Dead Fish Float

I've probably never told you this, but my fish are dead. I'm pretty sure I made the wrong faces today. Tomorrow may be very different... rapid cycling. No. This is not about a bicycle. Although it is that time of year, and now that I'm thinking about it, my bike needs a tune-up. Anyway, tomorrow might be excruciatingly awkward if it's not different. Tomorrow morning is set to be devoted to chalk, sidewalks, and kids in a public space. Making the wrong face is not something I want to add to the mix. Mixed, rapid cycling and difficulty mastering that "being ok with the unknown" thing is a bitch.

Sonovamother.

Hah. I just realized it's been two years almost to the day since I wrote an entry here. So much has happened. I don't want to talk about any of it. Well, Stumpy is still with us. I'm still making art. I've been thinking more and more about updating here, and tonight seemed a perfect time since I didn't feel like it, and I didn't feel like doing anything else either. That's how I spent my day, too, despite not feeling like doing anything, doing a variety of things in a half-assed manner because half-assed is all I could muster. This is what I have read and am told is the best course of action when I am in this state. Do, despite not feeling like doing.

That's all for now. Tune in next time for more... or less as the case may be.

A Relapse

Our sweet Stumpy cat is having a bit of a relapse right now.  I feel like I jinxed him by announcing his recovery.  Last week, he started having some trouble eating and seemed a little uncomfortable so we went to the vet on Saturday.  His gums are red and sore.  The dr gave him more steroids and antibiotics via injection.  He also gave us a recipe for cat food and some lamb to include.  Lamb is supposed to increase yang which it seems Stumpy could use.  We made the food and Stump seems to like it. 

We're taking things one day at a time.  I think it may be a combination of stress and his FIV+ status that added up to this.  We've had house guests for the last three weekends.  The guest room is normally Stumper's bed, bath and dining room, and the upstairs is generally pretty quiet.  Lots of strange people, noise and activity in addition to giving up his space has made him nervous and he's spent alot of time hiding under our bed.  I'm sure he will recover, but it's disheartening to say the least.  Feels a bit like being mowed down by a bus after crossing a marathon finish line.

Any and all positive thoughts are appreciated.

Maybe I'll post something art related here soon.  I've actually been pretty busy in the studio.  In the meantime, I have a Tumblr now where I post art and WIP and random photos regularly. 

Stumpy Update!

See the photo of the cute one-eyed kitty up in the right-hand corner of the blog?  That's Stumpy.

Stumpy is a neighborhood stray we've been feeding out on our back deck for years.  He's is the sweetest, most lovable cat you'll EVER meet. Last August, we noticed he was acting strange--he'd approach his food bowl and run off after just a couple of bites.  So we set him up in our guestroom and brought him to the vet.  Turned out, his mouth was a septic mess. He was diagnosed with a condition called stomatitis, an acute infection and inflammation of the gums.  We started treatment immediately.  After antibiotics, steroids and four tooth extractions, he was worse than ever and our credit card was filling up.  In desperation, we turned to the virtual world to help fund further treatment including another mouth surgery.  A number of people contributed to the cause either by purchasing my artwork or donating directly through paypal.  It was a huge help. 

Stumpy had his second surgery back in February.  After a couple of very difficult months of big ups and big downs, massive doses of antibiotics, steroids, Chinese herbs and even a few acupuncture sessions, I'm ecstatic to report that the infection is finally gone and he's actually back to his old self!!!  I can't tell you how happy it makes me to finally see him pain-free again!  HUGE thank yous to everyone who bought art, donated $, shared kind words or sent good energy to support the little guy.  Your help made a big difference.  We <3 you!

Gooey Details

Just a couple of details from two of the things I'm working on right now.  They're both fairly small--maybe 15 x 10 inches.  Even so, I don't foresee anything being finished real soon, so I guess detail shots are all I'll have to offer for a while.

That's it,
-Steph

Chocolate's Good With Chocolate

Oh you know, we're on the verge of a new calendar and all so I'm busy sucking on some chocolate here... busy.  sucking. 

I'm thinking about art, too.  I was just looking at more paintings of paint and naked people and thinking, "Gee, who doesn't love this stuff?"  and  "Maybe I should start making paintings of paint and naked people."  I got this Marilyn Minter book for Christmas, and of course, I love it.  Such gorgeous, seductive work.  It's the kinda stuff that gives you the itch to paint.  I used to do that a long time ago--make paintings of paint and naked people.  But it didn't take too long before the paint won out and I dropped the nakeds.  I wonder what my work would look like if I'd kept the flesh.  I wonder what my work would look like if I reintroduced the flesh.  I wonder.  Maybe I'll give it a shot this year.  Maybe.

For now though, I have other plans.  I have the itch to paint, and I have a plan fer scratchin.  I'll be making more paintings of paint for a while.  I'll be incorporating more fuzzies and shinies and various touchably touchables that'll make ya wanna get all touchy feely with the art and/or make ya wanna recoil and run away in horror but somehow manage to keep you transfixed like a seven layer cake full of lasagna or a nasty medical text.  At least, that's what I'll be shooting for.  We'll see how it goes. 

At any rate, Happy New Year!