LARABEE: Where in The World have I been?

I have been painting. No writing. Some walking, visiting my river which flows smaller by the day from lack of rain.

My youngest is now fully fledged! Now has his own nest, with a beautiful wife, and now little daughter, Helena; known as Lena! is our newest family member.

Helena Margo

Helena Margo's Mama, Gina with a young fan. Wish all the hearts floating around them would show up on film!

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In the studio there is much goings-on, up to and including staring out the window. My journal has fattened with Writing Practice, prayers and setting intention for 2014. As evidenced by my sweet little blog, I have not been an active Writer. Not worried about this, as by now I realize that there are times of action, like a wave which swells and crests, then settles into quiet. The calm does not frighten me anymore.

Must admit that "not" writing has been fueled by guilt, sustained by a negative thought stream which kept insisting that I had/have nothing sustainable or significant about which to write. ARGH! Stop that, Girl. So, I made a date w/my much neglected dentist.

I am here to attest that just one action step is worth a thousand words. My mouth is happy, and I don't feel so silly about putting off something so obviously up-to-me. Understand, I did not go willingly: #2 Daughter made me do it, threatening me with all sorts of dire consequences (like that Dr. Graneth's staff was going to hunt me down). Ok. Ok. I am sincerely glad I did, and am doing my regular and consistent dental care!

Yes. It was a step towards getting back to what matters!

Here is "Lady Guadalupe of the Sunflowers" completed! She hung in the Cloverdale Arts Alliance Gallery for a time. She is home in the studio for now. One intention for this year is to find a bigger studio space. Yes, I am willing to share the right situation, rent, etc etc. As you can see, there are giant panels (5' X 5') awaiting.

Making waves in Joy! Still looking to my sweet dogs for joyous expression, impromptu fits of fun.

Last year an idea of a themed exhibit was born. The exhibit does not have a date, or venue, but the idea is alive and well, "Water." I am considering this as a sacred practice; photographing our Russian River, Pacific Ocean, puddles, dew drops, tears. Painting the water, the sky, the swimming hole, bringing to consciousness the sweet spirit of life-giving water.

Then, there is Amos Lee. You'd think I was 25 or something. I have an unabashed crush on him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcf3ixnNtkI

At edge of our North American Continent, on the California Coast, is a place called Sea Ranch. We spent the week after Christmas there. I wrote short paragraphs and took long walks. Out of this seemingly sketchy practice came Renewal. Renewal with its subsequent "action" steps. I can do this.

Funny, how NOT doing what I love leads me astray.

My intentions for this 2014 are simple: More! More love. More family. More walking. More work. More reading. More writing. More painting. More selling the paintings. More submitting and publishing the writing. More laughter. More hugs. More promoting the arts. More walking and singing. More walking with the dogs. More walking joyfully upon this dear planet.