Eclectic

I've always liked the word 'eclectic'. There used to be an art gallery in an old farmhouse near where I live called "Arts Eclectia". It was filled to the rafters with an assorment of odds and ends that would make a pirate jealous. All kinds of sparkling baubles, flowing scarves, richly painted canvasses, and a woman behind the counter that wore so many rings on her fingers that you couldn't see the flesh on them.... only the long burgandy nails sticking out from the tips.

I used to love wandering through that shop. It gave me a sense of being a well travelled place where the collections were plucked from every corner of the earth to create a jumbled story told from the floor to the ceiling, and every nook in between. Peek around a corner, and you'd find a new twist to the plot in the form of an old teacup from London, or a scarf from Rome. Open the door to one of the many antique armoirs that were there, and you'd find the heroine of the story in the form of a delicately beaded clutch from the 1800's, or a shock of yellow silk from China. Look up at the ceiling, and there would be the splash of color in an abstract painting. Nothing matched, and yet it all flowed together beautifully; a feast for the eyes, and the imagination.

My life has pretty much always ran that same course. Little bits and pieces of inspiration have come from all areas. A veritable gypsy's skirt woven from fabrics of all kinds. And the older I get, the more varied my taste becomes. I've stopped being defined by specific genres a long time ago. I've realized the wonderful freedom of simply letting my mind, heart, and imagination do the choosing for me. Music, books, artwork, creativity of any kind... all of it is free game to me now. The only steady prerequisite that is woven through everything I collect into my life...is that it needs to somehow inspire, resonate, and move me. There is a great lyric in a song by one of my favorite bands that says "it'll either move me, or move right through me...", and how true that is. There are fantastic resources of inspiration, fun, joy, depth, passion, empathy....all over the world, in every manner of unexpected places. You just have to be an open receptacle to the wonder of it all. If you automatically judge something because it falls outside your preset genres of appreciation... you stand to lose out on the amazing gift of simply enjoying something for what it is.

But make no mistake... not everything has to be anchored by deep meaning. Sometimes, I cherish something because it is just plain fun. Whimsy can be such a precious possession. I love frivolity as much as I treasure the echoing moments of life when something bittersweet taps into the core of my soul, and brings tears to my eyes because of a melody heard, or a poem read. I think it is a huge gift to enjoy the range of all these emotions, and even better still...sharing them in my artwork.

I used to worry that my portfolio was too varied. I worried that since I jumped from subject to subject in such wide degrees of seperation, people might get confused. I would hold back in going too far one way or another, afraid of isolating people who watched me because they liked a certain look... a certain style. And then I woke up and laughed at myself for having completely missed the whole point of being me. I am eclectic! I am that girl who listens to improvisational jazz one moment, and ABBA the next. I am the one who equally loves the plastic Hello Kitty on the shelf, and the antique carved elephant from India that stands next to her. I am that treasure packed farmhouse. How could I possibly be afraid to let it all out? Why not just throw the doors open, and let people decide what they will come in to see. Some might wander to the first thing they see. Others might walk right past the pretty baubles, and head straight for the shadowy closet. Others will see a sparkle of color by the stairs, and see how many other sparkly things they can find on their way there. And some might peek in the window, and decide to come back another day. And that's okay! That's what being eclectic is all about. Something for everyone.... right?

So these days, I create whatever comes pouring out of my carousel mind at that moment. Could be fanciful... could be romantic... could be poignant. It is as much of a journey for me, as being in a foreign country and deciding which road to walk down. One thing for sure... is that I can't hold it back. And I have never loved being creative as much as I love doing it now. It is thrilling to see what new jewel I can pluck from my imagination, or what well-loved treasure I decide to bring out for a polish. Either way... it's bound to attract some curious onlookers, who will either stick around to see what comes next, or who will head on down the road to find their own eclectic collection. All I hope is that I can at least tuck a little inspiration in their pocket before they go.

January

While the allure of winter sports eludes me, I confess to having a real fondness for sledding. Nothing like grabbing a $5.99 saucer sled, and careening down an icy slope...shrieks of laughter freezing in mid air as the inevitable crash-and-burn happens at the bottom of the sled run.

Not that I've done this recently. I think the last time I actually went sledding was about six years ago. Fun stuff, though I felt a little bit like I was cheating, because they had a snowmobile ready to go, to come fetch those of us who ventured down the hillside.

Part of the great adventure of sledding when I was a kid, was having to haul your sorry, sore patoot back up the hill step by slogging step. Moon boots, puffy ski jacket, snow pants, gloves, itchy knit hat.. it's amazing I could even walk a step in all that confining gear. And boy, was it sweaty in there. No chance of getting too cold. While I might've looked like a Yeti, what with all the snow clinging to every nook and cranny... it was all Bahamas up in my snow suit. I'd yank that itchy hat off and toss it on the nearest snowbank, and let my stringy brown hair fly free.

Endless energy to burn. I wonder what that would feel like now?? I could slide/climb/slide/climb/slide/climb for hours on end, until the light started to fade, and the glow of the lights in our house started to beckon me. Then it was the slow trek back across the empty field, past the neighbor's house and across the road, letting my dog lead the way. It was such a snail's trudge... I never really wanted to go back inside, but snow pants can only hold back the wet snow so long.

Then there was the whole routine of climbing out of all that gear out on the porch. Moon boot liners always pulled out, making the boots look like exhausted dogs with tongues hanging out. And one by one, everything went into the dryer, leaving me standing there in my turtleneck and jeans - feeling about fifty pounds lighter. The warmth of the house drew me in, and the smell of mom's cooking reminded me that I was actually famished. She was a great cook, but of course...being a kid, what's the fun of homemade dinners? I danced in delight if I found out I could have a TV Dinner, with the peel-back foil. Salisbury steak, with corn, and chocolate cake. The thought of it makes me cringe now, but back then... that was a fun feast.

Makes me laugh to think about it all now. I wonder, when was the last time I went sledding on that hill? The last time my German Shepherd went running ahead of me across the snowy field? The last time I shrieked with my best friend down the icy slope? I'm sure it was a fun, exhausting day... enjoyed in a way only complete obliviousness to the finality of it could provide.

Snow and Owls

(a video a slapped together, with some photos and video I shot of our recent snow...)

The snow has begun.

Just as it started to get dark, little snow flurries came swirling out of the sky. I had hoped it would start snowing earlier in the day, but at least it gave me time to get my errands done.

Just a moment ago I opened the door to let the dogs go out for a bit, and heard a familiar ‘whoooooOOOhoOO - whooOOooOOOOhoooo’. A Great Horned owl has been residing around here for the last few months. I had seen him several weeks ago, perched atop a telephone pole down the road… no doubt scoping the surrounding orchards for his next meal. I stepped out on the porch and peered up at the top of the three story double pine tree that grows here in front of the house. Sure enough, I could just see the outline of him perched at the very tiptop of the tree.

The wind kicked up, and some freshly fallen snow dusted around my bare feet. Just like me to walk outside in the freezing cold with bare feet, because I’m excited to hear an owl. But I wasn’t ready to go in. I just stood there with my neck craned, listening as the visitor hooted into the night sky every few seconds. Then with a stretch of huge wings, he flapped once, silently circled the top of the tree, and landed on the other side. It was just enough to put him out of view. And it had been long enough for my feet to start losing feeling.

I called the dogs in, and shut the door. I hope the owl stays around a little while longer. Our bedroom is on the top floor, that much closer to the top of the tree, and I wouldn’t mind listening to that meloncholy, muffled call as I fall asleep tonight.

The Cakester

I was doing good. I really was. I mean, months would go by before I'd cave in and sate my Oreo desires. I could leave them alone... I really could! But then I saw this insidious little ad, with kids whispering about Oreo Cakesters...and I knew it would only be a matter of time before marketing genius coaxed my brain into reaching for the blue packaged goodness.

Today was that day.

I had spent fifteen minutes in the fresh produce aisle, feeling really good about my bags of radishes, lettuce, cilantro and other green healthy things. I even stopped off to pick up more Naked Juice, with it's all natural splendor. But as I tried to bypass the cookie section, there was some otherworldly force that steered my squeeky shopping cart wheels down the aisle. And there they were.... jutting out in a display that almost sang of their delectableness. They were on sale, even. How could I deny their siren song?

I stuffed the box in my cart behind the green onions and bananas, and tried ignore to them. Tried to kid myself that I would actually make it home and perhaps have one with coffee. But as soon as I paid for my groceries and navigated my way through the parking lot, I ripped that box open and plucked one of the packages out to ride up front with me. I swear I heard it call shotgun.

But really, it never even made it that far. I shut the car door, tore open the packaging, and held aloft the vision of sweet delight. A giant, fluffy, creamy Oreo. Almost glistening. What kind of madmen work at Nabisco? Genius men, I'm telling you now...because these Cakesters are destined to be the go-to snack for many, many people. I can hear it now. "Dude... I need some Cakesters like...pronto."

They are evil, I tell you. Evil. Pure wickedness with creme filling and moist cakey layers. Don't even get me started on what kind of milkshake this will make.

Fun With Dentistry

The Ibuprofen has finally kicked in, so my upper right-hand jaw no longer feels like it was lovingly scraped along a cheese grater. I'll take this respite from the pain to tell you about my little visit with the dentist....

The ink had barely dried on my insurance forms when I was sashayed to the exam room by a dark haired young woman in a festive frock. While she was taking the first inital round of x-rays, I spilled my guts as to why I hadn't been to a dentist in soooo long. I guess the low-dose radiation gives off a confessional type vibe or something. At any rate, she nodded, made notes on her chart, and then led me away to another x-ray machine. This time I stood up, bit another plastic thingy... only now I got to hang on to handlebars! The machine clamped down on my skull (I kid you not!) and then did a little waltz around my head. I had the urge to start humming that crazy song Willy Wonka sings on his wonderous boat ride... you know the one...

"There's no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing
Or which way the river's flowing..."

Anyway, back in the chair I sat - and told the assistant to bring on the laughing gas. She said she'd start off slow, and I just chuckled. I knew I'd have that gas machine at full throttle before the fun began. So she settled that little plastic cup down over my nose, cranked my chair back so my feet were in the air, and I started inhaling like Jacque Cousteau going down for the deep plunge. After about five minutes, I was giving her the thumbs up to crank the gas. I did that two more times... and suddenly.....

..........wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Aimee has liftoff.

"There is nooooo drug I knooooow, to compare with
purest nitrous oxide...breathe it in, you'll be free
if you truly wish to beeeee....."

There is a certain sound that I hadn't heard nor thought of since the last time I was at the dentist a billion years ago... which occurs when I've entered Laughing Gas LaLa Land. It actually has a name! It's called "flanging" [link] - and everything I hear starts to echo and reverberate, or "flange", in my skull. This is when things start to suddenly get very funny.... and even as the dentist's voice drifts in from somewhere far away to tell me he's going to give me a filling in one molar AND carve out the second molar to prepare for a crown for starters.... I simply feel like I'm hovering about five feet out of the chair on the sheer power of the Jack Wagner song that was suddenly invading my entire consciousness.

"Allllllllll Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed....is just a little more time.... to be sure............what I feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel"

Oh man - how appropriate is that?? And suddenly a running commentary of the situation begins in my head. Flashbacks from my dentists visits in the 80's remind me that Jack Wagner has, in effect, been at my side at every dentist visit I've ever been at... even while the needles are poking, and the face is numbing, and the machines are starting to whine...

"Is it all in my mind
Cause it seems so hard to belieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve....
that you're all I need..........."

I don't know how this music seems to be so loud in my head, even as the dentist's drills and grinders are shrieking away doing their job. Maybe my brain just automatically tunes in to some faded 80's FM station that broadcasts on a funky nitrous oxide channel? Air Supply was there, and so was vintage Whitney Houston. All the same people who crooned in my ear all those years ago. And then, just as I was swirling away into the old Stevie Wonder staple "I just called to sayyyyyyyy I looooove youuuuuuu".... I suddenly wondered why there was a midget (little person, dwarf, etc. etc.) standing in my mouth. And this thought was exceedingly funny. It literally felt like one of their little feet was planted right on my face...and I started to laugh outloud. Of course, the sound that I actually heard was more like a muffled gargle, and for half a second all the machines stopped and they asked me if I was okay. I let out a high-pitched giggle and nodded somewhere beneath my nitrous mask/terminator glasses/plastic mouth sheild...and all activity resumed in a sudden squeeling roar that was not unlike a 747 powering up for takeoff.

Everything was in a blur after that. At one point I was actually roller skating with Stevie Wonder...and this too was exceedingly funny, because Stevie was leading. And then as I peered through the dark Terminator glasses they had me wear (to block out the Hollywood Premier spotlights blazing down from overhead, and to keep the tooth chunks from blinding me) I swore the patterns on the dental assistant's blouse were morphing into crazy Brady Bunch paisleys.

My arms started to go tingle, and I was glad I had my hands jammed in my pockets. I could tell that there was a real danger of having one just go into a random flailing seizure, and there was no telling what it would hit, or what havoc it would create there beneath the assortment of gleaming torture instruments and drool-tubes.

I was just barely coherent enough to follow their instructions to 'open wide', 'bite down', 'tap tap tap' (whatever the heck that was! But when it was asked of me... I taptaptapped like a good little soldier), and 'breath through your nose Mrs. Stewart, you are fogging up my glasses." BWaha!! So I did... and then Jack Wagner started singing AGAIN! I honestly don't know if I heard that song over and over like I feel I did, or if it was just on some musical loop whilst tripping on nitrous... but it was all good.

Then, someone said they were turning the gas off... and they moved my chair into the upright position, just like someone flipping up their dinner tray on an airplane. I kept laughing to myself as I cleaned up like a trouper at the tiny chairside sink. They gave me chapstick to take with me, and ushered me down the hallway to pay. They had put a temporary crown on my molar, and scheduled me for next Tuesday for the real deal. And then they'll schedule for all four wisdom teeth to be pulled. YAY!!! More nitrous.... and more Jack Wagner. I'm so thrilled.

So now I'm home, with my new chapstick and $25.00 worth of gourmet potato, minestrone, and chicken soup as well as Tillamook Peanut Butter and Chocolate icecream to keep me happy over the next few days..(try navigating the checkout line at the grocery store with half a frozen face! I think the cash register lady thought I was going to mug her with my Elvis Presley sneer). My tongue keeps snaking over to feel the smooth, plasticy temporary molar that has latched onto my gums. I think I need a nap. I have an overwhelming urge to download some Air Supply as well, which may or may not be worthy of a lawsuit. Time will tell.