Welcome to the busiest month for all things creative! I’m a bit behind on updates due to managing some family events that involved transporting goods across country. Everything arrived in tact and the process of sorting and placing, recycling and re-imagining has begun.

However, I missed updating everyone on all things creative, so we’ll start with a felted pumpkin that just traveled from one coast to the other. I made this little one a couple of October’s ago as one of several gifts, when taking a class in needle felting. So it’s the perfect objet d’art to bring out this month! Next, check out my Engaging Art News page for more interesting creative subjects. I just updated that.

I am extricating myself from the piles of minutia to spend some time outdoors with a new group this weekend. I hope you can do likewise. Fresh air does us all good. Speaking of en plain air, I just repaired my father’s old french easel and can’t wait to carve out some time to do some watercolor paintings outside. Clamps at the ready for those breezy mornings or afternoons. Working outside causes the watercolors to dry faster and therefore the mind to work quicker on what is most important to capture.

As I read through the journals of parents and unbox the antiques and paintings/sketches that have been handed down to me and my brother, I am struck by how much the visual arts have figured in our ancestry on both sides of the family, despite the over-arching agrarian culture we descend from. That really makes me happy because it shows, that no matter what you have to do to survive and thrive, the arts are an essential part of the human condition. Bravo ancestors, both male and female!

One of the reasons you won’t find me on social media and why I usually utilize television programs for company, rather than just seated entertainment, when left to myself to manage mindless tasks is, I want to spend my spare time otherwise learning about arts or actively learning and creating new works. I’m not one for going in on the latest “tea” about someone, I generally want to know if they have any creative tendencies. And, if it proves that they do, I’m interested in WHAT.

While I find life lead by the greediest to be spooky enough, I have many artist friends who like to create gruesome and ghoulish images during this season. Power to them if it helps them cope and gives them joy. I just tend toward the whimsical instead. What’s your creative inclination as we move into the season of crisp fall leaves, spicy foods and drinks and ghostly sounds? Think about it and create something you find fun this month. Or attend one of the many art shows and get some inspiration for something in November to create. Until then, I wish you health, abundance of creativity and a sprinkling of joy too! Boo!