What are you doing?

Every day, there are more important goals than my own to attend to. My life is lonely and simple. Some people have real problems. I stop for people waiting at crosswalks, for instance. The goal of getting down the road can wait. My goals are not my focus most of the time. My goals are to listen to others carefully when they speak, get the dog out for the time he needs to take care of his business, and enjoy life while leaving my kids alone so they can live their lives without a pressing mother voice.
I have had goals and projects with due dates. I have gone to work at a thankless, meaningless job for 50 years. I have accomplished valuable things over time, which I call my life. But now? It is time for me to let go and have goals that do not conflict with the most critical priorities—being human and appreciating the wonder of it all.

Daily writing prompt
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
View all responses

Sea Wolf Books – 10/2023 Painting Show

Sea Wolf is Providing a Fun

Reception

Come Join Us Saturday October 7 at 4:30

Thank You Charlie!

Crimson Bubbles

24″ X 48 ” Oil On Board

$500

More Love

24″ X 48 ” Oil on Board

$500

Emotional Armor

24″ X 48 ” Oil on Board

$500

20″ X 24″ Oil on Wood

Umber Rhumba

$250

24″ X 48″ Oil On Board

Sexy

Bidding Today At $125

All proceeds on this painting will benefit Friends of the Port Orford Library

The top and middle paintings have sold.

For the last 33 years, I have been learning painting. My creative language tools are still in development. Still, past experiences at Lane Community College, Chemeketa Community College, the Art Department in Salem, conversations with curious peers, and traveling have greatly inspired me.

Becoming engrossed with the paint in these pieces was a joy. Intense color and motion with some strokes sending me into a breathless pause. The climate, the fire, and the preciousness of this life and place stirred my fresh and deep appreciation.

Previous Solo Shows

Port Orford Public Library

Indigo Wellness Center (Permanent Installation)

Roy John Goldsmith

Bush Barn – Salem Art Association

Previous Community Shows

Wild Women – River Gallery Independence

Something Red – Artists in Action

Paint The Town – Artists in Action (honorable mention)

State of Oregon Capital Building  Upcycle Art Event

First Wednesday – Salem

First Thursday – Portland

I live in Port Orford.

Work by me is available to explore at:

The Port Orford Library 

Cafe 2.0

Online@ ChurchofCherryKola@Wordpress

And Sometimes – The Unique Boutique

Interdependence Day 2021

Opening lines:

I recently shared a brief discussion with my nephew about writing while in the company of his eight-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. Our chat was sculpted to fit each immediacy, so it was short. But flatly, I am grateful to be encouraged to write more.


I find life’s stories most entertaining. There are all those precious and unplanned events to enjoy revisiting while writing. I could not think up the stories I have lived through, some entertaining and dramatic times.

I can only sense what I notice, and there are many more things to notice each time while re-writing the past. I believe revisiting life’s stories could be quite a good time.

Warming up with a fun “ice breaker”. Here are a few playful opening lines. All original art follows for the fun of it.

#1

It was the hottest place on the planet that day.

#2

I woke to a foul stench while a group of short men were standing over me laughing.

#3

The palm reader was right about everything.

#4

I never imagined dancing could cause so much trouble.

#5

And then I decided I was only going to try it once.

Just Being . . . and so much more

Years ago when working full time there was such a shortage of time. I was just surviving while trying to enjoy my “too much coffee” each day. I cheerfully attempted my low-paying, tedious, and dream stealing jobs. I sold them my time in their space.

I see more clearly now that I am living the life I always dreamed of. I am proud that I worked hard. I worked hard at many low-paying jobs. I worked hard at my volunteering in the community. I worked hard at my mothering and homemaking. I worked hard at my marriage. I worked hard on myself. It has been a lot of work.

Now there is time and space to treasure each day living here on the Southern Oregon coast. Beach and woodsy walks refuel the ever changing idea of self. I have always felt a strong connection with the Pacific Ocean. I can feel her calling.

And here is my best friend Cowboy. An Australian Terrier – (AKA Terror!)

Windy Blue

I still ask everyday: “Is this art”?

It certainly is fun and feels expressive!

24″X48″ on birch wood panel.

Mixed media in French Ultramarine with underpainting of phosphorescence.

Now available at Cut and Dry in Port Orford.

$400