Update...

Chris and I have been working today to set up the office/studio. Last week when we moved in, we automatically took our bed to the larger room and all our other stuff to the smaller room, but after a couple of days we thought since our bed and nightstands are the only furniture in our bedroom and we're trying to cram my easel, my desk, his filing cabinet, his desk, the printer and bookshelves in to the smaller room, then why not switch rooms? So we did. It meant we had to move the bed last night and I never want to move the filing cabinet again, but now we have twice the space for an office/studio and our bed still fits nicely in the smaller room.

In that process I had to move a big stack of paintings and I realized that I had a few that weren't posted here. So, a painting update.



I painted this in early December. It was in the Fat Tiger Show, but somehow it didn't make it here.



This was January's big painting. I think it made it on to the blog, but not in a completed form.



And this was my painting this month. I played with the Fisher-Price Little People for hours at a time when I was a kid, so these were an obvious choice for my next painting. They are the people from the Little People Airplane Set, a pilot, a "stewardess" (because that's what they were called in 1981) and the luggage cart. I found them on eBay. I'm still looking for the airplane-- I want to paint the complete set. Meanwhile, I'm going to go finish setting up the studio, so I'll have more to show you soon.

(By the way, this is my 102nd post-- I let that milestone slip by in the midst of all the moving...)

A reason to stay...

We have a few small sprouts in the the plants on our windowsill-- and I've found something new to love about Portland.

The Waffle Window is three blocks from my house. A reason to stay.

Fulfilling a promise...

Pictures as promised.
My house:


Libby enjoying the view from the dining room windows.


My current station-- the comfy chair with the laptop set up on the ottoman.



The view of the living room-- we need more bookshelves, and a rug.



The view from the left side of the kitchen near the dining room chairs.



The view from the right side of the kitchen near the barstools.

What do you think? More importantly, when are you coming to visit?
My house:

Roots.

The English teacher in me is really in to metaphors. This is something that annoys Chris. I'm always using metaphors in conversation and he listens with the little bit of patience that he has acquired during our marriage (believe me, he has way more than I ever thought he would), until eventually he says, "What are you trying to say?"

And then I read him a poem. He LOVES that.

When we arrived in Portland Sunday, and unloaded the truck, and began to make order of all the boxes, we then made our way to Fred Meyer to get groceries. I never went to Fred Meyer in Seattle, because it wasn't on a bus line for me, but the one here is less than two blocks away, so I think I'll be there a lot. So far I've actually been every day since we moved to Portland. It could be dangerous.

Sorry-- back to the subject. At Fred Meyer, there is a garden center just past the produce section. So while Chris was choosing bananas, I wandered over to the seeds. I thought it would be cool to have a plant that we started growing on our first day in our new home. Chris just rolled his eyes, but I bought the seeds and soil.

So I brought them home and put the seeds in the soil and put them in a sunny window.
And I realized -- METAPHOR! Chris had to listen to my ramblings again... "See Chris? It's like us-- we've been transplanted, but we don't have any roots yet!"

So this is where I am now:



Hopefully roots will come. And our new life here will slowly sprout.

Upside down...

That's the way my world has been for the past few weeks.

But it seems that things are turning around. Of course, that may be because we've completely re-arranged our world.

Chris and I moved to Portland, Oregon this week. Surprised? Yeah, a lot of people are. We didn't mean to keep so many people in the dark, but we weren't sure that everything would come together, so we were pretty quiet about it.

And then, everything did come together. So we're here. Which means I missed saying good-bye to a few people. But I hate good-byes, so maybe that's ok. Unless you are one of those people, and then it's not. And I'm sorry.

Portland is great-- our new house is amazing. But I have to say, I don't really feel like explaining myself to a whole new group of people. You know, "Hi, I'm Jolie. An artist. Who paints toys. Who lived in Africa. On a ship. Yes, a ship. Well, it's a hospital ship... Oh, that's my husband. He travels a lot. Yes, I'm ok with this. Well, he's trying to go to every country in the world. Why? Umm, well... because he's... because it's... well we have these goals..." You see my problem. I don't really want to explain this crazy life we live anymore.

I guess I'm just mourning the loss of my peeps in Seattle. My wonderful, hysterical friends that took me to get a nose ring on a Wednesday evening, and helped me procrastinate my painting, or were always up for sushi when Chris was away, or cried (and cussed) with me when my world there turned upside down.

Sigh.

I can see that we're here for a reason and it's going to be marvelous. (Except for the snow, but it's snowing in Seattle, too.) I'm glad to be on a new adventure. I actually really love moving-- making a fresh start in a new place, going through all my stuff, getting rid of things I don't need, unpacking boxes and putting things away in a new place. Chris was freaking out about loading the truck, but I was pretending it was a game of Tetris-- if you got the boxes in the right place, then you scored extra points and your stuff didn't get broken on the drive down. (See? I can't even explain myself to me...)

And once those boxes are unpacked, I'll even put up some pictures of our new place. (I know, I know, but I really will.) It's going to be so pretty, I can't wait to show it to you.

Feast of St. Brigid

Today is Groundhog Day and the Feast of St. Brigid. To celebrate, we're having a (silent) poetry reading. Learn more here.

Jane Kenyon is one of my favorite poets. I keep a book of her poems on my shelf next to my easel, because reading her work is like taking a deep breath on a hectic day. It offers a quiet reflection, and a puddle of peace in the chaos of the world. Read for yourself.


The Suitor

We lie back to back. Curtains
lift and fall,
like the chest of someone sleeping.
Wind moves the leaves of the box elder;
they show their light undersides,
turning all at once
like a school of fish.
Suddenly I understand that I am happy.
For months this feeling
has been coming closer, stopping
for short visits, like a timid suitor.

Jane Kenyon

The Year of Self- Discipline

So every year, Chris and I go on a cruise in December. We spend the week getting warm and remembering the Anastasis, and most importantly we plan out our goals for the next year. Chris has an elaborate system, but I just have a notebook and a pen. We break things down in to categories and talk together about what we want to accomplish individually and as a couple. This is kind of like Mondo Beyondo-- which I also do every year, but perhaps more detailed (for my OCD side).

Each year we take on new ideas and we each look for a theme in what we're working on. For example, 2006 was all about completely new ideas, a new place to live, each of us were starting our school programs, and my journal for the year was titled "New." 2007 became more about finishing well and following through. 2008 for me was the year "to go pro" which was more about transitioning from the attitude of "art student" to actually thinking of myself as an artist. So, it was about selling my work, setting up shows, finding my own studio, keeping up with this blog... stuff like that.

So this year for me is The Year of Self-Discipline. This means I'm going to attempt to acquire some. For a long time, I've coasted along with life and my issues, and I've started to realize that this is an area that is holding me back from the things I want to accomplish with my life. It's my greatest weakness. Eating, Exercise, Finances, almost every area of my life could use more self-discipline. And so one of my first steps is to post my goals here so that I'm accountable to someone. (Unless no one is reading?)

Ok, so I have eight roles or categories and several things that I want to accomplish in each category. I'm going to summarize so that this post isn't quite so epic in length. The roles for me are in order of importance. I'm a total geek and have made myself a little visual diagram for this stuff, because that's just how I think, but you'll just have to settle for words here, because I can't figure out how to upload my diagram...

1. Wife: Call me old-fashioned, but I still think of this as the most important aspect of who I am. My first priority is always going to be Chris. There have been times that my lack of discipline has affected our relationship. I've made goals for this, but I'm going to leave them between the two of us. He'll keep me accountable on this one.

2. Artist: So this one is second for a reason. Because it's easy to put this behind everything else. But if I don't paint then I get crazy and can't do anything else well. I also have to figure out how to handle the business aspect of selling my work. And actually sell my work. So I have to make this a priority over friendships, family, work, the cat, everything. That way, I know I'll make myself paint-- I have to. I want to be a real professional working artist by the end of the year. (Whoa. That's scary.)

3. Creative Learner: I realize that's a bit vague. I put lots of things in this category though. Knitting, cooking, reading, crafty stuff... the things I do for myself. Painting used to be in this category, but it became so important that it got its own category. So, my goals here are things like make homemade marshmallows, read 52 books, make a skirt and a laptop sleeve with this fabric that's been laying around here forever, knit two more sweaters, learn more French. Things that keep me sane and well rounded.

4. Health Nut: Ok, so this is really where the self discipline kicks in. This is one of my weakest areas. I start exercise programs really well, but rarely stick with them. And while I've made serious changes to my diet in healthy ways, I think I could do more. So, first, I'm focusing on physical therapy. I have to get my ankle back to pre-surgery status, then I'm going to gradually work my way back into a sustainable exercise program (and STICK with it). I was doing pretty well until just before I had surgery, so hopefully I can find that happy place again. And secondly, since I've been a vegetarian for 5 years this year, I'm going to celebrate by going vegan for at least 4 weeks. I'm sure we'll talk more about this one and I'll explain the process further.

So, this post is growing and I still have 4 more categories, plus I have to talk about last year's progress. Why don't I stop typing for the time being? Meanwhile, what are your goals for 2009? You don't have to be as detailed as I am here, but I'd love to hear about them...

Update continued...

So where were we? I was tired last night, but I'm ready to continue updating you on the Cliff Notes version of my life right now.

So we returned to Seattle and to our house. During the cold weather, a water main had broken two floors up in our building and six units were damaged. Lucky us, our unit was one of them. We were expecting minor damage, but we were not prepared to find our bed in our kitchen or all the carpet pulled up or the drywall cut away. Our bedroom looked like this...



A month later, we're still dealing with this-- new carpet is in, but there are still a few things left to be done. It's been the most frustrating thing...

Ok, so what else to tell you? Let's me consult the list...

Ok, so my ankle is better. I saw my physical therapist for the last time Thursday-- not because she thinks I'm ready to be done, but because my insurance coverage for physical therapy has run out. So, I'm working on my own, but I really am better.

Now, as for changes coming soon... as part of the Guillebeau goals for 2009 our lives are changing a bit. I'll keep you posted on those. And another goal involves changing this site... so I'm working with a designer (Hi, BJ!) to make jolieguillebeau.com a more professional site representing my work. I'll talk about this more when I tell you about my goals for the year.

Finally, Plinky. It's fun. Go look. I think I still like Twitter best, but Plinky is fun. too.

January.

Ok, I figure you guys deserve an update. I can't promise it will be coherent, but since we're well in to 2009, I want to say something about my life at the moment. So I'm going to make a list of things I need to tell you.

1. The vacation was fabulous.
2. Christmas with the family was lovely.
3. Our house is a disaster.
4. I've made my goals for 2009 and I should tell you about them.
5. Some things will change around here soon.
6. My ankle is better--that's a good thing.
7. Have you heard about Plinky? It's fun.

Ok, that's a good place to start...but I guess you need details too.

So, mid-December we left for our annual Guillebeau goal-setting vacation. We went on a cruise to the western Caribbean-- we love to cruise because it reminds us of living on the Anastasis, but with better food. We had a great week on the water, though we didn't explore much because I was still not very good at walking. We returned to Miami on the 21st, and I got to see an old friend from the ship who was sailing out that same day for her wedding cruise (Hi, Lynda!). It was great to see her and meet her fiance and give her a big hug to send her off.

From Miami we flew to visit the family for a busy four days of Christmas, food, photos and fun. We had a great visit, but after two weeks we were ready to return to Seattle and settle in to normal life again and start working on all the goals we set on the cruise. (Speaking of goals, I think I'll leave mine for a separate post. Otherwise, this post will be so very long.) We had missed all the crazy snow that happened in Seattle, but we discovered that the weather would have a lasting effect.

That's a good stopping place for the moment. Stay tuned...

Yet more images...

I finally got to my camera, the cable and a computer all at once. Actually, Chris loaded them for me, but I'm making an effort here, so work with me, ok?

These are a few more photos from last Thursday and from my studio this week...

In the true Guillebeau tradition, here's a picture of someone taking a picture of me. This is Yuriko, another artist (and friend) from the Fat Tiger Show.



My recent work... An old Chatter Phone, mailed from my mom. (Thanks, Mom!) The colors are more accurate here, but the glare is terrible.



Here there's no glare, but the colors are terrible. You see the dilemma.



This (what do you call this thing?) is a toy I loved as a kid. Except I could never get the shapes out once I put them in. And that made me mad. Now they've made it easier to open, or my arms are stronger, because I can get the shapes out pretty easily.



I found it at the Ballard Goodwill for $1.49. I love that. And it has all the pieces.


Ok, I'm off. The next pictures you'll see here will be of sunny skies and ocean views. Meanwhile, have a Merry Christmas and eat a candy cane for me.

Details

Apparently, over the past month a few of my posts disappeared-- it was probably a user error, but I've restored them and now you'll have lots to read at once.

I promise that pictures of my recent work will be here before I leave town on Saturday. I'm heading for warmer weather and sunshine for a week or two.

Fat Tiger Studio Show...

Last Thursday, I participated in a Holiday Show with other local artists for the First Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square. It was great. Several people came out just to see me, which amazed me, and I got some really positive feedback about my work (always a good thing).

A view of the crowds...



Me setting up... (notice the walking cast there-- it's off now!)







Showing is still a new process for me, so it's honestly a bit scary, but I'm starting to like it...sometimes.

(Photos credit: Ryan Molenkamp. Thanks, Ryan.)

Small steps.

This is the MRI image of my ankle pre-surgery. It's fixed now. Mostly. So that means I can walk (using a cane) and cook dinner again. I can get on the bus without making everyone else wait, and I can wear skirts again. It also means that everything else I do becomes much easier, so I can catch up on all the other things that matter. Like here. I missed writing. I missed being in this space. I'm glad to be back.

Thanks for being patient-- I hope you're still out there!

Painting pictures and show updates soon!

Election Day!

Kuma Coffee Display

Ok, still short on words, but here are the long promised pictures of the show at Kuma Coffee. My work is up there until the 15th. Stay tuned for more showings...

Lots to say.. .few words

Yes, I know. I owe you pictures of the show from Kuma.
And pictures of my recent paintings.
And maybe just a few words to let you know that I'm still alive.

Well, how about one out of three?

I have so many pictures on my camera. But, I haven't actually had the energy to connect the cable to the camera and the computer lately.

I had ankle surgery 10 days ago. I'm tired. I feel useless and frustrated. I can't even get myself a glass of water without spilling it all over the kitchen. Chris has been wonderful, but it's hard to be so dependent on someone. So I'm following some good advice and choosing what's most important.

Right now that's painting, being with Chris and showing up for work (gotta keep that health insurance). I'll be back here though. Be patient.

Work on Display at Kuma Coffee

My work is on display for the Grand Opening of Kuma Coffee this month. Their grand opening is tomorrow, October 13. My work will be on display through mid-November. They're located at 4110 Stone Way in Wallingford, here in Seattle. If you're in the area, stop by, pick up a good cup of coffee and look at my work.

I'll post pictures here later in the week.

Mirror

Mirror
Originally uploaded by jolieguillebeau

I solved a problem with this painting today. I was really happy with the vertical composition, but it felt a little flat to me. I decided to create space by making the frame in to a mirror, rather than the painting I had intended. So far, I'm happy, but there's still more work to do.

I can't wait to see this.

http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net

Art, Truth, Child-play

"When we can play with the unself-conscious concentration of a child, this is: art, prayer, love." -- Madeleine L'Engle

The story of Marla has fascinated me for awhile. Here is a child in a crazy situation, created by the adults around her. I don't care about the controversy, but I wonder (and worry) about this little girl.

However, I had never considered this story from this angle before. It makes me think about my own work a little differently.