Miss Emily D.

When I began preparing this doll figure, I wanted to convey my nostalgic feelings for that old-fashioned thing called 'letter writing'.  The kind that used pen and ink, script or print by the writer's own hand -- written, folded, sealed into an addressed envelope and sent on its way - with the writer hoping that it would arrive at its destination safely.

One of my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson, was a great letter writer.  Being the recluse that she was, this was often her best way to communicate with others.

In looking at some of her letters, I had to chuckle, because most of them began with an apology for 'being so late or tardy' in getting back to the person she was writing to.  That seems to be a universal and timeworn thing that letter writers do - apologize for their slowness in returning a letter.  I know that I always do - because I am always behind.

Thank you Emily for all of the words you laid down on paper -- they are lovely.

"They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity." - 

Emily Dickinson

Taking a moment...

...to study the roses.  They've been quite prolific this summer.  Our largest bushes have already come and gone - it seems so quickly that I didn't even get a picture. 

Here are a couple of newbies -- which I spotted the other day.  

Upon looking closely I see that other creatures were also studying them. 
I'm hoping that this spider is looking for a meal of aphids, thus ridding the
roses of those pesky critters.

"Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet." - Katharine Lee Bates

The Challenge of Spools

Tah-Dah -- here are my spools sitting in their bowl, fulfilling my InspiredArts Challenge for the year.  Not without a few glitches I might add.  Even at the last minute I was taking loops out and putting loops in.  I believe my 'measurement godmother' deserted me during this process.  But it is finished - ready for show today and ready to see what everyone else brings.

"I have the wherewithal to challenge myself for my entire life.  That's a great gift." - Twyla Tharp

The Green Wall

It is during this time of the year, here in Western North Carolina that I get hit by 'the green wall'.  Everywhere there is green -- and not just in lawns but in shrubs, bushes and trees - by the millions.

Each year I go through a semi-claustrophobic period.  Most people would say I'm crazy - what's not to like about all the beauty around me?  I think my feelings are based on being a 'western' girl.  I grew up living on the beach -- I spent much of my adulthood in desert areas.  I value the sight of the sun rising and setting in all its splendor.  I value the night sky with the stars spread from horizon to horizon.  I like knowing exactly where I am at any given time.

The first time we moved to the east and I made a drive out of my neighborhood, I got so lost.  I must have passed the same place three times before I realized I was going around in circles.  There was green everywhere.  It all looked the same and it was quite unnerving.

I love the feeling of standing in the desert and seeing and feeling the world spread out before me.  Its no longer about 'me' its about this incredible planet that we inhabit and the vastness of it compared to my smallness.  

For now I'll try to push my 'green phobia' aside - because fall and winter will soon be here and then I can complain about the cold and the leaves to rake - but by gosh I'll know where I am at any one time. *smile*

"Any landscape is a condition of the spirit." - Henri Frederic Amiel

Coming Up

I'm not one who likes several things going on at once in my studio -- but this summer that's what's been happening.

Working on the challenge (good thing I have a deadline or it would never be finished).

Working on my next doll figure (which I want to work on 24/7 but can't).

Exploring my mind for the next 'type' of doll figure that I want to try (and fitting in a few experimental hours).

I can see the end for a couple of these projects -- but meanwhile I'm having a LOT of fun this summer just flitting around like - well you know - a 'Flutterby'.

"I like the challenge of trying different things and wondering whether it's going to work or whether I'm going to fall flat on my face." - Johnny Depp

A Challenge

In January our InspiredArts group met.   We each brought this and that of 'stuff' that we no longer needed or would ever use.  We then laid it all out and went to each other's stack where we refilled our coffers with other people's stuff.  Quite fun!

The challenge (which is due later this month) is to create something, anything, using item(s) that we brought home from the exchange.   Here's some of what I came home with. Thankfully we don't have to use everything that we came home with.

I've collected a few 'new' items to add to my challenge piece.  More later...

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled.  The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out. - Ray Bradbury

And the winner is...

"Star Gazer" will soon be making her way to Karen of Mrs Sew and Sew Quilts. I want to thank all of you for your beautiful comments.  Hopefully more giveaways will find their way onto this site in the coming months.

 Thanks again for being a beautiful part of my blogging life.

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." - Maya Angelou

July 4th, 2014

I know the traditional colors for the Fourth of July are red, white and blue.  However I'm more likely to be drawn to pink, white and periwinkle blue -- just the artist in me I guess.

What a celebration, not only this day but every day in summer when these lovelies are blooming.  

To sit on this bench surrounded by a lush beautiful yard (ever so many thanks to my in-house landscape gardener for this) is truly a gift.

So here's to 'blooms' not 'booms' as we here in the States celebrate our history.

"I guess we all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily work." - Neil Armstrong