I am happy to here on earth but as I age I realize many of us will explore challenges we never considered in our youth. Finding balance in body and soul ....good nutrition...proper rest and adequate sleep...and a large circle of supportive friends who will be there to listen and make you laugh. Take the time to realize each day...study the changing world around you and sit still in solitude ...to find time to create daily. Memories of soft cotton dresses ...summers at the neighborhood pool... softball games after dinner in the empty lots with the neighborhood pals... cherish the moments we often fail to show gratitude for...a child's moment in time. Now in my 6TH decade I am renewing my childhood relationships with the computer and strengthening new ones with my circle of blog mates. I appreciate the time you often take to reach out and read my humble words and share encouragement when the times get tough. You have blessed my life and I thank you.
My student did not make it this Saturday but I enjoyed the solitude in the studio to just play and create. I worked on another layer of "Leave your FEAR at the door"...I created a couple of prints with the carved soft safety blocks. Even with my painful joints in my hands I was able to cut into this miracle design element without the pressure and pain when I used to carve into linoleum blocks...I experimented with stamping inks, acrylics and simple washes on several surfaces. Tea towels made from cotton, handmade natural papers, and scraps to alter and layer. I created a collage background to try next week with Stazon inks. The stencils were a fun exercise but I do need to practice a bit more and maybe get a stiff stencil brush instead of the soft sponge brushes. I enjoyed the music...the quiet ...the simple process time without interruptions. I love people and they are the most important but I do recognize my need to find a balance in studio time in solitude.
Have a great weekend and I hope they weathermen are correct and the temperatures will be balmy. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
p.s. Happy birthday to a dear friend ...Helen and I have been friends for 25 years and I am so blessed to have her in my life today. She used to call ken and I "Ken and Barbie" when we first met at the bingo where we volunteered for the Catholic school fund raisers on Sunday night. Happy 83!!! whoops 38!!! to a strong courageous woman who has blessed our lives. Peace
