Art on the Loose...at rest!

During the last month I went through boxes, piles and folders to gather together all the issues of Art on the Loose, a zine I started when I went back to visual art.

The first issue I put together in Burlington and the last in Scottsdale--six issues in all.

Now they are comb bound together, no other copies survive as I burn barrelled them last week, and this single example will find a place on my bookshelf, downstairs, and be discovered sometime in the future.

In addition to the issues, I had one pocket put in the back, and one single blank sheet of card between each issue.

I may have something to write on the those blanks about what I was thinking, feeling and arting during that issue.

A project complete--on the artful journey!

Gamin writes

I was first introduced to Neil Gaimin, not as a novelist, but as the collaborator of Dave McKean and comic books. I was introduced to graphic novel comic books because of my keen interest in artistic tarot cards.

I believe I read that Gaimin was short-listed for the Man Booker prize for Neverwhere, one of my favourite science fiction novels.

Dave McKean's tarot, Vertigo, is also a big favourite of mine, and one I often take on trips.

Eyeglasses, Ice Cream and a Bagel

I was more than delighted to receive a call yesterday, "Your eyeglasses are ready."

So, a shift in plans and a trip to Honesdale rather than joining the action at the Damascus Citizens Auction got me comfortable new eye-wear, a new eye-glass case, a stop at the Cafe for a bagel with Nova, a plus one cup of coffee and a relaxing and profitable morning.

Before I stopped at the Cafe, I went over to Quality Print and organised the comb binding of my Art on the Loose zines, with inserts, and a pocket envelop. I also had my new Medi-card laminated and my wonderful old Tarot Joker spiffed up.

After filling up at Turkey Hill, I stopped at one of several yard sales and picked up a clothes rack (72") for a mere three dollars, and then traveled up Galilee to the Ice Cream stand. There I ordered some ice cream, to go, and bought two plants, one a hanging tomatoe with lots of small green tomatoes. I hung it up on the front porch.

It's a birthday weekend and one I'd like to remember with fond-ness, and fun.

Nearly there...

I had a few excellent interviews yesterday, and have 3 more on my list to follow up, and then I have to write, write, write and keep my personal promise to myself to be finished and ready for M's return from France on 20 August.

Will I make it?

A Sullivan County Artist

Had a good interview with Tom in his Callicoon studio today--made it there and back avoiding the rain. I even had time to make it to the Farmer's Market and get some Flemish quiche (3 for $19.00).

Soon I'll be so organised I'll make my own quiche again.

I also managed to buy another wooden rocker, almost a twin to the rocker I bought at the other Tom's antique shop but for only a tenner. It does need some work, but nothing that can't be fixed with a wee bit of wood and a tube of glue.

I have satisfied my rocker mania and saved $390. by not buying the two hand-made rockers up at Kellem's.

Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop

I had a terrific interview with these folks today.

And tomorrow I am meeting Tom at his studio.

This leaves an additional four interviews to conclude this week.

The Art of Convivium

I really should have posted on "an artful journey" about this project rather than Pentamento, but apparently got carried away by that blog.

I have several more interviews: one local community organiser; my art pal, Tom; two more theatre folks; perhaps someone at the Hancock writing group and the 4 Corners folks regarding fiber arts.

I'd really like to put this article to bed before August 18 and be prepared for Michel's return from France on the 20th so that we can start actively visiting, interviewing and photographing the farmers.

Many Wands

Yesterday and again today I pulled Wands.

And two days in a row, the Emperor.

I've been buzzing around the Scriptwriter 1250

I found a way, finally, to get it all together. L's old Scripterwriter 1250 and my two over-packed containers of small computer disks have joined together to produce the written words that started on my Macintosh SE.

These are not ordinary disks but the receptacles of nearly ten years of writing, writing that started simply, and ended with a burst of energy that didn't seem to end.

I've been able to print out several of these disks, and occasionally as the page sits actively on the computer monitor I pause to read a word, then a sentence and continue to get absorbed in the story line.

Yes, it appears that in among morning pages, PWs and poetry, there exists the real making of short stories.

Another icon of my reading life has died today.

Today was a Hermit day, something I feel very strongly these last few days.

I don't like to rush. I like to pause, take stock, look around, see if I have everything I need for my adventure on the road.

It's not as if I haven't rushed in my life, and perhaps it is because of all those hectic hours, moving from house to transport to location, and even occasionally, or perhaps not so occasionally, from floor to floor, room to room, project to project that now I say:

No more rushing!

Yesterday, I was searching for the appropriate postcard for Clancy, and dug into one of my stationary boxes. I saw some odd envelopes and discovered a condolesence card. I put it away and thought I don't have anyone to send this to now.

Now today, I hear that C's mom died today.

A mackerel sky, not quite ink black, but rather composed of laundry, ink testing, fountain pen reading and smoked fish.

Not a bad day at all.

A stormy day, never truly permitted the clouds to pass, and show the Sun. A Queen of Swords Day.

And the end of The Painted Drum, Louise Erdrich's book. I borrowed it from the library after MG read a section at the Poetry Brunch last month, and it was nearly at the very end of the book, just before the back fly-leaf furled that the passage opened itself to me:

Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with the yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.

It's been a long time, too long perhaps, to try to settle down, but it may be coming. All of my possessions are nearby, I can sit on my old wonderful desk chair, and surround myself with books, tarot decks, fountain pens and over-flowing ashtrays.

Not a bad life, a crone's life, but not untidy or filled with conflicts.

Today I pulled two cards, the 2 and 3 of coins--balance.

And it is balance that I search for and seek each day.

Not Maine

I haven't pulled a tarot card since that morning I left Pittsburgh. Tonight I was looking for my knife, and realized I wasn't sure those cards came with me. Well, they did, and I pulled another card. This is what it means:

On the Three of Wands, we see a figure standing on a cliff looking out over the sea to distant mountains. From this height, he sees all that lies ahead. This is a card of vision and foresight. When we want to see farther, we climb higher. By going up, we increase our range and remove ourselves from the immediate situation. We detach and gain perspective.

In readings, the Three of Wands can tell you to take the long view. Don't react to the heat of the moment, but step back and reconsider. See how the present fits into the greater picture. This card asks you to be a visionary - to dream beyond current limitations. It can indicate premonitions or other intuitions about what is to come.

Taking the long view is an aspect of leadership - another meaning of the Three of Wands. When we see far, we have the knowledge to guide others to their best future. Someone who knows the way can show it to those who follow. When you see the Three of Wands, know that now is the time to accept your vision and be confident that you can lead others to it.

A leader not only sees far, but he is willing to go there first, if necessary. The Three of Wands is also a card of exploration. Compare this figure to the Fool who is also on a cliff edge. The Fool steps out in innocence, not realizing he is going to fall to his fate. The adventurer on the Three of Wands is also willing to step out, but with full awareness of what he is doing. His courage is more informed, if less spontaneous. The Three of Wands encourages you to move fearlessly into new areas. Let the ships on your horizon take you far out into unknown seas.


Nothing has really panned out, yet, here in Belfast and as much as I enjoy the quiet and beauty, I think I am going to drive up to Quebec, something I promised myself ages ago, and then drive back through Maine, and see how things feel on a second look. Several people say they have places for later but it is unclear how much later. I've also posted a wanted for the Rockport-Gloucester area, but only received on response and it is in Beverly, the last of the towns I would be interested in or perhaps I know too little about in Cape Ann.

I just thought I'd write it down, especially since it isn't always easy for us to talk. Poor Ruby Slippers, I hope her stomach is going to get better soon--I can't imagine how it must hurt and she can't tell you.

All my love

Oklahoma

Sometime on March 10, I traveled on the Turner and Will Rogers Turnpikes. These are not free. I paid 3.50 in Oklahoma City and another 3.50 in Tulsa.

Columbia MO

Arrived in Columbia, MO before dinner on Sunday, March 11. Met Brandi and Mike almost immediately. Had dinner, set myself up in the Inn. This is among the nicest I've stayed since I got on the road.

Springfield, MO

It's already Saturday, and I've been on the road for nearly a week. Tonight I am in Springfield, MO, in yet another La Quinta Inn, this one much more upscale than the last, but also about $20.00 more each night.

I seem to be missing the city part of these large or medium large cities, but catch them whilst they are about to host a sporting event. So, today when I headed for the Comfort Inn, it was booked up.

Perhaps tomorrow I'll actually see something more than a room, a television screen or my computer.

Petrol on the road
MacDonalds
two tolls 3.50 each