The NEXT 40 years

oh, Mary

2011-04-17T12:09:00.002-04:00

The Journey
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

my my my

2011-03-13T16:59:00.000-04:00

I know I've got to be in the top 5 of all time worst bloggers. I see there's still some readers popping in from time to time - thank you! So much happens every week that I would like to share and I have so many ideas for posts but alas, they never seem to make it here. Here is just a quick rundown of what's happened thus far in 2011, and the very end of 2010. I love being able to look back at old posts and be reminded of things...I guess that's the main reason I keep doing this, that and the fact that I love the idea of connecting with others out in cyberspace.

*went to New Orleans over Christmas and visitied a couple of cool cemeteries. Pics can be viewed on my facebook art page: http://www.facebook.com/theartofchandraT . And I would love it if you would **like** me!
*my sister stayed with me over new year's and we had a party. Hung out with precious friends, sang Taylor Swift songs and loved every minute of it.
*on New Year's Day me and my best friend were reunited via phone, and picked right back up where we had left off over 2 years ago. LOVE YOU GIRL!!!

*I'm spending lots of time with friends, so much so that my art making has suffered. I'm just going with the flow though....no shows planned at all right now, think I'll just shoot for a couple in the fall maybe. More focused on sewing than anything else, and having fun with that. Been so inspired by this awesome woman .
*got a new serger, a new espresso maker, a new car
*went to TN in February to visit family and friends, some that go back from high school, which was OMG 26 years ago! Too awesome for words.
*Attended a chocolate festival while there with both my biological sister and soul sister. Priceless!
*Went to Vegas March 1st. Took a Sally Jean class and learned how to make this:

*visited Red Rock Canyon. pics will soon be posted on my FB page, and some are dressing up this post.
*met a new friend who lives in Vegas and rocks! hi Tiffany!!! speaking of new friends, I have met some awesome humans in the last few months. LOVE that!
*Scored some seriously cool skull bling at a shop at the Vegas airport. Finding freaky shit excites me!

I gotta get off here and go get my sew on.
Peace and love ya'll!!

just for me

2011-01-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

I came upon this Mary Oliver poem online and it soothed my soul. I wanted to keep it someplace where I could find it easily, quickly. And if it soothes someone else's soul, all the better.

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

and then it was over

2010-10-31T01:31:00.002-04:00

October, you were a whirlwind; blowing in, spinning me ‘round a few times, and leaving so much behind. You stirred up so much emotion in me: From joy that caused me to get up and dance, to sorrow that had me lying on the floor sobbing. You were such a mirror for me.

You made me want to get back in touch with my therapist, that’s for sure. THE PAST was definitely your theme. So many situations in recent weeks have made me ask, “Why now?” The answer I’ve settled on is “It was time”.

I’ve said it before, so forgive me if I bore you by saying it again, but I believe the Universe gives us exactly what we need exactly when we need it. Maybe I am just now at a point where I can recognize the events of the past few weeks for what they are--opportunities to further my growth and understanding of myself. If things had happened at any other time, would I have been ready to learn, or even see these events how I am seeing them now? I don’t believe so.

Also, there’s the little matter of my art. The 11 canvases I’ve created recently are not just fabric, paint, and paper - they are my heart, my soul. Prior to the creation of this latest work, I’ve only painted sporadically, and then there was no real connection to what ended up on the canvas when I was done. Maybe I needed these recent life events to crack me open, to leave me raw, so that the emotion would have no choice but to spill out onto whatever I touched.

And for it all, I am so deeply grateful. Grateful the mirror was held up so I could see the truth about myself. Glad I’m able to recognize this truth, and be gentle with myself, and love myself in spite of my many, many shortcomings. I’m thankful for the friends who are there to hug me while I cry. For the people who crack me open, no matter how much it hurts, because light really does come through all those cracks, eventually. For my sister’s surprise midnight visit. Yea, after all these years. And plans are being made to get together again, soon! It’s so good to have her back in my life.

And this day...I have to mention this day! This cool truck was parked at a local art show I attended. I forgot to take any other pics but did manage to snap a few of the truck on my way out. I specifically went to meet Dani, of dani keith designs, who up until now I had only met online. She was lovely and I'm thrilled that I now own one of her pieces:

I also met Andrew Sedberry aka the Bloody Brother and went nuts for his work. I got two pieces:

I also visited a friend I hadn't seen in a while, stopped in at the gallery, went to the herbal shop to stock up on handmade soaps and lotions, got quite a bit of work done, and had a wonderful dinner! A simply fabulous day.

My show is next Saturday and I am, surprisingly, calm about it so far. I've got quite a bit more to do, but I'll get there. And today (since I'm writing this at 1:15 am) is Samhain! Otherwise known, by most, as Halloween--my favorite day of the year! I have a tradition of lighting a fire in my fire pit on this night, sitting alone, and contemplating the year that has passed and all those that have played a part in it. And what a year it's been! Wow.

reaching out & looking in

2010-10-09T16:15:00.001-04:00

It's one of my favorite kinds of days. home alone, free to wander, putter around, be lazy, blast linkin park as loud as my speakers can go. To work on my art, take frequent breaks to snack, to cry, to scream, to ponder life.

This is my favorite place to escape to, right in my own backyard. October is my favorite month and though I am frantically working to prepare for the show I've vowed to slow down from time to time to enjoy this amazing time of year. I took out a snack, and coffee in my favorite mug, and spent time with nature, the universe, myself.

I thought about this week, and how so very much can happen in such a short time. I reached out to a very dear soul earlier this week and asked for her help in getting ready for the show. It's not easy for me to ask for help, so doing so was scary. But she was so generous and heartfelt in her reply, of course she would help and be so very happy to do so. That meant the world to me. Then later in the week two other dear friends offered their assistance too. I am so blessed to have such souls in my life. Here's one of them...god I love this man...and look at that smile!!!!!

And I thought of my sister, who I haven't seen in around 11 years. I missed her so much at that moment, and texted her to tell her so. I thought of regrets I have, one of the biggest being the way my relationship with my closest friend ended two years ago. I'm so sorry for the way I handled things Scarlet. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please forgive me. I thought of others I know I've hurt, or caused some kind of pain, and had a good cry there among the trees.

It's not my intention to hurt anyone. It's a struggle to be true to myself and be mindful of other's needs at the same time. It's a fine balance, and I need a lot more practice on the tightrope. I'm reminded of something a therapist I used to see once told me when I was struggling to understand some things that happened in my childhood. He said that we all do the best we can with any given situation at that point in time. How true. His statement helped me then, and it helps me now; not only to forgive others, but to forgive myself. The me that I want to be is struggling to come into existence. Along the way I am going to make mistakes and cause hurt and confusion and who knows what else. That's what life in physical form is all about - stumbling, growing, learning. We're all in this together and in the end all it's really about is love. The wise old soul inside me knows this, though the silly immature girl who usually runs things is still struggling to get my head around it.

But it's all good. We will all be ok. Life is beautiful, no matter the circumstances.

Dear Deb;

2010-09-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

I wish I could talk with you and hear all the stories of your latest adventure. Gawd, how I miss you! It’s been a tough week and I have wished a thousand times that I could come running to you and hear your words of wisdom and let you tell me that everything will be ok. You were so very strong, right up to the end, and I am healthy and fine and not half as strong as you were. I guess you heard what I said at your memorial, and it was so true.

Speaking of the memorial--excuse me, celebration--were you happy with it? I know you wont be surprised to hear how nervous I was about it, but it could not have turned out better. Cyana did a wonderful job as the MC. And everyone there spoke, and it was such a special time of sharing our stories about you. And I know you loved the butterflies! Though I was the one who handed them out for the release, it was Nancy’s idea to get them. It was perfection. I ended up bonding with one of Dan’s coworkers because we admired each other’s hair!

Speaking of Dan…I have failed there. I had every intention of checking in on him and the boys, but I haven’t seen them since the celebration. I have checked in on the boys on facebook a time or two, but I know that isn’t enough. I saw Nick’s new picture the other day and he looks so much like you that I busted out crying right then and there. I am still so angry over the fact that they have to grow up without you. What the fuck???? I just don’t understand. I know I know, I can hear you now and what you would be saying to me, but still!!

The bench at the park was finally installed, but I haven’t been to visit it yet. I printed off the map today and am going to check it out on Saturday, it and the brick in the walkway. I hope no one calls the police if they find me sitting there sobbing.

I had a show in May that went really well, but I don’t think I have to tell you that. I was using that special display box you gave me to show some pendants in, and don’t think I didn’t see that butterfly that kept flying all around it. My other Deb friend, Bead Deb, was with me, and she and I both had tears in our eyes. I think it was because of you that I sold all my canvases. And therefore because of you that I decided to make more. I have a show in November and that very night I have to take what’s left to Fat Cat, because the next day is her Holiday Open House. I’m having this display built to show all my work on, and the whole thing is going to be in Gwen’s gallery! I got a professional printer, so in addition to my originals I will also have prints, cards, and prints on wood, all displayed in one place. I wanted to really make an impact and she totally went for it. I am so excited but also stressed out….yea, I know. I know. So anyway I really don’t expect you to show up as a butterfly in November, but you could show up as a crow or something to help a sister out. It’s November 6th, State Street. If you’re not busy.

Halloween is just around the corner. It will be tough, remembering last year when you and I were out and about on one of our shopping days, with me dressed as a witch. But I wouldn’t give up my memories for anything. I was introduced to so many places and things because of you girl. Your life was so short but you sure knew how to give it your all. I wish I would have learned that from you. Do you think there’s still hope? I am totally open to any assistance you may want to send from the beyond or whatever you call it. And I know what you’re thinking, that I wouldn’t listen to you when you had a mouth and could speak to me, so I probably wouldn’t listen now. It’s the same ole shit anyway, just a different day. A very different day without you.

and the winner is...

2010-02-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

Caryl of Carylsrealm! She has been notified via email and I will get the necklace out to her asap. I would like to thank each one who visited and entered my giveaway, and also Lisa for organizing this wonderful event for us all to enjoy.

9.5

2010-02-07T18:41:00.000-05:00

My how time flies. Tomorrow I can say I had surgery a week ago. It went well, and though I could have been outpatient, I had a lot of pain in my shoulders so I decided to stay overnight and take advantage of the pain meds getting shot directly into my bloodstream. :) It hasn't been an easy week, physically or emotionally. I am on a liquid diet until 2/15, and I miss food! Then there have been some other physical discomforts, but all in all I am doing great, and am actually going back to work tomorrow. I am really looking forward to getting back into a normal routine.

I leave for Vegas in two weeks, to the first ever Art & Soul retreat there. Art & Soul has a theme every year, and this year it's Art & Soul in Wonderland, hence the striped legwarmers. I have been wearing them around the house this week to motivate me and also to keep me warm....I don't think I've been truly warm all week! I also have plans to make a Mad Hatter hat, ala Johnny oh-how-I-love-him Depp, but we will have to see how much energy I have in the coming days. And now I must get started gathering supplies for my trip, because they will actually be shipped this Friday!

Oh, and I have lost 9.5 lbs since Monday, February 1st. Yes, 9.5 lbs people!!!!

Namaste!

embracing change

2010-01-31T16:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning I check in at a local hospital to have lap band surgery. I have been working toward this day since August when I took the first step and attended a seminar about the different options in weight loss surgery.

It's been a very emotional journey, and that's one reason I haven't written about it here...I just wasn't ready to share. The other reason is I wanted to make sure it was really going to happen; that none of the tests I had to undergo uncovered anything to prevent me from getting it, or the insurance was really going to pay (it is!). I've had days of crying, and I even cried the entire two hours of my weight loss training class. But though it was an emotional decision, and the road to the thinner me isn't going to be easy, I am 100% committed to this. I am borderline diabetic, and I don't want to cross that line. I want to lessen the load my bones are carrying around in hopes that my back pain becomes more manageable. I want to have energy to bring all the ideas in my head to fruition, and I want to fit comfortably in an airplane seat. Getting all that is well worth giving up eating as I've known it for most of my lifetime.

I will learn to eat all over again, and make giving my body the nutrition it needs a priority. I plan to post here as a way of keeping a diary of my emotions, my weight loss, the foods I'm eating, and anything else I find interesting. I may even post some pics of myself along the way...I'll have to give that more thought!

If you would like more information on the lap band, click here. Thank you for stopping by!

Namaste

“Well, you don't know what we can find….

2010-01-25T18:44:00.001-05:00

Why don't you come with me little girl, on a magic carpet ride?”

Please come along to discover new places, new things, and new friends as we climb onto that magic carpet that flies by once a year to whisk us off on a world-wide blog tour! This is my second time participating in this event and I absolutely love the reasons behind it, the camaraderie, the discovering of new blogs…oh, and yes, the giveaways too!! I would like to thank Lisa, the creator of this event, so very much for her brilliant heart and mind, and also for the time it takes to coordinate/manage/pull-off such a thing. Click on the picture above to go to her blog and read all about the origins of OWOH and to see a list of the participating blogs…today is the first day and already the list is staggering!!

Ok, on to the giveaway! I have been in full-on Valentine’s mode getting the local shops stocked with my jewelry, so the piece up for grabs is along those same lines but is neutral enough that it can be worn anytime.

I am giving away this necklace/choker made of cream colored crushed velvet that I have serged around the edges with red thread. This feels wonderful against the skin! The pendant is soldered with lead free solder and under the glass is a rose I painted onto a page from an old song book. It reads “release me, she begged, and love said no”. Dangling from the pendant are 3 creamy glass pearls, one clear faceted crystal, and a bit of fraying fabric.

Entering is easy:
(1) You must have a blog to participate. I’m sorry, but this is a blogging event, so I don’t feel it would be right to open it up to non-bloggers—but there’s no time like the present to start one if you don’t have one!
(2) Leave a comment on this post, and be sure I can find you in case you win. If you win and I don’t hear back from you within 2 days, I will pick another winner.
(3) The deadline for entry is midnight on February 14th. A winner will be chosen, notified, and announced here on my blog by 7 PM on February 15th.

And that’s it! One thing I will add is that if you are going to be at the Art & Soul Retreat in Vegas or Hampton this year, let me know in your comment so we can meet face-to-face. How fun would that be?!

Best of luck and may your days be filled with magic!

hello there!

2009-11-20T10:54:00.005-05:00

Wanted to post a quick hello to those of you visiting as a result of the giveaways over on the fabulous Diane's blog. Thank you so much for hopping over to visit here! And if you aren't here as a result of the giveaways, then by all means go check them out! Free stuff for days and days--you don't want to miss that! And visit my Etsy shop to find a special offer for those of you who visit Diane's blog! Wishing all of you a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Namaste!

asking, believing, accepting

2009-10-11T13:48:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it seems so simple, getting what we need. Sometimes only in retrospect do we realize that the terrible thing that happened or the major setback we experienced really wasn't that at all...it was simply a detour in our journey that made us stronger, wiser, more grateful for our blessings...that helped us arrive at the amazing place we are. That's what these last few months, this entire year really, have taught me. I've learned to ask for what I need and want, to believe I will get it, and to see it and savor it when it's realized.

There are many examples from my life that I could recite, but the request most recently granted to me by the Universe is my wish to be invited to a retreat, a gathering, a what-ever-you-want-to-call-it, much like this one. I read about it last year, and felt so jealous that I didn't have a community like that, that I couldn't just whisk myself away for days and be surrounded with loving supportive friends who "get" me. Poor poor me. Then again this year I read about their 2009 gathering, but the feelings I had were different this time. I could feel the joy they shared, the comaraderie, the healing they experienced , and was glad for them. And I wanted that for me too! So I said aloud to the Universe "I want to be invited to a love bombers retreat!! I want to be invited to a love bombers retreat!! I want to be invited to a love bombers retreat!!" I shouted it 3 times, because there's just something about the number 3. Thank goodness I was home alone! Then I didn't worry about it, I didn't obsess over it, I just turned it over to the Universe.

About 4 weeks later, I was celebrating my birthday with a couple of friends, when one of them asked if we would be interested in a girls getaway. Of couse we were, and this coming Friday a small group of us will be leaving for a cabin on the lake! It didn't even dawn on me that my request had been granted until a couple of days later, and realizing it brought tears to my eyes, filled me with joy, and made me feel so nurtured and loved by the Univese.

Many good things have happened in my life since my last post. To name a few: I have a new boss that I LOVE (hi Joe!), I started weekly yoga, two friends that had moved away are now back in town, my pendants are being sold in a third shop, I attended my third art retreat and have registered for the fourth and fifth, my circle of friends has grown, and I have been invited to do a show here in November, where I will be soldering in public for the first time ever! Life is very full and I am trying to savor it all while keeping stress in check, which, as you very well know, isn't always easy.

Thank you for checking in here, and for not forgetting about me. I wish I could say I will post more often but I can't make that commitment. Maybe I can learn how to post from my phone? I would love to hear about the good things that have happened to you recently, so leave a comment or drop me an email!

Namaste!

ps-the images are of my halloween tree I put together yesterday

wandering

2009-03-29T21:53:00.002-04:00

i've been quiet, I know...it's hard to put into words but for a while now I've felt like I was putting too much thought, time, and focus outward and not enough inward, so i've become a bit of a recluse for the past few weeks, online especially. I've been making a few pendants, doing some traveling, preparing for art & soul, reading some good books, and feeling more than a little excited about a class I'm taking from this amazing ________ ...I can't think of a word good enough to describe her. Her class starts 4/10, and i am planning to take pics of my experiments and post here....assuming I am far enough out of my shell to do so. Happy Spring!

drum roll please.....

2009-02-12T18:20:00.002-05:00

This random number generator thingy is quick! What a cool invention. Here's what it said:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

182
231
Timestamp: 2009-02-12 23:18:42 UTC

#182 is Francine Cronos and #231 is Jona Panesa. I will be sending these ladies an email ASAP, and I can't wait to see which pendant they pick!

Again, thank you to all who visited and entered my drawing. Please come back to see me, don't be a stranger! Oh, and I was actually a winner in a giveaway too! I will be posting about it later when I get a spare 10 minutes....Maxwell the cat had surgery yesterday and then today there was a scare that his stitches came out. More on that later too, but he is fine, just having to deal with wearing a hard plastic cone around his precious neck, and that is requiring adjustments from the whole household let me tell ya! I am going to try to get a pic of him...when I picked him up at the vet's yesterday she warned me that he looked like a character out of a Tim Burton movie, and she was right...bless his heart!

Have a great Friday!

tomorrow is the day!

2009-02-11T14:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, hard to believe but tomorrow is the big day for the OWOH drawings around the blogosphere. I wanted to post a last minute pic of the new girls that have been added to the series so those of you who have entered my drawing will have even more pendants to choose from. And if you haven't entered yet, go here before 10 PM Eastern tonight and leave a comment. I'll be posting the winners tomorrow, and it may be the evening before I get the winners chosen and a chance to post/contact them, but it will be before 8 PM Eastern. What fun this has been!

about to chill

2009-02-05T20:52:00.006-05:00

It's been a rough week. I'm trying to dig deep and find the source of the emotional state I'm in, because nothing has actually happened to cause this funk, for lack of a better word. I have a few theories that I am exploring, one of which is I'm just TIRED. Those of you who work a full time job while trying to create the job you really want in the hours that are left over know what I'm talking about. It's hard. It's frustrating. About every two weeks I have a good cry and ask myself if it's worth it. And so far every cell of my body has cried out "YES IT IS! DON'T STOP NOW!" I've worked my ass off this week, so it's ok if I'm a little grumpy and look like hell...I'm giving myself a break. And speaking of breaks...bright and early Saturday morning me and hubby are flying off into the wild blue yonder for a few days. The change of scenery combined with spending time with my favorite person is sure to get me back on track, and probably couldn't be coming at at better time.

The pic below was taken at Metairie Cemetary in New Orleans about a year ago. It seemed to sum up pretty well how I've been feeling lately. And the pic above is a tree in a beautiful old cemetary right here in Greensboro, Greenhill. I love love love cemetaries.

And one other thing before I go to bed...yes, I am posting this at 9:30 and yes, I am headed to bed immediately after I hit "publish"...I guess I didn't realize how time consuming it would be to reply to everyone who enters my OWOH giveaway. I have replied to some, or visited your blogs and entered your giveaways, and would love nothing more than to reply to each and every one of you, but right now it just isn't possible. I am going to try to keep responding little by little, but if you have left me a comment and you don't hear from me, come back and visit in a few weeks when things have gotten back to normal and say hello again, wont you? I cherish your words and your kindness, and connecting with you does my soul good. Namaste.

yes yes YES

2009-01-29T21:20:00.005-05:00

Thank you Universe for all the yes's, and even for the no’s, for they too teach me so very much.

In contemplating all the good things in my life I’m reminded of one of my all-time favorite poems and wanted to share it with you:

I asked God if it was okay to be melodramatic
and she said yes
I asked her if it was okay to be short
and she said it sure is
I asked her if I could wear nail polish
or not wear nail polish
and she said honey
she calls me that sometimes
she said you can do just exactly
what you want to
Thanks God I said
And is it even okay if I don't paragraph
my letters
Sweetcakes God said
who knows where she picked that up
what I'm telling you is
Yes Yes Yes

-Kaylin Haught

what a Jem

2009-01-27T21:47:00.004-05:00

Here it is Tuesday night, almost over the hump of the work week. In addition to a cup of mid-afternoon tea (Tazo Awake), the thing that gets me through my day at the office is music, and lately it has mostly been Jem...I attached this video just in case you aren't familiar with her...you can thank me later! Her latest album is "Down to Earth" and it is even better than "Finally Woken" imho.

So what gets you through your work day/week?

overflowing love

2009-01-24T22:15:00.002-05:00

I am blown away not only from the number of comments on the last post, but also from the kindness you guys have shown me. THANK YOU so much! I am going to try to either visit your blogs or reply to your comments, but it will take me a while. So if you don't receive a reply soon, don't think I have neglected you because that is not the case. I appreciate each of you and each word you write so very very much!
This heart is for you:

One World, One Heart

2009-01-23T13:12:00.006-05:00

I know I’m getting a late start, but I have decided to participate in the One World One Heart event. Please click here to get all the details and to see a list of all the bloggers who are participating. There is some serious loot out there to be had, but the reason I want to participate is to make new friends and to feel more a part of this amazing artistic community of bloggers. My first instinct when I initially read of the event was “YES! What a great idea! I am SO going to do this!” But then I heard that little voice…you know the one…it said “But who would want to win one of your pendants? And besides, you don’t have enough readers to host a giveaway.” So I listened, and kept visiting blogs and leaving comments to be entered in giveaways. Then sweet angels, like JoAnna and Ellen Lyn, left me comments, and those connections felt so good that I knew I had to do this, I had to try! I told that voice to go take a hike!

So what am I giving away? Well a pendant, of course, but I am going to let the winner choose which one. It can be anything in my Etsy shop at the time the winner is announced (or one you’ve seen here on the blog if it’s still available). But there’s a twist…if there are more than 15 people who enter the giveaway, I will choose two winners! Too fun!!

My giveaway is open to active bloggers who leave a comment on THIS post. Please leave only one comment, and make sure I have your contact information. The deadline to leave a comment is 10 PM Eastern on 2/11, and the winner will be announced here on Thursday, 2/12. Good luck, and thank you for visiting! It means more than you know...

2-14

2009-01-14T21:26:00.006-05:00

Here are some adornments celebrating Valentine's Day.

Some will be in the shop soon.

I wasn't going to make anything for V day but I had a request, and once I got started it was fun so I kept on going.

Any excuse to use the red paint! Hope you're having a great week!

meet the girls

2009-01-11T19:21:00.007-05:00

These are from my new pendant series, “The Girls”, celebrating being a woman. The series acknowledges the deep emotions we females are privileged to feel, along with our strength, courage, power and wisdom. My wish is that every woman will truly believe in her value, be filled with genuine self-love, and be empowered to live her dreams. I hope these pendants serve as a reminder of all we are and all we can be.

Click on these pics for a larger view (I apologize for the glare!):

These will be available in my Etsy shop by mid-week but as always, you can email me to order before they are available there -- $20 each, free shipping, customization available. Additional girls in the series will debut in about two weeks.

Have a great week!

shootin' the moon

2009-01-07T17:59:00.012-05:00

This picture was taken in Asheville NC in December….isn’t it gorgeous? I just couldn’t stop gazing at it that night, and must have taken about 15 shots. We toured Biltmore house the next day and that evening at dinner I commented that the moon the night before beat anything I had seen at Biltmore.

I want to share something I have been inspired to do that I am really excited about! I was reading this blog the other day, and Cynthia mentioned that one of her goals for the year is to write to a friend or family member every week. Write--not email, or text, or any other electronic communication--on actual paper and send it via US mail. Then that same evening I received from a very dear friend—in the mail!—a couple of torn pages from a magazine, an article she had read that reminded her of me. She has scribbled that right on the outside of the envy, along with another sentence, but there were no other contents besides the torn-out article. That small act tickled me so much…I thought of it all through the evening, and it made me think of Cynthia’s blog entry. Receiving this simple piece of mail made me feel so very special and loved, and I wanted to make others feel that way. So I decided to send something to one friend every week this year. It may be a notecard, or a postcard, or something else, such as what Deb sent me, but I will send something each and every week! I am making a list of all those who I would like to surprise throughout the year, and am going to pre-print my labels so that I just have to scribble and send ( I am a Virgo, so list-making must be a part of everything ya know!). This weekend I am making some postcards to have on hand, and will officially start the mailings next week. I detest rules, so the only rule I have is I must mail one thing to one friend per week. I can mail more than one if I want to, and I can mail something to the same friend two weeks in a row if I am moved to do so. TOO FUN! What if lots of people started doing this and tons of sweet thoughts and wishes and hellos were delivered every week? Yea, why don't you do it too??!! Believe me, I do not have a lot of time to spare, but I've thought this through, and a little organization on the front end will keep it easy and fun, so if I have time, so do you. But if you decide it isn't your thing,(and are reading this and do not know me personally) but would like a little USPS surprise at some point during the year, tell me and I will add you to my list. My email link is right up top on the left.

I'll leave you with one more shot of that mesmerizing moon...

merry and bright

2008-12-21T20:54:00.003-05:00

I wish love and light to all of you, but especially to those who, like me, don't especially care for the holiday season. So to my kindred spirits I say hang in there; in a few days it will be behind us. In the meantime try to stay centered, and focus on what's important to YOU, and not what others may have you believe is important. Wrap yourself in a soft fuzzy blanket of kindness, and know that you are loved. Namaste!

my kinda sunday

2008-12-07T22:04:00.002-05:00

My Sunday morning routine has been on hold for a couple of weeks due to the new wood flooring installation, which, I am happy to report, has been completed. So today I was able to fall back into my normal habit of having breakfast and lots of coffee while snuggled into my favorite chair for a couple of hours with the sunday paper. I also listed some new pendants in the shop, got a custom order of 5 pendants almost completed, and puttered around the house a bit. I took frequent breaks to snuggle with the cats, or get something to eat or drink, and of course I spent a fair amount of time on Etsy and reading Post Secret. I love these oh-so-rare days that I get to stay home in my pjs; no getting dressed, no makeup, no worries...mmmmmmmm. It felt good to take it easy after the disaster that was Friday, aka the holiday show. I don't want to give it enough thought to write about it, but I will tell you about a good thing that came from it....I met Shannon of Helicopter Studios! She was sitting at the table right beside me, and I overheard another vendor tell her they had seen her stuff on Etsy, so we began talking about our art and Etsy and everyting. It was truly the highlight of my day! Then on Saturday I went to a consignment shop I recently discovered and out front they had a large bench full of books for FREE! I got so many I could barely make it to the car without stopping to rest. One of them is that big beauty in the picture...a humongous dictionary! It was published in 1966, so we are the same age! And it has all kinds of lists and info, even german, spanish and french translation! It's about 5 inches thick, and is easily my favorite find to date. Yea, I'm a total geek!

sharing song

2008-12-04T08:25:00.004-05:00

This song by Anna Nalick helps me remember that all I truly have to do from one moment to the next is breathe...helps me keep it real on a lot of levels. Check out LK Ludwig's blog to get all the details on the song sharing.

Thanks and giving

2008-11-26T08:41:00.002-05:00

I want to help spread the word about an opportunity to give just a little and make a huge difference. Please hop over to Kelly Rae Roberts' blog and read about the family in need of assistance, and find the donation link at the bottom of her post. Kelly Rae is giving away a piece of artwork to one lucky donor too, so there's even more incentive for ya! What a truly wonderful way, on so many levels, to start the Thanksgiving holiday!
Warm wishes to you and yours...xxo

how time flies

2008-11-15T21:32:00.004-05:00

The weeks and months are whirling by at an unbelievable pace for me...does it feel like that to you too? It seemed the election would never get here, and now it's done and over with (and I am extremely happy with our president-elect!). Those holidays I could do without are just around the corner but at least I have some travel to look forward to so it wont be so bad. Some of my fellow book group members are calling me "bah-humbug" because I refuse to read a Christmas book this year. I did it last year just because it was short and someone offered to let me borrow theirs and I was trying to be nice, but I didn't enjoy it and will not be participating this year. I know there are others out there like me, who do not enjoy the holidays and don't see what all the fuss is about. Well we need to stick together, so if you feel the same way I do about the holidays email me or leave a comment, and while you're at it click on the new button over on the left and follow my blog! I know I don't have many readers, but I love this new feature and wanted to try it out and see if anyone signs up. You can sign up anonymously too, though that wouldn't be as fun, and if you have a blog of your own it's a good way to get more traffic for you too, because others who visit here may just click to see who my "followers" are. And if you want to add this feature to your blog, I'll follow you if you'll follow me, how's that?

I've been hard at work making holiday pendants for both brick & mortar shops, my Etsy shop, and a show I have coming up on 12/5. I love vintage nudes and wanted to do some very un-traditional pendants, so that's how these cuties came to be. I also did some other holiday stuff, because not everyone wants to wear an extra set of boobs...hehehe.

Next weekend I'll be seeing The Transiberian Orchestra (for the 4th time--LOVE them!) and JT is beginning the installation of our new hardwood floors, so as usual, never a dull moment. I would love to hear what YOU have going on!

2008-10-04T21:51:00.008-04:00

It's only Saturday night but it's already been a super-fun weekend. I'm alone this weekend since JT went on an unplanned-for fishing trip with the guys, but that's ok because me and solitude are good friends. Last night I left from work and went straight to a thrift store where, much to my delight, it was 50% off day. There is nothing more fun to me than finding treasures and getting them cheaply, so today I hit another store and came home with another big bag full...among the things I scored are a skirt, a pair of cropped pants, a book written in what I think is Chinese (oh the backgrounds to be made with this beauty!!), and 3 old wooden cigar boxes. On my way to the thrift store Friday afternoon I got a frantic call from the owner of one of the shops (Eclectic by Nature) that sells my pendants, saying she had sold all the witch hat pendants but one and would love to have some more ASAP. So I obliged and delivered them today. I am so thrilled that people like them...I just can't put into words the feeling I get when others like my work. And speaking of the pendants, they are also now being sold in a local gallery, The Fat Cat, Ltd. The next two pics show what I delivered there earlier this week, along with a couple of witch hats.
<

Now I am off to clean up the studio a bit....I am in a funky-clothes-altering mood and I have to clean up in order to get to that tub of fabric in the corner...

Venn Diagrams

2008-09-25T20:24:00.002-04:00

There’s a part of me that’s a total geek. I know those of you who know me and think I’m all (cough cough) coolness and style will find that hard to believe, but it’s true. I was thumbing through one of my old thrift store books last night…a geometry textbook from 1969 to be exact…looking for cool pages to paint & collage on, when a particular diagram leaped off the page at me. It was a Venn diagram, with a little “x” and a little “u”, with the u being the square representing the whole and the x being a circle, a part of the whole, and automatically I knew the x would become the x in coexist, and that u = the universe, and this diagram is just a model of all us humans living in the universe…well, the ones on this planet anyway, but I don’t want to go off on that tangent right now. I mean, that big square in this diagram that represents the Universe could have been filled with all sorts of circles showing different types of humans, but they all would still intersect with the square, the Universe, and some may intersect with each other…those circles in the big square could be made up of Blacks, Whites, Orientals, Hispanics, gays, trannies, whores, saints, jesus freaks, tattooed people, biker chics, nuns, artists, lawyers, trailer trash, presidents, millionaires, democrats, republicans…you get the point…but they are all part of the square, no matter what circle they happen to be in. They are all part of the divine Universe, and they are all part of each other! So I had to make a pendant out of this little diagram. It’s plain and simple-looking, but that’s the beauty of it. The simplicity represents, to me, the simple concept of coexisting. You don’t have to agree with those that are different from you. You don’t have to like them or approve of them either. But they deserve the same rights and privileges and respect that you deserve. They are part of the divine just like you are. We are all in that square.

hello 42

2008-09-10T20:50:00.005-04:00

At what point in your life do you start to feel like a grown-up? I ask because I have never quite felt like one. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations about being “grown up”. Maybe it’s because I still have the sense of wonder over the world around me most often found in children. Whatever the reason, it’s ok…I don’t mind not feeling like a grown-up. I have always had a thirst for learning and experiencing and stretching my mind, and I love that about myself. Hey, maybe that’s a sign of being grown-up, being able to love and accept myself exactly the way I am this very minute. And I do! And trusting myself, that’s surely a sign of adulthood isn’t it? I think so! And being able to speak my truth, and stand up for myself…those have to count too, even though I still need more practice in the standing-up-for-myself department. But I’m getting there. Wow, guess I feel grown-up after all! Even with all the aches and pains and body changes, I wouldn’t trade this time in my life for anything. I’ve heard many wise women say that their 40s were great and their 50s even better, and though I’m only at the tip of that iceberg, I understand…I get it. So tomorrow I'll say hello to 42, and welcome it with open arms and a big wet kiss. I look forward to more learning, more creativity, more love, more…LIFE.
The book pictured above was my birthday gift to myself. I haven't read very much of it yet, but already I've been brought to tears because it's like Kelly Rae has looked into my soul and wrote what she saw. If you are thinking about getting it, you will not be disappointed. I plan on reading excerpts at the GIRL party...

3-day weekend

2008-09-01T20:09:00.002-04:00

I hope you had a long weekend like I did, and I hope it was fabulous! Check out Kelly Rae's blog and see my little icon over on the right....her book was released last week and I will be ordering it Thursday....have to wait till after book group to see what other book I need to order.....been busy as a bee making new pendants...

the wheels are turning.....

2008-08-25T22:43:00.002-04:00

Here is a logo I just finished...I needed one to place on a certain very popular blog next week.....!!!!!!

what a difference a day makes

2008-08-14T22:09:00.003-04:00

Did you ever have words inside you that had to get out? i mean HAD TO GET OUT? I was just in the midst of finishing up this pendant, thinking about this amazing day, listening to my just-arrived-from-Amazon Anna Nalick cd, which I highly recommend, by the way, when I had to stop soldering and start writing. For quite a while now I've been paying close attention to my intuition, higher self, subconscious mind...whatever word you choose to use...and today it's telling me, screaming at me, to pay attention, remember this day and the events that occurred to cause the moments in time to come together just as they did. I wont go into details, but an over-crowded chiropractic office, my decision to not sit and wait, but to come home for a while instead, and go back later....how 5 minutes made all the difference in the world, though I still don't understand exactly what kind of difference, but I know it did...all the little parts that made up the whole of this afternoon is nothing short of amazing. Most of this may not make a lot of sense, but if you've every had this kind of synchronicity happen to you, you know exactly what I mean...I guess more than anything I wanted to write this so that I will have a record of this day, the day i met my new neighbors, the day i made a new friend...

rainy days and cats

2008-08-13T18:37:00.003-04:00

…

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs
should relax and get used to the idea.
- Robert A. Heinlein

It’s a cloudy rainy day here in my neck o’North Carolina today, and I LOVE IT. I will choose rain and clouds over blue sky and sunshine any day. I would love to live in an area that gets rain more days of the year than not, but that isn’t very good weather for golfing, so the husband wont consider it. So I enjoy it when I am able to. I don’t know why I love it so….maybe because the trees and everything in nature look so different in the rain. Buildings, houses look different. Even people look different….scurrying to get in the door, in the car….no standing around outside doors or sitting on benches on rainy days. No perky fitness walkers trotting up and down the sidewalk outside my office during lunchtime…no sireeee. I’ve had friends I haven’t heard from in ages call me up on rainy days to say they were reminded of me, knowing how much I love the rain. I like that…another reason to like the rain…who knows, maybe now you will think of me when it rains too

original since 1966

2008-08-07T21:24:00.002-04:00

Last night I dreamed of several old friends, most of whom I haven’t been in touch with for years. In my dream they all came to visit me as a group, but in reality they don’t know each other, some of them even live in different states. Some were doing well, some were not, and some were going through the same ole shit. I’ve never been good at dissecting my dreams and figuring out what my higher/inner self is trying to communicate through them, but I do believe dreams are a big part of ourselves, and that we would learn a lot if we paid more attention to them, so I try to do that. It has definitely been a week in which friends have been at the center of my life, which isn’t always the case with me since I tend to be a more solitary soul. And just last evening was my monthly book group meeting. I so enjoy those ladies and their humor & wisdom…I love the feeling I’m left with by just being in the company of other women…it’s a feeling hard to explain, but I’m sure a lot of you know what I mean…most every month I leave them carrying this collective energy with me, and I deeply appreciate it. So I know my dream about friends was for a reason, had some sort of message for me….maybe that I need to make more time for friends…that I need to be more social, even when it’s my nature not to be? I’m sure I’ll keep mulling it over, because that is also my nature, so maybe more insight will come later. Meanwhile I’m off to order the next book, but I do highly recommend the book I just finished, The Devil in the White City …..a truly amazing read….check it out.

Oh, and that pendant is about to be listed in the shop....it is a custom order with your year, your colors, in your choice of chunky square or chunky round...or plain square glass, or 1.5" beveled square glass...how's that for choices? If you want one, email me or leave a comment if you don't want to visit the shop...$18 plus $2.50 shipping...Paypal only. Happy Friday tomorrow!!

macro puss

2008-08-05T21:33:00.005-04:00

This little cutie keeps watch over me while I'm soldering and making a mess at my art table.....

anyway...today I have been surrounded by funny smart beautiful goddesses both in real life and virtual life. I had the most fun night out with the girls I've had in ages...thanks Carmella and Tina!!

And I am thrilled beyond words to be a part of this new web space that suzi blu put together! Over to the left, underneath my Etsy shop announcement, is a link to this place I am talking about...you must check it out! I've never been too into those "social" websites, and haveing long lists of friends, etc., but these are all fellow art goddessess, my people for god's sake!! I am loving it and can't wait to learn more about these women, and share with them, and create with them...it's f#@kin' fabulous!

Oh, and I added a couple of pendants to the shop just a minute ago....

I've looked forward to this day....

2008-07-29T22:09:00.002-04:00

...when I can say "New items have just been uploaded into MY ETSY SHOP!!!!
www.moltenadornment.etsy.com

My Soldered Pendants

2008-06-22T22:10:00.001-04:00

a poem and a plea

2008-01-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

First, the plea....see the badge over to the left with the cute poochie on it? It is for A Place to Bark...an incredible organization that saves animals, and they are in a competition to win some much-needed money. You can find out more about that by clicking on the links in the box, but what it amounts to is if they finish the competition in one of the top 4 places, they get an additional donation of $50K!! The minimum amount you can donate is $10, but the contest counts the number of donations, NOT the amount of money raised, so please wont you give $10?? Pretty please with sugar on top?? And now the poem...what can I say... inspiration hit, ya know?

Bold-Faced Type

I can’t keep the smile from
forming when I click the icon
and it’s sitting there, a few messages
from the top. Seemingly unread to
the casual observer but thanks to preview
mode I know every word you wrote.
It matters not that it was sent hours ago
or that a little voice inside my head whispers
“how silly you are”. The joy emanating
from my heart when I see it – traveling
through me like really good hot chocolate
on a cold day - that’s what matters.
Feeling connected to you in some small
way is what matters. All this from
your name staring boldly back at me
from my inbox.

Farewell '07

2007-12-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

Are you like me in that turning the calendar from one year to the next makes you feel sad and happy all at the same time? Melancholy mixed with excitement, remembering all the things that happened that will never happen in quite the same way, if at all, again...while looking ahead and wondering about the new experiences waiting for us just around the corner. I will remember 2007 as a good year...a year I continued my journey with eyes that are a little more open. A year I got to know myself a little better, and came to the realization that I like the person looking at me in the mirror, I really do! It was a year I delved deeper into my spirituality, and my art...which really aren't two separate things at all. I made several new friends this year, but ended others. And still other friendships were deepened...layers were peeled back that showed me glimpses of what lies beneath, allowing greater understanding and greater respect and yes, greater love for the spirit housed in the physical bodies of those closest to me.

I end the year full of thankfulness to the Universe, for things past and things yet to be shown me. My hope for 2008 is that I will continue to open my eyes, my heart, my very soul...to experience moments fully...to inhale deeply and breathe in all that makes up this wondrous life...and I wish the very same for you!

oh johnny....

2007-11-27T13:39:00.001-05:00

johnny_depp
Originally uploaded by stylinbabe1

Damn! It just doesn't get any better than this....The.Sexiest.Man. EVER. This pic has been the wallpaper on my work computer for a couple of weeks now, and every morning, even Monday! it makes me smile when my computer comes on...guess you could say I get turned on when my computer gets turned on....LOL Can't wait to see his new movie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He's all gouled out in it but still hot hot hot IMO....mmmmm....Johnny Johnny Johnny.....

Mr. Puss

2007-11-23T18:21:00.001-05:00

Mr. Puss 11-20-07
Originally uploaded by stylinbabe1

Playing some more with pics and had to post this cutie....plus I think I've found a way to post pics here a lot easier!

Looooong weekend

2007-11-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

What could be better? Yesterday was exhausting but wonderful...I had 3 friends over for Thanksgiving dinner and enjoyed every minute of it/them. Me and hubby received an invitation from some other friends of ours to join them at their beach place for the remainder of the weekend but we declined. I have a lot of catching up to do on homework (school sucks!!) and I want to get most of my web site completed this weekend. Hubby is busy too, and I have another MRI scheduled for Saturday morning, so there was no question that we couldn't go. I have been playing around with photos, as you can see on my sidebar...there's no way I can sit at a computer and not play a little bit! I've been a bum in my PJs all day, but now must get in the shower and make myself presentable...it's date night! Hope you are having a peaceful holiday weekend!

I wanna run away.....

2007-11-12T12:03:00.000-05:00

I want to grab the human I love most on this earth by the hand and escape....maybe just take a big jump into the sky and float up into the heavens, locked in an eternal kiss....a hot passionate kiss...leaving reality as we know it in our dust....

Gratitude Overflowing

2007-11-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons I don't blog very often is due to the time it takes to upload pics to go along with the post. Blog entries are so much more fulfilling and interesting to readers if there is some visual candy for them as well, so I have tried to keep things interesting and add pics. I've been giving this a lot of thought though, and have concluded that writing in this blog is as much, if not more, for me than for any readers who stop by. Writing is so therapeutic for me...if I have something on my mind or in my heart, it is a tremendous help for me to get it out by writing it. I have a word document at work that I open from time to time and just type sentences, or paragraphs, or sometimes even just words...when I give my feelings an outlet, it soothes me. This is not only true of sad or troubling emotions, but joyful ones as well. I have to get them out, they have to released. So I have decided to post more often, and not be concerned with whether or not I have an interesting pic to share. That's not to say I wont ever share a pic because I will, but I wanted to let my little handful of readers know that there wont be a pic with every entry. Ok, now that the "business" has been discussed, on to the reason for this post. Gratitude--oh, I am feeling so much gratitude this morning! Those of you who know me know that I live for the weekends to sleep late...I love-love-love to sleep in. But today, this chilly Saturday morning, I didn't sleep as late as usual. It's only 10 AM as I write this, and I've already had 2 cups of coffee and am about to start on my homework! But oh yea, back to gratitude. I know I am blessed for many reasons, but the source of this feeling today is my friends...my wonderful, amazing friends!! Last night I had dinner with a new friend, who I already feel like i've known forever (hi Emanuel!). This morning I have spoken to Mia on the phone, and have recieved emails from Kathy and Louie, and sent an email to Ellen....and I am just bursting with the joy that having these oh-so-precious friends bring me. And it doesn't stop there--there are many more of you, and you know who you are!--friends that I love just as dearly, but this is just a sampling of those I've communicated with today. So let me say THANK YOU to all of my friends, near and far, who bring so much joy to this lifetime, and who also help me through the times when joy seems to be at a minimum. Namaste!

First day of Autumn

2007-09-21T14:23:00.000-04:00

I have been a very bad blogger. I think it’s ok for a blogger to be away unannounced for say, a week, but not this long. I just simply haven’t felt like sharing anything with anyone, and there are many reasons for this. I have been a little disheartened in the recent past by some goings-on at other blogs--discussion having to do with stealing designs and original ideas and all that goes along with that sort of thing. I mean really, original ideas are few and far between, and even though we may think an idea is ours, chances are it’s been done. We are exposed to so much these days, and images that we don’t even think we pay attention to are bound to be absorbed into us at some level, so who are we to say anything is “ours”? These “discussions” had absolutely nothing to do with me, but the issue has gotten under my skin for some reason, and put a damper on the enthusiasm I have felt over blogging in general. I have also been struggling with my own inner demon…ANGER. Why do I have so much anger inside me? It comes out in waves that knock me down and take away all reason and logic. At those times I have the ugliest thoughts and say the ugliest things, and have feelings toward people and things that leave me feeling ashamed and small and pathetic. I want to believe that the thoughts I have and the actions I take during those times are not the real me, but I’m afraid it is. I know I have a good heart, and I have a lot of love and light to share with those I choose to share it with. But that’s only part of me, and, I’m beginning to think, a very small part of me. I’m afraid the ugly, angry demon part is the strongest, and is winning. LOL…for those of you who watch Heros, sounds like Nicki/Jessica, doesn’t it? So anyway, I’m trying to explore this dark side and understand it and find ways to keep it in check. I have days that I am very successful, and others....not so much. Late last week I started feeling strongly that I wanted/needed a Buddha for my garden. So on Saturday I went to a yard art place and found the perfect one for me. Isn’t he beautiful? He looks like he belongs in that spot, don’t cha think? An immediate feeling of peacefulness comes over me when I look at him. I think it brings to mind the Buddhist philosophy of detachment, and letting things go. When I feel anger rising up, it helps to step back and detach myself from whatever has triggered it. My higher self knew how helpful the Buddha would be to me, and I am so glad I tuned in and listened. I am planning on framing a small pic of him to keep on my desk at work....which, next to driving, is the number one place I need to practice detachment. On a lighter note, I decided very last minute to go back to school this semester, and barely had enough time to register before classes started. The curriculum I am studying is Web Technology; with the goal of getting out of the “administrative assistant” field once and for all. I have two classes, both online. This is the first time I have taken online classes and I love it, and I’m hoping most of the classes are going to be in this format. I am doing really well so far, and that makes me feel more confident and all that jazz, which is always a good thing, And although I detest my job, I am going to try to hang in there until I finish school because really, would doing essentially the same thing at a different place be all that better? Maybe, but probably not. However, I am keeping my eyes and ears open and if any opps come my way, I will be open to them! And lastly, I will be having surgery on 10/5...nothing too major, but I will be off work for a few days recuperating. I’ve never looked forward to surgery so much in my life! Oh, and happy Fall!! <>

Blue Monday

2007-08-27T13:10:00.000-04:00

I found this image on Flickr ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/socialenigma11/384849717/) and I hope the person it belongs to wont mind me using it here. It goes along so perfectly with how I have been feeling lately....sad, parched, lonely, frustrated, jealous, and yes, heartbroken. There are lots of things causing all these feelings to surface, but the two most recent have pushed me over the edge. One friend, who after this post I will not be using that word to refer to him again, is not being honest with me about some things, and I just don't understand it. I have known for quite a while now that we really weren't friends, that it was all one-sided anyway, and this current situation is just the confirmation i needed to know once and for all that this is really the case. Reality bites. And today another friend called to tell me that he is moving away at the end of October, and while I am happy for him if this is what he wants, it makes me sad that he wont be working just around the corner anymore. Sometimes all I need is to know that a friend is just around the corner, ya know?

Writing my feelings always makes me feel better; gets them out of me and releases some of the pressure. I also just wanted to post something to let those of you who do check in from time to time know that I am still around, just going through an emotionally tough period.

For the love of Earth

2007-08-08T18:30:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about the crisis our dear planet Earth is facing, and have been a little depressed about it. And then I get angry because I encounter people every day who seem to not even give a damn. So I've been on a soapbox at work about using disposable items when reusable items could be used instead. I am often the one who restocks our office breakroom supplies, and I announced that I will not bring another styrofoam cup onto the premises. The next day I brought, from my own kitchen cabinets, a coffee mug for the one other coffee drinker in our office to use. I sat it on his desk and told him I brought it for his use so he wont be contributing to the local landfill. He laughed, a really smart-ass laugh, and said I would die if I saw the amount his family contributes to the landfill. That only pissed me off, and I told him he was obviously a Republican since he has no regard for the environment...I know that was a little unfair because I suppose there are some Republicans who care (smile), but I was mad! And he has children...shouldn't people with kids care even more about the health of the Earth since their children and grandchildren will be the ones dealing with the consequences even more than their parents? Then the very next day we had 2 peeps from our former sister company over for a meeting. I brewed coffee as usual and one of the guys asked where our foam cups were cause he would like a cup. I told him why we didn't have any and explained why, then one of the other girls in the office offered to let him use her mug. The next day, the other guy (who didn't ask for coffee the day before) came to our office again for another meeting. He came into my office and said "Chandra you will proud of me. I brought a cup into work this morning so I wont be using disposables anymore. I hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it yesterday." I was so happy that tears came to my eyes. See how little we have to do to help our planet? I know we are spoiled humans and don't like to make sacrifices, but even small changes such as this makes a huge difference when we all do it! There are numerous websites with information and tips on going green, so I urge you to check them out. Start small and urge others to do the same. Think of all the things this amazing planet gives to us...isn't it time we give a little love back to her? Here's a good place to start.

Changes

2007-07-30T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today at work was the first day in our new office. It was tiring and hectic, but not nearly as bad as I had feared. That was mostly due to the hard work of Brandon, our sweet shipping clerk, who worked his ass off getting the stockroom organized. I really like Brandon, and tomorrow is his last day with us, as he is moving to Boone to go to college there. He’s been attending college in Greensboro but a school in Boone (Appalachia State maybe?) is better suited for what he’s majoring in, so he is moving. He will be sorely missed. We haven’t gotten his replacement hired yet, but we do have several resumes, and will begin interviewing ASAP. We received two resumes from retirees looking to work part time, and I hope one of them ends up getting the job. At lunch I visited the nearby Farmer’s Market that I had mentioned before and got tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupe and corn. I also discovered a fabric store that I didn’t know existed until today, so I will be checking that out soon. I have started gathering supplies to take to work for my lunchtime art making, and here is what I've got together so far:

I wont be starting my art lunches tomorrow because we are having a lunch in honor of Brandon, but Wednesday I will shut my office door and lose myself in the paint.

New Journal

2007-07-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

Today the only artistic thing I've accomplished is painting the cover of a new journal. I am having a hard time taking the plunge into journaling so I think I'm just stalling by making more journals...LOL. But this one used to be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:

This is what the front looks like now after several layers of gesso and paint:

I planned on getting so many other things done today, but laundry and laziness intervened. Yesterday I got my new office all set up and talked to two friends I hadn't talked with in a while, so it's been a great weekend.

And just for kicks, here's a pic of my worktable:

What a mess!

Too much time on my hands...

2007-07-26T12:33:00.000-04:00

Well, while I'm at work, anyway. Business is really slow right now, so I don't have nearly enough to do during my 8 hours here (yes, I am actually posting at work, a first for me). While this may sound good at first thought, trust me, it isn't. The days drag on and on, and my frustration grows more and more intense because there are so many other things (outside of work) I want to be doing! The office is moving Saturday, so most everything is packed and/or in a total state of chaos. I am a Virgo and therefore can't take much more of it! Thank goodness I will be leaving at 3 today...although the reason I'm leaving isn't too pleasant...let's just say it's medical, and leave it at that, shall we? I hope I feel well enough after my appointment to stop by Hobby Lobby. They have a 40% off coupon this week, and I want to use one to get some matt medium to keep at work for my lunchtime art escapes. And speaking of art, I have collected a box full of "stuff" that we didn't want to move to our new office that could one day end up in some projects...everything from hardware odds n' ends to old filters that we can't sell. If it looks halfway interesting, I'm keeping it! ***Sigh*** Two more hours to go till I can get out of here....

Temperamental Tuesday

2007-07-24T20:34:00.000-04:00

It was a struggle to get through the day at work today. I am so unmotivated to do anything I'm supposed to do there, and just had to make myself do the bare minimum. It seems that there is always so much tension there, and I think it's beginning to take it's toll. Another thing that is bothering me is our office is moving--Friday is the final day at our current location. For the last year and a half I have been able to come home for lunch, so no matter how bad the days have been I have had a reprieve in the middle of it getting to come home to visit the kitties, and recently my husband as well, since he now works closer to home. But starting Monday I wont have that to look forward to, and to make matters worse the new office is in a rather secluded area of town, with no restaurants or stores to get anything for lunch. So I will begin brown bagging it on Monday too. The only saving grace is the farmers market is 4 miles from there, so I may go on Mondays and stock up on healthy things for the week, and only have to bring a few things in to supplement the fresh fruits and veggies I can get there. Another thing I plan on doing is beginning an art journal, finally, to be worked on during lunchtime. I really need my "me" time during the day, so my plan is to close my office door with my lunch and my journal and have an hour alone. I just hope my office mates will respect that...they are much more social than I am, and want to talk talk talk, so we will see....I may have to take my journal and lunch and go sit in a parking lot somewhere in order to get peace and quiet, we will just see how it goes. Since I'm starting this journal, I ordered some Caran D'Ache neocolor II crayons, a small set of 15...I just love how they look all nice and new in their little case:

And the pic at the top is another piece of mailart I am sending, which will include this ATC:

I am still loving the vintage nudes!

Lazy Sunday

2007-07-22T13:54:00.000-04:00

I snapped this pic while Max was looking out the bathroom window yesterday:

Hubby didn't get it, but I thought it was adorable. Here is a pic of my favorite piece of spray art I've created thus far. It was done mostly by pressing wet stencils over the page...as I use them on one piece, just slap the wet stencil on something else for a cool monoprint:

And here's Mr Puss in his favorite spot...in our bed between my and hubby's pillows, where he knows he will get lots of lovin':

Hope you're having a fab weekend!

Crusade No. 10

2007-07-19T20:56:00.000-04:00

This month's crusade over at Michelle Wards's GPP Street Team blog is to send mailart, so I am! I apologize for the horrible pics, but hopefully you will be able to get the general idea of them. Two were spray painted and one was painted with acrylics. I used paint, stencils, stamps, homemade stickers, and holy paper.

Two of the peeps getting them are expecting something, and the other one doesn't have a clue. I sent these three out today and am going to finish up a fourth this weekend that isn't pictured yet, but I will post it when it's done. These three contain an assortment of goodies, and an ATC will be sent in the fourth. It was a blast doing them!! I even painted the address labels to coordinate with the envelopes, then wrote the addresses on with a Sharpie. I got postage stamps with different values so I could load up the envelope with an assortment of them as well. I wonder if postal employees hate mailart or if it brightens their day?

The necklace

2007-07-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

At long last here are a couple of pics of the necklace I made a few weeks ago. I tried to do a Nina knot to attach the key, and again on either side of the glass rondelles between the lengths of chain....doesn't look too bad, especially considering I haven't been able to learn from the master yet and just did my own interpretation. Click on the pics for a better look. Somehow I ended up with my maternal Grandmother's old foot-peddle sewing machine, the kind that has it's own base, and the top lifts up and you pull the machine out, etc. There are drawers in the base, and in one of those drawers I found two old keys, one of which ended up on this necklace. My Grandmother died before I was even born, so I never got to know her, and I don't have a clue what the key could have been to. But regardless of what the key opened up, it's fun having a piece of family history incorporated into something I can wear and tell people about if they happen to ask.

Big Love

2007-07-02T20:30:00.000-04:00

Man, where has the time gone!!!??? The good thing about it going so fast is getting past some of the hot weather we've been having. If I could jump straight to September I think I would. I've had so much going on, and the best news is my "dark" state of mind is behind me, and my back hasn't felt this good since I don't remember when. Don't know what to attribute that to, because the main thing that's changed is my attitude....yea, I definitely think there's a connection!! We bought a sleep number bed but it is only being delivered tomorrow, so I may feel even better in a couple of days. And speaking of tomorrow, it's my anniversary! Twelve years married to hubby Jeff, and we dated/lived together a year before that, so we've been together thirteen years. We're going out to our fav place to eat, and who knows what else we'll get into...we will have a new bed, ya know! Over the weekend we moved furniture around, turning the guest room back into only a guest room, and moving my computer into my craft room. This took away some of the stroage space in my craft room, so I promtly installed a tier of wall shelves, and am now faced with having to organize yet again. It's a labor of love though, there's no other room of the house I'd rather spend time in. I'm still madly in love with spraypainting, and plan to do more of that Wednesday when I'm off work. I also made a cool necklace that I will post pics of soon. Now I'm off to watch one of the two TV shows I'm watching right now(the name of this post!). Ciao!

Save a horse, ride a cowboy

2007-06-17T16:58:00.000-04:00

That's one of the songs played at the reception, and it's just stuck in my head since last night's wedding. It was a very sweet, emotional ceremony, with both the bride and groom crying heartfelt sobs while exchanging vows. If there were any dry female eyes after Gisele said her vows, that wasn't the case when Jr. finished his. It was incredibly touching seeing a man break down while communicating his feelings to the woman he loves...if only more would follow suit and prove to us girls once and for all that males really do have emotions (I know, I know, but MOST men never show them!!). Wedding ceremonies are usually always short, but this one was VERY short, with no songs played during it. I liked that, cause I hate sitting there listening to some sappy love song while the couple stands there gazing into each other's eyes. Another thing that was way different from the weddings I've attended in years past was the cake--there was only one cake, instead of "the" cake and a groom's cake, and it was chocolate with chocolate icing, and there wasn't a plastic person in site! It was delish too! After dinner was served the tables were pushed back and dancing commenced. I was one of the few who stayed in my seat watching others twist and shout. It was too hot for all that movement (the whole event took place outdoors) and besides, it was nice being a spectator. Here is the happy couple during their first dance:

There is a shadow on Gisele's face, but that's what I get for remaining in my chair trying to get a picture. It's sad, but the only other pic I took was of the centerpiece on our table. It was 3 Mason jars, each with a candle, with ribbons tied onto the mouths, sitting on 2 squares of fabric with a few silk daisies scattered about. After it got dark the whole area was just transformed by these simple but beautiful arrangements, on every table, and I wanted to capture a little bit of that:

I am becoming such a social misfit that it's hard for me to take pics when people know I am taking it, even if it's of people I know and love. Another one of my quirks I guess. I wanted to get pics of Jr. and Jeff, who have been friends since they were about 15. I wanted to get pics of Jr.'s mom, Karen, who is our dear friend as well, and her new husband, Earl....but that just didn't happen. Both couples (Jr. & Gisele, and Karen & Earl) have each promised to come spend a weekend with us sometime in the near future, so that is added motivation to get the guest room in order! But not today, and not this week, even, as next weekend already has it's plans made, for the most part. In the meantime, though, I bought some new "stencils" at the $1 store I am itching to try out...with the spray paint of course!!

Into the Light

2007-06-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

I have been in a dark, dark place lately, and I don't mean because I've run out of light bulbs. It's been so bad I can barely stand myself at times. Usually when I get this way--which is a lot less frequently than I used to, thank you Universe!--something will happen, something small, that will snap me out of it. Today that something was an email from a friend that I haven't known that long, Jane. She reminded me of something that I already know, and believe, but had somehow lost sight of in all the blackness that had engulfed me. She reminded me that I can change the way I think. That one little reminder ignited that little spark down deep inside me, and like any fire, it burned brighter and brighter. And as it melted those frozen parts of me, I began to think of various other beliefs I hold, like my philosophy on forgiveness and being a victim, etc. (which I don't have the energy to go into right now) and thinking about all those things have put me in a much better place tonight. So thank you Jane--thank you so much for being the messenger of that one little thing I so desperately needed.

And no, I haven't forgotten the pics of the pants:

The swirl design in the first pic is the stencil I made. I got carried away and sprayed too much paint for it, and when I wore the pants yesterday the paint began to crack and flake off a little, so I know when I wash them quite a bit of it will come off. I scratched an area off though, and I think even if it does fade in the wash it will be ok. I thought there was too much contrast between the black paint and the beige pants, so I over-sprayed a little, and kinda let the paint nozzle drip to get some little blobs of paint here and there. I like the way they turned out, but before I wash them I'm gonna put something on the back side. It looks funny because the front is decorated and the back is naked.

This weekend we are off to Tennessee for a wedding, so this will be my last post for a few days. Tonight I am thankful for ALL the friends I have who help me through this crazy life. Thank you--Thank you--Thank you!!!

Cryin' in the rain

2007-06-11T22:07:00.000-04:00

That's what I did...but let me start from the beginning....today was an awful day from the start because I was in pain from the moment I stepped out of bed....hell, from the moment I reached to turn the alarm off. I have no idea what's going on with my back, but that's another story. Work is never pleasant, simply because I am in close proximity to people who drive me nuts on a good day, and who I fantasize about running over with a truck on bad ones. So that combined with the pain made for one helluva Monday. BUT THEN....I pull into the driveway at home right in front of my hubby. I am getting groceries out of the car as he gets the mail, and we walk in together....he says "you've got 2 things here", referring to the mail. One glance at the envelopes and I know exactly what they are. So I hurriedly put the groceries away, make myself a STIFF vodka & cran juice, and take my drink and my mail to my favorite chair. The smaller envelope is from Jane--the prize I won in her random blog drawing. It a package of various handmade papers, included some she "rusted", and a little pouch that looks to be made out of sisal. It is adorable and the papers are FAB! Thanks Jane!!! Then onto the bigger envelope, which is Gina Armfield's new zine, Artful Purpose. It is the very first issue and is dedicated to art journaling. There are tons of ideas and tips, and also interviews with several artists, including Nina! Well you know I loved that, since I love Nina! Gina also included other goodies with the mag--an alphabet stencil, an altered tag, a moo card, some joss paper, and some tabs. Check out her blog if you are interested in getting this mag, if there are any left, or a future mag if she does anymore. So by that time I was feeling much better, and to top things off it had started to storm....just some mild thunder and a few flashes of lightening, but since I love storms, I wanted to be closer. So I went out on the deck, where it was just sprinking rain, and sat down in my adirondack chair. It was so relaxing, just sitting there hearing the storm, with rain falling on my legs (my upper body was protected since it was under an overhang on the house). Then I started to cry. I am a real big cryer if I let myself get started, so I really try to keep the crying to a minimum. During a cry my eyes always swell up, and my sinuses start pitching a fit and I feel like shit later, so I would rather just avoid all that by not crying. But tonight it was like I was making up for lost time, because the stronger the storm got the harder and louder I cried. I was thinking about reading the magazine, with all the stories and tidbits about artists who are following their dreams and doing what they love, and then there's me, going to a job every day that I can barely tolerate. I have hopes and dreams, but don't have a clue how to make them happen. Why can't I be doing something I love, something I look forward to, instead of waking up with dread every day. Yea, I was having one big pity party. I sat there and cried for about 20 minutes, and then realized my jeans were soaked and I was shivering, so I reluctantly came inside and went up to change clothes. I cried a little more before I got it all out of my system, and then I was ok. I had read something in Gina's mag about how to use an existing book as a journal by ripping the guts out of it and going from there, so I got involved in doing that and felt back to normal. I did spray paint those pants yesterday, and I will post pics tomorrow, hopefully. I like them but don't know how they will hold up in the wash, because I think I used too much paint, but I am gonna wear them tomorrow, which hopefully will be a better day....no, it WILL BE a better day!!!!

Finally!

2007-06-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

I finally did some spray painting! I sprayed 3 sheets of regular printer paper because I didn't want to mess up my card stock till I learned the ropes. The biggest thing I learned is how the force of the paint coming out of the can can move the stencil around. As a result I now have a partial spray paint manicure. Next time I plan to have something, like a wooden skewer maybe, to help hold stuff down and also to wear rubber gloves. I kept worrying about the camera because I would get carried away spraying and then think OMG where is the camera? Luckily I managed to keep paint off it. Two cool stencils I used were made of fabric--a piece of lace and a piece of mesh-like fabric. Here is how the lace looks:

I stopped after 3 pieces because my table was in the sun and my shirt was getting wet from sweat, but I left everything out so when the deck is out of the sun later this afternoon I can paint some more. I am finished with the stencil I made to use on my pants, it is drying as we speak (I had to glue 2 stencil blanks together because it's so big). I may even try that this afternoon.....!!!!!

Evening storms.....

2007-06-05T21:30:00.001-04:00

...I absolutely love them. Last night I sat at the open sliding glass doors till it rained so hard it started splattering in on me and the cats. Tonight I practically hung out my craft room window watching the lightening and feeling the wind as it blowed the trees in my backyard around. Storms just mesmerize me, and help me connect with something deep inside me, which is exactly what I need right now. Something else I sorely needed was the amazing massage I got earlier this evening. My back still isn't well, but after that it is tons better. I have been going to the same massage therapist, Steve, off and on for about 4 years now, and he does amazing work. He pampers me and gives me exactly the kind of massage I want...deep tissue here, soft touch there.....lights low so I can zone out, hot stones on my spine....YUM. I go once a month, and I wish I could go every 2 weeks. Besides relaxing me, it makes me feel more in touch with my body, making me feel more present in it, somehow. If you don't get regular massages, start immediately. Find a therapist you are 100% comfortable with who will give you the kind of massage you want, not just a cookie cutter treatment everyone gets. You will be amazed at the difference you feel, both physically and mentally. Tomorrow night is book group, and of course I am looking forward to that. This month we are discussing "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls--a very interesting book that should make for some interesting discussions.
Ciao!

I won!

2007-06-03T11:51:00.000-04:00

Every month Jane at Random Arts picks a name from all those who left a comment on her blog the previous month and sends them a surprise, and my name was picked for June! I can't wait to get my surprise, cause anything from Random Arts will be way cool! Thanks so much Jane!! I have been meaning to take a day and drive over to visit, but now I'm thinking I should make it an overnight trip to make it easier on myself. And speaking of myself, my back is at it again! I woke up with it hurting a little yesterday, and as the day wore on it only got worse. I took pain pills and big glasses of wine to try to get relief last night and while it eased off some, it didn't go away. This morning was OMG!!! pain...I think this is the worst it's ever been. I took a muscle relaxer and 3 ibus, and am sitting here with the heating pad on it. So needless to say there will be no spray painting today. Besides, we're getting much needed rain here today (thank you Universe!) so I couldn't spray paint if I was able. So I am going to work on my naked collage sheets...LOL. I did go to Sadies yesterday and got some soap and jojoba oil. I love that shop! I was gonna take my camera and get a pic inside the shop because the soaps are just beautiful but I forgot it, so I took a pic of the soaps that came home with me (though not a very good one) :

From left to right is Lemon Tea Tree Sage, Rise N Shine (with peppermint), and Rosemary Zinger. They all smell FAB!!

June 2nd

2007-06-02T12:45:00.001-04:00

I've got some fog in my brain today and didn't want to think about a title for this post....LOL. Hard to believe it's June already. Being a cold weather kinda gal, Summer is my least favorite time of year and I am already dreading the smoldering days ahead. I've been trying to stop that--dreading things--and just deal with life on a day-to-day basis. It sure makes things easier when I manage to do that, but like anything it's taking some practice to learn a new habit. Artistically (is that a word?), I plan on trying my hand at some of the spray painting techniques like those published in Somerset Studio by Michelle Ward and Lisa Hoffman (check out their blogs via the links on the left). I am so good at buying all the necessary things to do a project, but when it actually comes to doing it, that's another story. I have a pair of capri pants that I love that got bleach on them, and my plan is to spraypaint a design over that spot. The main thing standing in my way is the stencil I want to use, because I have to make it since I can't find the design I want to use. I have it drawn out on paper, now it's just a matter of tracing it onto the stencil blank and cutting it out. If I play with the paints I will post a pic. I have also been gearing up to make some ATCs. I am so into vintage nudes, and I purchased a 3 cd set of pics off Ebay...30,000 images!!! So I am in the process of compiling my own collage sheets with my favorite images and going from there. I also found a book at Goodwill, called "Charm", copyright 1964, that has all kinds of tips for ladies ranging from how to assemble the proper wardrobe to how to keep those pesky emotions in check at the office. It's a hoot to say the least, and I'm gonna head over to the new FedEx Kinkos near my house to make some copies to use in my naughty ATCs.

Artist Eyes

2007-05-24T18:11:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been perceiving everything through what i've been calling my "artist's eyes". Most everything I come into contact with is sparking idea after idea, and I've never felt more creative. It's hard to explain, but I like it! Now I just need to go with it and actualy make something! I have a zillion things to do tonight to prepare for my Vegas trip, so I gotta keep it short. Today's pics are: The cover for the journal I am putting together tonight to take on my trip; my sweet little Mr Puss eating and looking through the glass door; and lastly a shot from my garden, which is a little washed out due to the way the sun was shining through the surrounding leaves. Have a FAB holiday weekend!!

Uninspired

2007-05-20T13:44:00.000-04:00

That word sums up how i've felt this weekend...no inspiration, no motivation, no nothing. I intended to put a little journal together this weekend to take on my trip to Vegas next weekend, but keep getting stuck. I know what my biggest problem is: FEAR. Although I know better, I get upset when I make something I'm not happy with, and when this happens, I get in an even worse place mentally than I was when I started. Why can't I free myself from fear, and just play and create and have fun? I keep telling my inner critic to go f**k himself, but so far he hasn't listened. Are you ever held hostage by fear, and if so, how do you overcome it? I would love to hear what you have to say on this. In the meantime, I'm gonna go try to coax my inner artist out of hiding...

I scored!

2007-05-17T17:50:00.000-04:00

I know a lot of you reading this can relate....I was driving through the neighborhood on my way home for lunch and noticed a big pile of stuff by the curb that someone had put out for the garbage collectors. I always slow down to take in these heaps of potential to see if there is something I need to rescue. Today nothing jumped out at me, but there was a door with a ripped screen in it standing up by the garbage can. I continued on home but it dawned on me that I could cut the screen out of it's frame easily with my exacto knife and just leave the frame there to be picked up, and that's exactly what I did! What a rush! The screen has tons of potential uses, I got it free, and I kept a little something from going to the landfill! YEAH! Here are some pics of what I discovered on my deck this past Saturday. Click on the images to make them bigger. I told Mr. Snake he could live peacefully under my deck if he didn't harm the babes....so far he has kept his end of the deal.

The weekend is here!

2007-05-12T11:53:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I live for weekends...it's sad really, that the other 5 days of the week are spent wishing for the all important 2 days to get here. I try not to wish them away, but always end up doing so. I love getting up when I want to get up, being able to lounge around gazing out at my garden with a cup of coffee, no rushing at all to be anywhere or do anything. I like having a whole day before me to do what I want to do, not what someone else dictates I have to do....ahhh, maybe tonight's the night I win the lottery!! Then my days will be filled with artistic pursuits and runaway creativity.....Those of you who are able to live your life day in and day out doing what you truly want to be doing are so lucky, and don't ever forget how blessed you are!! I have started to rearrange my studio (aka the guest room I took over!) to make more space for storage. My workspace is always so piled up that I can't find a clear space to work, so my goal is to create more storage space so things can easily be put in their place and not accumulate on my work surface. I hope to have this project completed by Sunday night. Today I am also going to play with the techniques I learned in Traci Bautista's class, with the goal of creating a manilla folder booklet like she demonstrated in class. I am going to Vegas in a couple of weeks and thought that would be a lighweight alterantive to a journal to take with me, and it will have pockets to store any ephemera I happen to come across while there. Here are pics of a few of the altered "doodads" from Art & Soul....they were simpy amazing. I don't know which one ended up winning....if anyone knows, leave a comment! Have a fabulous weekend!!!

A disappointing day

2007-05-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

Oh, where do I begin? I woke up feeling good and looking forward to the day. I was to meet my friend Imran for lunch and my friend Debbie later tonight at the Barnes & Noble cafe to hang out and catch up. Then I learn from hubby that he thinks our air conditioning unit isn't blowing out cool air as it should, but he's got too much on his plate right now so can I deal with it? He started a new job on Monday...more on that later. So of course I say I will take care of it. I called the heat & air place first thing, and they have a guy in the area who can come to my house late morning, and will call me when he's on his way so I can leave work and meet him. My boss had a meeting today at 1:00, so I knew I had to be back at work by then, because there are only 3 of us in the office and the other person went home sick. That means meeting the heat & air person is going to be my lunchtime. They called at 11:00 to say the guy is on his way. On my way home Imran called to finalize our lunch plans, so I told him what was going on and we decided that it would take him at least 30 minutes to get to me, so it would be better to reschedule. So that was disappointment #1. Now, about hubby's new job....it's a great opportunity for him, but the company is in a transition stage, so long hours are going to be required for the forseeable future. I understand that and I accept that. What I can't accept is going all day without getting so much as an email from him, let alone a phone call. He told me this morning he would call if he could, but I didn't think about him not being able to. I knew he was working with someone today to learn more about things, but didn't he take a lunch break? Didn't the guy he was working with go pee at some point? So all day, no word from him at all. Not even to check progress on the condition of the air conditioner, which is fine by the way. I am hurt deeply by this. Disappointment # 2. So after work I come home and freshen up, then go to Target for new filters for the AC unit, then to B&N to meet Deb. Although that was the highlight of my day, it was also disaappointment # 3. Without broadcasting too much of Deb's business on the WWW, I will say she is having some health issues. And today she looked so tired and worn out that it made my heart ache. So we didn't get to spend much time together, and that, combined with seeing her so fatigued, was a real bummer. I love her so much and I want to do something, anything, to help in some way, but I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless. So I came home. Meanwhile hubby had tried to get me 3 times on my cell....well, would you have answered?? I sure as hell didn't!! So we had words when I got home, and now here I am writing this while wiping away tears. Oh, I'll be ok. Check out these pics of more fabric collages from Leslie Riley's class. I’m gonna go have a beer mug full of wine…..

Happy hump day

2007-05-09T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today was a much better day than yesterday, and I can think of 2 possible reasons why: first, I slept better last night and therefore felt more energized today, and second, I think it was good for me to get everything out by writing about my emotional state in yesterday's post. There have been nights that I have had something on my mind and just can't rest until I get up and write it down--just get it out of me. So I know how therapeautic blogging is going to be for me. Here are a few pics of some of the fabulous works that came out of the class I had with Leslie Riley at Art & Soul. Notice how the clothing is pleated and all the other details on the figures, although my picture-taking skills do not do them justice. I have others to show you, so just keep tuning in!

Out of steam

2007-05-08T20:01:00.000-04:00

Going back to work the day after I got home from Art & Soul was a very bad decision. I feel like I have been run over with a steamroller, both physically and mentally. I like to have time to process things, and being thrust back into "normalcy" so soon after an event like A&S without having some down time to relive, rehash, and fully absorb it all frustrates me to no end, only adding to my exhaustion. I was only there for 3 days, and I can't imagine how those who were present for the whole event must be feeling, especially the teachers. And speaking of teachers...I met NINA!! Guess you figured that out from the pic. I wasn't able to take a class of hers, but made a beeline to her table on vendor night as soon as the doors opened. I was hoping to get to her before the crowds descended, but she was already getting so busy, so we chatted a moment, then later I came back by to visit once more before I left. I wanted to get her picture, but she was so wonderful and suggested we both get in the pic. I just wanted to pull her away and go someplace quiet where we could put our feet up with a BIG glass of wine and chat....it's so funny, because I feel like i've known her my whole life. I felt like that even before we met, and I feel it even more strongly now. I wont even attempt to explain further, because I know I can't do the feeling justice, but it's a feeling straight from my SOUL. Now to the rest of the story...lol....my first class was with Leslie Riley (with me in the other pic). WOW...another amazing lady and a great teacher. In her class (Fragments/Story Fragments) on Saturday, I was relaxed and felt free to play and let my creativity flow. I enjoyed every minute of it, which was not to be the case in my other two classes (though no fault of the teachers). There was some incredible pieces made in that class, and I have pictures that I will post in the next few days. I didn't finish my piece, but plan on doing so soon, and will post a pic of it at that time. Sunday I had Traci Bautista's doodles.layers.monoprints class. The best thing to come from that class was meeting a new friend--hi Ellen! She really made the day for me. The class was fast-paced and absolutely running over with techniques, which is a great thing. But by about 3 in the afternoon I was on overload. I couldn't remember what I had learned that morning, or even the techniques in Traci's latest demo. I was getting frustrated, and just wanted to stop. I needed absorb time. But somehow I managed to get through the rest of the afternoon (thanks again Ellen!). Thank goodness I have Traci's book, because right now I am still drawing a blank when I think about that class. Then on Monday was Michael deMeng's Voodoo Doodad Dolls. At certain moments throughout my time at A&S I knew I was in the presence of greatness, and it was never truer than when I was with Michael. I was star-struck, and actually had trouble speaking the first time I opened my mouth to talk to him. I got over that for the most part, though when I left and was telling him goodbye, I teared up and almost cried, so I can just imagine the impression I left on him!! But in my defense I must say that by that time I was worn out, my mind was racing with ideas, and my emotions were running wild. I was sad at leaving A&S (I actually left Michael's class an hour early because I was anxious about driving home), but was also feeling so inadequate, for lack of a better word. I was very dissatisfied with my Doodad doll, while several people in the class made stunning pieces. I have been working for a long time at not being so hard on myself, but that day I just couldn't quiet those inner voices. The reasons I didn't have a good experience on Monday were due to my own inner workings, and certainly had nothing to do with Michael, because he is brilliant. His knowledge of paint and color is astounding, and he is a wonderful person and teacher. He helped me so much throughout the day, and I wish I had been in a better place mentally to take better advantage of the opportunity. I didn't finish that project either, but have lots of ideas for it, and will post a pic when I'm finished, no matter how unhappy with it I may be! Did I mention that Linda and Opie O'Brien were in Michael's class too?! Talk about brushes with greatness! And speaking of greatness, I was also able to meet Jane of Random Arts on vendor night. As with Nina, I would have loved to have had more time to chat, but Jane's booth was a mob scene because of all the cool stuff they had to offer (and rest assured I snagged some of it while I was there!). But I plan on taking a ride to Saluda sometime in the not so distant future for a proper visit. I will definitely attend Art & Soul again; not only for the practical knowledge to be gained and the chance to be surrounded by my "people", but also for the opportunity it gives me to grow in ways not so easily defined.

Fun-filled week

2007-05-03T20:05:00.000-04:00

Whew! It's Thursday already! This week has flown by. Tuesday night out with friends to celebrate hubby's birthday was a fabulous time. There were 10 of us all together and we were definitely the loudest table in the restaurant. Last night at my book group meeting was another great time. The discussions are so interesting there that it never fails to amaze me. And tomorrow at 2 pm I leave work early to head to Hampton VA for Art & Soul!!!! I am packed except for the things I will need in the morning, and that sure is a good feeling. I am a little bit nervous about traveling alone because I am terrible at finding my way. I am also nervous about how I am going to interact with everyone, because I am very moody and when I am in certain moods I tend to shut down and shut people out. I want to be in the mood I am in today--very bubbly, very talkative, and very positive. I will be so excited over just being there that I probably wont have anything to worry about. This is a big step for me as far as getting outside my norm and doing something I've never done before, because I've never been to an art retreat, and I've never taken a road trip of this distance to an unknown area by myself. I will be wearing the big girl panties tomorrow for sure! I get home late Monday night, so my next post will most likely be Tuesday night. I will try to take lots of pictures and give a full report. I can't wait to meet Nina Bagley!!

Just another manic monday....

2007-04-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

Well, not really, but that's the first thing that came to mind when I started thinking about my day. My day at work was a good one, which lately I haven't been able to say too often. Then I went for a haircut after work, and a haircut usually always makes me feel good, especially since I found Indy at Click n' Cuts. She is amazing and always knows what to do with my hair. I just hope I can duplicate it somewhat come tomorrow morning! Came home and sat on the deck in my new adirondack chair and had a beer, then upstairs to my art room to gather more supplies for Art & Soul. It was kinda hard deciding what to take for deMeng's class, because just about anything goes from what I understand, but it'll be ok--the time of stressing over supplies has passed! And speaking of A&S, here are the earrings I made to trade there. Tuesday and Wednesday night is going to be busy for me so I may not post again till Thursday. Have a great week!

Hectic Day

2007-04-29T19:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a very busy day but I've gotten a lot done. Most of my supplies for Art & Soul are packed and ready, I just have the difficult stuff like "embellishments" and "collage items" to get together. My trades are finished, and now it's just a matter of putting them each in their own little baggie and putting a card in with them. I colored my hair today, did two loads of laundry, worked on this blog for a couple of hours, and baked a cheesecake--from scratch!--for hubby's birthday on Tuesday. I wanted to get most everything done today because it's going to be a very busy week. Since hubby's birthday is Tuesday, we are going out to dinner that evening with a group of friends. Wednesday evening is book group, and Thursday night will be clothes packing night because Friday I leave straight from work!! Here is a pic of the puzzle charms I made to trade. I also made some earrings, but haven't taken a pic of them just yet. I have less than 2 hours before the Sopranos come on, so I have to get off here and get busy!

Shopping around

2007-04-29T12:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, here I am on Blogger trying out this site before I commit to the other guys...this blogging stuff sure is more time consuming than I realized...guess it wont be bad once my decisions are made and everything is in place.