Clouds And Trees... and Road Trips!

Clouds and Trees

8x8"

acrylic on panel

Here is another of the reflections I did while at Spruce River during the week I was up north painting. The bottom right corner is actually more purple than blue, but for all my life I can't tweak the colour accurately. This is the closest I can get, so humour me and use your imagination! I really love doing these reflections and for the way I paint them, acrylic is just so perfect. Interestingly enough, for the remainder of the week I painted with oils which was a total shock to me, but I loved them. I'm not sure I would have loved them as much, however, if I hadn't also discovered Walnut Alkyd (borrowed from a friend) which made them dry much quicker. I did do an under-painting about mid-week in acrylic with the intention of painting oils over top, but that is a story for another day. 

So I have caught a bug and although I don't feel entirely sick, I do feel seriously crappy. I'm not surprised because I was pretty run down after a marathon of activity and John was just sick. Here was my crazy schedule in August: in Calgary with my family over the August long weekend; next a week up north blissfully painting- not at all stressful and very hard to leave; drive from the camp and get home at 1:00 a.m; get up at 7:30 a.m., regroup, shower, get people ready and drive 2 1/2  hours with family to my cousin's wedding; enjoy the wedding and reception (Tommy is a very cute dancer), then get home the next day by late afternoon and go to my parent's for a family supper. What's the big deal you ask? Well, I then regrouped, repacked, slept and headed out for a road trip to Edmonton (5 hour drive) with three fabulous friends! We did West Ed. Mall, Ikea, Whyte Ave. and an Antique Mall in basically 48 hours! And after shopping hours we squeezed in "Eat, Pray, Love". It was hard core... and we are old!!! Well, at least I am. We all had various aches and pains by the end... I felt a little seized up in the back and shoulder area, and one of the girls had to go to the doctor when we got home! But it was soooo much fun! And may I just say that my pal, Nancy can pack a van like no other!

       Me babysitting carts in Ikea        

 Jam, Pack, Jam

(this is actually the name of a Cranium game)

Yes, it was a crazy time and yes, I had Mother Guilt about leaving again so soon after I got home from "art camp", but the girls and I have been trying for two years to get away. We found a time that was perfect for three of them and not the greatest for me, but it could work. My husband totally supported me and that's what matters most, even though I know some people thought I was being selfish. What do you do? And even if it was selfish, isn't that okay for a mother once in a rarely blue moon? Especially because we aren't talking about the type of selfish where people end up harmed in some way. I dunno. Maybe it's not okay...

And now it is school supplies and trying to get on a regular schedule. Easier said than done!