The days between . . .

I get stuck, with a bit of melancholy.
In the days between Christmas and New Year I always feel stuck, sort of. The big build up for Christmas is over and the late nights and power multi-tasking days that pulled it off, always seem to catch up to me. I feel like being a vegetable these days. And, of course, the holidays don't really feel over because New Year's is right there peeking around the corner, the kids are home from school, and there is still a festive shimmer about. There is a feeling of accomplishment, conquering and surviving the year before, and a bit of anxiety over what the new year will bring . . . hoping I can handle whatever it throws at me and at the same time hoping to squeeze every last drop of joy from each day the new calendar offers. I like to lay about and ponder, remember, dream, reflect, anticipate, plan, make wishes, make new commitments, and believe the best is yet to come. I feel quiet.

Update to this post - later in the day
I may be feeling melancholy with things just on my mind. Many of you know it has been a rough year with my dad. Just got word a few minutes ago he was admitted to the hospital today immediately after an ultrasound revealed the culprit for some pretty agonizing pain he's had the past few weeks. He is having gall bladder surgery tomorrow morning. He doesn't think it's serious enough for me to come but this will be his 4th surgery this year, poor man. The pain has been so bad they called 911 one night thinking it was his heart but the bypass and aorta repair he's had this year seem to have managed well. Just two weeks ago he had a defibrillator "installed" to keep his ticker ticking properly. He almost refused the surgery due to the pain he was having in his chest and back but not until today did the doctors confirm my suspicion that it was his gall bladder. It's enlarged, with thick walls and plugged with a stone. So, I always worry when surgery is involved but thankful this may finally get him on the road to feeling good again. Prayers very much appreciated! Now, back to the original post today . . .

Somerset Studio
I'm looking through books and magazines - refilling the inspiration tank and ready to start some new fresh work, wondering if it will actually turn out new and fresh. I am delighted to see so many friends in the pile of Somerset and Stampington magazines I bought myself to look through this week. I'm so proud to know you all! You're so talented and you inspire me so. I'll be blog visiting later this week and can't wait to see what's happening with all of you!



If I'm going to be honest, I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed in my recent publication in the Jan. issue of Somerset - they changed my title and completely edited my work description to the point I don't hardly recognize it. Says "color copy and cut out collage faces" - I've never color copied in my life. These were black and white images that I reprinted and hand colored with ink and pastel. I never added "additional lines" and they left out all but one of my image credits. And, I don't think they were photographed true to life - seem a bit overexposed. Oh well, it is always a compliment to be published no matter the snafues. And, I should just shut up and enjoy it as I won't be published again for awhile. I haven't sent anything in since last summer.

Hope you all are having beautiful Holidays!

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