The Grey Days Of Late Winter

I am going through one of those late Winter phases where not only is the body in slow motion, but the mind as well. Yes gentle readers, it has slowed more than it usually is. In fact, if my brain activity could be checked with a blood pressure cuff, I am sure I would be ready to code.
I jinxed myself writing about the 400th post.
That's it. I am sure.
The brain figured out I had used it that hard and decided we were going on a vacation, at least inside the cranium.
Mark this on your calenders: Anne is at a loss for words. (actually, I should probably have that printed poster sized for my DH to savor.......)
I have, piled up, things to photograph for the blog, but have not had time. The scarf that never ends now has a matching tam, with pompoms on top, I still have the endearingly nicknamed *socks-from-H#LL* that need their little picture taken, there are a couple of items I got into frames yesterday that are a post in and of themselves and they need to primp for their close ups.
And there are the banners I have been working on, lugging heavy duty sewing machines on top of boxes and cutting tables so I can work standing up. It is much more comfortable than the contorted sitting and sewing I had been doing, but it is not easy to figure out the logistics of *how* to make it all work. While trying to figure out a particular element that needs construction for this project, my mind has wandered off and solved some of the issues (or at least produced what seem to be viable ideas for some innovative items) to incorporate into the piece. I never seem to be able physically or mentally to work on one thing at a time; my best problem solving is letting the grey matter wander until it has solutions while occupied with something completely different.
So, in a very long winded manner--as usual!--I am saying it will probably be a quiet weekend in Anne's little corner of blogland as I deal with some of the things that need attention. Hopefully Monday I will have a post with enticing photos and be able to prattle in an entertaining manner about them.
Today though, it is work and then a bit of rest. Because once again, I have worn myself out running and next Tuesday I see my surgeon for a little pas-de-deux, and I want him happy. I don't want to tell him about how many times I have been up and down the stairs, standing calf-deep in the snow shooting frost pictures  or the particularly funny-but-humiliating story of the huge spider in the studio bathroom that decided he needed to get up close and personal while my PJ drawers were at half mast. (for anyone who heard strange screams in the last few days....that was me in de-spidering mode)
Alas, as I look at this, it is utter proof that I can talk about absolutely nothing. So now I'm off to slowly greet the day and hope there is a lot of creativity flowing in blogland, and I apologize for not having a "Take Your No-Doze" warning at the beginning of this.
And the pic today?
It has nothing to do with anything, other than it is monotone like the slumbering earth right now, and I guess I am the bulb, waiting for Spring to come to burst forth and make something beautiful.
To all of you........make something beautiful, and.......

Pax.

Respite From The World

Sometimes on days when I cannot get my mind in order for art, or am processing other things going on around me that require much thought and consideration (and not a temper tantrum) I will walk around the yard and either enjoy the gardens or shoot pictures.

One of my favorite roses; I thought I lost it last year but it came back from the root stock. An old fashioned variety, so it is still true to form and color.

A line of poppies, all neat and in a row, caught in a moment when the breeze was not swaying them back and forth........

A Turkscap Lily opening. These used to be found in the ditches of this state before the ridiculous *need* to mow along the roads. I remember digging my first up as the mowing crew waited, patiently or otherwise--I was getting the lily doomed for the mower blades. They said nothing; just watched. I wonder if any of them understood? This particular specimen is taller than I am, or right at around 5' 10".

A luscious hybrid iris that passes too quickly, with petals delicate as silk satin and an aroma tart, sweet and distinct. One heavy rain and they literally melt.

And again, my favorites, the poppies dancing in the wind. Grabbing a quick shot, holding your breath that the camera was fast enough to freeze their motion. What a slender stem for such a huge flower head! A bit of back lighting showing the fine, fragile hair on each stem......

The brain calms, the senses return to normal, ideas begin to perk and life is again on the right path.

So here is a small virtual garden for you to walk, and may it calm you and bring you visual delight and inspiration!

Pax.

A Little Art Nourishment

(Photo copyright Anne Huskey Lockard, 2008, all rights reserved)

Today I am heading for the studio. I need to be fed with creativity, which I can't suck out of a feeder like the little guy pictured above. When I finish here, I am shutting the computer down and plan on doing things to refresh and refill my art-well and heal me creatively. This week has worn me down to a nub and on orders from my DH (can you believe this? I'm paying attention!) I am staying in and resting. I have to admit I am so tired I can barely go today, surprisingly have a moderate pain level I've not had, so the cellar and paint are in my future.
I am working on a background I want to look like aged parchment or some sort of stone---color wise. It is slow building up the layers on the canvas, but the time I took to texture the gesso is paying off. All the little nooks and crannies catching bits of color, allowing the gradual additions to hold, going toward a final patina of age and wear and exposure to the elements. I will also be trying to build a paper form with layers of paper and gel medium, and then apply that to the canvas. I am hoping (fingers crossed double!) that it works. It is in my head and I need to try and get it OUT and see how to make the idea a reality.
This afternoon is reserved for reading on the sofa, the big book on Einstein's life, which is both heavy to hold and a little heavy reading, unless you have better math/science skills than I do. However, it is a fascinating portrait of the man and I enjoy savoring it bit by bit. He was, at least in attitude, an artist!
This is a good day for everyone to give in to their muses and let them lead you astray. Follow them and you should have a really great day! I plan to! :)

Saturday........thank heavens

This week has been such a busy blur that I am delighted it is Saturday.
There is no photo today, little content and not much enthusiasm. I am exhausted and have decided today is a day OFF. (from here too!)
When I get filled with java and am mobile enough, I am heading to the studio and will paint. And that is IT.
I need a "me day" and am pretty sure that when I looked at the calender this morning, today had my name on it.
So go out and have yourself some weekend fun; shop, dream, rest, waste time---recharge and then head for your creative work. That is my gift to me today!
I wish the same for you too!