Still here and covered in paint

Been a few weeks, so I feel I should make a brief appearance. With the fast (too fast) approaching Gift Gallery coming up, I am now in the thick of getting some things finished up while starting as many more as I have room for in my work space. Weather was nice when I got home from work, so I was able to get most of my sawing and drilling done in the driveway. Very wet and dreary here today, so much of it will be spent in the studio. Got up at the crack of stupid (for a weekend) and had a productive couple of hours already. It feels good!

Had the second of the three introductory writer's group meetings last Wednesday. Made myself step up and have the group critique my first page of "The Gingerbread Lady" novel. Was happily surprised at the comments, and the groups interest in reading more. When you write only for yourself, it is difficult to let others see your stuff. I worried, naturally I think, that I was deluding myself, that I had the chops to be a writer. Feeling a little more encouraged now. Once the bazaar is behind me, I will take a month off from the heavy duty painting and sculpting to focus on writing. Got an idea brewing for November's NaNoWriMo, and one writing buddy (Kathy Steffan, author and my writer's group facilitator). Even keeping an eye on the area writing get together's coming up for the Madison area NaNoers. With the MacBook, I can now writer places other than home, so it might be fun to check out at least one "write-in".

Well, that's where I'm at at present. I will post photos of my finished softballs, as well as my table at November 6's bazaar as soon as I am able.

Till then, enjoy the dwindling days of fall. Let's hope the snow here will hold off until after Thanksgiving at the earliest.

Spring has definitely sprung

Right now is as difficult a time of year for me as it is enjoyable. Though the warmer temperatures, as well as the leafing and greening up of the yard, are welcomed after the cold and gray winter days, I find myself torn about where and when to spend my free time. Giving myself permission to work on creative projects when there is yardwork and housework beakoning has been a challenge of mine for some time. Learning to find the right balance is something I am trying to focus on this year - making sure that everything gets my time and attention.

Nothing new to "show" you at this time as most everything is still "in process." I am finding it very liberating to have so many things going at one time (a new concept for me). As I wind up work on things (or at least get closer to finished), I will post more pictures. Though I have seen some great W.I.P. photos on other blogs, I am not sure that the things I have spread thoroughout my small space would be much to look at.

In addition to the painting and sculpting I am thinking it is time to pick up a sketch pad and colored pencils again. I got a great spiral bound pad from Mary for Valentine's Day, but I am reluctant to sully the pages yet. That has always been my "beef" with drawing. As much as I think doing more regular drawing would help get the ideas flowing, I am daunted by what to put down on paper when I do make the time. My guess is that anything is better than nothing, but I too often give up or tear out what little I do manage and then put the whole "shebang" away. Any suggestions?

Can't tell you how inpiring the world of blogging is proving to be for me. I have come across many incredible artisans in this part of the online world, and look forward to each and every new entry that gets posted. I can only hope that some day I too can inspire someone to create things in the same way.

Hope to post again in a few weeks. By then I will have photos of what I have been up to. Until then, enjoy the spring wherever you are. I know I am!

Chris