spools of history

I have a large apple box full of wooden spools that my grandma gave me. The last issue of Ready Made challenged anyone to come up with a new use for wooden spools. I am working on something that could be considered yard art. When I get it done, and if it looks half way decent, I'll post a photo. For now I love looking at these spools that once carried brightly colored thread. I make believe the stories, quilts and a time long ago when these spools were a necessity of life.

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creative retreat

 The first creative retreat was a success! 

Two of my highly creative friends joined me at my 

house to spend a long weekend of fun and art. Cindy came from Fort Collins, CO and Pam from Port Townsend, WA.

We gathered our art supplies and stared at our blank canvases. Inspiration struck after a cup of Mexican mocha and then a glass of wine. 

Cindy and Pam went nuts over my ugly beads! A basket of treasures to be found. I love to share resources and supplies.

 Riley, the only male left in the house and me. Let the fun begin!

 Pam working on an idea of the Palouse... this idea changed to....

... an abstract African figure that is full of energy. 

We had fun posing in all kinds of yoga positions.

Cindy created a soothing beautiful three panel painting that included metal wire with beads.  

And I used collage and mixed media to create a woman reaching for the moon. I repainted her face, which is shown in the photo. Faces are HARD!

We took time out to sit and come up with a name for our little group, JuPaCi (jew-puca!)

Which means Joy - Passion - Create, also our initials, sneaky. We plan to meet every year at a different location. Perhaps we'll open it up to other creative friends. We discussed goals and each of us will help, inspire and push one another to achieve them. 

We cooked wonderful meals and you can see here that we enjoyed a chocolately-marshmellowy smore... divine! Cindy taught us a butt kicking NIA class. Pam shared her cheese from her husbands business. We walked and talked and soaked up each others energy.

 Lounge wear at it best!

The retreat so was wonderful. I wish to savor each moment, put in a magic bottle and open it when I need a little boost. Being creative can be hard and knowing, that I am not alone, in my quest for creating art. These strong women have made a difference in my life. Thanks from my soul!

Mrs. Robin

Every spring we have Mr. and Mrs. Robin take residence in our red maple tree. Last year they moved out early. But this year Mrs. Robin is working hard in her nest. We patiently await the sounds of small chirps and tiny pieces of blue shell beneath the nest that tell us we have fledglings. It's quite remarkable that she weathers the constant rain, random squirrels and us, her nosey neighbors.