Determination

I have one determined little puppy. Ginzee carried this stick home for over a mile. It certainly isn't the biggest stick she has ever carried home. She once fished a log out of the creek and carried it over a mile home. And I must add, she didn't just carry it, she RACED it home. We were at a break neck speed (me on my bike) all the way back.

Ginzee's focus and determination is admirable and annoying. Annoying in that when she gets stuck on something it is almost impossible to get her attention. But every time I watch her wrestle a stick all the way home I am always impressed. The satisfaction on her face when the log reaching her yard makes me proud.

In an age where focus is practically non-existent it feels good to see something, anything stay on an idea to it's completion. I have many age 30 and under friends. It is rare that a conversation flows along to it's end without an electronic interruption. Rare to be in the woods with them and not have a phone ring. Ugh. And honestly, I can't just link it all to that generation. I have gotten after my mom before. I've traveled 4,000 miles to see her and she is busy texting her friends.

Completing a book, keeping your own business running, learning another language, many things require a determination to keep going even when the 'log' gets heavy. I hope you have new adventures in your life. That's what gives our days a new energy and excitement. I also hope you can find the focus and determination to succeed!

An Art Filled Day

It's fall. Every view out your window is a beautiful painting. The reds on the mountains, the yellows of the devil's club plant and the pink of the raspberries in my back yard all create a stunning palette.

Ginzee and I took a bike ride on Friday. I was on my pink coaster bike, Bonnie. The world looks different on Bonnie. She prefers slow and easy, taking in the scene and enjoying the moment. We wound through a neighborhood that I had yet to explore. My puppy's exercise needs have opened up a lot of new experiences.

Our winding trip took us to a trail that we frequent during ski season but don't often visit this time of year. Ginzee took off after a grouse and I parked Bonnie to reel the dog back in. On my way back into the clearing, there sat Bonnie all content on this beautiful fall day. Yellow leaves scattered about with her pink paint against the green grass. The sun was peeking through the clouds adding a glint of orange to the mix. Every artists dream.

It is short season here in Alaska. I try to make time to enjoy every minute. Fall sure makes it easy to have art filled days!

Paint with me!

Red Sentry by Gina Edwards

Are you artistically inept? Do stick figures prove to be a creative disaster? Your exactly the student I am looking for.

On Friday, September 30 from 7-9:30 at 3150 C Street in Anchorage, I will be giving an art class in acrylic. This class was created for those of you out there that think it is IMPOSSIBLE for you to make art. It is also for those with a bit of creative flair that would like to learn some acrylic techniques. The above painting is what you personally will paint. At the end of the class you will walk out with your very own creation. Too good to be true? It gets better.

Anchorage Wine House will be joining us. At 7:00 p.m. we will enjoy a wine tasting event. We will learn the art of wine while being educated on the big, wonderful world of vino. After our discussion we sit down and start painting. Art and wine, what a wonderful combination. Tickets are $50 and include wine, class and supplies. Class is limited.

Wine and love letters by Gina Edwards

Speaking of art and wine being a great marriage, it is time for the Girdwood Center for Visual Arts art auction and wine tasting. Do you sense a pattern here? On November 5 at Challenge Alaska in Girdwood from 6-9 p.m. we will being eating food from Chair 5 and Jack Sprats. We will be sipping Anchorage Wine House wine and bidding on the silent art auction. I know! How fun does that sound?! Tickets for all the food and wine and fun is only $25. This is our big fundraiser. Every penny you give helps pay the rent for the gallery. Even if you can't make it you can make a donation. Even $5 helps!

So mark you calendars. Fall is in the air and so is art. I hope to see you soon at my art filled days!