Anne, at her press, in the Oregon studio.
Did I tell you? We’re on another of our working vacations. For us, they’re the best kind. We don’t even call them vacations. Others do, so it’s okay to use the word. But we don’t vacate anything. Rather we press in.
We’re in the Oregon hide-away we discovered some years ago. We’re trying to remember, is this our fourth time, or fifth?
As always, we filled the back of the van with supplies and tools of our work. Even the two days on the road is a stimulation—this time listening to a long audio book on Ulysses Grant.* Now, nestled in the studio, we’re listening to The Italian Renaissance.** It’s our third time through, always checking it out from the library here in Toledo. (They’ve finally issued us a card.)
Lest you think we’re only doing historical listening, we also listen to music, to each other, the sound of rain . . . or nothing at all. I suppose that’s when it’s a true vacation. But such moments are short lived. Life is for activity, and self-expressive work is one of its gifts.
Anne is working eight to ten hours a day on her printmaking. As usual, she brought her press, her plates, her inks and paper. She’s got a lot of previously begun pieces to finalize. Then there are completely new creations to bring into being.
I brought three projects to work on. Two are multi-piece painting commissions, the other a writing/book-design project. I’ve calculated that if I can put about three hours per day into each one, by the time we’re finished here I will have reached my goals.
That’s for quantity. Quality is another matter, and not always so reachable. But it’s a good challenge.
Besides all this, the daily rhythms include early mornings with God, evenings with some mystery video (Foyle’s War, again!), mid-day walks (rain or shine), an occasional ten-minute drive over to the coast for clam chowder or just a look at the spectacular and untamed elements of Oregon’s winter.
We’ve been here a week and have a week to go. We’re blessed. Again we’re getting to experience the truth that a man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.***
Now, back to it.
You too, with yours.
_____________
* The Man who Saved the Union, Ulysses Grant in War and Peace, by H. W. Brands, 27 hours.
** by Dr. Kenneth Bartlett, University of Toronto, produced by The Teaching Company, 36 lectures.
*** Ecclesiastes 2:24 (and repeated five other places in that book)
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
1:19 pm
Thanks Hyatt and Anne, for inventing what I would call a “vacreation.”
I love it, and I am going to plan one for Megan and me.
1:25 pm
Loved getting this email with lovely Anne in the featured picture for your blog! :) She is soooo beautiful! You are a blessed man, Hyatt! You both are blessed with the similar joy of creating art together and apart, for similar tastes in music, movies, books and conversation. Enjoy your work vacation together! I loved living in Oregon. We lived there for 4 years. Our middle son, Chris, was born there. Loved the fresh crab you could get along the coast. The clam chowder sounds great too. Enjoy! Blessings! Lisa
1:31 pm
Sounds wonderful!
1:42 pm
Hello you two!!
I also have checked out all of Foyle’s War video’s. Love all
of them!! Have you guys ever watched the Doc Martin
series? They are also wonderful to watch…..very English,
and funny!!
Safe driving home!!!
Barbara
9:01 pm
Love the way you continue to invite everyone in to how you both do life – kind of like a modern day “Practicing the Presence of God” – perhaps I’ll start calling you Brother Hyatt!
With deep admiration,
Tim
10:15 pm
Sounds truly wonderful, Hyatt.
And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon you;confirm and establish the work of your hands-yes, the work of your hands, confirm and establish it. Psalm 90:17 Amp. :)
Looking forward to another coaching session when you return.
6:47 am
Hyatt, you and Anne have given “savoring every moment” a whole new meaning. I love the fact that you multitask….create and listen to a book at the same time:) Thanks for sharing.
7:52 am
I love the Ecclesiastes reference at the end of your post. Have a wonderful time! And thanks for reminders of blessings, privileges and work.
11:10 am
That really sounds cozy. It’s 80 degrees here. How fun to work and play at the same time enjoy! Ginney
4:18 pm
Love this! Everything about it speaks love, commitment, joy, peace, and so much more. Thank you.
1:30 pm
So love your messages. Your trip sounds delightful…. What a blessing you two are.
All the best….. Hope to see u soon.