Island Wisdom

Some visuals while traveling to the island today....

Staycation

Preparations for a return to Lopez entails the usual list, although sometimes unwritten, of errands and packing.  I definitely need to get to the chiropractor before I go, have my last session with the physical therapist, pick up a few items at both the grocery store and pharmacy, and decide what weaving and beading projects to take with me.  Then I need to water the house and outdoor plants (although my husband does take good care of them while I am gone).  The computer and what work to take with me is next..... and finally some clothes would be good (I don't yet have a full set of "island" clothes that remain there).  Ah yes, and double-checking the list I did make before I left the island the last time, to remember to bring up on the next trip.

 

Am I complaining?  Not at all.  Anticipation, preparation, packing, and planning are all part of the adventure and delight....not just of going to the island but also of vacations.  Anticipation is at least half of the fun....but even better in this case, because it's more of a "staycation"!  (I don't think the delight of the island well ever, ever leave me.)

 

 

Inspiring Work

Visiting with Dorothy McGuinness yesterday was totally inspiring.  I got to see, and hold, some of her newer pieces.  Her work in paper (carefully hand painted water color paper and cut into thin strips) is absolutely amazing.  http://dorothymcguinnessbasket.com/

I'm blessed to call her friend.

Slower & Simpler - Time to Think About Never

One of the basic tenets of a slower and simpler life is to have the time to actually think about things on a deeper level.  The following article has made me aware of my own speech, of how and when I use the word "never".  Keeping a list of my "nevers" has been quite enlightening...not that I'm tossing them all out, but trying to challenge them, notice them, think about them.  Certainly an on-going process.

Always Challenge Your Never

because there is joy and freedom in knowing your true potential

Whenever you say “never”, and it’s probably more than you think, pay attention to your never statement.

Never discounts possibility, change, growth and ultimate happiness. Even when you say, “never say never”, that usually amounts to “not in this lifetime”. Never is a defense mechanism, a suit of armor and a dream crusher. Never robs us of better health, work, love and happiness. Never keeps us comfortable and complacent.

There are occasional never statements that are sound and logical, especially when they protect you from destructive behavior. Aside from that, most never statements are simply self-limiting beliefs.

What’s Your Never?

I could never be debt free.

I could never quit my job.

I will never give up meat/sugar/bread/insert favorite food.

I could never start my own business.

I will never leave this town.

I could never give up ___________________.

I will never try ______________________.

I will never change ________________ .

If self-imposed nevers aren’t bad enough, we also assume nevers for everyone around us. They will never support my decision. He will never change. She will never say yes. They will never think I’m cool/talented/good enough.

Never statements go on and on, but generally fall into 3 categories:

1. What you think you could never do or accomplish.

2. What you think you would never give up or change.

3. What you think others could never do, accomplish, give up or change.

What if never statements are really part of our bucket list? What if nevers are what we want most, but because we don’t want to be hurt, or fail or expose ourselves to disappointment, we keep them in the never file?

Leaving our nevers in neverland is the omission of opportunity.

We deserve to challenge our nevers. We should at the very least experience a taste of our never so we can make a fact-based decision on whether it should be left behind or become an ever to change our lives, and inform our work.

In life and work, it is our responsibility and inherent right to challenge our nevers and discover what we want most, learn how we can contribute better and live magnificent lives.

Challenge nevers. Risk failure. Lean in. Everything will be ok. Better, even.

 

https://medium.com/architecting-a-life/ba9dbb53648a

So Many Choices

After this short hiatus  (filled with visiting grandkids, cleaning the house, sorting the studio, packing for the next trip to Lopez, beading, learning new beading techniques, and reconnecting with old friends), I'm finally feeling the need again to weave.  Sometimes I just need that break - a time of renewal.

So it is with some eagerness, and a clean workspace, I want to work on a piece that I started a couple months ago but has been languishing because of my attention to preparations for teaching classes and working on the inventory for the studio tour.

Ah, but first a visit to the Seattle Scottish Highland Games with my husband (dressed in his kilt) beckons....oh yes, and then to the bead store with my daughter....

Well, I thought I was almost ready to start weaving....life can get so complicated...there are so many wonderful choices!

A Life Coach - or at Least the Right Questions

When I wrote about living your passion a few days ago, I had no idea of the responsive chord it would hit in my readers.  Wow!  So as a follow-up, and in the interest of full disclosure, I do want to share that although I live my life intensely, there was a time that I felt that I needed additional assistance.

I found a life coach, and working with her definitely helped me to get to where I am today.  If you choose try this tack, I encourage you to interview several to help you choose someone that resonates with you.  The financial investment in working with a coach was the best money I ever spent.

There are also several books out there about life coaching, do-it-yourself style.  Sometimes it may be as simple as reading the right question that could be a turning point in your life.  And of course, the internet is full of articles and blogs by life coaches.  However, from my own experience, it is very helpful to have someone (a life coach, a friend) to whom you need to be accountable for working on this - with deadlines!

We owe it to ourselves to let live our lives to the fullest - whatever that may look for each of us.  To me, that is the key to living passionately.

Awaiting Another New Beading Book

Looking back over my blog for this past year, I realize that I've already shared about several beading books.  However, as I sit here this morning, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new book today, it only seems right in posting about it.  So why don't I blog about basketry books?  Maybe because my weaving has taken a different track and what I'm interested in weaving isn't in any books.  Beading, however, is something else, especially when it involves 3-D creations and vessels. So I'm eagerly anticipating my pre-publication copy!

 

Overview

Beaders will rejoice in this long-awaited new collection from world-famous teacher and designer Marcia DeCoster. DeCoster has devised 24 stunning beadwoven jewelry projects that showcase dynamism and movement—from a simple drop that swings from chains to elaborate pieces with intricate components that spin around a core of beads or along a beaded base. They're playful, delightful, and inspirational!  Publication date: 8/6/2013

Living My Passion

So many friends have shared with me how lucky I am to be living my passion, from living on Lopez Island to my life of teaching, weaving, beading, and creating.   As they near their retirement years, quite a few of them are almost dreading this next phase of their life, because they have not found their passion.

The following article may not have all of the answers, but it just might provide the spark for someone earnestly seeking to find what excites them.  I offer it here so others may rejoice each day, as I do, to live what they love.  It is also a sound reminder for me to be thankful and realize how blessed I am to love my life and what I do.  My natural inclination has always been to live life to the fullest (thank you Auntie Mame), which certainly has helped in this endeavor.  But I encourage everyone to stretch a bit, stop worrying about failure, and open yourself to passionate living.

The Short but Powerful Guide to Finding Your Passion

--by Leo Babauta, syndicated from zenhabits.net, Feb 05, 2012

“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” - Arnold Toynbee

 

Following your passion can be a tough thing. But figuring out what that passion is can be even more elusive.

 

I’m lucky — I’ve found my passion, and I’m living it. I can testify that it’s the most wonderful thing, to be able to make a living doing what you love.

 

And so, in this little guide, I’d like to help you get started figuring out what you’d love doing. This turns out to be one of the most common problems of many Zen Habits readers — including many who recently responded to me on Twitter.

 

This will be the thing that will get you motivated to get out of bed in the morning, to cry out, “I’m alive! I’m feeling this, baby!”. And to scare your family members or anyone who happens to be in yelling distance as you do this.

 

This guide won’t be comprehensive, and it won’t find your passion for you. But it will help you in your journey to find it.

Here’s how.

 

1. What are you good at? Unless you’re just starting out in life, you have some skills or talent, shown some kind of aptitude. Even if you are just starting out, you might have shown some talent when you were young, even as young as elementary school. Have you always been a good writer, speaker, drawer, organizer, builder, teacher, friend? Have you been good at ideas, connecting people, gardening, selling? Give this some thought. Take at least 30 minutes, going over this question — often we forget about things we’ve done well. Think back, as far as you can, to jobs, projects, hobbies. This could be your passion. Or you may have several things. Start a list of potential candidates.

 

2. What excites you? It may be something at work — a little part of your job that gets you excited. It could be something you do outside of work — a hobby, a side job, something you do as a volunteer or a parent or a spouse or a friend. It could be something you haven’t done in awhile. Again, think about this for 30 minutes, or 15 at the least. If you don’t, you’re probably shortchanging yourself. Add any answers to your list.

 

3. What do you read about? What have you spent hours reading about online? What magazines do you look forward to reading? What blogs do you follow? What section of the bookstore do you usually peruse? There may be many topics here — add them to the list.

 

4. What have you secretly dreamed of? You might have some ridiculous dream job you’ve always wanted to do — to be a novelist, an artist, a designer, an architect, a doctor, an entrepreneur, a programmer. But some fear, some self-doubt, has held you back, has led you to dismiss this idea. Maybe there are several. Add them to the list — no matter how unrealistic.

 

5. Learn, ask, take notes. OK, you have a list. Pick one thing from the list that excites you most. This is your first candidate. Now read up on it, talk to people who’ve been successful in the field (through their blogs, if they have them, or email). Make a list of notes of things you need to learn, need to improve on, skills you want to master, people to talk to. Study up on it, but don’t make yourself wait too long before diving into the next step.

 

6. Experiment, try. Here’s where the learning really takes place. If you haven’t been already, start to do the thing you’ve chosen. Maybe you already are, in which case you might be able to skip to the next step or choose a second candidate to try out. But if you haven’t been, start now — just do it. It can be in the privacy of your own home, but as quickly as possible, make it public however you can. This motivates you to improve, it gets you feedback, and your reputation will improve as you do. Pay attention to how you feel doing it — is it something you look forward to, that gets you excited, that you love to share?

 

7. Narrow things down. I recommend that you pick 3-5 things from your list, if it’s longer than that, and do steps 5 & 6 with them. This could take month, or perhaps you’ve already learned about and tried them all out. So now here’s what you need to ask yourself: which gets you the most excited? Which of these can produce something that people will pay for or get excited about? Which can you see yourself doing for years (even if it’s not a traditional career path)? Pick one, or two at the most, and focus on that. You’re going to do the next three steps with it: banish your fears, find the time, and make it into a career if possible. If it doesn’t work out, you can try the next thing on your list — there’s no shame in giving something a shot and failing, because it’ll teach you valuable lessons that will help you to be successful in the next attempt.

 

8. Banish your fears. This is the biggest obstacle for most people – self-doubt and fear of failure. You’re going to face it and banish it. First, acknowledge it rather than ignoring or denying it. Second, write it down, to externalize it. Third, feel it, and be OK with having it. Fourth, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Usually it’s not catastrophic. Fifth, prepare yourself for doing it anyway, and then do it. Take small steps, as tiny as possible, and forget about what might happen — focus on what actually is happening, right now. And then celebrate your success, no matter how small.

 

9. Find the time. Don’t have the time to pursue this passion? Make the time, dammit! If this is a priority, you’ll make the time — rearrange your life until you have the time. This might mean waking earlier, or doing it after work or during lunch, or on weekends. It will probably mean canceling some commitments, simplifying your work routing or doing a lot of work in advance (like you’re going on a vacation). Do what it takes.

 

10. How to make a living doing it. This doesn’t happen overnight. You need to do something, get good at it, be passionate about it. This could take months or years, but if you’re having fun, that’s what’s most important. When you get to the point where someone would pay you for it, then you’re golden — there are many ways to make a living at that point, including doing freelance or consulting work, making information products such as ebooks, writing a blog and selling advertising. In fact, I recommend you do a blog if you’re not already — it’ll help solidify your thinking, build a reputation, find people who are interested in what you do, demonstrate your knowledge and passion.

 

I told you this wouldn’t be easy. It’ll require a lot of reflection and soul-searching, at first, then a lot of courage and learning and experimentation, and finally a lot of commitment.

 

But it’s all worth it — every second, every ounce of courage and effort. Because in the end, you’ll have something that will transform your life in so many ways, will give you that reason to jump out of bed, will make you happy no matter how much you make.

 

I hope you follow this guide and find success, because I wish on you nothing less than finding your true passion.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius

---

Leo Babauta is the founder of the popular Zen Habits Blog. This post is shared here with permission. More from Leo on DailyGood:    10 Benefits of Rising Early, and How to Do It Toss Productivity Out Focus: Single-Tasking and Productivity The Best Goal is No Goal  

http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=174

Simplify the Studio

Yes, I'm still in the process of cleaning, straightening, and sorting my studio.  I thought that as long as I was working in there, it was also an excellent time to simplify as well.  Needless to say that is slowing things down quite a bit, as I go through every single box and area.  Deciding what to keep or if it's time to let go of some materials that I haven't used in years is freeing, but time-consuming.  Thankfully, I don't have a deadline. 

My goal today?  To clear off one table for weaving, and one table for sorting the things that will be sold or donated.  I think I just need to see some clean spaces to feel that I'm making progress.  To date, I've just been rearranging and straightening.  However, it was becoming increasingly clear that I simply have too much stuff in there!  The decision to get rid of some things is remarkably liberating.  It evidently is time to release all those good intentions of "using it someday" materials and items to create a breathable, manageable space.  Well, that's the plan, anyway.

Connections to Places and Things

Of the several very entertaining events this last weekend, one that definitely stood out was the Red Grammer concert in Bellevue.  We took our grandson's, and we were all thoroughly engaged in the songs and stories by Red. http://www.redgrammer.com/ .

One of his stories was about his guitar that was stolen at an airport, but found its way back to him through the caring honesty of a stranger. (Red also played the song that he wrote for this wonderful individual.)  Red spoke about the resonating connection he has with that guitar.  What is that almost spiritual link we have with places or objects in this world?  I've been thinking about this ever since we walked out of the concert.

I'm not talking about materialism here, or the accumulation of many things.  It's that heartfelt connection to just a very special item or place.  We do live in a material world, after all. So forming extraordinary connections shouldn't be unexpected.

The palpable attraction of Lopez Island to my very being is one of those connections.  I can't explain it.  It is simply there, tangible and strong.  Perhaps one day I'll even understand it.

Slower & Simpler - Another Guide

Someone recently recommended this book to me: Simpler Living: A Back to Basics Guide to Cleaning, Furnishing, Storing, Decluttering, Streamlining, Organizing, and More, by Jeff Davidson and Mark Victor Hansen .  Actually, I saw it displayed on their bookcase and that led to a long and interesting discussion.  So based on their experience, and my limited viewing of the book, I'm comfortable noting it here.  I just ordered a copy for myself - a used copy, of course, in keeping with my continuing goals of limiting my spending - and I eagerly await its arrival.  It just seems to be well thought out, discussing the complexities of life, and actually includes warnings of getting too crazy in simplifying ones life.

My Book Club

We held book club outside on the patio of one of our members with perfect weather, delightful discussions, a delicious lunch, and wonderful company.  No one wanted to leave.  (And for those that need to know, we discussed  American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin.)

On the way home, I was thinking that THIS is one of the things I would miss most when I move to the island, unless I find a group of like-minded ladies for an afternoon of stimulating, intelligent conversation and discussion.  Finding an island book club has moved closer to the top of my list.  It's pretty much a necessity for me!

Asking for Help

I was just talking with a friend about some of the lessons we learn from having an injury.  One of the big ones for me was having to ask for help.  Having survived being "Super Mom" for so many years (and yes, I actually dressed up as such for one Halloween), I thought I was doing so much better, only to confront the issue up close and personal when I broke my leg so badly.

Synchronicity in life always makes me pause and reflect that the universe just may be trying to tell me something.  This morning, the following blog appeared in my inbox.  http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=5469

It included the following list:
Ask yourself, “What is it about asking for help that holds me back?”
Which one(s) below resonates with you?

1. “I don’t want to be a burden on them.”
2. “If I ask for help, it’s being selfish.”
3. “I feel obligated to help them in return.”
4. “I’m not that important.”
5. “I don’t want people to know how bad it is.”
6. “I feel they have better things to do than to help me.”
7. “I don’t want to come across that I can’t handle x, y, z…”
8. “I don’t want to appear weak.”
9. “I don’t want to be perceived as ‘failing.’”
10. “I don’t have the time to find or look for help.”

And in the spirit of being completely honest and open, numbers 1 and 9 resonate the most strongly with me, with 7 and 8 close runners-up.

So.....evidently I still have some lessons to learn in this area.  And I'm REALLY interested in learning them, so I don't have to have another accident to help me on my path to learning! (And yes, there have been numerous other lessons, such as empathy and really seeing other people.)

One might come to the conclusion that all of life is really an opportunity for learning???

Clean-Up in the Studio

Before I unpack all the materials I took to Lopez this last trip, as well as the Kentucky trip that has not yet been unpacked, it would behoove me to clean up my studio.....again.  One would never know that the rest of my life is organized and in control.  Perhaps that IS the reason my studio gets so messy - I have to let go somewhere?

At any rate, today is the day to tackle at least the work tables and UNDER the work tables, with the goal in mind to be able to teach a few classes here at the end of the summer and this fall.  My students are asking....and I will feel so much better getting my space back in shape.

I still can't squat with my knee, but at least now I can get onto the floor (and more importantly, back up again), so that excuse is gone.  Anyway, I'm a firm believer in cleaning and sorting when the mood strikes, and that seems to be today!

Here is an actual, untouched photo as of this morning.  There are full boxes and bins under the tables.  Scary, isn't it?  But the odd thing is that I actually know where everything is! It usually takes me 3 days to get it sorted out, working no more than 2 hours at a time, so I can think about where things are going, what needs to be tossed, what to donate, and to actually enjoy the process.  There truly is something wonderful about bringing order out of chaos.

A Suitor?

Sophie and I returned to the mainland yesterday, with our usual stops at the carwash outside of Anacortes (living on the end of a dirt road does provide opportunities for my car to get a bit dirty) and the gas station on the Reservation.  But before we left the island and after the deer came to say goodbye, we had a visitor, who chose to lie down on our deck and simply look at Sophie.  He stayed for quite some time, and no encouragement on my part could persuade him to leave.  Perhaps she has a suitor, but she definitely needs to work on her hostess skills!

And Another Driftwood Piece

I am totally hooked on these driftwood baskets.  There is something so elemental in finding the driftwood, preparing it, finishing it, drilling holes, and then letting it guide its own shape as the weaving progresses.  I won't share absolutely every single one that I make, but this one really came into its own.  It's also the largest one that I've done so far.

Wild Turkeys

When the wild turkeys were roosting in the trees behind the house, they were not at all my favorite creatures.  Then they stroll across the deck and poop and make huge messes.

But yesterday, as we walked to the beach, we had to wait for a turkey hen and her brood of 9 poults to walk down the lane in front of us and eventually make their way into the underbrush (we certainly had no intention of accidentally getting between the mama and her babies).  Okay, they were very, very cute I must admit. 

So I have adjusted my view of wild turkeys just a bit.....as long as this new generation doesn't decide to roost in my trees, that is!

Slower & Simpler - Making Lists

In seventh grade, we had classes in study skills and goal setting.  I remember them to this day (and yes, I was about 12 at the time), because they set me on my life of making goals and writing lists.

One of the amazing benefits of making lists of things you want to accomplish, is that the simple act of writing something down helps to make it a reality.  It is "out there", so even your subconscious works to make it a reality, even if you don't realize you are working on it.

So why not do the same with the simpler and slower life?  This morning I created a page in my journal for jotting down how I want my slower life to look.  Nothing fancy, but it includes some pretty clear details.  How they will come about isn't at all my concern in making the list.  Simply writing down how I would like to live is enough for right now.  And of course, I will be adding to it as I go along, as new ideas surface.

But I do know the power of a list.  So part of me is already celebrating the simpler life that is mine now, and will be even more so in the future.

Which begs the question, where else in my life would a list be of service?

Feeding the Artist's Soul

Yesterday was a wonderful mix of work, weaving, picnicking on Spencer Spit, working some more, and then experiencing an amazing piano concert by Dan Kennedy.  His style and laid-back presentation were perfect for the island.  His pieces seemed to speak directly to my inner self, conjuring images and emotions.  Obviously, my kind of music!

He is on his "Follow Your Intuition 2013 Tour", promoting his album Intuition. (It's also #8 on the top 100 list for New Age Music.)  Touring with his family, I might add.  As we sat across the aisle from his son and nephews, I wondered what it must be like for them, to drive across the country (from Massachusetts) and experience the performances in mostly small towns around the nation.

It was a memorable evening....then leaving the Community Center in the soft twilight of the island.....driving home with NO traffic whatsoever (unheard of after a concert on the mainland)....and now reliving his performance as we play his CD.  As always, I am in awe of the cultural and artistic performances available on our small island.  It definitely feeds my soul and artistic self.

Easily Off Schedule

 

My, how easily I can get off schedule!  My husband could finally get away from the mainland and arrived yesterday.  It's lovely to see him, but Sophie and I are totally off of our normal schedule with another person here.  Plus, he's shaved off his mustache that he's had for 42 years.  It's a little disconcerting to feel like I'm married to a different man. Sophie isn't quite sure who he is, either - perhaps due to the mustache (or lack thereof), or simply because she hasn't seen him in awhile.  Whatever it is, she is clingy (and sitting on my feet as I write).

Another shift in my schedule is that I have a lot of paperwork to get done - board work for a non-profit, paying bills, and submitting class proposals.  Sigh.  I'd much rather be weaving and exploring the island.  I definitely prefer my creative bubble.

Well...maybe if I just settle down and get SOME of it done, we can go for a walk....

Driftwood Continued

Finishing the driftwood for basket bases (sanding, shaping, coating, drilling) has become a very pleasant past-time.  The creations certainly aren't art pieces, but more of a blend of artsy and functional.

These baskets are simple, but so very pleasing for me!  And they provide much needed relaxation after my struggles with the black basket that is still in time-out.

Watmough Bay Reserve

We had a very special day yesterday - commemorating a Baha'i Holy Day, then packing a lunch and heading to Watmough Bay Reserve.  Stepping out of the cool of the forest path onto an amazing, secluded beach with views of Mt. Baker and the islands was breath-taking for both my guest and myself!

Now that I am a bit more ambulatory (not perfectly, by any means, but improving), I can continue my exploration of the island I call home.

Step Away from the Basket

Yesterday I finished one version of the basket I've been struggling with.....and I hated it.  This morning I decided that enough time and effort had been spent on the little black basket - and I chose to step away.  I put all the materials for it away.  And I'm not going to return to it any time soon.  As soon as I put it all away - such relief and peace!!!  I worked on another driftwood basket, and got out materials for a couple more projects that need to be completed.  And I am ever so much happier.

I don't think of it as quitting.  I think of it more as simply stepping away and giving the basket, and myself, some breathing room.  Maybe for a few weeks, perhaps for a few months.  I'm not giving up....I'm just embracing the fact that I'm not going to create that basket right at this time in my life.

The question does arise, however, what to do with the three versions that I did complete.  Do I burn them (which is awesome, by the way, if you've never done it)?  Just throw them away?  I'm not sure I want them around.....but I may need them to remind me of what DOESN'T work. 

All I know, right now, is that I'm quite content working on things that I know DO work.  And I have a friend visiting for a couple of days from Arizona so I feel that I can comfortably take a little time out to show her the beaches and delights of the island.

I'm calm, relaxed, and breathing.  SO much better....

Self Critiquing

So....the little black basket is done.  And I don't like it.  It's simply - "okay".  It doesn't "pop", or excite, or really attract.  Blah.

So it's back to the drawing board (so to speak) today.  I have an idea for take four.  HOPEFULLY this one will be the one.  And yes, I am wondering if I should just give up.  But the idea still seems to have merit.  So one more try it is.

Self critiquing is sometimes uncomfortable - and a bit crazy making.  Am I being overly critical?  Can I actually see what's really there?  Am I being too tough, or not tough enough?  How can I really "see" with another's eyes?

But I am feeling optimistic that I can make this work.....am actually looking forward to trying again.

Hmmm, I'm tending toward "crazy" to describe this.....or me....

Slower & Simpler - Take a Break

Sometimes living a little slower and simpler is, well, as simple as taking a break.  Sometimes I forget to do that.

Sophie, as most cats, knows that playful breaks are a part of a healthy life.  I'm thankful that she is in tune enough with me to occasionally interrupt me at my work table.....and remind me to breathe, smile, and take a break.

Power Up!

Wove some on the little black basket.....she is now behaving quite nicely, and I'm enjoying working on her.  (Oh, it is definitely a "her" with her previous hissy fits.)

And what day isn't just superb when you get to use power tools??  I tried out my new hand sander on some driftwood - perfect!  Then drilled some holes in it with the power drill.  Sigh.  Working out on my deck in the sunshine makes it all even better.

Then I went into the village for a Baha'i study group, then came back home to weave just a bit more.

I had so many lovely comments about the beaded chalice, that I started another one, in teal and silver with touches of gold.

It was a sunny, productive, and energizing day.....and I am not taking any of it for granted.

Back to Work

After a day off for the holiday (although a day off in paradise does seem similar to a regular day), it will be back to work today on that troublesome basket and the intent of starting another one on driftwood.

I am basking in the memories of such a quiet, relaxing Fourth......meeting some of my neighbors for the first time since I've been on the island (even if I was on my deck in my jamies having my cup of tea in the morning), giving myself permission to crochet on the deck (not worrying about any baskets or their particular problems), a quiet walk to the beach:

....some interesting talks with others at the beach (including one lady who is working on her pilot's license to fly up instead of drive....the THIRD person to talk to me about that.....food for thought), and the awesome peace sitting on a log at the beach:

 

 

I chose not to go into the village for the fireworks, but stayed at home and to bed in the QUIET - an amazing thing for the Fourth.

So it's back to weaving, refreshed and eager to tackle my little basket that I will one day love....but has gained my hard-earned respect.

Celebrating 4th of July

Celebrating a quiet 4th of July on the island..... as well as celebrating at least some progress on my "difficult" little basket that has not made my life very easy of late.

I finally got the base done on the little black basket (fourth time is a charm) and it is attached to my make-shift mold.  Had to step away for awhile due to my rising frustration.

So in the interim, I finished a little beaded chalice with lid - for some sense of accomplishment.

But I will return to my little challenge tomorrow.  Usually the ones that are the biggest headache turn out to be my favorites...eventually. At least, I HOPE that is the case here.

Into the Village

I have become one of the "South-enders" that I was told about when we came to Lopez Island.  When you live closer to Lopez Village or mid-island, you are much more likely to go into the village, browse, shop, visit, whatever.  But for those of us that live on the south end of the island, trips into the village become more rare.

When they first told me about this phenomenon, I laughed.  Really?  It's only about 10 miles, on lovely country roads.  And especially now in the summer, it's not raining, or storming.  But it is so true.  I knew that I had a Baha'i study group in the village yesterday, so planned my errands around that one trip.  I simply do not feel like jumping into the car and driving "all" that way unless I must.

And the drive yesterday was wonderful - the sun, the birds, the farm animals to see.  Shopping was a little bit more of a challenge with the bicyclists and summer visitors (but to be expected), and our study group was great.  But it was with relief that I got home to my seclusion and quiet.

Oh my heavens!  After living in the Seattle area and easily driving 150 miles a week, I have to laugh at myself.  The island definitely has its hold on me!

Basket on Driftwood

Inspired by some creations by Ann Bowers on antlers, I wove this one on driftwood.  It's more of a proto-type, but it still makes me smile.  I only sprayed the driftwood with one coat of polyurethane (after microwaving it to kill bugs) before I drilled the holes.  Eventually I really do need to learn how to do a nice finish on driftwood.  However, playing both with driftwood and power tools was wonderful.

And it looks really at home on my island coffee table.

An Artist's Frustration

Dealing with frustration as an artist is an on-going lesson.  I started a new basket....that in my head worked perfectly....yeah, not so much in reality.  So finally I told myself to "step away from the basket", and walked down my dirt road to the neighbors who were out for the weekend for a lovely visit.

Came home and tried again.  Sigh.  Still not working.  So went up to pick up my mail (a basket base that I had my husband mail to me due to a total change in plans for another basket), and stopped by another friend's place to visit on the way back to the house.  Sitting on her deck, chatting with other artists who totally understand about frustration was so helpful.

Well, it didn't help resolve my issue with that basket.  But I set it aside, grabbed some driftwood, stuck it in the microwave to kill any residual bugs, and will start another bright idea that I had.

Will it work the first time?  Not sure.  But having options, time to step aside and let ideas percolate for a bit, and even perhaps working on something that I KNOW will work are all part of the process. (I did finish a small beaded purse last night and made great progress on a beaded vessel.)

In between I have my glorious view, the beach, artist friends - and a gentle breeze off the water that keeps the temperature in the 70's, even as the city endures a heat wave.  My frustration is certainly being pleasantly contained.

This, I realize, is the epitome of an artist's first year on the island......having the inspirations, quiet time to create, as well as the support group.