Projects of the day.

With the sun shining brightly, mom and I took a brisk walk up to the graveyard to assess the necessary repairs to the graves. Something we try to do every year before Memorial Day. And let me tell you it was brisk! That northish wind really puts a chill in the air. On the way back, we walked the front beach looking for wood for the smokehouse this summer. We threw it up the bank, at intervals, and then Caleb and I used the Exploder to pick it up.

Then, after Caleb got up from trying to take a nap (hahaha) before having to go back to work, we heard some bumping and thumping around outside. Caleb says, “Now what is your dad up to?” Me – “I don’t know.” Caleb – “Is he fixing up a new oil drum for the smokehouse?” Me – “Looks like it.” And…..he’s off and running. I swear. No rest for the wicked! The old one was having some major issues with the door last year.

smokehouse stove 005a — Many, many years of service!

A few measurements, some god-awful noise, and we have something that will be ready for use….after they burn the gunk out of it….or, as Caleb said, divorces will ensue.

smokehouse stove 001a — Caleb and Sam - they can do anything and everything!

We are all looking forward to fishing this summer!

Starting young.

I sit here contemplating the short distance to the studio and think that I should use the wovel to clear the path from mom’s front step and then mine to the studio. I pick up two pieces of soapstone. Turning the first over in my hands, I cup the rounded edges of a flower, studiously crafted by the hands of an 8 year old Laresa. Smooth, with the beginnings of a shine on the surface, a process that takes hours and days to complete.

The other, still a rough rectangle with slightly smoothed and rounded corners, made by SP when he was 6, shows the beginnings of carving techniques, and also the impatience of youth, as the object is turned into a ladybug with the addition of paint to create color, legs, head, and antennae.

And, yes, I am on my soapbox again. Starting young just opens the mind to creativity which is so necessary for productivity. Plus, as my mom says, working with someone else also bears the fruits of creativity as you bounce ideas off one another.

Alabaster 001a — Gert's alabaster and Laresa's acryllic.

Enough said.

After three days of sick….

SP spent three days home sick last week. It was one of those snotty colds where you feel horrible in the morning, then progressively get better as the day goes on. Well, by Friday, we were both chomping at the bit…he had his little corner and his routine down pat. Then he decided that he had too much energy built up and no matter how many times I said “Not in the house…”, he couldn’t help himself.