Katie's book received from Masha today

Another beauty in my keeping! I now have 2 books--Rosie & Katie.  I'm still mulling.  Hope to get going on the page by tomorrow.

Masha's book with Minneapolis geese

I have finally added a drawing to your book Masha. It is much less "finished" than what I usually draw. Maybe that makes it a bit more lively and fresher? Anyway it is done and I will get it in the mail within the next couple of days.
Minneapolis is called the City of Lakes. There are nine within the city limits, this one is Lake Calhoun. The birds are Canadian Geese. When my boys were young we used to go to Lake Calhoun and feed the geese dried bread. There are paved trails all around the lakes making them lovely places to walk, run, and walk your dog.

Rosie’s book received from Masha today!!!!

The posted images of Rosie’s book were wonderful to behold, but the originals are so much MORE amazing.  More vivid in color. The energy of each of your hand imbued on the paper.  Just spectacular.  It is an honor to have it in my keeping.

I’ll have to meditate on this a bit to know what I will add.  Today after looking at the sketchbook, my thoughts gathered around my grandmothers, both born in the Ukraine, both spoke Russian as their 1st language before coming to North America as young women in the early 20th century.  Perhaps the story that I will tell will be something about them.

I was outside planting annual sets (impatiens) when the postman tapped me on the shoulder to sign for Masha’s mailer.  He was visibly excited to have such a wonderful envelop with all those colorful Russian stamps to hand me. The book came in excellent condition, but the mailer’s flap had opened half way.  It could have fallen out!!!  Perhaps putting an extra strip of tape across the closure might be a good idea--just to be cautious, Masha.

Masha's book

I have been very slow with your book Masha. I am so sorry. I have been having some health issues for the past month. I am on it though. I know what I am going to draw, and I have begun.

addition to Katie's book 'Winter remembering spring'

I was inspired by huge and old blooming apple tree under our window. Our flat is on the fifth floor, so I see what's going on downstairs... And this man is actually my step-father, who is going to banya (Russian sauna) and crossing our backyard almost every weekend. He is a passionate banya lover and could not relax without it's special atmosphere (who'd been in Russian banya once would easily understand me).

The main idea was to show changing season's effect with snow on the branches at first and white flowers next. Changing... But positively :)

Yahoo! Katie's book is here! :)

I was waiting for this book with a childish impatience. This one is the most philosophic of all our 4 books I think. It has a tricky idea and wonderful interpretation of it. More so, the ladies chose one of the most academic medium - pencil.
Planning to make my own entry I'm refreshing my own childhood memories... I still don't know what would it be to show there, but one thing is for sure - there would be pencil :)

Rosie's page in Marcia's book is ready to go!

This is my Unintended Collection. They are ephemeral items found at various times on holiday, mostly in Greece.
The oyster shell encrusted with limpets may be from UK, I'm not sure.
The little figure (shown actual size) I found in in rocks on a beach on Syros. I showed it to the Museum but they didn't want it. I still don't know much about it and would be curious to know what it is made from!
The tiny shells and glass marble are from Naxos (a favourite island).
The paper boat was on a pavement in Athens and I like the idea of sending it on its journey again!

Ideas for 'Collections'

I have been working on ideas for a collection but am not happy with my idea for a composition so will have to re-think!
These are only rough drawings and show some ephemera that I have found during various visits to Greece.
They include a tiny clay type figure found among stones on a beach. I showed it to the island's museum but it was not of interest to them. I still don't know if it's old or modern.
The paper boat I found on a pavement in Athens and I like the idea of sending it off on its travels again!

second entry, Russian ladies

Inspired by Rosie's charcoal work :)

I thought it could be interesting to find typical Russian modern clothes elements. To find out what makes our women different. I know there is a prejudice and made up opinion, that Russian ladies do always wear hills, heavy make up and make a general impression of a prostitutes. Showing 5 very common looks I want to make a little statement, but not necessary complimentary ;)