Preirrigation Soon & A Still Life
March 25, 2010
We are getting ready to preirrigate before planting cotton. It is one of those calm before the storm seasons in farming. Once planting starts it is non-stop work until the cotton is laid by which is usually the beginning of July. We are expecting a lot of bug pressure this year when our unusually green desert begins to dry out and the bugs migrate to our fields in mass.
I set up a still life to be painted. Here is a snippet of what it looks like in the studio...
This is the feminine companion to my Heritage painting. It represents the other half of the story. The nurturing, thrift, and creativity that keeps home and nation from unraveling. Of course much artistic license will be taken as is always the case. I am loving this vintage quilt made from feedsacks and in one of my favorite patterns. (Dresden Plate) I am not sure just yet, but I think this will be a watercolor. I am trying to force myself out of my pastel comfort zone.
I get up two to three hours before the rest of the world so I can paint or draw. Not always easy but getting easier with the longer days. It is my best creative time and usually the phone doesn't ring and people don't come by. The rest of the morning is dedicated to learning with the babes. All in all not a bad gig.
It is so important to do something that makes your heart sing everyday. The consequences for not doing so are too utterly horrible to mention. What do you do to take joy everyday?
This is my FAVORITE blog!!! I love the poem you posted yesterday and I love the still life! I also love your philosophy that each day should be fulfilling and joyous to the soul! You are amazing!
I too rise before the sun to pursue dreams. I've been working on a novel. Somedays I think it's junk others I think it's worth working on. My goal is to have it complete and on its way to publishers before we start our farming season. This way I can receive my rejections not have a complete breakdown because each morning and evening I'll have my siderolls to change. Irrigating in a beautiful setting makes everything right with the world!
I hope you have minimal bug pressure this year! Nothing eats away at that bottom line faster than spraying for bugs!!!
Posted by: Mrs. Ben Lanier | March 25, 2010 at 04:24 PM
That is awesome that you are pursuing your dreams. In any type of creative endeavor you can only be true to your vision and enjoy the process and let the rest take care of itself. As to rejections, if that should happen, that is only one person's opinion or that a work doesn't fit what they are looking for right now. One resource I have found inspiring is http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/ He has a ton of information regarding pursuing your art/dreams/writing outside of the box. Some of his guides are really worth reading. I can't wait to buy a copy of your novel when you reach your mondo beyondo dream.
Posted by: Cotton Shedd | March 25, 2010 at 05:34 PM
Thank you for sharing this resource! I am excited to check it out as soon as our weather calms so we aren't calving in the snow storms!!! We were shocked to see snow rolling in yesterday afternoon! Of course - it's a double edged sword because we desperately need the moisture for our fields! Still I'm very excited that Spring will be arriving soon here!
Posted by: Mrs. Ben Lanier | March 27, 2010 at 10:57 AM