The 4th

We started out the weekend going to the Blues Fest. It is such a fascinating place. There were probably 2000 people there and I swear none of the shop at the same store. I loved being there. The atmosphere was inviting the people were themselves, the weather was warm and breezy. We couldn't stay long but what a great experience.

Saturday it turned hot. I worked outside some but painted most of the day. Then went to see my neighbor Dorothy. Another great day.

Sunday church was outside, a wonderful start to the day. Painted and was pleased. Sat out on the porch and listened to Public Radio

Cicadas

I heard the Cicadas last night for the first time. Supposedly that means 6 weeks till frost, mid-August. I love the sound though. It sounds like about 5 different groups are singing one group at a time when one stops another begins and that continues, beautiful.

We got back from vacation late last week from Backbone Park in Iowa. What a great place to be. 6000 trees were planted there in 1928 by The Daughters of the Revolution. Stone Buildings were built by the CCC. My dad was very interested in these very important historical groups he had a few stories to tell about family members who were in them. There was a cave with a stone staircase built to it, I can't imagine how, the stairway now needs repair and resetting. I'm not sure why there are not groups like these now. Our Parks system is understaffed with cutbacks annually it seems like. With all the unemployment and troubled teens, I think re-establishing some of these organizations would solve problems. Anyway had a very peaceful few days with my husband.

I've been painting since we got back, having a great time. I pretty much love my life and those who are in it, over the years I seem to have filtered out or have been filtered out of many lives. It must be meant to be that way. I sort of have two jobs. I wait tables, and my other job is of course painting. I have never really considered painting a job. Now since vacation my hours have been cut. Always before I would have gotten another job, this time I'm considering painting as a second job instead of panicking which is my normal state of mind. Considering maybe the universe wants me to paint. What do you think?

I know at this point at least no one is reading this but someday. . . Billie

I just want to paint.

Our house is of course a yellow house on the Mississippi River, it's a farmstyle home 20 x 30 with an addition. One of the most important features on our home especially in the Summertime is the front porch. This is Monday June 28th 2010. Last day of vacation. First on the agenda I made breakfast scrambled eggs with spicy chicken, onions, peppers also hash browns. great way to start the day. I am an artist. It took me a long time to call myself an artist because at first it was almost like that was one of my alter egos. I always had it in my head that artists were extreme people, weird . . . probably who dressed differently had bouts of mania and were totally self absorbed. Then I discover yes that is me, different degrees of varying emotions, stability and characteristics daily.

Today though after breakfast I painted. I don't always get that chance because I am also a food server. Yes, I am a 55 year old food server. I would like to say I am an artist first (and some weeks I am) but mostly I spend my energy at a restaurant. I am working on about 5 different paintings now. I recently had some paintings selected to be printed on fabric. I am working on a series of posters based on about 34 characters and another series that is not developed enough to even talk about. The truth is I just want to paint, for a living at least. About midway during the day I took a walk with my husband and the dog, then I did get a little more painting in. Then it was front porch time.

Elements Chart

I've done extensive study on human characteristic on a personal level to become more mindful of creating a positive mindset. I have taken those characteristics and created a painting to express these valuable words and share them with others.

Bicycle

Faith

Marilyn Seated in Tulle

Marily Monroe is one of the most photographed and painted celebrities in our time. Still to this day she represents mystery and charm. This portrait expresses her vulnerability and sexuality that recreates in the viewer what is part of that charm.