Champagne Thursday

Frolicking

Original oil painting 20x16"

by Susan Roux

So the five artists renting the house in February got together for lunch. It was introduction day. Aside from being artistically stimulating an interesting concept came up.

Champagne Thursday.

Are any of you familiar with it? It's from the movie Failure to Launch with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey. My girlfriend and I adopted it since the movie came out years ago. We get together on certain Thursdays to chat, drink champagne and just cut loose for a few hours. If it's summer, we sit outside on the garden bench. Winter has us curled in front of the fire... Maybe a little tablecloth on a side table with a few hors d'oeuvres, an ice bucket to keep it chilled and laughter, lots and lots of laughter. The great thing about Champagne Thursday is it doesn't need to be planned ahead of time. It doesn't even need to be on a Thursday!

So a simple phrase like, Is it Champagne Thursday this Sunday? Is always followed by an emphatic and enthusiastic YES!

As time went on, random guests were invited to join us on our very random "Thursdays".

I'm not sure why this came up during our introduction lunch, but suffice it to say it did. And as all Champagne Thursdays go, once it's brought up, it must go on...

So here it is. The decision was made to have one on Thursday, February 24 at the rental house. Artists are invited, including you. All that's required is that you bring champagne or wine and an appetizer. Champagne Thursday will officially start at 5:00 pm. So if you're around and want to come join the fun, you'll also get to see what we've been up to during our retreat (hint, lots and lots of art...), stop on by. The house is located in Freeport Maine. As soon as I get the address, I'll pass it along.

No overnights. A lot of you seemed very interested in this week-long art retreat. Wouldn't it be fun if a bunch of you rented another house in Freeport (rents are cheap this time of year...) the same week, and we all got together for champagne and art talks? If any of you are really interested, the week is February 19-26. School vacation. You can comment that you'd like to rent and all hook up through my blog. I can even help you find a nice house if you want. Imagine the possibilities...

Artists connecting with other artists. It's what it's all about. Are you interested?

Frolicking is my latest painting. Too bad I didn't paint a still life with champagne bottles, it would have been so appropriate for this post!

Warm soil

The sun shines and the green carpet is laid outside my front door. The lawn is nearing its first "mow" of the season. How lush and inviting it is.

Creativity surges through my veins. It bubbles and excites. The yellow daffodils radiate tall above the dense patches of blue snow glories. Large tulip buttons rise and await their turn for center stage. Such beauty. The colors of the garden intermingle like the colors of a painting. Spring is calling. Its calling me out. I want to go play in the dirt...

Its a great time to rearrange perennials. As they pop out of the ground, memories of last summer's garden flood my mind. The blossoms. The colors. The spectacular dance of changes, as new flowers bloom and others fade. The garden can change color totally in the process. As I watch each new plant emerge from the warm soil, I remember its unique presence and gift to the garden.

Some plants have grown taller than expected and block delicate others. Beautiful, hidden plants should be moved. The excitement of rearranging urges me forward. Its the creativity of the process. Like sculpting an unseen item. The imagination is what leads. Imagining height, color and blooming time. Rearranging is the creation. The outcome is the show. The show of scented color that will continue to come until autumn's frost. But now, frost is far from my mind. Warm sun takes over.

I have many flower gardens. They are all around my home in unusual ameba-shapes that inspire asymmetry. Like wondering, exciting sprawls rising out of the green carpet. They seduce me...

I succumb.

Some plants will be switched to different beds. The shuffle begins. One large spring effort gives way to a summer season of pause and enjoyment, viewed from the pleasure of my garden bench. Sitting there in the afternoon sun, filling my lungs with sweet perfume, makes me thankful for all I've been given in this world. In nature I feel closest to God. What wonderful creations He has made! And he shares it all...

Its good we're sharing our gifts, our talents and our support. It makes God smile down on us. And that's always a good thing...

Let spirits soar

The snow is falling. Quietly falling.

I awoke to six inches of new snow and it continues to dance down in large beautiful flakes. It clings to everything, every branch, every object. I love the interesting shapes it creates, transforming shrubs and evergreens into magnificent works of art! My garden bench is always a particular favorite. With every snow fall and partial melting in between, it becomes an evolving work of art. The snow shapes left behind and the new snow added collects on the rails and slats in new and interesting patterns each time. I could stare out the window all day...

Black-capped chickadees take turns at the bird-feeders. The green gazebo shaped one is their favorite. I love the way the snow cones up high on its roof. In and out they go. The tufted titmouse joins in their feasting. Aside from the continuous falling snow, theirs is the only movement.

A day of calm and serenity awaits. My spirit rests. After the recent difficult news our family has received, a day of rest is is needed and welcomed. I'll start a fire in the wood stove. The warm heat will add to the day's peacefulness, relaxing the body to its core.

I will paint.

My "children at the beach" series needs my attention. They sit dry, calling to be added to. Dripping new layers of paint will be healing. I chuckle at the contrast with the day. Pure white snow and cold temperatures versus oceans of color on a warm beach day. Its exactly what my spirit needs. Don't you just love dates with your easel? In the calmness, I'll let my creativity soar.

Pictured is Marching, a finished painting in this series. I have many to go to be ready with inventory for my galleries this year. I think painting is the best job someone could have. Today is a holiday, but I choose to go work on my day off...

I wish you moments to let your spirit soar, no matter how heavy life may feel. Those precious days of calm and peacefulness are a gift to be embraced. Go embrace yours with whatever makes you feel good!