Art Day- a day to practise and socialize.

My friend Kathy spent the afternoon with me
working on some art.  First time in a long time we had the chance.  I really enjoy having company when I work! 

The first piece is done with pastels. It pictures my son and his kids several years ago on the first day they were all together after they had been separated from each other for about 6 months. They were in a very crowded restaurant and yet they built a separate private space apart from their surroundings.  Some parts of it I really think came out well, others--well that's why we practice! 

This beautiful, colorful young lady is my step-daughter.  You never know what color her hair will be, red, blue, purple, lavender.  This was done using acrylics-the kind that come in an arts and crafts bottle!  If anyone has any idea why some of my uploads are sideways, please let me know!

Art practice, experimentation and happy accidents

I am practicing using my new acrylics and brushes and so I thought I would add my efforts to my blog.  Why did all of these upload, upside down or sideways?  I can't figure it out.  At first I was a little unhappy with the upside downness, but the more I look at it the more I realize it doesn't even matter!








It does make looking at Kari kind of weird.
















This one is a beach scene that I actually like better upside down.

 

Non traditional colors

My niece is having a baby.  She and her husband have decided to be surprised by the baby's gender so I very quickly finished a baby quilt I had already started using non gender specific colors.  It was quite a hit.  But then I am faced with what to do next.  I decided to take the non traditional color theme a step farther.  Here are some cute little bears with a more modern take on color.  Here are the 6 I have done.  2 more to go and then I will put the quilt together. I think I will save the mama bear and baby for a different time-too much pink and purple!



Bear with baby bear backpack, eating an Oreo cookie.

Bear graduate of Iowa State for the Cyclone fans in my family!



Mama bear and baby. I am not sure if this one will be in the same quilt as the rest.



Little bear with balloons.



Bear musician with scarf.  Yes, it has fringe!

Bear with Star.  He is warm and toasty in his sweater.

 

My friend Kathy doesn't have a garage.  Her neighbor across the alley has built a new, beautiful garage and Kathy is slightly jealous.  I am trying to talk her into building her own beautiful garage. She deserves it and it makes financial and business sense so why wait? I think she could get it done before Thanksgiving if she starts now!

I have been driving around Wisconsin enjoying the beautiful fall scenery and of course I see Barn Quilts everywhere.  These two ideas met, Kathy needs a garage and a quilt to hang on the side of it.  So here is my gift to Kathy, a barn quilt, 2' by 2', acrylic on wood, sealed so it can be hung outside.  Here's hoping she builds that garage!

 

Empty walls

I am back in Ankeny again, but for the last time. Tomorrow Dad and I will pack up the last of his stuff that he is bringing with him to Port Washingon.  Friday Mike and Anita will come and we will load the pick up and drive to Wisconsin.  I will be glad this is my last trip to Ankeny.  I asked dad if there was anywhere he wanted to go before he leaves.  He said no.  Luckily for me, Tiffany and I took our little trip down memory lane last month.

So, why is my subject "empty walls"?  Most of the walls in dad's condo are empty.  The pictures have been taken down.  The plates are packed up and the curio cabinet is empty.  I can't decide whether to say mom's place or dad's place, mom's phone or dad's phone, etc.   I am inconsistent and switch between them.  I am going to change my phone contact to dad's cellphone.

My brother called yesterday to talk about why mom died.  I understand what he is doing and it is hard not to wonder if we did the right things, made the right decisions.  "Don't beat yourself up" my Aunt Carol told us.  You do the best you can.

I miss my mom

My mom passed away on May 28, 2013 after being ill for several months.  No one expected this.  I have been too busy to get an understanding of how I feel or to take time to be sad.  My dad is coming to live with me.  My life is changed.  A milestone has been passed.

I was with my mom when she died. I was holding her hand, watching as her breathing slowed and finally stopped.  Agonal breaths, my analytical brain is observing the process of death.  I have no tears to shed.  I leave as soon as I can, never look back.  My aunt Carol, mom's sister, was with me and mom.  I know she helped me, kept me "ok".  I go back to mom and day's home to be with dad and my brother Mike.  We begin the list of tasks that must be done to prepare for the funeral.

Why am I writing about this?  I don't know.  I miss my mom.  My dad is coming to live with me.  My life is changed.  There is no going back.

The party is over

The food was delicious, the mint juleps were interesting, the company was friendly.  Only the family is left and all the hats are off.  Baby Addison is in her pajamas and the grown ups are jealous.  Karen won $40 in the derby pool.  She is a lucky one.  I encourage her to buy lottery tickets.

Even though I took an hour and a half nap this afternoon, I am feeling pretty tired, ready to head back to the hotel.

Jackie liked her the painting I did for her.