November's Shakin'

It's been awhile, hasn't it? I've been kept busy keeping the flaming skillets up in the air but I promised myself I'd get a post up no matter what. I'm writing class proposals, making samples, went to a retreat on the Oregon coast and have generally been filling up my plate with life.

The beach retreat was a real luxury. John urged me to go as a reward for a year of adjustment and change. But I must confess that life has been pretty gentle to me for the past several months now.

It's been so long since I painted that I wasn't sure where to start. This one was done on a stack of sewn kraft paper scraps (paper bags). I plan to do more of these.

Remember the chayote vine that I photographed for you last summer? It was almost covering the trellis then.

Well, this is what it looks like now, surrounded by fall colors. It is like having the green man bulking up right in our yard. It has blossoms but will not fruit in our climate but it's sure been fun watching it grow.

While I was at it these guys were interested in what I was doing. Everything is so green in Oregon; we haven't had a frost yet.

This little guy came in the mail for me while I was at the beach. You can see more of them here all decorated up for Halloween. I'm going to decorate mine for Christmas and mail it back to Lorraine for an auction.

I met Lorraine at my doll class in Portland. This is the doll she created above. I think it is beyond wonderful. Her blog is fun and filled with great ideas; you should check it out.

A friend had a Birthday this week so she got a special card (above). She was at the Beach Retreat too. The card is mixed media encaustic. Can you see the maple leaf tucked in there? They are only red at this time of year.

And my gardenia is still blooming in the studio. What a cheerful sight in mid-November. It takes me back to the prom I attended so many years ago when I was given the first gardenia I'd ever seen.

Here is Ethel Mermaid, my newest doll that I made at the beach. She's a sassy little thing, right proud of herself for crawling up on dry land and into the doll collection.

Just look at her preening on her little shelf with the other girls (and one old man and a horse.)

Finally I painted 2 paintings while I was at the beach. Thinking about the comforts of animals, bonfires, spirit guides and more.

Time to get back to my chores. John went into a neighboring town for ingredients for some new recipes he found on the net and I'm hoping he'll pick up a burrito for me. Help me send the vibe to him ... mmm, I'm hungry. xo

addendum: Yes, John did bring me some food. And in response to your requests I've listed the above image of the crow woman for sale here.