Got Me a New Pair of Shoes!

'Just Do It' as the box suggests, well I did. I have been wearing my almost white Nikes for close to 9 years and this weekend was my moment! ha My old shoes have been good to me... feel like soft pillows but because I stand so much when I am working...it is time to get a little more support. There was a lot to pick from and I was surprised at how much bright silver and color combinations are now in athletic shoes.. This pair has an air cushion heel and the trim is gray patent leather. They feel great and I'm sure I will get the support I need.

Movies this week: 'Crazy Heart' and Netflix choice is an oldie "Brazil" with Robert De Niro. We are watching it as a way of a refresher into the same creator of "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in which Tom Waits plays the Devil....what fun! With an occasional sprinkling of a NBA Warriors Basketball game,
our TV time is booked.

Almost finished with 'Wings'...it has been such a challenge. I think I'll 'chalk' it up to learning, re-learning the elements of soft pastel...no easy trick! ha

On My LivingRoom Wall

Canvas, acrylic 50"x54" by artist Mike Vigil. He is from an artists family...his father was a well known Southwestern artist Veloy Vigil and he has a brother Dan who also paints.

Years ago in my late 30's and into my 40's I wore all black, carried a journal constantly , drank quarts of espresso and met with other artists in coffeehouses all over town. I was taking classes , workshops and had rented my first studio space, My children were in school which allowed me the time to explore my art making and begin to build a career. I was always visiting museums and galleries. One winter our family vacationed in Scottsdale, Arizona where we visited more galleries. My husband saw this painting and really liked it...said it reminded him of me? I liked it as well and he bought it and had it shipped home. I love owning this piece and it holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the last gifts I received from my husband as he past away shortly thereafter. I mostly keep it on the living room wall but sometimes move it to another room. I never get tired of it and love the colors...turquoise etc... I've had difficulty photographing it in this winter light but the colors are true only brighter in better light.

I've put aside my 'wings' painting and living with it...I think there will be yet another small change. Yesterday I began another large piece and so it begins again. I am writing and drawing and letting it all evolve...the search is on! ha

This afternoon, my friend Florie is visiting...bringing some decaf Chai and I'm supplying the lemon pie. We need to visit and keep up with one another so this will be perfect. We usually meet at a coffeehouse (old habits die hard, I rarely go to coffeehouses... still wear my black!) but it is cold and rainy so we are keeping it in-house!

Pastel addition to 'Wings'

Almost impossible to post without a photo, so this is a section of the 'wing' that I've been working on. Actually I've been adding the pastel and at the same time resolving shapes and composition. This is a BIG surface and I'm committed to two more. Somehow I have a feeling at the end of these three I will have just begun...isn't that the way it works? While I've been working the word Mercy has been strong for me...the dictionary gave several definitions "relief of suffering' and 'kindness beyond expectation' are two that have touched me the most.

Like everyone, I've been troubled by photos of Haiti. I'm not sure if I've done much good but I have donated to Doctors Without Borders as I see the needs right now to be greatest in helping the injured.

Last night I watched some of the Golden Globe award show. The girlie girl part of me finds it difficult to miss a red carpet with beautiful designed dresses. I wasn't disappointed although I was disappointed in the severe swept back hairstyles. The big moment for me was seeing Jeff Bridges accept his award. I've been on his blog (no I'm not a stalker!ha)to check out his take on the filming of Crazy Heart. I so like his down to earth play and humor!