Musing

I'm considering taking Pamela Allen's class at this retreat in Michigan. I'd get to take three days off work and ride the car-ferry. I could bring Bryan for an extra $225, and he could fish when I'm in class. Plus, that's the bye week, so I wouldn't miss any football. :) I'm going to think about it for a week; I have a lot of other travel I want to do and finite money.

But I think it would be good for me. I like her work, but mostly I like her thinking.

I completed another sequined flag, a little bit smaller than the last. Also...very boring. About halfway through, I realized it would be right at home in the "decorative accessories" department of Hobby Lobby, except those are lovingly hand-stitched in a sweatshop in China instead of a recliner in Milwaukee (and minus the 1% genuine FUZZ fuzz that characterizes all my work). So I didn't photograph it before I sent it as a gift to one of those people who like everything I make because I made it--I love them but I think I'd benefit from a critical eye every now and then.

I also found my serious-scholarship book on Vodou flags--history, ceremonial use, popular symbolism employed, major lwa, important artists of the 1990s. I have some ideas for better construction and better presentation of my own symbolism (radishes, black cats--why not?).

Still struggling with the making stuff vs. social life vs. spending time in nature vs. housekeeping vs. getting sufficient sleep, and still struggling with Good Ideas for Stuff to Make. I've been journaling and doodling and Good Ideas remain elusive. The boring sequined flag was useful in that it gave me something to do without obsessing over design, but nothing bubbled up during the respite.

In high school, I used to have all my good ideas while mowing the lawn.