What I know

I know well now that I can't control my world and I know that I can't predict what will happen to me, my loved ones, or anyone else. In light of this realization, I won't make detailed plans, as I have done here in years past.  There are, though, some things I know:

In 2012, I will paint. There are six paintings in my studio, begun in October and November, that beg to be finished. I'm eager to get back to them and see where they will take me next.

In 2012, I will write in my journals. I start a new one tomorrow, having filled four hardbound 8 1/2" x 11" Stillman & Birn books this year. What a lifeline that journal writing is.

In 2012, I will sketch and I will travel some, too. I go to Rome the first week in February to visit my roving daughter Cecelia. I go to Italy again in midsummer for the wedding of a dear family friend. There will, I hope, be a trip back to the cold parts of the world next winter. This I don't know, but I hope for it.

In January, I go to Austin, Texas to take a lithography workshop at Flatbread Press. I realized last fall that there are some ideas and images I have that would lend themselves better to printmaking processes than painting ones. I'm very excited about this. I took an etching course at university but have never done lithography.

2012 will be what it will be. Following my courageous daughter Kate's example, I am able to look to the new year. I hope, though I do not know, that it will be a good year, a productive year, a year of blessings.

I know, too, that I'll be here, sharing what 2012 brings. Happy new year to you.

Comments

[Olga Prudnikova]

Good luck and best wishes Laura!

[Laura]

Thanks so much for your kind comments, everyone. I hope 2012 will be a good year for all of us.

[Chuck]

I am so thrilled to hear you are taking a lithography workshop. You are going to LOVE it. And knowing your style, you'll take to it immediately. There is nothing like grinding that stone down at the beginning of the process, and then pulling your prints off the press at the end.

I haven't done it in years, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have fun. You deserve it!

[Sue Pownall]

woo I just received this email:
Dear Customer,
Further to your request for unblocking the website http://www.laurelines.com/2011/12/what-i-know.html, we would like to inform you that your request has been approved.

& they have unblocked it as this message proves.

Hope this is a good omen for you in 2012. Stay strong and good luck with these plans.

[Linda]

Happy New Year to you too. I hope it's a great one full of art and travel. I used to live in Austin. Except for the heat, I just loved it. Be sure to have migas while there-a Tex Mex breakfast-at the Magnolia cafe or Trudy's and don't miss the barbeque, County Line or the Salt Lick are really great. Also,when the sun set, go the the main bridge-Congress Street I think- and watch millions of bats come out to hunt looking like black rivers in the air.

[Sandra]

I wish you and your family a peaceful, healthy and healing New-Year :0)