For some reason I need to be in the mood to write anything these days. Usually I can blog about anything...what I'm thinking, what I'm doing....whatever. Today is a good day to write though...it's raining cats and dogs and there isn't any other way I'd rather spend an afternoon on the couch.
Utmost in my thoughts is Ukraine, as usual. That won't change until things are settled. My Ukrainian friends are worried about everything that is going on in the east where they live. They are confused, above all, because Russia has always been a good neighbor. Everyone has family in Russia and vice-versa. They watch Russian TV and this confuses them further, because of all the conflicting news coming from there. Moscow propaganda has been hitting hard day and night, confusing everyone. So, Putin has hit a bulls-eye, it seems.
Here in America I'm happy to report that Ukraine has not been forgotten. The news is fresh every evening about what is happening there. This is unusual, as Americans tend to have the attention span of fleas. In one ear, out the other. So, I'm relieved that NPR news is keeping Ukraine in its thoughts.
I've been unusually busy these days. I have decided to rip up my bathroom floor(s). After I got down to the base level I discovered that there were beautiful oak hardwoods underneath all those layers! My brother Dave helped me out a lot by removing the sink and toilet, and by replacing 5 rotted boards but I did the rest. I am as proud as can be! Next I'll refinish the molding and paint the walls.
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| After ripping up 2 previous layers to reveal this BIG red linoleum floor |
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| Staining the boards |
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| TA DA! Finished! After the second coat of Polyurethane |
Thanks to my friend Manette, I've been working a bit. First thing I did was some light carpentry in her parents house which had been gutted. That lasted a few months, and now she set me up with another friend of hers that needed help with her elderly mom. Every day I ride the bus to Providence and spend 3 hours with Betty, making her lunch, cleaning and shopping and cooking and other things as needed. It's a good gig and Betty is a sweetheart and I look forward to spending time with her. Thank God for Manette! Having a bit of money in my pocket is pretty sweet.
My next venture could be back into the world of art. A friend of mine has offered me a show in a gallery in downtown Pawtucket. It feels a bit strange because I haven't made any new work for a while so I'll be showing only 1 or 2 new things. Thinking on it, however, I never really had a big showing of my Tea Work. I'm proud of this work and want to share it with a bigger audience but it's doubtful that I'll get the audience I really need in order to sell. I need some eclectic collectors or museum folks coming in to buy because I'm not one to make "couch art". Conceptual objects and performance are hard sells, but I'll do my best.
In other news, I was nominated to serve in Indonesia and am slated to leave next March. I'll be working as a Teacher-Trainer. I got this news back in February but the news from Ukraine has pretty much overshadowed everything. I'm looking forward to serving in Indonesia and was disappointed about the time frame. An entire year has to pass before I can leave the States. Oh well...I'll don my Peace Corps hat and be patient, flexible and go with the flow.
Before I go I want to mention that Spring has finally arrived...kicking and screaming, yes, but it's here.
