One day she . . .

In the past week,

I've been thinking about

the

edges.

The boundaries

that I come up to and look over

and then retreat back away from.

Life is continuously filled with these edges.

Doorways.

Thresholds open for the crossing.

Thoughts and ideas and plans and dreams

that

I

come right up to

and then back away.

And wonder

will I ever cross over?

A couple thoughts occurred to me as I was making things

the other day

and

I started to type up some

"One day"

statements.

What if "one day" was today?

I do believe this will

become part of one large piece

I will make to remind myself

to decide

to believe

to trust

to press

to cross

to be all in

to risk

to really live.

Putting my work, my pictures, my words out there

has been one flying leap of faith

after another.

It still takes courage.

It still opens my eyes to new places to stretch my wings,

to new butterflies flying in my stomach,

to new horizons to journey toward

with no guarantees

but lots

of

possibilities.

Work In Progress ~ Just do what you can do today

It is one of those months

in which

I have random pieces

all over my house

in various stages of completion.

Sometimes

I like them incomplete.

I especially love

the morning sunshine

that casts shadows and gold

through the windows.

Everything looks its best in that light.

Our calendar swells with activity.

Our life is full.

Our life is good.

I find myself saying "no" to lots of great and wonderful things

so that I can just be in the presence

of my family

in the precious few hours each week that we have together.

If I don't keep my head and heart in check,

I get overwhelmed.

You too?

So, to beat the overwhelms,

this morning, I started to work on this piece:

Just do what you can do today.

My kids always joke that I need to keep one of these for myself.

Yes, they know me best.

They know that the things I make are not things I have mastered

but things I need to remember.

I ruffled through my stash of papers and happened upon

some prints my mom had made of my grandma's diaries for reunion decorations.

I randomly selected one to fit in the theme of just today.

I didn't even read it.

But as I began to adhere it to the board,

I read:

Chilly day warmer this afternoon.

Ground white with snow this morning

all gone by noon.

Tommy did the chores and feeding.

Had to get a cow in tonight and sew her up.

Had the whole thing out.

Oh yes, indeed, Grandma Edna and Grandpa Tommy, just doing what you can do today.

If you have not raised cattle, you might know about cattle that hemorrhage their entire uterus.

It is by far one of the most difficult, messy, frustrating, yucky jobs on the ranch...

and sometimes the mama cow just can't make it after that kind of trauma.

That was Grandpa Tommy's "just do what you can do today".

I continued to read the part I had cut off

learning that my grandma had gone to town, cleaned house except for the kitchen

and to top the day off,

one of my uncle's got shot in the mouth with a BB gun

"fooling around"

as she put it.

My uncle was fine.

Just spit the BB out.

Friday, April 19, 1963.

Just doing what they could do that day.

~ * ~

Find me here this fall:

and here:

Note To Self Mixed Media Art Class

Saturday October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

at Create!Studio in Rapid City

Click the link above for all of the details and to register.

And soon to be announced,

but mark your calendars...

a class at Sturgis Photo and Gifts, Sturgis, SD, 

on Thursday, October 23 from 6-9 p.m.

Here's a clue:

I will also be at the Wink Ranch at Howes, SD on October 25.  

Official details coming tomorrow!

What I Love About You {Mixed Media Art Class}

Wildflowers are summertime's snowflakes.

No two are alike.

Even among sunflowers, there is diversity and uniqueness and beauty.

In this mixed media art class,

the wildflower theme leads the inspiration

of creating art, seeing one another's gifts, and drawing them out.

We will incorporate your child's words as well as your own.

Prompts will be given to help draw out your heart ~ to not only share for this day

but also be a stepping stone toward living and loving each other with wholeheartedness

as a way of life.

Wildflower: What I Love About You

Mixed Media Art Classes July 8 or July 15

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

at Hoffman's Rifle Ranch, White Owl, SD

Enjoy 

~ art projects for two ~

~ lunch for two ~

~ art supplies provided ~

~ a fun photo booth {bring your camera!}~

~ making not only a keepsake, but also treasured memories

~ a relaxed lodge atmosphere ~

~ personal touches and nourishment for your soul ~

~ Recommended for ages 5 and up ~

~ Space is limited to 6 pairs ~

Registration deadlines are July 5 and 12 

View our location for the class time here:  Hoffman's RIFLE RANCH

Directions will be emailed upon registration.

Register Now:

Date

July 8 $99.00 USD July 15 $99.00 USD Additional couple ~ same family $85.00 USD

Questions or to register via mail contact:

Jodene Shaw

jjtsshaw@gwtc.net

605-985-5489

PO Box 82

White Owl, SD 57792

Check out these peeks of projects and classes ~ neither of you needs to be an "artist"!

Recall memories or sweet things that make your relationship one-of-a-kind.

So much of what is really important gets lost in everyday life.

Sometimes we just need a moment to breathe and remember and focus and draw together.

This is a way to carve out one of those moment for you and a one of your special kiddos.

Here are some glimpses of previous art days with families:

Register online here:

Date

July 8 $99.00 USD July 15 $99.00 USD Additional couple ~ same family $85.00 USD