Just before July starts!

As I looked back at some of my older bogs, I found that usually I have posted a blog to celebrate JULY! So here's a short end of June post .... on an extremely hot Iowa day. The last few days have made me nostalgic for my boat, which I sold in early Spring, after enjoying it for 25 years. It will take some adapting to do the summer things I do, without the boat to use for driftwood gathering, doing hand work in the sun on the deck, enjoying the water, and having the kayak handy to jump in for a peaceful paddle!

I have found some good driftwood stored in the garage and basement, so there's no emergency about getting more. It's just that the gathering is part of the motivation to create.

I'm adding this blog, mostly to speak to a new community of friends who have just learned about the driftwood pieces, and the variety there is every season.

Today it's important to get to the red, white and blue of the season! So I have taken a photo (tho'' a poor and very small one!) of the first Sam to leave home in 2011. I've finished several to date, but have posted photos of older Uncle Sam's which are similar to the newest ones created.

So I will close with a wish to one and all for a Happy July 4th, with lots of parade fun, friends, and fireworks that symbolize our freedom!

'till later...........

Marge

On the Mend!

In Early April I had Rotator Cuff surgery on my right shoulder, and that has slowed down all that I would like to be doing!
But I'm very glad to report that with the care from my family and friends, and regular Physical Therapy, I'm seeing improvement. I even started a small painting yesterday! !It felt good to touch the canvas with paint!!

All is in order for the Art on the Prairie show in November (11,12,13) Their first show was held last year, and was a quality show, with many good artists. I was honored to be part of it, and am looking forward to getting ready for this year. See their website by googling . It includes each artist included in the show and their story.

This is just a quickie post to say I'm still creating, and hoping to have some new pieces to share very soon.

The photo of 8, 8x8 paintings at the top, is a grouping of a wrapped canvas series I call the" barn series". As a grouping, they make a strong wall statement, but one or two together stand on their own, too.

Good to be back, and so........
'Till later.........
Marge

Spring in it's glory!!

This has been a beautiful sunny Iowa day--warm and sometimes sunny! ( I just heard our high was 86º!). The trees are beginning to look a little "pregnant" with their buds expanding. It's good here, but I'm sorry some other parts of the country are having bad weather.

I have one more day to have the use of both arms until my right arm heals after the rotator cuff and bone spur surgery on Tuesday the 5th. I think I'm pretty well prepared, but there are obvious problems ahead as I deal with the use of my non-
dominant hand. I've had time to plan ahead a little about meal prep, and pre-signing checks, getting very large shirts, and my left-handed mouse practice is actually helpful!

My family has laid plans for helping me, including Katie arriving from PA!! I feel well looked after, and with a competent surgeon I trust all will be well.

A few of you have visited with me about Driftwood Rabbits, as Easter approaches. I just took a photo of the ones that are left as of today. Feel free to come over and check them out.

With thoughts of Easter coming, I was inspired this morning, to take a photo of the Cross and Spire at St. Andrew's which I'm happy to share with you.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern, and your offers of help!

I"ll check back with you soon.

So till later...........
Marge

Spring....You're here!! Come out, come out!

These chilly days, as we approach the end of March, are OK as long as we remember there have already been some warm days, and to remind ourselves that we have lots of nice days ahead. And......... the sun is shining on and off today to remind us it's still there waiting to come out !!!

I've been trying to finish up some folk art projects, and to get as much ready for next week after I have surgery on my RIGHT shoulder. I've heard enough stories about the healing process that I'm trying to prepare mentally as well as practically. I'm hoping I'll at least have my fingers to use for bracing or balancing against. I'm blessed with thoughtful children who will be here to help with my recovery. Katie is even coming from PA for a week of 'in-home' care!

This week I let my beloved LIBERTY pontoon boat go to a new owner after having 25 good years of work and play on her. There's a lot of up-keep that was about to get ahead of me. It seems that a quarter century is a good milestone time to let her go. I have lots of good.. even GREAT memories of times shared with friends and lugging driftwood home so I could keep creating! Friends have been understanding in helping me decide to let go. I'm sure her new owner will be tender with her. AND I will still have kayaking days to look forward to! It IS possible to gather driftwood from a kayak!! And lots of pieces yet to be made!

That's enough with words. I wanted to show you what has happened with the rabbit population since I last posted here. Note how the last group of driftwood rabbits has some new 'friends' in their midst! They are all up for adoption if you want to inquire, feel free to e mail me at .

Lets keep looking for those sunny days, and enjoy each day till then.

Till later.........
Marge

A Spring Break!

It's been a long Winter! Signs of Spring are in the air this week, and I'm moved to get back here with you!

February was a sad time for the family. The children were all here to say farewell to their Dad, Bob Mable. He was a
fine father, and left his mark on us all in many ways.

The time for creating Driftwood Rabbits has begun, and I've made a few of them to date. I'm soon going to be
one-armed for awhile, with Rotator Cuff Surgery in April. It's my right arm, so I've been practicing doing such things
as using the mouse, combing my hair, writing, etc, with my left hand. Not good!! But I expect to survive the
"immobilization" and re-hab and be better than I have been for awhile.

So, I may decide to use lower case fonts and do less on the computer for awhile. I may even try painting
left-handed!! But I'm counting on kayaking this summer! And by the way. I'm about ready to put my pontoon boat, LIBERTY
on Craig's list, if you know anyone who needs a much loved boat!

The Spring Valley Junction Art Market will have be on hold for me this year in May, but I hope to do the Fall Show and the
Art on the Prairie Show in Perry in November. I also hope to have some pieces in The Peterson's Perry Art Galley on and off.
We artist's don't retire!!

Thanks for being patient and "stay tuned" for the next entry soon!!

Till Later.......
Marge

Another good year ahead!

Resolution # ?? for 2011 ? Spend more time here!

This is a good way to keep in touch, and I've been remiss
in keeping it up as I'd hoped.

Usually I spend part of winter by getting back to
paint and canvas. Not that I need any more paintings to
add to the years of paintings I've done and stored though
the years!!
My dream would be to frame and/or mat them all and
put them out there to be shared ....... seems like an over-
whelming project! Meanwhile I'll keep painting on paper,
canvas and driftwood or whatever is beneath my loaded
brush!

I'm going to post a painting or 2 here, to get me started.

Thanks for this visit!

Till later............
Marge

Advent: Nine Days and counting!

Today I was called on the carpet for letting so much time go by since writing on my blog. (And I deserved it!!!) So I would like to say hi and explain a little about the delay.

I enjoyed a couple of weeks visiting my family in MA and Vermont. They all managed to take time to get together one weekend, and we had such a good time. My Niece and Nephews, Bother and Sister-in Law are all leading interesting things and are great fun to be with.

When I got home, I had the Art on the Prairie show in Perry to prepare for. It was such a great show!! It was fun to visit with friend, old and new.

Artist-Daughter Betsy Peterson and her husband officially had the Grand Opening of their shop, just east of Perry on 141 on Nov, 20th, and I was with them to welcome folks Some of my Santas are in the shop. (First place after the radio station, going east)

I've been busy creating and have had folks come to the house to get their driftwood Santa. )Maybe I should have a Christmas Open House next year!??)

I have a "driftwood folkart" site on facebook, and that's had some activity recently.

In order to keep connected to you, I'm going to close for now, and promise to be back soon!

I hope all your Christmas preparations.......... in ALL areas of your life!!.......... are accomplishing what you HOPE for!

Till later...........
Marge