Silent Sunday …
Saturday …
It is Saturday and this week has been good, even with a couple of mishaps, I look back with joy at some minor achievements. My booklet is almost complete, due to one of the aforementioned mishaps one of the pages in languishing on a scanner at work, I will not be able to bind it, as I hoped this weekend. However, I did have a lesson in the art of stitching one section and I have some lovely red thread, (one of the minor achievements) so I will be able to complete early next week.
My next step is to consider the ways in which I can make the book into a printed and sell-able edition. I have had some interest and will be looking at some options next week; so I am hopeful.
However, I am not one to let the grass grow under my feet; so today I start the preliminary prints for my next book. I am going to open access and have some collagraph plates ready to ink and print.
During a recent drawing workshop at Reading Museum I made a quick drawing of some glass perfume bottles found at Silchester. I have since written a short story relating to them; with a nice Roman classical feel.
This is very early days, in more ways than one and there are mishaps, they are broken bottles after all, but sometimes they have happy results … so hold that thought because it is Saturday !
Mindfulness …
I am a meditator; each morning at 5am I attempt to clear my mind. Over the years I have tried many methods; some successful and others not so. I have read many books about various techniques;even dabbled in religion, the occult and and the activities of the unicorn, with, as I suggest varying amounts of good impressions and some bad.
In response to this week’s challenge I can only say, in the absence of some misty and esoteric image, that the mind does respond to restfulness and peace. If only we spend a few moments dwelling on the breath and the truth that comes and goes with everyone one of the inhales and exhales … Then only do that.
Have a mindful day …
At the weekend I …
Went for the weekend to Cheltenham and learned art of collagraph with Sue Brown at the The Yard. I have been looking forward to it for weeks and not disappointed.
It was a complicated procedure and not sure that I have ‘got it’ yet. However it is all part of the work in progress and look forward to putting my little etching press to work during the next few weeks.
Friday’s Snapshot from the library at Special Collections
Classification of the Cole Library goes on and I am now in the section that appears to be Anatomy; some books are very explicit, strange and wondrous; this one by Gilbert Pidcock published in 1778 is The history, and anatomical description of a Cassowar, from the Isle of Java, in the East-Indies ; the greatest rarity now in Europe is a prime example. Only 18 pages and one lovely engraving; in my lunch break took some reading.
From The History and anatomical description of a Cassowar.
Weekly Photo Challenge …
Seasons and the changing of, are for me less important than the resulting weather; that doesn’t actually match up! I am a cyclist, so knowing the coming ‘forecast’ might seem important; but quite frankly being prepared for something that may or not happen is a complete waste of time. So for the most part whatever the season I arrive at work in a varying array of dishevelment. Its is this unreliability and the surprises we have that I welcome; heavy rain, high wind, snow and even a drought brings some hidden delight I am sure!
Today it is the early glimpse of spring after a very wet winter.
Monday …
Monday, is the day I usually reflect on the past week but I did that on Saturday. Today, I rest a while before the week begins; and the making of the 2nd draft of my book. The 1st was a big idea, a mish mash of components and me not thinking any of it would be successful.
However, with lots of help, advice and encouragement I now have a model to work with. So now I am collecting the ingredients and skills to make this happen. I have already done the lino cuts and some collage materials. After much discussion and a learning curve I have a supply of some super handmade paper. The narrative is in my head and there is some difficulty getting it on paper … so I think today’s tea making lesson will be a welcome break.
Silent Sunday …
Saturday ….
This week has been a joy; in fact the weeks since Christmas have been happy and creative. So today I will celebrate that! I have finished my first draft of my book and spoken to various ‘professionals’ as regards its progress. I have received many positive responses and helpful suggestions for my next step. I can also see opportunities for another in the pipeline;so I am pleased.
Also relation to my other venture as a volunteer in an Art Centre I am going to learn about tea. I am already a drinker of Chinese tea and fairly accomplished at making a brew. However, as if I plan to serve others on a regular basis then, I would like to know more about the intricacies of such a noble art . So, on Monday I am entertaining a Chinese tea supplier for some lessons and tea. I am very excited; nonetheless not wishing to sound too much like a destination junkie; I am enjoying Saturday morning with some tea and watching the grey rain clouds race across the sky and send love to those who have been there for me these last few weeks.
Friday’s Snapshot from the Library at Special Collections …
Oh dear what a loss!
Coat Hanger Doll's House 