Imagine my surprise when I looked at my garden and saw these beautiful flowers popping up in the middle of February.  I have no idea of the name of this plant (can anyone help me out?) but I want to plant many more since obviously, these plants are hardy and can withstand the 50 degree swings in temperatures that are common in Denver. (and it brought a smile to my face!)

It also got me thinking.

Some artists I know choose one word to direct their thinking and art-making every year.  I haven't done that but if I had to choose one word that would be motivational for me this year, it would be resilience.  The way this flower decided to bloom in spite of the cold and snow.  The way the #MeToo movement has finally called into question how women are treated in the workforce.  And how these amazing, articulate, smart Florida kids are showing us that something CAN be done to curb gun violence in this country.  

Resilience is a powerful word and concept and I will hone my resiliency skills in the coming months, knowing that America will survive this administration and so will I.

I just took a workshop from Carol Nelson (confusing to have two Carol's in the room when people were asking for advice!) and I had a wonderful time playing with mediums and paints. Carol came up with a fabulous way to approach creating an abstract composition.  Photograph cracks in the sidewalks and use that as your inspiration.  So here's my inspiration.  And here's my finished piece.  Sometimes, it's just good to get out of your comfort zone and play!

Honestly, I don't know where I'm going with my art but I do know it's getting more political.  
I can't help it.
I want our democracy to survive and words/tweets matter.  So my words, while not followed by millions of people, are what I need to say at this moment.  They will go into the archive of the Internet and no one will read them but it's my small mark on history.
What is our "State of the Union"?  I will be pondering that and adding more text to this layout.  

I have to admit, I'm obsessed with text.  Here is a page form my journal.  It starts out by saying "what do I want to say?"  This is the right side of the page.
My latest spread is 
'THE MEMO"
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