Behold Skunk Street, leading directly to our garage, where Murphy-the-dog seeks revenge and we humans are scared.

Short trip down memory lane coming: Last Thanksgiving we were at my mother-in-law's. "We" included both Chicago Murphy and California Murphy. (Yep, both dogs have the same name. That's another story).

Anyway, while there, both Murphies got full frontal blasted by a skunk. Gag, seriously. It was awful. For weeks. Despite 5 doggie baths including one by pros. Horrid.

So "we", aka Mary Jo and I, learned our lesson. You'd think the Cali-Murphster would have too. Not a chance. He still wants a piece of that S.O.B. or its relatives. And apparently, skunks will seek refuge in a (snow) storm, even when it's our garage patrolled by a mixed terrier that shows no fear. Or common sense.

TTUT when I will be posting from California!!

This space is still mine, though not for much longer. Many a metal book has been pounded out on that table while I was looking down the hill to Lake Hodges. Could that be why I've never succeeded in making a single metal book without either drawing blood or hammering a finger? Too much view-gazing as I'm banging?
Soon the room, the house, the energy will be for someone else to enjoy and make their own. We are truly in Chicago now, so close to yet another lake that we have actual weather patterns affected by the "big water". But for the next 3 weeks, this will still be mine. And if you've the inclination to own free art supplies from me, drop by next Sunday January 13th between 11-4pm for a huge giveaway.
What's the opposite of mine? Y-O-U-R-S! See you in person next week.
TTUT
Giveaway address: 20228 Ash Lane, Escondido, CA 92029--use mapquest to get good directions
Date and time: January 13th and 14th, 11-4pm
What's going for free: Mixed media art supplies!!!!
You need to bring: your own bags and boxes.

C-Monkey conducting Beethoven's Sonata no. 8, 2nd Movement in A flat major at Mackey-D's, wearing the heirloom jean jacket made by her Auntie Nena (that would be me, to her age-crowd).

Today is Day 5 of the picture-a-day challenge and I've already busted my own resolution to only use pictures I took with my cellie. Hey, flexibility in art is a must.How could I pass on this double-entendre response to the movement theme? Answer: I couldn't, even though I used a "real" camera to take the picture.

The hand-embroidered jean jacket she's wearing goes back more than 30 years. She's the latest generation to wear it. I think the Mardi-Gras beads (her addition) make all the difference. The grrrl's got her some style.

TTUT

The view from here is gorgeous Siena, Italy in the heart of Tuscany. So much art to make, so much inspiration to be found. This is Villa Malamerenda where I'll be living and making artists books this March. The land there is stunning. The food is amazing and the people are wonderful. I have busted out my brand new Italian for Dummies and am practicing every day!

I heart me some Corkbots. I really do. They have become the latest "Go to your studio and make something" doodle that I engage when I feel a creative block, aka Le Blockage (said with a French accent) coming on. 

One of my good friends, Lisa Bebi, is an amazing painter. She used to paint fish whenever Le Blockage approached. Lately she has switched to rabbits. They are awesome.

I learned long ago not to succumb to Le Blockage's insidious powers by practicing techniques over and over. Before long, the results of my practice sessions become something like production work, but by then Le Blockage would have left me. Phew.

The take-away here is keep making art, no matter what. Just keep going. Le Blockage will pass, Brilliant Creativity will return. Promise.

TTUT

Something new, it's totally true: wet hair will freeze!

Years ago, when I first started visiting Chicago in the winter and stayed at my in-laws', we were all going out to the car for a little trip to who-remembers-where. I had just done my usual naturally-curly-hair thing of hopping in the shower, washing my hair, finger combing it. Done. No blow drying needed. Just wash and go.

Well, you could have heard the collective gasp all the way to San Diego as I entered the garage, "You can't go out with wet hair!!!!! It'll freeze!!!!"

Of course, the logic was unimpeachable. Water freezes at 32F. My hair was w-e-t = it would freeze. But I must confess that somewhere deep inside, I didn't quite believe it.

Today, I'm a believer. Know what frozen hair feels like? Kinda like hair with way too much product in it.

My hair unfroze within seconds after I went back into the house. Lesson learned.

This me with my frozen hair and a low-tech candle defroster. The candle wasn't really needed, but I like the photo op.

TTUT

Happy New Year, Happy 2013!

Last year I took a total break from blogging on Days of Books. I was doing a mini-experiment in social networking and tried out various pseudo-blog posting themes on Facebook. That was then. It was fine. Time for a return to the future, using blogging as artist book. I didn't invent it, just this year I'm embracing it.

So back to the blog-o-sphere for 2013, where I guarantee I won't be cranking out 700 words/day, but I will practice the discipline of posting a photo/day (with commentary, if you care). Today's theme from the list my niece sent me, is "Today". I laugh at the challenge! I put on my new circle knit scarf. I take a low-tech photo of me, moi, myself. Ta-da: today. Soon there will be Rose Parade, nap, black-eyed peas (for peace) and rice (for riches). Today. Have a wonderful one. TTUT