Praying Mantis Visit

The other night a praying mantis was climbing on the outside of my door. I swished it off as I opened it and it dissappeared. Then Holly came to me in the morning and said, if I wanted to take a picture of it, it was on the porch below me, so I did, they didn't come out very good, then that day it came back to me, stayed with me all day & night on my window inside my studio. So I thought maybe its a symbol and I found this meaning, "Follow Mantis" means putting that core aspect of yourself, your foundation of Spirit, at the helm and let it direct your intellect and ultimately your life. Something to ponder today, this morning it is not on my window anymore, it is somewhere in the studio. I hope it doesn't eat me up!

We had a Friday night dinner instead of Wednesday night and Francisco introduced us to the new director Bernarda, my spanish teacher. She is a great choice and so glad she accepted the position, she is Costa Rican, knows what to see here and how to get the arrangements made, a Spanish teacher, kind and pays attention to detail

Art Journal

Aprendo..I learn

Spanish class today on the verbs..so I am learning mucho about Costa Rica, its language and it's culture and nature. I am getting an itch to travel to the Carribbean side of CR though. Not sure how I am going to do it yet, I have been surfing the internet for just the right comfort zone, whether to just take a bus to Limon or take a tour from San Jose. Something will bring an opportunity. I am going to finish up some paintings today I think. I have 9 paintings in the works. I sold one on the 1st of January, how nice to start the new year off this way. Barry & Alice are the proud owners of Las Montanas de la Mariposa..Butterfly Mountains. I am tickled they have a connection to it. It is pictured in a past blog from last week. below.

So, I am going to take it easy today and tomorrow, cause I still don't feel 100%. oing to stick around and just paint.

Life and the Universe

The first day of 2008, a day of reflection.

Butterfly wings, green hills upon green hills, the fog and clouds, fields of purple flowers, rushing waterfalls, chanting, feeding my soul, unity, companions, patterns, practicing love for family & friends, awareness of responsibility, the wind, colors, direction, exploration, meditation in motion, gratitude, peace, cleansing of the body after being so sick, a refreshing swim in the pool, the warmth of the sunshine, insects, orchids, geckos, bananas, papaya, tangerines, pineapples, limes, limes and more limes ....and hopscotch?

I noticed a big blue inkspot on my favorite gray tank top, don't know how it got there. Susan made it into a piece of art for me, "Hopscotch in the Rain".

La Pas Waterfalls and Gardens

How appropriate that we should visit "The Waterfalls and Gardens of Peace" on the eve of 2008. That is all everyone wishes for so often, is peace within and tranquility. How do we add tranquility to our lives? You can get back to me on this, I would love to hear my friends responses to this, finding some insight on why you're here, what it's all about anyway, I wonder and am in awe at what some can endure -- and are these reflections inner peace? And I heard somebody say " Your life need not be solitary, poor, nasty or brutish. It will be short -- so why not seek as much peace and tranquility as possible? Is it relative to being happy? Content? What would make you happier than you already are? More money? Greater power? How much more power -- would you want to be the "supreme ruler of the universe" or would a few subordinates to boss around do the trick? In a way, it's like fitness -- if it were effortless to achieve, everyone would look and feel great. I am getting so philosophical in my old age, or is it this "Pura Vida?

Girls Night

A Dinner for Patricia
Garbanzo beans, foccacia, salmon, salad, brocolli, some other stuff i can not remember....Well, all her left overs came to my studio too, (stuff, I never heard of like vanilla flour, guanbana pulp?) and so we all ate a pot luck meal, sharing, stories of men, art and wars. No not really, not in that order anyway. Patricia leaving at 4:00 am for airport. Wondering if she will wake up in time with a broken alarm clock and a flashlight she's lost. Delightful to have met such a practical, sincere, talented, independent, wise woman and fellow watercolorist. I am a Patricia wanna-be.
I maybe sensed we all are PTF wanna-bees in one way or another. Ishil, Fabria, Susan, and I.

Inspiration & Energy

Open Studio Tour was a success!

We started at Patricia's casita, and we indulged in libations, salmon hor d'ouevres, and pineapple, she is a very accomplished watercolorist, in galleries around the country and works very large and only on-location and up close. She worked on a wonderful tree with intertwining branches and orchids, stunning, approx. 70" x 30". We have talked about getting together sometime in Washington, DC. She leaves here on Monday. Another painting shown on right, watercolor by Patrica Tobacco Forrester.

Ishil graced us with her poetry, memoirs of a love, that brought tears to my eyes and when she played the guitar and sang about a poor family in Africa it blew me away. She will be in the colony another couple weeks.

Fariba shared her art of tiles with photos of family taken back in the 60's collaged with her own photos and then transferred onto tiles. Beautifully designed and executed into exquisite decorative pieces which will be installed repeatedly with unexpecting patterns.

Hilary & Christian's music inspired collaboration, she using her tiny, whimsical shapes to create these wonderful images of 2-D circuit-board-like art (dozens) while listening to Christian's "techno-meets-mantra" music that he has invented with joysticks and computer sounds. This was so fascinating to see a couple work so close together and be inspired by each. Now that is a relationship that works. Check out her website listed on the right sidebar.

We came to my studio and all my unfinished work hanging and I explained my transition and exploration this year with these landscapes. I also had a slideshow of photographs going on the computer with music. It was impressive. lol Really impressive lol.

At my studio, Alice did a reading of her book she is writing about "Art and Learning Disabilities". Her partner Barry gave us an enlightening view of his book he is writing on gravity, which I am still having a difficult time grasping. They will be here till the 3rd, then they will be off to Nicoya Pennisular, which is supposed to be just beautiful like all of the rest of Costa Rica.

Susan decided to have the tour end at her little place, she made the best banana bread in Cuidad Colon and played her songs for us, she has an angelic voice and I love listening to her sing. She is also working on some colorful drawings/paintings of fairies for a children's book. Ishil did a harmony on Susan's song and together they made beautiful music.

The Artist 's Way

Of course what matters when you look at my work happens immediately within your own perceptual framework and your response will be instantaneous and probably needs no verbal accompaniment. However perhaps you might like to know how I am approaching my work whilst here in residency at the colony? I am entranced by the beauty of nature here in Costa Rica. It has changed the way I now look at landscapes, I find myself weaving one image into another. For example: the wings of butterflies become the texture of the landscape. I am allowing myself the freedom to de-construct and then re-construct what interests me and use the inspiration in unusual abstract ways. I am really enjoying this process totally...it allows my creative strengths in photography, design, and watercolor techniques, to dictate new progressive concepts into paintings of "harmony".

Intoxicating Terre, watercolor by Lorraine Bromley
30 x 11 (unfinished) Inspired by the tulip tree.


La Montana de la Mariposa, watercolor by Lorraine Bromley
30 x 11 (unfinished) Inspired by butterflies.

A Work in Progress

in 2008, I resolve:
to create a painting for my inventory each week.
to submit my work to new galleries every quarter.
to enter one national show per season.
to continue to push my comfort zone - to be "uncomfortable."
to continue my journey toward physical health - eating right and exercise.
to paint and sell more large paintings.
to continue my dedication to higher standards in my own painting.
to read my mission and plan once a week.

Sitting still, no way!!!!

Going to be a productive day! I am feeling better and going to get alot done today, I am woman. Need groceries, need to paint, need to go to the Art Depot. I will have a full report later. lol What can I say ..it's a plan!

Cal this is the furniture I saw the other day. The handyman that you are!!!!

Full report: Well, I did get alot done today, cleaned my studio a bit, went to town for groceries, did not get to the art depot, but I did rent a movie. I got "Blue Butterfly" filmed in Costa Rica and reminded me so much of this past weekend in the northern section where I was. Rent it.... it was a 2-3 star movie, scenery was great, acting weak, but worth a couple bucks to see Costa Rica and it's nature, William Hurt was the star. I also started a new painting, and also worked in my art journal, will have to put up some pages of that, just realized I have not done that yet. Have a good recipe to share too.
Lentil Loaf
1 c. lentils
half c. gr walnuts
1 T tamari
1 c. soft bread crumbs
1 sm. minced onion
1 crushed garlic clove
2 eggs
half tsp. sage, thyme or marjoram or oregano + cumin
quarter cup liquid if req'd
2 T tomato paste
cook lentils in 3 cups salted water with tom paste till soft. mash. saute onion + garlic. add seasoning + bread crumbs, walnuts. combine all with eggs. pour into pan and bake 350 fro 30-45 minutes.

Sauce
1 T butter
2 T flour
1 + quarter bean broth
1 t. tamari
1 T. horseradish or dijon
half t. dill weed
half t. mild paprika.
Make roux. drizzle broth whisking constantly. cook 5 min. till thickened. stir in remaining ingredients.
Buenas Noches

A Blustery Day

Back in the saddle again....I went horseback riding this morning with Carlos (he is maintenance manager of the colony) & his familia, it was a beautiful day, my horse was very cooperative too. Did exactly what I told him to do. Just very pleasant ride through the mountains and forests. Juan Camillo and Francini are pictured here with their horses. Juan got very attached to his horse, talking to him and cuddling him, he took right to the ride. Francini was screaming her little girl screams as the horse did what it wanted to do, she was skittish of the horse, and it was pretty funny, Carlos had to guide her with the reins through the trails. I was the heroe, remembering the trails from last year, cause Carlos could not remember which one to take when we came to a fork in the road. My excellent sense of direction came in handy. lol...

These other pics are from the Christmas Eve party around the pool. Carlos the best dancer award and Patricia, having a good time & of course Alice's sapatos.











Tonight we had our Wednesday night dinner, small intimate group tonight than usual, (potluck). Susan made a lentil loaf, it was like a meatloaf with no meat, was delicious with a mustard sauce on top. Tasted so good after not eating for a couple days. Patricia made salmon, sour cream on a potatoes, I made the foccacia again. And then we had to raid Franciscos refridgerator for some vegetables, because no one else came with food. We cooked up some broccoli, peppers and garlic and had some left over potaoe mixture that Francisco made earlier. I guess everyone was making art. I feel like I am writing like I am at camp. Anyway, we all decided Christmas Eve that Saturday would be an open studio night, well, afternoon @ 4:00. We will make rounds to each others studio and see what each is up too. 3 are composers/musicians, 5 visual artists, so it should be fun, we will invite people we have met these last few weeks. The girls I went away with over the weekend, the hotel manager, Jorge from Corteza Amarilla, yoga group, etc.... maybe have some hord'overes or focaccia in my case, hee hee. That means no more napping and being sick, this is serious now "finishing up some paintings" this week.

Watched "The Painted Veil" on my computer last night around two o'clock, it was a beautiful movie. Boy I love this computer, it is a life saver, listening to my music, watching movies, looking at my pictures I took during the day for inspiration. It is so nice. of course keeping in touch with all of you as well. Thanks.

I just heard tonight that two other women from the weekend got sick too. mmmmm makes you go mmmmm. Time for bed!

Christmas Day

I am feeling much better today, still no appetite and it only hurts when I laugh now. I did want to lose weight, you have to be careful what you wish for. I know I am getting better because turkey and mashed potatoes sound awfully good right now after not eating for two days.

I thought I would just put up some more photos that I have found to be interesting.

I just had a visit from a couple of the kids, Juan Camillo and Francini, they live on the property, came by to wish a Feliz Navidad, they are the greatest kids, I just wish I could converse better with them, they told me that the thing above us on the eaves was a tarantula: any of several large, hairy spiders of the family Theraphosidae, as Aphonopelma chalcodes, having a painful but not highly venomous bite. Ahhhhh!!!!! I hope he is gone when I go out tonight.

The sky right now is absolutely gorgeous, sunsetting and mucho clouds and the colors of coral, cobalt blue and white contrasting, its very windy today and a bit cool. I rec'd a couple of wonderful presents of earrings from Susan & Patricia for xmas and I made everyone some magnets of geckos and dragonflies symbolizing good luck and creative forces.

I talked to Aja, Mom & Dad, Gayle & my nieces and nephew and of course my dear Cal.
Wishing all of you, my friends peace and joy today and always.

I will catch up on Christmas day with more photos, I have the flu and will be back soon.

Wicked Good Weekend

What a weekend! Eight very talented women went to the northern area of CR on a tour with our fearless leader Bernarda, (who is my spanish teacher as well). She is the most fearless of all, driving us around in a mercedes van, listening to us yap for 4 hours in the driving rain, thru backroads, jungles, through rivers, yes literally. What an experience! We saw the most spectacular views of the mountains and coffee, papaya, sugar cane plantations. The destination was the Maleku Indigenous Reserve. They were very gracious to us, gave us a visit of their gardens/jungle and explained their culture, traditions and shared their language and prepare a typical lunch. It was very primitive and enlightening. Then we traveled to Casado Rio Fortuna at the base of Mt Arenal, an active volcano that spits smoke and lava still. The clouds & fog covered the volcano, so I took a picture of a sign that showed it, the volcano is supposed to be right behind the sign and a perfect cone shape, great sign huh?

Winter Solstice

Carla, Mark & Susan


Resident of Bonanza Restaurante, Charlotte the Spider
I hear fireworks. What better way to celebrate than with focaccia and pasta...lol. Yes I made focaccia, I even brought my garlic press, I know I am crazy. Hey I am here for 2 months. I did not get anything done today other than getting my blog up to date. I am still working on that. Did some cleaning and went to MultiPlaza to window shop, it was crazy with last minute shoppers, went to the bank ATM to get some cash for the weekend trip and the machine gave me 200 colones, ($100.00) so I have this 2" thick stash of bills now, geesh. It just fits in my purse and I also made a copy of my passport to travel with at Office Depot, leaving passport here locked in room along with computer. Got to pack and review what I have done here, be back on Sunday and I will catch up on blog with a full report. It is raining now, it is a relief, it was very hot today. Hot flashes are back! Met a nice couple from Canada, they are traveling all around Central America, staying in hostels. They are co-workers of Susan's from Canada, they are brave and on their way to Nicaragua for the holiday. I had a snack with them at Bonanza and also met the new baby, Nina....Whim & Luz's grand-daughter.

Amber & Nina, (born December 4th, 2007)

Feliz Navidad

Yoga today was about breathing within a breathe, and I am all stretched out too. Learning some of the yoga positions now and is very difficult. Whim & Luz had plans after yoga so we got a ride from Martina. We dropped off Soizic. Susan & I walked to the colony from there. Soizic showed us around her casita, it is so cozy & muy bonita! WOW I even took pictures. Would love to rent it sometime. She invited us for tea next week. Soizic is giving some kind of a solstice meditation friday night and I will go if someone else goes from the colony, just curious at what she does to celebrate this day, it is very amusing.

I had a lovely dinner at Essentia again with Patricia (Washington, DC) this time, she is also a watercolorist and wished to see the hotel & grounds for a subject to paint, of course now I have an in there..hee hee. Anyway she found some orchids she wants to paint and she is going on Saturday to paint them, they are very unusual white orchids, that I even made my christmas card with. I am going to paint with her there maybe on Monday when I come back from my little trip with the girls to the Maluke reservation. Will have some great pictures from that adventure. It is PURA VIDA here!

Natures Maze

A lazy day in the colony, took a walk and took pictures, started another painting. Doing a couple projects on the computer that I didn't have time to finish when I was home. Michael & I had spanish class today. We described our E.T. in spanish, we did very well, it was very funny. Bernarda is a really great teacher and I am looking forward to the trip she has planned for us on Saturday to the Miluka tribe in the north. There are eight women going, oh boy! Susan is glad she is not going on this trip. She has to work at Bonanza Saturday & Sunday. We had our Wednesday night dinner at Fransisco's with some new artists and the typical Tico food for dinner. He apologized for all the noise of the construction and told us some plans for the future since Royce is no longer here anymore, a garden where the tennis courts are, which no one uses and new common area in between the writers studios. Cool nights make dinner and sleeping so comfortable!

Create Chaos, Find Order

The last day of construction today, another studio created from the "Nine Muses", the community/library/computer room. So it will be a bit more quiet today. There was no internet for most of the day. Just the birds and an occasional truck that needs a muffler goes by in Colon valley. I worked all day on my four large paintings, turning them upside down and sideways, studying there compositions. Reminding myself to take my time and enjoy the process.


Susan adopted a playground up the street. She spent the morning picking up garbage and filling large bags for pick-up. The best thing she said while doing it, was a costa rican boy started to help her. She found a necklace with a heart on it in the playground and gave it to the little boy and he gave it to his little sister. It had a heart on it.

Found some beautiful orchids on the colony property today too. Discovering something new everyday.

Alice came in from NY, she was with us last year also, so Carlos, Susan , Alice & I made plans to have dinner together someplace. Carlos took us on a mystery ride to the most beautiful spot in the Central Valley. We went up a really steep mountain and it was the most breathtaking view of all of San Jose. Great meal too with Tres Leche for dessert we all split. I am definetly making this when I get home.

Mandala Journey @ Essentia

La Mandala
I started the "mandala " at the Essentia Restaurant down the street from here, this morning. It is coming out very nice if I say so myself. It still is not finished, I'll finish tomorrow. Needed a few more colors in it that I didn' t have today. So I am showing the progression of it. These are two pictures #1 taken after finishing all of the drawing, 39" circumference. #2 taken after finishing just the center 3 hours in a very different light that will make it even more dramatic looking. It will look different in each time of the day, it has a chandelier next to it, so at night it will glow. The center depicts a dried flower found on a path, lavender flowers that grow in bunches and fall like wisteria, bamboo leaves, dragon flys and a border of waves. Colors TBD.

Definition: A mandala is usually a circle format illustrating a "personal world" in which one lives, the various elements of the mandala or the activities and interests in which one engages, the most important being at the centre of the mandala and the least important at the periphery. Depicting a personal mandala in pictorial form can give a good indication of the state of one's spiritual life.

I love painting mandalas and giving the assignment to students. I am working on a smaller one as well which was the plan for the big one.

Michael, another writer in colony came down to keep me company for a little while, he went in the jacuzzi and we also had a wonderful lunch "on the house" while I was painting the mandala. We got back to the colony and I sat outside at Susan's casita and painted the smaller one. Juan Camillo, 11 and his friend Estephano, 11 came by to say hola and we had a lesson in spanish and they had a lesson in english, really nice boys. They picked us some tangerines with a special fruit picker pole, I forgot the name of it, but it gets the ripe ones from the top of the trees. I went to Susan's because the grounds man are doing construction and making lots of noise around the studios getting another casita ready for occupancy and a community room. Some of the artists are very unhappy about the noise.

I am a bit dissapointed today too, I thought I was going to able to paint with Patricia Forrester, a watercolor artist who has comes every year since the colony opened. She has been painting a really, really large painting on a farm, a vinca. The owner has asked she not take anyone else on the property. Ticos are very protective of their land and he didn't want the colony to have thoughts of anyone else coming onto it for subject. So, hopefully before she leaves in a couple weeks we can go somewhere else to paint together.

Full moon tonight

Alice & Susan came over for potluck tonight and we are still reminiscing, catching up from a year of travels and tribulations. Because we three were here last year together at this time.