I officially miss my sister...

I am making this very large and rather out of control painting about an event from my sister's and my childhood. It involves a very convoluted story of found kittens and running away to join the circus. I'm kind of ready to fast forward into 2011 and just have a good laugh. 

This is from our visit to Ben and Jerry's factory this summer.

Sonny, you are the best!!

Thanksgiving...

I love her. She is full of secrets.

It's 10 am on this Thanksgiving morning. G is upstairs enjoying a late sleep and I am thinking...

of what?

Last night I was daydreaming of residencies, but it is more than that.

Mostly I dream about a studio with nothing in it, including distractions.

I dream about an empty studio.

I think what I am gravitating toward is the idea of a blank slate.

ok, that is my direction for today, deal with distractions.

When I was in Vermont sitting in that wonderfully blank studio all I wanted was a couple dogs and G. to come along and visit.

Some pages from my sketchbook...

I made most of these sketchbook entries while in Vermont.

I like to put any bits of leftover paint into my sketchbook and then draw over the shapes.

On another topic I have the next 11 days off work! 

The forecast says rain every day. 

I want to become a better winter walker. I see folks in the neighborhood with these nice stretchy pants and sleek little hats and jackets and I do think I would be more motivated if I were so outfitted. Any advice for walking comfortably in the rain?

I thought there was a brick in the package that Ginger sent...

It wasn't a brick, it was this huge container of Tupelo honey. 

Yum. This honey is good. It comes from the gulf coast where G. was visiting her brother.

I think I will have a nice cup of tea with a spoonful.

I have decided I am adept at two sports: walking and leaf raking. I know what you are saying... leaf raking is not a sport. Well, I say it is. My sports life is important because in this weather I just want to curl up in a little ball and never go outside. While walking the dogs this am, the leaves and rose hips were beautiful. It was a good day.

Hey Alice, you are out there! Thanks for the comments.  Alice Faye is a great singer, click on the link to enjoy!

I can't sing but if I could...

I decided to edit this post a little and put some real Ethyl Merman visuals to it. Ms. K. thought you'd like the muppets! If I could sing I would want to sing like Ethyl Merman or maybe Alice Faye. Yes, Ethyl Merman would suit my personality exactly. When I was a child I was too big, too loud and took up too much room (at least that's what I was told) Ethyl was all of those things and revered for being herself. Now this may not make much sense to you, but when I hear Ethyl Merman sing I believe I can paint. I believe I can joyously be myself.

Ethyl, you have helped me so much tonight.

Who is your musical muse?

Welcome in the new year...

 We had a low key Halloween this year, only 7 trick or treaters. It is always so nice though to sit in the living room with candles and the Halloween lights lit. 

I liked my pumpkin this year too. She was on top of cornstalks covered with lights.

I love Halloween.

oh, and happy lesbian new year!