Journal Updating Frenzzzzzzzie

Have done a flourish of marketing and "PR" for my upcoming Women's Mexico Retreat (for more info check out: womensmexicoretreat2009.blogspot.com/) - sorry, I'm still sort of in that mode - but, I have taken a creative dive (no, not negatively) - but, deep back into my sweet world of Journaling.

I'm still filling in small watercolor sketches, business cards and other found memories from my Colorado trip way back in late August. Oh my! But I'm having sooooooooooo much fun and wallering around in thick juicy wet watercolors as well as delicate portraits.

These adjacent pages were from the Labor Day time period, which I spent with delightful friends in Fort Collins. Our major aim one of the days was sampling and drinking in galleries in the area, but much of the time was leisurely just enjoying beautiful weather and comfy companionship. Since I'd last been in Fort Collins they'd integrated a charming Old Town Square that now serves as a central hub for gathering for families and visitors. We laughed alot watching children with ice cream cones and playing in water fountains.

The second page was my farewell day to Colorado. We drove down from Fort Collins into Denver where I got to visit with one of my few living relatives - my favorite Uncle. He's in his late eighties and seems pretty happy as long as he can watch his football! It was a joy to see him getting around but, reminded me of my mortality. The draped little paper flags was a fun solution to "what do I do to preserve the seven tiny love notes my dear husband tucked in my suitcase - one to read for each day?". I strung them on a piece of raffia twine, attaching each with a small bit of ATG double sided tape at the fold, then tied a know on the back of the page after poking the twine thru the paper page. I like the solution because it makes the notes accessible to read, yet keeps their privacy too.

The last page seen here is from a trip my husband and I took to Weaverville, CA. We'd stopped in Redding, CA at Turtle Bay to see the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit, an amazing show of actual interal human body parts illustrating the amazing and intricate reality of our bodies. My sketch was from an evening walk we took thru town enjoying the coolness of the day. It was at the last moment that I added the paper punched stars along the bottom . . . it really references the next page . . . where I did feel like a "star". You'll have to tune in again to see what that entry is. Don't worry, it will be soon - once I get into my journals it's hard to pull me away.

Happy creating - oh - and enjoy the journey there!

Show Up & Trinity Alps

As I promised, here is a view of my "Florals" show at Liquid Assets in Ashland, Oregon. It will continue through June 26th - so drop by if you get a chance.

Now that Summer is nearly in full swing we just got back from our first "attempt" at a week long camping trip. We'd long planned it around Northern California in the Trinity Alps area and juggled schedules so we could have a full week there!

We arrived on schedule and perused many campsites to finally establish the one that "nearly" fit all our criteria. Just up from the Trinity Lake, we peered down onto the water - but because California is experiencing a drought - see how far down the water was. That fact did help keep the camping population down and we had the entire grounds to ourselves save for two other campers. The quiet was palpable and nature magnificent!

Waking the very first morning to the squawking of giant black crows reminded us we were no longer at home in our cozy Temperpedic! The night air had been invigorating and the precautions for bears tested our "civilized" habits. But the planned agenda of hiking and swimming was about to change.

Our Camp Hostess dropped by mid-morning, just about as we finished our hot tea, to tell us we miscalculated our camping fees (how could that be, math oriented as I am?!) and I went out to talk to her. Apparently our super watchdog, Cody thought he needed to protect "Mom" and flew out of the trailer door. In doing so, he caught and ripped two of his toenails in the slotted doorstep - and yelped in pain. He eventually started walking normal but, when we looked at his bleeding toes and nearly detached nails - we were off the find the Weaverville veterinarian rather than a morning sketching in my Journal.

The vet saw us quickly and took off Cody's two bent nails. After the procedure, he came out with his pink tongue dangling out one side, looking pitiful, and our hearts just ached. We were instructed to not hike and keep him out of the water. Oh my, the direction of our trip just took a change.

We investigated Weaverville and I joined the "Highland Art Center" there. The manager, Yvonne, was delightful and remembered a friend of mine who'd had her transition several years ago but had shown in that very gallery! I did take time to sketch in my journal while Cody and Roland rested in the adjoining park. And with Yvonne's suggestion, enjoyed a yummy dinner at the local "Gardener's Cafe".

Our next day was decided by Cody's ability to get around - we drove to Lewiston, just south of the lake and over the bridged river, to their "Peddler's Festival". The day was warm, breezy and the festival music provided animated entertainment. We bought a bent wooden rolling pin (for our homemade whole wheat pizza dough), sipped lemonade and, rested occasionally in the grassy area.

Just up the road, I discovered a home/gallery that advertised as "folk signage". I tentatively wandered onto the property where three houses existed. To welcome me was a fabricated "space ship" with a coiled snake atop greeting me. One of the houses was apparently the "gallery" where I meandered amongst antique clothing, beaded lamps, bold "Erta-like" portraits, and, my favorites, the paper mache' figures. I never did see the artist or mistress of the grounds - but savored her creativity! We'd thoroughly enjoyed the historic town with their energized booths of collectibles, memorable characters and fantastic creations.

Now, I'm home, preparing for my "Personal Journaling & Watercolor Sketching" Class starting June 22 at the Ashland Artisan Gallery & Art Center. If you're interested - there are about 1 or 2 openings for this fun, expansive experience. Contact me or the gallery at 541-488-5698. Til then - happy trails!!!