Looking Out The Window

 

Lately, a big part of my summer off, is looking out the window. Sitting on the window seat, I have a wonderful view of the sky, clouds and hills. Whether it’s afternoon or sunset, there is always something new to see. But maybe that’s just me. 

I’ve always been inspired by landscapes. The colors of the sky from clear cerulean blue to stormy thalo blue during the day to the deep cadmium yellow and crimsons of the setting sun. These inspirations got me started painting watercolor landscapes in my teens. And now, I’m circling back again and experimenting painting on clay. 

Summer reading 

As a child, I spent hours parked on my neighbors patio reading stacks of books from the library. Mysteries, historical fiction and love stories were my favorites. This summer, I’m either regressing or progressing into my new phase of life by sitting on my patio or window seat reading. 

I’d like to tell you that I’m inclined toward intellectual improvement but, that isn’t the case. What am I reading? Romance novels and mysteries with happy endings. People fall in love. Bad guys or gals are caught. And the world is a better place. 

The three C’s. 

Due to a recent knee injury, I’ve had to slow down, pace myself and give my goals a rest. I’m still able to crochet. But heavy duty cleaning is on the back burner for now. 

Clay can be done, if I’m careful. Even though I love throwing, I haven’t done much throwing this year. But this week, I did throw a few new bowls. It felt good to get my hands around some clay. Even though I was a bit rusty and had to be patient with myself, it was worth it. 

But I’m wondering if my art and attention is shifting and evolving. Will I move from functional to more sculptural and painterly objects? Is this just a summer phase? Or is it a new life phase called retirement? 

I hate the word retirement. It brings up images of old people in rocking chairs with nothing to do but sit. It brings up so many feelings: sadness, anger, fear. But does it have to be that way? Is that reality or just societal stereotyping or my own prejudice?  I don’t know. 

I do know:

I’m here and safe and healthy.

I still love color and texture and creating. 

And I’m lucky to be loved by family and friends. 

Looking out the window, I see beauty and possibilities. 

I know, I’m not done yet. 

Clearing and Experimenting

 

Taking the summer off isn’t all play and that’s a good thing for me. With all the life changes flowing my way, having things to do and feeling productive is grounding. The key to doing this without stressing myself out is space and pace. 

Clay, crochet and cleaning are on my summertime agenda. But instead of pushing and striving and making lists, I’m leaning into them softly. 

New clay. 

I wanted to try out some new clay options for small to medium sculptures. The first option did work but I wasn’t a fan of working with it. Then I got a sample of some new clay from another clay artist to try. This was a porcelain sculpture clay. It’s white, smooth and lovely.

It rolled out well. I liked working with it and the small figures seem to dry well. I didn’t have enough clay to try a larger piece, so I’m not sure how it would work out. But it was fun to play with a new clay. And to fire my kiln with some new landscape and sculpture pieces. 

Calming with crochet. 

Ok, I think I’m finally hitting that stage: Gram is making baby blankets. I taught myself to crochet about 20 years ago and focused on Freeform crochet, lacy angora scarves and felting. It’s always been fun, creative and calming. 

Now with 3 grandchildren and a need to ease my stress, I’ve been making throws and crib blankets from craft store yarn. It’s easy. The super soft yarn is not expensive. And there’s no complicated pattern, just chain and crochet until it’s as big as I want it to be.  

One slat at a time.

When we built our home 30 years ago, we had 9 custom wood blinds installed in the downstairs. It was a big expense then and an even bigger expense now. Before the downstairs flood, I looked into updating and replacing the blinds. But because of our back door configuration, the more up-to-date 2” blinds wouldn’t work. 

After all the demolition and reconstruction, the original wood blinds were filthy. There was only one way to get them clean: swifter dusters and Murphy’s Oil Soap. After dusting, I wiped across and under each and every slat. The kitchen sink was the biggest challenge. The only way to do it was to climb onto the counter and maneuver myself behind the sink. 

Releasing the old dust of the past, cleared my mind,

Crochet softened my heart, 

And new clay opened up places for new ideas. 

Isn’t that what Summer is for?