When I was a little girl in the colorful classrooms at Woburn Street School, and then at Parker Junior High, I had no idea what life would bring. None. Never thought about it, really. Little did I know that so many years later I am blessed to be friends with kids from that era. The shared beginning has led to connections at this late point in life, and it is fascinating to me how because of these early memories, people can pick up where they left off, in a way. Teddie has led to two renewed friendships, and the BFF of my adulthood stemmed from my third grade classroom. Why is it that this shared experience, which is random when you think about it, can lead to trust and friendship forty years later? I am happy that it does. 

Getting excited to bring Teddie's puppy, Tessa, home in just three weeks! It will be an amazing experience to actually get to go down to PA to get her, and to meet her lovely breeder, not to mention her gorgeous parents. I can't wait! Anyone that doesn't think dogs matter has never walked in my shoes. Teddie has brought me so much hope and joy, it is remarkable. Never underestimate the power of a perfectly timed, perfectly behaved puppy. May Tessa be as wonderful. the breeder says she s even better, but I find that hard to believe. 

School vacation is upon me and I am facing a massive to-do list and a wicked pain flare up stemming from my back and from the RA. The new RA med is due tomorrow, but I have yet to have it arrive from the pharmacy (yet they've had over a month to get this going...smh) so I will have to go to the doc's office to get the shot. Not sure if it is working and just wears out at two weeks, or if this is just more trouble from my back. Hate to whine but this one is pretty miserable. Oh sciatica, joint pain, and neuropathy, you suck.  I think of what I WANT to do and what I CAN do, and the gap just widens. Feet are swollen like clown shoes, nerve pain in the toes is off the charts. Hard to tell what is causing what. Sigh. 

I will be working on the piece based on the Baldishol Tapestry for the Norway House Museum now. It is ready to go on my wall, but I can't seem to stand or sit enough to get deep with it. Maybe this week. I've decided to go with a section of the original, updated with digitally printed fabrics and lots of embellishment, and maybe dimensional birds leaving the flat space. Will be a challenge! Maybe today...maybe today.  Right now it hurts my legs and back to even breathe, if that is believable. Also, a seriously messy Gelli Print session is long overdue, and the Cricut is whimpering for attention, too. I really hope things get better so I can dig in and use this time for what I really WANT to be doing. 

Time to get the Limpy the Town Turkey memorial ideas organized, too. Looking forward to going through the ideas people shared and preparing a poll for all to take regarding the way forward. Will be interesting to see what people want to do! Lots of creative ideas out there. Not to mention the Limpy book I want to publish that will feature a dear friend's illustrations. Limpy, with all the headaches happening with town politics, we need you back. Reading made the national news again, this time for a ridiculously unpredictable comment made by a member of our select board. Bizarre to say the least.  It is going to be a long few weeks until the Select Board vote on March 3rd. People in Reading are angry.  I am confused by it and hate to think that there are people who are trying to manipulate local politics to promote their own political beliefs, rather than what is best for the town, but it seems like this is what is happening. Terrible. 

​Cheers! 

The other day I posted a photo of myself to this blog. Not sure if it will stay. Tim says I look to pensive, which is a kind word to use. I think I look tired and old...but wait...I AM tired and old! We shall see.  What a battle-axe. 

This morning I am listening to something that is truly amazing. Marc Almond's new album, Chaos and the Dancing Star, came out yesterday. I adore his work, but honestly haven't gotten too much out of his newest releases. Great work compared to so much else we hear today, but not as poignant and audibly delicious as he is capable of, vocally and lyrically. 

Man, this record blows my socks off. 

First couple songs had me almost in tears, beyond my control. Now THAT is music. He describes this album as a romantic view of the apocalyptic world we seem to be living in today. It is masterful. His lyrics are spot on, and he is singing so, so well. The album title is based on the Nietzche quote: 

"I say unto you: one must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star. I say unto you: you still have chaos in yourselves. Alas, the time is coming when man will no longer give birth to a star. Alas, the time of the most despicable man is coming, he that is no longer able to despise himself.

Isn't that the truth about art? When things are going well, sometimes meaningful art is elusive. When we live through times of stress, self-doubt, or challenge, and our internal stress increases, that energy translates to art. As my life has gotten easier in some ways and I have learned that I can not push my sick body 24/7 like I did for so many years (the years when I produced 8+ large pieces a year), I produce work more slowly. It is not less meaningful, if anything it is more reflective of that chaos. We all produce those dancing stars, don't we? 

Happy to say Reality and Other Obstacle Courses is now complete and sent off to my tutor for the City and Guilds course I am taking. This weekend I am glad to being making the next piece. I will be bathed in Marc's heavenly voice and sage interpretation of this thing called life as I embark on another creative journey. Around me will be a million things that need doing...the errands, chores, and mundane demands of life. Sing on my Muse, Marc Almond. Onward to another Dancing Star, despite the list that never stops growing. Cheers.