Category Archives: Uncategorized

The bags of fiber roving came in the mail from the processor. Here they are, ready for spinning into yarn and then can be crocheted , knit or woven into something warm and snuggly.

Soon we will be shearing the alpaca again. Their thick fleece will be cleaned by picking out vegetable matter like leaves or hay. We separate the fibers by length and I can either comb it out by hand or send to the mill. Either way, I have the chance to use farm grown materials to create useful items.

Having even more creative fun down on the farm!

My desk is a MESS!
I know, that’s nothing new, right?

I’ve been working on a drawing project and three sets of revisions for an illustration. I work in pencil on sketch paper, then tracing paper and use a light box for revisions.

I’m also trying to find my way through a “self-taught” program of learning how to create artwork digitally. So I ordered a drawing tablet with a stylus and have a program on my computer which allows me to create images which show up on the screen. (Baby steps; I take baby steps.)

AND I’ve been reading, reading, reading in preparation for an upcoming Southern Breeze Workshop. Cheryl Klein will be speaking in Atlanta at our Springmingle Conference 2014 and I’m registered for her Master Plot Intensive.
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Springmingle is the annual regional conference for Southern Breeze, SCBWI, offering writing workshops and sessions with agents, authors, and editors to help writers and illustrators learn the skills they need to get published. Meet editors, art directors, and agents who are looking for new talent. Connect with a friendly, supportive group of authors and illustrators. For writers looking for feedback, both formal and informal critiques are available.

WHERE: Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345

WHEN: March 28-30, 2014

COST: $195 for SCBWI members, $225 for non-members, or $205 for students

For more information, visit southern-breeze.scbwi.org
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Busy and Happy Hands, ya’ll !

Can Spring be too far behind?

After what seemed like a week of snow, ice, and cold weather, the winter weather advisory lifted. We had firewood, water, food, batteries for flashlights (just in case), candles, books, puzzles and blankets, then settled in for mid-winter retreat. By all accounts reported, we think we fared pretty well. We had no power outages or frozen pipes.

When we weren’t taking care of farm chores or animals, we had time for other activities. I read. I wrote. Drew. Spun yarn for future projects. When being inside made me get “antsy” I donned cold weather gear, boots, and went outside. It was pretty cold in the barn/studio, so I took some time to straighten out my workspace in the house. I’ve moved my drawing table around and can look out the window to see the alpaca walking through the pasture.

I give thanks for blessings and understand how fortunate I am to be able to live a creative life.

“Fresh hay, and it’s snowing, too!”

We are having our first snowfall of the season. It’s soft, bright and beginning to stick to the ground. I’ve always loved snows like this!

I’m not working out in the studio today–yet– still I’m in the snow. Animals need to be fed and watered. Every day. Today I heat the water and carry it out to them. The water will be just right when it mixes with the cooler (or frozen!) water already in the pan. When “farm chores” are finished, I can settle inside the house by the fire with hot tea or a good book. Before it gets dark, I’ll go outside and do it all again.

The regularity of farm chores sometimes reminds me of the discipline I must strive for in my creative life if I am to be productive.

Every. Day.
Make. Something.