Commencement

Most things are now moved in and I'm sitting at the workbench for the first time, having just finished scrubbing it with a bleach solution. A large mug of cinnamon tea gives off a curl of steam in the sunshine. It is the second half of October, but everything in the garden is still green and the trees have not yet dropped leaves.

Steve has posed the question of whether I am even capable of being a professional artist, although I have certainly been a good amateur one. Says it's a mindset--the professional artist really doesn't think about much else, and is not likely to let other things distract from working on the art.

I started my day about three hours ago, after breakfast and the newspaper, getting laundry started, emailing my mother, paying bills, bringing in the trash and recycling cans, and general cleaning here in the studio. A tea break was needed. I am still learning to pace myself in a manner appropriate to my age and health.

The first art project isn't seriously art, but is something fun and for a good cause. I make garden pieces out of wood, metal, and sundry found objects and bits leftover from home repair projects. I don't change the nature of the bits, but assemble them in ways that seem fun. I've sold a few and am making one for a charity auction. Now that the studio is on the same ground level as the shed, it is so much easier to work. The saws and heavy bits are in the shed, the paints and detail bits are here in the studio. In between is a pleasant garden. No hills or stairs to climb. My creaky legs are grateful.