My List is Getting Smaller...

This month - I've crossed two MAJOR things off my list - I saw Elton John, and graduated from Harley Davidson's Rider's Edge Program.

SEEING ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT - CHECK!

I've been in love with Elton John since I was a little girl.   Our seats - only about five rows back - were situate where I could see the keys of his piano go down as he played, and see the emotion in his face as he sang.  He treated the audience to over 30 songs from his vast repertoire - ending the concert with a heartfelt and emotional version of "Your Song" - which, having heard that song as a young girl living in  Ohio - brought tears to my eyes.    It was a magical night.

LEARNING TO RIDE A HARLEY -
CHECK!

Last week I spent a grueling and empowering three days learning to ride a motorcycle.
Three days of reading, studying, riding, falling (ouch!), getting up and falling again,
wanting to quit - but NOT, and going back for more - I did it.  I passed the written test, got my permit, attended the school, passed another written test, and most importantly passed the driving skills - Definitely taking me OUT of my comfort zone.  But I am proud to say - out of a class of 13 - I was the only female, intimidating at first, but later empowering.

I've been riding for 20+ years behind my husband - and loving every minute of it.  But now - on to my next adventure.  And while I have no intention of giving up my seat behind him, I am looking forward to occasionally going solo.

Not now Gizmo..
Maybe later.

Silly dog.

The best almond lattes...

In the universe. Jubala.

Sketching & Watercolor in Mixed Media Journal

 

I've really been wanting to work on my painting skills for quite some time - watercolor, in particular.

I came across a class offered by one of my favorite sketchbook, fiber artists - Jane LaFazio and decided to give it a go.  I missed the first week as we were on Montana, but I eagerly got started on week two as soon as we got home.

Had such a nice day searching for "complex" objects in nature (as the assignment required) followed by sketching them out in pencil and micron pen, and then adding color with  Prang Watercolors.  I've loved Prang watercolors (and crayons) since I was a little girl.  Heavily pigmented and luckily still around after all these years - the colors really are beautiful


  

 I think I'm going to love this class.

Sweet Montana.....

I miss
 you already.








Just returned from spending a
week in Montana and Idaho.
No kids,
no computers,
no cell phones.






 Just my man... and I,
two snowmobiles,
5 feet of snow,
below zero temperatures,
and hundreds of miles
of trails through
 Big Sky Country.






.,
I think this guy
remembered us from last summer.
He looks like he recognizes me.

Only last summer it wasn't a snowmobile we traveled on,
it was a Harley.  Instead of cut offs and tank tops, we had on snow suits and boots.  Instead of feeling the sting of sunburn, we
felt the bite of freezing, cold windburn.  I continually marvel at how traveling those same roads in the winter - could be such a world away from the roads we travel in the summer.  A different planet, no... universe - more dramatic, less forgiving, and yes, even more beautiful.
White, pristine and brutally frigid - yet full of so much life.  They say, "The greatest predator in Yellowstone - is Winter."  I do believe that.
Only the strong survive.


I've lost count on how many times I've been out West.  And while we've been there many times,
Each time  - I see it with new eyes.

Each time I experience new emotions.

Each time, I vow to return.

Montana,
take care of yourself and 
all of the special creatures
who have been entrusted to you. 
Be kind to them.
Nurture them.
Watch over them - 
 for they are all so very special.


Until we meet again.