mousetales: October 2009

It seems like it's been years since I last had a moment to share anything with you. And I'm hoping that my schedule will slow at least a bit as the days get shorter. Just to catch you up, here's what's new on the farm and in the studio:

1. One of my nieces has come to live with me. She's a good-natured thirteen year old but the household has had to adapt to all of the changes of adding a new member not the least of which is getting to the school bus by 7:30 am.

2. There are now two piggies living here! Yes, Wee Winnie joined us in June and has had me running ever since. She's a tiny one - much smaller than Miss Charlotte - and she never stops talking and will squeeze herself into anything.

3. There were some sick goaties here this summer and there was much force-feeding of blueberry yogurt. They're finally on the mend though (fingers crossed). I still have two little ones recuperating in a tub in the downstairs bathroom.

4. My oldest niece started university this autumn but like so many freshmen she's having problems adjusting to leaving home and college life. It's taking a lot of phone calls and visits to keep her on an even keel. Thankfully she's handling the academic aspect well.

5. I'd forgotten that when you have children not only do they have homework but you do too! Checking the homework and reteaching what they would have learned in class had they not been day-dreaming.

6. Someone dropped off a sweet and small cat along with her single black kitten. She has a loving personality. Why do people do such cruel things? The kitten was no more than five week old and still nursing when they were abandoned.

7. I've been working on expanding my computer graphics skills. I still prefer the old traditional paint and paper methods but I also love the challenge of conquering some sophisticated software :0)

8. Right in the middle of all of this I had a terrible cold that hung on for weeks. Every morning my goal was to get my work done so that I could crawl back into bed. It was exhausting.

9. There was a lot of work to be done outside before winter and although I tried to hire some help I ended up doing most of it myself. The help quit as soon as they realized how hard they would have to work.

10. And I've been wracking my brain trying to decide which way to go with my business and life. (not necessarily in that order) I am happiest drawing and painting but there are days when I just have to make something with my hands like bears or bunnies or dolls. It's so confusing. And there are so many things that I want to produce and share with all of you that I'm not certain where to start.

So that's the story. And since I have declared this to be Day One of Making Progress I'd better get to work!

* The drawing is a little practice sketch for a possible painting.