Friday, December 16, 2016

Snow!

Dear Country Mouse,

It's been snowing!!!!!!!!!!!!

 











                                                                         
LOVE YOU!!!!!!

City Mouse

Monday, September 26, 2016

I Can Paint!

Dear City Mouse,

 I've done it again. Today I bought an old book for 50 cents to repurpose as an art journal.  I took the book home, and added gesso to a couple pages.

 I'm sick and kind of depressed. I figured I would use the book to test out mediums and ideas.  Since I don't feel confident in my painting abilities, I figured it wouldn't come out well.  This happens to me every time.
If I'm using nice paper, it doesn't work out, but if I'm using junk, I love it.

 I guess I'm just going to embrace the gesso and keep trying on the junk till I feel more confident?

  Good grief I miss you my friend. Please write soon and send me some photos.

Love,
Country Mouse

P.S. I've been watching lessons on YouTube by Tamara Laporte.
She also does online classes at 
Willowing.ning.com
This painting was inspired by her lessons


Monday, September 19, 2016

My Tiny Marc Chagall

Dear City Mouse,

 It just occurred to me today, that the little doll I made for my book should be paining a Chagall in the opening scene.

 Chagall was a Russian Jew from Belarus in the same era my story takes place.
I can't believe it didn't occur to me sooner! I have painted the tiniest painting and created her paintbrush as well.  

 I took a hike with Genevieve this morning first, then painted the tiny painting, so you can imagine how much you have been on my mind.

 I love you dearly, and hope you can visit soon.

Love, 
Country Mouse

Friday, September 2, 2016

A Couple Portland Houses and I miss you already!

Dear Country Mouse,

I can't believe you really got to visit!! It has been such a thing of conversation and now it came and actually happened. Alas, you did go home, but still your visit is warm and near.

How has being back been? Was work as busy as before you left? I am glad we got to go over ideas for your classes, I think the nature crafts class will be super fun and the kids will be thrilled : )

I am adding a few pictures of houses here. I feel like you got to see so many, yet somehow everywhere I drive I see more I wish you could have experienced during your visit. It's no secret I want you to LOVE Portland. I dream that at some point you will come live here near me and we will have so much more time to play and and work together.

Miss you so much!!!

City Mouse


portland, oregon, houses, green house, painted house

house, portland oregon
 (Can you believe that rounded porch opening?)
(Did you find the gnome?)
(And this guy makes me sure I miss having cats.)

P.S. Pictures from your trip. I have more, but I have yet to put them on my computer. I'll add them when I write soon! 


portland oregon penninsula park


          Love you!
                       C.M.


Tuesday, August 30, 2016

I'm coming to see you!!!

Dear City Mouse,

I am writing you with the great news that I really got two tickets to go visit you!!!!
I'm out of my mind with excitement.
I finally get to see your new home, your food truck, and the bustling city of Portland.

For so long now, I have imagined what it is like.  I have so many clear pictures in my mind, like those you paint when reading a novel.  I'm so curious to see what it's really like, so eagerly anticipating 
seeing you.  

I have new classe to teach coming up, and I've been playing with new mediums.
As you know I avoid all two dimensional art, and I have a fear of the flat, blank, white page.

I was away with Paul alone at his cabin for a couple days.  We had a great time, and really needed to connect.  I brought a big bag of supplies to create some art, since I have a drawing and painting class coming up.  I needed a fresh outlook, so my students wouldn't sense my fear and doubt.  I was just playing on drawing paper, and I'm very pleased with my result.

I was thinking also, about a friends post about growing old and remembered a conversation we recently had.

Think back to when you were 14, 16, 18, when your body was in its prime. 
I always felt like my belly had too much pooch, even when I was matching and breaking the females weight lifting records.
I could run hard, jump far and practically fly. I was invincible.

Did I feel beautiful? Not really.
I was confident, and knew I had beautiful qualities, but always matched them with my imperfections.

Sometime after having kids, and feeling pretty old I found a photo of myself in a bikini.
I really was baffled by it.
How could I have looked that way and felt so self conscious?
At the time I found that photo, I would have gladly rocked that body. I thought,
"I must have been crazy to have not appreciated this."

The other thought that occurred to me was that in 20 years I would be finding a photo of myself in that same stage, and be thinking the same thing.
That thought really resonated with me. I made a sort of pact with myself to just let go, and appreciate what I had because in reality, it was only downhill from there.

Since then I have discovered the beauty which comes with age. Wisdom, confidence, intelligence, patience, self love, and all the beauty that comes with it is such a gift.
I can honestly say, that I feel far more satisfaction in making something beautiful, than worrying about weather I am.

Sincerely, 
Country Mouse.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Hiking with Genevieve

Dear City Mouse,

  I have started hiking with Genevieve.
We have been going up Pratt and down Fox Canyon trail.  The whole loop takes about two hours.

  I have been so much more active now that spring is here.  I have been spending all my free time working in my garden.
I think about you the whole while.
 
  I know you must be so busy with your move, but send me some before photos of your new house!  I can't wait to see it, and I imagine you will make it wonderful.
I wish I were there to help you.

Love,
Country Mouse

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Strawberry Basil Spinach Salad

Dear City Mouse, 


Thank you for all your encouragement.
I want artichokes now after seeing that photo. I can't tell you how much I love them.

I have fallen off the wagon and consumed entirely too much sugar, wheat and alcohol this holiday season. I am really wanting to get myself back on track.  I just made this salad for a snack.
It really should include goat cheese but I didn't think to buy any.  

We have been enjoying some real rain finally and the kids are doing very well.

Strawberry spinach basil salad

Ingredients:
Spinach, washed and dried
Chopped strawberries
Raw pecans
Diced fresh basil
Goat cheese
Balsamic vinegar

I love and miss you, 
Country Mouse