![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaTF3huEzTc-_FaFT41WcJIIR9WAemGdAk2ytZo-4zAuYItjA3ZoryJorGcTGhxuYT73jbGWz8AaNmFpcdgTNAep5Sr7sxZlEcFCavu1i4BQmByACvuQP1xKeZLzXwFBGFc3Y1Q/s400/@whitestair.jpg)
Lots of photos to share; first a few left over from the beach trip. It seems fitting since the beach trip is weaving in and out of my thoughts and dreams as I continue here at home.
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The sounds, smells and flavor of the southern Oregon coast follow me and are just a memory away.
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Oka, a root crop from the Andes that will be grown in a couple of gardens this coming season.
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Gazing into 2009, wondering what the year will bring and feeling optimistic.
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I'm working in the paper bag journal; writing my rusty poetry.
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These pages were written at the beach amid the clamor and creativity.
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Making marks, writing, painting, telling my little story. You'd think it was important.
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It's a way of trying to celebrate every moment. I read about a poet recently who said, "I love life and I never want to die." and I nodded my agreement. Life good. Precious. Never want to leave.
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Too much still to do. Still in love with every precious moment.
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Journal page. The faces. Good friends who like to make things and play nice. Who also want to live deeply and share ideas.
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So for 2 days now I've been working on collaged postcards for a poetry exchange I'll be participating at the beginning of the spring equinox.
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One postcard a day for 3 months. That means I have to prepare approximately 90 postcards. This is a good exercise, actually.
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And it's a boon for clearing out some of those images that have been cluttering up the studio.
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When the time comes to start the exchange I can just shuffle through the cards until one strikes my fancy and then write my little poem on the back.
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One woman in our group pointed out that a poem can be only one word if we wish it. That made it seem easier.
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Because I can scratch my head for an hour over a single phrase.
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As usual, once I get started on a project like this I like to keep going until I'm done.
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But 90 4 x 6" collages are a lot, even if you tell yourself to relax and just let them happen.
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When I recieve my postcards in return I plan to bind them all into a book.
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And I plan to keep a record of the cards and poems I sent too, in another book.
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So one thing about 2009 is this - I think I'm going to be a busy girl.
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But oh, what delicious fun I'll have. I do look forward to it.
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Almost finished now.
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Whew! Hugs all around. Prayers for safety, for strength, for the wellness of all sentient beings.