Rollin’ on the River

This week I did something new – took my first canoe trip down the Au Sable River, near Grayling, Michigan.

The day had a less than auspicious beginning, looking a tad gloomier than we had planned. This set our departure time back a bit.

But, with picnic in tow, we headed to the canoe livery. As we were leaving the parked car, I realized that my diamond necklace – which hasn’t been off my neck since Rick gave it to me for Christmas – was broken and the pendant part was missing.

Serious angst.

How we found it in white limestone parking gravel, I’ll never know. All I could say was “thank you” to the necklace gods.

After a brief moment of panic when I cut my toe open tripping on the steps, we were off!

I needed canoeing lessons from Rick!

I kept getting carried away by the scenery, none of which ever photographs as well as the original!

I was most grateful for our picnic, about a third of the way through the 17-mile course. Time for a rest.

Turkey sandwiches, ginger snaps and Tab. Does it get better?

The view from the picnic area was lovely.

The porta potties were definitely a welcome relief!

Then back on the water.

I almost ran us into a – well, it was bigger than a branch. More like a limb. Now I know why they call it “limbo” – I did a backbend on the canoe seat I never would have imagined I could do! (Steering is not something that is intuitive to me!) But there were so many pretty moments, I couldn't stop looking around (versus straight ahead).

Finally, we made it to the landing. I was actually sorry to see the time end.

While we waited for pick-up, two lost dogs hung out. They decided they wanted to take a nap in the pick-up van; it took food to coax them out.

The big one was especially sweet.

Then back to the house, where the Gypsy asked, “Where’ve you been?”

The Marmelade Gypsy Goes on Vacation

And, as you can see, he didn’t much like the ride north, though things leveled out pretty easily after a bit!

Here are a few “postcards” of some of my favorite moments – I’ll include more about some of these later in the week, but will be running to catch up at work!

The first sunset.

Sunset and twilight can also be lovely in the woods.

I was rather fond of the neighbor’s pink Adirondack chairs!

My duck family. This family we think nests near our cottage. We would see Mum and the ducks every day.

Often, they would sit on the same spot on the beach and take a nap in the sun. Mummy-duck would stand guard.

She was very gracious about letting me get rather close for photos!

But finally, she headed into the water…

… her babies close behind!

I was very fond of the fresh fruit, including the delicious Michigan sweet cherries! (This photo is a tribute to Robin Bird who really took the most splendid photo of her Washington cherries. Mine can’t compete!)

The last of the strawberries were unbelievably sweet.

I also enjoyed a visit to Stonehedge Fiber Farm for some yarn buying and a tour. More on this one later in the week.

And of course I had to make a stop at an antique shop -- no purchases, but lots of lovely things!

That road trip also included a stop at the herb farm, in full flower.

One of the highlights was our canoe trip down the Au Sable River. More on this one later, too!

And, I enjoyed a reunion with two cousins – Jack from Cadillac and David from Cleveland.

Rick made his unbelievable pasta with carmelized red onions, wine and fresh herbs, and we also enjoyed good grilling!

It was glorious to eat dinner on the porch, checking out the lake at twilight. (We ate late.) On the table are my scented geraniums, rosemary and basil from the herb farm.

Rick managed two very long (115 miles, 85 miles) bike rides, and if the weather hadn’t been a bit dicey Sunday would have added to that total. You can see the crystallized sweat on his face!
(Don't worry -- I won't post photos of my bloody foot during the canoe trip!)

And the Gypsy? Well, you can see, he was enjoying “The Somerset Life!” (See articles by and/or beautiful images from Sandra Everston, Karla’s Cottage and Karla from SugarBear Designs in the current issue.)

Re-entry is hard.

Write on Wednesday -- Jump Start

Today's Write on Wednesday topic is about writer's block and jump starting your writing. The prompt reads:

So, how about you? Do you ever feel the need to jump start your writing? What drains the energy from your “writing mind”? What do you do when your creative battery dies?

Can I relate? Oh, yeah! And it isn't just writing, either. I would say one of my greatest problems with my personal writing is that I "think" it all the time, but it seldom makes its way to the page. Or even the notebook. So, is it writing when you don't exactly "write it down?" I'm not so sure. Although, I will say that when I do get it down, it's probably better for all the pre-editing in my head! (Wasn't "The Music Man" all about "the think system?")

But perhaps even more than my writing, I feel that with my art. Sometimes it's just too much to pull the supplies out of the closet or baskets or off the shelves and just start. And sometimes when I do, I can't finish right away -- probably because when I began, I hadn't really thought it out in my head first.

Over the past weekend, I picked up some art projects that were partially done -- and I didn't like them. They looked routine or too dark or too -- well, just "wrong." And I worked them again. Editing, I suppose. A bit of a color change on this one, a new embellishment on that one. I wish I could post the photos, and I will at another time. The point is, I had the time and opportunity to muddle out what I wanted from those. And, they are far better for the wait.

Which leads me back to writing. What drains me? Too much stress, too little time and sometimes not enough commitment to my own stuff. The more I write at work, the less I want to write at home.

I've found that the blog is a good way to jump start my writing. At least I'm writing -- and for me, not for work. Even if I only get a few ideas down in a post, I've thought about the words as I've put them "out there" where anyone can see them. It may not be the great American novel, the finest feature article ever or something that would land me a regular column in a "real" publication, but that's not why I'm doing it. Maybe having the pressure off is a contributing factor to why the blog works for me.

And what do I do when my creative battery dies? I walk away from it for awhile. I'll cook. I'll read. I'll watch telly or a movie. I'll garden or hang with friends. I'll knit. Some of those things actually ARE creative in their own way. When I'm at the lake, I'll take a walk or sit on a beach. I'll absorb all that's around me and it brings me back into the world, which despite so many challenges and travesties really is a beautiful place.

I'll do all the nagging things I haven't done and about which I probably feel guilty (maintaining my space is one of them!) -- for sometimes those are the convenient excuse. And when in control, I'm more in control. When I'm in control, I can think more clearly -- and then I'm ready to create again.

And you? Share here, or if you want to write a post on it, be sure to leave your link here and especially on Write on Wednesday, where other writers will be tackling this question.

Heading North!

Hopefully tomorrow we will be off to the lake for a few days. Since I may not be able to post from there -- at least, not with photos, unless I can figure something else out -- I thought I'd share with you a few things I'll be seeing.

Gaylord, Michigan, has this thing going on with an Alpine theme. Even the Big Boy wears an Alpine hat. We'll miss the big festival that starts the following week. Beer tents, contests like the knobbiest knees, lots of leiderhosen and a relatively crappy art fair. (Or "crapht" fair, as Rick likes to say.

Back in the '60s, the town adopted a Swiss sister city (Say that fast three times!) called Pontresina and turned the architecture faux Swiss, too. Some is actually not bad (this block isn't too tacky). Others look like the builder took a couple of two-by-fours and nailed them into an A-frame peak, painted it some wild color and called it good!

Still, it's a nice little town -- not overly touristy (which is sort of too bad for them; town factories have closed recently and they can use the tourism dollars). The shops aren't fabulously trendy, but are just fine.

I prefer the farmer's market.

It should be getting a little bit better now that more produce is coming out.

I'm not sure what these bears are all about. Probably like the Chicago street bulls and other charity creations (someday I'll post the mermaids I photographed last year in Norfolk). But they are fun and a break in the action.

This is what I enjoy every evening.

We have a fairly large beach with not many neighbors. I plan to read lots, visit a fiber farm, knit a bit, maybe do some paper (I have a swap due!) and just relax.

So, I may or may not be posting for a few days. I'll do my best to check blogs, but might be out of commission for a few days.

Or maybe I'll surprise you. And me!

Patchwork

I've been thinking lately about the blog and the good support from my cyber-friends. As I was going through photos I'd taken a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but relate the blogosphere to my quilts.

I collect quilts. Mostly antique or at least "collectible," whatever that means these days. I actually use most of them, because isn't that the point? Wasn't that what someone made them for? Around the time I was taking off the heavier winter quilt and auditioning summer replacements, I shot these photos.

(The Marmelade Gypsy had to audition all quilts before we decided on one.)

What he picks, goes!

Most of my quilts came from auctions, antique markets, or were gifts from my friend Richard, who gets better deals than any human being I know!

This was one of the ones I bought early on. I liked the blue, which remains a favorite.

Some, I'm not sure where they came from, but I make up wonderful stories about the people who made them. And some, I have a bit of a provenance for.

The one under my tree (can you see it under Stimpy? It's mostly covered by presents!) was one my grandmother made. If you put it atop you, you wouldn't be able to turn over, it's so heavy! This is one of my favorite photos of all time because that was Stimpy's favorite spot.

The thing is, I look at these quilts, with finely crafted patchwork. And I look at the stitches. I have some that are machine stitched, but a number of them are by hand. How many million stitches are in this quilt.

I look at my blog friends and their blogs as quilts in themselves. Lots of patches of wonderful colors. Some are crazy quilts, all jumbled together with fascinating shapes and interesting stitches. Others are far more organized! Everything is neat and tidy, yet elegant and beautiful.

All have their own style, their own charm. They tell stories, and in reading your blogs, I learn more about you. I may not have to make up the stories, as I do with my quilts. But I know each one is as deeply textured, as colorful and as treasured as these quilts are to me.

I love this patchwork called "the blog." Everyday, something new. Someone special.

Catching Up

I've really been trying to do art -- work on some UFOs (unfinished objects) and experiment with some new techniques. But I get sidetracked.

As I think I mentioned in a previous Greg-related post, he is the artist in the family. So, as he was confronted with this cancer diagnosis, I thought about his art and expressing himself that way. So, I had been thinking of making him an art journal.

Then in an e-mail, I think, Karla suggested the same. When the same idea keeps popping up, I listen.

This is what I came up with. Actually, this is it before I added the Japanese coins -- three of them, different sizes, in various spots on the top. I never got a photo of the finished thing.

I first covered the journal with a peachy wallpaper. (I couldn't get the spirals out, and I'm not fond of the black edge, but they were a little different than some and I didn't think I'd get them in again.)

Then I did the pull-down paint technique I learned about at Artiscape. I pulled down two colors with a buff, and then started using the turquoise as accent. The words are packing tape transparencies. After it was pulled together, I used Dorland's wax to finish it off.

Now, I hope he uses it!

While I had supplies out, I prepped some stock for future bookmarks.

I started out with the heavy white stock and put layers of modeling paste on both sides. While doing so I added texture with some stencils and mesh from an onion bag. Then I gave it a light bit of color.

I didn't like those, so out came my favorites -- turquoise and greens.

There you see the onion bag. Below is the stencil as well as marks from bubble wrap.

With both sides covered with the paste, the texture is like a leather or soft plastic. I'll slice them up for book marks and textured embellishments for an upcoming project. I'll show you how they turn out later!

Operation Successful -- Thank you for Your Prayers!

Well, it's been a long couple of days, but Greg's surgery was successful -- thyroid and nodes removed. And to all of you, I say "thank you" for all your good thoughts, prayers, and wishes. I printed out many of the blog entries and e-mails you have sent over the past few days, and it was comfort to look at those while waiting yesterday. (This is my one of my favorite vintage cards -- the cat looks much like the late, great Stimpy and those of you who may have received a get well ATC from me might recognize it!)

From start to finish we were there about 14 or 15 hours yesterday. (We saw the Tour de France two and a half times before we passed on another view.)


(Shelley, did you post this graphic to share? I hope I'm crediting it correctly!)

Greg's mom took the overnight shift. We went back this morning and the difference was astounding. The pain was better managed and Greg was able to eat. (Last night was a challenge -- between terrible swallowing pain and wanting to eat things he wasn't allowed, it was pretty tough.) In fact, today he ate quite a bit and was later given full food privileges. He's up and walking a bit, and while I think he'll probably crash out soon, was doing well when we left.

Greg is rather proud (or at least intrigued by) the fact that he looks rather like Frankenstein with a deep slash that goes between half and two thirds around his neck and dips down to about his collarbone. He also treasures the photo he requested of his thyroid. I can understand this. I'm still mad I didn't ask for pix of my fibroid last year. Pictures of other peoples' in books just aren't the same as your personal parts. I think he's anticipating Halloween, although we'd rather he have purchased a rather less painful and permanent costume.

Meanwhile, I finished off a purse (ready to felt), an easy mystery ("Shamus in the Green Room," by Susan Kandell, part of her series about a woman who writes mysteries about dead mystery writers and gets involved in her own messes), and plenty of other bits and pieces.

So, when we left today, I headed to the office to thank you all on my blog and to answer a few e-mails; Rick hit the road for a 60-mile-bike ride (or maybe only 40 tonight) and later I'll settle in for the last episode of "Inspector Lewis" on "Masterpiece Mystery!" Greg's in good hands with his mom, and his friend Kate is also there. He'll come home tomorrow.

He'll soon be back drawing. I made him an art journal (I'll post pix later) and he is also eager to do some more chalkboards. You can see the boards he's done at his brand new blog. (Don't look for frequent updates!)

I may or may not be able to be back on blog for a bit, or check others' but will check in with you soon. Meanwhile, thank you so much, once again, for being such a grand support system. I treasure your messages.

No Words Needed -- Enjoy the Fourth!

Life Is What Happens...

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
John Lennon, “Beautiful Boy, (Darling Boy),” 1980

I was planning on staying late at work Thursday night, loading Blogger with photos taken during my previous visit to the lake in preparations for upcoming vacation posts next week, when I can’t access a computer with my photos.

You would see images of my lake a sunset and the beautiful view I often see. The town in which I vacation that turned Alpine in the ‘60s in an attempt to build tourism (fortunately or unfortunately, that was somewhat successful). The farmers market I where I enjoy shopping, the sheep and fiber farm I was planning to visit and whatever else might catch my fancy.

I would do my best to capture the fireworks shot off directly across from my cottage and if the photos weren’t too bad, share them with you.

I may still get there for a day or two near the end of next week, but this Saturday I will be waiting in a hospital surgical lounge as the 22-year-old boy we love to bits (yes, they’re always boys, even when they’re young me) has surgery to remove his thyroid and the lymph nodes, where the cancer has spread.

We’re told it’s the best cancer to have, if you have to have cancer. It’s treatable. There are wonderful success stories. Terrific percentages. Small recurrence rate. This is good. Better than good. It gives us great hope. We are optimistic and fully expect the universe to cooperate, both for a successful surgery and thorough recovery.

I share this mostly to say thank you to the many friends and family who already know about this and have expressed their concern, good wishes, prayers, positive energy, support and encouragement and offers to help in any way they can.

I have always been blessed with amazing friends who have hung by me through the best and worst of times. We have shed tears over lost loves and shared our grief over lost loved ones who have left us far too soon. My friends (and I include family when I say “friends”) listen patiently to my frustrations and they share in my joys. I hope I do equally as well in listening to them.

When I first began blogging about seven months ago, one of the things that impressed me from viewing others’ was the sense of community and support. Even in a short comment, one gets this sense of energy from afar that is, if for only one brief moment, thinking about you – that is, perhaps, touched by something you have written or a photo or piece of art displayed. They share that thought and it is energizing.

Through reading many blogs I have seen other readers “step up to the plate” offering encouragement, assistance, prayers and support, and I’ve always thought this might be one of the most amazing elements of the blog, something that transcends having a forum for sharing our activities, hobbies, and talents.

We skip from blog to blog, but occasionally may stop during our day and think about someone we “know” who is going through a tough time. I know I do. I may worry a bit about them. Or, I may think of something that we saw that simply made my hearts sing. A recipe we must try, a decorating idea that I’d like to incorporate or a technique that is new.

In the course of commenting and replying to comments, I’ve come to know some of you off-blog a wee bit, and we may have shared thoughts or feelings. Some of you know what’s going on in my topsy-turvy world right now, and you have been “so there.”

I want to tell you that your support means so very much to Rick and me, and to our 21st century anti-nuclear family that will find Greg's mom and dad, stepdad and me, and brother as we wait on Saturday. Your good wishes, prayers, positive energy and helpful stories from your own experience help ground me. I carry this with me in my heart as I go through my day, and I know you will be there with me in spirit on Saturday morning.

We are encouraged by all we read and know about this type of cancer. This “boy” really is a young man and he has become even more so since getting this diagnosis. It brings with it a loss of innocence, a way of changing things that will never be the same, and this is often as much an emotional shift as it is a physical one. I know this, because I’m old. I lost that a long while ago. I didn’t want him to lose that innocence because of this.

We know we will be fine, and I don’t want those of you to read this to worry too much about this.
But oh, all the positive energy you can send will help give us strength.

Believe me, we are most grateful.

Write on Wednesday

Are you ever assailed with self doubt about your writing ability, or about the reasons for writing at all? Do you “follow yourself around nagging and suggesting and complaining”? What are some of the negative things your Editor tells you? What could your Editor say to be more encouraging? How do you encourage yourself to keep practicing the craft of writing?


The above is today’s Write on Wednesday prompt. (Visit the site to see what other writers have to say.)

I have a love-hate relationship with my “critic.” Like all critics, sometimes the less-than-glowing praise is well-founded. As a working editor who looks both at my own work and others, I’ve rarely seen something that can’t do with a little judicious cutting or rearranging. And when I am “writing to the word,” I can be rather ruthless, more often than not with excellent results.

I probably shouldn’t admit this in an online forum, but I don’t particularly worry about my “work” writing. In general, it involves little creativity – I’m typically working with little space and some hard facts, often taking basic info and dressing it up a bit. Of course I try to do it well, intelligently and accurately, but it’s not exactly like figuring out a plot or pithy comment.

Sometimes I feel like I’m a factory.

But I do agonize at times over other things I do. Letters. (Yes, I still write letters. With a pen. And a stamp.) More thoughtful personal pieces. My poetry.

I realized a long time ago that I probably lack the time, discipline and ultimately drive to write the wonderful book or compilation that will end up with an appearance on Oprah or a review in the New York Times. That was a tough one to deal with, because those things are often a matter of priority, and it’s hard to admit something isn’t at the top of the list.

My personal writing falls down the heap after family, my art-related things, daily life (which could be the house or garden or hanging out with a good friend.)

But that doesn’t stop me from looking at my personal writing saying, “This isn’t good enough to share.” Or, “Boy, that’s lame.” Or, “I’m glad I’m giving this to someone who’ll still love me, even if it’s not very good.”

Oddly enough, sharing on the blog is helping me deal with that. It’s also helping me write more. Better? Not necessarily. But by reading so many inspiring thoughts and seeing such turn of phrase as I encounter, I become more aware. And to me, that’s a good start.

What does your critic tell you? You may post here or if you want to write a longer post on this topic, leave us a link. And stop by Write on Wednesday and leave a link there, too!