Happy Holidays!

Copyright 2009-2011 Kathleen Scott, for Hill Country Mysteries. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

The Longest Night

We buried Max's ashes today, on the Winter Solstice, the day of the longest night of the year.

Max and Denny adopted each other 14 years ago, a long time to be friends.  We're lucky, I guess, although it doesn't feel like it today, a week after the sudden illness that took him.

Max was the smart one, the diplomat, the one who watched basketball with Denny and kept me company in the kitchen.  He loved baskets and boxes, he ate shoelaces and chased feathers.  He owned the red chair next to the fireplace and the sunny window with a view of birds and deer. His purr was almost inaudible but he always meowed when we spoke his name.

We miss him. 

I'm glad the days start getting longer tomorrow.

Copyright 2009-2011 Kathleen Scott, for Hill Country Mysteries. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Mom Knows the Difference

Last weekend I went to my folks' house to help Mom prepare for a family gathering.  She'd sprained her foot a few days before and the doctor had immobilized it in a bulky black boot with enough straps to secure a rocket to the launchpad.

That didn't stop her from going to HEB,  where she hopped on a motorized cart and we came home loaded.  But when food prep started, there was a glitch. 
"Mom, I can do this, why don't you go sit down?"

"Mom, really, go put your foot up."

...etc...

Finally:

"Mother, you don't listen very well."

She turned around and grinned.

"I listen fine.  I just don't mind very well."


And she wonders where her daughters got their Texas streaks...


Doesn't Mom have the best smile?------------->



Copyright 2009-2011 Kathleen Scott, for Hill Country Mysteries. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

East Austin Studio Tour 2011

 

Everyone has a different idea of art, but whether it's avant garde or classic, you love it or you hate it, art stimulates. And there was plenty of stimulation at this year's East Austin Studio Tour.

Each November more than 300 area artist studios and exhibition spaces open for 9 days of celebrating art and the people who make it.  Many of the studios treat it like a party, with live music, beer/wine and munchies.

The artists are on hand in the studios to talk about (and sell) their work.  No middle-men, just Art from the Artists. 

Glass is one of my favorite mediums.  I love the physicality and play of light.  Glenda Kronke's sea-inspired glasswork took my mind to the reefs. She shares space with Flo Ulrich, whose fused glass pieces reminded me of earth and sky.  Fellow artist Morgan Graff blew ethereal globes and spires and offers glass-blowing classes. 

East By SouthEast Studios, 1406-B Smith Rd. Austin, TX 78721 (512) 600-0103. See Facebook page or www.gkronkestudios.com

Bits of newsprint flowed up the trees in Judy Paul's mixed medium painting.

Judy Paul at Big Medium, 5305 Bolm Road, Austin, TX 78721, 512-507-8199, www.judypaul.com

Former wine bottles gained new life as cut and etched vase/decanter/candle holders.

Imagination isn't limited to formal settings.

 

For the garden, Fence Art... 

For vegetarians, a living 'window treatment'.  Both at Big Red Sun Design+Build+Nursery. 

And for laughs, a teeter-totter with grandma.

I only had a couple of hours to tour.  Next year I'll put aside a weekend.  See you there?

Copyright 2009-2011 Kathleen Scott, for Hill Country Mysteries. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.