little studies

Over the past few months and again now that I have a bit more time, I've been working on some studies for a series I want to start.

I am often drawn to and enjoy making small, intimate works using various media.

I love using texture and non-traditional applications in my pieces---

especially repurposed materials.

arcade fire

I love music. I wouldn't mind learning to play most every instrument there is. Accomplishing this goal will require a lot of work on my part. My own musicianship is limited to my early departure from a 5th grade strings program and some brief experimentation with various instruments---none of which I practiced enough to play even moderately well. I think our "family band" practice ended quite abruptly---and has never been repeated because of my less-than-stellar performance on percussion. I would like to be a multi-talented musician and maybe when I am, my favorite band will invite me to joing them on stage. If you don't know of this delightful group, check them out---they just might end up being your favorite too!

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

master gardeners

We planted a small raised bed this year. If successful gardening could be based solely on enthusiasm, our garden would flourish.

Sam has already mapped out the new raised bed plans he has for our large-scale gardening adventure. My mother-in-law loaned us her beloved copy of:

Now that Sam has read "the manual" cover-to-cover and is convinced that we will be(excuse me, already are) master gardeners, I am trying to figure out what we will do with our great harvest. This inevitably leads to a discussion about canning, freezing and drying. I would like to make it clear that while I am absolutely open to the idea of the hard work that will be required, I am terrified of canning, pressure cookers---who isn't? While there are some valid reasons for my fears, generally they are irrational. I think I am going to need some training/counseling to overcome my them. I am going to look into our local extension agency---occasionally they offer classes on these topics. For now, I am off to find the recipe that my Mama Dietz used to make a delightful freezer soup---tomatoes, corn, ocra, onion, a ton of black pepper. . .

new pendant in the works

I have been working on this pendant idea for a while now. I have a few challenges to work out with this pendant design but I think I'm a little bit in love with it and will be sending them out to some deserving friends to check out.

The past few months have brought about some clarity regarding some big decisions for me! I am excited about the prospects of a graduate program that I am applying for---hopeful that all will work out so that I can start classes in a couple of months. I am ready for a new challenge in regards to my career. I am not planning to leave teaching, however I want to pursue a degree that will give me a little more flexibility and the opportunity to revisit my own goals as a student. This MLA program is more of an independent, self-guided degree that would allow me to have the autonomy that I enjoy and do some research that I have been wanting to pursue for some time now. I should know within the next couple of months.

I am a little ashamed to admit that I've had a bit of panic after my little "turning 39 freakout" what with having so much left to accomplish and all. I am a bit perturbed by the fact that I am so motivated by a number but the truth is, I've been getting a lot accomplished!