greenpepperpressblog

Tag: lucky girl

trying to land

Since our theme last weekend was all about suns, moons and stars, I can’t help but rely on celestial terms to attempt a description. It was almost like being on another planet, a mini universe of unique features, that you can visit for just a short time, embrace all there is to offer, then carry the experience forever. With many familiar faces, and some not-yet-known, we embarked on a journey to this place where the environment shifts and the routines of daily life are quickly forgotten. Our destination appeared friendly, inviting, even domestic with its farmhouse, red barn, and fading garden….trees lining the perimeter of the property and colorful fields framing the panoramic view. Valley Ridge may seem no different than scenes from the next country road, or the previous one, but those who arrive know better. All cares of the outside world blur for three days and participants become immersed in discovery, play, and community as they contribute to the collaborative spirit and energy that visably multiplies. It is indeed a privilege to observe the process of creativity that emerges and to witness enthusiastic artists stretch their zones of comfort and ripple wider the rings of friendship. Upon reflection of departing from this enchantment, we realize that the material evidence of what we expressed together on paper is only a portion of what transpired, while the remainder can only be seen with the heart.

Thank you Katherine for being such a gracious hostess, and thank you artists for linking arms with me and each other on this dynamic, remarkable waltz across the stars.

After being productive in the studio, we enjoyed social hour in the community building on Friday, then a spectacular special dinner prepared by our dear friend Jennifer in Katherine's home on Saturday.

They came from near and far. They rose to amazing heights. Truly cool stuff. I love that while we all started out with a planned format and distributed set of images, every artist made it their own. Each nearly-completed journal so personal and unique – exactly what we hope for. I love that my mom comes along each year and is warmly welcomed into the studio - seeing me in the role of instructor and *getting* what it's all about – the passion for putting our hands to work in a way that nudges us forward on our creative paths and ultimately feeds our souls because we choose to plug in and make it happen. As much as I hope to give, I always end up feeling like I am the one who receives. As I said in the introduction circle, Valley Ridge has helped me become who I am….I believe that's a truth for many of us. While Katherine is changing the process of presenting events, I am happy to learn Valley Ridge will be an available space for workshops in the future….because we don't want to stop the momentum.

Until we meet again, *blows kisses*.

October 18, 2012
all the circles

My suitcases are packed. One will be marked HEAVY…it's filled with paper, paint, stamps, and lots of punches. Circle punches. I'm really looking forward to this last workshop at Valley Ridge. I know these girls will rock the circles with suns, moons, and their own personal flair to make a unique visual journal. The results will be celebrated, but it is just a small part of what we get from participating in an event like this one. Of course I hope that the 'process' will expand the vision and perspective of each artist as to how to approach art-making in journals, and in general. And I hope that they leave with enthusiasm to keep the momentum going. I do know this: it's impossible to leave unaffected by the experience. That's not a reflection of me…I'm simply the ambassador for creativity on this particular weekend, at this location. When eager creatives gather, and open their hearts and heads to embrace What's Possible, magic happens. We all learn from each other. Discoveries are made and shared and the energy in the studio multiplies. Confidence grows. Efforts validated. Authenticity recognized. Art celebrated. The circles of Friendship widen.

In July 2003 I prepared a handful of projects for With one Palette, found in Somerset Studio Jan/Feb 2004. I look at this album and cannot believe it's been nine years…tucked inside the front cover is a Sun-themed soundtrack, which started me off as I collected tracks for the Synchroncity workshop playlist. Thanks to my media device I am able to present over 50 songs and I'm not limited to what will squeeze onto a cd. So that has changed, but my use of favorite images and default colors has not evolved much. I'm fine with that – I think it's not a bad thing to have go-to crutches in our process – not to rehash but to stretch how we use them.

A new Sun song on the list, reminds me of this past summer. Energizing and fun….

And an old favorite. It actually will be a New Moon on Monday.

See you next week. *waves*

October 11, 2012
all the circles

My suitcases are packed. One will be marked HEAVY…it's filled with paper, paint, stamps, and lots of punches. Circle punches. I'm really looking forward to this last workshop at Valley Ridge. I know these girls will rock the circles with suns, moons, and their own personal flair to make a unique visual journal. The results will be celebrated, but it is just a small part of what we get from participating in an event like this one. Of course I hope that the 'process' will expand the vision and perspective of each artist as to how to approach art-making in journals, and in general. And I hope that they leave with enthusiasm to keep the momentum going. I do know this: it's impossible to leave unaffected by the experience. That's not a reflection of me…I'm simply the ambassador for creativity on this particular weekend, at this location. When eager creatives gather, and open their hearts and heads to embrace What's Possible, magic happens. We all learn from each other. Discoveries are made and shared and the energy in the studio multiplies. Confidence grows. Efforts validated. Authenticity recognized. Art celebrated. The circles of Friendship widen.

In July 2003 I prepared a handful of projects for With one Palette, found in Somerset Studio Jan/Feb 2004. I look at this album and cannot believe it's been nine years…tucked inside the front cover is a Sun-themed soundtrack, which started me off as I collected tracks for the Synchroncity workshop playlist. Thanks to my media device I am able to present over 50 songs and I'm not limited to what will squeeze onto a cd. So that has changed, but my use of favorite images and default colors has not evolved much. I'm fine with that – I think it's not a bad thing to have go-to crutches in our process – not to rehash but to stretch how we use them.

A new Sun song on the list, reminds me of this past summer. Energizing and fun….

And an old favorite. It actually will be a New Moon on Monday.

See you next week. *waves*

October 11, 2012
looking and seeing

We spent Sunday looking at colleges. Lots to take in….not only the scenes, but the idea that our baby is going to college. We looked here, looked there. Drove, navigated, toured. Took photos. Sought vibes. While we were occupied with looking I also was busy seeing. I saw our vibrant, intense, smart, sensitive, beautiful girl visualizing herself on campus. Would it be this one or that one? Will I fit in? Is this where I want to focus my studies? A stroll down the sidewalks and I could imagine her waving from a dorm room, lugging a backpack or portfolio across the yard,….but I could also see her in pigtails, pulling a wagon filled with stuffed animals, trying to sell rocks to the neighbors.

What we look for is not always what we see. What we look at can be seen different ways, depending on our personal filters and influences. Often we can look at something we have seen many times, and observe it with new vision and perspective.

Take these leaves….one might have hoped to see some stunning autumn colors on the chilly October afternoon, and been disppointed that the rain had brought down mostly yellow and brown ones. You might have bustled along and missed the pretty heart-shaped leaf, juxaposed on the stone blocks. Looking closely, you see nature's beautiful palette…so subtle. The warm and cool tones in a lovely mix - they will inspire my own combinations and compositions.

Then you might have come across this sculpture of weathered stones on rusted pegs. Perhaps you would pause and observe, wondering how it was done, or worse…why. And while one person might be thinking 'that could use a power wash to remove the green stuff', another might consider how lovely it was to stumble upon the sculpture at that exact time and place to be able to appreciate how the green growth introduces another color to the mix, enhancing it rather than dimishing it. The organic shapes and speckled textures provide more inspiration.

The field trip to visit colleges with our daughter was beginning to make me feel empty, uncertain, and sad….I will work through those thoughts in my journal with new ideas, fresh perspective, and a desire to continue seeing the positives. A girl is growing up and moving on to find her way in the world. It's a good thing, even if I will wonder and worry, and be lonely for her. There is much to be proud of and much to celebrate. The leaves will change and fall…and stones may stand in our path, but we can navigate around them and over them, and forge new directions, if we see ourselves doing it.

October 8, 2012
looking and seeing

We spent Sunday looking at colleges. Lots to take in….not only the scenes, but the idea that our baby is going to college. We looked here, looked there. Drove, navigated, toured. Took photos. Sought vibes. While we were occupied with looking I also was busy seeing. I saw our vibrant, intense, smart, sensitive, beautiful girl visualizing herself on campus. Would it be this one or that one? Will I fit in? Is this where I want to focus my studies? A stroll down the sidewalks and I could imagine her waving from a dorm room, lugging a backpack or portfolio across the yard,….but I could also see her in pigtails, pulling a wagon filled with stuffed animals, trying to sell rocks to the neighbors.

What we look for is not always what we see. What we look at can be seen different ways, depending on our personal filters and influences. Often we can look at something we have seen many times, and observe it with new vision and perspective.

Take these leaves….one might have hoped to see some stunning autumn colors on the chilly October afternoon, and been disppointed that the rain had brought down mostly yellow and brown ones. You might have bustled along and missed the pretty heart-shaped leaf, juxaposed on the stone blocks. Looking closely, you see nature's beautiful palette…so subtle. The warm and cool tones in a lovely mix - they will inspire my own combinations and compositions.

Then you might have come across this sculpture of weathered stones on rusted pegs. Perhaps you would pause and observe, wondering how it was done, or worse…why. And while one person might be thinking 'that could use a power wash to remove the green stuff', another might consider how lovely it was to stumble upon the sculpture at that exact time and place to be able to appreciate how the green growth introduces another color to the mix, enhancing it rather than dimishing it. The organic shapes and speckled textures provide more inspiration.

The field trip to visit colleges with our daughter was beginning to make me feel empty, uncertain, and sad….I will work through those thoughts in my journal with new ideas, fresh perspective, and a desire to continue seeing the positives. A girl is growing up and moving on to find her way in the world. It's a good thing, even if I will wonder and worry, and be lonely for her. There is much to be proud of and much to celebrate. The leaves will change and fall…and stones may stand in our path, but we can navigate around them and over them, and forge new directions, if we see ourselves doing it.

October 8, 2012
save the date!

It's been one of those weeks! After returning home from vacation I had to get back on the deadline treadmill to prepare and propose workshops for Create NJ 2013, and wrap up some details on a new corporate identity assignment. Next I will be completing my class samples for an upcoming event with Lynne Perrella. We are both so excited to be offering this in our neck of the woods. What could be more fun than co-teaching a special friend, who is also an amazing talent??!! It's sure to be an excellent experience. This is definitely one of the occasions that fits "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life". Stay tuned as we will reveal the announcement and registration information next week.

August 10, 2012
save the date!

It's been one of those weeks! After returning home from vacation I had to get back on the deadline treadmill to prepare and propose workshops for Create NJ 2013, and wrap up some details on a new corporate identity assignment. Next I will be completing my class samples for an upcoming event with Lynne Perrella. We are both so excited to be offering this in our neck of the woods. What could be more fun than co-teaching a special friend, who is also an amazing talent??!! It's sure to be an excellent experience. This is definitely one of the occasions that fits "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life". Stay tuned as we will reveal the announcement and registration information next week.

August 10, 2012
nearly ninety-nine and a half

I'm back from the north woods of Minnesota, where you can lean back on your chair around the bonfire and see satellites move through the clear black sky with your naked eye, but you can barely get cell service, and certainly not wi-fi. But it's good to be unplugged…that's when you get to tune in to the things that really matter. Like spending time with family. We will all head home later in the summer but this trip was a special treat….treasured time on my own with Grandma.

I've had some solo outings with her in recent years, like a lunch out, or an afternoon at home (photo below from 2009). She has taken me to some fun and fascinating places – like museum exhibits in my teens, or an architecture field trip during a college spring break. She's visited me at some of the places I've lived, and I always make time for her on visits home. But I have never had five full days with her like this past weekend. What a privilege to spend time with her at her favorite place, the cabin at Rock Lake.

The only sign that hangs at the gate to long road down to the lake says No Trespassing. A new sign on the wall says What Happens at the Cabin Stays at the Cabin. I'm sorry to say you aren't invited, but I will give you a peek….

Below, she's directing Dad as he makes dinner…..which is only allowed as she's a really good cook (hey, she taught him!). I tried to impress her by making Yorkshire Puddings but I think she'll me more impressed when Graham makes her the requested jambalaya in July. Maybe if I attempt to make her famous strawberry jam I can win back some points in my favor.

We saw a baby fawn take her first steps. Had visits from the hummingbirds and other colorful feathered friends. Heard the loons. Spotted my favorite – the great blue heron. Found some new fronds. Prayed for a fresh fish dinner but none were caught. Enjoyed the familiar views from new settings – a sun room added last year. The little hunting cabin that got most of its attention every fall has become a hub of activity in the summer. Even fishing has taken a back seat to other more athletic water sports, especially with my brother's family living nearby. She hasn't been on the jetski, but loves to tour the perimeter of the lake on a pontoon, spotting the nesting eagles.

Grandma, the matriarch. She loves to shop for good bread. She eats bacon with black coffee every morning. The usual Scotch at five has diminished to a few sips when she feels like it. She is quick to laugh. Is still so styling – just got a new watch, and likes to dress smart…even has Uggs. (As a child I used to love to browse through her closets, touching her dreamy evening gowns and fancy shoes in plastic boxes). She reads the paper and knows a little about everything. Loves conversation about the past, but delights in the present and takes it all in stride. She listens, and remembers, and takes interest in every detail of her very extended family. We had a huge family reunion at the lake last summer – to celebrate HER.

I went to her alma mater, intending to be a legacy by pledging her sorority. I chose a life that was much different than hers, and never became a Kappa, or a hunter, or a cook. But she pays attention with authentic curiosity and enthusiasm as I tell her about my family, my activities, and my art.

Five days. A gift to have, carved out from ninety-nine years. I am so lucky.

May 31, 2012
nearly ninety-nine and a half

I'm back from the north woods of Minnesota, where you can lean back on your chair around the bonfire and see satellites move through the clear black sky with your naked eye, but you can barely get cell service, and certainly not wi-fi. But it's good to be unplugged…that's when you get to tune in to the things that really matter. Like spending time with family. We will all head home later in the summer but this trip was a special treat….treasured time on my own with Grandma.

I've had some solo outings with her in recent years, like a lunch out, or an afternoon at home (photo below from 2009). She has taken me to some fun and fascinating places – like museum exhibits in my teens, or an architecture field trip during a college spring break. She's visited me at some of the places I've lived, and I always make time for her on visits home. But I have never had five full days with her like this past weekend. What a privilege to spend time with her at her favorite place, the cabin at Rock Lake.

The only sign that hangs at the gate to long road down to the lake says No Trespassing. A new sign on the wall says What Happens at the Cabin Stays at the Cabin. I'm sorry to say you aren't invited, but I will give you a peek….

Below, she's directing Dad as he makes dinner…..which is only allowed as she's a really good cook (hey, she taught him!). I tried to impress her by making Yorkshire Puddings but I think she'll me more impressed when Graham makes her the requested jambalaya in July. Maybe if I attempt to make her famous strawberry jam I can win back some points in my favor.

We saw a baby fawn take her first steps. Had visits from the hummingbirds and other colorful feathered friends. Heard the loons. Spotted my favorite – the great blue heron. Found some new fronds. Prayed for a fresh fish dinner but none were caught. Enjoyed the familiar views from new settings – a sun room added last year. The little hunting cabin that got most of its attention every fall has become a hub of activity in the summer. Even fishing has taken a back seat to other more athletic water sports, especially with my brother's family living nearby. She hasn't been on the jetski, but loves to tour the perimeter of the lake on a pontoon, spotting the nesting eagles.

Grandma, the matriarch. She loves to shop for good bread. She eats bacon with black coffee every morning. The usual Scotch at five has diminished to a few sips when she feels like it. She is quick to laugh. Is still so styling – just got a new watch, and likes to dress smart…even has Uggs. (As a child I used to love to browse through her closets, touching her dreamy evening gowns and fancy shoes in plastic boxes). She reads the paper and knows a little about everything. Loves conversation about the past, but delights in the present and takes it all in stride. She listens, and remembers, and takes interest in every detail of her very extended family. We had a huge family reunion at the lake last summer – to celebrate HER.

I went to her alma mater, intending to be a legacy by pledging her sorority. I chose a life that was much different than hers, and never became a Kappa, or a hunter, or a cook. But she pays attention with authentic curiosity and enthusiasm as I tell her about my family, my activities, and my art.

Five days. A gift to have, carved out from ninety-nine years. I am so lucky.

May 31, 2012
happy birthday to us

Whether you say Always Remembering You or Remembering You Always, it simply means you never stop thinking about someone. Especially when your heart is so filled with love. And sweet memories. And sister secrets. Especially because you are missing her. The day she left for heaven is significant, but the day she was born is the one to celebrate, especially if your share that same birthdate.

Roses fill the gardens. Roses fill the vases. Piles of cards and packages. Lots of joy here. I'm a lucky girl.

*blows kisses* xoxo

May 17, 2012