Thank you to all for your encouraging and loving comments on my last post... each one made me so happy and helped to bring the light back into my summer...
And so, as my friend Lynne said, I took back control of my life.
Outside of Ashland, Oregon there is a beautiful winery that my daughter introduced me to last year... When the gallery that I showed my work closed in Klamath Falls, she said..."Mom, your work would be perfect at "Paschal Winery..." and we went there one afternoon for some wine tasting...
Well it took me about a year, but I finally called the winery and left a message with my number and my blog address... The beautiful manager, Agnieszka, called me back very excited to set up an interview... and so began a new phase of my life, I think...
I drove over the Cascades, a drive I am very familiar with, all the time watching the scenery and loving the views of Oregon's wine country.
About an hour and a half later, I set down some of my larger paintings on the leather couch inside the winery, where they were completely at home... and I guess my daughter was right, they fit it beautifully. Agnieszka and I set up a time for my own show, complete with an evening of wine tasting and music, six weeks in April... and talked and talked. Below is one of her employee's who came out to see my work...
She was so lovely I had to take her picture as she looked through one of my books...
And a view from the balcony of summer hillsides, I live across the far mountains in the top right corner.
My heart was dancing ever more when we had our "Art Gathering" at my house this weekend... We began with a drum circle... a dream come true for me... especially when I saw everyone come in with their drums and other instruments... This is Jan, and Shari in the back...
And Gaelyn, our leader...
The hands of Lynne...
And we began to make art. I supplied everyone with small tin boxes and many leftover metal scraps, and they got to work.
This is Darlene's beginning...
And Jan's,
And Gaelyn's...
And here are some of the almost final products...
Anna, who worked on a larger piece...
And Lynne, who stayed late and we talked through the rest of the afternoon...
and one last image, Rebecca's small beauty...
Art and friends in the garden... still making me smile... If you have time you should visit these artist's websites... they are very beautiful.
YESSERIEE!! Your paintings are absolutely perfect in that winery, and I am sooo happy for you. How exciting! I hope they want endless pieces from you.
Thank you for sharing your afternoon in the garden with us. I truly felt like I was there. I have been to a couple of drummings, but none with art included. How fun. I enlarged everyone's art so I could see it better.
Your area of the country is breathtakingly beautiful. I've never been out West and your photos make me want to come.
Posted by: katiejane | June 29, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Roxanne! see, the world is opening up to you!!
My husband plays the djembe drums so I know how wonderful this is...your art group looks like a very talented group...wonderful pics!!
Posted by: Stephanie | June 29, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Taking charge of your life...woohooo! Love the winery, love the drumming and love the friends and beautiful art pieces...summer is looking fine at your place! Congratulations on showing your work at the winery!
Posted by: mary ann | June 29, 2009 at 05:36 PM
so glad you are seeing some light through the dark forest and sooo soon! congrats to you! caterina
Posted by: caterina giglio | June 29, 2009 at 06:44 PM
congratulations on the upcoming show! - it sounds perfect for you - friends & art in the garden indeed! I can feel the energy from here!
Posted by: Jeane | June 29, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Life is Beautiful and so are you. I wish I could join your drumming/art circle. Maybe someday....
Posted by: Kathleen Botsford | June 30, 2009 at 07:19 AM
it's ALL beautiful, roxanne!! i am sending you love.... xo
Posted by: lynne | June 30, 2009 at 02:49 PM
that is so exciting! congrats!
I so wish i could find a group of friends to make art with! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: tami | June 30, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Rock On Roxanne!*%&!@#
Those are happy exclamations.
The drummers look fun, you should've invited all of us! ;)
Posted by: mansuetude | July 01, 2009 at 01:39 PM
This is sweet and beautiful. An inspiration, for sure.
Posted by: Chris | July 01, 2009 at 02:58 PM
This post is overflowing with all kinds of sunshine, and the drum circle.. what fun!
I must say that you live in a stunning area, that view back toward your home is just beautiful.
Posted by: azirca | July 02, 2009 at 03:02 AM
Wonderful news about the show. Great post filled with hope.
Posted by: Robyn | July 02, 2009 at 12:38 PM
When one door shuts another always opens, this is great news :-)
Posted by: Ann Christine Dennison | July 02, 2009 at 03:03 PM
What a joy it is to read your post. I love the group and the drums and the art and scenery. You are truly blessed.
Katelen
Posted by: Katelen Tays | July 02, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Oh Sweet Woman,
I'm so glad we drummed before working/playing at your house... So glad you suggested the drums, they're at the root of my core. I enjoyed myself and found the whole day so very fulfilling.
So happy to hear about your Pascal show!
oooooxxxxx, dear friend
A
Posted by: anna baker | July 04, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Hi Roxanne,
I was uncertain as to the outcome of all these changes, but now I know that a big one has been sent your way, I gotta agree with everyone in regards to other comments, and I am so proud of you for embracing this- it seems you know something else lays ahead of you. Big (and I do mean BIG) congratulations on your opening, your new friends, and your new life, my little sister.
You're awesome, and lots of love!
Posted by: Greg | July 05, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Wow, this is great! So happy for you and these women's creations are beautiful. When I have the time I hope I can remember to go look at their websites.
Posted by: sandy | July 09, 2009 at 10:25 AM