Sunday, April 23, 2006

rainy sunday

I had a great day yesterday!
seriously! it started with lovely surprises, i was in good spirits, NWA upgraded me to First Class on my flight out of Billings, (but not on the other legs) spent the entire day, 8 am to 11:30 p.m. in transit, arrived Greenville Arms in the wee hours.

Yesterday was not a good flying day for some folks: sick planes, cancelled flights, bad weather in key airports. all this resulted in overbooked, overweight planes and some inconveniece for travelers. Lots of families flying together, trying to get on the same flights with each other as they were rerouted. i took a bump and spent lots of time in Minneappolis, then again in Detroit. Of course, my luggage arrived in Albany on the early flight. It was safe in a little locked room. While we were waiting for someone to come unlock the door, the "station manager" came to visit with us. He was warm and personable. it was interesting getting the point of view of an airport manager.
while in transit i read, and also listened to Bach! My new little iPod's maiden voyage. The Brandenburgs through Bose headphones. a very peaceful way to sit in a terminal. last year i bought the noise cancellation headphones to use when i fly. they've made a big difference in my quality of life (smile). Last month i got the iPod, thinking i'd put my portfolio on it. Haven't gotten that far yet but did record some of my favorite music. yesterday's experience validated the impulse. it's much easier to stay calm and collected when the cacophony surrounding me is neutralized.

So: Greenville Arms. if you read Mrs. Mel, you know about this wonderful gem. I have the day to myself, my workshop starts tomorrow. Most of this day i will spend writing, working on some small stitch projects and may actually update my website. After lunch will visit Lesley Riley's class, then there's a reception.

This is a lovely place and welcoming. It isn't good weather for walking, but that's okay. later.

Friday, April 21, 2006

yikes!

this blogging thing might not be for me. it's been over a month since i posted (although there are several drafts in my folder). maybe i should give it up, say "uncle" and just be a reader.
on the other hand, i could sare myself the aggro of reading a certain long mail list and hang out here instead.
there's a thought. hmmmm.

tomorrow i fly away. heading to Greenville Arms in the Hudson River Valley for a week's workshop and yes! this one i am looking forward to. i have a wonderful sized group, Kim LaPolla has been fantasticly organized and it's Spring! what could be better. my bags are packed, NWA upgraded my ticket for the first leg of tomorrow's flying (always a good way to start a trip!), and earlier this week i finished a major project. sigh of relief. i am leaving a messy house but when i come back on the 30th the lilacs and apple blossoms will be in full swing and it will be beautiful.

about that project: I spent a good week reviewing slides and selecting a show for a regional art center. (no not a fiber or quilt show although there are fiber pieces included). Words to the wise:
review your slides.
Project them.
Do not send out slides that do not show your work well.

I've been lucky as a juror . Several times i have had a number of days to select a show instead of the standard 6 hours. It is a luxury to be able to go back and look again and again, to TRY to see beyond the fuzz and dim light to what is really in the work. In the end though, very few works with bad slides make it into shows that have a fair number of entries. Really, artists owe it to themselves and their work to get good slides.
end of lecture.

on to the evening. it's Friday night and i have a date.
will pledge to be a better blogger.
enjoy the weekend.