Don't You Wish For a Lazy Day?

Durer, "Young Hare," 1502 Watercolor

I very seldom get those days where I don't want to do anything except sit & read the latest novel. I really have too much to do to take much time off. Yet, today is one of those days, especially as it's been raining & thundering here in Taos, even a touch of sleet! Plus, we are heading into the Memorial Day weekend and that's a societal signal to slow down!
Memorial Day in Taos is interesting. It's a-buzz, literally, with bikers arriving from all over to attend the annual Memorial Day commemorative at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial up in Angel Fire. I live on the road to Angel Fire, so the buzz is constant. However, what is fun it is to see the parade of all the different varieties of bikes and biker outfits! What a colorful array! In 1968, local artist Dick Spas took a photo "Peter & Dennis - Easy Rider" at Taos Pueblo! (When they filmed part of the film here) The postcard is so popular at our local independent bookstore, Moby Dickens, where I work part time. So, bikers have a long history in Taos.
I'm learning, as an artist-writer, that we do have to take time off sometimes. It's where our creative juices have a chance to fill back up. Now, I'm the first to admit that I have more trouble with marking this kind of time in my calendar as there is always soooo very much to do, but I'm always glad when I do. Hey, maybe I'll take Memorial Day off, grill some portobello mushrooms, & just laze in my garden.
Before I even dared dream that I could be an artist, I took an art appreciation class at University of Hawaii & wrote a paper on Albrecht Durer. He's still a favorite of mine. I recently got a book, Classical Painting Atelier by Juliette Aristides as my MA program did not include classical training & I want to teach myself that aspect of art. My first exercise is to copy a Master, so I'm choosing Durer. I do admire his meticulous attention to detail as my own preferred style is more abstract! I'll let you know how I do with this.
Happy Memorial Day!

When Our Buttons Get Pushed

"Boat" 1998, 7 x 91/2 "
Craigie Aitchison

I haven’t done my blog in two weeks. (sad face) I thought it was due to lack of time; and it was as week before last I attended the SCBWI-NM conference in Albuquerque, then last week I was slammed with some freelance work, and also determined to carry on with my own novel and painting. In truth, however, I wasn’t facing a deeper hole of sadness at the brutal critique I received for my portfolio at the conference. There’s more all about that in my monthly newsletter, “There’s No Such Thing As Rejection.” Happily my coach at Jack Canfield coaching helped my out of this current prairie dog hole and gave me a great technique to help me when my old buttons get pushed. I'll share it with you in the newsletter, so look out for it in your e-mail. If you're not on my newsletter list, just e-mail me and I'll get you on straightaway!
I was disappointed to hear that Eric Maisel won’t be coming to Taos later this summer after all, however he is doing The Writers Telesummit at about the same time. And, you can attend from the comfort of your home! The Art of the Song hosts it. Go to http://www.telesummits.com/ for more details.
I discovered Craigie Atichison’s art last summer when I attended the Royal Academy Summer show in London with my friend Ellie. We had a grand time viewing the show, going down to the tea room for tea, viewing some more, and chatting up a storm. Since then, Ellie sent me a catalogue of Craigie’s work. What a wonderful, inspiring gift! I love the seeming simplicity of the work, yet if you apply the classic harmonic geometry principles to his paintings, he works like the old masters!
It’s raining here in Taos today, a rare treat and the birds and plants are in heaven. The arts and crafts fairs and Farmer’s Market have started up here. The rivers are flowing almost up to their banks with the spring run-off from the mountains, a lovely time of year! Have a wonderful rest of May, and may you receive deep inspiration!