Naughty Friday "Oyster"

The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.

The time has come,'the Walrus said,
'To talk of many things:
Of shoes --and ships--and sealing-wax-
Of cabbages--and kings--

And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings'

Perched on MY rock conveniently low, I am looking at my list, Friday: "20 quick small sketches for watercolor studies ( separate from the large stuff) ". Tea in hand, I ponder. Hm. That certainly seems doable. I have my pencils out. Some small paper near at hand. Sip. Another slow sip. I pause.

On another list, that nocturnal Nabokov one, is this: "oyster". I have been mulling that one over. There are oyster beds on my island. They are a favorite texture in the low tide sand. A surprise inside. I mull some more. I gently sip. Yep, that's perfect for today.

As for pigs having wings, I do not know, but I DO know that I did not allow for the wiggle and the chaotic waggle that this week had in store. I have no wings myself this week, that's for sure. I think my one week to do list in the studio is actually a two week list. What do YOU do when you are overly ambitious? When you over project? And things come up unexpectedly? Are you a tough task master or a forgiving one?

Me, I'm sitting on my rock perched conveniently low, and contemplating drawing oysters, smiling at the thought. Oh, I got through two thirds of that list. Not bad, that. I have all day today to finish up what I set out to do. Will I make it? Nah. Am I rushed? Am I thinking,"Oh, you idiot"? Maybe for awhile last night. It was a very tough day yesterday. And it did bother me a lot, until I reread the numbers on that list. But now, today, I am contemplating oysters and chuckling at myself. I want to hear what they may say about my island. What kept me up at night. Listen. Can you hear the sea? It's washing away this week. It's saying," good job. You're much further along. Now come sit over here, let me wash your cares away. Just draw the oyster. Just draw its juiciness. And look at those neutrals. And look at the contrast." Yum.

You can't forget about the pleasures of your work. It will all get done. And if it doesn't...check your numbers, they might be off a bit.

Brush, got any ideas on what color an oyster is? Yep, more puddles, you get to play today. Pencil, got any lemon? Come on, let's sketch away. Now, go be Naughty, all of you. Go on, play in the delicious juiciness of your life.

( I see you smiling NOLA NOIR guy. Just duck and cover, Gustav is on his way.)