"Woman With Her Hands Full"

Many of you have seen this pastel, gouache, and watercolor image several times since 2006 when my blog was called "Old Girl of the North Country."  Today I am remembering again that I painted it around the time I began working as a medical transcriptionist in 1984. Now, more than thirty years later, it is on my wall where I can see it if I look up from my laptop as I work as a self-employed medical transcription editor.

Early spring again with memories

"... Crazy Chester followed me, and he caught me in the fog.

He said, "I will fix your rack, if you'll take Jack, my dog."

I said, "Wait a minute, Chester, you know I'm a peaceful man."

He said, "That's okay, boy, won't you feed him when you can ..."

(J. R. Robertson, "The Weight")

(That's a zoom view from my porch in the last few days.  I like the blurred effect.)

BELLINGHAM SPECTRUM SERIES: GREEN #1

I've been on study schedule, preparing to challenge two quarters of Anatomy and Physiology at the local community college in order to fulfill the prerequisites for their Massage Practitioner Program, for which I am second on the waiting list. Reviewing this material via a series of DVDs and textbooks has been a good experience. When I do my yoga practice and when I am walking in the woods, I am much more aware of the intricacies of my body.

Along with studying for the challenge exam, I've been re-reading THE LETTERS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH (Penguin Classics edition) as well as re-reading NEZHNIE: WEAVER AND INNOVATIVE ARTIST, by Linda Rees. Yesterday I got out my inkle loom and started another inkle belt:

















Between now and the end of October is my favorite season in Northwest Washington. It is the time of year that most reminds me of my best memories of winter in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1950s. For the most part, the sun shines and the temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s, accompanied by a gentle breeze. The air is clear, fresh and spicy with the fragrance of flowers and evergreen trees. As I did as a child, I walk often, sometimes with friends but frequently alone.

Today's new flower from my porch garden:

Second Calendar (1987)