Tucson - The Journey Begins!

It is very early morning in my household and everyone is still asleep. I tried to get Regina, my faithful dog, to come out into the dining room with me while I blogged on the internet but she got up, walked out here, gave me the evil furry eye and went back to her bed! Such companionship!

I am as always, anxious to get my trip underway. I wish this truly were the Star Trek generation and I could " transport " myself there without needing a plane flight or storing away my car in Seattle. The weather seems pretty mild now in Tucson and the night time temps are reading colder than PT. That means I can sleep with the windows open and have the room be naturally chilly!

In just a bit I will get together my knitting, reading materials and sketching supplies for my stay. I spend more time choosing these things than packing my clothes! I don't always have time to work on things but it is really nice to have them all with me for those few moments when I can. It all helps de- stress me!

I may not get much of a chance to blog from Tucson but I will take lotsof pictures to post on my arrival home. I don't travel with my ancient laptop as it is sweet, bitter sweet, to be away from it; to concentrate on the show and my inner life ( ! ) in my free time. Wish me luck and I will see you all in 2 weeks! xo, Lois

p.s. Here are 2 awesome pictures of Tucson. I do love that place, the dessert, the colors in the air, the pop of light and the change, a really BIG change in scenery.

Almost Done by Default

This is a little pen and ink drawing I did nearly 2o years ago ( no, can it really be that long ago? ) that I used for a gallery opening I had. It is a self portrait of Lois and corn. I love drawing corn and this was supposed to be MY corn; grown by me but of course, here in the pacific northwest you can't grow corn! I like having this little reminder of a younger me on my website, which is where you will find the picture and in my office, where the original is located. One of these days I will draw a new me. I wonder how she will appear and what might be in her new basket!
The time is coming quickly, way too quickly, for me to leave for Tucson. Soon there will be no more time to make that one more piece of jewelry, design one more charm, make one more sign or banner. It is always a little sad when it comes time to leave the comfort of my home and creativity of my studio and hit the road. And did I mention the clothes packing? I hate choosing clothes and packing them for a trip. I look at my closet and say, fine, I will take these 6 shirts but then maybe I will want this one, and maybe it will be cold enough to wear that one and maybe this one will be comfortable on a busy day and maybe this one... and the list is endless and soon I need a moving truck to take everything with me. Not to mention that I need to choose which knitting projects to take, hoping that it will be waaay too busy to knit and sketchbooks and drawing materials. No, I can't take the entire studio so what to take? Hmmmm... anyhow all small dilemmas and I will be on my way to warmer, sunnier climates!

It snowed all day in Seattle today. There was a " skiff " of snow here on the ground in PT when we left but with the weather man saying it was going to warm up to 40 ish I was truly surprised and delighted to see the snow in the city. It was quite beautiful and as we ate lunch at Ivar's on the pier in downtown Seattle ( I love Ivar's; it was the first restaurant I ever ate in Seattle. ) we watched the giant flock of seagulls around the dock of the restaurant. They are great fun to watch and with the snow coming down and sticking to their backs; it was like watching snow gulls instead of snow men. I only had one regret; I didn't bring my camera. I swear I will get better at keeping it with me!

It is so cold and white outside this morning that all I can think is snow! I love snow but I want the universe to understand that I do NOT want it to happen now before I leave for Tucson! I need to be able to get to the airport without ice and snow! So with the hope of warmer days, no snow and a child's eye view of the world; I leave you with a picture Jacob painted in first grade. I love the artwork of children. So happy and simple and wonderful! How can you not smile? Off to the shop!

This is a new mixed water media painting that I am working on. Of course, it has sunflowers as a theme because like that gorgeous full faced flower I am always reaching for the sun. Not the heat, mind you, just the light!

My Studio Mates

My two loyal and faithful studio companions while away the day on the wool carpet in the warmth of my work space. They aren't much for commenting on designs but they do love to share lunch!
I have been working like a mad woman, as you all know, on getting things ready for Tucson. From early in the morning to late in the evening; I am making jewelry, sorting charms, printing signs and above all else, thinking of the show. How will the show be? Will I make money, sell charms, receive a good response to new designs, see old friends and customers? Make new frIends and new customers? Will I remember to have a good time, that life is short and today is what I have? We will see.

Off to the shop right now because even though I am swamped with show work, the shop is my number one priority and I truly enjoy myself while there! Have a wonderful day!

God bless this man and give him the strength and wisdom to lead this country and help us find peace, health and prosperity. There is so much work to be done by every US citizen!