Time Lapse and Art Journaling

It would be impossible to capture those inspirational moments and discoveries I have experienced since 2020, so I will do my best to fill in those high points and memories of that lost time. I recently discovered that art journaling relieves stress while funneling negative energy into a positive, less anxious feeling. Using, old sketchbooks I've had for years, along with various scrap paper, colored pencils, watercolor and pens, I created images of what I felt at the moment. Easy breezy!

Goodbye 2020

Where were you Christmas? I did not find you. No joy this season without Christmas Eve Mass and other tiny celebrations that make the season bright. My hope is 2021 will bring healing to this suffering world. Thank you iHeartRadio for the modern holiday music that lightened my spirits during Christmas week. Experimenting with colored pencil, I created these little winter drawings straight out of my imagination. I believe my art instructor would be proud of me.

Thanksgiving Day Isolation

Still getting used to meals and holidays alone during these times. Decided to make a French Apple Cake to celebrate while reminiscing memories of past holidays with family, cooking and camaraderie. The cake was just OK but would not make this one again but rather David Liebowitz's recipe. However, this one was decent with a scoop of pure vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Keep Calm and Cook at Home

Spending more time at home, I'm slowly adapting to a new way of living and thinking. I miss those leisurely lunches at my favorite eateries now operating as "take out" or patio dining. For a quick lunch, I've become creative using "leftovers", a word I don't like. Here is a tasty, but simple dish I made using a small portion of leftover soho salmon: Saute and gently soften one cleaned and diced leek in good olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. When leeks are soft, add a pinch of butter and one Yukon potato diced in 1/2" squares. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer until potatoes are soft but still slightly firm. Then add about a 1/2 cup milk and continue simmering until potatoes are soft. Add all ingredients to blender and liquify. Pour into a serving bowl. Then, add the leftover flaked salmon pieces that have been heated in a splash of olive oil (tip: use the same pot that you cooked the potatoes and leeks in). Pour about a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice onto the warm salmon and place on the top of the soup. A quick lunch!

Year 2020

How do I begin?  2020 has been marked with change and tragedy beyond measure.  COVID 19,  a pandemic virus has swept the globe killing thousands.  Some days I am overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty relying only on my faith and God’s mercy.   I continue to create by knitting, preparing new dishes, baking and painting to maintain balance.  

  Mini paintings on leftover Arches watercolor paper. 

Pretty masks lovingly hand-sewn by my sweet sisters.

                               

 Provencal zucchini inspired by Jacques Pepin

 Vintage recipe butterhorn rolls.  Heavenly! 

WIP Chalet Cowl

Mini Plum Cakes in Ramekins

Summer Blues

Summer is my least favorite season. It’s hot and dry here in Northern California and my creative levels plummet.  Not inspired to pick up the needles and finish the cowl but I did visit a couple of  LYS at the annual Wine Country Yarn Hop this past weekend, Cast Away 🧶 and Fiber Circle Studio.  Respect to the local wool producers in this area and Indy dyers.

Dried indigo

Pretty blue from dried indigo plant.

Mother’s Day

Simple beauty on this Mother’s Day.  White roses after Sunday Mass. St. James Catholic Church. 

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