The Beckoning Sketchbook

I do this to myself all the time. It seems like I have some time to welcome a "commercial" art project and then get commitments for my own art. Then I procrastinate on the "job", filling my time with laundry, all kinds of tasks that keep me from just getting the "job" done. (Yup, and here I am posting on my blog. Sighs deeply) I am super excited to get my work done and am giving myself two hours after this post to finish it up and send it off to the client. THEN the fun begins. I am in two upcoming shows. Anne Davidson, of the former Good Life, has invited me to be one of the artists showing our work in a shop on Lake Street in downtown Wayzata during the Art Experience, May 16 and 17. The other is an unusual and fun show. Ken O-Brien, a friend and extraordinary fellow I met through the Good Life, has invited me to participate in a show at Mudd Lake Furniture in Watertown. Add May 30 and 31 to your calendar! (Really, it is NOT very far from here...so don't let THAT be your excuse!) The event will feature a variety of artists' work alongside the furniture. (More details and links will come as I have them) It gives me a chance to do something that's been in my sketchbook for sometime...there it is...calling me! OK...gotta sign off now and get my "job" done, so I can get on to the fun stuff. Remember to check back for more details of upcoming shows! Have a creative day! Peace.

Pussy Willows

One of the most delightful surprises of Spring has been the Weeping Pussy Willow Tree we planted last year. I couldn't get over the size of the furry buds. Now the buds are transforming. Do they become the leaves? We'll see! So far it looks like most things have survived the Winter. The Firecracker Hydrangeas are still brown and no buds have appeared, but I am hopeful. Even tho it's last year's growth it sure makes for a lovely photo. There is nothing like a garden to feel renewed. I really wanted to be outside uncovering things today, but had work to do. I hope you are enjoying the weather and tending your garden.

Friendship & Love

The baby herbs were a big hit at the wedding shower. I got pretty caught up in my little garden growing in my studio. It was surprising to me how much humidity those little guys kicked out! I will be happy to have my red desk lamp back on my desk instead of in the incubator. I kept one of each of the varieties I grew, basil, sage, oregano, cilantro and chives. I'll bring them out of my studio and introduce them to their new home on my kitchen windowsill now. I'm not sure how long it will take before I can harvest. Any opinions about this? I am a rookie gardener.

The herbs were the theme of the shower, "Sage Advice". But it was the friendship and celebration that was the heart of the day. It was a pleasure to plan and host a shower for long-time family friends. Jana is the bride to be. My daughter and Jana have been friends since they were in, I think, 9th grade. I met Patty at a gift shop in Elk River that was housed in Steve's Nursery out on Hwy 10. We just hit it off. We realized we attended the same church. As we talked it seemed our husbands shared common interests. Could it be nearly 20 years ago? Probably. Time flies and seems to be picking up speed. Our families enjoy getting together for our annual Christmas Eve Brunch, alternating between homes. Our guys love classic cars. Years ago they both had green Camaros, so the ERGCC was formed (The Elk River Green Camaro Club) which had membership cards, t-shirts...the works! Now they each have white convertibles! We have enjoyed many cruises together, great picnics on the road and at car shows. Our families have vacationed together. The VandenHoek's are from California and since they didn't have family around, we invited them to join ours on numerous occasions over the years. They have become like family and I am grateful for their friendship, love and presence. We don't see each other as often as we used to, but that doesn't really matter. We slip back into great conversation and a deep realization that we matter to each other.

I love having my girlfriends over to relax, enjoy some good food and probably beer or wine, but mostly just to revel in our friendship. I love bringing out my pretty dishes, my Mom's old Fiesta ware, her snack trays, Grandma's punch bowl, vases collected form past occasions and the green dishes from the cabin. I love to create a beautiful environment and be surrounded by friends. In our busy lives, too often the time that we neglect is our own sanity, taking time to relax and nurture the friendships that sustain us. I feel blessed by the friendships I have and today, salute each and every one of you.

To Jana...wishing you a wonderful life. May your marriage be strong and your friends be many.