Lesson Learned

Still Life Quick Sketch Charcoal on Paper (Sold)

(speaking of quickly)

I have been so busy with everything lately. Today, I was driving home from visiting Bedford the "Old Yeller" Lab. I pulled the car over on the way home and well, just stopped. I pulled over to a pond that is on the way home to Mo Bay where in the spring, the frogs are chirping so loudly, it sounds symphonic. I love that. It is not Spring so all was quiet. I realized that I move too fast. Everything I do is done quickly. I walk quickly, I speak quickly, I get jobs done quickly. (well most of them) I realized, as I sat there beside that pond, that I need to be much more like Bedford the Old Yeller Lab.

Every morning, Bedford travels around Lunenburg to say hello to people and get his cookies. Much like a person goes down to get a paper, sits and has a coffee at their favourite café and just keeps in touch with other humans. In his case, it is mostly for the cookies.

It was a Saturday when Bedford (he still hasn’t learned that on the weekends the Post Office is closed) happened to wander in when a lady who had a key to the main door, went in to retrieve her mail. In he shot. Well, she tried to coax him out but there he sat, in his usual spot awaiting his three cookies that the Postal Clerks give him (when they are open of course). He refuses to leave until he has been given three. Yes, he can count.

The Post Office was dark, and still he sat. Patiently. All was fine as Bedford was finally rescued only five minutes later. His human companion now has a key for off hours just in case.

My point is, he was patient and would have sat there until Monday until the staff came in. In absolutely no hurry. I am sure of this. I need to be more like him. Slow down and wait for the cookies.

Rosie the Riveter

Watercolour/Pen and Ink on paper unframed

I begin teaching my students soon and I thought to myself...I want them to create something that they would do no where else but here at my studio. So..now I am spending my time, rummaging through dusty attics, basements and garages on a hunt for old chandeliers. I vowed not to ever beg for items on Facebook, but lowered the bar. It is now out there for all to see.  If it's for something amazingly creative and impressive, all bets are off and my princess routine evaporates quite quickly. Up goes the hair with my red and white scarf tied around my head. I ventured into a dusty old barn and as I was snuffling through the piles of stuff, a gentleman who was clearly "of an age" (I'd guess in his late eighties) saw me and let out a little gasp. It's alright, I was permitted to be there but he looked quite shocked.  He told me that he thought he was back in time staring at his favourite poster "Rosie the Riveter" as I looked just like her.  It was either the hair, the rolled up jeans or the red lipstick (which I wear no matter how messy I am going to get!) Ok, so a little princess remains......He said I made his day. So..sat with him and listened to stories...and great ones they were.. Thank you Sir...You made my day too!  

My House doesn't like me!

Tangled Garden II   $475.00 (framed)

No one would ever believe me. I was locked out of my house before (as readers have read) but this time.... my house decided to lock me out!  Not a mistake on my part at all. I realize that moments before,  I had cussed at it aloud over its leaky bathtub faucet, but come on, it has now taken on a very cranky personality. Now, I must choose my words very carefully in the future.  I went out to hang some laundry on the line and then shut the door behind me. The door knob stuck. There I was stranded on that deck of mine which is on the second floor. So it's 102 degrees and all I can do is stand there, clothes pins in hand. I started to pray for a handsome stranger to walk by so I could begin yelling "help, help".  No such luck. Only fast cars and motor bikes.  I began to talk to my house. I was debating going up to the exterior walls and stroking them lovingly hoping it would forgive me my transgression. Ok, so I did but the door was still jammed. I decided  that this was not the time to recall all the survivor shows that I had seen. It was time to fight the battle against the house. Taking off my flip flops (I think better without them) I put my feet up on the table... and stared at the window (thank god there is one) and decided the removal of the screen was my best bet.  That part was easy.. I grabbed a cute little hair pin I had in my hair,  popped out the screen and in I climbed. The floor was a good 4 feet down but the satisfaction of being in good enough shape to slither through the window and rescue myself was very satisfying!  Guess I don't need rescuing after all...... I can rescue myself.  Lesson learned...Again.