Inspiration

I was inspired today visiting Lorrie. She is staying at my friend Pam's place while Pam is in Antarctica. I went over to talk about our project for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and she also treated me to a delicious lunch with salad, French bread and cookies. While food always inspires me, I was really inspired by her use of space. Lorrie has been creating and in every room there was a stamp or signature of her creative ways-a sewing machine with an almost made tunic for her grand-daughter; a bedroom with a lovely collage of blue on the floor; another bedroom with bits and pieces of artistic materials strewn on the floor. I wanted glue, scissors, a pair of sweatpants and a paintbrush so I could take all of this artistic lovliness and make something out of it. I left with a large ziploc bag full of stuff-painted tissue paper, printed quotes, stickers, ribbon, canvas...but then when I get home, to my small house inhabited by me and my three large dogs I realize I have no such space...to create. My office is in transition, so perhaps that will become my space. But a thought occurred to me...what if I sold my house, bought a house with more rooms, and that is where Lorrie and I can set up shop for our art program. Ahhhh....yet another idea to throw into the decision making wheel of life. Already, another local women's housing community wants us to start an art program. She and I are also going to try our hand at selling our creations at some upcoming art markets. So, why not trade this space for something more functional? So, in the blender of decision making I will throw this idea, along with a move to Portland for graduate school, along with a million more ideas...until I can make something palatable.

Santa Fe and ABQ

Robert and I just got back from our trip to Santa Fe. We also went to Albuquerque for the day yesterday. We had a good time-comfortable accomodations, lots of wandering around, a little shopping, visits to museums, and finally...the food! One restaurant stood out called The Shed. We happened upon it Thursday night and had the best meal. We returned last night and ordered a similar meal-blue corn tacos with green chili turkey sausage. They served it with posole and pinto beans, and the chips, salsa and guac was heavenly. Even though the drive time totalled about 12 hours, time went by fast because Robert and I just chatted the whole time. He was a great travel buddy and I am so glad we have this memory!

Construction Zone

Lorrie and I got to visit the construction site of the newest transitional housing community being built on 15th and Pearl. We are assisting in creating an artpiece that will go on one of the main walls and we wanted to check out the space. It was such a unique experience. We got a tour from the project manager from Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and with hard hats walked through all the activity of building. The apartment homes are going to be nice-spacious with good lighting. Lorrie and I already have one of the art workshops with homeless and low income residents from another housing community scheduled and two more are just waiting for call backs. It should be a very cool and exciting project!

Slam Poetry

On Monday night I went to an event at a bookstore on 42nd and Tennyson street called Labtop Poetry. It was definitely an event that pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was really interesting and fun. Two Mondays a month, a group of people get together to write poetry through a workshop, and then the other two Mondays are open mic nights where people can get up and share. This was the first meeting, so everyone was a little timid but I was so amazed at what people created! We learned how to use hyperboles and metaphors when writing which was really helpful to me because my writing style can be a little straightforward. I think I will give it a try a few more times and see if I can create some interesting poetry.

I get another Denver Art Museum date with dad tomorrow-one of my most favorite things to do. There is a western art exhibit and then we will have lunch at The Cherokee Inn. Today I am going to the Cherry Creek Farmers Market to eat my way across the market and then to have coffee with a friend. I do need to look for a little job in the next few weeks-I am starting to feel the need for a routine that a job can bring. October and November are applications for MSW programs-I am going to apply at DU and at PSU (just for kicks). I think my summer of renewal, relaxation and rejuvenation has done me well. Although when people ask what I have been doing this summer, I can't always give them details on what I have done...more like verbs: read, walked, practiced yoga, slept, loved life.

I am missing Mikey. Meg and I have talked about the seasons and how they can make grief a little more pronounced. I think I feel his absence more around season change than I do around major life events. As the weather changes to fall, memories of things like Sunday Broncos games, coffee outings, and trips to Tattered Cover with a warm beverage come to mind, those memories of comfort. So, I will do them in his honor and maybe get a little feeling that he is with me.

An Artsy Home

I had a lovely night Saturday and I feel the need write about it. My neighbor moved her parents here from Florida so they could be closer to her because they are getting older. They moved into some lofts near the Denver Art Museum. They threw her a birthday party at their place, and I just fell in love with the experience. Her father is an artist and they are both art collectors, so their home felt like a homey gallery. They also love funky furniture, so all the chairs were really cool and fun. The company was wonderful-neighbors and friends-and the music was jazz. The view from the balcony was impressive as well. I got a glimpse of a place I would totally love to live in if I didn't have the boys.

Where did the week go?

I can't believe the week has just flown by, and that we just celebrated the unofficial end of summer this weekend. I do love Indian Summer, though. We will still get those beautiful 80 degree days. My grass is still green and I don't have to rake...just yet. But I am feeling that restlessness a season change can bring. I do think it is now time to look for a job-something part-time that I can enjoy but not take it home with me at night. I am thinking retail, but am open to any suggestions.

Lorrie and I have been having a very engaging art program these past few weeks. Our friend Mary has been coming as well as a woman that works at the shelter who is teaching everyone the art of mosaics. It has been nice to step back a little bit and spend one-on-one time with certain women, just talking and laughing and sharing stories. The art program has been such an enriching experience in my life-being able to connect with women who have so much less material goods than I do, but are rich in heart, compassion and caring for others...it truly has been a one-of-a-kind experience.