Rumble House: March 4, 2015

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Painter Lady

I wonder how other women seem to have their ________together, especially those with young children, a career and outside-of-work volunteering and exercise programs. I took on a contract, teaching grade three, beginning last Tuesday. You’ve been wondering why I haven’t been writing? Why my poetry response to each day has gone to the wayside? Well, let me tell you, it’s a crazy life we’re living; crazy-busy, that is! Max is still getting out to Frank’s Flats each day when I arrive home, dragging my feet and tempted to slouch on the red sofa! We’re still out there. And…we’re out in the middle of a field at 6:30 every morning and I drill at least twenty Frizbee throws into the darkness while Max, like a bullet, whizzes into the abyss. These two daily events are the routines I can manage. All else seems to be crumbling. I laugh as I type.

Yesterday morning, I stood in line for the photo copy machine. You try to minimize the use of paper, but truly, paper is a blessing when it comes to a full day with grade three! There was Lina (perhaps spelled wrong). She was/is beautiful! I was taking pause (a wait in a photo copy line just may be your only pause all day long) when I noticed how put-together she was. A pony tail was lifted to just that perfect spot on the back of her head, speaking of youth and optimism. YES! Pony tails DO speak! Accessories, colours, textures and the shoes! I asked her, “How do you do it?” I’m not going to spill the beans on her particular life at this time, but let’s just say, it’s a busy life she lives and while she says that she’s bubbled up inside, she expresses herself with friendliness and calm.

This gave me something to think about during the day.

Before I headed for Rumble House (late, as per usual), I captured a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror, as I washed my hands. I looked at my reflection. Those eyes spoke to me. (not going to write down what they said)

And while I was so so tempted to recline and find a good Netflix binge for the coming two hours, instead I walked to the computer in search of a reference image of a glam girl…I wanted to paint some concept of beauty, whether facade or authentic classical beauty…I wanted to explore the beauty-feminine, thinking about all of those amazing women who are so diligent in their lives to become ‘the archetype’ full-on. I printed off a reference and headed out.

Arriving at 7:30, I grasped one of the concepts determined at the wheel…’what inspires you’ and the one and a half hour painting frenzy began. I didn’t get a chance to say hello to Paula. I was excited to meet up with friend, Bronwyn, from East End. I parked my easel next to Dawn. Priscilla came by and showed me an awesome book of portraits, flipping pages and pointing out beautiful contrasts and powerful black and whites. I met Miriam, James Young and Anna. Enriquito gave me a big hug, as did Rich. A couple of very friendly Shaw guys came by and interviewed me about the community, Beatles music played in the background and voices buzzed. There was energy and life and creation.

Thanks to Jess for purchasing this one at auction.

At auction, I saw that many of the artists captured the ideas that were floating my boat.

Painting by Bronwyn Schuster

Orange!

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Painter Lady

I met Loretta down at the East Village, once asked to do some painting at the Golden Age Club in a madly creative environment called create! Loretta Young has some kind of story! What’s most amazing is how she lights up a room! Last Sunday saw the launch of a collection of her paintings, collage and mosaics at the Hear’s My Soul Cafe. It was a brilliant blue day and Loretta was wearing orange.

The surroundings were exquisite. I was able to connect with beautiful and dear friends, sharing in the music of Trio Velocity while munching on Janice Beaton Fine Cheeses and sipping complimentary wine. It doesn’t get any better than that! Wandering slowly from one space to another, I really engaged Loretta’s work, seeing a vibrant statement about life and freedom. Having also been a very active participant in Calgary’s MOMO Dance Theatre, Loretta’s visual work also appears to dance, no matter the medium. A spattering of orange seems to be a consistent underpinning and a delightful complement to the cerulean and ultramarine dominance.

I enjoyed embracing new friends and Loretta’s family, all present and excited about sharing this really important moment in time, a celebration of Loretta, her spirit and her art. Thanks again to visionary, Wendy Lees, who works tirelessly to create experiences around art and life in the East Village! Thanks also to Mike who contributed his time to some beautiful framing and display. A magic touch!

Max Falls In!

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Painter Lady

By now, my readers are getting to know Max pretty well. Yesterday, it was such an awesome autumn day…so golden-blue, that I took Max back on the loop where I once did daily walks with my Laurie-dog at the river. The image below is a photo that I took on one of our final river walks.

My children and I sprinkled Laurie’s ashes along the path of his favourite walks…places he had shared with me over his 14 years. I painted, as a result of his passing, a series called my Heaven Series, paintings that were rejected by the commercial galleries that represented me at the time, for the fact that they had ‘too much sky’. Sigh…

I try to get Max back to these places before the snow flies and my favourite time is in the autumn. Yesterday the yellow leaves were dancing on the ground. There was just enough breeze and in the past couple of days the leaves have been on the change.

Initially, Max was charged with excitement simply because we had such a steep drop into the valley and then there were gaggles of juvenile pheasants feeding in the open clearing left behind after utility and infrastructure revisions.

Interest Peeked

Poor photograph…but, yes, these are what caught his eye.

Where, once, I would throw sticks for Max from the broad perch of river rocks on the shore, most of the banks have dropped vertically into the water. Max found one of the few locations on the east side of the river where dry rock could be found and there was no way I was clamouring down there, although he barked enthusiastically to prompt me.

It was obvious to me that some huge shifts have happened with the river since the big Calgary flood. For Max, these changes were not so evident.

As we continued south along the river, I think Max supposed that there were going to be some excellent locations for his activity of choice. At one point, he took a mad dash from the path and I heard him briefly charging through the thick autumn brush and then….nothing. Silence. And yes…this is where he went in. A tentative and anxious herder, Max has always loved the water, but up to his hips. He has never had a swim. He has always barked at sticks when they have flowed out of his easy reach. Hmmm…this was to be a different sort of experience for him! This is where he went in.

I climbed my way through thick brush and heard his feeble cries. His situation came clear. The current was kicking him down river, all the while his wee head was popping up and his strong legs were reaching up onto the wet, worn shoulder of the river. Eyes, wide open, he caught sight of me and at my prompting, remained at one spot. I urged his hard work and with a few strong efforts, he pulled himself up and into my waiting arms.

Sheesh. Be warned! I was a bad mama! While on the west side of the river, I could see other families, children and dogs playing on a broad shore, there isn’t nothing of that kind on the east side.

This was excitement that we didn’t need…but, let it be known, my border collie has finally had a good swim!

I Look to You

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Painter Lady

I Look to You

I don’t really know, Mom, if you have understood your own strength in life. You inspire me with your tenacity. Nothing is more precious to me than the few minutes I can grab to see you and interact with you, face-to-face, on Skype. Because of technology, I feel as though I’m in the same room as you, Mom and Dad, when in fact, I am thousands of miles away. After our Skype date this evening, I headed for my bank of photos, tucked into files on the computer and found this one. It made me smile. You shared such satisfaction clearing this piece of land! You inspired me then and continue to inspire me today.

Clearing Land

My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living.
— Anais Nin

The Chapel

…a place where MAGIC happens!

Tag Archives: Strength

Rumble House: March 4, 2015

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Max Falls In!

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I Look to You

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