Tuesday, April 21, 2015

A Reboot

A bit of a break was necessary. It's strange when you blog for several years- when you have a corner blog that a few people follow... you end up feeling a bit of a slave to it, even though it ought to be something you love. So when my computer started acting 'funny' it was a bit of a relief to not be able to blog.

I will be more measured in my pacing.  And I will write more. I'm starting to miss my art terribly- even though I'm not really set up for it at the moment. The move back to the Pacific Northwest really changed the landscape of my life in many ways- notably, no art space, at least not in the winter. The only space I have right now is a semi-finished garage, which is finally getting warm enough to use. And has boxes everywhere...

I no longer feel the ache in my bones from living in the desert. I am a forest soul, not really able to live well in the desert. I could change my palette from the deep dark greens and purples and blues of forest and mountains to the dusty tans and greys and pale blues of the desert.  But I could not change my soul. I am contented.

I will post something about once a week. That's a pattern that's not too pushy. 

Here's to doing art for it's own sake.  Nothing special. Just what is needed as part of the human condition.

JAS

Monday, January 5, 2015

Snow hiking




My first winter hike where crampons were required.  It is not clear from this photo how steep the mountain is, except I can tell you I came down it on my hands and knees at points. This was one of the most fun hikes I've done.  Highly recommended. Gold stars!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

The Enchanted Forest



Winter in the Pacific NW

It's raining. White circles gleam in the low, winter light as the drops hang heavily from the holly leaves on the tree outside of my window. The surface of the leaves are shiny, waxed looking. It does not look as bitingly cold as I know it is- a cold that can only come from cold rain, humidity that pierces to the bone.  In the distance the Douglas fir trees are swaying gently, a sign of intense winds above. I'm about to don gear and wander out into the winter.  The outdoors are not convenient here, as they are in the high desert of northern Nevada. Now every piece of outdoor gear has to be carefully selected and gauged. But I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Have a fabulous 2015!

JAS