Adventures in Gardening

Next entry, my husband and I have taken a plot in a nearby Organic Community Garden. Our first visit was cleaning out the plot and harvesting the remains from previous years gardens. Pretty lovely harvest, crisp diverse lettuce and parsley(used it in my morning smoothie!). Roland set up the soaker hoses with a timer for convenience.

Next visit, we took one sunny afternoon to get planted all the lil' green kids we'd so far acquired.

We are blessed to have the raised plots, saving our backs from strain. I also learned that some of the locals have a special name for those gardeners using these raised plots. You see there are three, evenly spaced arched bars placed over the gardening plots (probably for bracing taller plants to later in the season) and it took me awhile to understand what this one woman commented, "Oh, the covered wagon gardeners are back again!" I get it, if I placed canvas over the bars, hooked up some horses in the front and wheels to the sides - - it WOULD look like a lil Calistoga Covered Wagon!!!
The garden we had had the last two years at our home didn't fair well - not enough sunshine. So we have a little experience with tomatoes, peppers and basil from previous plantings. But this time, with all the extra space and sunshine we're planting tomatoes, peppers, basil, and also beans, eggplants, butternut squash, onions. We longingly searched for Fava Bean plants ... but may have to use seeds or skip 'em for the year. Around the lil' green 'kids' I've added Marigolds and Coreopsis for bug control (hey, that's what I read).

Our first group "clean up" day was last Sunday ~ a gorgeous sunny, breezy spring day. We met several of our peer gardeners and tidied up "community areas". I was assigned the weeds interspersed with the bouncing California Poppies and Iris. Roland carried off the weeds and other compost that had seeds to a flat, dry and sun scorched area that wouldn't allow the seeds nor plants to survive. Maybe like a plant "hell" ... I don't know. The small group met afterward to update any news. We'd voted "Yes" to allowing a group of recovering women from a nearby facility to have one of our available plots (I'm excited to meet them). Following the meeting, I'd so gotten into pulling weeds, that both Roland and I dug into the pathways around our lil raised beds, hacking and pulling at any weed that resisted us. Quite fun actually!

Isn't digging in the dirt just one of the most gratifying things alive? Must be a carry over from my childhood of some innate need ~ ~ whatever it is, I'm always so gratified after the fact. What can I add? Happy diggin'

Adventures into "Stitched Window" Journaling

This journal page entry seems to contain some sort of adventure energy. It must have something to do with it being Spring and the re-birth of life and vitality ~ because I'm daring to do things that thrill and surprise me.

I'm testing out a new venue within the Ashland Art Center where they have opened a new gallery in the back part of the building. I'll have my pieces on display on the main floor (will continue with my studio on the second floor too). Along with this venue goes a weekly, 4 hour shift on the "Creator's" register.

The contour drawing that began this entry came from our training session. I was looking to entertain another "stitched window" in my journal, specifically for one of my private student's class. I did the small painting of this "most intriguing artist" at the far right of my contour drawing, cut it out and then cut out a window that echoed a similar shape as my small painted image. To stitch the window together, I'd wanted to use a special yarn I'd just purchased ... it was this nice warm copper color with copper metallic threads woven thru it. I wanted it to express the warmth and camaraderie I felt in the training room but, integrated with my anxious irritability, and flashes of impatience. I felt the metal thread would indicate that. But after I'd gotten the holes punched and attempted to sew with the yarn, I realized I couldn't use it. Too clumpy :( So, on to a thread that could work.

To stitch the page, I had to clip a bulldog clip to my lamp, that gave me access to both sides of the page. I add some french knots (from my previous life as an mad embroider) to mimic her beautiful white hair.

And eventually, tah-dah, I got it all completed. Here's the finished wide view contour drawing the a few added color spots to add intrigue and carry you across the page. Hope it tantalizes!

May with "First Friday" & Class Demos

This time of year just seems to start vibrating with life. So many opportunities appear and it's difficult to make choices that best serve your dreams and still maintain some sense of sanity and peace of mind in the process.

Several month's ago I committed to being the "Boulevard Cafe's May Artist of the Month". So now that I'm all installed, I was prepared to go sit at the "Ashland's First Friday Artwalk". Unfortunately, the cafe is just two blocks off the center of the town and as yet, many people haven't discovered this lovely, cozy and friendly spot which is now part of First Friday. I arrived just before 5pm and brought my trusty journal. My vantage spot gave me a vista into the cafe overlooking a window panorama. I got the angles and chair in and debated what to include when this cute lil girl, dressed in pink took a seat at the cafe computer. That was the focal spot I'd been missing. I sketched in the closer window, computer and chair ~ ~ then of course, she left with her mom. Booo. But thank goodness for my trusty digital, I'd gotten a shot of my lil "star" and completed her at home. That was the main success at the Cafe ... there never was one visitor coming in specifically for the Art walk.

The next entry on this Journal page evolved from what was to be my "Intermediate Journaling and Watercolor Sketching" Class. But just not enough students signed up so, one dedicated creative student still wanted to persue the class agenda in private. So our first session we reviewed her portfolio of watercolors and then reveled as we traveled thru her imaginative journals. Next we did a brief overview of pigments and an exercise to show opacity of the pigments that she was not familiar with. I've also had several students curious about how to paint night skies ~ so I whipped up a quick demo of two night skies, one with sparkling stars and one with fireworks. Both she and I were surprised how well they turned out!! Then she proceeded to replicate the demos. We had so much fun towards the end, even invented a tiny campfire in one of her night scenes! But she made me stop when I suggested putting lil people around the campfire :) Who ever said I really get into things?!?

So life patters along on its merry way and I'm just smilin' ~ ~ glad to be part of it and hoping to bring sunshine to the lovely spirits I touch along the pathway. Happy Trails ...

April Journal Updates ~ Tah Dah!

April just seems so long ago and so full. It takes on the full weight of the ending of Winter snows in addition to the savory teases of Springtime ... and long with that, comes all the awakening. The planning of Spring/Summer art shows, getting the ole garden dead fall removed so that designing this years plot can commence and pacifying the urge to outside in the sun, hiking and relishing flowers. So, rather than journaling, I've been doing all of that.

But I'm wanting to share all that flurry and the results, so, finally, TAH-DAH!

As you already know ... the upper left image of Zanfel tells the tale of my encounter with poison oak. It also personifies the fact that I'm extremely human (note the misspelling of the label on the front, compared to the correct title on the backdrop) ~ ~ don't you love it?!? This mischievious portrait was my favorite from the "Taste of Ashland". It's my peer artist and dear friend, preparing decorations for the evening. And, YES, she really is that mischievous!!

And dancing across the bottom of the full spread page was a thought that tumbled across my mind one afternoon driving home. I was pleasantly hopping from the earliest spring flower that appears in our yard, the Snowdrop, then came the Crocus, next our hycainth, then the Daffodils appear, followed by the Star of Bethlehem and most recently comes the Tulips. So I decided to create a medley of just those lovely blossoms. Aren't they divine? Don't their cheery faces just make you smile?

And so settles in my memories of 2010's month of April. Isn't life full of luscious events, people, and potential? I'm aiming at experiencing as much of it as possible in my life ~ ~ won't you join me?

The Delicious "Taste Of Ashland"

This is an annual Ashland event . . . the Taste Of Ashland, a city wide sampling from restaurants, bakeries and caterers as well as various wineries (and even an organic Vodka!). This year their kick off event, the "Gala" which incorporates the "Quick Draw"(where artists create, ready for hanging, a piece of artwork in just one hour and auctioned off for fundraising) took place at our new "Ashland Art Center".

Since this is where I have my second floor studio I was present for the wild, gregarious and thrilling evening. There were drink and food samplings everywhere, two bands and 17 artists who participated in the "Quick Draw". I chose to watch, paint casually and take photos while encouraging my peer artists. It's one of the decisions I did make to lessen stress in my life (now, believe me that lil inner critic squawked about my not participating, but I'm acknowledging those comments and moving into happier, healthier commentary) and I got some hilarious images.

You can see how packed the space, even with three floors, was with celebratory guests and artists. Guest began piling in at 7pm and flooded every open area. Artists had been decorating the entire day in prep and psyching up for the "Quick Draw". At 7:30 the "Quick Draw" began and here are a couple of our artists at the onset of the event.

People milled around nibbling and enjoying watching the artists sweat it out. The public was requested to refrain from talking with the artists but, you can guess how well adults sipping wine, vodka and festivities followed requests!

Most artists finished on time and with all the flurry of energy and spontaneity ~ we had only one disappointment in the art creations. Susan's sculpture ended up being a bit to moist and just collapsed onto the floor. Our artist maintained an optimistic attitude and smiles, as you can see. My nearest neighbor, Sylvia Trujillo, completed her rolling hills oil piece and it sold immediately for the full asking price!

What a night to remember ~ ~ and, perhaps I'll take part in the "Quick Draw" next year. We'll see . . .

One Show Comes Down, the Next Goes Up

This lovely venue, the Palace Cafe (http://www.palacecafeashland.com/), came to me on a quick spurt and I was able to fill this pleasant, well-lit wall. The owner, wanted new work on his walls, had contacted the Ashland Art Center, and they gave him a couple of us artists who have large format pieces. The other artist was "spread a bit thin" right now with lots of Spring shows, so mustered together ALL the bigger pieces I could and well ah!! All fourteen framed filled his walls with pleasant breathing room.

There was some confusion on when I was to take down the show and I double checked, mentioning I'd be able to leave my pieces there for another month if necessary. But I received a call, letting me know another artist was anxious to hang and I could come pick up. I was a day of flurry, because that very same day I was to hang for the upcoming May Ashland First Friday at the new Boulevard Cafe.

This venue I also heard about thru the Ashland Art Center. A newly redecorated end of the Strafford Inn on the south end of Ashland has long, well lit walls and will be on the Artwalk too. The have fabulous coffee and delectable eats along with a spacious room with overstuffed, comfy accommodations for patrons. They are very kind and accommodating to their month artist as you can see from their website: http://boulevard-coffee.com/cafe/events/

Because of the open, wide cafe and an awaiting audience available in their Inn guests, I had a flash idea. So I've proposed to them, my offering to their guests, along with any of my previous students who'd like to partake, a "Journaling Clinic". I'd offer a short presentation in a class-like manner and then, just be available for questions and helping anyone who had requests. We are now bouncing back and forth the idea and may or may not incorporate this "Clinic" idea into their newsletter for the upcoming Shakespeare Theatre patrons and Souther Oregon tourists.

Life IS full of great opportunities and gifts . . .

I'm learning and trusting I'm open to all to the Universe's abundance. Join me won't you?

"Jacksonville is for the Birds" ~ A Birdhouse Project

The Winter's Project for our "Art Presence" group, focused on highlighting fine art in our historic town of Jacksonville, was "Jacksonville is for the Birds". We'd solicited artists to create an inventive birdhouse to be auctioned in benefit for the "Jacksonville Woodlands Association" (10%), "Art Presence" (10%) and the individual participating artist (80%).

In February we previewed a portion of the completed birdhouses at the local Jacksonville entryway display case. From there, the thirteen various birdhouses nested into windows of main street retail business windows for a period of 6 weeks.

The culmination of an entire project took place on April 17th in common celebration with Jacksonville's Annual Hike-a-thon. In between all the gregarious out-door celebrations of Spring was our Birdhouse Auction. This year not only was there a hike followed by a breakfast, but an additional hike to dedicate a new trail to a local woman, who'd operated a long time business here in town, and recently lost her fight with cancer.

Our Auction went pretty well. Not as many bidders as we'd hoped but our professional auctioneer, Steve Wall, conducted a lively and humorous fundraiser. All in all, ten of our thirteen birdhouses found homes and we raised $261 for the Woodlands too!

Our "Art Presence" group learned alot about how to improve our presentation and effectiveness for next time. We'd succeeded with our first Birdhouse Project!! Next year we're thinking of "The Chair Affair" ~ ~ want to participate? Just start dreaming about your most magical, imaginative chair, table or even ottoman.

The First "Frit" Sighting

Those of you familiar with wildflowers may understand that "call". Living here in Jacksonville, OR, I've come to be acquainted with this silly sounding name for a plump, richly colored, trumpet-like rare flower. We here in Jacksonville even have an entire month we celebrate this blossom, we post children's drawings of the flower all over local business windows and have a hike-a-thon in April in search of the first "frit". The Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva) is from the Lily Family.


So the other day, when Roland, Cody and I'd gone on a short hike and I'd stumbled across my very first "frit" sighting, I was thrilled. We've lived nearly 5 years here and on most of our hikes, it was more in the heat of the Summer, when all the lilies were long ago wilted. Among nothing but grey sticks, stretching across a dry, high ridge, this lil beauty glistened with it's robust color. Of course, she had to be the beginning for a new journal first entry.


My painted version shares the page with the starting sketch from our Ashland First Friday Artwalk for April. These pigment tubes are 'on sale' from a peer studio artist and was something I could quick sketch out on a bustling Friday evening. I played with the copper metal flakes to add the sparkle of the metal lid in which the tubes lie. A pleasant, colorful start for a new journal. And you know . . . the journal continues and continues :)


Happy Creating!

Ten Days from Hell

I was looking forward to the month of April, when the drama of Winter storms stirs excitement and an aching for more of the Spring "sneak-peeks". We'd been taking lovely hikes up the trails behind our home near the Britt Festival grounds and savoring the green. Well, something else re-emerging for the Spring was also lurking . . . yes, and old friend who'd remained distant for several years. Personally, I'd preferred it stay that way - but - you guessed it. It showed up just when I was packing and getting ready for my trip down to the Bay Area for the reception of my group show, "A Year in the Secret Garden" (see: http://www.harlandhandgarden.com/Frenett.htm) - without invitation - my ole friend, poison oak. Yep.

I wasn't going to let it stop me tho. I nursed, washed, bandaged, oozed and . . . just kept going. Total of 5 spots, neck, shoulder, one face cheek, left thumb - and, most uncomfortably - on the one cheek of my 'bum'. Yep. But like I said, I wasn't going to let it stop me. Our lil family, Cody (the Retriever), Roland and I set out for California anyway. Me, just kinda grinning and bearing it. Then, (you know how the "Universe" just has a way of saying things that you already kinda have a feeling about?) about 3 hours into our 7 hour trip, the car starts missing. The farther we went the more lil lunges it seemed to take. Finally, I opened my mouth saying, "I'm ok if we just turn around and get the car back home safe to have it fixed." The vote was unanimous - we turned around.

So, now back safe and cozy in Jacksonville, I'm licking my wounds (at least the emotional ones of not getting to see my dear artist friends at the Reception) and progressing along with the poison oak healing. I did want to pass along to all of you a NEW and wonderful poison oak treatment. I'd been talking with my long time friend, Ron, about my challange and his caring partner, and avid gardner and nurse himself, called me with h-i-s best ointment. It's featured here with two other fairly successful thearpies. I've used "Technu" for years, but it didn't seem to be cutting this episode. The NEW "Zanfel" is a miracle - after just one treatment (you moisten the gritty scrub then, scour the effected area for 2-3 minutes, then rinse) I saw and felt improvement. I can tell you I highly recommend this stuff!!! The third item pictured is called "True Tamanu" from a nut with soothing and healing qualities. I used it several years ago after a dermatological treatement that left my face with crusty,red patches - this oil was wonderous. This is what I'm using on the dried poison oak blisters as they heal. Well, so much for my medical recommendations.

It hasn't been the most fun period of 2010 so far, but it has taught me both more gratitude and more compassion. Now, I am in awe, thinking of the amazing system the human skin is, soft, flexible, sensitive and beautiful. What must it be like for those with burns or life long skin conditions? My heart goes out to them in a new way.

I'm again, blessed with health and over and over and over, remain thankful! I have been creating during this "down time" and I'll get to sharing those next. Meanwhile, stay out of those lovely, red 'n green bushes thriving along hiking trails at this time of year :)

Journal Version of Recent Trip

My goal today was to complete this final double spread page in my journal, the last enty into this journal which began on 7-21-09, nearly a full years worth of life. Those of you who caught the previous version of my "photo" version of the trip to San Jose will, sorry to say, see some replications. But I thought you might enjoy seeing the watercolor translations into my journal.

Of course, we start with the amazing vision of Mt. Shasta. I love how watercolor depicts clouds, with that heavenly transparency that only transparent pigment can. I've added some white wax crayons for edges of the clouds and it simplifies the process when I'm painting - don't have to be concerned with my white edges so much.

Next is the completed version of my two dear friends at the restaurant table. I'm totally happy with the portrait on the left and finally, with Floy on the right. I had to shorten her chin abit, and nip off the tip of her nose, to make it more delicate. Check out the in-progress version of this twosome on March 21st blog post.

And the memory I most wanted to capture for my hike at Uvas Park was one of the glistening creeks. I loved the small, intimate cascade into this pool with the ferns softening the edges of the pool and the image. I'm fairly pleased with this image.

I'm asking for input on the presentation of the final page. As you know I'm not the happiest with my Micron pens right now. They just wear down so quickly on this watercolor paper - so on this page, I've tried out the Ultra Fine Tip Sharpie. Yes, it was consistent with the same amount of ink BUT, the thing I didn't like was that even with the Ultra Fine tip, I still got a real heavy text. I'm unhappy with the overall final full 2 page spread. I really want the images to have the strongest presentation in my journals. But, to me, now this page has strong text that battles with the images for priority. Hey, it could just be me. But . . . I'd love to hear your ideas and opinions.

But, just keep creating and experimenting . . . life continues to be full of lesson, artistic and spiritually. Trust the process!

Valentine's Day & Mentoring Sweetness

I've wanted to share this page in my journal for awhile - - but you know the "getting-to-the-computer" challenge. So, finally here's the entries for my Valentine's Day and the ending of my Mentoring with my Dear Kiri.

Valentine's Day was a bit unpredictable. I'd received this lil flier from a fellow at the February Ashland First Friday in my studio, and it intrigued me. The presentation of film shorts included beautifully hand-colored films and - I thought - perhaps Roland, my Valentine, would find that entertaining. So it put me into action of reserving dinner at his favorite lil Ashland restaurant, Lela's (http://www.lelascafe.com/) with a brisk early dinner in mind. That way we could wisk off to the University Campus and see the shorts. But as the day approached, I realized, to be open, compassionate and self-less (well, at least an effort towards that), I asked him to make the decision as to whether we'd hurry a single course, or revel in a slow, "muse-ful" dinner. When we got to the restaurant and he saw the menu (did I tell you, he's a "closet" fabulous chef?) - you can guess which direction won out. Yep, the leisurely dinner. And it felt calming, pleasing to watch him savor his dinner and my company :) I've kept a portion of the tender card Ro gave me at dinner, to complete this entry.

Now the ending of my mentoring project was pretty tender too. I'd been invited by both Kiri and her parents to be present for her formal presentation of the "Mentoring Project" that she and I'd endeavored to fulfill over the past 40 hours and 3 months. I was so touched and amazed at the maturity of the 3 earlier presentations - I could hardly contain myself. But when Kiri took the stage, she'd framed beautifully her final piece (the triptych) and matted uniformly in dramatic black mat all the exercises and sketches we'd every developed.


Her presentation took awhile as she dialogued what she'd learned, opening with profuse compliments for me. I delighted as she unveiled each piece and heard the audience exude a "wow". I was immeasurably proud of her and impressed by her progress when viewed this way in entirety. Following the assembly, her mom and dad handed me a lush and gorgeous rose bouquet and thank you card. Of course, I teared up :)


Over the next few days I pondered our whole endeavor and came up with the word "worth" - because out of all that investment and interaction - what I felt most and saw Kiri beam with - was worth. Increased worth.

So, now for the new technique - I'd been aching to try this new technique with Golden's Light Molding Paste. I understood you can spread the paste onto WC paper, then, carve in different textures and words. It dries white, light weight, and absorbent. When dry I dropped in various colors that went along with my feeling of "worth" and lastly, some delicious acrylic liquid bronze. Yippie - did I have fun! LOVE this new process - so unpredictable and luxurious in texture. I did find tho, that after it had dried and I'd dangled my dried rose on string (to add movement), the rose petal stuck to the paste, tearing it off my yellow string. But I'll use this again, guaranteed.


Looking at the page . . . can we have too much sweetness in our lives . . . heck NO!!! Go enjoy!

A Trip Full of Planning and Play

I really have not fallen off the planet. I have had planned for several weeks a trip down to the Bay Area to satisfy many requirements. With plans to participate in three (yes, actually THREE) different shows down in my ole stomping grounds, the San Francisco Bay Area. I left early in the morning and pass the gorgeous Mount Shasta en route. There was an incredible northward wind pushing the cluster of clouds around the peak into mesmerizing patterns. I did sneak a shot as I drove by. Nature truly is astonishing with it's ever changing visions.

The first show upcoming is "A Year in the Secret Garden" that will be the culmination of a project involving six artists who painted monthly in a beautiful El Cerrito garden full of exotic, amazing greenery. I was honored to be among these amazing artists (including Jane Hofstetter, Charlotte Britton, Charlotte Panton, Jean Warren, Anne Fallin and Ruth Beeve). The show will take place at the "Glenn Gallery of Art", http://www.theglenncustomframing.com/ running from April 1-30, artist reception April 10th, 1-4pm.

During my visit I met/stayed with my very dear artist friends, Jean Warren and Floy Zittin planning our collaborative show in Los Altos, July 6-30. This show I'm so excited about - as we three have kept in communication since we all moved five years ago via painting! YES, I did say painting! We have been mailing full sheet pieces, each contributing a 6 x6 inch comprobable space. Here's a sample of one we've completed, "Puzzling Nature". Also, we have an ongoing dialogue with 5 x7 inch pieces, responding to the previous artists entries or just where we are in our lives. Those we now have 67 pages!!! And along with hanging challenges we plotted out a workshop we will make available on the Saturday,July 10th after our Friday Artist Reception at Viewpoints Gallery (http://www.viewpointsgallery.com/). I've just begun this journal sketch of us planning at the restaurant table - the poor waiter never knew what hit him :)

The day before I left I joined and dear friend and her hubby on a hike of Uvas Park in the Almaden Valley. It was a lovely day and the park offered lush fern with numerous waterfalls. The Madrone trees were blooming with their tiny with flowers and scents of various bushes filled the air. I've got some juicy images for paintings now gurgling in my mind ... here's a sample.

But my home was calling ... after I'd picked up the two (yep, not just one) of the favorite pizzas from his most-missed-Italian-restaurant for my hubby and a cup on my favorite Starbuck's Chai Tea ... I was on the road. I've got it down to just under 7 hours travel between San Jose, California and Jacksonville, Oregon. So now I'm tucked sweetly back with my two boys (the hubby and the furry one, Cody) and relishing what a beautiful, full and joyous life I have - on a pretty gorgeous planet.

So just take a moment and especially during this springtime, savor the goodness and wonder of our world. Blessings?? beyond counting ...

First Plein Air Painting of this Spring

Well, according to the calendar, it's not r-e-e-e-e-a-a-a-l-l-y Spring yet. But I'm ignoring that. One of the artists who is my dear neighbor at the Ashland Art Center, Sylvia Trujillo (http://www.ashlandartcenter.org/pages/homeSylviaTrujillo.html), 2nd Floor Artists Studios, set out to have our first plein air session on her birthday, Sunday, February 14th. She sent off invites to her students and other interested artists. I got there just after her suggested meeting time, 1pm, giving the morning chill a chance to burn off.

We all met at the southwest end of Emmigrant Lake, near Ashland, Oregon. It was a warm afternoon with only the breeze coming off the lake to cool us. I treked around with my camera to catch potential paintings. Although I favored some of the views right on the lake, I opted for the south side of a knoll with exaggerated, bare trees and a manzanita bush with gorgeous cast shadows.

I'd planned to work on a flat format 12 x 16 inch block, plotting out a design that would eventually wrap around 6 x 12 x 1.5 inch stretcher bars. The drawing took me awhile but I did get in my sketch and the majority of my wax crayon resists. I've been working on the piece on and off for these couple of weeks and finally feel about 3/4 done.

At this point, I seperate the single sheet from the block. First, I wet only the back of the paper (remember, the image is already on the other side), readying to wrap the paper around the stretcher bars. I center using the sun streaming in my kitchen doors to position the paper, centered over the bars. Gently, I lay down the face of the painting on a soft, plastic wrapping and begin pulling the opposite sides of the paper tight before stapling with a staple gun. When I've got the corners tucked and stapled back, I let the piece dry, braced back up, while resting on any object about 1-2 inches high.

I've spent some time finishing up details. Softening some hard edges, darkening focal point values and dotting in some color to balance out the painting and increasing interest in my area of focus. Here she is from the right side, demonstrating what I love about these lil' "intimates" as I like to call them (no frame or glazing to seperate you from the painting surface). When you walk up to these, because of the wrap, the side of the painting introduces you to the image and it changes as you walk by ~ ~ even from the top or bottom. I believe her name will be "Early Spring Break". What do you think?