Mojave Light Musing

Our community just experienced the annual  Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours . This happens every fall around the end of October when over 100 artists open their studio spaces for folks to wander through, be inspired, make new friends, run into old ones, and - hopefully - take home a piece or two to bless their own spaces with. Some years, I try to hit as many studios as I can. I've yet to experience all of them. Other years, I barely make it out to visit my favorite artist pals. This year was one of those years. I think I made it to less than 10 in all - not even making it fully east to some of my favorite folks. Just wasn't in the cards this go 'round... The art tours is such a special venue. It's way more than checking out art for your own inspiration or to adorn your abode with. It is a holistic experience that includes taking in the expansive beauty of our unique desert, meaningful conversations with artists and patrons alike, making new acquaintances, reconnecting

This is such a busy time of the year in my desert - open studio art tours; cooler weather for hiking about; and prepping for the multitude of holidays and special occasions that fall brings.  Instead of partaking in local events, I escaped for the day to share some time with my two older kids this weekend. They both live on the coast of California. One literally lives on the ocean in a, some jokingly say, 'very big houseboat'.  The other lives a 3 minute drive away from his after-work-daily-surf spot. They have such busy lives - work, school, budding careers, time with friends - I was grateful that they carved some time out that afternoon to spend with me - sharing the highlights of their new world. The chores could wait. Healing waters of the ocean coupled with time spent with those you love most who also love you back.... 2012©DianaShayDiehl / La Jolla Cove

It's the simple things in life.  Always make time to stop and enjoy the flowers... ©DianaShayDiehl

Marquise du Deffand was thought to have said: "The distance is nothing. It's only the first step that is important." (Okay, so I thought the quote was quite apropos for my day...then, I read up on the supposed author. If you like scandalous history, she might tickle that fancy....) Anyway, I spent some time today browsing through old photo archives. I like this one. I have a print of it framed. It reminds me of a trip to the other side of the world that has left a lasting impression on my heart.... You are looking at Kingfisher Bay off the coast of Queensland, Australia. You can only get to Fraser Island, also Great Sandy National Park, via ferry or private boat. Hope your day was a beautiful one. Be grateful. Fraser Island boardwalk / Kingfisher Bay, Queensland, Australia 2007©DianaShayDiehl

Interesting phenomenon....when one is given a potential death sentence, then does one begin to think about living.  I've denied my reality long enough. Tomorrow I begin treatment. I should be sleeping but my mind is racing - part fear, part excitement that I am, according to my consultation team, now on the road to healing. The good news:      Treatment is noninvasive.      "It" is isolated and at a Stage 1-2 - for now.       I'm tired mostly but nothing really hurts.      Including surgery - which is minor considering - the 'inconvenience' of several times a week hospital/dr visits will be over by the end of this calendar year.      Treatment is holistic meaning I am encouraged to stay active, meditate, eat/drink as I should and mostly do, use acupuncture for additional healing, clear my life of all that is useless to me, and add more time for those people/things I love. (Isn't that how we should live anyway?)      I don't need to take off mon

While enjoying the lowest tide of the year, I watched these 3 women walk the length of the beach to the bluffs at the end and back. They stayed close the entire walk. Heads bent in conversation, occasionally stopping in unison to examine and appreciate tidbits found at their feet or gaze out to the distant mountains. The scene emitted deep appreciation - for where they were and who they were together. It warmed my heart to be in the wave of all that. You never know when your act of connectedness, acceptance, and appreciation for what is may touch the life of another soul. I thank these women, unknown to me, for touching mine. Friendship. And what a beautiful place to share it in..... 2012©Diana Shay Diehl / Bishops Beach, Homer, AK

5000 views today. I am honored. Not bad for a teeny little out-in-the-wide-open-beautiful-boondocks blog. Thanks for sharing the journey so far. Also today, I FINALLY put some of my prints and calendars into an art/collectibles shop here in my town. Signed the contract and all. I figured if I didn't make a more concrete move then I might never. Enough of the talk of ideas. Time to put it all into real time. The creative spirit needed a push off the tuffet. This little guy, whom I've shared his story way earlier in this blog, needs to be resurrected. I've got my last 5x5 metallic prints out for sale. He yearns to be big and bold again to continue his tale... "Coyote Pup", 10x10 image / 16 x 20 framed, Southwest Art Show 3rd Place winner ~ photography category. ©Diana Shay Diehl

Just a photo today. 2012©DianaShayDiehl / Homer, AK

A simple post today. This is of a desert fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), a very young one just unfurling its leaflets which will make up a leaf frond or fan. You can see how tightly packed they are with the corrugated look to the leaflets. They become quite straight, stiff, and smooth once the opening process is complete - like spears spreading out from a center point. You can see 'older' leaves in the bottom right corner. The Native Americans used the fibers for weaving baskets and sandals. These palms can live from 80 - 250 years. This 'baby' will far outlive me.... ©DianaShayDiehl .....post on March 26 has this same shot as I did a piece on a wildflower shoot last spring....

Greetings.....just a quickie post for today. I often wonder where my art venture would be if I wasn't so consumed with those things I must do in my 'regular' career - the one that pays the bills. Actually, I love the creative end of teaching and how the students keep me striving to find better ways for them to expand their learning and make it fun. That actually fuels my creativity and we do enjoy our time together. It's the other 'stuff', like being popular over being professional, bad politics, and judgement based on gossip that drains the life force....  But hey, I'm not here to kvetch. No! I'm here to share the tidbits coming in that move me yet one more step closer to my next destination...... My first product other than fine art prints and portraits - 2013 calendars! The calendars feature photos indigenous to the area I live in - my perspective - and each month has a different image. I'm generally pleased with the quality but will continue

Just a simple, picture-less post.... I launched my studio on Facebook today. It's time to take concrete steps towards exhibiting, creating more, and selling my works. It ain't gonna happen if I don't stick my neck out there! The Facebook page will focus largely on sharing tips, what's new in the studio, and occasional giveaways to make it fun. Who doesn't like to win something now and again? I also am gathering pieces from different artists and their visions to use on my sun printed fabrics and other cool printable items. This excites me to no end! There are so many keen eyes out there, who feel the world with their lens in ways I cannot. Stay tuned to meet some soulful artists and how I am taking their captures and turning them into wearable, usable art, mini-books and the like.... a little something to make your world more beautiful... If you are a Facebook user, come visit me here - and, please, share the word! Namaste, Diana Mojave Light Studio  on Face