Tall Tales from Kansas

to keep the fire burning

I am closing in on the tail end of the PS 2019 Art Retreat photos.  

As I look back at these, I realize it may be hard to understand the extreme enjoyment that comes from making ridiculous renderings of one another.  Unless you have been there.  Done that.  Then of course you do.  

Pam Garrison is a lettering WIZARD.  I adore this folded work of art she made for me.  

Speaking of gifts, get a load of the wrap sister got for me in Venice.

The most luxurious cashmere you can imagine, in the most pleasing palette of greens possible.  Oh, my. Soft, warm, and light like a feather. It is impossible not to feel very, very special in it. And yes, I do count myself incredibly lucky to have the BEST siblings in the entire world.

Yesterday Sister and I scheduled a FaceTime Sketchtime session. Something we hadn't done for awhile. A practice that is good (for me) to get back into the habit of doing when we return from Art Retreat. To keep the fire burning.  For as long as possible.  

we all need more animals that come to life and talk

Our weekend entertainment included a couple of movies.  Firstly, for an antidote to all that ails you, I highly recommend a visit with Winnie the Pooh.  

Because we all need more animals that come to life and talk.  And remind us of what's important.  Even for just 104 minutes.  As Pooh says ... sometimes doing nothing leads to the very best of something ... 

For the history buffs, and those of us who can remember the Apollo 11 moon landing, First Man was great.

Chris and I talked about what we each were doing in July 1969 when the moonwalk went down. Then I sent a message to Ray, Dottie, and Mary Ann to see if their memory of watching Neil Armstrong take the "giant leap for mankind" coincided with mine.  Which was of all of us in the "den" of our house at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina - eyes glued to the black and white TV.  Ray confirmed it and mentioned that he also recalls going outside to see if he could see the moon immediately afterwards. If you love space, or history, or both, you will want to see this. 

holy buckets nature is amazing

Last year, Sister and I decided that Palm Spring Art retreat MUST always begin with the opening ceremonies at the Huntington in San Marino. It was an excellent idea and was continued this year.  

There is a Desert garden, a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, a Rose Garden, a Camelia garden, and I could go on and on and on. Suffice it to say there is always something new to see.  

Heck I could see the same thing every time because it always looks different, depending on the time of day and weather conditions.  

It was particularly lovely in the rain this year.  

We were treated to a demonstration of how to safely navigate spines while eating eat cactus flowers by a garden resident.

Holy buckets nature is amazing.

Let me add astounding and wondrous to that description.

not one bit ridiculous

Today is about some of the ordinary moments that occurred around PS Art Retreat No. 7, and are continuing today, at home. 

Routine things.  Like going to breakfast with your sister.

Or writing in the Blurb books that she made.  To keep track of our anything but customary adventures.  

Appreciating pom-pom sculptures and mosaics in the sidewalk.

Admiring the artistry of bakers and illustrators. On display for anyone to see as they carry on with the regular habits of daily life.  

Noticing the enchanting among the ordinary is a habit worth cultivating. 

Another basic activity on all trips to LA is the walk through of Sister's garden. This includes explanations of where cuttings came from, where they have been most recently transplanted from, how they like/dislike their current location, where they will be moving to in the future.   

I came up with a good plan this year as she was taking me on a tour of her succulents.  

I decided I would load up all my pots, drive them to her house in October, and leave them at Moss Cottage to winter over.  

Then, I will return in my chariot and pick them up in May. Good idea huh?

Not one bit ridiculous.  

Today, instead of a piece of that sweet potato loaf that you saw in photo #5 above, which was very delicious by the way, blueberries and pears were served up.  The perfect way to start this completely commonplace Saturday, and with that, I raise my coffee to you in salute of the ordinary.  

cold winter weekend mornings

Happy Friday night from Tall Tales Headquarters where sifting through photos continues.

Sipping on a La Croix coconut water. Sister turned me on to them in Palm Springs. Delicious.

I hope you have some small pleasurable activity planned for the weekend. Soaking in a hot tub. Reading a book. Eating that last chocolate covered cherry you got for Christmas. I do enjoy these cold winter weekend mornings when there is no farmers market to go to, no sunshine and blue sky to walk in, time for solitude in front of the fire. At home. Thinking. 

some teeth and nose practice sessions

Let me open this post with a shot of the stacks of books that we each worked in at Art Retreat #7. 


Let me also say that my stack of books, on the bottom, will not arrive in Palm Springs naked next year. They will have colorful covers. Mark my words. This task has been placed on a "to do for next year" list in my everyday journal. 

This layout features MA's work on the bottom row (adore her portraits of Pam and I), that's my leaves/flowers and bouquet of flowers in the middle, MA drew Pam directly to the right of that, top row is all Pam (the bird spread!!!!!) except my yellow coffee cup along with the vase of zinnia's done earlier this summer.

Cactus was something I have wanted to try ever since seeing sister's gouache renditions of them.  There will be more of them done in the future.  Working with gouache is something I find myself liking more and more and more.  I might also engage in some teeth and nose practice sessions.  Or not.  

When you plan your very own Palm Springs art retreat, be sure you make it to Koffi's downtown location.  

They have this wonderful outdoor courtyard area in the back.

Perfect for people watching and latte sipping. (I recommend the honey vanilla latte).

Also, the geraniums are va-va-vibrant!  And the warm softness of the air feels wonderful on your skin.  Especially when you have three whole days spooling out in front of you for creating with your pals.  

then raced home to paint it all

Walking around the neighborhoods in Palm Springs is a feast for the eyes. 

So different from home.

In every way.

Inspiration abounds. 

Everywhere you turn.

Night AND day.

Day AND night.

It's hard to know where to look.

So we looked up and down.

And ALL around.

Then raced home to paint it all.  

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?

hare-brained ideas that somehow turn out to be the most perfect moments

In the event that you do not have a sister who recently went to Venice

who believes in doing the unexpected

like deciding you should have a taste of Pannetone

but not any old Pannetone

no, one she bought in Venice

and carried home through the one day delay in London followed by Denver and finally to Albuquerque, where it was mailed to you in Kansas

So you could open it and taste for the first time in your life this amazingly light, slightly sweet, delicacy and feel like you were there with them.  If you don't have such a sister, I am sharing the experience with you tonight.  

Dottie, please never stop having hare-brained ideas that somehow turn out to be the most perfect moments for those of us who get to share in them. I am toasting you sister, from here in Kansas... to less logic and more magic. Thanks for reminding me to say YES to life.  

imminently more do-able than the flat banana

Dadgummit but this was fun!

I always want to do puzzles but never make time for it between all my other duties.  Until I saw this one, that is.

All the information about where it came from is included in the photo above .  In the event that you, like me, fancy yourself a puzzle maker... but know your limitations.  As in 200 pieces.  How long could that take?

Not terribly long by the way, once I finally started.  

Once I commenced, it was hard to walk by it without stopping to look for a piece to snap into place.  And of course one piece always leads to two.  

Such unusual, tiny, interesting shapes.

The search will begin this weekend for the next challenge.  Maybe 400 pieces? 

As long as the image is as colorful and interesting as this one.  That is a requirement.  

I am a big fan of Jennifer Judd-McGee's work, which is what attracted me to this in the first place.  It seemed imminently more do-able than the "flat banana" (read solid yellow) jigsaw puzzle that Chris's dad got the family to put together for Christmas in 1982.  Which by the way, never did get started if I recall correctly. 

our zip-lining experience

Happy Happy Happy BIRTHDAY Sister!  I tried to use all of the best shots of you that I have through the years, including one of my favorite renderings.  There are so many I have done through the years, it was hard to choose.  

Hope you are doing something really fun tonight.  Looking forward to our zip-lining experience, to celebrate the event, when we are in Palm Springs together.  All the arrangements have been made.  Just like you requested. 

dreaming, planning, scheduling

Family favorites from 2018.  Good trips.  Good times.  

Great memories.  I don't know about you all, but I NEED to see my siblings regularly.  2019 has been planned out.  It includes multiple visits with each. There is nothing more enjoyable than dreaming, planning, scheduling, followed by doing, enjoying, and finally looking back on it all.  

...until sister or Pam comes up with another one

It is only 1:27pm and I have already accomplished the thing I had planned for today.  

Taking down the old calendar and putting up the new calendar.  That leaves the rest of the day open for whatever... which totally works for me.  I love these Paper Source calendars.  Not really for the actual calendar.  But more for the bright spot of color it brings to the space where it hangs.
 

Anyhoo, looking at the calendar reminded me of PSAR#6.  So I wanted to find a photo to use for PSAR#7.  Which is happening in 2 weeks!!!!  Anyway, this is what I came up with. I am not sure I love it but it will work until Sister or Pam comes up with another one. hint...hint...

Fueled by the "best of nine" on Instagram, I am looking through photos and moving them to and fro.  First one box, then the next. Until I find an arrangement that pleases me. Making myself happy.  Just playing.  Boy have I seen some pretty things this year.  At home and abroad.  Near and far.  

Flowers and sky.  And always pumpkins.  Gosh but the world is a pretty place.  

happy new dreams

Hello and welcome 2019.  I have plans for you.  Loose plans.  But plans none the less.  Inspired by some of these images from Taproot magazines' last several issues. All these will go up on the inspiration board.

I s t r e t c h e d out the time from 7 to 10 o'clock this morning as far as I could.  Sitting right here.  Looking at exactly this. Going through magazines. Letting my mind leisurely stroll through all the possibilities.  

Then I re-read a few cards, and listened to a TedTalk from a designer who takes a year off from work every 7 years.  To re-charge himself.  I like his style.  

Marco Polo greetings were exchanged.  A sister trip planning session began.  Activities for the day were laid out.

Including this puzzle I ordered way back in September just for this purpose, and... 

a paint-by-number "Masterpiece" Chris and I are working on together.  We have already picked a spot to hang it.  Masterpiece or not. So far so fun.  

I continue to enjoy every minute spent on the needlepoint project.  Which in fact, is just like a paint-by-number, with yarn.  

The poinsettia is going strong on the table, especially just when the sun goes down through the back patio window and lights it up like the show-stopper that it is.  

I have decided that when the Christmas tree candle is completely burned down, I will take our tree down.  Not one minute before.

And with that decision made, my work for the day is done.  Tomorrow it's back to my real job. Where I submit a proposal to take a one year sabbatical since I have been at my present job for over 7 years.  In my dreams. Which it's good to have.   

Happy New Year and happy new dreams to all of you.