September has proven to be one of the busiest months I’ve had in a long time.  Then again, I say that about virtually every month.  As I grow older, I really expected things to slow down rather than speed up, but that has not been the case.

(Charlie, I know I owe you a phone call.  I haven’t forgotten, and will call as soon as I can. #CharlieZero.)

Work has been overwhelming.  I’ve had three major work projects going on.  One has been professional fact checking that keeps me up late into the night.  The other is a research job that I’ve signed a NDA about, so can’t discuss, and the other one, of course, is the never ending Chinese catalog that Ive worked on for the past 3 years.

I have also been making art like a fiend, and have three pieces going into a gallery that I’ve always wanted to show in.  They are all Frida Kahlo pieces for a Day of the Dead Show.  I’ll write more about them at a later date.

Our granddaughter, Maya, visited recently, and spent a few days with us.  It was great to see her and to get caught up. Her life is as busy as mine, so our communications aren’t as strong as they could be, but the love is definitely still there.

John and I recently worked a wine festival in West Linn, just for the fun of it.  Had such a good time.  We were invited to sign up by Rae Gordon, a local blues singer with whom I’ve recently become friends.

I’ve been taking long walks and enjoying the incredibly beautiful, mild weather we’ve been having here in Portland.  This is such a beautiful city.  I couldn’t be happier here. I laugh at my stalker’s efforts to disparage it.

And on that note, I’ll sign off for now.  Ciao~  See you in the big city.

When my children were young, we had a beautiful 6 bedroom Cape Cod vacation home on a huge lake, at the edge of the woods in Maine.  It was an old home that we remodeled, one with hand-hewen beams, and a big concert grand piano sitting before a picture window that overlooked the lake.

I would awaken before anyone else each moring, and quietly sip my coffee as I watched the deer playing in the valley between us and the lake. There was always mist on the ground, swirly clouds of it, just before the sun came up fully.  It was a magical view.

When the sun had risen, I would go out back and pick fresh raspberries or blueberries, when they were available, and would wake everyone up with the scintillating aroma of fresh berry muffins.  When berries weren’t available, I would bake cinnamon or fresh vanilla ones, or sometimes, lemon poppyseed ones.  Each of my children, at one time or another, has recalled the feelings of walking up to those scents, and how, to this day, smelling any of them when they pass a bakery evokes memories of the wonderful times we had there sailing, hiking, roaming the woods, canoeing, and visiting with our copious Italian family around bondfires at night, or with the friends who would fly out from Texas to join us.

I thought about that this morning as I baked fresh muffins for John and for Maya.  I was with Steve, my now-deceased former husband, back then, and Maya wasn’t born yet….so today, I spent an extra hour recreating my own memories for them.  Albeit urban and not rural, their memories of this morning will mean awakening to the smell of fresh blueberry muffins. The berries are from the Farmer’s Market, and not the back yard, and there are no woods nor lake within site, but still, this will be a happy memory for them.

Today marks the last day Maya will be with us for awhile.  She is in nursing school in Seattle, and is working full time, so she doesn’t get to visit often.  However, when she wakes up, she will smell the muffins before she gets out of bed.  Same thing for John.  They will both remember how beautiful this day is in gorgeous Portland, where the temperatures are not expected to rise over 74 degrees. They will awaken to the music of The Mastersons, and the hot muffins and delicious coffee, and a hearty breakfast, and it will be a good memory for them, because they will always remember how much I love them.

That’s how things roll around here. We have such a good life.  Simple plesures are the best.

Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.

—Steve Jobs

I woke very early this morning, still aglow from the excitement of the last couple of days.  I was dreaming of lying my head against the cool window of the return flight home….the buzz of the jet….the slight vibration and the faint voices from the back of the cabin. Then, I was awake….and now, I’m heading out for an early morning walk before  I go back to playing catch up with work.  Heading down to Lauretta Jeans for breakfast….or maybe I’ll walk over to Harlow on Hawthorne.  I won’t know until I’m actually outside.

I usually make a nice breakfast for the two of us on Sunday mornings.  John loves my cornmeal waffles….fresh OJ….et al….but today, I’m letting him sleep in.  I need the quiet as I contemplate the 3 art pieces I’m working on.  I’ve been pacing myself slowly, making careful decisions, but at the point where I now am, I have to make adjustments.  I have to spend time alone processing everything.  It can be an agonizing process.

I have learned to be quiet when I’m making these types of decisions.  I weigh my options…”Does the shading look better this way or that way?…..Should I use this mixed media element, or glass? …”  Unless one is an artist, I seriously doubt he or she has any idea of the internal process associated with creativity.  It can be hard work!

I’ve just taken two magnificent Michael DeMeng workshops that provided me with new skills and new options.  His paint applications are already hard at work on a sculpture that I’ve done. I free-handed a Frida Kahlo head from clay, and have now painted it, trying to immulate the look of Mexican folk art.  It is to be attached to a big mosaic butterfly that I’ve made from glass and wood.  The other piece is a penny mosaic that I oxydized wigh vinegar to get the turquoise copper patina. I’m doing a stencil cutout of Frida’s face, made of leather.  It’s coming along, and I’m happy with the background, but there is something about the face that is off…She looks unhappy.  Well, I guesss she WAS unhappy, so perhaps I shouldn’t worry about that one so much.  The third piece is a mixed media mosaic of her face, and I’m trying to decide whether I should stick it to a brightly colored resin background or onto a beautiful slab of walnut….and if I use the walnut, should I attach silver milagres to it?  Decisions…decisions….

People used to think that the left side of the brain was the analytical side and that the right side was the creative side. Subsequent research, however, indicates that the WHOLE brain works toward the creative process…..toward ANY process, actually. Everything from preparation to incubation to illumination to verification– consists of many interacting cognitive processes (both conscious and unconscious) and emotions. Depending on the stage of the creative process, and what one is actually attempting to create, different brain regions are recruited to handle the task.  So right now, I guess I’m at the incubation stage….mulling over what I’ve done up until now….thinking about the next steps.

The two main stages in my own creative process involve stimulation, then intense concentration and withdrawal into myself before I can finally culminate my thoughts into some kind of outward expression.  These processes can be agonizing, but then, something happens and it all seems to fit together in the end, and there is a sensation of relief….a relief of pressure and anxiety.

However these pieces turn out, they will be loved by some and hated by others.  That is the bittersweetness of being an artist.  In any case, I’m thrilled to be going in to this particulr gallery.  I’ve wanted to show there for years, but simply did not apply until now.  I’m happy….and feeling accomplished.

What if this had been your own son? Your friend? Your husband? Your father?

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated.  I have to be soooo careful about what I write here these days, that it just isn’t as fun as it used to be….but all of that is changing.  This has been a busy summer….between work, dragon boating, musical events, entertaining friends, taking care of Ingrid and going on day trips with John, there has been little time for the computer…other than work related stuff.

I was FORCED to take a break this past week, as my tiny granddaughter lent me her strep throat for a week, which has now developed into pneumonia.  sigh….But it takes a lot more than that to keep me down for long.

All in all, things are going beautifully.  I’ve been spending a lot of time speaking with my mom, and luxuriating in her final years upon this earth.  She has really opened up to me about a lot of things that are comforting to know.

In addition to my other jobs, I am also working part time as a professional fact checker now, too, which is VERY interesting.  When legislation is passed, I am required to read the actual legislation.  When a statement is made, i have to trace it to its sources.  It is difficult sometimes, but what it has done, is solidly cement my political convictions.  Now, I have NO DOUBT of who is lying and who isn’t.

Have been going to many, many, many musical events this summer.  Have made friends with an amazing blues singer, Rae Gordon, and we try to hit her shows whever she plays.  Think Aretha Franklin mets Janis Joplin.  The woman is amazing.

I have two art workshops coming up with Michael DeMeng, a rising star in the art world.  Really looking forward to these.  Coincidentally, they will take place in the same studio where I meet with my art group to create twice a month.

Dragon boating remains an outstanding outlet for me.  There is simply nothing like being out on the water early in the morning as the sleepy city comes to life.  We see all kinds of wildlife along the banks.  It is incredible….deer….eagles…beavers…

The weather has been very pleasant all summer.  Got up to 90 today, which is very unusual for us, but most of the summer has been in the low 80s and gorgeous.

Feeling joyful.  Feeling thankful that I live in this incredible city.  It just gets more and more beautiful all the time.  I’ve gained many new friends this year, and have lost ZERO friends, after a rough couple of years with the deaths of people who were close to me.  However, everything is going super well in life…..and in love. (wink wink)

For now….that’s all she wrote.  I’ll be back soon.

The Oregon wine country is quickly becoming one of the biggest hotspots in the world for high quality wine and breathtaking scenery.  This is especially true since the recent Napa Valley fires.  (My family lives in Napa, so I might question this distinction, because I am so fond of that valley and its wine, but I  *LIVE*  in Oregon, so there’s that.)

The following slideshow features shots from the Allison Inn, where we were over the weekend.  The animal shots are from our friends’ home nearby, where we stopped briefly yesterday.  (That is she with the green hair…)  😉

Needless to say, it was an incredible weekend!

The luxury spa and hotel overlooks the Williamette Valley, and has exquisite views.  After our perfect brunch, I strolled the grounds, taking a few pictures, which I’d like to share with you here:

Just got in from an impromptu trip.  Don’t you love it that, thanks to modern technology, you can get a call from someone.  Hop a train to the airport in 12 minutes, and be at your destination in another state in a matter of hours?  Cost me under $300 round-trip.  Spent zero while I was there.  Had LOTS of fun….and now I’m home.

Had to get up long before dawn to catch the next flight home, but I made it. Just walked in the door.  Last night feels like a dream….a great big wonderful dream, and I’m all smiles this morning.

The sun is shining today, but it is warm, and not hot, which I love.  I look forward to spending the day with John working on our house and yard. It is so rare for us both to have a day off together.  We’re planning to take full advantage of it.

Big project of the day for me is to prepare the patio to paint it. John will be trimming the hedge.  Tonight….another musical night out.  Looking forward to it.

Thinking of my precious father today.   He was a good and honorable soldier who served his country with pride, and is a generally good person today.  Wishing I could be there with him.

Happy Veterans Day, everyone.

Now that I have been a dragonboater for a week, I return with a fresh perspective.  The first thing I can report is that I feel definite changes in my body.  This is a sport that focuses primarily on the body’s core for effectiveness.  I can feel my stomach muscles firming up considerably, after only a week. My upper arms are firmer.  My thighs.  Yes, this sport has its physical benefits, but the practice also has mental and emotional benefits.

The second thing that I can report is that I have had a different caller/instructor every day, and each one of them has told me something completely different.  Hinge at the waist.  Don’t hinge from the waist.  Hold the paddle at the base of the blade.  Hold the paddle higher than that.  Sweep the side of the boat with the paddle. Plunge forward.  Keep the arm straight.  Bend the arm.  Conflicting information galore….but this is not a complaint.  I’m enjoying learning the different options.  It’s just difficult at times.

Three days a week now, I rise long before the sun does to prepare for practice. John loves to go with me and watch from the sidewalk cafe as I paddle across the river .  However, he was in California over the last few days, so I’ve been taking the bus downtown on my own.

There is something about the Portland bus service that makes the experience a good one.  The way the bus driver gets out to help the blind man across the street.  How he or she greets riders as they enter the bus, or thanks us when we leave.  Just one more thing I love about Portland.

The bus crosses the river and lets me out just on the other side.  Then, I walk about a quarter mile throught flocks of resting Canadian geese, and arrive at the Little River Cafe.  Sometimes I get there before it  opens, and I simply sit outside and enjoy the majestic views. Other times, I’ll wander down the hill to the dock and walk to the end of it where I will do some yoga stretches while I wait.

It is stunningly beautiful at this place.  There is a little island, called Ross Island, that we paddle by.  Deer peeked out at us one morning.  Two gigantic blue herons flew inches over our heads.  Flowers everywhere.  Beauty.  Nature.  It is all so astonishing, and especially against the urban backddrop.  It feels like my own little secret right there in the city, but I am far from alone.  There are more than 160 members on my team alone.  This is a popular sport with many different teams with members of all levels.

Everyone converges at the end of the dock by 8:30.  Getting into the boat has become less difficult for me than it was at first.  I feel steadier now.  Getting out of the boat is more difficult, as it is a long, narrow boat sitting DOWN in the water, rather than up high, so to exit, one must climb up as the boad sways.  I’m sporting a big, blue bruise on one of my shins due to an early effort.

My level of energy gets me through the entire practice without exhaustion.  However, I am definitely ready to head home when we reach the shores again.  I always feel invigorated and happy from the dopamine and adrenalin surges that come with an intense morning workout.  This lasts throughout my day.  The world simply looks a little brighter.

Yesterday was sunny and warm.  Of course, I forgot my hat.  I am a pale-skinned woman who gets sunburned easily despite slathering myself with sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.  Ah, well….a small price to pay for so much pleasure.  I feel so happy, like everything is really falling into place now.  Contentment. Joy.  Peace.  Love.  Happiness.

Today, I started training for dragon boat paddling. It was magnificent.  We met at the Little River Cafe downtown near the Willamette River.  I introduced myself to a few people as a newby, and managed to piece together enough information to get started.  Everyone was very nice and helpful.

Once seated in my practice boat, I kept my ears open for Carolina’s instructions.  She was our caller.  However, I kept my eyes on Peg, who was the woman seated in front of me.  (That was what I was suppoed to do.)  I followed Peg’s lead.  She is experienced, and a good example to follow.

We rowed out along Ross Island.  It was surreal to be out on the water making a team effort at that beautiful early-morning hour.  We paddled by a crane rookery and say blue herons and their offspring, which was a thrill for this nature lover.  We were surrounded by beautiful trees and nature, but in an urban environment…so we paddled under two freeways and could see the downtown skyscrapers.

The workout was good.  To paddle, you have to extend one leg, tuck in the other leg, and turn from the waste, and you bury the paddle straight down into the water and pull with your core.  Many instructions that are easy to confuse!

Soon, I will be ready to train for the dragon boat races, an iternational festival that is celebrated in Portland each year.   Here is a little video of our launch spot and what the festival looks like.  This was from five years ago:

My life has really changed over the last 6 months or so, and in some profound ways.  I can’t remember ever being as happy as I am right now.  Things are falling into place in my life, like ducks in a row.  Actually, they’re not “falling into place…”  I’m PUTTING them into place.   Some I can talk about here.  Others are top secret…for now….

This story begins with my decision to strive for greater work-life balance.  I am not the only person who depends on my paychecks, so I’ve been working my fingers to the bone putting in insane hours, sometimes not taking a day off for weeks…..until recently.

I just saw my life slipping away from me, and I got really sad about it….but I’m not much of a whiner.  I’m more of a do-er….so I set a plan into motion.  I wasn’t making art at the rate I like to incorporate art into my life, so I joined an artists group.

The group is expensive, and it only meets two days a month, but there is something about the cost that  really makes me commit to going.  I concentrate on producing good work while I’m there, and it puts me into the right mindset.  However, the best part of all, is that it has connected me with a great group of supportive women artists who stimulate my mind and make me laugh, and who give me great critiques and suggestions.  I’m really loving this experience.

It was through one of these women that I got involved with the dragonboat art show.  I attended last year, and was blown away by how outstanding it was.  I really wanted to enter a piece this year, so I did….and it was accepted….and it’s hanging down by the Willamette in a beautiful little cafe called, “The Little River Cafe.”  The show’s opening was last Sunday, and when I was there, a thought started to nag me….and it’s something I followed through on.

Starting this Monday, I will be an official dragon boat paddler!  I officially joined a club that meets 3 mornings a week to paddle down the Williamette, race sometimes, to participate in water parades and to do all things related to the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boating!  The group consists of a fun bunch of open minded/hearted folks who come from many different walks of life to join in and have fun.  They do other things besides boating.  The group hikes, goes out for meals together, attends lectures, kayaks and does a boatload of other fun things.  So yay!  My husband is relutant to join.  Says it isn’t his thing, but that he will go to some of the events with me.  I think he eventually WILL join, but we’ll see.   (He is ten years older than I, and has a heart problem. )

I have been attending A LOT of musical events lately.  Went to see Motown sensation, Bettye Lavette,  Shook Twins,  Rae Gordon Band….Rae Gordon Band….Rae Gordon Band….Went to a Kwamie Alexander lecture.  I’ve been going here and there.  Working in the yard.  Working on the house.  Still writing…writing…writing….and conducting research for two different companies.  Still putting my own business together.  Just feeling good.  Smiling a lot.  Enjoying the moment….AND  looking forward to the future. 🙂   I’ll post dragon boat photos in a future post.

Spring is here, and I have so much going on that I’ve not had a chance to sit down and update.  (Charlie!  I’ve received your messages….just no time!!  So sorry.  Will try to call soon!) This is simply to say that I’ve not forgotten all of you, my loyal readers.  I promise to make the time to update soon.  Stacy Alexander Arte California

I am rarely sick.  In fact, I’ve gone four years without so much as a common cold…..that is, until this past week.   I had felt a tiny bit of soreness in my kidney area for a few days, but a week ago, I stood up, and was met with a thunderbolt of pain so intense that I immediately fell to the floor.  It was that bad.

This is the fourth time in my life that I have had kidney stones, as I am genetically disposed to them, despite my effots to eat a diet that helps stave them off.  They simply happen every few decades, and there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about them.

In the past, I have had the ultimate medical treatments for them, which made me feel crummy for several weeks afterward, and was traumatic, to boot.  However, this time, I decided to go the natural route.  One week later, I’m so glad that I did.

This is my all-natural routine for ridding myself of the monster kidney stones. I can personally attest to the fact that it works, because today, I am pain free.  I used a miraculous herb called, ” chanca piedra” in the form of a tincture by Herb Pharm called “Stone Breaker” and it really worked.

One dropperful into 8 ounces of water three times a day.  Raw cranberry juice and lemon water, also.  No sugar. No processed foods of any kind. No spinach.  I meditated, rested, listened to binaural beats….and by today, which is day #7, I feel 100% better.

Before trying this, or any kidney stone remedy, please see your doctor first, and discuss your options.