The difficulty of living now on this side of sickness and surgery, has been well...living. I know that sounds crazy and messed up. But there it is. In sickness or trial of any kind, there's an intensity to life. A laser sharp focus. No matter how yucky the circumstance may be, there's nevertheless a funneling … Continue reading Living Now
Tag: sketchbook
Forever Reminders
I have a reminder forever attached to my body. A sticky-note, if you will, to remind me of something or things very important. Things I don't ever want to forget. I see it multiple times a day. I re-dress it every four days. I clothe myself in particular ways so as to live most comfortably … Continue reading Forever Reminders
Seeing
I woke this morning thinking of Christmas. Not so much an anticipation of the busyness of activities...but rather more a need for Christmas, for the festiveness of it, the music of it, the twinkle and sparkle of it. Birds are everywhere on the feeder. They fly to and fro, jockey for position, nudge another off, tilt their heads back … Continue reading Seeing
A Recent Conversation
Curiosity: "Hmmm...I wonder what my line drawings would look like embroidered?" Reason: "What, really? Ok, seriously...you're not thinking of starting something new are you?" Curiosity: "Why not? It would be fun! Just give it a go, and see what comes of it." Reason: "Jen, come on...you have so many projects going now already!! You do … Continue reading A Recent Conversation
Cast On
Here's where it all starts. Make a slip knot and begin. Cast on a desired number of stitches and then work the rest of the piece from there. There's no way around it really. You have to cast on. Even if it's only two stitches. Or two hundred. This is how we begin. Yet it … Continue reading Cast On
A New River
The second day of "Mom's Birthday Nature Tour" had us floating on tubes down the New River in West Jefferson, NC. As we plunked into the lime green mammoths, I continued sending up little pleas for sunshine, like mini flares that sputtered and nearly died out as it began to sprinkle. I settled into the … Continue reading A New River
Pilgrim
I'm still feeling it four days later. A tightness along the back of my legs next to the calf muscle, evidence of all the climbing and descending. On Thursday of last week my family and I loaded up a picnic lunch, water bottles and swim gear for a day at Hanging Rock. My son had … Continue reading Pilgrim
Under the Lily Pads
Yesterday I sat by a pond on the property of Smith Hollow Farm to draw. My pen followed the contours of the half-cloven pads with their stout yet delicate lilies popping up here and there. Some were mere bulbs yet to bloom, others had unfurled and outstretched their usual cup-like shape. Rich color everywhere. This … Continue reading Under the Lily Pads
Turning Fifty
I know, I know. It's just a number. yet for some reason this number has been looming in my mind for a year now. Probably longer. The thought of turning a half century old has discombobulated me in such a manner I can only describe with the phrase (so telling of my age and generation): … Continue reading Turning Fifty
Beyond the Din
I stood at the pump while fuel flowed into the tank, assaulted by the sound of busy traffic rushing by. It seemed nearly deafening and I realized I couldn't hear anything else. Or could I? I strained my ears to hear something other than the raging traffic. Sure enough the pulsing music from the gas … Continue reading Beyond the Din