This past week has been pretty difficult for me. It marks the 4 year anniversary of my father's passing. It hardly seems like it has been that long, it feels like it was yesterday...
no today. Much of my time has been spent distracting myself and pushing away sadness. What I still haven't learned yet is that there is really no way around your emotions, you have got to let in each experience, each emotion and only then are you free to move on. So, I decided to post this tribute to him. And then, I will show all of the things that I have done to distract myself over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, I thought that I had more pictures on my computer of him then these. My scanner isn't working so I can't scan any, but I think these will do. The first is one that was taken at my daughter's graduation from law school. As you can see from the picture, he adored her. He had that same adoration for all of us. Amazing how someone could have that much love in them. Enough so that each of us felt we were the "favorite" one. Three of his five grandchildren received post secondary degrees that year, and he stayed with us long enough to see each one of them receive them. And believe me, physically, that was not easy for him. By the end of my daughter's ceremony he was sitting in his wheelchair at the back of the auditorium wrapped in a blanket. But he was determined to see it. It rained for all three of the graduations. Two of them were held outdoors. He sat through them all. Brutal!
The other picture is from when he played baseball in
Cuba. He played for both the Cienfuegos and the Havanas. They were some of the happiest days that he and my mother spent together. If you get a chance check out one or more of the web sites listed in my links. They will provide you with a wealth of information about the men who played in the
Negro Leagues during the years of segregated baseball in America. One of the things that always amazed me, and that remains curious to me yet, is that baseball was not segregated during that time in Cuba. And that men who found themselves playing together as team mates during the
winter months in Cuba, would once again separate when they reached US soil.
The other photo was taken on he beach at Trinidad in Cuba. Not very far from where my parents lived at one point.
My mother passed 6 months prior to my father joining her. I believe that she had something to do with him remaining with us as long as he did. She knew we needed him and probably spent a great deal of energy negotiating with him to stay awhile. I can imagine their conversations. For me, it was still not long enough! I guess I'm selfish that way. I miss him horribly, and I will probably miss him for as long as I live.
Creative Distractions... or MY ARTFUL SPIRIT AS A TREASURED RESOURCE??
Artist Trading Dolls (ATD)Camera and clay were used as distractions this week. And, by weeks end had put me in a really good place as you can see from my previous posts. i can't help but think that maybe I was able to accomplish so much was because I had so much in me to work with!! So, here are some pictures.
This is a swap for my Artist Trading Doll Group. This months paper doll swap was to focus on complimentary colors. The head of this doll is polymer clay. I used Paverpol to give the paper dress and her arms dimension and to help in the sculpting of her hair. Pearl Ex, Embossing Powder and Acrylics also helped me complete this little cutie. I really was pleased with how she turned out.
I love when the Iris bloom. Even though they are spectacular on their on, in their natural state. They provide so many interesting opportunities for photographic alteration and exploration.
ROXANNE (A Sherry Goshon Class) 
I'm taking an online class with Sherry Goshon. The doll is Roxanne, and she is made using a dress form,and a felt body which is skinned. You can have a look see at
Sherry's site. I am really behind but will work my way through. I decided to sculpt hands rather do cloth ones, and used apoxie for her boots in case I want her to stand. These are her boots unpainted. I decorated them with vines and calla lilies. Can't wait to paint them! Today I felted the body which I will "Skin" tomorrow. Really neat techniques!!
Mom's Refrigerator Art
And finally, I'm also working on this collage for my wonderfully talented, and absolutely gorgeous daughter's home. She recently purchased a home and I'm helping to cover the walls. This is for her bedroom. I suppose some might look at this as reverse refrigerator art or adult fridge art. She seems to lap it up though. I hope she isn't pulling my leg! I can't wait until it's finished. I just found her retainer from her braces and a few other goodies to include!!
Would love to get some feedback on some of this stuff. Tomorrow I'm going to see grandkids so you may be in for a treat!
