And now back...

... to regularly scheduled programming. It's terrific to be up and about... that's the best thing about catching a bug. Getting better and appreciating it.

Today, I finished a painting that I had been working on for almost exactly one year (a good part of which it was hanging on our dining room wall while I contemplated what it needed to be finished). I can't post photographs yet, because it has to go to the people who commissioned it last June, and they should be the first to see it. But I am very pleased with it. It finally looks, what's the word? Cohesive.

I am working on prints of the maps, not to mention more maps, because, you know, it's a big imaginary world out there and someone's gotta chart it (I'll let you know as soon as they're available).

In other news, Victoria magazine is coming back. This is splendid; I can add to the collection I started when I stole the four-year-old copies I found at the doctor's office. (In truth, I did ask first.) If I had known they were going to stop publishing, I would have kept all my own old copies instead of cutting them up. Nobody tells me anything (or asks my permission, for that matter).

Also, here's another fun make-your-own-art site to fool around on, wasting time or being inspired, depending on your perspective. If your family scold you for spending too much time on the computer, though, don't point your finger at me. Blame my mother; she sent me the link. Hi Mom!

And if you really want some inspiration, try this. I'm not sure how I feel about this painting, because I have an excellent sense of taste and I can taste them both, all of a sudden.

Right now, all I can think of is Mr. Carpenter scolding Emily for using too many italics. And did you know there's an anime version of Emily of New Moon?