The week I have been waiting for is finally here. I’ve been talking about it for so long it felt like it was never going to come. I am up at Lake Metigoshe State Park for my artist residency.
The focus of today was on loading up, driving up here and getting everything set up. Everything went as planned. It was a very smooth day and I am very grateful for that. I am very rarely alone so doing all of this by myself is a little bit intimidating but at the same time it is very empowering. I really was a sassy independent young woman. I was a single mother for a couple of years and had to do everything alone. After 21 years of marriage with a very supportive husband by my side I just have not needed to be so independent. I always have him to rely on.
I am all tucked into my cozy little cabin. I have a full belly and I am enjoying the quiet sitting out on the deck. I am trying to shift my mind out of the sadness of last week into the peacefulness of my surroundings. Tonight is just about clearing my mind.
I did find a pretty little spot to set my easel up in the morning that should be in the shade most of the day and is near my cabin. I have several paintings ready to go so I can jump right in. I am hoping to have a smooth start with things. I packed my acrylic paints instead of my oil because oil is just not practical to travel with so it will be a little bit of an adjustment getting used to the acrylic again.
I have been looking at the maps planning some hikes but I am saving those for another day. The high was 95° in Bottineau today so I think hiking will be much more enjoyable in another day or two! Thankfully tomorrow the high is in the low 80s and the rest of the week the upper 70s. It is really the best case scenario.
It is interesting to be in a different environment. There is some noisy bird in the distance that I’ve never heard before. He sure is making a ruckus. I hope I can identify it sometime this week. I had a cute little green bug land on me a little bit ago that I have never seen before. My cabin is surrounded by a thick forest of trees and they are so pretty. So far just the robins have been brave enough to come close to keep me company but I’m hoping to make some new animal friends this week.
That’s enough for tonight. I will have more updates for you as the week goes on and I am excited to share my experiences here with everyone.