Collage chicken

The workshop was called  "the big chicken." The challenge was to work large. Each of us were given a 16x20-inch canvas. The technique is collage.

I'm working on the edges of the unframed canvas. Planning to so some stenciling plus paint.

Medieval Roots

In Limerick we stopped at a monument called the treaty stone. The stone is significant due to the fact that it was upon this rock where the Treaty of Limerick lay as it was signed in 1691. 

It is evident that Eyre Square in Galway was once a medieval city. This vibrant shopping and dining area was filled with people on this mid-day, mid-week, visit. Fortunately the streets weren't cobblestone like the ones in Temple Bar in Dublin. 

Purple wheels

Still skating after all these years. 
Have learned to go backwards too. 

The wheels show in the photo were such a let down. They were the narrow width I'd been looking for and a little bit soft, 97s. I so wanted them to work but the metal hub was too large for the axles and so gave off the sensation of wobbliness --no matter how tight or loose I bolted them. The online retailer I purchased them from refused to take them back or refund my $115. I'm disappointed, angry and sad. 

Am embarking on a three week tour through Ireland, Scotland and England. Would like to make entries to this blog along the way. 

I leave this Friday, Sept 15, 2017. Returning Oct 7th. 

Two years

As of today I have been skating for two whole years.  I'm amazed at how far I've come.  Here is a video taken last Sunday.  In it I'm demonstrating a foot manuver called "cross behind."  I've been working on them for many months, never really making much progress.  I was starting to think I may never master them.  About a week ago I decided to let go of my fear and just believe that I could do them.  And so to my surprise I did. 

Holiday greetings

          As I've learned about myself over the years it never works to make new year resolutions.  Instead what sticks with me longer is to set a general theme for the new year.  In 2006 the theme I picked was plan ahead.  Yes, that's such a common bit of advice good for anyone, but I never took it myself.  I marked a day on the calender, mid year, for a party I wanted to give.  Then I started getting ready from the ground up.  I did things like cleaning closets, getting rid of excess stuff and painting walls.  I even plotted a count down on the calendar.  To my surprise, things got done.  By the party my house and yard were clean and tidy.  That's how I tricked myself into keeping a resolution, which really wasn't a resolution but a theme. 

          Right now I'm wondering how I can work skating into my general theme, or resolution.  Maybe I'll write "skate backwards with confidence and control."  I will pick a date on the calendar that I can work towards and then set to work to make it happen by that time.  I wonder if that's realistic.  Would it work?  Hmmmm.  Let me see.  Meanwhile, here is my Winter Solstice greeting: a drawing of me skating.  Happy skating!

Still skating

      Even though I haven't posted since October it doesn't mean I haven't been skating. I just haven't taken my camera with me and when I do take it I rarely capture any images worth sharing with you.
       I've been working on posture these days. I'm forever concentrating on bending my knees but now I've added leaning forward with head up and sternum forward. Wow! I had no idea these adjustments would improve my balance so much. Valerie was the one who prompted these adjustments. Two weeks ago as she skated behind me she came up along side and said "where are your eyes." The answer: on the floor. I knew immediately what I had to do. She really knows how to teach in so few words. I marvel.

      Here is video of Valerie skating. Hope you enjoy it.

Yes way Jose

Here is a short clip of me skating with Joe during the couples only dances.  We're both beginner skaters, in fact I think we started skating at about the same time.  He always wears a full set of protective gear, including helmet --very wise.