I braved the biting cold to see it. To escape in the water's blue eyes for a bit. But when I arrived early yesterday morning, most of the lakefront had turned to ice from our recent cold blast. I was greeted with this warm glow of the rising sun casting down on the gray-blue surface.
The frozen expanse creaked and slowly heaved up and down...like a scream being held in. The water underneath alive and bursting to get out. To be free again. *sigh*
Near the water's edge, huge ice shards shifted, clumsily crunching into each other. No real direction. Just wherever the waves would take them. And when I could no longer feel my fingers, I put my camera away and just took it all in. As I departed for work, I thanked God for letting me see it and have the lake all to myself...for not a soul was there but I. Ah, a beautiful kind of loneliness.
My God, four years already. Looking back, so much has changed and yet so much hasn't. I'm working both jobs today but wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that my blog turns four today.
I'm so grateful to have a place to express all that needs expressing and to connect with all of you. You are just as much a part of it as I am. So thank you, and... Happy Birthday/Anniversary, Exploding Doughnut!!
I've been feeling a bit "pudgy" lately and wanted to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine. So instead of getting off my usual train stop, I chose the next one which would tack on about 15 extra minutes to work. I'd get to walk along the lakefront and burn calories at the same time. Well I still had time to kill before working at the crafts store and stopped in at Jewel...and bought a layered cake. A red velvet cake to be exact! Usually store-bought desserts are never as good as homemade but that wasn't the case this time. The cream cheese frosting was just the right ratio of tangy and sweet. The cake itself was moist and rich with a hint of chocolate. And of course, was its signature red. A deep, dark, sensual red.
Mmmmhmmm.....
It must've been made with the blood of a god because it was heavenly. Who knew exercising could be so delicious! Best. Workout. Ever!
There was this excitement in the air at work. Anticipation at the newest arrival to the arts-and-crafts store. A baby boy! One of the managers that joined our team this past summer showed up already several months pregnant. We've watched her slowly grow in size over the months, her walk eventually becoming a waddle. Little baby kicks became noticeable pains that stopped her in her tracks...and made the rest of us nervous. How was she feeling? Did she have the baby yet? Is she having the baby now?! were all things we'd ask each other. Everyone wondered what would happen if she had the baby at the store (she was determined to work up till the very end of her pregnancy). Visions of her sprawled out in the scrapbooking section came to mind, biting through contractions as embossing powder and stamp pads flanked her sides. What a tale that would be to tell! I'm happy to report she had her baby late last month (not at work--whew!). To celebrate this monumental event, I made her a little card.
Watercolors and acrylic on watercolor paper - 3 1/2" x 4 3/4" (NFS)
I tried to bombard the painting with as many types of blue as possible...and some purple on the wingtips for added interest. Just a little something to send her in the mail until she returns from maternity leave. Congrats on your little one, Jen! May he bring you much joy!!
As soon as December 26th hit, our store's playlist changed for the coming Valentine's Day. Goodbye Christmas music, hello never-ending love songs! *sigh* They've been playing this Whitney Houston classic a lot at work. Whenever it comes on the speakers, I find a remote spot in the store and lightly twirl--dancing with myself--welling up just enough to make my eyes glisten. But for my version, imagine the lyrics being sung slower and softer, with a hint of sadness. Such a lonely life I lead, immersed in work--and my art when there's time. Maybe that's all I'll have. I keep telling myself one day that'll change but a part of me no longer believes. Deep down I can't deny something is missing. The yearning won't let me. I feel so emotional and alone right now. That's because you are, Dean. Ah, to have a wonderful man's embrace. To be near him...with somebody who loves me.
They never knew what hit them. Their whiskered, photocopied faces were my canvas to run wild with. And besides, what cat doesn't look better with glasses and a beard? Early last year I showed you my "embellished" cat calendar from work. With the new year upon us that can mean only one thing. Another calendar with decorated cats has been completed! Here are some highlights from the past twelve months:
The troublemaker.
The nerd.
The vixen.
Best friends fur-ever!
Straight up chilln'.
Sexy times.....
Such joy this brings me during those taxing days at the crafts store. Who knew playing with Sharpies could be so amusing! Care to guess the name of the calendar currently hanging in my office space at work? "Curious Kittens 2013". *naughty grin*
40's. Gay. Artist. X-Man.
"Exploding Doughnut" represents working uninspired jobs while creating a career in art and "Suffering Sappho!" is all about my passion for comic books (read my first posts for full details!).
Thanks to everyone for reading and seeing what I've posted.
Feel free to comment and/or e-mail me.
Enjoy!
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