Bicycle Paintings

Happy Friday to all! Just a quick post today to let you all know that I have a new page on Endless Velo Love to share. I've debated for some time about the possibility of having an 'art for sale' page, but have gone back and forth so many times that it just hasn't happened. I also haven't wanted to use advertisements (for many reasons) here, but the largest of which is that I have a strange mind, and as soon as I believe something to be a job (which it becomes for me when advertisers are involved), it becomes less fun and interesting for me. That said, blogging takes a decent chunk of time (more than it should, really - but, it's totally worth it), even when it's only 1-2 times a week, and it takes time from my income-generating hours. It's just reality, whether I choose to admit it or not. I have tried to think of a sort of compromise between feeling like I'm selling myself out and being able to keep things going.

The compromise I've reached is that I'm going to go ahead with a page of art for sale. The compromise has two stipulations. First, I am only going to list bicycle-related art for sale on the Bicycle Paintings page and they will be kept small so that it doesn't interfere with my normally scheduled work. Secondly, this will be for a trial time period to see if there is even any interest (which there may very well not be). I have no idea how long the "trial" period will be before I make a decision about whether it stays or goes, but it's here for now and if you have interest in such things, please feel free to take a look every once in awhile to see if there's anything new.

Currently, there are just a few random, small paintings up on the page. They are all a little different from one another, so if there isn't something of interest at the moment, keep your eyes peeled for new works in the future. I probably won't post regular updates in blog posts, but I will post on Twitter when there are new pieces available, so if you don't follow me and have interest in updates, that would probably be the best place to get them (there's a link to my Twitter account over on the sidebar at the left).

So, that's it. Just wanted to share a little bit about the new page. I hope you're having a great Friday and have plans for a spectacular weekend! Happy riding.

Painting the Sam Hillborne: Color Suggestions?

The topic of bicycle color has definitely come up here prior to today, but I am currently debating colors to paint the Sam Hillborne, so it has become more personal at the moment. When I bought the frame, I was having trouble finding one in a small enough size to fit me, and the one partner of Rivendell who had the appropriate sized frame had already built it up as a bike.  The owner of the shop indicated that it would probably save me money to just purchase the whole bike from him, but I can be stubborn and had dreams of picking everything out for myself, so I declined his offer. He warned that the frame would likely have paint chips around eyelets and such due to removal of racks, etc. I assured him that it wasn't an issue, and regardless of whether I had purchased the bike whole or not, it would have needed to be disassembled for shipment, so I can't very well blame my stubbornness for the paint chipping off the bike.

There is a very small chip in the paint on the seat tube in this picture, however,
most of the major ones seem to be on the alternate side of the Hillborne.

When the frame arrived, there were indeed many paint chips on eyelets from removal of the prior parts, however, I knew that they would be covered for the most part by items I would be attaching. I had actually inquired about touch up paint from Riv, but that was not a possibility. Unfortunately, the paint on the rest of the frame soon began flaking off on its own (I don't know if this was merely a fluke with this bike's paint - others have said they've had no problems with theirs, and I've had no issues with the Betty thus far). For the first several months of ownership I didn't let anyone near this bike, I babied it as though it were a - well, baby - and never did anything harsh or abusive to the frame (not that I abuse it now, but I'm less fanatical around the bike as I realize it is still just a bike - regardless of what I may want to believe - you know, that it has mystical powers, makes me look better, etc).  At this point, there are several places that the paint has come off that are visible on the frame (some of them quite large), and since it is steel, I don't want it to get to the point that it begins to rust. Not to mention, I was never particularly in love with the color of this bike, so it seems a good time to start thinking about color change. In some ways I am happy that it needs paint because I can justify changing the color sooner than seems reasonable, but it's actually created quite a dilemma.

I thought that I knew the color that I wanted to paint the bike - I've had it picked out in my mind for over a year now - but as I think about it more and look at color options, I can see things going in two ways. First option: keep things more muted, classic, and understated (this was the original idea), or (second option) perhaps it is better to try out something bright? In some sense, I find that I'm more visible because of the orange color (even when there isn't as much light out), so perhaps going brighter makes more sense?

RAL 4009 - A lavender/gray-ish color to keep it looking classic

I tend to be drawn to very brightly colored bikes, but I appreciate the subtly in more muted colors as well. It's a little disturbing to be drawn to such different colors... but it's fun to think about what the Hillborne would look like with each of the different possibilities.

RAL 1016 - Maybe bright yellow is the way to go?

There are so many options to choose from that I find it difficult to make a decision, so I know I will hold off until I'm certain of the direction I want to go. But, when you have a chart of colors to pick from, it's difficult to narrow things down it seems.

RAL color chart - so many colors!

I find that I am fond of many different options, but I'm curious, if you were going to paint your bike, what color would you choose? Do you prefer the more muted tones, or would you opt for a brighter option? And, of course, if you'd like to offer suggestions for the Hillborne specifically, I'm all ears... err, uh, eyes.

Crazy Days are Here Again

I'm feeling crazed and a bit chaotic these days. As the end of this semester draws to a close in the next few weeks, the true frantic nature of  "the end" seems to set in. These days, I am consumed by painting (both for school and in an attempt to get our basement to a finished state for would-be visitors during the holiday season), research papers that I have put off due to the above, and of course, like everyone else, attempting to maintain the rest of life.

More pigeons in progress - some day, this project will be done

All of this is not to complain, but rather to say that the next few weeks will likely be a bit sporadic with posting. Here are some brief updates as far as life and bicycles go:

- Sam's much loved Bianchi has made it back to the house after a roughly 3 week vacation during which the frame received desperately needed surface rust removal and a paint job. It looks beautiful and I can't wait to take some photos to share.

- I am still attempting to figure out the Bella Ciao Superba. Being stuck indoors for most of the last week hasn't helped with these efforts, but I have hopes that this will change in the upcoming weeks. Sharing more thoughts is certainly on the way. There is also another temporarily acquired bicycle in the house, which I hope to use for comparison purposes with the Bella Ciao Superba (though it rides nothing like the Bella Ciao).

- We have one of the two rooms in the basement "finished," meaning that flooring and paint is complete, but it still needs furniture. The second room will be de-ickified/scary-ified this weekend (see here for an image of what it felt like prior), so progress is being made.

- My 3/4 critique with the mass-o-pigeons went well. I think people are amused by them, especially in mass (it's difficult to ignore a room with several dozen painted pigeons). I also think people will now refer to me as the "crazy pigeon lady," but I'm okay with it. The painting coordinator seems on board with my idea to invade the space of the gallery in the spring (though my instructor is not), but only time will tell if the curator and other artists will be down with the whole plan.

So, there you have it, updates from life here in these parts. The weeks are flying by, and here we are again with a wish for a very happy Friday. Get out there and ride, especially if you're here in Colorado where we're expecting near 60 degree Fahrenheit temps today (now if only the wind would subside). Happy Friday and quickly approaching weekend. Enjoy it, wherever life takes you.

Fun Bicycle Fabrics

I'm in the midst of working on my thesis painting project, and while I find many excuses not to be working on the things I should be doing, this is relevant to both my "work" at the moment, and bicycles, so I thought I'd quickly share. My thesis project has me working on non-traditional canvas, and I'm instead working with various printed fabrics. I went on a hunt to find some bike fabric and found a ton of wonderful options.

I ended up purchasing only two of them because I don't need much, and I needed some fairly specific qualities out of the fabric, but if anyone out there is in search of bike fabrics for various projects or crafts, Etsy seems to have a plethora of choices at the moment. I also couldn't help but notice that one of the fabrics I selected is quite similar to some of the Po Campo fabrics I've seen recently.

The coloring is a bit different on each of them, but I couldn't help but think, "I've seen this somewhere before." While I'm not a particularly crafty person, I know there are a lot of people who do some really beautiful and creative things with fabrics and other items. Has anyone had the opportunity to see any fun bicycle "stuff" recently, or made anything you're proud of?

Going to the Birds

All has gone quiet once again on my end. It must be the end of the semester! :o)  I'm almost through with finals, but between the move and preparing for the end, I just haven't found a lot of spare time to do the things I'd like to do (particularly, riding my bike). In lieu of a post about bicycles/bicycling/bicycling relevant topics, I thought I'd just do a quick post with a few of the paintings from my last project.

I came across a flock of pigeons several weeks ago, and as crazy as it sounds, for some reason, they caught my eye. They were actually quite gorgeous, and I decided that I'd paint a dozen pigeons for my final painting project. I'm only posting a few, and none of them are completely done, but, as stated, I feel like something is missing in life since I've found myself involved in so many other projects.  For some reason, I felt the need to name all the pigeons, so here we go (at least I'm only putting a few)...

This is Kevin. The pigeon.
Watercolor on unprimed canvas

This is Foghorn. Another pigeon.
Watercolor on unprimed canvas

This is Morticia. You guessed it... another pigeon.
Watercolor on unprimed canvas

It has been a fun experience to try watercolor on canvas rather than paper, and it's had mixed results. I wish I'd left the watercolor to do its thing a bit more and not fight with it quite so much, but overall, I think they are decent. Hopefully, it's a move in a direction for my thesis project; which, as much as I hate to admit it, is creeping up on me.

Happy Monday!

Another Art Show - Pablo Neruda

Another art show has come to fruition... This one is a Pablo Neruda Festival for which my painting class has been asked to create works that reference some of Neruda's poetry. If you're in the Denver area and are bored Friday evening, or just want to check out something different, you should definitely take a look!

While I'm not thrilled with my painting, it looks like there will be some very interesting things to see... so, come check it out! The show opens Friday, April 1, and will run until April 29.

First Friday at Tennyson's Tap

Last night we went to the art exhibition at Tennyson's Tap, as well as checking out the local art on Tennyson Street in Denver. It was a strange feeling to have a piece of art hanging somewhere than in the closet of my art space, or in our living room at home.

I, unfortunately, forgot the camera, so all I had was the camera phone, in a poorly lit space, so the photos are not fabulous. Our friend, Will, who had come along as support, sold me out about 15 seconds after we arrived on site. I had gone to greet the curator of the show when I turned around to, "Her! There she is. She did it!" and a gentleman asking about my "barn" painting.

I was a bit shocked (and unprepared) to be asked questions about the painting, but I think I did okay, considering that I am always highly unsure of what to say about my work. I have to admit, it was pretty cool to see a painting of mine hanging up in a show though. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all.

A live musician was playing while we were there, which definitely made the mood more lively, and also relaxed (which is great for me as I fear the typical gallery scene and its formalities). There were also some other interesting pieces to see, some of which I hadn't viewed prior to the show. It was definitely fun to check out the work of others as well. Overall, a good experience, and again, if anyone is in the Denver area, the exhibit will be up until mid-April, so I would highly recommend coming in to check it out.

More Abstract Nonsense

I started my final painting for my painting class a couple of weeks ago. It was based off of a photo found at a mercantile of a few friends on bicycles who were roaming somewhere in England on a day off from the Navy during WWII. I desperately want this to be a good painting, because it's something I'd like to keep. Unfortunately, time has not been on my side, and the painting has been saved for another time to complete when I have more than a few days to put the work into it that I would like to so that it is what I hope it will be.

Instead, I started a completely new painting today... an abstract painting. Abstracts put the fear of God in me, I can tell you as they never seem to come out the way I want them to. Perhaps it's the pressure the instructors put on me, or perhaps they just aren't my forte, but they never seem to come together for me. So, when I started today, I was already a bit scared from the get go. I had a loose plan, but I told myself it was okay to revise as I went along. Forgive the horrid quality of the photos, as they were taken with a crappy camera phone, but I think the idea comes across that my mood shifted dramatically while working on this.

This was round two of working on the canvas. Basically, I had covered the canvas with an ultramarine blue color and then covered that with a blend of cadmium orange, pale yellow, magenta, and a bit of titanium white. I was actually pretty happy with this, and considered just doing some slight changes and turning it in. But, I changed my mind and went on to the next layer.

I wasn't sure what to make of it during this stage, and just kind of kept adding more layers onto the work, to see if something would happen. it also seemed very monotone in value, so I decided to add in some whites.

The layering process continued and I started to see this more as a darker painting than one that was so light as it was originally. So, I kept playing with it.

Was I just making a giant mess? That is how it was seeming to go. Colors were getting muddy, how should I get through this? Should I just start over? Who knows... but I kept going.

I could really see this turning dark, and wasn't sure if I wanted to leave it as such, or if I liked it better in the original state with the more orange colors.

The above photo was my stopping point this afternoon. I decided that I need to give myself a bit of a break to decide where I'm going with this because I've now taken something that started off so light and fairly delicate into a very dark place. Strangely, I like both the light and dark versions, but I feel that compositionally there is much to be desired, so I need to give myself a bit of room and time (though not much as tomorrow is my last day to work on this) to decide what needs to be done. I think the process has been quite therapeutic, regardless of the ultimate outcome.

Mr. Stench

This last week of classes (well, almost last week, as next week will be finals) has me racing about attempting to finish all the work I've procrastinated in completing. Why is it that even when it's something I enjoy, I still put off getting it done? Can't quite figure that out. At the moment, I'm working on my last (thank God) watercolor painting. I'm about 3/4 of the way through it, it's due tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, and I'm realizing that watercolor is perhaps not my media. Okay, there's no "perhaps" about it. It's just not my friend. Maybe I need more time with the medium, or I just haven't found a method that works for me, but I'm glad this is wrapping up in the near future.

Since everyone seems to take every project entirely too seriously, I have opted to do a portrait of Johnny Depp (aka Mr. Stench). I've had a few looks while working on this in class that seem to say, "Seriously? This is what you're working on?" But I really don't care. It amuses me because my classmates (for the most part) seem to think that everything must be entirely serious art work with an obviously deep message. The message here? I'm sick of thinking, I don't want anything deep and meaningful at the moment, and J.D. is just awesome.

The strange light orange spots are actually masking fluid to keep the whites clean, so they'll be coming off toward the end of this little project. I'm nearing the end... and I feel a countdown ticking in my head!

Bicycle Painting Ideas?

My next (and final) painting project for one of my courses is to be a subject matter of my choosing. The instructions are, "As long as it has a good concept, the sky's the limit." That leaves a lot of room for me to think, ponder, second-guess and so on. The initial idea I had was to go with something I'm currently experiencing and feeling, but I also have tucked away in the back of my head something related to bicycles. I really haven't done a bicycle painting, with the exception of a quick abstract sort of work almost a year ago, and it wasn't something I liked at all.

That project just became too crafty looking (not that I am against crafts, but that wasn't the point of this project), and since it was completed in just a couple of hours, it shows. Plus, it's really not identifiable. Anyway, so I'm attempting to come up with an idea that makes sense to me, and that will keep me motivated to complete the painting. Thoughts such as bikes=enlightenment or perhaps just having a sea of bikes keep coming to mind. The problem is, I'm not sure it will be viewed as art, but rather as some giant poster, or an idea that didn't materialize. I've also considered combining the bicycle thought with my prior idea, which centered more around the idea of invisibility, or disappearing into the masses. Something ala Carol Carter, like the one below.

*Image from watercolorcarol.blogspot.com

While I haven't completely concocted a good plan for this project, the wheels are turning, and I'm always up for suggestions.

Random Info

Once again, Colorado, and specifically Boulder, is burning to the ground. We've had more than our fair share over the last several weeks, but this one seems to be under better control than the last couple we've experienced in the area.

In bicycle news, a four year old child is apparently able to be sued for riding a bicycle on the pavement and striking an elderly woman (who died several months later after surgery on her hip), an NY judge has ruled. What is this world coming to?

On a personal note, I decided to ditch my all day painting class today and instead spent the day pretty much doing pointless, random activities. I have to say, it was awesome (and I even snuck in a nap - which NEVER happens). After a bad review of my last two pieces, I just wasn't ready to face the painting world today.

I think a nice bike ride to enjoy our lovely high 70s weather is in order tomorrow, certainly!

Happy Friday!!

Paintings in Progress

Working on paintings this weekend because the weather is atrocious. As usual, we have our couple of days of rain, then we'll go back to warmer weather, and then, miraculously, it will snow. So much for enjoying a fall season here in Colorado.

Painting number one was supposed to be an urban landscape, however, since I live nowhere even remotely urban, I've adjusted the project to include a structure/architecture, but it's not very urban-like. We have an old abandoned sugar mill in town, and next to it is an old storage barn. I spent a great deal of time taking a ton of pictures of the area, but something about the barn stood out to me. Why? I'm not sure. The actual structure is quite dull in person, but in playing with the photo, I think it became more interesting to me.

Sugar mill storage area... photo not so exciting

When I started working on the painting itself, things sort of took a turn and things became much more dramatic color-wise with this. I also wasn't horribly concerned with depicting things exactly as they are, but rather in getting a sense of a time and place. It's still not quite done, but it's getting close to the end now.

Sugar mill barn area painting in progress

As can be seen, the painting is still wet, and thus I have to wait for it to dry. I think I'll work on the roof area a bit more as it's really bugging me, and probably work the weed field a bit more as well. Additionally, I'm trying to work with the shadow side of the building, but we'll see how it goes.

The second painting is an abstract that I have both struggled with, and completely avoided at times. It's still not very far along, but I am trying my best to make myself work on it to get so some sort of stopping point.

Abstract painting base, and still definitely in progress

It looks like a giant piece of fabric at this moment, but I think it will come together, or I guess I should say that I hope it will. It's taken a turn for the worse in its currently wet state, but I have a few more days to pull it together.

In addition, I'm working on a watercolor painting, so I should probably get back to things paint related. At least we're almost half way through the semester. In some sense, it's gone very quickly, but in other ways, I'm longing for it to be done and over.

Struggles with Abstraction

My current painting project in progress is an abstract piece. Normally, I would be entirely thrilled about the prospect of being able to paint something abstract, as realism seems to be the focus of most of my painting classes. The assignment is to paint something that is an abstraction from nature, which does not use any of the local/natural colors of said nature, and (this is the kicker for me) that has a recognizable/identifiable concept.

Helen Frankenthaler abstract piece, Nature Abhors a Vacuum
Source: nga.gov

Abstract art is defined loosely as 'art that does not depict recognizable scenes or objects, but instead is made up of forms and colors that exist for their own expressive sake' (from the Dictionary of 20th Century Art). While there are different ways that artist's express abstract art, to me, the beauty of abstraction is that it doesn't have to be about anything. Of course, for some artist's it is 'about' something.

Vance Kirkland's Forces of Nature
Source: csfineartscenter.org

If you've ever been to the Kirkland Museum in Denver, it is quickly recognizable that Mr. Kirkland was a huge admirer of nature and space themes, and even though his work is very abstract, and his ideas were purely hypothetical of what could happen, there is a definite idea behind his work.


For my project, I have a definite concept/idea. I am a lover of all things related to elephants, and have strong feelings regarding poaching the animals simply for their tusks. Even though killing elephants has long been banned, they are still being killed in large numbers simply to remove what is essentially two large teeth, which are then made into jewelry and other items. One of the interesting and rather sad things about the poaching is that elephants with large tusks are the ones who are killed to get the most for the deed. This has created a genetic shift in the animal, because the elephants with small or no tusks are left alive, thus creating a genetic mutation of sorts with elephants being born with no tusks at all. 

Tuskless elephants are increasing in numbers due to poaching
Source: abc.net.au

 The idea is clear for the project, but causing said idea to come through in the painting is another story. I've done about a dozen color sketches, trying to reach some kind of sense or conclusion, but nothing comes from it. This seems silly to me as an abstraction may not show a clear idea at all. I'm struggling with how abstract to make the piece and how much I really want to worry about it. In the end, I think I need to do what I think is visually best, but I'm struggling with pleasing the instructor (e.g. following instructions) and doing what seems natural to me. I suppose that the truth remains: no one ever says art is easy.

Start of Week 4

Entering week four of classes, I'm surprised at how quickly it's going and at how little I'm actually accomplishing.  Since I feel as though I'm not actually getting anything done, I thought I'd post some in progress photos of my first watercolor project.

Why every art instructor thinks that doing the first project in black and white and of a still life is a necessity, I'm still not sure. I'm a bit intimidated by the water media because it just kind of wants to do whatever it wants to do and the artist doesn't seem to have much control. While there are ways of controlling the media, it often times seems to have a mind of its own. The black and white project was then to be turned into a color of the same subject, and though I thought the color would be easier, I think I struggled more putting things together with color than I did with black and white.

Not a great picture, but here's the first black and white project for Watermedia

It's quite apparent that there is work still to be done, but part of me doesn't want to obsess over it, especially so early in the semester. If I kind of take my time learning the media, then I can feel as though I'm improving over the course of 16 weeks, right? But, there are definitely many things I'd like to change. The color image is actually worse, but this is partly due to the fact that I ran out of time and started quickly doing things (which doesn't work with watermedia I have discovered).

Color version, though much smaller, of the same objects

I think this should be an interesting class. Figuring out watercolor will be a challenge, but an interesting one at that. Meanwhile, I have a giant oil painting that I haven't even begun and a second one that I'm supposed to have started coming up on Friday. It's all moving along quickly and before I know it, I'll be whining that it's time to start the spring semester, I'm sure.

In Need of Motivation and a Mental Overhaul

I'm sitting here on a beautiful, 70-something spring day, sitting, staring at the kitchen walls. I have four different colors currently adorning the walls, and I have no motivation to get to painting. I had a sad but real epiphany the other day that there is no way we are going to be able to move from our house, probably for at least a good five years (honestly, maybe more), and this sent me into a supreme tailspin. I thought that perhaps brightening up the house would make me feel better. The cheery colors would make me feel better about being "stuck" in this house, and, I'd have the added bonus of being able to paint some pieces to put up on the walls as well. Instead, I've "test" painted in several places, making an extreme mess, I'm still unsure of what I'm doing, and while I do think the house needs a bit of sprucing up, I think it was a mistake to start such an activity in my current state of mind. I really don't like feeling this way. I want to be excited about a new project, and you'd think I'd be nice and motivated to get going, but instead, I paint a few rolls and then feel like I want a nap. If that's not the true definition of depression, I don't know what is. I'm lethargic, and even though I went to the gym this morning, I half-assed it (though this is partially due to my back injury from riding on Friday into town) just to get through the routine of it. I took the dogs to the park to run, and went to get them food. Now, all I want to do is sit here and do absolutely nothing. I feel like there are all these things I "should" be doing. I keep thinking that no one I know has the luxury of three months off to do whatever their heart desires, but all my heart desires (apparently) is to do nothing. I don't even want to ride my bike - which is odd. So, now, I have to figure out how to snap out of the funk and want to do the things that need to get done. I can't leave the kitchen and living room in the state their end, and I just keep staring and thinking, "Who cares?" I do realize that it doesn't have to be completed in a day, but I also know that as it sits longer and longer, the less likely I am to get it done. I just feel as though I want to sit here and cry. I don't even know why. I understand there's nothing we can do about moving, but it's like that one thing has just completely wiped out any motivation to do anything. I'm not even sure that's what it is. Part of me thinks I just need to color match the paint on the walls and just cover up the mess I've started, but the other part of me knows it needs a face lift. I don't even know what to do anymore, and I don't seem to be able to make any kind of decision. The colors I pick are weird, and I don't know if it's because there's no real natural light in here, or if it's something else.

On a completely un-paint-and-un-depression-related note, I found out that there is a Denver bicycle shop that sells the Pashley brand of bicycles, and it might even be possible to test ride one, so I'm kind of excited about that, as well as the possibility of riding a Workcycles Oma on our trip to California. There is a bicycle shop in Santa Barbara that has these, and I've been wanting to test ride both of these to see if they're all they're cracked up to be. I don't know, I guess I just want to know if there is something better out there, and if either are worth the extra forked out dough. The only way it could be better is to find a place locally (or on the trip in a few weeks) that has Velorbis bicycles in stock and available to test ride. Maybe thinking about riding them will cheer me up? It's a nice thought, regardless of my present mental states.

Bicycles are Fun

It's a beautiful day today here in Colorado. The sun is shining brightly, no real clouds to speak of in the sky, and the temps are causing me to long for Spring time (we're near 60 degrees at 3p). Unfortunately, it is March and it is a highly unpredictable month for these parts. One day it will be high fifty degree temperatures, and the next it could be near zero and snowing. Such a fickle state, but I suppose that's what so many people love about it.

Because of this beautiful weather today, and the fact that I'm avoiding painting (per my usual when the sun is out and calling to me), I decided that I'd ride my bicycle over to UPS to get some packages off to where they belong. I had on a turtleneck and sweater, and quickly realized that the sweater was unnecessary. I felt for the packages behind me on the Ticino's rear rack every once in awhile, as I haven't quite mastered securing packages to this particular rack. All was moving along swimmingly... until I reached UPS, dismounted my bicycle, and realized that my packages had disappeared. I walked around the parking lot thinking I must've lost them close by, but they were no where in sight. So, I got back on the bike and retraced my steps. About a half mile out, I found my packages: one in the middle of the busy road (which had been run over a couple of times) and the other sitting in the gutter/shoulder of the road. {sigh} What's a girl to do? Just as I realized that my packages were on the other side of the road, a nice city worker pulled up on the opposite side, trying to investigate the package in the middle of the road. I shouted to him that it was mine and that I'd lost it on my way over to deposit them at UPS. He very generously offered to put on his orange vest and brave the road to retrieve -the package, while I ran across (in my non-day-glow orange clothes) to get the other one. Luckily, we both survived... the packages, weren't in the best of shape, however. Fortunately for me, UPS guy (who normally ignores me when I drop packages) was kind enough to provide me a supply of packing tape to get them all put back together again. At least it made for an interesting trip on an otherwise uneventful bicycle ride. My only regret was not taking pictures of the packages as they rolled about in the road.

So now I'm back home, preparing to get back to painting. I actually did paint earlier, but when it got so warm, I felt the need to bicycle anywhere I could. I have a take home test to complete, a redo in ceramics (damn the exploding pregnant llama!) and a cutting project (that sounds weird, but I swear it only involves paper and scissors/exacto knife) to get through, so I have plenty to keep me busy for some time.