November 29, 2008

Before I start my diatribe about "Black Friday" let me openly omit that I, Sharon Lee are not by any stretch of the imagination a shopper. Having said that would someone please explain to me the attraction of shopping on Black Friday? Of course I know that stores offer "incredible" sales but as in the case of the stampede murder of a Walmart employee in New Jersey, it seems to me, an outsider, that the stores are building up shopping tension by limiting the hours of sale from ridiculous early morning hours to a few hours later.*

My mother and sister are both Black Friday shoppers. My next door neighbor is a Black Friday shopper. I have never shopped then nor see myself in the future doing so.

Perhaps shopping on this day gives shoppers the holiday jolt, signifying the beginning of a season of giving, parties and baking. Maybe suffering through grabbing arms, being smashed by shopping carts, being overheated in a mall carrying a winter coat and packages reminds people that they are alive.

Sorry guys I just don't get it. From a person who shops online

Peace Always

Sharon

November 27, 2008

I live in a small rural enclave that hosts artists, musicians, dancers and writers. A good portion of this population of creative types were reared elsewhere, in most cases larger cities or its surrounding suburbs.

Yesterday I was visited by Elizabeth a fabulous artist who is part of a multi-generational family of quilters. She told me of a close neighbor, John who just published a book (Riding on the Edge: A Motorcycle Outlaw's Tale), and though I did not know he was in the process of writing a book I was in no way surprised.

Whether inspired by our surroundings or the escape from what had been our "hood" the mountains of central Pennsylvania are bursting with creativity.

Peace Always

Sharon

November 25, 2008

The Waitress
acrylic on canvas board
1994

Tomorrow begins the cooking marathon for the biggest meal of the year. In honor of all those who stands elbow deep in dishes, I wish you cooking times with a minimum of stress on your legs, back and neck. Be creative and cook with good feelings.

Peace Always

Sharon

November 24, 2008

Photo of Sophie in Scotia Range by Sharon Lee

Sorry but another day to grouse, cold and frustrated with my daughter's VW bug. Remember long ago when Volkswagons could be worked on? Isn't that why all the hippies of long ago had those cars and held onto them for ever? Well no more.

Tried to change the tires from street to snow only to discover that the car is too low to be jacked up without creative thinking and the wheel-tire remover tingy doesn't fit the Beetle's miniature wheel.

Currently 27 degrees here in central Pa with a big snow a'comin. After three hours of screwing around with my daughter's car in a cold garage I'M COLD!!!!!!!

Peace Always

Sharon

November 23, 2008

After spending two and 1/2 hours in a cold garage replacing a headlamp bulb on my daughter's Volkswagon Beetle about all I can think of warmth and the season of summer.

"May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door.”

Irish Blessing

Peace Always

Sharon

November 22, 2008

Photo by Sharon Lee

Officially or not, winter is here in central Pennsylvania. As an outdoors person much of my day is spent layering clothes, going outside to either manage wood or hike, coming back inside and warming up only to start the process again in a short while. Today the temperature stayed in the upper twenties with a few scattered snow showers. Embracing, pretty and cold at the same time.

Peace Always

Sharon

November 21, 2008

What's for dinner, dear?
2005
acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"

This year my daughter is hosting Thanksgiving in her first apartment. I am expected to prepare the food, this time at home but serving it 12 minutes away. Tomorrow, Meagan and I will chose a menu, taking into consideration everyone's dietary requests/restrictions. This year I had hoped to skip the bird as I am a vegan. Actually all guests had agreed to this omission though some not enthusiastic. However a few days ago my parents decided to join us for this meal and it was decided to re-include the turkey.

Peace Always

Sharon