April 2021

So much time has passed with the pandemic hitting us, high anxiety and worry levels raging, and work that keeps me busy. However, I have still been learning on an ongoing basis, whether it is about my way of thinking, how to manage my concerns, and how I get my creative side shown to others. This past year I spent making masks (new skill), quilting (from all the scraps left over from mask making), and then continual aquarium keeping and hydroponics. It has been a whirlwind of experiences, and I am grateful it's coming back around to color on paper.

It feels as if I haven't picked up my alcohol pens since I got sick in 2019 with a horrible flu (October). I spent my time online, and eventually connected with others around the area to help create masks for free. It was fun! I found out that I am somewhat affected by the cotton fibers in thread and material. That part isn't fun, and has me wondering if I should continue, actually. Which makes me sad, as I invested in something that might not be good for me. However, I created some amazing pieces (for me!)

On to more things now. We have wanted to do hydroponics for veggies and herbs for quite a long time now. It started with wanting to put plants on top of our aquariums (aquaponics), so Michael has one started. The plants are quite small, so I'm sure it's not necessarily going to work perfectly until the roots grow. I will show that once it is completely set up. However, I do have some seeds started in rock wool. The peas really love the hydroponic solution, and the micro greens took off quite well.

 I decided for Mother's Day this year, to splurge on professional pencil crayons. So, Caran D'ache Luminance was my gift, and I'm doing my best to follow artists who are familiar with the materials used when creating with them. (Lisa Lachri at MeWe and Patreon is one of those people.) Here are a few things that I've  been learning about this past week. I am brand new to professional techniques of using pencil crayons, so it will be fun to see the changes and learning that will happen with them.

Reference photos added as well. Have a lovely week everyone! ~ LB2021