I want to close this week out with a list of Good Things that I thought you might find some of them enrich your days as well. All these things all fit well with my LSD Mantra (Learning to Slow Down) for the summer.
Listening things are probably the best part of my day. Somehow the mundane things of life (think laundry, cleaning the bathroom, and scrubbing floors…) are not so bad with something good in your ears!
Pádraig Ó Tuama’s Poetry Unbound Podcast, which this month introduced me to Margaret Noodin’s voice and song and Roshni Goyate of 4 Brown Girls Who Write. I have listened to these two episodes over and over and over and over. Margaret Noodin’s singing has become my favorite thing…ever.
I love how Ibram X. Kendi makes me think and his new podcast is full of thought provoking things. The Juneteenth Mixtape is an excellent way to usher in Juneteenth. Listen…really… listen! It is so good.
Last week I shared that I was going to be doing some random, hopefully weekly, bits of art. I got some soft pastels and a little sketch book and so I began. I started first by watching some YouTube videos and so my apple was born. It was done in one sitting… it is not perfect… but it was a start. This week, I did not watch anything and I did not do my drawing in one sitting, rather I spent several days working on it. It is better, I think and I am going to keep going… who knows where this will lead, but I love working with the pastels. I love using my fingers to create, smudge, blend… it just feels so good. I also loved finding that opening the door to the closet of my high school art classes released all sorts of things I have not forgotten! Who knew!! My high school art teacher, Mrs. Boyce, would be so proud of me!
Week One
Week Two
Finally, I spent some time this week thinking about the brilliance of women. I especially am thankful for the woman who figured out how to ease a sleeve into an arm scythe… and the woman who had the “ah-ha” moment that brought understitching facings… they are just the most magical processes! (And for the knitting minded…the woman who figured out paired increases and decreases in knitting… because really, where would knitting be without that bit of genius!)
(and as a side note to all who loved my Tunic Fabric… a huge thanks to IKEA. Yes, the fabric was an IKEA purchase…good things that are inexpensive FTW!)
There you have a few good things and now for a really good thing…the weekend is here! Have a good one and I will see you all back here next week!
Loving your artwork!!! Very nice. 🙂
Also, who knew that Ikea sold fabric?!?!? I don’t even remember seeing it for sale at my local-ish Ikea, but then again, I never even really looked… What a great score!!!
Your pastels are lovely! They make me think of all the time I spent in the art studio my senior year of high school — I made up the entire AP Studio Art class, and my teacher was also in her first year as head of the high school, so most of the time it was just me having fun with the art supplies. I couldn’t believe that I got to do that every day and actually get credit for it!
It’s been a long time since I’ve made a trip to IKEA, but if they now have fabric, I can see a reason to go!
I often have an audiobook in my ears when I am cleaning the house, but I think listening to Pádraig Ó Tuama would be pleasurable any time. Thank you for all the excellent recommendations. I, too, love seeing your pastels. Keep up the lovely art work and have a lovely weekend!
Your pastels are beautiful! Wow–the shading and, would it be, color scale? I love that you’re visiting this weekly. And what a sure way to Slow Down.
IKEA–how do I love thee, let me count the ways! xo
I LOVE this post, Kat! And I love this little series on learning to slow down. I think it’s going to be helpful for all of us this summer!
Your pastels are amazing – I am in awe. I am amazed by people who can actually do those sorts of things!
Thank you for reminding me about the Poetry Unbound podcast… I listened to the first episode when this newest season started, but I’ve fallen behind. It seems like a great thing to binge this morning!
Those are Such Good Things! Poetry Unbound is a true gift for our ears, isn’t it? and all the love for the smart women who figure out AND SHARE their wisdom. Have a great week, Kat!
Beautiful art work Kat. Here’s to all the wise women of the world.
gorgeous artwork! I had to set mine aside for now (moving etc) but I have great plans for when I am on the other side of this move!! You are talented 🙂
Love the artwork-drawing is something I’ve always wanted to learn.