It's been quite an adjustment, this coming down to earth! I'll be integrating the experience of October in Paris into my life here and my art for a long, long time.
Here are two cases in point. Unpacking, I found a box of truffles from Ladurée that I'd thought were sealed, but they were only wrapped in folded waxed paper. What a shame! I had to keep them for myself, instead of give them to the person I'd planned--- I wouldn't be seeing her for a few days and you KNOW what a bore stale truffles are. I'm very noble and selfless, as you can tell.
Yesterday, looking for a chest of drawers for my daughter's room, I found a lamp that made me laugh out loud. It's now MY little piece of figural sculpture, reminding me of the cherubs on Pont Alexander III and the whole company of fantastic creatures adorning the fountains of Paris. I've gone from the City of Light to A Room with a Lamp, in one day. This, too, is life.
One of things that struck me on my return home was how COLORFUL the world here is! All the leaves have turned and are so vivid and bright and the sky is so gloriously blue. I ran around in my pajamas in the garden this morning, cutting leafy twigs and a few flowers and stuck them in a jar.
Now it IS November and it will be a full month of family celebrations and trying to catch up on unfinished art and other projects. This is the eleventh month of my Themed Sketchbook year and I can't think of a tidy subject to work on. I've decided, therefore, my theme will be November Sketches. Just that---sketches dealing with my life this month. In December I will do 3 or sketches for each theme I've worked on this year. It'll be fun to compare those with the earlier ones, I think.
I'll never forget the enthusiasm with which you followed my Paris in October sketches. Thank you so very much--- and don't forget that life's quieter phases are worthwhile, too. I'm trying to remember this myself.
Yay - Laura's home!! Beautiful work abounds here. Can't wait to hear more about your 2007 art plans as they bubble and ferment!
Posted by: cootiegarage | November 12, 2006 at 12:01 PM
Oh my Laura I haven't been here for awhile and have just seen all your beautiful Paris drawings. They are FANTASTIC! I's great to see Paris through your eyes and art and I find that you've really catched the spirit of the city!
Posted by: Carol | November 07, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Thank you, thank you, my faithful buddies! I feel very welcomed back, thanks to you all. I'm already cooking up our next trip----stay tuned!
Posted by: Laura | November 06, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Hello Laura,
It has been TOO long. I have been away from this cyber world for too too long. I just wanted to say HI, and thanks for your never ending lines. I just love coming here and seeing such beautiful drawings and colors.
you have really taken me on this trip with you.
Posted by: niff | November 06, 2006 at 11:35 AM
I would like to add my "Welcome Home" too! And thank you for taking us along in your art supply bag to enjoy this fantastic trip through your beautiful sketches and stories.
Posted by: Anthony | November 05, 2006 at 04:44 AM
Welcome home! I loved the way you juxtaposed the cool colors of the first still-Parisian painting with the vibrant colors of home in the next. I also LOVED your words about going from the City of Light to a room with a lamp--that kind of wonderful humor and good writing (along with your unique art) is what makes your blog such a treasure.
Posted by: Jana Bouc | November 05, 2006 at 02:04 AM