Tall Tales from Kansas

time to explore, set the bar higher, and laugh

Today I realized that Mary Oliver died while we were in Palm Springs. Such a loss.  Thankfully she left us words that can continue to be pondered and marveled over (again and again).

Words like this nugget below that sums up why the tradition of Palm Springs Art Retreat continues.

"The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time."

Above are our journals laid out on the floor by the front door, where Pam and I felt the light was best, though Sister disagreed and tried to convince us (unsuccessfully) otherwise.  Those of you who know Pam and Mary Ann will easily be able to pick out whose pages are whose.  Bottom row from left to right: P, MA, MA. Middle row from left to right: MA, then mine. Top row left to right: MA, P, mine, P, mine.  Very tip top: P.

Favorite parts of creating with Pam and Sister include watching Pam use up paint and then make marks all around, seeing what emerges is bliss (above).  As is observing the lush rich color when Mary Ann gets out the gouache (below).

This is the time to just explore, set the bar higher, and laugh when the result is hilarious.

It is also time to jump up at dawn to watch the sun hit the mountains and appreciate a pool and hot tub in January when there is snow on the ground at home.

Stay tuned for episodes 2 and 3 to come.  Possibly 4. 

Andreas Canyon

Today in Palm Springs. 

deep philosophical discussions on a multitude of topics

Art Retreat continues.  Labyrinths, gardens, a courtyard oasis, a pool, and of course some painting.

Deep philosophical discussions on a multitude of topics continue as well.  Stuff like how to save the planet and the affect of space travel on the human body. 

A garden of impossible loveliness

Last year it was established that Art Retreat should begin at the Huntington Gardens.  In keeping with the bylaws we went as soon as I arrived in LA yesterday.

It was as if I had arrived on a magic carpet and gently floated down in a garden of impossible loveliness.  

snowpeople of Lawrence

Today I present the Snowpeople of Lawrence.  Courtesy of all the cold weather snow sculptors, who made them for our enjoyment.  

I love their imagination and felt it only right to showcase their work!   Bravo.  

what a kind human being

If you happen to find yourself "house-bound" this winter and are looking for some entertainment, I have several movies for your consideration.  If a modern day fairy tale sounds good, check out Crazy Rich Asians.  Charming and funny.  

If something a bit more historical with an educational twist is more to your liking, you can not go wrong with this documentary about Fred Rogers. I was blown away by it and by HIM. What a kind, human being. Well worth seeing and highly recommended.  

life lessons from Marti Huff are the best

In keeping with my goal of spending more time this year with important people, I had lunch with my adopted family today.

Because Angie and my sisters are not available to meet me for lunch at the drop of a hat, Marti, Nancy, and Jennifer volunteered several years ago to fill in for them when needed.  

We met at the Ladybird diner on Mass street.  Which I had thought was closed on Mondays but it wasn't, oh joy.   

Excuse me while I insert photos of the egg salad over arugula on buttered rye toast with avocado and pickled radishes as well as the chicken with corn salsa sandwich and finally the avocado toast which also happens to feature roasted mushrooms, butternut squash, and a couple of over medium eggs. I just want to be helpful if you need assistance making your choice when you come to Lawrence next.  All three delicious.  

We discussed things like the wisdom of knowing how to light your gas stove when the electricity goes out, or how smart it is to have a kerosene lamp at the ready for such occasions as well.  

Even if your daughters might worry a bit about such things.

Life lessons from Marti Huff are the best.  

The Ancho Cherry pie is darn good too and the hot coffee kept coming. 

They posed for the obligatory photo in front of the window without complaint, despite the cold.

And then, way too soon, lunch was over, and they were on their way. But not before discussions were opened for a repeat date after the spring thaw.  

And just like that 2019 is off to a rousing start.    

pretending we have been cut off from the rest of civilization

On this magical weekend

when because of a lucky convergence of schedules

we have been granted 2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays

we have also been coated in a thick, fluffy, layer of soft white

that makes everything extra quiet and calm

and has given the coneflowers and yard art fluffy hats.

We are staying tucked in. Reading books. Holding warm mugs of coffee between our hands. Lighting candles. Making Sunday pot roast. 

Pretending we have been cut off from the rest of civilization. 

she has a hard time keeping her wings hidden in the daytime

Just last night I finished this book. Tomorrow it will be passed along. Because someone will certainly want to dive into it.  When I watched this video it made me think more about all the reasons we read a particular book.  Why some feel so perfect, others irritate us, and some make us uncomfortable yet for some reason we are compelled to finish them.  

This was one of those books that was hard to stop reading each night.  It contains a family of characters I wanted to get back with daily, to see how the story was unfolding.  A father so tender, brothers fiercely protective.  It's the story of Claude/Poppy who thinks he is really a night fairy and she has a hard time keeping her wings hidden in the daytime. Highly Recommended.  

adventure partners

There will be no apologies for this sudden need to create collages.  As I review the photos from last year, I can't help it.  Know that it will pass by the end of January.  Bear with me.  

These are some of my adventure partners from the last year.  Definitely part of what made 2018 sparkle and shine.  As we speak dates are being penciled in for a future meeting.  It's like adding a holiday to the calendar in my book.  Who couldn't use more of those in their schedule?