Praying for Peace

February 4, 2026.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Continuing with my self-portrait a day project. I start with a blind sketch (looking in a mirror or at a photograph and not the page) and then fill in the rest. While creating this piece, I was thinking of what the world needs now: peace.

I’m a Creep

October 29, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Halloween brings out our shadow sides – a chance to express those hidden fears and quiet thoughts. Working with AI, I have brought some of my self-portraits to life, creating 3-D monsters which bring to mind the song “I’m a Creep” by Radiohead. “But I’m a creepI’m a weirdoWhat the hell am I doing here?I […]

More Art Lessons

October 5, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

The second lesson was creating blind portraits. I have done this before and like this exercise so much, I have committed to doing one a day. These are from the course: To do this exercise, look at yourself in a mirror, or gaze at a portrait of yourself. Glancing only once at the paper to […]

Lesson in Abstract

September 28, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

I signed up for a ten-day free painting course a while back. I compromised of 5 exercises and 5 zoom meetings to discuss the process. It was actually quite excellent. Lesson 1 was to tape off two large pieces of paper, each into six sections. Then setting a timer to 30 minutes, painting on the […]

Blindly Finding Me

May 28, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A new drawing exercise: draw a self-portrait everyday for two weeks without looking at the paper. It is a challenge, but it’s fun and I decided to add colour in a couple of them. Here’s where I’ve gotten to so far: I may have discovered a new art style. At the very least, it’s fun.

Boxed and Categorized

October 23, 2024.Reading time 5 minutes.

“Let’s just talk about what is relevant here.” I nod as the doctor peruses my list of diagnoses and symptoms. It’s lengthy, I admit, but how am I to know what relates and what doesn’t? Isn’t it all a part of the whole? I’ve waited almost two years for this appointment, although he tells me […]

Art Demands

September 18, 2024.Reading time less than 1 minute.

(Art my own)

Prolonged Illness and Isolation

April 10, 2024.Reading time 1 minute.

“Isolation is seldom listed as a symptom of chronic disease, but it certainly is a component. The need for human interaction is very real, in fact, psychologically, I would say it is essential. Making a conscientious effort to reach out to others, balancing social activity with limited energy, and valuing myself enough to keep the […]

Inky Haiku

January 12, 2024.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Wind’s tongue ice-tippedrock resists and pine trees bow –Winter warmed by ink (Haiku inspired by Seasons Words: Springwater holds warmth.) When sitting up to paint is not an option, I appease my creative urge with ink and paper. Starting with a single line, I let the image appear on the page. This one reminds me of a […]

Santa’s on His Way?

November 17, 2023.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I created this piece a week ago. Weather was turning, and I got inspired to make lists, and then, wham….Ric and I tested positive for COVID. Damn! The doctor immediately prescribed Paxlovid with a warning that it would cause a terrible taste in my mouth (it does) and likely affect my gastrointestinal system. No joke […]

Monday Mood: Exhausted

The events of the past few weeks, plus the rain, seemed to have caught up with me. Day’s goal: rest, rest, and more rest. (Photo mine)

End the Fray

This breach –this ever-widening gapfear inducedpits usagainst themas if humanitycan be dividedsalvationa selective process. We need a balmto soothe societalwounds, a tonicto calm the angstuntil clarityquells the uproarand kindnessreplaces this sin. (Poem originally appeared June 2019. Image my own)