Hi, it's been a while, as usual. Lots has happened- the first that comes to mind is our trip to the US in March. Loma was worked on, mom was visited, Pepi was missed. We've been back for a month and I've been more focused on art and the Center lately. I'll be participating in a dorky event called "Dorset Art Weeks" in hopes I can sell some work and let people know I am here.
​
I also joined the local gym and enjoy it, partly because I feel so out of place there. I feel "in place" so much of the time it's a novel feeling to be out of it.
Since I don't know what I'm doing particularly, I just sort of wander around to different machines and rooms trying various things until I've hit the hour mark. Yesterday I discovered a static piece of equipment intended for pulling up one's legs to the chest repeatedly and I really liked that. 

I went to the sauna with Tamsin this morning before heading to the Center and even swum a few laps in the chlorine pool. I'm craving the sea but haven't made it in for a swim in a bit- I'll be changing that soon.

Today I sawed a big board in half with a handsaw and painted it with chalkboard paint. My aim is to write a message each week for passers-by, so I'll have to start brainstorming. 

It's the chunk of morning when I 'relax' with a hot cup and browse the internet before work. Sometimes Pepi comes down and sits on my lap- this morning it's too windy, rainy, and cosy for her to get out of bed. I think about the dreams I had, what to bring for lunch, what the day might have in store, and what to make for dinner.
I have a dental appointment this afternoon, just a cleaning. I hate to admit it but I'm thinking things like, "I should ask them how to get my teeth whiter. Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?" Someone once recommended baking soda every few days.
I'm also trying to figure out when I'll have time to do some painting in the coming week. I haven't done an oil painting since college, probably 2009 or 10 but it's been calling to me lately, so I bought some supplies. I used to oil paint in my room as a child, not knowing at all how to use them. My dad convinced me to let him put the paintings up on Ebay, telling me that I'd be a 'real professional artist' if someone bought one. To my surprise, I did sell some of the paintings. I (much) later learned that my dad himself was the one who had 'bought' the paintings on Ebay. I have no idea where the paintings went.

Marmite toast always tastes better when someone else makes it for you, would you agree? Mine is about to be delivered to me. It's Sunday, and I have the rare opportunity to 'take it easy' for the morning. Despite raining all day yesterday, it's sunny and breezy outside. I might take a stroll through the woods before work if I check things off of my list at a reasonable pace. 
 
The following photos are from the art studio I sometimes life model at. The light was particularly beautiful that afternoon. I've also included some photos of a few paintings I found inspiring from a great Frank Auerbach book. I showed them to George and he said they were disturbing, or something to that effect. 

Yesterday a nice man named Bill informed me that I'd passed the UK driving test. It was an even bigger relief than I'd imagined and I now feel a little more like I 'belong' here. I still don't really understand how I was allowed to drive for a year on my US license-- I'm thankful I was able to, though, despite the pains and panic attacks of navigating through tiny lanes, between tractors, up and down steep hills etc, all while figuring out how a clutch works and depth perception from the other side of the road. I passed!

I was thinking about the unique challenges of driving in the countryside of England whilst coasting down the steep hill leading into Portesham village...one of which is getting a good radio signal. I actually find it exciting the way the channels fade and distort as the hedges reach higher up toward the sky. Single words and syllables stick out and stations pingpong back and forth in interesting and unexpected ways. It's quite the delight. 

I couldn't sleep a few nights back. One link led to another and I found myself perusing crossrecord.blogspot.com, my blog from 2008-2013. I enjoyed reading some of the posts while feeling pretty wholly disconnected from that person writing. I came across to myself as curious, maybe even intelligent? Who was this person? Did I get dumber? Why haven't I kept a writing habit up for many years? I thought: yes: I am going to revive this blog and leave behind at least a portion of my Instagram activities-- swap them for writing more, posting more consciously, more slowly. 

I've just attempted to log in to said blogspot with no luck...it's simply been too long. Here I am on my other blog, which I'm calling a bog because I mis-typed it but relate to that a lot more. It's a record of time and a few thoughts, experiences, images that pass by within my existence here. Hello, if anyone is around- and if no one is, that's okay too. xoE
​

Hello :-) As some of you know, I recently made the transition to living in Cornwall, UK. I've been here since June and am really enjoying myself. I'm hoping to be let into my village church to record some organ and bells, and I've made friends with some eccentric locals with whom I'm hoping I can collaborate with. Just wanted to say hi, and send a hug through the internet. I'm still recording my podcast What I'm Looking At weekly- so check in there if you're looking for a more detailed account of my life here. xo, E

Off-white shirts with no-feel ink :-) Printed in Austin by Raw Paw- very limited supply! Sizes available: S-XL 

To purchase, e-mail crossrecordmusic@gmail.com

20$ + 4$ shipping US. International shipping available!