I am finding the big challenge of being retired is not totally burdening
yourself with not only with all the stuff that you've been wanting to do but didn't have time for but also all the things
that you know that other people would like to do but don't have time for because they're trying to eke out a living. So, here's
sort of what I've been doing with my Summer.
Currently, I'm working on backlogs that piled up during my working years,
as well as the following: I'm volunteering as Promotions Officer for a parishioner committee at my church and (as such) I'm
learning how to use a DV Camcorder I finally sprung for; I'm also taking digital photos for the committee; I'm doing some
plein-air painting; I'm volunteering during the summer months at the Scientology Volunteer Minister Tent on Sundays; I'm continuing
work as an extension course supervisor for Criminon Florida — which offers extension courses in ethics and morals and
self-respect to inmates of prisons nationwide; I'm a moderator for an email poetry group.
Some of the "backlogs" that need to be addressed include: cleaning out 17
years worth of accumulated files, getting the carpet replaced; major cleaning and organizing project for the studio; book-sorting
and reorganizing in Dean's study. All these and other tasks I would like to have completed by November 4, when Dean and I
will be going to Clearwater Florida to stay for a while to do some Scientology courses at the advanced facility there.
Tonight we have a poetry group —The New Room Poets— meeting at our house.
Tomorrow I will need to pack up everything in the master bedroom and my computer/study room and remove it so that new carpet
can be laid on Friday.
Next project will be cleaning and organizing the studio. I must have some
sample pictures for students to work from by next Wednesday, when I start the fall workshop. Coincidentally, I will also
be taking a class in portrait painting at the Loudoun Academy of the Arts in Leesburg, also on Wednesdays. Why? Well, you
know, it's one way to secure time to paint: pay for it.
My current fascination is with video, the ability to mesh and overlap moving
pictures and sound. And yet, we do that all the time in our minds: juxtaposing now and before and hoped-for, coming up with
new songs, laments, paeans, weaving all with a texture unique to each of us. The Physical Universe is but a poor video of
this rich mental life. And the DV only captures a small degree of that. But, on the other hand, this is play, and it's fun!
