Sunday Gifts–Artists at Rest

Yesterday became a day for family as unexpectedly I had a free-day from work. Mike and Beth stopped over to visit, return snowshoes and Beth came with a disc of photos from the Poetry Potluck readings held in 2007. I had been waiting for the full size images to develop a bio to place next to photos in stores–so of course I was thrilled.

Food, for me, is often a way to nurture those I love and I made Pork Hoisen with Basmati Rice. I had found affordable fresh peapods, bean sprouts and green beans and the sauce was whipped up with chicken broth, shoyu, hoisen sauce, honey and peach jelly. It was quite a feast and the nite was happy and satisfying.

Beth and I chatted about projects, her Etsy Shop and I got to view her recent work including the Builder and Caffienated Series as well as new The Birds and Bees collection. Mike the Younger was in the garage sanding materials. We talked about my show on the wall at Dead River which is coming up fast. Beth is in her final semester and working on her senior exhibit pieces; she also has work in the Oasis Gallery in Marquette, Michigan on Washington Street. 

Dead River Coffee is on the same street as the Oasis Gallery and the proprietors are supportive of the local art scene. I was disappointed one day in how many photos I was able to place in another location and Theo offered to put my photos on “the wall” in early April. Beth is going to help me hang the shots. Where I have read my poems and submitted my written words, I feel more vulnerable when it comes to my photography. I am even thinking of downplaying that I am a photographer and call the collection I hang something like, A Poet’s Wanderings.

Mike the Younger is my significant others son. I call my boyfriend Mike the Elder. This naming system all came about during the first summer I dated Mike the Elder. I had no way to differentiate between father and son and it caused much confusion as Mike the Younger and I spent much time exploring the northern forest together, taking in reggae concerts and coffee.

Mike the Younger is a builder that wishes to focus on natural building, sustainable structures. this has influenced Beth’s Builder Series. The two of them are engaged and hope to move out to the woods and live off-grid. Mike the Younger is quite the craftsman and it is a joy watching him work with wood–a calm comes over him, it is spiritual. I remember him working on a piece for the Marquette Food Co-op when we both worked there I felt a connection between him and God as he worked.

As the Mile the Younger and Beth migrate out to the woods near the Yellow Dog River I am hoping to spend a few nights, take photos, document the land, write, and help haul my share of water from the stream.

Our evening together came to a close with the sunsetting. Mike and Beth off to get cardboard boxes before dark. Mike and I to ready ourselves for Monday. I felt playful and happy and my nite’s rest was deep.