The Twisting Road

Happy Halloween

“The Twisting Road ”

I recently accepted a Part-Time job working at Lend-A-Hand therapeutic riding farm.

I work in the mornings. I do barn chores such as filling water troughs and cleaning paddocks. I get to spend time on a farm with horses, bunnies, a cat and a mama pig. As farm life would have it, there are always things to do.

I had been volunteering there on Mondays each week.

Recently I found a need to find a part-time job with more hours.

I work at the girl’s school in the mornings, yet it was only a few hours a week. I am still working there since I like being a part of their school. Yet the need for more was there.

To be honest, I have been finding my art career- business a bit challenging so looking for other work was called for.

This opportunity came up. So I took it.

As I fill a trough with water I can watch the horses in the pasture.
I can also gaze at the trees that line the farm and take in the colors of Fall.
Or watch a hawk circle high above in the sky.

Who would have thought, me?

Opportunities come. And they can show up in ways that can be unexpected.

When I think about the jobs I have had I see that I have had some that would be “usual” jobs that one could list off.

I have worked at a library, State Dept. as a summer Intern during college years, some office work.

Yet I also have had some long standing work in what would seem like “unusual” jobs.

One job entailed doing hand embroidery and hand work for a company that made items for the Masonic organizations. I worked there for 11 yrs.

I remember that interview well. The employment agency I was with referred me to this job. I was told it would be some office work and /or cutting out fabric, etc.

The interview started out pleasant and “normal”. Then I followed the owner to the back work room area. The owner at one point held out a Fez and asked me if I’d seen this kind of hat before. I had seen the masonic members at parades. I would find out later in time that my dad had been a member of a masonic chapter.
The owner explained that the rhinestones and wire were hand sewn since it couldn’t be done by machine. She asked me if I’d be willing to do it.

I needed a job so I said, “Yeah, I’ll give a try”.

I’d give it “Go”. “Why not”.

What I didn’t anticipate was that it would end up a fit for the time and I would be very good at it.
“Who knew?”

I also began my art business. And have had some interesting projects along the way. (see “EQUUS” below)

When first out of college, I can remember having high expectations and some sort of map and plan.

Well, it didn’t go the way I had it in my mind back then.

A phrase from “Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck.

“Best-laid plans of mice and men oft(en) go astray”

Life happens.

And yet I also know well and admire a quote from Henry David Thoreau. This is one of my favorites. It resonates with me. I so hear my drummer.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

Follow that natural rhythm within. Go where it leads.

Feature Art/Product:

“EQUUS” masks were made for Ubiquity stage’s production of “EQUUS” by Peter Shaffer.

I designed and created these twisted wire horse masks.

Taking an idea and creating it into a physical form.

This project has always been a highlight for me.

The EQUUS mask has been used:
in another theatrical performance.
Worn for Halloween.
Exhibited in a local artist member exhibit with the theme “Masked and Unmasked”.
changed up and used for a performance of “Midsummer Nights Dream” with “Malden Shakespear in the Park.”

Gotta love it.

Check out Great Gift items at Lisa’s Art & Horses

Order a “White on Black” 2014 calendar at lulu.com.

Art News

“Le Cadeau du Cheval”
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, visit SoldierPortraits.org.