Building blocks

I'm definitely ready for spring. At the same time, I am starting to take more concrete steps toward the changes in my life this year. My last child is graduating from college in May, and as I've mentioned before, I will "retire" from my current day job in July. I have been busily soaking up input from other artists, taking a lot of pictures of people and places I encounter, and experimenting with new (to me) techniques in my art.

When I think about "retirement" (which I keep enclosing in quotes because I won't really retire), I am excited at the possibilities and the opportunities that will be available. For the first time in years I will have the luxury of time. While I don't expect to be able to do everything I want to do, it will be a joy to do more than I can now.

If you have checked out my blog more than once, you might notice that I added some information to my profile. It is one of the first steps in those concrete steps I mentioned above. I realized that I needed to identify what my artwork is about. It also reflects some of the work I've done to determine what I need to do to make a difference in the world. I'm still working on the total picture, but at least, I have decided how it affects my art.

Life is good.

Getting Creative Juices Flowing

My local quilt guild hosted Mickey Depre this week for a lecture and a workshop. Because she also lives in northern Illinois, we were able to see 15 of her quilts up close. Her joyous style and vibrant colors make her work a real treat for me.

The workshop, in which she taught "Friends in High Places," was long enough and small enough to allow everyone to benefit from individual attention. It made the day, while tiring for me, a very good one. Unfortunately, I did not fulfill her hope that I would not have another UFO. However, I am planning to finish the project as a gift for the babies.

I hope that you find ways to get your creative juices flowing.

Until next time, peace . . . .

Snow Days

Since I live in northern Illinois, I was one of "fortunate" people who experienced heavy snow and winds this last week. On Wednesday, all of my family members had a snow day. It was unusual for all of us to be home and feeling so relaxed. Since we had no obligations for the day, we were able to do whatever we felt like doing -- without guilt!

Early in the morning, I decided to try taking some pictures of the blizzard. To my surprise, a rabbit decided to pose for me. It appeared to be trying to find a warmer place to wait out the storm. Since the rabbits don't usually come through until dusk, it was quite unusual.

I did have an opportunity to spend some time quilting, and begin to do some serious thinking about what I will do after I "retire" from the day job. It is my hope that I will be able to begin selling my artwork, again. Simultaneously, I have a deep desire to "make a difference" in some way. I want to get more involved in social justice issues, again, but haven't yet decided where or how I would be most effective.

Is there an issue that is close to your heart? How would you or do you make a difference? How would you or did you decide what to do?