January 14

My rental car, Minnie the Mouse sitting out in front of the studio building.

First full day at Centrum, on the site of Fort Worden State Park. A large campus of beautiful white buildings that once housed US Army officers and served as a wall of defense on our Pacific Coast during WWI and WWII. Now several arts related non-profit organizations. use the facilities as well as two museums and a campground.. Port Townsend (WA) is a few miles down the road - a cool town with galleries, old movie theatre, bookstores - a big tourist town in the summer,

I am here for two weeks along with several other artists, We had a “meet and greet” this morning - half of us are staying on site, the other half are local artists. It was refreshing to learn from the staff that we can sleep the whole time if we prefer. Good news since my brain is bouncing all over the place. I came prepared to paint and work on my little wall objects if I am lucky to find wood. At my last residency in Ireland, I stumbled on a bag of beautiful kindling which opened up new ideas. Unfortunately, such treasures are not in the US. Everything here is perfectly cut and soaked lighter fluid of some sort, Also, I miss driving on the wrong side of the road. Still feeling like I haven’t left.

But certainly, Centrum has provided me with all I need. It’s up to me. I have a sweet cabin and a studio big enough to hold a dance party for 100 people. Going to spend the first few days walking around with my sketchbook in hand. The beach is right at the end of the road,.

Lost my pencil on the sand earlier in the day. Was delighted to reconnect in the afternoon. She looked like she was searching for me too