Feeling Fierce!

This lucky lion arrived in the mail yesterday.

It could not have come at a better time.

I was starting to feel a bit like a scaredy cat looking at all that needs to get done on the book in the next few weeks.

This lion's fierce face reminds me to put my game face on and get it done!

Thanks Jeff and Robbin. My Good Luck Lion will be watching over me in the studio as I finish up the last chapters.

GRRRRRR.....

Seder Table Still Lifes

Here are some snapshots...still lifes really...of the Passover Seder Table.

A look at the table just before we all sat down to start the Seder service. Notice the Seder plate with the ceremonial foods of the holiday. One of the reasons I love Passover is the symbolism behind the foods we eat. I also love the traditions--of getting together with family and friends around the table, of passing the story of the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt down from generation to generation as well as the special prayers and songs.

This year, Mom and I decided to go with simple bouquets of spring flowers for the table. We purchased tulips and I snipped some flowering sprigs from the azalea bushes in Mom and Dad's front yard.
 

I like to think that I channeled my inner-Robbin (and since it's spring, maybe also my inner-robin!) when arranging these spring flowers.

While photographing these simple bouquets, I realized how joyous the colors were. These colors make me happy. I am not normally a fan of pinks but for some reason while looking at these flowers, a smile comes to my face.

Here is dessert, made by my Mom's friend, Sally. Such a beautiful presentation called for a photo. I happen to think that raspberries and rich dark chocolate are the perfect combination (another smile)! They photograph nicely together, as well.

The table is cleared...the holiday candles still burning...another year has passed.

Visiting Violet

After enjoying a brief visit with my brother Jeff and his girlfriend Robbin as they passed through on their road trip back to Maine, it was back to the studio to visit with violet.

I spent the better part of this afternoon working on the challenge fabric for this Thursday's Searching for Roy G Biv Challenge.

After ironing on spiral shaped freezer paper masks and applying paint with a roller (see Voluptuous Violet post), I tore and taped down some freezer paper strips. I slipped a hot glue block under the fabric and rolled golden yellow opaque fabric paint over it for a bit of texture. Then I mixed a couple of opaque purple/violets to apply with my foam dauber.

After that, I brushed on some diluted transparent violet fabric paint.

When all was dry, I peeled off the masks and went back in to add hand painted details.

Here is the final piece...ready for Thursday...how about you?

After the Storm

A strong storm last night.

An early morning walk on the beach with Robbin.

Sharing thoughts about and experiences with aging parents.

Decisions need to be made, but for now...

 ...taking in the beauty etched and tossed by the storm.

 (GREEN is still going on until Saturday August 18 midnight)

Good Morning Maine!

Good morning, Maine! So happy to be here.

Took a morning walk...

Had breakfast...

Took in another beautiful bouquet by Robbin...

 Enjoyed just relaxing...

After last night's rain, so did George.

What do you desire?

Robbin, my brother's S.O. (which I think is the P.C. way to refer to a girlfriend these days), sent me an email yesterday entitled, Beach Vacation!!!. After the question about pillow preferences (which I must say was the first time I'd ever been asked that question...how thoughtful!), Robbin asked the following question...

Any other requests, needs or desires, while you are here?

I jumped on the desires...

Desire to relax a little
Desire to see the ocean
Desire some nature walks and talks
Desire some good food and good company
Desire some yoga*

Of course right now, I am desiring chocolate, as I revise my Power Point presentation for the Monday and Wednesday lectures on Kitchen Resists.

I am looking forward to my other desires being fulfilled soon.



*Robbin is a yoga teacher

Robbin's Woven Bag

Robbin's finished bag

For the past two summers, my extended family has spent a week together in Cape Cod, MA. Both summers, I designed a fiber art project for the family (and in particular, for my talented niece, Ivy) to work on.

Last summer, I designed a special weaving loom (an ingenious one, I have to admit!) to create two possible bag designs.

The loom I designed for last summer's project

Robbin working on her woven bag last summer

This weekend, when we all got together for Mom's 80th, Robbin brought her bag. She put the finishing stitches into her lining. I was so pleased to see the finished piece.

A peek at the beautiful lining

Robbin seemed pleased as well.