artist playtime: allowing for time to make non-functional work

we artists need to make things that are our own. from time to time.

i am always enthused to see my work journey around the country and globe -
to be enjoyed by the caring hands (ears & necks) of others.
little pieces of me going where i never dreamed of.

but sometimes... i need to PLAY
lose the deliberateness and thought that goes into making something for someone else to enjoy


these are what have popped up over the last 2 years in my sacred
"play time"

they remind me of things i've collected while combing the beach,
hiking on trails, or happened upon in gardens.
nothing really in particular.
not functional.
just created for the pure enjoyment
of their shape, color, and texture.


do you ever create things without "purpose?"
just for the pure enjoyment.

thoughtfully,
Lynsey xx

Century Bike Ride: 100 miles of storms and sun

i underestimated how difficult it would be to ride 100 miles though.

(thinking we both did)

we began pedaling around 7:40am...

made it about 10 miles when a wave of severe thunderstorms rolled in

we sought shelter beneath the cover of a local's barn

(thank you, kindest sir!)

after waiting half an hour for the storm to ease

lightning and thunder passed

Patrick and i seized the opportunity to ride through the rain

we made it another 10 miles

stopped for a rest... and noticed Patrick's tire had a slow leak

replaced the tube and were off again

through the Illinois countryside

my legs felt great! we were flying past other cyclists

another 10 miles (or so) down the road

my revolutions suddenly felt lagged

where was the strength?

maybe it was the headwind?

i pushed on... hoping to overcome this stretch

then i looked down and noticed my flat tire

(it was a relief to know it was the sagging rubber slowing me down, not any lack of strength so early in our 100 miles)

changed. and onward!!

luckily these were our only two flats.

we pressed forward together

through pain

through wind

and sun

i found it almost metaphorical when we traded pulling and drafting

we can always rely on each other

to be strong when one needs support

pulled through something difficult

going it together

we do have some nasty sunburns

we're tired

but boy-oh-boy do we feel wonderful!

any adventures you've done lately??

-Lyns

stormy Midwest summer still sweet: blueberry skys

hello from the ever-changing landscape (or skyscape) of the Midwest!

my neighbors, bless their hearts,

invited me over to pick blueberries yesterday afternoon

(they advised i may wish to do so quickly as a(nother) thunderstorm would be rolling in)

i grabbed a small quart and skipped over to the blueberry patch

92 degrees and humid

the bushes were teaming with ripe berries

*pluck* the first one i popped into my mouth

and splattered a smile across my lips

YUM!

thunder rolled

sounding like a gravel truck on an old country road

i crouched low to find a wealth of overlooked bunches

when a wall of cold air took the breath from me

with one quick push, my surroundings dropped 15 degrees

i looked up to the sky

noticed that it was the color of my blueberries

almost as if the Earth was being wrapped

the nimbus-clad blanket was stretched overhead

i ran home

trees bending after me

minutes after reaching the front door

the sky opened up

releasing waters from near and far

i think these swift storms are magnificent!

anyone agree??