-09-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just want to share what I have done so far at Fair Hill this week. Both days were short outside for me: Sunday was HOT and HUMID so I didn't last long; today I just found that I couldn't get any farther on the painting after an hour so I brought it home to work on it here.
This is the view I had on Sunday. I knew I wouldn't last long so I opted for pastels. I worked on paper about 7x12. Although I took a photo I have not used it.

I may still work on this. I'd like for the sunlit grass to be softer and for the treeline to recede more.This is what I produced today. It is 11x14 oil on board. I really had fun with this. I HATE painting green so this whole week is going to be tourturous but good for me!

Inspired by Fair Hill

2008-09-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

Those of you that I talk to everyday probably can't keep strait the many projects that I have been talking about involving Fair Hill. I currently have three art irons in the fire that are inspired by Fair Hill. They are each ideas that have been biding time in my thoughts until I had the time to actually accomplish them!

The first is the Fair Hill print which I mentioned in a previous post. I have been gathering all of the references I need for this complicated painting. The original will be a 36x36 oil on board. It will depict a bird's eye view map with detailed vignettes of landmarks and events unique to Fair Hill. I hope to have something to show by my Open House Show.

The second event is a week of plein-air painting at Fair Hill with other artists organized by the Oxford Arts Alliance. Painting on location is one of the experiences I have been craving and daydreaming about. I hope the reality of the experience is as fun and beneficial to my work as I think it will be. We will be painting from September 14th to the 21st. There will be show exhibiting the fruits of our labor held at the Oxford Arts Alliance in the Simon building, 38 South 3rd Street, Oxford, PA. The show will open on October 4th (you can head there after you see me at my Open Studio Show) from 5-9pm. Each artist will select one piece to be auctioned at the opening to benefit the Fair Hill Nature Center.

Lastly, and definitely not the least, Geraldine McKeown, the FHNRMA, and I are working together to have a show at Fair Hill in one year's time. Geraldine is the area's leading watercolor artist and has been painting the Cecil County area for over 30 years. We will each spend the year painting a body of work inspired by Fair Hill, it's historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and many varied activities that are held here. I am excited to be working with Geraldine; I think our painting styles will compliment one another to make a spectacular and special show. A percentage of sales will benefit the FHNRMA.

Nokotas at the Fair Hill Breed Show

2008-08-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Shelby thanking Blue

Jill and Keen showing their stuff

Jill and Tokota

Kathy and Kiya

Mickey making eyes at the Judge (Despite it being his first in-hand show, he knows what to do.)

Mickey getting congratulated on first place

The Nokotas and their people enjoyed a great day at Fair Hill yesterday. We had great weather in which to enjoy the camaraderie (despite the competition!).

I am looking forward to sharing more Nokota events with the Nokota crew - next time with Carmelita in hand!

Inspired!

2008-08-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

My fire had gone out. All summer I wondered, "When will I paint again? Where is my creative spark?"

The answer has arrived, "Now! Here!"

I am bursting with inspiration, show plans, and ideas. I want to give you a forecast. But, just like the meteorologists, I might be getting ahead of myself.

Shows:
Open House will be October 4th and 5th. I will have framed art, unframed art, prints, cards, painted furniture, my work, my Dad's work, my sister Amy's jewelry, and perhaps some of my sister Beth's home decor.

Fair Hill International is October 16th-20th

Aiken Museum of Racing Solo Show, February 2009

Fair Hill, Ocotober 2009: I am working on an idea to have a show at Fair Hill featuring all Fair Hill inspired originals to benefit FHNRMA.

Furniture: (I will post pictures of before and afters)
entry table
poster bed bench
blue box
rustic shelves
blanket chest

Prints:
In addition to my current prints, I hope to have a "Fair Hill Map" print available next month.
I am working on the original. It is a birds eye view if Fair Hill NRMA with painted vingiettes of events, horses, archietecture, and all things Fair Hill.

Well, now that I have put it all in writing I'd better get to work.

Boys, boys, boys

2008-07-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Cooper, Max, Alex, Evan, Mathew, Cole

My sons, Max, 5, and Evan, soon to be 3, will begin full days out of the house five days per week at the end of August. Max will go to kindergarten and Evan will be at a daycare across the street from Max's school. For five years Max and Evan have been ever present in my day, at the most going to daycare four mornings per week. So for five years I have had a total of 15 hours per week to "work." Take out some time to eat, shower, or run and errand and I have really been working about 10 hours per week for the past five years.

I have no idea how the transition will be, for me or the boys, into this new routine with it's long days of separation, each of us spending the day in a different place. My hope is that we return to each other at the end of the day charged with our own experiences and appreciation for our time together. I know Evan will thrive at his new daycare; he has no use for me when lots of kids are around. I'm optimistic that Max will love school; he enjoys learning and structure. As for me - I am nervous that I have forgotten what to do with my time; maybe I will wander aimlessly around the house. If I can cut the apron strings and focus here are some of the things I'd like to do with my new found time (not in order of importance):

keep the house clean
keep the laundry done
cook better meals
paint on location
ride my horse
grocery shop
update my website and blog
paint
write
promote my work
paint
create

I'll let you know how it goes.

Saratoga

2008-07-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Every year for a little over 10 years, my artwork has been shown in Saratoga during the race meet. For the last 5 years, I have sent my work to Terry Lindsey at the Equidae Gallery in the Holiday Inn. Terry always has a great show: she sets up in a great gallery space, she shows an array of mediums and art styles, and as hard as she works, her friendly and helpful energy always comes through.

Saratoga calls to me every August. I love the architecture; bustling, boutiquey Broadway; the eclectic mix of people that only the racing world can summon; and of course, the horses. Dave and I will be there briefly the first weekend in August. I can't wait.

Here are few of the pieces that I am sending to Terry...

Bath Colors, oil on paper, 16x16

Counting Eggs, oil on paper, 24x18

Saratoga Afternoon, oil on paper, 24x18

Moonlit Mustangs, oil on board, 24x36

The Barnyard: Creation and Purpose

2008-07-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

"The Barnyard" is the name of my would be Gallery. This gallery in my mind would offer unique handcrafts and fine art inspired by animals and rural life. I think it is an appropriate blog title because it sums up a melting pot of creation, whether it be my art, god's animals, or my minds' unsolicited thoughts. A barnyard is slightly chaotic, often eclectic, usually dirty, and, to me, always beautiful. Hmmm, a microcosm of my life - that's another post.

I have all of these things - art, animals, and thoughts - to share. I decided a blog would be a great way to do just that. Sharing my art is my main objective. I hope to post work as it evolves for patrons and other artists. Sharing my artistic experience might help other artists or be an interesting perspective for patrons and, in turn, help me. I am "self taught" if "self" includes all of the artists that have influenced, taught, and inspired me. Talking shop is sometimes the best art school there is.

Fox, oil on paper, 10x8

My animals and my thoughts will most likely also make a post here and there. Our critters are huge part of my life; they are underfoot, constantly needing my care, always fulfill and amuse me, and often are the subjects of my artwork. We have a horse, a pony, a donkey, two Jack Russells, an American Bulldog mix, two cats, and four chickens. Here are a few pictures to help give you a visual.

Carmelita - my Nokota mare

Hops the donkey

Lola with the Cats, Olive and Mrtyle

Otto and the hens do not mix

So we've started with a little art, a lot of animals, and here's my thought...

time for lunch.