Good evening fellow creators,

Tonight was my presentation at the Duck River Garden Club. It was so much fun, I could do it again tomorrow night (I think)

There were over fifty people there; women of all ages and one man.

We set up about ten pictures, seaweed and flowers on small easels, and a large easel with my publicity board.

I started to talk, and something took over, everything came out right. The people were with me, laughing when they were supposed to laugh, listening attentively at all times. I was so comfortable, it was as if someone else was giving the presentation, and I was just along for the fun.

I spoke for 45 minutes, showed slides for another fifteen, a few Q's  and A's and done.

Many members came up and spoke to me, and everyone had coffee and goodies. No, I did not indulge, but I had a great time talking about creating my art. I guess that means my ego is oversized? I hope not.

Physical therapy for my spinal arthritus tomorrow. Need it.

Back to tribe work after PT. Time to finish up one and see it matted.

Live in the light,

Lisabeth

Hi Art Types,

Went to yet another social art gathering tonight, 4-6:00, more like early evening. It was held at the Griswald Inn Wine Bar, a famous Inn and Restaurant in Essex CT. The gathering was a meet and greet between three people who have just rented the gallery that closed recently on Main Street and the artists they would like to represent.

I was with the former gallery and  the owner took off with many artist's money and paintings, myself included.

This new trio, a couple and a single woman, seem so excited about the chance to make the gallery something special, a destination for tourists and residents alike.

They have invited me to show there, The Left Bank Gallery, which will be open mid-May.

I will go over the contract and see if it seems inviting, and I may show with them. Every artist gets a certain amount of space of their own.

I like the fact that they have no territorial boundries. I could show in the next town.

The wine flowed; I don't drink. The food looked and smelled devine; I'm on the Nutrisystem Diet and couldn't eat a thing. However, I smiled and talked and hugged old art acquaintances and a good time was had.

Next event: Tomorrow night, I have to give a one hour presentation to the Old Lyme Duck River Garden Club about my work, methods, etc. Fortunately, I could talk to a stone, and have a carousel of slides with a story attached to each picture.

My friend has volunteered to drive me and help lift the pictures and set things up. We will have fun talking about the Club members,  etc., on the way home.

More on Duck River tomorrow.

Do your best, (Buddha's last words)

Lisabeth

Good evening all Artists,

There is something I love about Saturdays. First, the NY Times is delivered with part of Sunday's Times included. I get to read the book review on Saturday, which makes me feel lucky.

Next, I usually get to work, uninterrupted, for most of the day. No Doctor's appointments,dentist, hairdresser, physical therapy (starts Tues), food shopping, drug store, etc. Today was perfect in that way. The wind and rain were whipping outside my many studio windows, but I was peaceful inside, working on my "Tribe." Even laid down a background for a new piece.

A nap, half reading, half sleeping, amber candle scenting the room. My favorite kind of Saturday.

Live in the eternal present,

Lisabeth

Hey fellow creators,

Lately I've been noticing that after I walk, like at the Expo, a fair amount, my lower back hurts and I have to sit. Today an orthopedic surgeon took many x-rays and told me I have degenerative osteoarthritus in my spine, as well as fractures on both sides of my pelvis. I saw it all on 4 x-rays. No treatment, no cure. Anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. Not to be a bummer, but who will take care of the caregiver?

Luckily, so far, most of my work is done from a chair, but seaweeding, and the drying process, especially if it's on the floor, is backbreaking, without a problem. I am thinking of other ways, drying it on a table?

I have a good supply, but always want to see what is new under the water. I'll figure it out. Sounds like it't time to take out the gratitude list. Better still, work on another self portrait. My face in the mirror always makes me laugh.

Come out of yourself,

Lisabeth

Hey brush holders,

We had a busy day today. Staples to pick up copies of all of my "press" to send to gallery in RI. My "press" such as it is, is quite old, given what happened last year from March to Sept. Any press is good press?

My therapy in the Library, always a wild time!

Food shopping, and finally, a stop at the framer I thought was so great and nice, etc.

He had nothing for me! He has four of my pieces I hope to show when I present Monday to the Duck River Garden Club, "the" club on the shoreline.

I thought he was cute, but cute only goes so far with me. He promised everything tomorrow. Hope so!

Had some fun, working on Tribes. Studio's a mess. Wonder who made it?

Assistant, Lisa, comes for a few hours tomorrow. Hope she is ready to roar!

Later,

Lisabeth

Hey all you Arties,

Went to NYC again today, this time to Sloan Kettering Hospital for my husband's monthly check-up, which went okay. Every time, I wish the doctor would say "we can make you better, we can make you breathe, talk, eat" something to increase his quality of life. But no.

I came home, sad and tired and went into the studio and worked on my "Tribe" long, thin seaweed people,wandering along a sand-textured acrylic path, vertical slashes of red, symbolizing their tribal clothing? Something. Anyway, it lifted me up, it always does.

This is a big piece, I may work on another at the same time, and I am trying the self-portrait (first time ever) for American Artist. As if I don't have enough to do.

Practice meditation,

Lisabeth

Hello Artistes,

I have had this picture rolling around my mind for two days. I have pulled out many pieces of seaweed and piled them on my work table. My friend, a watercolorist, says go big, why not? Also the size of all the pictures in the Art Expo were large. Three feet by five, four by six feet! Wallpaper pictures. I know I should give it a try, go for it. The picture will be called Tribes and have either watercolors or acrilics with the seaweed, the path they are takinng.

Back to NYC tomorrow, this time to Sloane Kettering Hospital to see my husband's doctor. Don't know what to expect. Have to be up at 6:00AM, so say goodnite to all,

Lisabeth

Hello arts,

Just a short message, our train was two and a half hours late leaving Penn station, so I am a weary traveler. My artist girlfriend and I decided to look at the first 500 booths first, as they were the solo artists, hanging their own work, kind of like you and me.

The quality and variety of work was wild. The artists were all willing to sit and talk. They were from all over the US and Europe. I'll talk particulars tomorrow, after some sleep, but all in all it was fab! Wish we had another day to spend there, or maye two more days. So inspiring! As I sleep tonite visions of colors and shapes will whirl through my mind. More tomorrow.

Live inside hope, (B. Kingsolver)

Lisabeth

Hello Arts,

Today was a busy day. First I got my eyes examined, and picked out new frames (fun). 

Next, I met my therapist in a conference room at the library. Months ago, when we first started meeting there, it felt a bit strange, 2 women on one corner of a huge table with 20 chairs Now I love it. She travels to meet me halfway, so my husband doesn't have to drive so far.

Next, we stopped at Verizon so I could get a new phone, as my cute little pink razor phone is so hard to see the letters for texting, some are peeling off. A few more errands and home.

In the middle of my therapy our housekeeper called on my cell phone hysterical because a pipe had burst outside the house! I knew what is was. The handyman shut off the outside water when it was getting cold, and I turned it on again to water my bulbs, and forgot to turn it off. I guess it froze.

Got home, went through the mail and fell asleep until dinnertime.

No art today, but tomorrow is the Art Expo in NYC! There will be plenty of inspiration there. Can't wait.

Live inside hope,(B.Kingsolver)

Lisabeth