Well, here we go...

I've never been any good at this.

Talking about myself, I mean.  I am much more comfortable letting you be the center of conversation.  But I have things to say, and things to remember, so I'm going to give it a whirl.

The last few years have been a bit rough and I really haven't been in much of a creative place.  Four family members, two good friends, and two beloved pets have passed away in less than 18 months.  I've put all my energy into the shop and haven't even stepped foot into the studio (except to pass through and feed the cats, of course--they like to eat). 

Lately, I've felt the draw again, that buzz of restlessness that just begs to create something, anything.  So here I am.  Trying to organize my thoughts and settle on one project at a time, which if you ask my husband, is not my strong suit.  I guess I'm a natural multi-tasker and unfortunately, some of those tasks stall out at about 85% completion.  It drives him nuts.  As we speak, there is a nearly-finished painting on my easel.  It's been there for a while and it may stay a while longer.  I've got other things on my mind.  Like jewelry.  Jewelry with small paintings embedded inside.  Jennifer Gambill original paintings naturally. 

I'll let you know how it goes.

abandoned

I'm in an abandoned house sort of mood today.  The ones that you see from the road as you drive into the countryside.  Ones that have been long deserted and look as if the earth is ready to swallow them up.

I want to go inside and explore.  Lay down on the old floorboards and think of the people that once lived there.  Someone used to love this place.  Someone grew up here, dreamed here, walked these floors, looked out these shattered windows. 

Maybe they still do... 

An old friend came by the shop today. 

Sometimes that can be uncomfortable.  Past lives, past loves, the good old days and the not-so-good old days all sprung unexpectedly into your day.   

Instead, we talked about the present, the now of our lives, and what we wanted for the future.  It was nice.  It was like our past was there, but it was in our back pocket, not the foreground.  

Thank you, old friend.  It was nice to see you again.