…sigh…

It’s been a while. I’ve been back (from my trip home) for about a week. I’ve been icky sick for about the same amount of time. Today was the first day in a while that I got anything done. It’s amazing how much can pile up in such a short time. I’m still not done catching up. Oh well..

It was great to see everyone while I was home. I wish I could spend more time there. I start, sometimes, to wonder why I moved away when I miss everyone so badly. It’s a question I still can’t answer. I had my reasons at the time, though even then I felt that I was following some invisible path- answers that would reveal themselves in time. And so far they don’t. At least not in any concrete sense. I can say, however, that I’ve been happier overall in my new environment. I’ve felt more inspired- more alive- here. I suppose there are many things that contribute to that feeling. Things that may seem insignificant on their own, but that add up to something more. Maybe it’s as simple as seeing with fresh eyes, a place you haven’t been seeing your whole life. Even so, if I could pack up all my friends and family and set them up next door, I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s a conflicting situation, you see.. One that I think about all the time. I’m not sure how to solve it, or if it is even solvable. Maybe it’s just something I live with.

My Christmas present this year was a reflection on these thoughts. I made three block prints (made by linocut) and placed them in a box. Unfortunately (for me), I gave away my best prints before remembering to scan them. So, the prints I have to show you here are not the cleanest, smoothest representations of the series. Jessica has already found a home for her prints. (Thanks, Jess.) Here they are:

Along with these prints, my Christmas card was a reproduction of an old post card that I found at an antique shop. I scanned and printed the front side of the card. I wanted to include the backside, but lack of time prevented that one. Anyway, it’s a bit sad- the back side. But, really, that was the reason why I loved it. I’ll show it to you here.

The back reads:

For Baby Boy
Dear baby I suppose this will be
your first Xmas Card it is all that
Grandpapa has to send you which
I regret, but trust and pray that
you may live to have many cards
and that I may be able someday
to give you more trusting that you
and your mama will live long to-
gether With love from Grandpapa