First, the inevitable has happened. This morning the Tobster took a bad fall down the big flight of stairs. I was encouraging him to take the first step by touching his collar, and before I could grip it he went for it, but missed the rhythm, and did an ungraceful waterslide-like maneuver down the entire flight. He was shaken, and gimpy for only a few minutes. I picked him up and snuggled him as I carried him to his kitchen bed (if you know Tobes, that isn't an easy task.) He got up and walked around, went out, and seems okay. Still, I'm sickened at the thought of what could happen. Might have to put gates at the stairs now, too. I am dedicated to giving this dog a "good finish" to life even though he's been a royal piece of trouble for a decade. He's been a dedicated to me unlike the other dogs, and needs me now more than he ever has. That's what having a dog is all about. When you take that puppy (or kitten, or bird) home, it's a promise.
The bunnies are still evident, but a little less visible. Except for last night when two little ones, about 6 weeks old or so, scampered across my back yard holding long grasses in their mouths. Tandem dancers. Precious exceptional bright white puffs on their bums. I tried to tell them that they should and could stay and finish their dinner, but they were off. Saturday night a friend brought over a very young orphaned bun (long story, but a legit orphan) and we tried to add it to the nest I have in my yard. It didn't nurse overnight, and she came and got it the next morning. Sadly, the tiny little fella or gal wasn't going to make it, so my friend took it home to be buried with it's siblings. By contrast, as we fished the little one out of the nest, I could check on the other buns and saw that they are plump, warm, and beautiful in their shallow earth bassinet. I will not say whether I snuck kisses onto one of the buns heads and little round bellies. It might have happened. It might not have. Can't. help. the. cuteness.
Beads. Oh, beads. I do not know what makes them so wonderful to me. As many as I have, and my GOD I have many, there are always new ones to find, or ones I know I just used up to replace. Joann's had a 70% off sale, including clearance. Strands for under a dollar. Really? Ones I use, too! Sigh. The temptation never ends. But, I do use them, and the more organized I get around here, the more likely I will use them more.
Over the past couple years my art spaces have turned jungle-like in their disorganization. I work with so many different techniques, and they overlap, so stuff just gets everywhere. Paints, papers, glues, drawing materials, fabrics (and stabilizers and batting), threads, yarns, beads, printing materials, fabric dyeing materials, and more have been happily breeding and getting nasty in my several dedicated art rooms. Add cats and their unique perspective on helping me organize, and it can get chaotic pretty quickly.
I am blessed to have such space and pray that my deceased parents aren't so horrified that they are cursing me on what their house has become! This summer has brought more energy to the scene, and bit by bit, it is getting better. I've established war zones for each material, and am getting through the messes as they are discovered. But, the process never seems to end, and one could just organize all day without actually making anything. That doesn't feel right in my heart of hearts, so finding balance is key. Yesterday I moved my old computer into the my main art room and it feels like a shrine to Amanda Palmer in one corner. Viva Art!
And summer vacation is just/only/already half way over. Will be going into the classroom soon. My classroom floor is done and is beautiful!
I remember growing up in Reading and having little to do in the summer. Being a creative kid I lived at the library and borrowed every stitching book they had, and learned so much. I kept busy, but really didn’t have much to do. I am so happy that parents on Facebook responded positively to having a pop up kids art class this summer and within a couple days it filled up! Yay! I miss the fun of kids making art and seeing their creativity and skill in action. A week long sketchbook class starts 7/31 and should be really fun! Thank you to all parents (and Grandparents, Pam!) who signed up their kids for what I hope will be a launchpad for personal creative time for the remainder of the summer. Maybe next year I’ll try this again...and add a second week dedicated to fiber art? Hmmm.
I love teaching and miss it over the summer!
Okay, today’s ramblings are over, my first two espressos are done. It is an overcast, cool morning, perfect for boring jobs like filing and laundry. Better get a move on or it will be 11 am before I know it. Cheers.