Old School

A few months ago, my mom asked me to donate a painting to an art auction she was organizing for one of the millions of volunteer things she does.  She needed it for an event that went down last week.

My mom had asked for a cityscape or a cafe scene.  My first inclination was to paint something totally new since I had so much time, so I set to work.  But, I immediately wasn't pleased with what I started.  I worked on it a couple of days for a few hours each, and then decided to give up because I just wasn't feeling it.   I mostly paint animals nowadays, so it just felt strange.

When I first started painting, I painted a lot of cityscapes and scenes of cafes both here in Erie and also other places.  Before I met her, the Chick had gone to Paris, and she had a slew of black and white prints that I loved to paint from.  I liked painting from the black and whites because then the basic shapes of things and the composition was all laid out for me, but the colors could be anything I wanted.  There were no preconceived notions.  It was fun to paint things colors that they would never be, or at least colors they would never be under normal circumstances.

When I needed this painting for my mom, and I wasn't feeling like painting something fresh, I thought through the paintings I had sitting around.  There aren't many left, as (fortunately!) I've sold most of them over the years through various venues.

There was one painting that I never sold, I guess for sentimental reasons.  I don't usually feel that attached to the art I create.  I think of it as something I want out in the world, not in the Lilypad crowding up the walls. 

This was the painting I decided to give to my mom.  It was pretty much the first painting I ever made.  It's just a random street scene form Paris.  I call it "Red Car:"

As it turned out, the painting didn't end up getting bid on in the auction.  My mom said none of the bigger paintings were bid on or purchased, sadly.  It's a small town (Titusville, PA), and these are hard times, so it wasn't a surprise that no one wanted to fork over a couple hundred buckos for a scene they didn't recognize.

And, I have to say I'm glad. 

I thought I wasn't attached to this piece, but it turned out that I was, and that I'm glad it didn't sell so it can go back up on the wall in the Rabbit Room.

I think that's where it belongs.

Sock Alchemy

Recently, I've come to realize that I am easily obsessed.

I get an idea in my head, and I can't let it go.  I would guess there's lots of people out there like this.

Of course, Rabbits let things go quite easily.  They might have an Amazing Idea that forms between Their Ears, but then a Salad comes into the room and all Ideas are lost and They move onto thinking about Important Food.  They are probably able to forget because They are so constantly and consistently coming up with Fresh Ideas that they don't need to hang on to each and every one.

For me, it's different.  I hang on.

For about 2 years, I've been obsessed with making stuffed animals.

I saw a book at the library about Amigurumi.  These are seriously cute little animals that you crochet and stuff.  I wanted to learn to crochet JUST so I could make them, that's how cute the pictures in the book were.

Let me add that, in addition to being obsessive, I am also a bit impatient.  Making these Adorable Creatures meant acquiring a skill that I didn't have, namely crocheting.   I tried.  Really, I did.  Crocheting and knitting are in my genes.  But, for some reason, I couldn't make it happen, and my Big Dream to make Seriously Cute Amigurumi Creatures faded away.

The obsession stayed with me, though, and a couple of weeks ago, it manifested itself in a similar yet different form:  SOCK ANIMALS!

I saw another book at the library, and this time, when I looked through the book, I felt like I could handle it.  No new skills required!!  These sock animals pretty much require some cutting and sewing!

Sewing is a skill I already have.  Now, don't get me wrong-- I am NOT GOOD at sewing, but I at least know how, and I know with practice, I can get better.

Therefore, armed with a few new pairs of cheap socks and some ambition, I attempted my first two Sock Bunnies (well, you knew they were going to be bunnies, didn't you?) over the weekend.  They are not great Sock Bunnies.  They are not even good Sock Bunnies.  But, I had a blast making them, and that is the whole point of my Year of New Things.

Here they are  (be prepared-- they look a little like mug shots):

First (DUH!!!),  I made a Zoe.  I used markers to color her fur, and I didn't particularly like how that turned out.  It kind of looks like Her, though.

Second was to be a Blueberry, but since I didn't want to use marker for coloring, I decided to make a Zany Green Bunny instead.  The Chick named Her Petunia, and Petunia got to help out with planning the Chick's upcoming writing classes.  Petunia was very helpful.

I am excited to make more Bunnies (and other animals like.....cats, but don't tell) in the coming weeks.  Not for any purpose, but just because it's Fun and I like it.

What have you done for fun lately?  By the way, if you have suggestions for Sock Animals or if you feel compelled to share any sewing tips, I'd love to hear them!

Here's hoping your week is off to a great start!

Two Fun Things

Today's post is about...FUN.

That's right.  FUN.

It is also about....RABBITS and CATS.

Well, really, what IS fun if it's not Rabbits and Cats?  Right?

First, we have a painting.  This is not a painting made here on the premises of the Lilypad. It is an out of town sort of painting from Avid Rabbit and Cat Fan, Miss Ashlyn!

Ashlyn is a regular reader of Ordinary Enchantment and a Special Friend to All the Lilypad Animals.  She has dared to render paintings and drawings of even the most elusive of the Lilypad Cats....Miss Emmie.  You may remember THIS POST from when it was Ashlyn's Birthday.  It was a Special Day.  That was also the day Blueberry decided to move in permanently. 

Today, The Rabbits and I feature a painting Miss Ashlyn has painted of the Lilypad's FRESHEST Cat, Miss Daisy.  This painting arrived in the mail the other day.  As you know, we love when Mailman Rick brings good mail, so it was a pretty darned exciting day!

Without further delay, then, I present....Miss Daisy by Artist ASHLYN!!

Nice going, Ashlyn!  

You've captured my beauty exquisitely!

The second thing on today's agenda is and item of the Rabbit variety.  Are you ready for this?

(You may want to sit down first...)

This is my new water bottle:

I'm sure you can't read the bottom.  It says "Rabbits like flowers that smell like poo."

HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

Oh.....Sorry....

(Some things are funnier to me, of course, than they are to Other People.)

At any rate, we hope you enjoyed today's FUN THINGS!!!!  Thanks to Ashlyn for Her Support of Cats and Rabbits!!!

A Fresh Year of Savoring Life

If you have been keeping up with the Blisschick's Blog, then you know that we've had some rough times here of late.  Trying to deal with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its triggers makes for a lot of anxiety, unrest, and an inability to follow good schedules of sleeping, eating, etc.

Meanwhile, and obviously, as I wrote about last week, my creative life has also gotten off track.  I have a hard time focusing on what I want to do.  I also get caught up easily in the "shoulds" and "where will this get me" patterns of thinking.  I have too many expectations.

Not good.

And so, on the way home from a little day trip the other day, the Chick and I made a decision:  That I will take a year and let go of expectations for myself and my art and just PLAY!!!

This is what that means:  I WILL SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE OF MAKING ART, WHATEVER THAT MEANS.  I will explore creativity with no thoughts about where it might get me.   I will do whatever I darn well please:  I will take pictures, I will paint, I will play my guitar, I will look for new things to try.  I just got the greatest book out of the library about making sock dolls.  I'm going to do that.

I'm going to try anything and everything and not worry about it.  I'm instituting a year of FUN EXPLORATION and SAVORING.

WHO'S WITH ME?

And so it began yesterday, August 1st, and it will last for the year.  On August 1st next year, I will look back at my path, not see where I got to, but simply to see what I've done.

So, first stop:  FUN with my new camera.  I'll tell you more about the camera itself in the not too distant future, but for now, here are some pictures from a hike we took yesterday in nearby Wintergreen Gorge:

Have a great Monday.  Fill it with FUN!

SAVOR IT!!

Good Monday To You

It's possible that you've noticed that I haven't been producing much Art lately, and that I haven't talked at all about Writing.

It's not because I haven't wanted to, or because I've in any way given up on projects or chosen a new path in any way whatsoever.

It's because we, here at the Lilypad, have had Other Things going on that needed our attention more than those things.  As Important as Creative Pursuits are, sometimes the act of Life is simply more Important.

In way of explanation, I point you toward the Blisschick's Blog.  Many of you may have already read today's installment.  If you haven't, take a few moments to do so.  This is a pretty Big post for her.  It's not easy for her to talk about herself in such an exposed way.  But, it explains much about what we have been caught up in here, and why creativity has taken a back seat for while.

The good news is that things are changing around here for the better.  We are working on things.  Really working on things.  And that means that Creativity is on the verge of a comeback.

"Thank goodness.  

I wouldn't want to have to do something that we'd all regret."

Don't worry Zoe.  We are taking care of it.

Happy Bunny!!

After the arrival of the Magic Box from Kavindra last week, there is a Happy Bunny in this house!!

No, not that Happy Bunny!

Though I think Zoe has said the above sentence about one million times, the following is more what we mean by Happy Bunny:

Relaxed...

Content...

Zzzzzzzzzzzz........

It was one of those weekends here at the Lilypad.

You know-- those weekends.

First of all, The Blisschick was gonzo! She was in Cleveland for practically Two Whole Days working with Connie and Andrea on the Creative Dig Workshop!! (OK, it was more like one and a half days, but who's counting? It felt like a week!) The cats, rabbit, and I scheduled things to do, so that we wouldn't simply be moping around looking at all the empty spots in the house. You know, the places where the Chick usually is. It was weird. It was unsettling.

But, we'd better get used to it. Because this was a warm up. In another week, she'll be off to Massachusetts for Yoga Dance training! For a whole week!! That will feel like a month!!!

And then secondly, besides the Blisschick being AWOL, the weather was....well...shall we say, less than cooperative. I had a plan to paint the front door raspberry as a surprise for the Chick's arrival home. But then the weather was not just rainy, but cold and rainy!

Oh, well. Better luck next week, right?

Monday: A Beginning and an End

Is Monday the beginning of the week or the end of the weekend?

Zoe and I can't decide.

We had a nice weekend, packed with activities and FUN. Plus some staying home to just pet Animals and have good conversations.

It all started on Thursday night with a visit to our local brewery called Brewerie for the bi-annual Arts and Drafts, which Zoe and I decided we are going to participate in this coming Spring.

Arts and Drafts consists of Art, Music, and Beer. How can you go wrong? You really can't.

Local artists hang their work in one part of the building, which coincidentally, is the old train station and a gorgeous building, and on the other side of the bar, some of our most wonderful local musicians played. Of course, the Heliotropes played, but also my friend MusicMiles (formerly known in this blog as HealthCoach) and his friend, Brad. I took some pretty substandard video of them playing, which you may get to see on Flip Friday this week if I can put it all together.

MusicMiles playing a shaker thingie.
Oh, and looking Super Cool.

On Saturday, the Blisschick and I went to see a movie-- Julie and Julia. We found it to be delightful! Funny, interesting, and a good story. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Saturday night was spent hanging out with more good friends and included a dip in a hot tub as well as a very cute poodle.

Now, I know you're wondering-- with all this running around, were the Cats and the Rabbit really getting enough Attention?

Well, that was our question, too. Which is precisely why we were glad to stay home on Sunday and do a bit of Resting and Creating.

Sunday held its own excitement, though, in the form of interviews. There was this interview of the Blisschick and me, which we wrote together.

Then, there was the Blisschick's interview on Dirty footprints Studio BlogTalk Radio with Connie and Andrea about their Creative Dig Workshop. That's coming up soon, but there's still time to register.

Zoe said it's all too much. She doesn't care if Monday is the Beginning or the End of the Week.

She just wants more attention.

No Regrets. Only Rabbits.

Not to depress those of you who absolutely love Summer, but the Canada Geese flying over the Lilypad in their big, honking Vs would say that Autumn seems to be on the way.

Ahhhhh....... and won't that be a relief?

Now, don't get me wrong. I love Summer. I love sunshine! I love hot, humid weather! I love waking up at 4:30AM and it's sort of light out already.

OK, that last thing might just be proof of psychosis. Whatev.

The point is, we here at the Lilypad love Summer, yes. But we also love the hibernation that comes with the rest of the year. And this year, we are super-extra looking forward to it.

Remember a couple of months ago, when I said I was going to forgo painting for while to concentrate on writing? To really, really buckle down and work on my novel?

Of course I had a hard time not painting. It's a part of myself that I really cannot forgo just for the sake of convenience. But the point was to write more. I even took unpaid leave hours at work to come home early everyday and get right to work.

Did I do it?

Well......

The Deadly Rabbit Stare

(Oh, no, the STARE!!)

Well you see I tried, but I was... I mean we were so.... I mean....

OUCH!!! IT BURNS!!!!

Well, Zoe has every right to Stare at me. I didn't really fulfill my promise to myself to focus. To concentrate. To work my butt off in an effort to do my thing. Or things, I could say.

But, I'm not going to take it too hard. We had a strange Summer. Even as I write that, I know that that's not necessarily the reason. Every Summer is strange. Full of events and festivals and parties and visits from friends and family and just wanting to sit out in the yard for goodness sake and relax in the Sunshine.

I could spend my time feeling really bad about this fact. Feeling like a loser.

But where's the fun in that?

Maybe the lesson I could learn from this is that it's just that it's Important not to judge Oneself for... well.... resting. That it's Important to take a deep breath, think about what direction I want to take now, and just start again.

With no regrets. No judgments of Self.

Leave the Judging to the Rabbit.

It's kinda what they do.

I mean come on. Did you see that Stare?

Just in case you missed it the first time!

Now, that's a professional. Leave it to her. You? You just go about your business.

Flip Friday

Here we are. At the end of another week.

It's a good thing, I suppose, to arrive at the weekend.

Unless, of course, one must work on the weekend, which I do. So, there you are.

The fact that I had Wednesday off, however, is some consolation. Especially because we had the opportunity to travel to our Fair Sister City on Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio.

We went with our Good Friend, Miss Kitty and hit some of our favorite hot spots.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, for one.

It is an interesting thing to see Art. The last time we visited the Cleveland Museum of Art, about 4 or 5 years ago perhaps, I was not so much of a painter. I had really just sort of started painting, in fact. To go back now, after I have been painting for awhile made the whole experience different and fresh. I found myself noticing Everything in a Whole New Way.

It was very exciting.

Also exciting is to go to an Art Museum with people who appreciate and love Art. That makes for great conversation in the car on the way home.

Here is a small snippit of video from the CMAs new East Wing Sculpture Atrium. Some beautiful Rodins have taken up residence in there for the time being.




Besides the Museum, we also hit the West Side Market. Though a bit overwhelming for the Blisschick, it was a delightful experience and we came home with a load of awesome food.

Our third stop was Trader Joe's, where we stocked up on some interesting new wines. We also grabbed a 6-pack of a new beer to try-- Black Toad (made exclusively for Trader Joe's by the Goose Island Beer Company in Chicago)-- which we shared with our writing group when we returned home on Wednesday night. Deeeeeeee- lish!

It was a lovely day. Of course, the Mammals at the Lilypad were not too terribly pleased to be left alone at home all day.

Especially This Mammal...



But, lucky for us, she forgave us for being away all day and for splitting her salad into 2 parts-- a before and after trip salad. I have since been told (in no uncertain terms) that she likes her whole salad at one time.

I'll try to keep that in mind for the future.

Time Out!

Erie, Pennsylvania is a fairly small town. I think we have about 100,000 people who live in the city. Two of them are the Blisschick and me, of course.

But, don't let the small town thing fool you. We still get plenty of excitement here. If you saw my post from Memorial Day weekend, you'll see we went to the Russian Festival, the local brewpub, and many days over the past week, when I had some days off, we went to the beach.

But, wait-- it gets better.

Within a few mile radius of our home (a.k.a. The Lilypad), are two universities within the city limits. One of them, Mercyhurst College, often has AMAZING concerts at their D'Angelo Performing Arts Center.

And this past weekend, their amazing concert was none other than...

THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET!!!

If you're a jazz fan, you're probably already familiar with Dave Brubeck. But, if you're not, check out this video. It will give you an idea of what you've been missing:



Of course, that video is from a few years ago. Now, he's almost 90.

I have loved Dave Brubeck for most of my life. When I told my mom we were going to see him, she said, "How exciting! Your father and I used to listen to him when we were in college." Then, she added to my father: "Who knew he was still alive?"

Well, Mom, hopefully someone did. Preferably himself.

Dave Brubeck has done so much to change the face of jazz. The Blisschick and I were just discussing the other day how we can totally hear his influence on everything from other jazz musicians like Brad Mehldau to alternative groups like Spoon.

It was amazing to watch Dave Brubeck on stage. Though he's been in and out of the hospital-- he said he'd only played one other time in the past two months-- when he sat down at the piano, it was like he was 40 years old.

And the other guys in his quartet were simply AMAZING.

We even got the extra special bonus of hearing Matt Brubeck, Dave's son, play the cello. Yes, the jazz cello, the improvisational jazz cello. What a treat to see father and son on stage. He was so proud of his son. A lot of the time, when his son was playing, he would just sit back and smile. Or clap. Or dance. Cool.

Seeing Dave Brubeck was meeting a lifelong goal. And it was a total accident that it happened. I just happened to come across info about the concert a week and a half before. And, there just happened to still be tickets left.

Well, that's fine with me.

It's like the Universe really wanted us to see Dave Brubeck.

Thanks, Universe.

Too bad Miss Zoe couldn't go. She would have loved it.

The Problem With Dogs

A Disclaimer: Before I start, let me just say, the above title may be misleading. I, personally, have no problem with dogs. However, I cannot speak for any rabbits or cats who may or may not be in the room, and who may or may not approve (to use Cinnamon's word) of dogs.

That being said, I would like to clarify that my problem with dogs is simply that painting them and drawing them can rather stymie me.

I love dogs. Big, small, whatever.

The thing is, I've never had a dog.

I did once exist in the same space with a dog, I think, when I was first born. I seem to recall seeing some pictures of me as a very cute (of course!) baby pulling all the canned goods out of the cupboard to build a fort, and there in the background of the picture is a black dog.

But, it was so early on that my psyche has no recollection of ever "having a dog."

Baby Yard Rabbit is fine with no dog!

Baby Rabbit update:

Baby Rabbit is growing and doing fine.
Liking the dogless yard.

Someday, I hope to maybe have a dog. Who knows?

But, presently dogless, here's the problem for me: Not having had a dog makes it challenging to draw and paint them. It's as if I don't know their ins and outs, you know?

A cat? Easy. I have had so many cats in my life that I could draw their sweet little faces in my sleep.

A rabbit? Now that I've had Miss Zoe for 5 years and have spent hours of each and every one of those wonderful days of those years playing with her and staring at her cute face and body while she does, well-- everything, the same thing goes for rabbits. Could draw them in my sleep.

Me with the Sweet Miss Zoe.

Look at Miss Emmie's sweet Cat Face!

I say all this ("There," you're thinking. "She's FINALLY getting to the point!") because I recently got a commission to paint a dog, and every time I get a commission to paint a dog, it's the same. It's as though my muscles have forgotten the dog shape. Their eyes, their noses. I have to relearn it every time.

For this one commission, I have gone through, like, a dozen incarnations of the dog's face, trying to get it right, trying to get the eyes just right.

You have to get the eyes right.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share my recent art trials and tribulations. If you dog people out there have any suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. What makes a dog face a dog face?

That last sentence made Miss Zoe laugh. She is rolling around on the floor saying "Dog Face! Ha, ha, ha!" right now. Funny bunny.

Miss Zoe is not at all interested in hearing your dog comments, so send those to me.

When I do finally get that dog done, I'll post a picture. Hopefully, that will be soon.

Also coming soon: The Wee!Art Contest Winners.

Stay Tuned. Same Rabbit Time. Same Rabbit Channel.

Wee!Art Original Pet Portrait Giveaway

The Time has come!!

It's the Moment you've been waiting for.

Well, maybe not the moment in the Grand Scheme, but it's a a pretty good moment. You have to admit that.

What is this moment all about, you ask? Why should you be SO EXCITED?!? It's time for Miss Zoe and I to announce the Winners of the Wee!Art Pet Portrait Giveaway!!

But then, you knew that, right?

Right now, Miss Zoe is resting from the harrowing work of nosing her way through many little folded up pieces of paper to pick the Winners.

Miss Zoe rests in her sunspot.
Please, she doesn't wish to be bothered just now.

But, since you weren't here for the actual event, let's rewind and view a pictorial representation of the choosing process.

Assessing the competition...

Nosing through...

Choosing Winner #1
(this paper went all the way in her mouth--
you can barely see it sticking out.
And, yes, she got it pretty gooey.)

And, Winner #2
(she took Winner #2 away to a more
remote location, but #2 didn't get so gooey!)

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Luckily Miss Zoe didn't munch them
so much that they were unreadable!

Kavindra's Wee!Art Pet Portrait will feature none other than her wonderful cat, Lucy. (By the way Lucy, I think everyone misses the litterbox once in awhile!)

Ash's Wee!Art Pet Portrait will feature not her own animal companion, but another animal who was special-- a poodle named Dexter who belonged to her voice teacher.

Kavindra and Ash, please send pictures of your Animals and your mailing addresses to Miss Zoe and me at zoejobie(at)gmail(dot)com.

Many thanks to all those who sent their stories in for the contest. We have to admit, many of them were so sweet, they made us cry. Though, even if pressed, Miss Zoe will not admit that.

Oh, and Kavindra, Miss Zoe says to feel free to send that yummy carrot you promised. She'll be waiting...

Thank you. Thank you very much.

At some point last week, I was at work. You know, at the Library.

It was a rather uneventful day.

No one had dropped jewelry down the toilet. No one was chatting up any unsuspecting computers. Nobody was baptizing the stuffed animals in the Children's Library with water from the drinking fountain.

Ho Hum.

But then Miss Zoe called.

"We got an award!" she yelled into the phone. I could practically hear her nose wiggling as she said it.

An Award-Winning Roll!!

"You mean our blog?? Really? An award? How COOL!!"

I realized at that point that the noise I was hearing was Miss Zoe licking the receiver, and that our conversation was over. She has a very short attention span.

Sigh.

A Post-Award Winning Nap

I checked my email, and it was true! We had been given the Honest Scrap Award by Emma, the writer of Eriepressible. Emma is, in fact, a real person, and I know for a fact that she has a real dog. :)

Off we go then:

The Award and Rules:

This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, brilliant. The rules are as follows:

1. When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to the said person so everyone knows she/he is real.

2. Choose a minimum of seven (7) blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have seven friends. Show the seven random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with Honest Weblog. Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.

3. List at least ten (10) honest things about yourself. Then pass it on!

The first part is easy. I won't say anything about each blogger; they just all ROCK!

My seven blogs are as follows:

Treehouse Jukebox

BluJayStudio

Olivos Studio

My Yoga Experiment

Peeling A Pomegranate

Jennyfur's Sketchbook

Svasti

The second part is harder. I told the Blisschick, "I don't know if I can come up with 10 honest things about myself." (I guess that statement could mean something about me, but we won't go there.)

As Ordinary Enchantment is a Blog written partly by Miss Zoe, though, I thought I would work in a few fun facts about her as well. So, here we go on this part:

1. I once rode an elephant, and while I was on it, it pooed.

2. I am afraid to ride my bike under a bridge with train tracks and a train passing over (though, unfortunately, it happens quite often to me on my way to or fro work).

3. My mom used to tell me that the snarls in my hair upon waking were caused by rats making meringue pies in my hair at night.

4. Miss Zoe isn't supposed to like sunshine, but she spends many a sunny day stretched out in a sunspot in her room.

5. Miss Zoe is a logomorph.

6. I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and I am now actually learning. I have a beautiful blue guitar named Mayori.

7. I once had the opportunity to pet a baby tiger. I was attending Westminster College at the time, and a professor I had, Dr. Ford, had a friend who worked for a zoo. She was transporting a baby Siberian Tiger to a zoo in Texas and stopped en route for a visit with her friend. That baby tiger had the cutest growl I've ever heard.

8. I also once had the opportunity to touch Toni Morrison's hair. I went to hear her read at Ohio State University, and when I went up to have my book signed, I asked if I could touch her lovely hair. She was delighted.

9. I have recently remembered after hearing Li Young Lee read his poetry that hearing poetry read out loud by the person who wrote it is like a religious experience for me.

10. I don't know how I lived 33 years without a rabbit. I will never go back to a rabbitless existence.

I guess that wasn't so hard. Actually, I know a lot about myself!!

Thanks, Emma! Cheers!!

Eating What?!

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968

I remember being in a poetry class at Westminster College and reading these lines. I distinctly remember the physicality these lines portrayed to my brain.

Those few lines actually made my mouth feel full.

I'd always liked poetry, but something about these particular words gave chewable form to that fact.

Then, today at the Library, where we are of course celebrating April as National Poetry Month, I read the New York Times Book Review from April 2nd (we're a little behind in our reading at work). The essay on the back page by Jim Holt is called Got Poetry? The Case for Memorizing Poetry. In the essay, of course, the author asserts a great case for memorizing poetry.

(He also says that not everyone needs an iPod. That instead of having an iPod, you could be memorizing poetry. Apparently, he hasn't run into my iPod, on which resides the complete recitation of Beowulf in the original Anglo Saxon whatnot. You can ignore his iPod remark is my point.)

Anyway, reading that essay made me remember how much I used to love to memorize poems. When I was younger, I actually used to tape up poems that I liked to the wall next to my bed. At night, while I was falling asleep, I would try to memorize them.

I know. Hang on while I turn off the flashing GEEK sign over my head.

(Actually, the GEEK sign will probably never stop flashing after the earlier Beowulf admittance.)

Alas.

Among the things I read before bed were Shakespeare, Shelley, Blake, Dickinson. I can even still remember the summer I memorized the first part of Khubla Khan, which is one of my absolute faves. I also liked Shel Silverstein. And, a million others.

(Of course, my Blisschick writes beautiful poetry, and she is my absolute favorite contemporary poet. But, I didn't know her when I was in my memorizing stage. If you haven't read any, check some out here.)

My point here is that poetry used to be a way bigger part of my life. I feel sad that I've lost that. I mean, it's actually not really gone anywhere (unless Miss Zoe has perhaps eaten all the poetry), but it is sort of missing from my life right now.

"What poetry? I'm not (lick, lick) licking my lips.
I haven't eaten any poetry. Whatever do you mean?"

But tonight, all that will begin to change.

Tonight, the Blisschick and I, along with our Writing Group and our good friend Miss Kitty are going to Gannon University to see and hear Li-Young Lee, one of our most well known and greatest contemporary poets.

I have to admit, though he is one of the Blisschick's faves, I don't know that much about him, nor have I read much of his poetry.

But, you know what? It doesn't even matter.

The point is just to go. And sit. And listen. And absorb.

The point is to eat some yummy poetry like it's a delicious and expensive meal that includes a kick-butt bottle of Petite Shiraz or Chianti and a chocolate dessert that you have room in your tummy for.

Maybe this summer I'll start memorizing some poems again like I used to.

In fact, I'm going to ask Miss Zoe right now what her favorite poem is. We'll start with that one.

Oh, and Happy Poetry Month. Try reading some poems to celebrate!!

Happy National Library Week!!

Cookie Monster: Your Average Public Library visitor!

Don't you agree that I would be remiss as a Library Employee if I did not wish you a Happy Library Week?

I think I would be.

Believe it or not, the video above pretty much describes what it can be like to work in a public library. Cookie Monster? He's the average library patron.

I don't mean to suggest that the library is full of Cookie Monsters. Certainly, there are regular, normal people who come to the library.

But there are plenty of irregular people who show up, too. I've spoken about a few of these irregular patrons in posts past. My Library stories are great material for parties.

This past weekend, for instance, we had a few boys show up dressed as mimes who caused a general ruckus. Last week, there was that guy speaking (I swear!) in Klingon. In the past, we have had patrons to whom we've referred as:

• Foot Fetish Guy --he used to sneak under the tables and stare at people's feet (he's in jail now);
• Hair Cutter Guy --he used to try to cut off women's ponytails. He abhors Crystal Gayle and has asked for her address at our Reference Desk and then written to her about 500 times to tell her to cut her hair! (he's in a mental health facility now, much to the joy of poor Crystal Gayle, I'm sure).
  

One time, we had a woman who came to the Circulation Desk insisting that we sell her "a ticket to sleep." We're still trying to sort out what that was about.

People never believe it when I share these stories. They think of the library as a very subdued and tranquil place where people are holed up in corners reading Dostoevsky and such. When I interview people for jobs, they often tell me that they would "love a job where they get to go and read all day."

What?

Yeah, I'm not sure where they get that idea, but that's not really what working at the Library is all about.

The Library is no longer the tranquil, quiet (boring) place it was in years past. Today's public library is vital, alive, and exciting. (Sometimes, a little too exciting...)

It is Everyman's University.

The library is a community center. A third place.

It's just plain cool! (I know, I'm a geek. I'll stop. But, it is true.)

If you haven't been to your library recently, try it out. In this economy, why buy a book you can borrow?

I encourage you to find out what your library has to offer. Most people think of books, sure, and magazines, newspapers, and periodicals. But did you know we have DVDs (TV shows, movies, documentaries, etc. etc.)? CDs (popular, country, inspirational, world, opera, jazz, etc. etc.)? Computer Software? Downloadable audiobooks? Tons of databases? Free Wireless Internet? Free computer use if you don't own a computer yourself?

At our library, we even even have fishing poles that you can check out!!

If you've not been to your town's library in a bit (or ever!), make a point to check their website or, better yet, stop in and see what's there.

And, gosh darn it, get a library card!!!

Miss Zoe demands it!!

And you don't want to disappoint Miss Zoe, do you?

Really?

By the way, while you're at your library, you might consider asking them if they sell tickets to sleep.

If you get any response, do let me know, won't you?

Wee!Art

But first.. a quick update regarding Monday's post:

Treehousejukebox Emma asked via a comment, "Was the ring found?" (referring of course to the ring that was dropped down the toilet on at the library on Saturday when I was working.)

The answer to that question was almost as amusing as the event itself (though I realize I am easily amused).

When I got to work yesterday, I had received a note re: Restroom Man from our Maintenance Guy that read, "Tell [Restroom Man] to call the Water Waste Treatment Plant and ask them to keep an eye out for his ring."

And I immediately pictured a veritable treasure trove of the items that may wash up at the Water Waste Treatment Plant, and how many guys who work there have girlfriends who have been presented with those "gifts" (or would they be "re-gifts?"). I immediately picture a young man presenting his fiancee with a lovely engagement ring, and she, in her innocence saying, "Oh honey it's lovely! Where did you get it?" and him shuffling his feet around and saying, "Oh, you know. I got my sources..."

"And, again, I say: This is why cats don't wear rings."

Yes, Miss Lilly. We heard you the first time.

In other news... I may or may not have mentioned that I had the opportunity on Sunday to make a bunch of new stuff for:

Ordinary Enchantment, The Store
(our new adventure in the world of Etsy.)

Along with some cool new pendants, we are introducing(... drum roll, please...)

Wee!Art

It's small! It's cute! It's affordable! And Wee!Art is 100% collectible, original paintings by Miss Zoe and me. Sometimes Miss Lilly helps. (For instance, this weekend, she sat on my painting table many-a-time as I worked. For anyone who's unawares, in the Cat World, sitting or standing by constitutes "helping.")

The other cats and the Blisschick just walked by occasionally to offer constructive criticism. Or, to meow. Or, to ask for food.

Wee!Art is cats!

Wee!Art is bunnies!

Wee!Art is just plain FUN!!

And, it's wee.

More Hours in the Day, Please!

Weekends just go by too quickly. It's as if they have no regard for us, no regard for our needs.

What is that about?

Of course, I also had to work at the Library on Saturday.

It was a busy day that included a man who was wagging his finger with one hand and a cigar with the other and yelling in what sounded like Klingon at one of computers, (which, incidentally, he wasn't using-- it was just an innocent bystander, poor computer).

It also included terribly long lines at the Circulation Desk, and a lot of grouchy people who were insistent they "they had never checked that out." Riiiiight... then it was either a) your stunt double, or b) your evil twin?

When five o'clock rolled around we were all so relieved.

Security Guard and I waited for the last guy to leave, a man who was using the public restroom in the lobby. Restroom Man.

As we waited, we reviewed the day and decided that we were just glad it was time to go. It was after 5, and it had even been a struggle to corral everyone out with their DVDs and bestseller mysteries.

We caught sight of Restroom Man in the corners of our eyes, and we moved toward the already locked doors to let him out. But, Restroom Man stopped us cold by yelling, panicky, from across the lobby, "Hey! I dropped my ring down the toilet! Could someone get it out for me?"

Security Guard and I exchanged knowing glances and sighed.

It had been that kind of day.

In this case, does Saturday really count as a Sacred Weekend Day?

"That's why cats don't wear rings," Lilly said stretching out her fingers.
"Too easy to lose them in the... you know...the box."

Good point, Lilly. I'll pass that on to Restroom Man.

Luckily, we had Make Your Own Pizza Night at Miss Kitty's house (Miss Kitty being my favorite chef) to look forward to.

There was homemade dough (or, "Ho-made" as the pizza shop down the street used to advertise on their front picture window. We steered clear of that for obvious reasons...), and every topping you could imagine wanting.

After Pizza, there was Americanized Bollywood in the form of Bride and Prejudice and Red Velvet Cake, which I'd never had.

All in all, Saturday ran the gambit.

That left one day only-- Sunday-- for making some new stuff for our new etsy store, petting and playing with mammals, talking to and spending time with the Blisschick, frolicking in the sunshine, making a couple of Rabbit and Cat Movies (stay tuned for those later in the week), catching up on emails, etc. etc. etc.

At some point, Miss Zoe checked my email and said, "Health Coach wrote. He wants to know how the exercise is going."

Oh, yeah. And exercise. Don't forget that. (It was a lovely day for that, though.)

"You'd better get a move on.
Come on-- bust a move!" says the Task Master.

I'm looking forward to this coming weekend, though.

It's an extra special holiday, what with the Giant Bunny and all.

And, no Library for three days. A few days away will be a Good Thing. No grouchy people (I won't promise no grouchy bunnies or kitties), no rings in toilets.

Just Art and Mammals, Everyday. Just like it's supposed to be.

FUN Friday!!

I know. It's not Flip Friday, but we went through all that on Wacky Wednesday.

And, Miss Zoe and I resorted to Wacky Wednesday only because the thing we had planned for Wednesday wasn't quite ready.

So, now, it's Friday, you've already enjoyed your Miss Zoe movie fix for the week, and it's time to move on to other things. Like the little surprise we have planned.

Don't you love a surprise?

Miss Zoe LOVES a surprise.
Especially if it's Willow Balls coming in the mail.

OK, so first, a little history: You remember how I asked all of you to help me to choose my new logo and you all voted and sent me the most wonderfullest of comments? (Did I hear a yes?)

Well, someone who lives with me who is extremely wise and has long ears (hint, hint), brought up some of those comments a couple of weeks ago. In her great wisdomosity, Blisschick (did you think I meant Zoe?) said to me, "What is it that you really want to be painting? What is it that you want a logo to really represent?"

I thought about that for a moment. I exchanged glances with Zoe. She looked away.

"Because," the Blisschick continued, "you have to think about all that. You made a nice logo and you have lots of ideas, but what is it that you love to paint more than anything else?"

Miss Lilly jumped into the Rabbit Room and cleared her throat. Miss Zoe coughed a bit from behind a pile of hay. I scratched my ear.

They were being a bit obvious, but they were right.

"Animals," I said with confidence. "I LOVE to paint animals. Especially cats and rabbits. But also dogs."

Another cough from Miss Zoe. (She's not too sure about dogs.)

And the Blisschick replied, "Animals. Then that's what you need your Etsy store to be. That's what you need to be painting and focusing on. Paint what you love."

With that in mind, then, I set off to sketch some ideas, which incorporated my new love of milagros with my obvious love of painting animals.

From there, it has all fallen together.

Add this bit of history: Over the past two years, we have said goodbye to the Fur Suits of two extraordinary cats who we were fortunate enough to know and love during this life. Those beautiful cats, Jobie and Ernie, have gone to a place we call Sparkle Pond.

If we want to visit Jobie or Ernie, all we need to do is close our eyes and trek to Sparkle Pond.

It's a gorgeous place. There's the Pond, of course. There's a rock Ernie likes to sleep on that's always in the sun. There's a Paper Ball Tree ripe with juicy, crinkly paper balls that Jobie loves to sleep under. And at night, there's always a clear and swirly sky filled with stars and a bright and lovely Moon. And, the cats are almost always wearing little hats or crowns. Sometimes they glow or wear wings.

And so, my new paintings and pendants come from here. They originate at Sparkle Pond and are meant to celebrate the Lives of Animals, whether they are in Fur Suits or Sparkle Suits.

Without further adieu, I hereby announce the opening of my new and improved Etsy Store, Ordinary Enchantment.

It's a pretty small inventory at present, but it will grow.

I want to thank you all for your help and guidance, for without your comments, suggestions, and votes, I think I'd still be a little lost about what I wanted to work on.

So thank you. Let Miss Zoe know what you think. She'll break it to me gently.

Flip Friday on Wednesday?

So, this week I was planning on doing the second ever Flip Friday. You know, using my Flip video camera. Which was, of course, a little something I received early form the Easter Bunny.

(Did I mention that Zoe has connections?)

And, I planned on having this week's Flip Friday be... well.. on Friday.

"But," Zoe said as I excitedly made videos to post on Wednesday instead, "Wednesday is NOT Friday. People will think you've, you know, flipped."

It's very possible that Zoe is right.

But, you see, there was a dilemma here at the home we call Lilypad.

Blisschick and I have been working on an idea for a few weeks that we were planning to announce today. That is, on Wednesday. Let's call it Wacky Wednesday, for the sake of argument.

And then, on Wacky Wednesday IT wasn't weady (sorry-- I mean "ready." I got caught up in the alliteration).

Miss Zoe is clearly showing her annoyance at my substandard performance.
"Flip Friday? Ha!" she is clearly scoffing. "Wacky Wednesday my *beep*!"

Anyhow, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, Miss Zoe and I came to a consensus about posting the Flip Friday videos today and saving the BIG SURPRISE for Friday.

OK, actually, it wasn't much of a consensus, but Miss Zoe is always happy to see herself in the new world of the Motion Picture, so here are two movies for your viewing pleasure:

Miss Zoe in "The Chewing Movie"
and
Miss Zoe, Miss Lilly, and some random Lilypad extras in "Lilly and Zoe Just, You Know, Hang Out"

Hope you enjoy the Wacky Wednesday Double Feature!

And check back on Friday for the other thing.

Really, you need to check back. Miss Zoe knows who you are. And, she knows where you live.

Believe it.

Illuminating Mystery

It's been Spring for a couple of weeks now. YAY!!

In the overall picture of the year, Springtime represents new growth. Rebirth. Perhaps a re-awakening and/ or re-dedication to habits or practices that are still a little sleepy from a long and very cold Winter, things that might still be in bed, bundled up under a blanket (or is that just a cat?).

In other words:

Springtime = Creativity!!

Of course, Spring also equals Gnomes starting to do their yard work (or "work" as we refer to it, as it seems to mostly consist of looking busy. Though, perhaps our yard Gnomes are just lazier than others.)

This Gnome is bringing flowers to distract you from his laziness.
Not a bad tactic. I could almost forget that he's supposed to be cleaning
garden beds with his tiny wheelbarrow, couldn't you?

Of course, I'd be remiss, too, if I didn't mention the
Importance of Rabbits to the Springtime.
"Rabbits are Important to every season, really," adds Miss Zoe.

But, back to the Idea of Creativity.

Last Summer, through the Magic that is Blisschick, we came in contact with a person we now refer to as Abbey-Of-The-Arts-Christine (to distinguish her, of course, from Blisschick-Christine). A-O-T-A-Christine was a reader of and commenter on Blisschick. And, at some point, she wrote to say she liked my Art, which the Blisschick so nicely displays and links to at every opportunity.

We began to read Abbey of the Arts, (A-O-T-A-Christine's blog). Then, Christine asked me to paint her beautiful dogs, Abbess Petunia and the former Abbott Duke. She commissioned a triptych, with one of her dogs on either side and a Tree of Life on the center panel.

That's Petunia on the left of panel of the triptych, and Duke on the right.

It was an honor to paint such wonderful souls.

And then, soon after that was finished and off in the mail to its new home, Christine contacted me again. This time to ask if I would like to be a part of her next Reflective Art Journal, due out in the Spring (which would be now).

Well, that was a no-brainer!! Of course I wanted to participate.

And then, last week, Mailman Rick delivered this lovely publication!!

Illuminating Mystery: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice
Reflections in Word and Image by Christine Valters Paintner, PhD
and a wonderful gathering of sacred artists
(Gnome sold separately)

This issue is based on Christine's Sacred Artist Interviews, a feature of her Abbey of the Arts blog. It is full of excerpts from the Artist Interviews along with questions from Christine to inspire you to think about your own Creativity and Creative practices.

In addition to questions, Christine has interspersed into these excerpts and questions some poetically and eloquently written reflections on Creativity: its role in our lives, its Importance to our Spirituality, and also the role Creativity plays in making us whole and alive, and in making us "artists of the inner life."

I am extremely proud to be a featured artist in this issue of the Abbey of the Arts Reflective Art Journal. It is a beautifully made full-color, glossy paged little powerhouse of a book that is perfect for anyone in your life who needs a little kick in their Creative Pants!! (see here for a more extensive view of Illuminating Mystery on A-O-T-A-Christine's blog.)

If you'd like to purchase your own copy, you can do so here (you can also find her past publications here as well).

And one of the coolest parts is that all proceeds from your purchase will go to Christine's non-profit, Abbey of the Arts Fund for Scholarships and Outreach Programs. AWESOME!! You just can't go wrong.

And, the Journal's back cover-- this is one

of my favorite paintings featured in this issue:
"I Create" by Shiloh Sophia McCloud

Thank you to Christine for asking me to be a part of this and of her world in general. It's been a pleasure.