It's been a rainy, rainy time. I have been trying to get pictures of the hazel tree in it's blooming stages, but it has been a challenge in this weather. Bill got this shot. Hazels are one of my favorite winter bloomers. And one of my favorites overall. We sleep with the window open, and though I am generally a very hard sleeper, sometimes I wake and hear the rain. The other night I dreamt that water was flooding around my studio. A year ago this wasn't just a dream. It was actually happening. I had to go get Bill from work so we could both work on digging trenches. He called it Catherine Creek when I told him there was a stream running down the driveway.
Six years ago this month I was on Sanibel Island in Florida. I don't wish I was there now necessarily, just appreciating the opportunity to step into a different place when I really needed it. I had a book project in mind that justified me needing to be there to collect shells. I also have great friends who made it possible. 
We'll see if I ever put them into a binding! 
My favorite are the little coquina sunrise rainbows.
Three years ago this month I was back, with Billy. You can take in so much more of a place the second time around. And of course, it can take in so much more of you!
I think of Florida a lot this time of year, not just because I was there in January, but because the year is new. I start out with lots of enthusiasm and energy for all I think I can accomplish in the studio in a year. I had such great plans for these seashells. And so I re-visit this idea as sort of a new year's overview of my goals. It is really an ambitious book idea. I am working to become the person who can create it.
