Say it with Flowers Again!

The last post seems to have worked so back to my usual natter.  First and foremost we had a wonderful surprise the other afternoon when a neighbour arrived with a very splendid bouquet of summer flowers and a box of chocs.  A 'little bird' had mentioned we had enjoyed birthdays the previous week.  It was a super surprise.  My partner is devouring the chocs and I am enjoying the flowers!!!!  It was very unexpected and a timely reminder that generosity seems to just happen. and is best enjoyed in the moment

Another beautiful day with white horses breaking on the waves. The copper acer in the garden looks like a beautiful flaming mane.

I have been concentrating on getting my act together with composition ideas.  Rather than holding them in my head I am trying to put them down in a sketch book.  I am very disicplined with ideas for books and articles and keep an ideas book and a commonsense book for quotes and other interesting bits and bobs.  Taking my art this seriously is a new development.

I have an idea for a tryptch with a seaside theme; and I am keen to finish the large outdoor panels I am creating for The Sanctuary.  They will be hung on the outside wall where building regulations folk encouraged us to block up two windows.  Thses panels will cover the lack of rendering - and make an interesting (I hope) outside study.  As our neighbours are a third of a mile away I don't think they will mind too much!

I have been to see if I can take a picture framing class this afternoon.  It looks possible but because I am a guide dog user they will want to do a risk assessment - handling tools - Stanley knives etc...  With a bit of luck this will work out.  I now need to find a supplier for the beading that makes frames.  It must be cheaper to buy this on-line than go to a frame shop and buy a length 'over the counter'.

I am incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can shore up my progress and bed it in thoroughly.  I feel I am more or less the 'old Jane' without the anxiety.  In other words I do a passable impression of Dylan in The Magic Roundabout.  I am consciously trying not to let things get to me.  It is hard to comply with the mantra "Stay in the moment" all the time!  I had a slight panic this afternoon when my guide dog was obviously unhappy and uncomfortable.  My partner remembered that Rainbow had eaten a large bar of milk chocolate yesterday afternoon!  Straight to the vet.  Huge squits in the vet's car park.  The ultimate social faux pas!!!  Checked over.  He is fine and has some syrup and chicken and rice dinners.  Poor dog.  Caught me though.  I thought he was going to die and stayed in the car.  I knew he wasn't but I felt he was.  Bonkers - but at least I can see it for what it is.  Rainbow is now well settled under my desk, snoozing, as I type.  He will think his throat is cut living on chicken and rice for a little while.  He is a black lab to the marrow - and is simply a huge stomach on four legs.

My brother has had the inspired idea of creating an entry in Wikapedia for our Dad.  In his chosen profession as a magician, pupeteer, children's entertainer and producer he was well-known and widely respected.  I think it would be a super thing to do.

Off to see our son soon and to head over to Guildford.  I am taking piles of books to read ready for the conference and a DVD we are invited to watch.  I must also start some preliminary notes for the paper I need to give - feels like old times.

On return from this trip south I am continuing to routinise as much as I can.  It sounds strange to say I am looking forward to it - but I am.  I can't wait to cook again - properly - although I am seriously out of practise - and the paper I have to write will be the first piece of serious academic work in several months.  Gently does it.

Comments

[loopylou]

I wish you all the best with the framing lessons. I went to evening courses some years ago to learn picture framing, one of the best things I have done. Now I am able to frame all my stitched pieces and photos. I certainly found it cheaper to buy online, and managed to get a box of samples from the company I used. Helps to match the moulding to piece to see which suits best.

I really hope you get accepted and look forward to hearing how you got on

[Gwen]

Welcome back, wonderful to hear you full of life and enjoying "doing"
Brilliant, and inspirational to be able to frame your own work. L. Gwen

[Moira J.]

Hi Jayne,
I haven't had much time to read your blogs lately, but caught up a little bit tonight. Great to hear you sounding so positive, I do believe the old you is coming back. Keep being positive and believing in yourself, you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless. Moira