Katrina - or hell and the aftermath

I can barely stand to watch television and yet have difficulty staying away. Worse and worse. Our gratitude that our families and friends are safe is overwhelming, but our grief for those who have endured so much is a constant. Thanks to those of you who worried about us - north Louisiana is a paradise - our area around Shreveport / Bossier had no problems. Those in Mississippi who are just as far inland as we are - did have some damage, but nothing compares to what happened along the coast and to that lovely city, New Orleans.

Our twin cities of Shreveport / Bossier are full of refugees from the storm and the chaos. Walking around Walmart yesterday, I heard Cajun voices, highly unusual in our area, and saw carts full of batteries, flashlights, torches, ice chests, the bare necessities of survival, and items for cleanup. Heartbreaking. But I've heard that the shelters here have been wonderful, and the schools in our two parishes are admitting children daily and for the duration. People are being remarkably generous in every way. My best friend and her family are safe and staying with her mother. She is grateful for having a place to go, fresh water, commodes that flush, air conditioning... We visited for about four hours today, but talked remarkably little about what had happened. She played with Mila and visited with Erin, and we talked about so many other things- gardens, family, friends, books.

No point is served by my dwelling on all of the terrible conditions that will haunt our three states for months and years to come, the television is enough and almost too real.

Katrina - still creating havoc

Erin's house in Baton Rouge escaped serious damage, but the house next door was the recipient of quite a few examples of tree invasion. Erin got in last night about 11:00, and Eric was on his way to Jackson yesterday afternoon, but we haven't heard from him. Their cell phones only say, "All circuits busy" - quite understandable since their area code is 225. I was unable to get in touch all Sat. or Sun., but she managed to call a couple of times on a land line to let us know she was fine. I was so glad that I brought Mila home with me...at least we knew she was safe and that made things a little easier for Erin and Eric.

Now, we are waiting on word from Eric who probably has encountered wind damage, etc. in Jackson where the power was out yesterday.
(have now heard from Eric - no electricity or gasoline in Jackson, but he's fine)

I'm just so thankful that our loved ones escaped the brunt of the storm and that Chris St. Pierre's family are so good about evacuating. Susie and Bobby and their kids are safe; she is at her mother's in Shreveport, so I'll get to visit with her for awhile. Maybe as long as 6 weeks. Our thoughts are with all those who are suffering the effects of this horrific storm and with those who are providing aid and support.

Simple Still Life

Just returned from Jackson on Friday night, bringing granddaughter Mila home with me. Things have been very busy, and I didn't realize it was time to post the Simple Still Life. I had a draft that was just waiting for the date, so check below for my version of the SSL.

SSL

I'm going to use this draft as a place to record the Simple Still Life process, but won't post until later. I'm not sure if the idea is to post as we complete or wait until closer to the deadline.

Debated about technique. Intended to piece, fuse, or applique in original ruminations on the subject. The idea of dealing with so many leaves and with the shiny candlestick and shoe presented stumbling blocks. Ideas percolated and surfaced and nothing really caught my interest. Then I noticed some of my lovely wool and realized I had some of the important colors for the still life photo. Hmmmm.

Took a scrap piece of felt, green wools, and began needle felting. After some time passed, it began to look like leaves and shadows. Put in white for transparent glass ball, a little gold to represent candlestick, very faint, not recognizable. Omitted everything else in photo and just went with leaves, ball, background. Improving...liked the colors.

When I finished the needlefelting, the piece appealed to me. Quilted the piece with a musling backing. Added another backing. Auditioned bindings and liked the same black and white I used for Startled. Finished applying the binding and the contrast is nice.


8/9/05

This is the finished version. I wanted a wavy border, but didn't make the waves deep enough.

Below is a detail.

Off to Jackson

in the morning to help with Mila while Erin and Eric finish moving, work, go to N.O., and so on. Have my Mapquest directions, my library books, new quilt ready to bind and bead. I'll probably be too busy to do anything, but I'd rather be prepared.

Fee isn't coming in tonight, but said he'd call in the morning to make sure I don't oversleep. Since I want to be on the road by 8:00 or 8:30, if he calls be 6:30, I should be fine.

More artifacts.

doll heads

I started these in February and abandoned them
for other projects. Never even sanded the moon
face. Made from
paperclay.

Moon face doesn't photograph too well.

Pictures

New hats and a small quiltlet from discharged fabrics.

Postcards for swap -finished!

My postcards for the swap are finished (except for addressing, etc.), and I'm relieved to have these done.

Working on ATP's for that swap. Basics are completed, just doing some beading.

Have been working on new postcards and quilted a small piece from discharged fabric.

Still have not returned to the quilt for the quilt swap, but soon, soon.

My list of projects "to do" continues to outpace my completed projects.

Life after 50

On a doll list, I wondered about how many women experienced a creative surge after turning 50. Using that date as a marker is somewhat artificial, but does seem to be an appropriate, if approximate, plateau for many to begin assessing what is important in their lives. Often by this age, people are about finished with the most pressing needs of family and career and find themselves with more time and energy to devote to something else.

In response, some replied that a serious illness or physical problem influenced their need to create. Using the creative process as a means of healing is becoming a standard part of therapy in some cases. I read recently that knitting provided many of the same benefits of yoga - and I certainly believe that.

Art therapy, which was discussed on the QA list, has always seemed to me a wonderful and rewarding career - beneficial to everyone involved. Art (including, maybe especially, drama and dance) has been used to help turn around problem adolescent behavior. Seems like common sense, doesn't it?

Creativity isn't limited to the arts and there are many outlets that allow people to enter that "zone" or "flow" that suspends time, offers one challenge after another, give the opportunity for problem solving, process, and product (tangible or intangible).

I'm interested in all aspects of creativity, and I know that I made some conscious decisions shortly after turning 50 that have evolved and transformed from the original decisions, but have improved the quality of my life.

More items discovered (where they don't belong)

As I continued to clean last night, I found more things to return to collage boxes. I've stuffed things into little boxes and stuffed little boxes into whatever space was available at the time.

I love the little thread container which has

Everybody's Friend
BOOTH'S
February, 1924

engraved on the side. The metal box is from Elgin Watch Co.

I'm cleaning up the sewing room, Mother, where you noted that Laddie's collecting and cluttering habits must be genetically ingrained. :)

The problem is that the more I try to straighten and organize, the more artifacts/junk keeps piling up without having a specified place to go. What I have done looks pretty good, though, considering the limitations of storage. "Must continue," I mutter, sneezing from the dust.

Items found in organization attempt

Fleamarket miscellanea (watch part, mah jong pieces, old match book, tintype, old ink wells, tickets to the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (WWI), one white leather glove - there should be two, but where is the mate?)



And found natural items, which I put in plastic bags and store in assorted places where I can't find them. Oak gall, lotus pod (where did this come from?), lovely bark, wasp nest, fuzzy seed pods, lichen, Chinese Tallow seeds... All necessary items. Right?

Process

Just read Frances' of Island Threads post on process and the comments in response. I love discussion on process and the different approaches each individual has.

My attempts at planning fall by the wayside, and whatever emerges is almost organic, kind of layer by layer. Because I don't have much of a knowledge base, I am learning by doing, by making mistakes. Nor does thinking too hard appeal to me...seems like work. On the other hand, there is thinking going on even when I'm away from the piece, I just call it daydreaming.

All of which reminds me of Roethke's villanelle:

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

Swaps and challenges

Right now I've committed myself to 4 projects with various due dates and requests not to post pictures until ____. I've been trying to discover my overall view of these swaps and challenges.

Oh, I could list (I am a listoholic...making, not necessarily following) the pros and cons. There's an original concept.

Pro
1. Deadlines. These force me to get busy and do something.

2. Rules. These simplify the decision making process. I'm a debater, delayer, evader, avoider, distracter, procrastinator, ditherer..."should I do this or that?" I waste a lot of energy!

3. I love some of the ideas. The Simple Still Life challenge, for example, gives the opportunity to see the varied interpretations and techniques inspired by one photograph. One point of take off, but journeys and destinations all different. Can't wait to see the finished products from all of the participants. Anticipation is good. Lots of leeway in this project, but still a unifying element.

4. Requirements such as a given theme, size, or technique force me to expand my thinking about not only that particular project, but other works, as well. How to approach a given theme in a creative way (I need some of your techniques here, Thomas) that emphasizes elements of the theme that may not be readily apparent... the new twist. Trying projects that are out of your normal "size range" - working larger or smaller. Experimenting with new techniques that you might not get around to without some instigation is also a lasting benefit. Whether the technique is a fit or not, it helps keep you flexible.

5. In swaps, I love the idea of having the opportunity to own someone else's work. The postcards, ATC's, ATP's, art quilts, etc.

6. Communication with others who have the same interests.

Cons
1. Deadlines. Hate 'em.
2. Rules, regulations, requirements. I want to do things my way!
3. Stress of having the projects hanging over my head.
4. If the swap commitments aren't done, I can't play with my other projects. Or if I do, I can't enjoy them as much.

Conclusion: Like everything else I enjoy, there are aspects that are annoying, rules to be followed, deadlines to meet, decisions to be made. Rules and deadlines also apply to things I despise. What else is new? For me, right now at least, these swaps and challenges provide stimulation and creative inspirations that are fun and rewarding. *Note that some of the con's are the same as the pro's.

I've just signed up for the 4th swap, and I'm afraid of getting snowed under - which is what let to this post.

I've take Rayna's advice on the quilt swap project and removed it from the wall, placing all possible embellishments, threads, etc. with it in a box. In a few days, I'll take it out again and make some decisions -- right or wrong. This is one I wish I could post and get advice on, but that is against the rules.

Postcard Swap Process

8-9-05

This is a draft that I will publish 2 weeks after mailing postcards in September.
After deliberating over several ideas (which I may try out after completing this set), the black/ white/ red abstract idea has begun taking effect.

I need 9 postcards for the swap and wanted to have some continuity in design or motif, but not identical cards. So the color motif is my first attempt, partly because I really like the black and white fabrics and wanted to play with them. The red is the added zing, but I think a lime green (if I had enough) would also be good with the black and white.

Having done no sewing for several days, I was determined to get started. Although they are not supposed to be mailed until at least September or posted for 2 weeks after mailing, it seemed a good way to get busy and also would take one project that is hanging over my head out of the oppressive ether and into the real world (where it may actually be completed).

I have 2 more to make, then they all will have to be quilted, embellished, backed, bound, etc.

August 11

I have finished the fronts of all 9 cards, quilted them, and trimmed them to size! Now... what about embellishments? I've already spent so much time on them, whatever I do won't be much...maybe a few beads. Still have to do the backs and finish the edges.

She gave Mac his toy, then proceeded to stick flags all over him. 

She loved the yardstick; perfect for sword fighting.

She discovered 2 dowels that were hidden behind the door. 

Busy, busy, busy...Our Mila

It has been a wonderful weekend with our Mila; I'm catching my breath now, but just watching her can wear me out because she goes full-steam-ahead about everything. She tried on some of my hats, and I got some cute pictures. She and Mac had a great time.

Erin and Eric came in Saturday night. Amelia and Chris joined us all for a late lunch today, and Mother and Laddie came to visit with their granddaughters (and significant others) and their great granddaughter. Wonderful!

Our Mila is coming for a visit today. Fee says she looks like me; Mother thinks she looks like Eric, her dad. I just think she is wonderful.

Tradescantia and Jacobinia 

Butterfly bush - not buddleigha - named for shape of flower 

Pink salvia - hummingbird favorite 

Salvia and Purple Ruffles 

Simple Still Life challenge, Quiltswap, pc swap

I've been working on this challenge for a couple of days, and since the rules are so flexible, I'm liking it. If the rules were rigid, I'd have to start over because there is little resemblance to the original photo. At first, it seemed very difficult, but eventually, I decided on a technique and began experimenting. As previously noted, the freedom allowed in the challenge makes my piece OK. Have finished the design and the quilting now. Decided on backing and shape, but have a few questions about what I want to do next and have put it aside now while I make up my mind. Only one entry is up, and there is still plenty of time left.

Have tried a couple of times to put the Simple Still Life logo on my blog, but when I do, it moves everything else, so I've had to remove it each time.

I've also begun taking some photos for the next phase, in which we create our own photo from which to develop our designs. This aspect is fun as well, and I've got a few more ideas I want to try.

The project for the Quilt Swap has been up on my wall for a good while now. Instead of aiding in my decision making process, the darn thing has become invisible. I tend to completely forget about it.

I'm also involved in the postcard swap hosted by Lisa of Musings of a Procrastinator Extraordinaire and am looking forward to this swap, but have done nothing on this project yet.

dentist, Appalachian Spring, titles, rabbits, etc.

Dental appointment this morning. Not the best way to start one's day, but my dentist is great and so is everyone who works in his office.

Took forever to get home because of road work, but I didn't mind much because NPR was playing "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copeland. If I could have danced professionally, that would have been the one thing I'd have loved to perform in; the music and the choreography and the costumes...just lovely beyond words.

Titles have been discussed on QA recently, and I enjoyed reading all of the comments. Titles are difficult for me, despite the fact that I find the titles of others' work one of the crucial aspects. The stories behind quilts also provide interest - and reading about what goes on as the artist creates adds to my pleasure. In my own work, stuff just kind of materializes. I may actually have a sketch, but what turns out is often so different that no one would be able to associate the original sketch with the final product. Mary M commented on my latest experiment, and I had no backstory at all. Until I sewed on the stars, I was puzzling over the grim expression on the character, then decided that the expression had to do with his/her surprise at finding the stars migrating to (or from) his/her hand. The androgyny of the character also puzzles me. I intended a female form, but what resulted is definitely ambiguous. Maybe that is one reason the piece became burdensome, it had no direction or help from me. I need to consult with Fee on some of my work since his imagination and facility with language could help. Several years ago, I used some of his tiny poems for mail art which was fun and could be a source of some small pieces.

Rabbits. I used to love Peter Rabbit and his adventures with the "awful" Mr. McGregor. My sympathies have certainly changed in the last few years as the rabbits in our neighborhood, and most importantly - my garden, have multiplied exponentially. Another hyacinth bean vine hangs detached from its roots and slowly drying out. Our dogs are useless. Mac loves to go bounding after a rabbit, but it is purely exercise. The Have-a-Heart trap yielded no results and with the numbers climbing so quickly, I'd need dozens of traps...if they worked.

Startled!

Finished quilting and binding. Added stars. Is it done yet? Probably. Got really tired of this piece.