Catch Up Time

It's been a super cold December for the most part. Today though is oddly warm (upper 70's) and muggy, which makes it feel even warmer. Weird.

It's also been quite awhile since my last post. December is always a hectic month for me and this one was no exception. With my mother-in-law living with us now, I have even less free time for writing. We had a couple of looonnngggg appointments at the hospital this month - a series of tests - to see how her cancer is doing and to see what the radiation did for her. We have to wait until January 7 to hear the results. That's so far away and waiting is hard. Especially since she has not felt well at all these last few days. We think a medication is bothering her stomach. Today is really bad and I feel so sad for her. She is a trouper, but it is no fun to have a belly-ache.

Regarding my storytelling career:
I did do a few storytelling events in the first half of the month. A big one was for NorthPark Mall here in Dallas. The crowd was so huge that not everyone could stay to hear my stories. I had a really good time telling holiday/seasonal stories for the Plano Homestead too. It was a very cold night, but we were cozy in the ram barn. Yes, I said "ram barn". The critters were out in the pasture and the barn was cleaned out, hay laid down, lights strung, and bales put out for sitting. It was rustic. A victorian era St. Nick came in to warm up and listen to some stories, and Starbucks was giving out free drinks and pastries. Fun, fun evening! My local storytelling guild had their party and it was a brutally cold night, with the weather people advising folks to stay in. BUT, we had a wonderufl turnout anyway and when it was over we all had the task of driving home in ice covered vehicles on roads that were rapidly icing over. We storytellers don't like to miss a gathering!

Regarding my artistic creations:
I have discovered felting!!! It is so much fun. I bought several old 100% wool sweaters at the thrift store and shrunk them. Then I cut them up and sewed two funky neck scarfs that I patched together and embroidered on. Currently, I'm working on a tote bag. I also sewed a wine gift bag & added old jewelry and buttons into the design.

Jeff gave me a new camera and I'll take pictures of my new creations as soon I get a memory card for it. I have a new blog that is just for my art and when I find the time (hah-hah-hah, I crack myself up. >snort<) I'll get that ready for viewing.

Oh dear one last thing, my sister Ruth was supposed to fly in from Albany, New York for a few days and due to weather her flight was cancelled and she couldn't reschedule it and leave enough time for a decent visit. She didn't come >sniffle<>

So, that's it for now. It's back to work for me next week. I have to organize my papers for taxes - YUCK! I also have a story program early in January on birds for the DMA that needs touching up. We are going to look at a lot of Japanese ceramic art...etc. There a lots of birds in their designs. I want to create a mini shield too that will relate to an African piece made out of bird feathers. One thing is for certain folks - I am NEVER bored.

First Tuesday in December

So, every first Tuesday I do a program for preschoolers at the DMA. This December's program was lots of fun because I got to tell stories in the Eliasson exhibit with the kids. Anyway, I am taking the DART down from Plano while the Tut exhibit is showing these days. The museum's parking garage stays jab packed with all the extra patrons coming in. I like taking the DART, it's very relaxing and stress free. Last Tuesday after my program, I sat on a bench waiting for the train and suddenly realized how empty the streets were. It was about 2pm. Where was everyone?

Look how clean downtown Dallas is. It is always well maintained.

By the time the DART arrived there were a few more folks waiting with me. Really though, it was an oddly quiet day in the city.

Took A Walk Yesterday

Jasmine was my walking companion. Here she is in her red sweater and ready to go.

This is a sign in the park across the street. We live by a huge greenbelt that has walking paths, playing fields, playgounds, a lake, pavilion...the northwest end of the park is surrounded by private property owners who own several horses. It is not unusual to see people riding them in the big field there. This park is one of the big reasons we wanted to live in this area.

Photos taken by Lily -

Here is a photo of Lily's friend Andrew. She took it with her little camera. Doesn't he look like a magician or perhaps a wizard?Here is a fancy picture of Ophelia. She was relaxing on her sheet on our couch. The lighting is so soft.

A self portrait. Notice the unmade bed behind her. College & work take up most of her housekeeping time.

Student Photo Night Shots

My daughter Lily who is wearing the black dress & hat and her friends dressed up in costumes the other night. They were quite an odd sight. Her friend Larissa (wearing the jeans) is taking a college photography class and needed models.

They all came over to our house, dressed up and went out to the park across the street. It was a cold, cold night so afterwards I made a big pot of real cocoa for them.