So what you see is my new hobby, switch plates. I am enjoying the freedom of clay and the addition of color to my vision.

This medium is fast and fun. I am playing, these are for my enjoyment and let me tell you, I am having fun.

After a long time without being creative, this is the medium I am working in now and it has the juices flowing.

This is just the one I made this morning, there are many more. I might make a gallery at some point, but for now I post this because I am finding my muse again and wanted to share.

I don't have the strength and energy to work in steel right now. I am in stasis with my health now and it feels good to be able to create again. Have fun and see where it leads you.

Christmas Ice

Christmas is over, but it was just magical with about a half inch of ice coating everything.

We are looking forward to the new year now with gratitude.

Family and friends have enriched our lives so, we feel truly blessed.

Thank you

My basement workshop has turned into a lair.

Stuff piled high on the benches and deep on the floor,

narrow pathways to a forgotten purpose.

A morning spent organizing and cleaning has changed the air.

Tools put away, surfaces clean and expectant of new projects,

It is a first step, not back, but forward.

I spend my energy wisely,

it is life force, squandered thoughtlessly in the past,

but so precious now.

We are not who we think we are

I am eager for winter. This morning there was an unexpected light snow, the weather has been very cold so the flakes are super large. The air seems cleaner after the snow, everything is so quiet and some how pure.

Living in four seasons always gives you something to look forward to and the change marks the time.

Reading Thomas Metzinger, "The Ego Tunnel," this morning. " The brain is best described as a complex system continuously trying to settle into a stable state, generating order out of chaos."

Reality Check

Self portrait this morning. It has been interesting recently. I sustained a bite to my finger trying to save my choking dog, Bella. Nearly severed my index finger trying to clear her airway. The biggest concern was infection. With my totally compromised immune system, this bite was life threatening. I have survived with good care and immediate attention and so did my dog.

It did bring my current condition into absolute focus. I am not well. As the ER doc said, "you look better than you do on paper." Fortunately, he had five years doing hand surgery in Boston and was able to stitch everything back together. IV antibiotics and good follow up care has allowed me to keep the finger.

My physical issues have such a direct impact on my mental attitude that it is impossible to separate the two. I am again brought to the awareness that life is a fragile thing. I am grateful for the time I have.

I wish we all could be present for our lives. Watch your thoughts and lead them back to now.

Memories

I had my infusion yesterday morning and the rest of the day was lost to drug stupor. Not all days are spent "floating" but they do give me a benchmark.

I woke up this morning with a vivid memory of standing on the bank of the Mad River at 2 am in the morning and watching an avalanche of ice roar past as the river let go.

Quiet Time

I had some alone time this weekend. It was nice. With only my energy to fill the space, it was beautifully quiet, almost soft. My energy is ebbing so I didn't try to busy myself with chores and just relaxed into it.

I am enjoying a quiet mind these days. My thoughts float by like clouds seen from beneath still water.