When I'm Sixty-Four. . . .

Wow, five since my last post.  I'd say it's a good indicator of where my head has been in the last few weeks- certainly not in a blogging mode.

We had a lovely Christmas, both my brother and Shannon were here.  I celebrated a milestone three weeks after Christmas- referenced in the title!  It feels a bit weird, because I don't feel that old.  My mother used to talk about wondering who that old lady was in the mirror, because she didn't feel like her inside.  Now, I can relate.  I'm grateful to be told regularly that I don't look my age, and my health is good so I don't have to act it either!

I have also been doing a lot of thinking about the coming year, and where I want to take my creative life.  Writing about my inner conversations is not easy for me- forgive me if this sounds disjointed.

The creative aspects of my life are a refuge, they are a large part of what helps keep me feeling young.  I have a community of friends who share this passion to create, both online and 'in the flesh'.  I treasure my time alone in the studio also- I find the solitude rejuvenating.  Our culture and time bombards us daily with information, noise- it is nice to seclude myself and just turn all that off.

I have noticed over the past few months that the drive and focus with respect to my fiber art are lessening.  Granted, the soap making (another creative outlet, I would add) has impacted that.  I don't want to give up the fiber art, but it is no longer the sole outlet for my creative urges.  How to balance them?  I'm not very good at that; when I get interested in something I tend to immerse myself and go at it full bore.

What conclusions have I reached?  I'd already taken one step a couple of years ago, when I decided to quit trying every surface design and quilting technique under the sun and limit myself to those that make my heart sing.  It has made for some interesting conversations in my small local art quilt group, as several members are polar opposite.  We are still working on making the group a safe haven for all of us.

I think it is time to take the idea of limitations to other parts of my creative life.  I'm hoping that this will mean my work becomes more authentically "me"- a goal I have been striving for.  It will mean backing out of some arenas.  It may mean taking the time to recharge by finishing a more traditional quilt sitting in my UFO pile.  It will mean asking the same question consistently- will this take me further along the path I want to go?
  
 I hope you wish me well on this fork in my road.

Musings and Mumblings

That's all I have to offer up tonight, without any visuals.  I haven't taken any interesting photos recently, and I certainly don't need to bore you with photos of the snow we got over the weekend and today.  No, Shiloh and I did not go walking in it this weekend.  Since I worked on Friday, I felt rushed all weekend.  Amazing how I've gotten into a three day weekend grove, I need that long to get all my domestic stuff done, and get some creative time in the studio.  There was no creative time in the studio this weekend.

We have a new challenge for the Tangled Textiles group- Balance.  I quite like this one, and have been mulling ideas around in my head.  I think I will take some time to observe my surroundings, and get some photos of both balance and imbalance.  Beyond that, I'm not sure what direction I will take.

I thought I would be taking two workshops this year.  Rosalie Dace is teaching in Grand Junction in June, and I'd thought I could swing it.  Last week I came to the conclusion I couldn't, and took my name off the list.  Carol Soderlund was supposed to come back to Heber in July, but the studio we used for her workshop last summer is not available the week she can come- so that one has been put off until 2013.  Katie PM is coming here in August, and I just can't get enthusiastic about taking a class from her.  I'm getting more and more tired of taking design related classes from quilt artists.  I'm really thinking I just need to find the time and motivation to stay home and do the work.  So maybe the time I would have been at Carol's workshop will be staycation in the studio.  Or maybe I will take a long weekend and spend time with my brother and camera somewhere around Reno.  My brother would be the perfect companion for that kind of getaway.  Lots to think about, at least I don't have to make a decision any time soon.

So there you have it, the boring state of my mind.  I'll let you know if any of it results in action any time soon!

Happy New Year (and Good-Bye to 2010)

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the coming year and where I hope to go with my art over the past few days- thankfully, away from work.  I can look back at 2010 and know that I did consistently work at my art, although the work isn't as cohesive or unified as I would like.  But I've done some pieces I'm happy with, and others that will just be added to the crap quota, and that's ok.

A lot of people on the Quiltart list are choosing a word for the year- one to inspire and perhaps provide direction.  I'm thinking my word will be FOCUS: on the creative process, on staying healthy, and choosing to concentrate on all the positives in life rather than dwell on the irritations we are have.  I want to take my time and do more thinking about my art rather than jumping in with the first or second idea that strikes me.  I suspect I will produce fewer works this year, but I'm hoping they will be better, and more representative of my voice.  You'll be hearing more about that, and sharing in my journey and work.

I have a lot to be grateful for this year.  I'm 22.9 pounds lighter than I was a year ago- I've rediscovered the fun of shopping for clothes.  I'm making a habit of exercising and eating healthy- although I will say it is a good thing dark chocolate in moderation is now considered healthy!  I have an absolutely adorable granddaughter far away, two grandchildren here, and loving family even if we are all spread across the country.  And if I don't say so myself, I look pretty good for someone who's only days away from turning 60.

I'm thankful for doors the world wide web has opened up to me.  I have friends I've never met in person, but we share common bonds.  I'm connected to the fiber arts world in ways that would not have been possible even ten years ago.

I wish you a blessed 2011, full of family, creativity, and whatever brings joy to your heart.

Musings and a Teaser

Not much blogging going on here- there hasn't been a lot to blog about.  But I am well into this month's Interpret This piece, and so far relatively happy with where it is going.  This photo really does lend itself to interpretation on a number of levels.  So here's your sneak peek at a very small part--

I have my background parts down, now on to the myriad detailing.  I think I will end up doing more stitching before I sandwich this than I will quilting.  It feels good to be so far along early in the month!!

Our WAQ group met yesterday, and got to hear all about Houston from Suzanne who spent four days there.  All the winners were traditional quilts- a switch.  And nothing new or exciting.  Some vendors were peddling items that were ridiculously expensive for what they were.  Don't know if I'll ever make it to Houston, but it would be nice to make it to the Long Beach show one day.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do next year with my art.  After listening to Suzanne, I just think more and more that I need to forget about classes and just do the work.  I'm even starting to question book purchases- I looked at Gloria Loughman's new book yesterday, and didn't buy it.  It was beautifully done, but had no real new information in it.  I have enough resources at hand, I just need to do the work!  I'd also like to finish several UFO's that I have, and both my sons have made specific requests.  Plenty to think about as I head into the new year, with a milestone birthday very close on the horizon.