A New "Normal"

Just PLAYING with the One Hour theme again this morning. And the text that appeared challenges one to be "Normal" for a time.

Friends have asked why? I do not know. I don't know what "normal" is. I don't how one would appear normal. But the word is interesting to consider.

Maybe I'd go with watching a TV show that "everybody" watches that I've never seen. I've never seen a whole episode of "NCIS," "The Walking Dead," or "Grey's Anatomy." And sip a brew while doing so? Uh..., probably not.

Normal is as normal does? I've most often fought against the main stream. Or ignored it. This didn't work out well in early days, but there was that weird inner voice saying"Don't be like everybody else" - WHILE begging Mom for a Greek Fisherman's Cap - because that WAS the headgear of the moment. Yin yang. Mixed emotions. Never did get a Nehru Jacket. Had to suffer wearing "cut off" Go-Go Boots because none were available in my giant Size Ten hoofies. Yup, I'm still warped by being the only girl at the junior-high mixer dances with those ugly duckling boots. But at about the same time I scored an excellent pair of cowboy boots that I wore so long that they where re-heeled at least three times. I miss those boots... 

It WAS fun to draw this drawing:

And maybe "normal" is just one of those things - you know it when you see/feel it.

Now it's back to filling out art fair applications, and marking off the "to pack" list for this weekend's art fair in Madison, Wisconsin.

Yes, I plan to sneak off into the wonderful Conservatory at Olbrich, too.

Cold air is Normal for Wisconsin and Minnesota this time of year, but to have the change to walk and sit in warm "green" air at two different Conservatories this week - well, color me Excited!

Just don't color me "Normal." NORMaLLY.

Fare-thee-well,

Sue 

www.suerowe.com

Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios

Another Day - Another Hour

I think I remember being "Calm." But maybe not. There were times I thought I was as mellow as I get only to be told by another that I looked Tense, or that I should Relax. (No, not suggested by Aaron Rodgers - haha.)

Zen mantras help, other personal sentences I repeat through the years help. If I could afford a full-time massage-therapist - well, THAT would help lots. Exercise helps. And yet the brain and body tend to want to shift into high gear by default.

So... I drew this:

It's not a demand. It is a Gentle Suggestion. A Gift to Oneself. Soft jazz might be companion. Or a really boring movie. Or a moderately-interesting book. Or a meandering walk. NOT a forced march sort of hike. A.... well let's stop and look at that.... and that..... and yes, we have time for this stop, too. Maybe see how long you may enjoy one cup of excellent tea. That sort of thing.

The 50th Super Bowl will be played soon. I will be rooting for A Good and Safe Game. And though I have no personal team for which to cheer on, know that the brain will not be calm.

So it's time to sneak off, listen to some quiet jazz, and perhaps draw a few somethings. Nothing with spikes or fire or sharp edges. Wish me luck!

Find some time to enjoy some Calm.

Fare-thee-well,

Sue

www.suerowe.com

Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios

It's O.K. To Play,

             Onward into the year we go!!

Today I am taking a much-needed Play Day. Taking some papers and COLORS and MARKERS and going to see what comes.

Rules??? NO RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Treat yourself to some Time Away - If only ten minutes. Magic will/might/can Happen.

Toodle-loo~~~~~~~~
Sue

www.suerowe.com
Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios

Friday's Thought on Paper

         Yes, I know. Easier to draw than to do.

Being Brave

          This is my Personal Challenge for what's left of February.

Today's hour plus held answering one business e-mail and applying for four art festivals. No walking on glowing embers. No speaking in front of a hostile crowd. No skiing down a Black Diamond ski run. Just gathering the courage to do stuff that had to be done. 

The email should be been answered about a month ago. The finished artwork has been sitting here that long. The customer wants it. All I had to do was let her know it was finished, and the total cost of piece and shipping. I have not been brave enough to email that information for a month... Perhaps not a "demon" a "normal" person fights, but one many do.

Well, one demon down, and we'll see how many get smacked in coming weeks. Wish me Luck at this Bravery Thing. A Brave Hour has sixty long scary minutes in it. I shall not dwell on the seconds.

Time to get back to the studio and the relative safety of smearing paint onto canvas. Tomorrow's Hour will be here way too soon!

Onward!!

Fare-thee-well,
Sue