Favorite Christmas Gifts

My youngest moved into his own place in September, leaving his bedroom vacant at last - the bedroom where he'd kept goldfish, played with Matchbox cars, built castles out of Legos and fashioned rockets from cardboard gift wrap tubes. It was both a sad and a happy time for me - sad because my youngest child had flown the coop and I knew I would miss him sorely but it was also a happy time because he'd found a good job and moved into his own place that he was paying for himself. After all, as parents that's what we strive for - to raise autonomous, responsible adults who will make a contribution to the world. My husband and I both knew it signaled the beginning of true adulthood and for that we are both proud and happy of both of our sons.

And so, we cleaned out Sean's room, painted it and my husband refinished the scuffed oak floors. I had plans for this space. I realized what I wanted more than anything was to have my books all in one place. Half of them are up in the attic in boxes or scattered among a variety of bookcases. I wanted them here in my office where I could at last organize them and have them within easy grasp. But, I had a problem. I only had one little wooden barrister's bookcase my mom had given me and it was already full. I needed bookshelves. In case you hadn't priced them lately, good bookshelves are pretty expensive and I sort of felt I was beyond the boards and bricks bookcases of my college years.

My husband, Dennis, is an artist with wood. He claims he's not but he really is. Last year he made us a bedroom set consisting of two dressers, a blanket chest and two night tables and now, these beautiful cherry bookcases with curly maple inlay. It took him a couple of months but they were certainly worth waiting for. And they are beautiful. It's one of the best presents anybody has ever given me. And I don't care what anybody says; homemade is the best!

Just as soon as the second case gets its second coat of varnish and the shelves are all in place, I will post a picture.

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.