Rainy Day, Rockin' Night

I am enjoying the cool summer rains we have had the past few days. My garden is finally growing with the help of mother nature, and I am watching the progress of some zucchinis and pumpkin plants. This wonderful rain is also helping with the farm where I receive most of my family's veggie needs as well. What a blessing.

Yesterday began the Kitsap County Fair, and I had a lovely evening enjoying the food, art, and children's displays. Contemplating the wonderful food was great, too. I ended up sharing a roasted ear of corn with my hubby. I even enjoyed more rain last night, when I attended the the Three Dog Night concert. It was so fun! My husband Allan and son Silas went. I haven't had so much fun in my town in a long time. There was one man who danced the night away as the band commented on how we must enjoy the weather here, because we live here. Though we were good and soggy by the time we got to our car, the time at the fair was well worth it.

The cooler weather continues today, robbing some of us of our motivation to do anything, including chores and eating right. But the blessed relief of clouds and rain are my favorite part of living in the Northwest, and the unique (at least to me) opportunities we have on the Kitsap Peninsula because of that have made the summer beautiful and enjoyable.

Creative Bursts

Our Artist's Way group completed its journey early this month at a final meeting at our local experimental garden park. It was a lovely night, and I was not bothered by the mosquitos at all. One friend shared work she completed on a book that included photos of my daughter, in her cap and gown, and me! Another artist shared the music she was working on to play for us on her harp. The painter in the group brought her first painting and illustration for a children's book she is planning. The lady who spends many hours supporting her children on the sidelines of the hockey rink brought her beautiful handmade green and lilac afghan.

I, on the other hand, didn't bring anything. I have completed quite a few previously unfinished projects and am putting a slide show together of photos that present the things I have done during our Artist's Way journey. Most of the projects have been small and not too significant, and rarely artistic at all. But finishing things is a great way to fill home and life with feelings of cheer, accomplishment, and pleasure at the beauty offered to self, family, and others.

I finished the quilt I began a year or two for my husband, the one for which he chose the colors and fabric. It graces our bed now. Some chairs from early in my parents' marriage have finally been painted by Chloe and me and are on our outside patio beside the one Cecilie completed long ago. I have even had some visits from lovely people when we enjoyed those chairs! Our front door received a much-needed coat of fresh bright paint, to liven up the outside and keep the moisture out of the lovely wood. I began a drawing project, and will continue. I have done some gardening, both in pots and in my homemade raised beds. I finally chose fabric and completed a valance for our little kitchen. I entered untested waters and began this blog and a website, as well. And last but certainly not least, I learned how to use my digital camera, finally.

So, out of the joys and difficulties that life inevitably presents to me, I have been able to get lots done, learn some new skills, find joy in the oddest places, and contribute part of myself to make the world a more beautiful place. And along the way I had the chance to share with and gain from some sisters who were doing the same. Thanks, girls!

Note: If my slide show is not available, stay tuned. It's coming. I am working out the kinks and figuring out how to do it.