Straddle the Turtle

Learning to slow down, because life's too short ~ ~ ~

Creative Energy from a Visiting Artist

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Roxy & Ringo

A lot is being accomplished in my studio these last few months. Roxy & Ringo hang out with me all day, and I lose track of time as I become engrossed in various projects. My sweet husband pops in now and then to see what we’re up to. It’s not a lonely environment…

…but it’s been a while since any new energy has been injected into my work space. A recent FaceTime with friends reminded me of their son’s visit to my studio last summer and the zesty vibes he cooked up during some painting fun. I’m so glad I thought to record this episode!

View this video to watch the creation of Goddess of the Sun and to witness the joy of expressive painting!

Young artist
Young artist

Bookkeeper

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As an artist I’m often asked questions like: How do you get your ideas? How long does it take to finish a painting? Why use a particular medium? and other thoughtful queries. Some of these issues were addressed in an online journal as I reported the progress of a single painting over a period from April through December of 2002.

Bookkeeper

I revamped that old chronicle into an up-to-date format that I’d like to share with you. It’s called Bookkeeper and can be freely accessed here as a pdf document by clicking on the image.

It is also available as an eBook or ePub, but several  attempts to reduce the size to fit on this platform have failed because of the large amount of images in the document. I’m still working on that – a learning curve for me – so any guidance from my more techy followers is welcome!

🎨 I’ve also taken the time to set up MailChimp for emailing my newsletter. There’s a form at the bottom of this page where you may sign up if you like. I average about two newsletters per year to say hello and report what’s happening in my art world. Trust me, you will not be bombarded.

Hi Neighbors!!

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Ringo & Roxy finding a treasure

Roxy & Ringo need daily walks so I’m out exploring my neighborhood on a regular basis. It’s because of this that I met Dr. M and her huge friendly, fluffy Mutt. He had gotten loose from her one day and came barreling our way down the road. I corralled him with my own doggies until she caught up, and we’ve been friends ever since.

Our meet-ups have been spotty over the past few years, because she works odd shifts at the hospital. But I’ve mourned with her as she has suffered more than her share of tragedy in that short time: a break-up with her boyfriend, the death of her mother, soon after her dad passed away, too. And if that is not enough, her beloved fluffy ten year-old Mutt needed to be put down because of a serious illness.

But she is a resiliant woman, and recently acquired not one, but TWO beautiful new pups! I was able to keep up with their growth and antics as she posted photos and stories on her Instagram. Sadly, her latest posts have been of the protective gear she’s wearing in the Emergency Room! And I worry…

But one day we walked by her property and saw that she had lashed a sign to her maple tree. She’s been posting daily quotes & jokes!

My neighbor's sign

Yesterday’s entry says:

“Hi Neighbors!! 

Quote of the Day: Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.

Juneau Joke of the Day: What kind of tree has a hand? A palm tree!”

I especially love how she’s sketched a mountain range and some trees into this composition. I think of her audacity and her courage. I’m so proud of Dr. M.

My neighbor's sign up close

Makes me smile… and I’m not gonna let the world change my smile 😉

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