Amy Ropple - Make Art!
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November 23, 2020

11/23/2020

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With all that is going on in the big world right now, I haven't felt the presence of mind to write anything about my own little world. Every day brings new chaos Out There, and I try to stay in the eye of the storm here at home. My dog-babies are growing up and are everything I could have ever hoped for, and more. Ellie da Pug is hanging in there, too, though her years are catching up with her. I hope she makes it to her 15th birthday in January, and beyond, but I have to prepare myself for what will be a really hard day, and it could be any day. The birds are amazing and continue to brighten every morning with their voices and antics, even as they make an atrocious mess of their room. The cats have become really affectionate lately...and I wonder what they are plotting. Both are sleeping on my bed at night, and Theo woke me up at 2a.m. last night by kissing my cheek. I think they are plotting a special Thanksgiving dinner and he was having a taste! After all, no one would really know, would they? 

My status as a Leper has begun. We have had our first positive case of Covid at school, and while I was not in this person's "contact" group, I know it could happen again any day. I also know that we are fortunate to learn of the positive cases - that some families might not share that information, and exposure could be more common than we know. Therefore, I am keeping away from friends and family, and focusing on what I can enjoy and do.  So many of my friends are in the "very vulnerable" categories, and I would never forgive myself if I was the one to pass this nasty along. 

I've started a new large quilted piece and can't wait to get going on the stitching and beading steps. I need to be in my "happy place" again with stitch. I love the potential of a new piece and the mystery of the process as it unfolds. I can see where this one is going, but not all of it, so I have to be patient. I've been taking photos of my disorganized house again, and finding some neat compositions that would look great as oversized photos in an exhibit. The informal disorder captured with formal composition through the eye of the camera. I have enough material to work with for years! 

I am going to get back to work on setting up a little shop, too. If not on this website than on the dreaded Etsy. I have so many small ideas that need doing -- jewelry, neck pouches, small pieces, etc -- that I need to let myself make some and see if anyone would like them. I have done this on and off for years, mostly off because I have concentrated on bigger pieces of art.  As I am now a leper living alone, I should have the time! 

Thanksgiving will be different this year, for sure. For the first time in ages my pets will have me home for the day. It will be fun. I plan to clean out the kitchen cabinets and pantry, and make a pie. That ought to do it. Not a favorite day of mine for personal reasons, but we will get through it. Together as a 34 legged family (yes, I counted.) 

I miss my friends, and the laughter we had every Tuesday night as we made artwork, or pretended to make artwork. Covid has caused a great interruption in us getting together. I worry about them and hope that they are keeping themselves centered and okay. Having a group on Zoom just isn't the same.  I am grateful to be teaching and working with kids, though, as that keeps the creative pilot lit. 

Lately, I have become more aware politically and have shared articles on Facebook, which has also caused some disconnect with people I care about. I love all my libbie friends, and that will never change. I just don't like the philosophy of the Dems right now, for too many reasons to go into here. I am disappointed in others who put their hatred of a political candidate in front of friendship or family. I don't understand that kind of anger.  Life is too short.

So, life goes on, art goes on, the world's craziness goes on, as does Ellie's hour of repetitive barking every day at sundown. We do not know when or where this insane ride will end, and just have to put one foot in front of the other, every day. Even when it is painful to do so. To walk in such an unsure world takes bravery and strength for all of us. Every day.

​The great Mr. Difford sums up my state of mind beautifully, as always: 

Daisies and buttercups
Shadows from the sun
Innocence in Paradise
A time for everyone
Faith, mighty faith
The promise no one sees
The days pass so quickly
They will never wait for me


What is waiting? We all don't know. I hope everyone reading this is happy, healthy, and stays strong. Cheerio!



 

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    Amy Ropple is an artist and art educator who believes engaging in visual art can make life happier and more meaningful.  This blog is a daily journal of creative habits and interests, as well as reflections on living with chronic autoimmune disease. Website: http://amyropple.com

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