Blogging

I just sent an email to blogs@americantowns.com . I hope to get some visitors from that site. I am definitely trying to find local- within reasonable miles - some art show/festivals to apply to show my work. I had considered applying to the local co-op gallery - great place in old town: Artisian Circle - but, I really can't produce enough work to justify the expense and time I'd have to work there. I can't be sure that my schedule at work will stay the same once put out and can't risk a committment I can't keep at the gallery. So, anyone that knows of a gallery excepting consignment - PLEASE GIVE ME A SHOUT!
Next week I start an online class for doing self-portraits - insight to my soul and educational artistic experience - can't wait!
Anyone interested in doing an "artist trading card" exchange, again, give me a shout. I am currently working on a 3 card trade with an orgami artist in San Deigo. My theme back to her is baseball, hotdogs & apple pie! (no not Chevrolet, I'm still a Ford girl)
dana

Morning song

This morning I was lying in bed knowing that my alarm was about to go off. I was listening to all the activity outside the balcony doorwall. The birds were chirping, the sun was cresting the top of the trees - I could tell by how bright the room was. Sort of eyes opened, eyes closed - a loud morning wake up call came from outside the door - I was startled but smiled - wow - like a morning rooster but a bird. Sounds really close - I sat up to see the male cardinal -RAY- perched on top of the back of the rocker on the balcony. Gazing into our bedroom chirping loudly as if to say - GET UP - GET GOING! He looked at me and then flew away, his job was done. So I got up and got going. 4.3 miles around the lake with Sophie - it was a struggle. Off to work now. Enjoy the day!
dana

no time for art...

seems to be a topic I read about on art blog after art blog. It is true. While in Key West, Sanford said YOU MUST make time for art! I read that over and over also and yet - hear, say and read - no time for art. Thursday I got up at my usual time and sat with my coffee staring out my "morning window" (I have many windows to the world). I got up and ran the whole lake, it was a struggle just didn't have that bounce. Came in showered and knew I had to grocery shop for dinner that night and a friend coming on Friday. I had planned to do it on lunch BUT I had plenty of time to get it done before work so why not pick up the pace and get it out of the way. Off to Meijers I went and it was all put away in time for me to get to work. Lunch hour came and I thought - wow - I can relax. I came home and puttered on my art table. This little bird is another favorite of mine to watch out my kitichen window. I call her Tillie and her mate, who I plan to paint later is Ray. Anyways - I plan on doing some more on this piece, it is just in my sketch book but I love her.

Need for knowledge

Wow- I keep checking out all these artistic blogs and really need to know how to become interactive. So much information out there - challenges that anyone can do - don't have to consider yourself an artist. Great stuff to do with your kids -or - in my case GRANDKIDS. Make bookmarks, trading cards, jewelry, wall art yadda yadda yadda. My goal is to figure this computer stuff out so that my art can be seen and I can grow.
I have to say that I am so much more relaxed and inspired now that I am working in a positive environment. For the most part I am only working a 40 hour week - again, so relaxing in comparison to the last 6 years. Part of that change was to create art but also to get back in shape. I am happy to say that I am back up to 20 miles a week!!! I am walk/running - not like before when I ran the whole time BUT I am starting to run more than walk - so I am turning the corner. I keep wondering why I am still not getting more done with this new found time BUT I AM !!! I am up to 20 miles a week for pete sakes. That does take a chunk of time. Also, Mark and I are doing the Michigan Brewing Co. 5k run next weekend, that will be a blast. And the BIG NEWS is that ALEX is going to run the Crim with me - 10 miles!!! Alex! I am so excited and impressed with his commitment.
I am signed up for another online workshop that starts in July with Pam Carriker. I am also doing a self-taught art book on watercolor. I am treating this like a class! I have it scheduled in to start next week and have it on my calendar for the next 5 weeks to complete.
So - off to work now - I did 3 miles this morning but have a weird schedule this week so have to do some doubling up - 2 more when I get home tonight before the WINGS GAME !
dana