Trip Cancelled, Something New

By plans I was to be on coast in South Carolina right now. But then Matthew hit.

The event had been long planned. I was to paint one of my “public” murals in the company of 200 guests and staff at a resort in Palmetto Bluffs. But the state governor called for an evacuation of all coastal communities. Too bad; I’ve never experienced 50 mph winds. Then again, I’m not sure I’d care to in an airplane trying to land.

So, that mural project will be put off till another day, or month, or year. Meantime, I find myself with five free days I would not have otherwise had. Wonderful! But do you think that’s easy?

It is easy to squander them. It seems I should take advantage, do something special, or new. But what? I could easily make a list of what to do someday in the future, but what about when it’s suddenly here, without pre-thought?

I found myself doing pretty much what I’d do anyway . . . not so much for lack of imagination, but because I like my life as it is.

I started out with a bit of trimming plants around the house. It’s good, working with the growth, basic, rewarding, and good for the body . . . and soul.

Speaking of the soul I took a walk. My place of choice is the rocky beach below the bluffs near by. Engulfed by the sound of the waves I found a solitary rock, opened my little book (Matthew, coincidently) read, thought, prayed and jotted a few notes in the sketchbook.

Back in the car I thought about driving up to the mountains, or asking a friend about the use of his cabin for a day or five. But the truth is, I like my own place better than any other.

Below, my first dry point. At left is the original, scratched with a pointed tool on a sheet of plastic, inked, and run through Anne’s press. In the middle is the first proof, in blue; at right, the second. And final? We’ll see.

I went up to the studio where Anne was working. (She’d also thought she’d have these days apart, what with me gone.)

With being caught up on all projects, there was something new I’d wanted to try for some years. Happily Anne was open to giving me a quick tutorial and I made my first “dry point” etching.

I found it interesting, but the patience required not a perfect fit with my temperament. I can draw a lot faster, and with more freedom. Still, I felt I’d done one thing new with my free day.

So now I’m into my second free day. Once again I started it off with Matthew (but in my morning chair, which is my wont) and again a bit of time in the foliage. I have projects; there’s never a dearth. But again I’ll look for something new.

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P.S.  One thing that I would have missed if I were away is this month’s art walk, tonight, in Laguna. This time Anne and I are sharing the same room. That’s at the Sandstone Gallery in north Laguna Beach. I’ll be painting live, something visitors enjoy. Come out an join us if you can. Who knows, it might be something new?

P.P.S.  We’ve scheduled our next Art Show and Studio Sale to be held at in our home. That’ll be October 29 and 30, the last weekend of this month, both afternoon. Mark your calendar.