Monday, June 30, 2008

good to be back:)






I'm back! Missed you! Missed blogging. Missed my computer. Missed my house. Missed the comfortable North American way of life. It's good to be back.
It's been an interesting month. The flight there was filled with unexpected. Little Margo got the stomach flu in the middle of the flight to Vienna. I'm not plunging into the gross details, but lets just say we all smelled less than pleasant by the time we've reached our destination. So, the first few days were difficult, to say the list. On the bright side, the weather was just perfect pretty much all the time. I rented an apartment in the very heart of the city for the first 5 days and visited all the places I loved as a kid. I've met some best childhood friends. It was so cool to see where life took them. Overall, I felt that things haven't changed all that much. Odessa remained unique and people (although rude and cocky) were super fun!
However, in terms of artistic inspiration, I gathered little to none. Taste was hard to come by and western pop was overpowering all local talent. It was obvious that status had everything to do with peoples choices in cars, cloth, art and attitudes. 
I found it funny that all the souvenirs were 'made in china'. Needless to say, I didn't bring any back.
I was so busy with kids and making sure that everything went according to plan - I didn't make a single sketch. Can't wait to dive into work. 
More stories and pictures are on their way...

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Welcome back! We missed looking at your blog!! Sad you didn't get much inspiration, but you never know, maybe once here in the comfort of your office you will be inspired thinking about your trip!!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes your brain needs a break from being inspired :-) Not making a single sketch might have been exactly what you needed to recharge your creative spirit!

bowie style said...

im so glad you're back.

Eva said...

Missed you too, Helen...:)
Glad you're back and your trip was fun...(what would a trip like this be without a severe stomack flu?..That sure is the best way to never forget the flight...;)
LG Eva

the argyle academy said...

welcome back!

Kelly Medina said...

Welcome back! Sounds like a rough flight, but glad the rest of trip was better.

Jan Halvarson said...

Welcome Back!

Heather Moore said...

So great to have you back! Sounds like we need to prepare ourselves for even more of your legendarily energetic output. Yay!
xx

ellencrimitrent said...

welcome back Helen, I understand how hard it is when kids are sick on the flight. I remember one of mine having to go to the bathroom allot!!! on one and another time my oldest had this horrible virus that made his joints ache all day.

Going away is nice but coming home is nicer!!I wouldn't worry about doing any sketches sometimes its better just to take a break from it all. I will be doing that in August and will enjoy every minute of it!

orange you lucky! said...

Thanks for an awesome WELCOME! I'm happy to be back! Love reading the comments:)h

Carolyn Gavin said...

Helen,
welcome home! i have missed chatting + seeing your delights everyday. Your photos are beautiful.
i am home after 4 days in Montreal - a nice break.
Happy Canada day to you too. going away also makes you realize how wonderful home really is.
xxx C

read me... said...

Hey... welcome back!!