“Rift” ©Ruth Armitage 11×30″ Mixed Media on paper

I’ve been on a ‘Stay-cation’ for the past week, enjoying the pleasures of home with some special friends. First, I entertained my cooking group for dinner. I scheduled this dinner as a warm-up for hosting house guests. When the house is clean, invite more people! My art friend Ruth Ellen Hoag and her husband, Rich, were here for four fun-filled days this past week.

When most people  host out-of-town guests they have a hard time thinking of things to do. We had the opposite problem, and our few short days were cram-packed! First order of the day was touring the farm and getting the lay of the land.

Welcoming faces on the farm!

Our next order of business was to look at recent creative work. Ruth and I met at an art workshop, so we have lots in common, with a bond that has lasted over many years. We each had lots of paintings to look at, and Ruthie showed me a new take on the painting above. It was originally double the height, but a judicious cropping revealed a more well-composed image. Ruth’s husband Rich is an actor and writer and we were able to enjoy viewing his new short film: Roaring Camp  on DVD. Check it out! He wrote the script and acted in it, as well as producing 🙂

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Our next day involved seeing some of the beautiful countryside I call home. We ventured out on a gorgeous sunny day to the Columbia River Gorge. I wanted to share the Menucha Retreat Center with Ruth, as it is an ideal place to share art workshops.

View from Menucha

Next we ventured up to the spectacular Multnomah Falls. What a marvel. When you live here, you don’t always take the time to appreciate what is in your own back yard.

Ruth & Rich at Multnomah Falls

Our next day held the pleasures of the city: Galleries, Museums, Shopping, Food and Drama. I was tickled to show off my exhibit at the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery. Then we took in the debut of the musical “Somewhere in Time” at Portland Center Stage for a fun night out on the town.

Finally, the guys went deep sea fishing for salmon and crab, while Ruthie and I spent some time in the studio, sharing books, inspiration and painting time. What a wonderful way to spend a few days. I look forward to the next time we can connect!

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.”   – Glenn Clark

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.”
Seth Godin

What would you do for a ‘stay-cation’? Let me know what you think of the new painting?  I love reading your comments….