Steven Assael Documentary

I've been studying classical realism part time now for about 8 years. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing people say that realism is boring or doesn't take any imagination. Realism, for me at least, is about trying to capture the soul of your subject. It's about trying to capture the beauty of even the most simple and mundane things.

The human form is the most challenging of all. I've taken this past fall off but am going back to figure drawing again in January at LIAFA.

Recently artist Steven Assael came to LIAFA to do a portrait workshop. I wish I could have been there. I guess this video clip from CBS Sunday Morning is the next best thing. Anybody who thinks realism is boring should check this out. Even if you don't think it's boring, check it out. He's fantastic!

Good News!

I have some good news that I'm just dying to share but can't...not yet. Aaargh! Patience has never been one of my strengths so I've been trying to avoid blogging so I don't spill it. Have to wait until we get some confirmation. So, until then, I keep writing. Always prepare for the worst, I say.

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Writing Conferences

I never used to believe that there was much to be gained from a writing conference that I couldn't learn by myself. But then I never believed in critique groups either. Now, of course, I know differently. A critique group in invaluable. I don't know how I ever wrote poetry without my poetry group and I lean heavily on my fiction writing group to point out my WIP's shortcomings.

I've learned that writing conferences are invaluable if for no other reason than to find fresh inspiration and new input into work you've stared at for hours on end and can no longer find anything wrong with or know what to do with. So, after swearing off any more writing conferences until I finish my WIP, I've been drooling over this one -- The Bear River Writers' Conference in northern Michigan. How I'd love to go! It's not a writing workshop for children's writers, although I suppose a YA novel might be perfectly acceptable.

For one, it's situated in a beautiful part of northern Michigan and secondly, they've assembled a great staff of workshop leaders. I know Keith Taylor from college. I took several fiction writing courses with him, taught by the late George Zorn (how I loved that man!). It was the only college course I ever took where people smoked in class (including me at the time). We used to pass the butt can around. Keith is now the director of the undergraduate creative writing program at the University of Michigan. He writes pretty amazing poetry, for you poetry lovers out there (but not poetry for kids).

My biggest problem is that the conference is so far away. I'd have to fly there, doubling my expenses. So, maybe. It's something to think about. Anybody attend any recent conferences that you found outstanding? If so, please share!

Jacqueline du Pre - Saint-saens Concerto in A minor

In stark contrast to the previous post, here's the late great Jacqueline Du Pre playing a small portion of Saint-saens' cello concerto in A minor - one of my favorite pieces. She plays it with such precision, passion and intensity it brings me to tears. My youngest, Sean, played this piece for NYSSMA one year before he injured his bowing hand. How I miss the cello's soulful song!

Muppets - Mahna Mahna

It's Friday and this is sort of how I'm feeling.

The Way Things Look

As my blood sugar has dropped, my vision has become blurry. The doctor said this is normal and to be patient because it will clear up in a few weeks. A few weeks! It's hard. So much of what I do and love to do hinges on being able to see clearly. I love to read (and read and read). I love to write. I love to draw and paint and do crossword puzzles. Now most of that is just about impossible. Even writing this is a challenge.

So, I've been taking walks with some running mixed in (good for my blood sugar), watching tv on the big screen and listening to music and the radio. I've lost about 10 pounds. It's hard to take in enough calories on this restrictive diet.

But, it could always be worse. And with stem cell research, perhaps the cure for diabetes is in the near future.

Five Things On a Friday

So, here it is, Halloween and I have just a few random things to share.

1. I am so tired of needles. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We're not sure what kind yet (more blood work is needed) but it is genetic. I am not overweight, I exercise, watch what I eat so how did I get this? Genetic predisposition, says my endocrinologist. My father had type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. But, as my doctor reminded me, this is not my father's diabetes and he thinks a cure is on the horizon. Once we get the Bush administration out of office, perhaps we can once again hope that stem cell research will receive funding.

2. Scientifically, the Bush administration has set this country back to the Dark Ages. Take The Creation Museum in Cincinatti or George Bush's disclaimer that global warming is all nonsense. I'm sure we must be the laughing stock of the civilized world when it comes to science.

3. My husband made gravestones out of leftover wood and set them up on our lawn. I don't like them, especially after my diabetes diagnosis. But hey, it's Halloween. Lighten up, Stella.

4. When you have diabetes, you feel guilty passing out candy to little kids.

5. I wish I could do NaNoWriMo but when you work 5 days a week, you don't have time. Anybody participating in this? I really wish I could. it would be a great way for me to force myself through to the end of my novel.

Have a good weekend everybody.