stash buster or the happy hooker

It is the time of year when the studio is a little (a lot!!) chilly early in the morning and I like to share my first cup(s) of coffee with an inside project. Not wanting to cast on another knitting venture just yet, I came across  a way to use up my bags and bags (and bags!!) of extra yarn.

enter rug hooking

snippets from my son and daughter's hats, my husband's sweater, a christmas stocking...

it is kind of reminding me of one of those vintage crazy quilts

in another few weeks it will warm our feet on cold winter mornings

12.21.12

it is not the end of the world

it is just beginning

the house is decked in greenery 

ready to welcome the light of longer days

with prayers for a brighter future 

love to all

peace

sharing

From Kelsey Loomer's blog Sweet Mess, I found words of comfort in light of the darkness of the week.

image by Kelsey Loomer

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, 

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water. and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come to the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

~Wendell Berry

a cold wet day in December

outside

a view from my studio

 inside

pine silhouette/detail of a new start

a little nuts on a Saturday

pages and news

A few November journal entries

I just finished teaching my journalling class,

 I miss my students!  

I hope to share some of their work here when I get the go ahead.

Ideas are percolating for a big project in the new year,

some new workshops and teaching as well.

I'll be launching a give away in January to mark my

4th anniversary on this blog,

Stay tuned for details! 

first frost

20x20" oil, silver leaf on panel

chilly days and colder nights

the water is freezing in the chicken run

my trusty heater is keeping the studio warm

these are some quiet days for working

before the winter holidays

Lost and Found

I came across this via Keri Smith this morning and it moved me to tears. I saw in these women younger and  braver versions of myself.  Women who were able to speak honestly to the ever conflicting notion of what it means to find room for children, paint, love, and laundry. Please watch and share with each other, the dialogue is just beginning.  I am so looking forward to this film!

the last warm day of fall

November 12th

It is nearly sixty degrees outdoors. 

I am going to hop on my bike for an hour or so to pedal around on this beautiful day.  

the last warm day

oil with silver leaf

20x20"

Work in the studio is picking up again after taking time for other important things this fall.  

I am pleased with this piece.  It feels direct.  

I am realizing it doesn't always have to be so complicated- paintings or life that is. 

Hello November

I just wanted to say that all are safe and accounted for 

even though most are still in the dark

there is spectacular color amidst the grey day