Crazy Little Winter, Keats, Summer

...O sweet Fancy! let her loose; 

Every thing is spoilt by use: 

Where's the cheek that doth not fade, 

Too much gazed at? Where's the maid 

Whose lip mature is ever new? 

Where's the eye, however blue, 

Doth not weary? Where's the face 

One would meet in every place? 

Where's the voice, however soft,

One would hear so very oft? 

At a touch sweet Pleasure melteth 

 Like to bubbles when rain pelteth..

~ the sixth stanza of Fancy by Keats ~

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and this... it's not Keats...but I like it just the same...

Summer Solstice

Studio desk.

Old art.

Finally some sunshine.

And tasty fruit.

I've got some things going on that take time. Time to be in the moment, take it all in and move from that spot without expectations. That's when my imagination flows best. I am preparing for a gallery jury, slowly working on commission pieces, preparing encaustic photography and conquering anything that falls between the lines. Summer means my life will continue on it's fast pace yet the lazy days will reign over any stress and chaos. The family disperses during the day and always comes together on the front porch at dusk. There's an odd sense of relaxation when the sun sets at 10pm. As if there's plenty of time to accomplish everything that needs to get done. This [click] and this [click] are making me smile.

A Bit of Small Town Americana

Living in our county seat brings into my life dollops of small town Americana. Residing down the street from the county fair grounds creates an even more intimate connection. From our front porch & open windows dramatic screams of the carnival ride participants drift through the air. Traveling by foot during the five day event countless times to drink in the simple delights it offers is something I look forward to each August. In my philosophy that "inspiration is everywhere" this tiny carnival packs a big punch. My favorite is viewing the children's art. No doubt submitted with triple-extra-large pride in hopes of earning a shiny, royal blue ribbon (and 3 bucks!). The fairgrounds are now left sparse with remnants of summer memories, some of which I have captured on camera, that will last a lifetime.