Just finished this order. Mountain Lion Bag. I've learned that baby mountain lions have spots. It's going to Wyoming! I've only been there once when I was driving through, from New Mexico to Alaska. My Ford Fairmount failed me in Buffalo Wyoming. Nice mechanic put in the new fuel pump and I got to spend the night. Walked around town, had some dinner. Cool little town on a very hot day. That's what I remember.
https://youtu.be/Cb6yB8hlRFc Hanging out and sewing in the gallery and we decided to make a little video. I'm feeling happy to be wrapping up some big projects.
I rarely read a book twice. “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry was pure pleasure both times, I read it once in the 80’s and now for my book series. I’m sure the first time I read it, it was for the enjoyment of a long (858 pages) wondrous epic. The adventures of two ex-Rangers (Gus and Call) who take the crew and the cattle from Texas to Montana. It’s a real page turner and has everything. Heroic characters, complicated villains, unexpected plot twists, and tragic love. In my second reading of the book I cried more than I care to admit. It felt so relevant to my life circumstances right now. The more subtle issues of accepting our circumstances and the denial we can allow ourselves to live in, jumped out at me. Also the poignancy of two old timers on their last big adventure. My best friend is dying. Hard to say out loud. She lives on the other side of the country and I always thought we would have one last great adventure. But due to circumstances, Covid, no money, and such, it won’t be happening. As Gus would say ” Life ain’t for sissies.” So tomorrow as I finish up this piece of beadwork, I’ll box up this book and send it off to her. We can share the adventure via a tale for the ages. Books can take you places. It’s also what I hope to do with this beadwork. I had a few struggles on the piece. Mainly in keeping the definition of each part. It’s a complicated pattern and there are so many different colors butting up against each other. But in the end, I’m happy with the way it turned out.
Well, as we say goodbye to 2020 tonite I'm happy to show off my new website! https://www.kateboyan.com
It's almost true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but seeing as how the gallery has been closed for almost a year now, due to the pandemic, I decided I should join everyone with the online selling thing. The computer is not my forte. I've struggled, cursed, almost cried, asked for help, and finally feel pretty good about it. It's funny how I cringe when selling my work, I think it's common for artists. But here it is, my blatant attempt to be a self promoting capitalist. I've learned a lot. Thanks for taking a look. Happy New Year to all. A brilliant 2021 to everyone!
In early March of this year, right as we were beginning to learn about Covid 19, the Iditarod sled dog race was beginning in Anchorage. I remember thinking, "Now that's the ultimate social distancing." I would watch the coverage of the sled dog racers crawl across the the windy, snow covered landscape. During that time I was able to listen to a recorded version of “ Call of the Wild” by Jack London. So this was actually # 1 in my book series. Can you believe I’ve never read it before. It was hard to listen to in many parts. I hate with a passion animal cruelty, love all dogs, so it was hard. I have a huge dislike for the fact that so many dogs are forced to live on chains. Living in Alaska you see it alot. I don’t know maybe it’s everywhere. But I digress. Buck, the dog hero, doesn’t die. I put up this review from an 11 year old.
January 29, 2020
Brutal Characters in a Freezing Landscape
If you like a survival story, Jack London's "Call of the Wild " is for you! The main character is a dog named Buck. He is good main character because he has thick fur, he is big and strong. In the beginning of the novel, Buck becomes a sled dog and pulls a sled.The book takes place in the Yukon Territories.
I like this book because Jack London uses vocabulary I did not even know existed! One word that came to mind is feigned; it means to pretend. I also like that it is a survival story because it makes me feel excited about what is going to happen next. If you like survival stories packed with brutal characters, in a freezing landscape then you will enjoy this book. Beware, it can be hard to read at times because there is animal cruelty. I recommend this book for people twelve and older.
I did the beadwork back in March but am just now finishing up.
If you’re like me you have lots of projects going at once...
I'm thinking of doing my "Eagle Bag" as a kit. So far I have used many vintage size 15 beads so there will quite a few of the ...
