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.