The trees in this puzzle were a challenge, to say the least. Many is the day that Don could hear me cursing as I tried to figure out what piece went where. But….I finally finished it on Wednesday.
Central Park in Autumn. And because it is an autumn theme, I got it for a deep discount. It’s done. I survived the trees. And today, I’ll take it apart and box it up. It may be time to shift to oil painting. Since I have only one spot in which to paint or put together a puzzle, the puzzles will have to cease – at least, temporarily.
I don’t necessarily feel inspired to paint, though I do keep getting occasional suggestions to get back to it. These suggestions or nudges are not from Don or anyone else. They come from a little voice inside my head. I usually think my finished paintings – the ones I consider successful – to be flukes and that I won’t be able to find that mysterious thing I had when I was painting them again. And then I feel like I’m up against some wall or other that keeps me from simply playing with paint. It’s a struggle.
It rained on Wednesday and on Thursday, so we were house bound. I’m hoping to get outside today and get some work done. I think I need to make a list, because I am constantly thinking about what needs to be done, but it’s a jumble in my brain. Time to organize my thoughts!
Don has a gig on Sunday afternoon and it’s just a couple of towns away from us. I think he’s filming again on May 1st, but that date is not set in stone.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Oh, I can see how those trees would be vexing, but the finished puzzle is very nice. Hope you can get to the work you want to do. I know what you mean about being inspired to paint. I sometimes paint cards; I have to be in absolutely the right mood or nothing works out.
Thank you, Barrie!
Stay safe.
Every time I take a long break from painting, I feel like I’m starting all over again. I suppose it’s like riding a bike — when you get on after a long hiatus, it’s a little wobbly!
That’s a fabulous puzzle but boy, that would make one a tad crazy. I haven’t puzzled for a bit. I’m not terribly fond of the one undone one I have left to do. I like it — but do I like it enough to make it my passion and take down the painting table? Nope. Don’t think so!
It has to be one or the other with me! Now, the table is empty and I have yet to make my decision.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
the puzzle does look tough, but also beautiful.
i hope you follow that voice inside your head that is encouraging you to paint some more. i know from my own experiences that it can be frustrating when creative things don’t turn out as envisioned, but there’s still practice and improvement and getting out of our own way and enjoyment to be had. :)
hope you can get outdoors today and this weekend to do some gardening, too.
my interests are pretty constant; the one thing that changes for me is knitting and that’s only because i don’t like handling yarn when the weather is hot and my apartment is usually warm. i think i have enough yarn to knit three more hats and hope to get them done by the end of this month, then no more yarn-buying or knitting until cold weather returns. i have several counted-cross-stitch patterns to do, but can only do them when alone and there’s no music or tv noise either … so not doing that right now. painting and sketching continue as do thinking about and writing those children’s books. also some reading … hope to finish “the happiness project” by the end of this weekend, then start “a gentleman in moscow”.
i had a boss that said she was afraid to retire for not knowing what to do with her time, that she had no hobbies. i told her that retirement would give her lots of time to try all sorts of things and follow what interested her (at that time she said she watched tv and gambled a lot). don’t know what she’s doing now, but hope she’s found some hobbies to enjoy. i am grateful to have lots of interests/hobbies (thanks to my parents for encouraging such things!) and can’t think of the last time i felt bored. maybe never. anyway, again, carry on with what makes you happy, too, claudia!
also, glad that don has another music gig this weekend and will soon do some more acting!
hope you, don and everyone else have a good and easy day.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy!
Stay safe.
That puzzle is amazing! Good for you for finishing it. I know I would have thrown it back in the box and given it to someone else. I have no “stick it to itness” anymore. Not sure where it went cuz I used to be quite stubborn about finishing things. Oh well, that just how it goes sometimes. Have a lovely weekend!
I think we all go through periods where nothing sticks and that’s okay, Betsy.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — really like your puzzle, can understand why it was so frustrating to complete — cloudy. gloomy w/low clouds after overnite rain — so ready for sun but know hot/humid is just around the corner — guess wx could be worse — trying to not complain too much, lol!!!! hope your wkend is a good one — stay safe/healthy
Cloudy and gloomy here yesterday and today. Please, may we have some sun?
Stay safe, Linda.
A list is a good idea, Claudia. Then you have the satisfaction of crossing things off when you’ve completed them. Your puzzle is beautiful. Congratulations for finishing it. Do get back to your painting. You’re very good at it. Enjoy the weekend you two. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
That is a lovely puzzle! Trees can be quite the challenge at times. I was wondering if you put your puzzles on mats once complete, and you answered that question today. My better half insists we mat every puzzle we complete. We were bitten by the puzzle bug around Christmas and have had one in the works since then. Some easier than others. I was curious if you have ever entertained the idea of selling your previously worked puzzles? If ever you should, I am interested as you have great taste in puzzles. If I’m not mistaken, this puzzle is a Michael Storrings print? We seem to be drawn to the art of Charles Wysocki. The appeal of the New England landscapes, farm animals, and all~~ Enjoy your weekend
I have a couple of finished puzzles put aside to frame, but frankly, I’m no longer enthusiastic about it. I think they’ll be taken apart soon.
I have about 20 puzzles that I’ve finished around here. I usually donate them to a charity, but if there’s one you’re interested in, let me know, Jeannine. I would sell it for half of the original cost.
Stay safe.
Those trees are for sure tricky. Good for you hanging in there and finishing it. Maybe the urge to paint will hit after you’ve had a chance to scratch that itch to work outside a while. I have a list of things we need to accomplish as soon as it gets (and stays) warm enough to be out there.
Take care,
Kay
My list is getting longer by the minute, Kay!
Stay safe.