creative process, lisa lillibridge, south dakota, identity, vermont, midlife, psychology, creativity, south dakota photographyLISA LILLIBRIDGE

That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.
―L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Heading West from Sioux Falls—March 15th

Main Street—Montrose March 20th

I’ve started taking alternative routes whenever I’m in South Dakota. I wanted to see Montrose where my great-grandmother’s family lived. I recently found this book in my grandfather’s library. To see Lottie Eno’s signature inside a college textbook was thrilling. We attended the same college…once Sioux Falls Academy, then Sioux Falls College (when I attended). Now it is the University of Sioux Falls.

Lottie and Lowell Lillibridge 1898

Main Street—Colome March 21st

On my way to the Burke Stampede Rodeo Gala—March 22nd

East of Burke—Sunday afternoon March 23rd

The long empty roads,
Sullen fires of sunset, fading,
The eternal, unresponsive sky.

—from Prairie Spring by Willa Cather

Spring is the time of plans and projects.

―Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Last weekend I was beyond snarky. I pulled a cardboard box from the recycling and headed (stomped) to my basement studio. I needed paint on my hands and in my hair and to get the hell away from people…all people. Thanks to the late Ric Ocasek, these lyrics capture what I was feeling.

The Cars, Just What I Needed

I don’t mind you comin’ here
And wastin’ all my time, time
‘Cause when you’re standin’ oh so near
I kinda lose my mind, yeah

I settled down after some time creating—always good for everyone in my orbit. The Butterfly Effect of creativity I suppose. Here are the results of my efforts.

before and after antique glaze is applied