Changing Gears

Trio

 

So it started out like this.  I used the method I learned from the fabulously talented Misty Mawn in her publication in Cloth Paper Scissors.

Then I started drawing and painting based on an image provided by Violette on the CPS callenge.     

I then started adding collage pieces onto the painting, as well as little small details with gel pens.

And Voilla....my photographing skillz are not doing them justice, but this is the finished product.

More Art

I had a great post composed the other night.  With pictures of my latest art project.  The computer ate it and I didn't have the enrgy to rewrite.

Also having a digital camera is cool, but I'm not quite down with the whole downloading process and photo editing and stuff yet.  It will take me  a while.  Maybe this weekend.

After my last project,  I've been trying to do something creative every day, now that the heat has subsided (but only marginally) it's a little easier to sit on the balcony in the evening and work.

At Rappy's request I made some art for her friend's housewarming party on Saturday, I hope it is liked.  So far the reviews have been good.  It's a series of three small canvases, and the birds from the last project are the main theme. I have a few finishing touches to do tonight and I'll give them to her tomorrow.  Then it's on to the next project.  I'm not sure what it will be yet, but I have a whole bunch of backgrounds painted and ready to go.   It will probably be another collage series, I haven't quite decided what the theme will be though.

I love making the backgrounds for these, the whole process of layering paints, removing them, stamping and texturing provides hours and hours of fun. Last night I finally put my canvases away and went to bed at 1am.  I really hope I can maintain this spurt of creativity.  I'm going to try to sit down and make something at least every other night.

Anyway, photos, hopefully, later tonight.

It's Tuesday, half a week gone before it has started.  I'm not sure if I like the fact time flies or not. 

It's been unbearably hot since my return from Canada. I don't remember it being like this before I left, nor do I remember it being like this last summer.  When I get home I usually take a shower, and go straight to my bedroom where the AC is turned on full volume.  Anywhere else in the apartment is blah.  I have to talk to my landlords about renewing my lease in November, and I think I will talk to them about adding a unit in the livingroom.  My other option is to get a unit of my own and have Ran install it for me.  It going to have to be either or because I'm not moving again this year.

When I got back from Toronto with my art materials I promised myself that I would do more art.  I bought some amazingly inspiring books and I've been spending lots of time on the internet, but the heat and Ludwig (who insists on stepping in my paints) are keeping me from it.

I did complete one piece and though I love it dearly, it's going to Rappy.  I'm really happy with this one and it was loads of fun to do.  My mother will be happy to know that I have finally used the tracer she bought me three years ago...   Some people who have seen it, have actually offered me money for it.  I wonder what they would have paid if I agreed to sell...  Anyway, I'm now working on a set of three pieces with the same sort of style.  I haven't gotten far though, I gessoed the canvases and imprinted stamps for some texture.  Tonight if I have enough energy, I will start the backgrounds and trace the outlines.  Hopefully I can keep going and finish it by Saturday... (it's a present).

I put my bike at the shop this morning. For sort of an overhaul.  It sat at home for three months without use due to my knee injury and the last few times I took it out, it didn't feel quite as usual. Figured we'd give it some attention.  The mechanic just called to tell me that my break pads we finished.  I'm not sure they are, but I don't want to take any chances. There go another $50.  Friday I went on a ride that nearly killed me.  36K, including a 9k continuous climb on the Jeep Road.  Total elevation was almost 700m.  My knee was hurting bad when I got home. I did all this because a. I am a masochist and b. I really wanted to get an invitation to the Apothecary's wedding on Sunday and he said it was the only way I'd get it.  It was really nice to see the old gang, I haven't seen much of them lately, they've all been training for the Israel Rider, a three day on-road ride from Metula in the North to Eilat in the South.  My heart cries out for a road bike to join them with but my bank account cries out for the big hole created in it during my trip to Canada... If anyone wants to gift me a road bike, I'd be extremely grateful, if only so I can hang out with my riding buddies again...

In the meantime I have to find new friends because my training isn't going too well. Though I have started adding gym work to my exercise routine.  I try to go at least three times a week to lift weights and walk/run an hour on the treadmill.  I've also started to watch my food intake.  I went to a nutritionist last week and discovered that rather than overeating, I'm just not eating enough.  I find that lately I can go a whole day without a bite, or on just a meal a day.  So now I am on 5-6 small meals a day. I've lost a couple of kilos already.  I'd really like to lose 8-10 kilos by the time the ride comes along, it will help get up those hills...

Fundraising isn't getting far either, I should really seat myself down and get to work.  I know that 5000 NIS won't be too difficult to raise.  Someone has already pledged 1000NIS (though he's a little unreliable these days), and some other people (new people) have indicated their willingness to sponsor me, so now it really all depends on me.  What would be cool was if work's stupid security system would allow me to actually get into the ride site so I can start sending links to people.  I guess I could do it from home but did I mention the heat and the cat who is very fond of my keyboards just when I want to sit at the computer...Besides, what good is free time at work if not to do this kind of stuff, especially if it's for a good cause.

Catching Up

I'm trying to slowly upload all my pictures from Vancouver, BC, but it's going very slowly. It's a combination of my technical ineptitude and too many defenses here at work that make the whole process extremely slow. I haven't got the patience for it.

I've been back two weeks now, and so busy, that I've practically forgotten that I was on a three and a half week vacation.  It was a great vacation though.  I got to fit in family, travel and shopping...lots fo shopping..

Since coming back I have been overwhelmed by work.  It's a good kind of being overwhelmed though, it's much better than sitting here in front of the computer and doing nothing. 

I've started riding again after a three month break.  It's hard to get back in shape, my legs are strong, the problems  is with my aerobic abilities, I find it very hard to breath going up those hills... I have until October 29th to whip myself into shape for the Alyn ride.

I started my fundraising campaign yesterday with the company.  I was hoping they would double the contribution this year, but had no luck.  The explanation was that due to the situation up North, they had extended their contributions budget for the year... I shouldn't complain and I am very grateful for what I got, but I know what goes on here, and another $1000 would not have put a dent in any of the company's budgets...  It does put me at half way of my minimum requirements, and this year with all of the new contacts I have made through work, I shouldn't have a problem raising the rest and even more, I just have to get off my behind and start talking to people.

I came back from Canada to a war.  It's odd how you hardly feel it's effects here in the centre of the country. Yet people's worlds have been turned upside down over the past month.  The ceasefire went into force this morning.  I find it hard to be optimistic about what the future holds, but what have we got if not hope?

And on that note, I hope I find the time and energy to update this site a little more often...