The Stodgy Pleasures of the
Unvaried Particulars of Life
 
They say we are boring.
Those people of a younger age.
It might be so. 
 
But who can imagine the
Interest one can develop over the
Insignificant and trivial. 
 
It is the minute details of life,
The tiny spots and dots of this
And that which entertain us.
 
Watching to see how the rain
Splatters on the window,
We imagine a universe of microbes
On the glass. 
 
We marvel at how the spider rebuilds
Her web every day and
How it becomes a doily in the sky. 
 
We talk about the neighbors,
And watch them from our windows,
Come and go like creatures
In a reversed zoo.
 
We laugh at the same inside jokes,
Not because we forget, but
Because there are subtle and
Silent changes in the humor
That only we notice. 
 
We marvel at how it is that we are
Fortunate enough to sit and discuss
Nothing and everything over,
And yet over again, without tedium.    
 
No sir, we are not dull. 
It is quite obvious we are more
Clever than before, because we have
Found intelligence and
Enrichment in the uneventful of
Our lives. 
 
 
Susan Patterson
11-2013
 

It is this day and age, there is so many sources from which we can learn.  We have the internet, books, social media, television and radio.  So much.  Too much!  There seems to be more information than we can  handle.  Some of us don't know how to use the information and technology we have at our finger tips.  Some of us threaten and commit crimes with technology.  Some of us skew information to our own ends.   Hopefully we will learn to be better stewards.   In the meantime, I'm going to sit as quietly as I can, as often as I can and learn from the small insignificant elements of life.  skp

It's that time already! 

Time for the autumn edition of Open Studios of Beavercreek.  This art show is a tour in the country.  All you have to do is download a map at  openstudiosofbeavercreek.weebly.com/ and follow the directions.  There will also be plenty of signage on the streets. 

Please join me and James and our home studio for cookies and tea...and oh yes, art.  How could I forget!  This fall we are indeed fortunate to have four artists at our studio.  And, let me tell you, the art they produce is just downright gorgeous.  Stop by and meet our artists guests.  We are stop Number Two, at 18882 S Forest Grove Loop, Oregon City.  You will also find three more artists right around the corner at stop Number Three. 

We will have Christina Fowler-Thias, who creates artisan jewelry by handcrafting one of a kind jewelry pieces that are influenced by antiquity, organic in form, textured and complex in color.  Her work is Influenced by science, symbol and antiquity to elevate mystery and sensuality in our lives.  Can't get better than that, huh?  

Then we will have Ha Austin, ceramic artist.  Ha's unique work is well known in the area.  She is a crystalline potter creating pieces that can take up to 35 hours for a single item. The rareness and beauty of each ceramic creation makes her pottery journey worthwhile and will delight your home.

We also are pleased to have Barbara Sparks - Shively, stained glass artist. Barbara is an highly talented glass artist of 20 years.  Starting out with sun catchers, she now produces a very impressive gallery of stained glass art.  You will be impressed and pleased with her versatility. 

Then, there is me, Susan Patterson, who has written and produced four books, including poetry and memoirs.  My work is heard weekly, around the world through the international podcast, Radio Kidderminster Worldwide Podcast.  It has been said that my work brings a soft education to the world.  Gosh, that is nice, isn't it?  ;-)  Come and meet us all.  Sit among the cedars, say hello to kitties and enjoy the beauty. 

I'll be seeing you soon!   skp

 
One Man’s Dreary is One Woman’s Beauty
 
I walked today and I went for miles,
Cultivation that used to be routine.   
It’s been awhile since I’ve done that,
But my steps were strong and measured
And my heart pounded. 
That’s the way it is supposed to be. 
 
It was raining and I let the rain fall on my face. 
It wasn’t coming down so hard that the water stung me,
But just enough to let me know that
Rain has beauty and creative power just like sunshine. 
 
I walked along and looked up and noticed the grey sky. 
It wasn’t even close to blue, but it was striking nevertheless. 
I continued my steps and lowered my head just a little,
And my eyes drew in the deep green of the cedars
And the firs that towered a hundred feet over the street.
 
Then I let down my head again and looked at
The house chimneys releasing the color gray.
It was smoke that mingled into the sky with out notice. 
Still walking, I eased my head once more, my eyes lingering
On the winter green grass that sparkled with water droplets. 
And then my gaze went back to the street in front of me,
Its gray pavement making my steps straight and secure. 
 
I so adore the rain and its peacefulness. 
No one is loud or noisy in the rain. 
Everyone is waiting for something. 
Some people wait for the sunshine to come alive again. 
Some wait for dryness to breathe. 
I do not wait. 
I live in the rain.
 
 
Susan Patterson
1-2011

 Autumn came to Oregon yesterday.  We will have a few days of hot weather, as per our usual in the last week of September. Then gradually it will get colder and wetter.  This is when people start to complain.  And yet, we love Oregon.  We love the green trees and the moderate temperatures. But some of us say our activities are hampered by the rain.  Nope.  Humans are incredibly adaptable creatures.  And yet,  it seems that we complain no matter what.  If we can put a man on the moon, then we can surely put a coat on.   I say, bring on the rain!   skp

Join me at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Tigard, OR.  You can peruse beautiful art and enjoy a fashion show.  I will be there selling my books at very good prices, of course! And, maybe, if we are lucky, there will be a new little something from the Earlene Grey library for you to enjoy as well.  
It is simply a beautiful festival, one that you will absolutely not want to miss.  http://celebratethegifts.org/

Date and Hours: Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2, 2016.

• Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• FASHION SHOW 2:00 pm Saturday!
• Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Calvin Presbyterian Church
10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard, OR



Events

• Saturday and Sunday: open galleries
• Saturday 2:00 pm: Fashion Show
• Saturday and Sunday: refreshments, musicians, and artist demos throughout the day!

Never Underestimate
The Power of the Glance
 
Now here she is with her purse
And her art and her dogs.     
She flounces down the street filling
The space around her and
So much more.
She is what everyone wants. 
 
I love her, by golly, I do.  But she takes
No visible heed of me,
Even when she knows me so well.
I am like a big bag of cheap nothing to her.  
It is an old story, and
I am left behind like
So many other fools.
 
If she passes by and doesn’t look
My way, I will know there is
Still no chance for me.
Now, here she is, strutting
In front of me without
So much as a glance.   She has
Sealed my fate as surely as if
It were locked away with a key.
 
There she goes and here I sit.
She is a heartless shrew, by God.
But wait,
Do I see something new?
Yes. She is turning ever so slightly,
And looking, right back to me.   
 
I have hope.    
 
Susan Patterson
08-2016

Greetings to all my readers! 

Have you missed 'The Causerie'?  People were beginning to ask whether that poet lady is alive or not!  Yes, I am alive.  I unexpectedly took the summer off.  Without warning, the need for rest and renewal overtakes one on occasion, doesn't it.  It did me.  Nevertheless, I'm happy to be back.  I will be posting 'The Causerie' a little less often, but you will be getting new poems, old favorites, offers of books to buy and the latest in the world of Earlene Grey.  As always, let me know what you think!   You can email direct at susan@earlenegrey.com

This week I am  posting a new little ditty.  See above.  It is tells the same old story of unnoticed affection.  Does anyone relate to this?  How interesting the game of love can be!       

Your poet,   Susan Patterson

Musings With a Cuppa-The Poetry is being offered in its third edition on the Earlene Grey website

This book has been redesigned and it is absolutely stunning.  It feels good, looks good, and the poetry will take you away to the wonderful world of tea. 

Our version of Musings With a Cuppa is not yet available on Amazon.  It is only available from the Earlene Grey company.  Look for specials and good deals.  As always, the shipping is free. 

Why not stock up on several of the Earlene Grey books for friends' birthdays and for Christmas?  If you would like them autographed, all you have to do is ask.  Enjoy!   Look for our specials as well at www.earlenegrey.com/specials.html

Happy tea times!  skp