buzzing with inspiration

                           from Thumbeline.

Many thanks again to all of you who have been so generous with your uplifting thoughts and reassurances.  Words of advice from such kindred spirits are sincerely treasured and have kept me buoyant even though I feel I must be wearing leaden shoes. 

Much to my surprise I've made a bit of a breakthrough in the mental block that's been slowing down progress of the RosiePosie & MaryRuth stories.  Hurray!  Even the teeniest bit of movement on this front is a happy happy occurence. 

It woke me at about 5 am this morning... the story outline was there in my head... and it made sense!  For weeks now I have come at this dilemma from every angle I could think of only to find myself going around in circles and then out of seemingly nowhere a hint of a plan appeared.  It feels like a miracle.

Maybe it's just a coincidence but... I happened to have spent all of Friday evening watching movies with my oldest niece.  She seems to adore any film involving heart-wrenching angst, grief, and , of course, a great love story.  All in one story.  Needless to say, we cried and laughed our way through three films and then we were both so giddy that rather than sleep we played piano duets for another hour.  Our eyes burned from so many hours of video that we mostly improvised our way through the music leading to much more giggling and silliness.  It was close to 3 am before we finally climbed into bed!  Which brings me to
the notion that all that playing knocked something loose in my tired wound-too-tight head.

Could it be possible? 

I think it may be.  And it surprises me because for years it has been my greatest challenge to find the solitude I needed to physically create art.  It has never before occurred to me that when all the chaos of life is whirling me away from the studio there are still things being planted and incubating in my subconscious.  True, I was aware that I got many wonderful new ideas when I was away from my paints and brushes but I always thought that I had carry them back to the studio to "work" on them. 

Not true!  This will no doubt sound bizarre but until today I really didn't understand why people liked to "go out and do things".  Isn't that funny?   I feel so much lighter and freer today.  I'm just abuzz with creative energy.

(((Hugs))) to all.  And if I haven't returned anyone's emails or posts yet.... I definitely have not forgotten you and you'll hear from me very soon!

Comments

[Mrs.Staggs]

I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better and have shared another piece of your delightful artwork with us! I would love to know what you were thinking as you were creating this one!

[lauren Mumford]

Oh I agree with Mrs. Staggs! I too want to know the story going on here! I see that little face poking out from that disguise! Who is that? And why the disguise?
I was just speaking with Ulla today about you! I've been so concerned but didn't want to overstep my place. I'm so happy to hear that all your laughing, playing, crying and all else has triggered something in you. It's exciting to have that buzz of creative energy isn't it? Well, as you spiral up, I spiral down, sigh... But, it will return! This I am learning. Now I just stretch out and try something else for awhile-- today it was felted beads!
So happy for you!1
lauren

[Ulla]

I see Lena and Lauren have beat me to wish you well! I know how painful 'dry spells' are, being privy to them often. It was such a delight to see todays image on your blog - what a fairytale... I love it, the dressed bees and little winsome gal swaying in the wind. You are so talented. Isn't it funny how emotions can open us up again. Life is so full of events these days, we are forced to bottle up so much. I, like your niece love tear-jerking movies too.. I am so glad it helped your 'funk'.

[cally]

Just found your site, your illustrations are beautiful, they remind me of the joy I used to get looking at the illustrations in my water babies and similar books when I was young. It's good to know there are still people doing detailed, subtle and imagination capturing work.

And I LOVE your teddies too!

[linda harre]

this is spectacular......WOW! I am sooooo impressed with your illustrations...you go girl:) ~L.

[Rosa]

Just found you blog, and I am so enjoying it! How wonderful.

[Sweet pea]

Wow! I just found your blog today - lovely lovely paintings!

[Ulla]

I just keep coming back to see this lovely picture. Do you sell your work? or have prints of them? would love to know...