you know when all those magazines and how-to books talk about the importance of "play" to an artist? play. i always wondered what the heck they were talking about...i mean, how can you not set out to make something? how do you play? i know this probably makes me sound like a person with a pathetic and arid childhood, who was made to clean chimneys and wear her brother's hand-me-down clothes and sell apples in the streets, but i never did get it. then (trumpet sound)this morning around 3am, after i was done pouring resin and sticking my hair to the table, and making maple bacon & oatmeal (how's that right??) i decided to print out some photos on my whiz-bang printer - ink costs be damned. the first one was awesome...stalactites or mites (whicheverrrrr) from Howe Cavern. decided to print another from the same trip. i was all jacked up because the NEW new printer didn't even jam. was all jacked up because the NEW new cup of coffee tasted even better than the last 2. so i loaded the paper in, hit print, and shazam! the printer started printing. i took this opportunity to let diva dog out (yet again) and when i came back, discovered a hot mess. i had loaded the paper in "up" side down...it had printed on the back of the paper. mess. so i took parts of that piece and began to collage. (yes i know i should be finishing up necklaces. sue me). since the piece was ruined, it didn't bother me in the least to cut it, burn it, disrespect it in ways that i will likely have to answer for Some Day. but it felt great. and in the process, i discovered a new technique! ah ha - so this is "play." it's now 9:30-ish, and i have been up for 7 1/2 hours. my mouth is high on Starbucks, so i should end this post now before i say things randomly & regretfully. so you enjoy your day! i'm going to nap.