Friday, February 26, 2010

Artsy Fartsy

For the last several years, well ever since I heard about it, I have wanted to go to an artists' retreat called Art Fest, which is held every spring in Port Townsend, Washington. I bring it up every year to my husband, who. like most men, doesn't get hints. He often doesn't get clear suggestions. It takes a physical blow or something like it for an idea to sink in, especially when it is one that requires change in his routine or money from his account.

So, while we were out for Thai food a few weeks ago, I decided it was time for my annual Bring-Up-Art-Fest conversation. Lo and behold, y'all, he said, "I think you should just go."

I said, "Excuse me? Do you have any idea how much it's gonna cost? After I pay for the classes and lodging and then meals and supplies and travel...it's gonna be more than a thousand bucks." He responded (God love him!), "Well, if I had the chance to go to Alaska to catch salmon, I'd go; and it would cost a whole lot more than a thousand bucks!"

I love this man!

So, I started choosing what classes I'm going to take and figuring out if I should drive the 13 hours or spend a few hundred more to fly. That's when I was feeling a little lonely about it. I mean, why doesn't god give me a friend or two who enjoy creating? All my friends are badass athletes or would never leave their families or have no extra money...none would do what it takes to join me for Art Fest.

But I do have one wacky, zany friend who loves to create. She is a single mom, though, so a lot of obstacles are there for her, but she is at least spontaneous.

I though of her immediately when I saw on a blog that there was an essay context and the winner gets a free trip to Art Fest. I called said wacky friend and told her about it. She called me back 10 minutes later and said she wrote up something and sent it in.

Well...she won! so we are going to Art Fest!!!!!

Today we are going to get together and try to come up with cool little knick knacks to join in the trading that goes on among the participants. I love the feeling of excitement building, getting my stuff organized and ready for something fun.

My one concern is that I will come back form this event and want to quit my job and be a full time artist.

It could happen.

4 comments:

Roger Howell said...

As we have talked before, it may be up to you to educate teachers as Eliza goes through school.
She gets it, and without facing the teacher constantly. Sometimes you run across a teacher who should be tending pigs. Really intelligent kids like Eliza may always appear to be day dreaming to the untrained teacher. Don't allow her to be punished for gazing out the window. Remember teachers repeat the lesson for average students, three times for slower ones. Bright kids got it the first time.

Carol said...

Well said Roger. Plus the "daydreamers" of the world end up being the movers & shakers. While they are "daydreaming" they are thinking about how to change the world!

John Bobo said...

What a neat story, and what a friends frind you are.

Lori said...

Wow, how exciting to go to the art fest! That is great. I love the story about your husband and his Alaska comment. My husband and I actually went to Alaska last summer to celebrate our 10th anniversary. It was maybe the most awesome place I have ever been, definitely up in the top 2 with Bora Bora! You should both go there too! Without kids. We hiked on a glacier, saw the salmon fishermen, and many other things.... There is a conference this September called the Creative connection. It's in Minneapolis I think. I would love to go but I doubt if I'll be able this year.