tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18222959808587079932024-02-07T03:26:13.917-05:00The NEXT 40 yearsThe art and musings of ChandraT ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-16783840730609436972017-09-10T22:52:00.001-04:002017-09-10T22:52:32.383-04:00The Eve of 51Just writing the title made me burst into tears. Not for growing older...I'm thankful for every day in this lifetime. Not for physically feeling much older than I am, though I have shed too many tears pondering that truth. Not for fading looks, because I now know that how someone looks is the most insignificant thing about him/her. I'm sad because I look back on the 51 years I've lived and my life has fallen so short of what I thought it may be. What have I done that's mattered? What have I done to make this world a better place? Why didn't I realize so much sooner what I wanted to become, and set about becoming it? The question that sums all my feelings up is, "Is this all there is?" By asking this question, I'm not implying that I'm unhappy (I'm not), have a bad life (I don't), or lacking for anything (I'm not). I know I'm blessed and fortunate to have the life I have, and the people I have in it. I'm thankful for that every single day. It's very hard for me explain...but that's what I have on my mind on the eve of my 51st birthday. XXO<br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-86664658855821319262017-09-08T18:04:00.001-04:002017-09-08T18:04:40.696-04:00And then it was FridayI can't say that my mood has improved much, but Friday does bring a little more lightness to my being. And I wore Jane today! I discussed previously that once she was finished, there was just too much fabric. So I cut the sides down and sewed the seams. Twice. She was still just too much, so I gave her a half circle hem (not sure at all if that's even a thing), so that at least more of my legs show. Here she was before the butchering:<br />
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And here she is now:</div>
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And here she is on me!</div>
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Still too much fabric, but she is a happy little frock, and very comfy. </div>
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Here's hoping the hurricane winds and rains diminish, the wild fires will go out, and that each of us remember this: Be kind to everyone, because ya never know what they are going through. </div>
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XXO</div>
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-73170890141246826772017-09-07T21:18:00.001-04:002017-09-07T22:53:39.189-04:00The best thing about today is that it's almost overI'm really not enjoying the pressure I feel to blog every day. I shouldn't have signed up for this challenge. It isn't my natural instinct to share every day, and since I'm trying to do that, it feels fake. I haven't been inspired to sew or do anything creative this week. Not that I've had much time after my medical appointments, but today I had time and just wasn't feeling it. Maybe it's because my heart is hurting for all those losing everything to hurricanes; those feeling unwelcome because of our dip shit so-called president; those feeling less than because of the same dip shit. The whole world is a shit storm. Just keeping it real. And real sure sucks sometimes.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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I'm on my second glass of wine since arriving home from my podiatrist's office. I had surgery on my right big toe in June, and the existing nail was just hanging on, so I had it removed. The wine is insurance against feeling too much pain once the numbness wears off. Yea, I'm a pussy, but I deal with pain each and every day, so I avoid it when possible.<br />
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My studio is upstairs, so for the second night in a row I'm not up to climbing stairs to get there. Instead, I'm cooking. It feels like Fall here today in central NC, and I wanted something warm and comforting for dinner. I wanted to make soup, but don't have the ingredients needed, so I'm settling for pinto beans. They're cooking in my pressure cooker as I type. I'm having cornbread too, and had an idea to make it in my new waffle maker instead of the usual iron skillet. I looked online, and it's a thing - there's tons of recipes out there - so I'm doing it. Per my usual, I'm ignoring the recipes and doing my own thing, so we'll see how it goes.....I just took a break to make the waffle cornbread and it's awesome. A cornbread waffle has to cook about 3 times longer than a regular waffle if you want the outside to be crispy, but it was a breeze. <br />
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I just checked the beans...they're done, but I like to smash some of them and make the "soup" thicker, so I did that and they're now just boiling for a while, no longer pressurized. It's gonna be a good dinner! Hope you guys have a great evening. <br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-71977146094667037552017-09-05T20:21:00.001-04:002017-09-05T20:21:46.913-04:00I did re-work Jane last night, but I'm not really up to typing a post tonight. I started the day off with a doctor's appointment, for my hip pain, and got a big shot in my right hip. It all left me pretty tired and just wanting to chill, so I'll try to do an actual post tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a pic of the latest addition to my rusty wheel collection, gifted to me from a sweet friend:<br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-44150518536425562292017-09-04T20:39:00.001-04:002017-09-04T20:39:56.030-04:00Jane is in the house! Well, sorta....If you're wondering who Jane is, see previous post.<br />
Well, I finished her. No, I don't seem very excited, because I'm not. I sewed for about 6 hours today. I tried her on and she's adorable, but it's just too much fabric on my body. Here's the convo I had with hubby:<br />
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ME: (Modeling Jane) So what do you think?<br />
HIM: (Looks at me more than a little weirdly) I dunno, what do you think? (Which is code for "How stupid do you think I am")<br />
M: I think it's way too much fabric, and makes me look like a barn<br />
H: Yes, I agree. It makes you look pregnant. It looks weird the way it comes off your boobs too.<br />
M: Well, it's supposed to look that way, it's a babydoll waist (which may or may not be a real thing, but it's what popped in my head, and it's not like he knows the difference anyway) Maybe I'll cut some of the sides off, so there isn't so much fabric.<br />
H: Yea<br />
M: Or maybe I'll just leave it as-is, and it will be a Sunday Artsy Dress. (He knows I sometimes like to dress weirdly when I'm in a creative mood. Yes, more weirdly than I dress on any given day)<br />
H: Hmmmm<br />
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So, I think I'll put a basting stitch where I think the new seam should be, and see how I like it before I cut anything off. Perhaps I can alter it to where I look less like a barn in it, and more like...I dunno...a storage shed?<br />
But there are some things about it I'm really pleased with! Like the way I was able to line up all the seams perfectly! No, that doesn't happen for me all the time. No, it doesn't bother me when it doesn't happen, but when it does, fuck yeah!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ36Mom4b6FY672UvUufWoEu3ey3M79WgHUAC56IO91SJDIWbd6eisQVLRS_ZJDartDAKSiNkY_lrA5kbdmnubVyRZzJ8hK6Yv5hjBddJ746Tv4ugarRGjrgcSFTh3iykwYhpCtu7Bbo/s1600/20170904_182447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ36Mom4b6FY672UvUufWoEu3ey3M79WgHUAC56IO91SJDIWbd6eisQVLRS_ZJDartDAKSiNkY_lrA5kbdmnubVyRZzJ8hK6Yv5hjBddJ746Tv4ugarRGjrgcSFTh3iykwYhpCtu7Bbo/s320/20170904_182447.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Since there's a ton of fabric in her, there was a ton of gathers. They aren't perfect, but I'm pretty pleased with the way they turned out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8fsTvoCy1wExCKiqYTz0wRadbN3n7t58DOIuKL7dMUIRY4YVveDMwcFlEOoxCpJamcrm7Vusdp4_-6Hcrg507eBWxsh3KUFyP5oErtPKsCOq81_1GRtf9yRidRWQ6erbzE0N04y2occ/s1600/20170904_182644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8fsTvoCy1wExCKiqYTz0wRadbN3n7t58DOIuKL7dMUIRY4YVveDMwcFlEOoxCpJamcrm7Vusdp4_-6Hcrg507eBWxsh3KUFyP5oErtPKsCOq81_1GRtf9yRidRWQ6erbzE0N04y2occ/s320/20170904_182644.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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And isn't that fabric too cute?!? Ok, I'm outta here, I have seams and decisions to make. <br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-88922727664447603932017-09-03T22:33:00.000-04:002017-09-04T22:39:55.603-04:00Lately I've been in a sewing frenzy, and part of the reason for that is, I've discovered Tina Givens. I know, I'm late to the party. Actually, I've known about her clothing for a while, but I didn't know she offered patterns of her clothing until recently, and I found that she offers a few free patterns for download on her website, www.sewtinagivens.com (I downloaded the free Bloom dress pattern, more on that one later). I'd seen her Jane dress on Pinterest, and fell in love, but couldn't find it on her site. Then I read that she retires patterns after they've been out for a while, so I assume Jane was retired. But I wasn't ready to give up....so I hopped onto Ebay, entered it into search, and there was Jane!! The seller offered free shipping with a $50 order, so I asked my hubby if he would get some patterns for me for my upcoming birthday, so I got 3: Jane, Zelda, and Leola.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FyceTJopmtcWNfAvPa8hieWIdr_fcK0mozxjGfh3JMxWggq2jfllmm2yM3cYBVi39NccA2gx4Jfws8c7abAn9iMoBiqEK58TKhau8UYlKdN7uD-bla11nPH-_K3Ttwr-u-0LzJMIc6I/s1600/patterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FyceTJopmtcWNfAvPa8hieWIdr_fcK0mozxjGfh3JMxWggq2jfllmm2yM3cYBVi39NccA2gx4Jfws8c7abAn9iMoBiqEK58TKhau8UYlKdN7uD-bla11nPH-_K3Ttwr-u-0LzJMIc6I/s320/patterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They're different from any other patterns I've ever used. When I downloaded the free pattern, it printed out on 20 pages, and I had to assemble it like a puzzle and tape it together. I wasn't expecting to have to do that with the patterns I ordered, so I was surprised when I had to cut out the various pieces and tape the pattern together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwSDuPMDhcaF1vBf8Nx1Fcnp61vCZ5JHcf6O17qLbRsQPXMqla3nDuPQgOVDKLr59E_GWqzougn4Yf_4jTMjR8o_MsxFV2sItc9T91EaR8tL1Xr0pAFIuLXg0GS_Ta4AitzJZ3tgbAis/s1600/20170902_190445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwSDuPMDhcaF1vBf8Nx1Fcnp61vCZ5JHcf6O17qLbRsQPXMqla3nDuPQgOVDKLr59E_GWqzougn4Yf_4jTMjR8o_MsxFV2sItc9T91EaR8tL1Xr0pAFIuLXg0GS_Ta4AitzJZ3tgbAis/s320/20170902_190445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Another difference is the way the fabric is folded before the pattern pieces are lain out on it. The instructions were to fold it lengthwise first, then fold the width too. This gives you 4 layers of fabric to cut at once, and once the bodice is cut, it's all one piece. This is the instructions for Jane, and I can't speak for how the other two patterns are because I haven't cut either of them yet. Thank goodness a girlfriend was here with me when I was cutting, or I don't think I'd ever figured out how to cut the necklines! We both were puzzled at the beginning, because in all our years of sewing we had never seen a pattern cut this way, but after it was cut, we both agreed it was ingenious; less cutting and less sewing! So Jane is all cut out, and I'm going to spend the day tomorrow - Labor Day - sewing her together. Here's a shot of my sewing room:<br />
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It's messy, but I love it! Hope you have a great Labor Day!<br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-49495231763322561212017-09-02T09:00:00.000-04:002017-09-02T09:00:10.835-04:00NashvilleThis May I traveled to Nashville, TN, and today I'm sharing pics taken from my visit to Antique Archaeology. <br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-31373036407655569802017-09-01T08:00:00.000-04:002017-09-01T08:00:06.311-04:00Around the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08032738488651266283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-36466647904164196292011-04-17T12:09:00.002-04:002013-06-18T10:28:06.155-04:00oh, Mary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Journey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One day you finally knew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">what you had to do, and began,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">though the voices around you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">kept shouting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">their bad advice--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">though the whole house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">began to tremble</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and you felt the old tug</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">at your ankles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Mend my life!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">each voice cried.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But you didn't stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You knew what you had to do,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">though the wind pried</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with its stiff fingers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">at the very foundations,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">though their melancholy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">was terrible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was already late</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">enough, and a wild night,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and the road full of fallen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">branches and stones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But little by little,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">as you left their voices behind,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the stars began to burn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">through the sheets of clouds,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and there was a new voice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">which you slowly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">recognized as your own,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">that kept you company</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">as you strode deeper and deeper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">into the world,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">determined to do</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the only thing you could do--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">determined to save</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the only life you could save.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mary Oliver</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-26148779295735713592011-03-13T16:59:00.000-04:002011-03-13T16:59:49.373-04:00my my my<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliv8d2al1mkaULSsXPwi3ddiMOsvO0zUNRJkcDpjf8vdzNQ69o7K1wahQYMebEpGUZnlnjDlhLU-aunyWWI_U_q04r7Gnt-rvCM2WO_yYpaF9uujSNmA4kCSdcA10RRigbrOVGn17ccsR/s1600/camera+3-13-11+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliv8d2al1mkaULSsXPwi3ddiMOsvO0zUNRJkcDpjf8vdzNQ69o7K1wahQYMebEpGUZnlnjDlhLU-aunyWWI_U_q04r7Gnt-rvCM2WO_yYpaF9uujSNmA4kCSdcA10RRigbrOVGn17ccsR/s320/camera+3-13-11+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggLlvWcfwZW503eQsz9Z8JOWETM2XmnKx-A8QLPQicRDbFG5fhUbmld5CDmjJ5mxNd886JGGEqlfq-9dD42EQuXtbl7daqzZhcnIflElzhOzllde9C0yLOmsVdVQgLabH7lRrJ7I5nETh/s1600/camera+3-13-11+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggLlvWcfwZW503eQsz9Z8JOWETM2XmnKx-A8QLPQicRDbFG5fhUbmld5CDmjJ5mxNd886JGGEqlfq-9dD42EQuXtbl7daqzZhcnIflElzhOzllde9C0yLOmsVdVQgLabH7lRrJ7I5nETh/s320/camera+3-13-11+043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>*went to New Orleans over Christmas and visitied a couple of cool cemeteries. Pics can be viewed on my facebook art page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theartofchandraT">http://www.facebook.com/theartofchandraT</a> . And I would love it if you would **like** me!<br />
*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.<br />
*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!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwtj8De_z6nSs4cIBS6D94hvSN6RA00vGrFus61AB7lS9E_jdc2gt7n0fVS4p_9knxZN392b8fJWiCKUoXlxJ4y1Gu0PH7hIC7BCA9eOBVTXEzLxYL5euTieAb9bcUuEMyblWN4aB8A3q/s1600/camera+3-13-11+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwtj8De_z6nSs4cIBS6D94hvSN6RA00vGrFus61AB7lS9E_jdc2gt7n0fVS4p_9knxZN392b8fJWiCKUoXlxJ4y1Gu0PH7hIC7BCA9eOBVTXEzLxYL5euTieAb9bcUuEMyblWN4aB8A3q/s320/camera+3-13-11+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>*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 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Katwise/320233446531?sk=wall">woman</a> .<br />
*got a new serger, a new espresso maker, a new car<br />
*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. <br />
*Attended a chocolate festival while there with both my biological sister and soul sister. Priceless! <br />
*Went to Vegas March 1st. Took a Sally Jean class and learned how to make this:<br />
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</div>*visited Red Rock Canyon. pics will soon be posted on my FB page, and some are dressing up this post. <br />
*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! <br />
*Scored some seriously cool skull bling at a shop at the Vegas airport. Finding freaky shit excites me!<br />
<br />
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I gotta get off here and go get my sew on.<br />
Peace and love ya'll!!<br />
<br />
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-69745290722121323992011-01-03T21:42:00.000-05:002011-01-03T21:42:13.576-05:00just for meI 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.<br />
<br />
Wild Geese<br />
<br />
You do not have to be good. <br />
You do not have to walk on your knees<br />
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. <br />
You only have to let the soft animal of your body <br />
love what it loves. <br />
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. <br />
Meanwhile the world goes on. <br />
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain <br />
are moving across the landscapes, <br />
over the prairies and the deep trees, <br />
the mountains and the rivers. <br />
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, <br />
are heading home again. <br />
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, <br />
the world offers itself to your imagination, <br />
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--<br />
over and over announcing your place <br />
in the family of things.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-26787231864161381562010-10-31T01:31:00.002-04:002010-10-31T01:44:07.035-04:00and then it was over<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">October, you were a whirlwind; blowing in, spinning me ‘round a few times, and leaving so much behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>You were such a mirror for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_XZxDNn4G4xZBcLAp8V7qWBMtrcx1aR6O7ouyorOkyORwuLZyxhtKFzpnAFYaIhzcIanSxcJdaVsYsR54Tqd_el4kk5hkULVs7hfud2fYuZ_TOC1YOpw1X7STzrnKrrnlQJ1caqD3YJS/s1600/reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_XZxDNn4G4xZBcLAp8V7qWBMtrcx1aR6O7ouyorOkyORwuLZyxhtKFzpnAFYaIhzcIanSxcJdaVsYsR54Tqd_el4kk5hkULVs7hfud2fYuZ_TOC1YOpw1X7STzrnKrrnlQJ1caqD3YJS/s320/reflection.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You made me want to get back in touch with my therapist, that’s for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE PAST was definitely your theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So many situations in recent weeks have made me ask</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, “Why now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer I’ve settled on is “It was time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispt4vuCCrIi6oKJnEM5mmhsca2_gwAwdKbuCTY68MdDuuvQWIKeW2L1eLm6YM5v3ixcnAyulLAs4ptiYf9nyx9zxMhypCaOSbKYAUbeoY6QhROBdTJAkNnnfVGi2cSf908-g5KGv5UgC/s1600/P1030613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispt4vuCCrIi6oKJnEM5mmhsca2_gwAwdKbuCTY68MdDuuvQWIKeW2L1eLm6YM5v3ixcnAyulLAs4ptiYf9nyx9zxMhypCaOSbKYAUbeoY6QhROBdTJAkNnnfVGi2cSf908-g5KGv5UgC/s320/P1030613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve said it before, so forgive me if I bore you by saying it again, but I believe the Universe gives us <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">exactly</span> </span>what we need <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">exactly</span></span> when we need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe so.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1JKobp1mA4wmtH6bVvnovtLYiPpJnzJww99LhWaiU50Ytp_oGCynk44iv4YF3oX08dXYVJCKrry4XqUfZpG5aJzPgNyuT1Up0kj0ChK2Kh3DWrWufw4RrKrIAFRoHCqsoxoPTCWNUyGq/s1600/P1030624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1JKobp1mA4wmtH6bVvnovtLYiPpJnzJww99LhWaiU50Ytp_oGCynk44iv4YF3oX08dXYVJCKrry4XqUfZpG5aJzPgNyuT1Up0kj0ChK2Kh3DWrWufw4RrKrIAFRoHCqsoxoPTCWNUyGq/s320/P1030624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, there’s the little matter of my art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 11 canvases I’ve created recently are not just fabric, paint, and paper - they are my heart, my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfj8Rcx35VmfM0fAvQ5XFEymXEfwgal4DV4jVpYd0ppQvJHtJtPHt8D-9KytjlwVYSIhRUJk-D61Z8ZhFy4F4gyzx3TzywfM6p5XRr0ajGQs3YkUXiu00l9VvdTW-ECLvJyIv-BG2bmT0/s1600/P1040013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfj8Rcx35VmfM0fAvQ5XFEymXEfwgal4DV4jVpYd0ppQvJHtJtPHt8D-9KytjlwVYSIhRUJk-D61Z8ZhFy4F4gyzx3TzywfM6p5XRr0ajGQs3YkUXiu00l9VvdTW-ECLvJyIv-BG2bmT0/s320/P1040013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And for it all, I am so deeply grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Grateful</span> the mirror was held up so I could see the truth about myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> G</span>lad I’m able to recognize this truth, and be gentle with myself, and love myself in spite of my many, many shortcomings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for the friends who are there to hug me while I cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the people who crack me open, no matter how much it hurts, because light really does come through all those cracks, eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my sister’s surprise midnight visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yea, after all these years. And plans are being made to get together again, soon! </span>It’s so good to have her back in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OOv-jXs5YscN5eWMKI_1zjd9tVXeSHhJpLGCeQv-3eVkAn5T3bI9FPBUdV9oqj69S4eiMl346vnmOjF1Egx12h485oGokDpDejWT12Hn_nTv0J2bpWkpZlcmrhgANJr0Aci-stxfvS_5/s1600/P1040002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OOv-jXs5YscN5eWMKI_1zjd9tVXeSHhJpLGCeQv-3eVkAn5T3bI9FPBUdV9oqj69S4eiMl346vnmOjF1Egx12h485oGokDpDejWT12Hn_nTv0J2bpWkpZlcmrhgANJr0Aci-stxfvS_5/s320/P1040002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">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 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Greensboro-NC/dani-keith-designs/141631792543546">dani keith designs</a>, who up until now I had only met online. She was lovely and I'm thrilled that I now own one of her pieces:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gNvM1rnz5eJ4OWwM72Zl6VODTuXBtOI1VpO1hagruNRldgy5lFx6PlaityXrssaXxyTkYw4vK-q48D2K5J0n7vXJNZT0XsFetNp-6UAX8tk02Pv_nOJqAx9s2My-Q_NsMAcjLz-CvKwE/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gNvM1rnz5eJ4OWwM72Zl6VODTuXBtOI1VpO1hagruNRldgy5lFx6PlaityXrssaXxyTkYw4vK-q48D2K5J0n7vXJNZT0XsFetNp-6UAX8tk02Pv_nOJqAx9s2My-Q_NsMAcjLz-CvKwE/s320/necklace.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I also met Andrew Sedberry aka <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/the-Bloody-Brother/121086044578330">the Bloody Brother</a> and went nuts for his work. I got two pieces:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFFoqqNvSlJN1yeN3c8_SILxhIIazveXtAneTeiNrrkKBpkwBh3faa9tsHSeh61mieS-94nCKIxwlZBcKKpqMgDmSOalUH_rV8yD6fa81zpIj9NSEH3wzGEzbZppFaag4wlPjJ_x3KaCW/s1600/P1040007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFFoqqNvSlJN1yeN3c8_SILxhIIazveXtAneTeiNrrkKBpkwBh3faa9tsHSeh61mieS-94nCKIxwlZBcKKpqMgDmSOalUH_rV8yD6fa81zpIj9NSEH3wzGEzbZppFaag4wlPjJ_x3KaCW/s320/P1040007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQF4cz2L74pKZYycWOlzknE_Y3WMFZuR55O5NLJ5MOsn6hkusDh-_kR9QuKAo6unrtveFF7exEsI8EfFHXySw44tObG6qp_7rJASe8dWF1359-RZB4F6WCB8nbtNlmFMbWlFyJJvnJBYs/s1600/art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQF4cz2L74pKZYycWOlzknE_Y3WMFZuR55O5NLJ5MOsn6hkusDh-_kR9QuKAo6unrtveFF7exEsI8EfFHXySw44tObG6qp_7rJASe8dWF1359-RZB4F6WCB8nbtNlmFMbWlFyJJvnJBYs/s320/art2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">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. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-54901779099028347612010-10-09T16:15:00.001-04:002010-10-10T12:49:48.128-04:00reaching out & looking inIt'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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4kli4proCGsxpuqxjeZM3cYgwEieEuEV3C8SYt25_3_4vHFJE7FufLSMD0wACjyHSyOspplBnlaPE9ONqxMwVUNb1OzC7MMV3b5HrmzCOrBhM_LQpLXbtUt4KFG0xz24E6mKsNTaArcy/s1600/sanctuary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4kli4proCGsxpuqxjeZM3cYgwEieEuEV3C8SYt25_3_4vHFJE7FufLSMD0wACjyHSyOspplBnlaPE9ONqxMwVUNb1OzC7MMV3b5HrmzCOrBhM_LQpLXbtUt4KFG0xz24E6mKsNTaArcy/s320/sanctuary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Mwnqz2szCqg6NMRAldvxAEWK19K8E9AGju2iOeZPdJxoKuauOyqDqUZUUe2ngEwGGEEM0HAm28teURGLUq8lG1bvw9F8qjT6bxqbqQ1p4E4-Hanp28HAZue2OP-cA41mZ-YOunRko8o/s1600/snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Mwnqz2szCqg6NMRAldvxAEWK19K8E9AGju2iOeZPdJxoKuauOyqDqUZUUe2ngEwGGEEM0HAm28teURGLUq8lG1bvw9F8qjT6bxqbqQ1p4E4-Hanp28HAZue2OP-cA41mZ-YOunRko8o/s320/snack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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!!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VZkQsAB35VpxwBO0pvPEG62MwEmx66gfPFckBo6-wWjaHpKl0WIzjWekyfuBLu8t4LZGyljoIOyYjG4lyCTaGqEJQM__aDe9tDXH27SXXdcPdmS24ZQpndQxOzHZgjmAV0RiKXBEjHKt/s1600/Louhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VZkQsAB35VpxwBO0pvPEG62MwEmx66gfPFckBo6-wWjaHpKl0WIzjWekyfuBLu8t4LZGyljoIOyYjG4lyCTaGqEJQM__aDe9tDXH27SXXdcPdmS24ZQpndQxOzHZgjmAV0RiKXBEjHKt/s320/Louhug.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCGJfBYVHiZlBzvZbbG1fSlfWY2sSs5NDCNRPMtoelLqB-Yt6ou7OwOT2CF0ZtletSXY8OTfADkWyvMeBE6YGiOjm1OBWPERAXKwRsrvk0IIAIEGhb_C-gyRF6shZULEW_2bQn8DSlaXP/s1600/altar+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCGJfBYVHiZlBzvZbbG1fSlfWY2sSs5NDCNRPMtoelLqB-Yt6ou7OwOT2CF0ZtletSXY8OTfADkWyvMeBE6YGiOjm1OBWPERAXKwRsrvk0IIAIEGhb_C-gyRF6shZULEW_2bQn8DSlaXP/s320/altar+candle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneIpggEZqZdkpZmewE-T353o4dfOG0G4AQrqDegzmti87BtROW7AJH-TOuqwcb0oMVwST6D4hg0Kz-UqzflaI8u53fe_3Jo3TlKBCmMf98qWhnsSDuX1tP0_rKpQbDpZnh1SsOMvtR4bk/s1600/brick+wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneIpggEZqZdkpZmewE-T353o4dfOG0G4AQrqDegzmti87BtROW7AJH-TOuqwcb0oMVwST6D4hg0Kz-UqzflaI8u53fe_3Jo3TlKBCmMf98qWhnsSDuX1tP0_rKpQbDpZnh1SsOMvtR4bk/s320/brick+wall2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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But it's all good. We will all be ok. Life is beautiful, no matter the circumstances.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-66357058030316071262010-09-23T19:46:00.000-04:002010-09-23T19:46:19.005-04:00Dear Deb;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExeVZG3rTKx-grrdP-P56Be4gxhMixj5a4clOfq9btzbqgZo1woWQbmUuP0tg8P2cwwwIqS8iqtwdSohJlXfdTe21JvHp-T8Bs6hxWQUR8P4Q8mqoJKrMhm1iYQiJ-QkgaVDHHYor7rJ/s1600/bike+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExeVZG3rTKx-grrdP-P56Be4gxhMixj5a4clOfq9btzbqgZo1woWQbmUuP0tg8P2cwwwIqS8iqtwdSohJlXfdTe21JvHp-T8Bs6hxWQUR8P4Q8mqoJKrMhm1iYQiJ-QkgaVDHHYor7rJ/s320/bike+basket.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0npH1KiktGT891ACcTEUTLV3MU549FZMgnoDynnmtlWRsIh_4tQNNJLE-YG8TWNDRXbwLHlBnebIayULx9_8ohpc2suypKGUX2Gn5cMb5X15yAuaxlYyPsPJb5sE36RLAAy964IAd0nQ/s1600/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0npH1KiktGT891ACcTEUTLV3MU549FZMgnoDynnmtlWRsIh_4tQNNJLE-YG8TWNDRXbwLHlBnebIayULx9_8ohpc2suypKGUX2Gn5cMb5X15yAuaxlYyPsPJb5sE36RLAAy964IAd0nQ/s320/cats.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Speaking of the memorial--excuse me, <em>celebration</em>--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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb30IfaxaJ3YqUy-QlGQHjFWCTx6i0zl2up3TygtjSl4zYe3-jWWrF2n4ThJcgDRTk8XxfF4Gq95HySogbJwunJeXyT2ut3XEnl-XkMO7xHVHAFK9on84UFH3-ak2HKEK_7x0vp1VGVVC/s1600/deb's+tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb30IfaxaJ3YqUy-QlGQHjFWCTx6i0zl2up3TygtjSl4zYe3-jWWrF2n4ThJcgDRTk8XxfF4Gq95HySogbJwunJeXyT2ut3XEnl-XkMO7xHVHAFK9on84UFH3-ak2HKEK_7x0vp1VGVVC/s320/deb's+tile.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L92y17ioDxcSy3R9g12kgUi-zfvsVhBpUiwykVO2Kse0rBQQUVZp6d6_DR-GMQL7D33gdADMHWHUizPV_eKWu5v_OcZ2DEtF6MGycAa7ETt5ZyFT3b6sB8XfB5th__s7okD8zXh4X74l/s1600/Rosemary+birdbath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L92y17ioDxcSy3R9g12kgUi-zfvsVhBpUiwykVO2Kse0rBQQUVZp6d6_DR-GMQL7D33gdADMHWHUizPV_eKWu5v_OcZ2DEtF6MGycAa7ETt5ZyFT3b6sB8XfB5th__s7okD8zXh4X74l/s320/Rosemary+birdbath.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPjey0-ADCY2AnSQk2pKmCY641orpIJJOQmsJEKw18wu6zOuZ4fYXOJQgobWSA9OmjsHmv-WIrz2EmolMdW0eZ3Xv3BGGU_KpBTNW0Fp28OJGMfI0ogUnJMhc4rtHRdFzJjeC2he4uTN_/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPjey0-ADCY2AnSQk2pKmCY641orpIJJOQmsJEKw18wu6zOuZ4fYXOJQgobWSA9OmjsHmv-WIrz2EmolMdW0eZ3Xv3BGGU_KpBTNW0Fp28OJGMfI0ogUnJMhc4rtHRdFzJjeC2he4uTN_/s320/desk.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc7YWEFit3IhdtHbJvfTdmFIv6iGbXZ3mvWHBpQT75da2OLo2TPhSrhkiWiCHf9UjdzTIDVAY3b7C1BKhVlw8I3lbNDf2T2JgiS7EocUzEK8Kae9CKHpBF2xBakksII1ybPIBQJ6uXitx/s1600/from+camera+11-23+506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc7YWEFit3IhdtHbJvfTdmFIv6iGbXZ3mvWHBpQT75da2OLo2TPhSrhkiWiCHf9UjdzTIDVAY3b7C1BKhVlw8I3lbNDf2T2JgiS7EocUzEK8Kae9CKHpBF2xBakksII1ybPIBQJ6uXitx/s320/from+camera+11-23+506.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-88572069841372175422010-02-15T20:36:00.000-05:002010-02-15T20:36:45.553-05:00and the winner is...<a ="_blank" href="http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html"><img alt="Photo" and="" at="" border="””0””" hosting="" photobucket”="" sharing="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/Love2/logo2010.jpg" video="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Caryl of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14420792677269193141">Carylsrealm</a>! 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. <br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-2799670125076805972010-02-07T18:41:00.000-05:002010-02-07T18:41:17.178-05:009.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX333ACvw6SlbsleT80ux0KkkBEdim9xQbUCrLKT8WQn4d43y8OsmPDpPEXzcCVH_PaY9hOsDoFZ3MSoHxiTcz6MhPnQOoCqrknHT7CV_ZP-HzIJkCU-5HKUBM6YcOE5qYykbl7uQK8jlW/s1600-h/blog+2-7-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX333ACvw6SlbsleT80ux0KkkBEdim9xQbUCrLKT8WQn4d43y8OsmPDpPEXzcCVH_PaY9hOsDoFZ3MSoHxiTcz6MhPnQOoCqrknHT7CV_ZP-HzIJkCU-5HKUBM6YcOE5qYykbl7uQK8jlW/s320/blog+2-7-10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and I have lost 9.5 lbs since Monday, February 1st. Yes, 9.5 lbs people!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Namaste!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-75105857270120373512010-01-31T16:08:00.000-05:002010-01-31T16:08:34.186-05:00embracing change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2YmrIsp8oL5B14oCgojNihyVg7l930Q6A1yklyLT5mJmZK4i2EwVWgzcZJ5U84P6_I0_J7FAxhRgIvRJH1j79ojBMFuf4Y8D-SKQf58ybTftqmzcbOJSpBuRs0PvlgGC7qaH_Cgt69SQ/s1600-h/Lap-band-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2YmrIsp8oL5B14oCgojNihyVg7l930Q6A1yklyLT5mJmZK4i2EwVWgzcZJ5U84P6_I0_J7FAxhRgIvRJH1j79ojBMFuf4Y8D-SKQf58ybTftqmzcbOJSpBuRs0PvlgGC7qaH_Cgt69SQ/s320/Lap-band-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikflaLeoFChwijgNooEC83T1xsZSDhZR7woF2-VtBGNkTDeLusdNROSsT81vtGXDtx24rRp8QUH33PTiFM-iCA7j1ld6lkAr1TIoJdgbhK2A47IGqYcDFnWNy-b1Za06C57cw1C-SM8xov/s1600-h/lap+band+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikflaLeoFChwijgNooEC83T1xsZSDhZR7woF2-VtBGNkTDeLusdNROSsT81vtGXDtx24rRp8QUH33PTiFM-iCA7j1ld6lkAr1TIoJdgbhK2A47IGqYcDFnWNy-b1Za06C57cw1C-SM8xov/s320/lap+band+diagram.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />
If you would like more information on the lap band, click <a href="http://www.lapband.com/">here</a>. Thank you for stopping by!<br />
<br />
Namaste<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-83491544577743162242010-01-25T18:44:00.001-05:002010-01-25T18:46:09.187-05:00“Well, you don't know what we can find….Why don't you come with me little girl, on a magic carpet ride?” <br />
<a ="_blank" href="http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html"><img alt="Photo" and="" at="" border="””0””" hosting="" photobucket”="" sharing="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/Love2/logo2010.jpg" video="" /></a><br />
<br />
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!!<br />
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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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHCCQa_5X4Mh4u2FGRE1AwCloGGBC-Gr_U0ZY9_IatMRHl1A4CdXeFBbI4X7C19E53yEDVRL0ymuvuNOCZed7wKc07ZLzow9iPr8oZ2rpK5d624GU30OawXjhOXUe2xI0bwBMjpPjDn_g/s1600-h/whole+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHCCQa_5X4Mh4u2FGRE1AwCloGGBC-Gr_U0ZY9_IatMRHl1A4CdXeFBbI4X7C19E53yEDVRL0ymuvuNOCZed7wKc07ZLzow9iPr8oZ2rpK5d624GU30OawXjhOXUe2xI0bwBMjpPjDn_g/s320/whole+necklace.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccIzugqjkroBcdpDdHW-lJudRQEqjRdZ0fxNapskCkaLTRr9REbk8hJQsMg1rdMxd9o990je_7aECJ-CCyMBvY3e4-7mxI47VmQGzMo7Nm06B9hVXQyC-u4s6JSlL1uVwPuPnqMfGv5Jt/s1600-h/pendant+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccIzugqjkroBcdpDdHW-lJudRQEqjRdZ0fxNapskCkaLTRr9REbk8hJQsMg1rdMxd9o990je_7aECJ-CCyMBvY3e4-7mxI47VmQGzMo7Nm06B9hVXQyC-u4s6JSlL1uVwPuPnqMfGv5Jt/s320/pendant+close+up.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Entering is easy:<br />
(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!<br />
(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.<br />
(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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lLjEVvbaMlEpXW1eEGm1mlvtejFSKhEkQKRv4Dzhnv2EbQYE2dM4Ik1a_l729BHkiSZ634rg3Phyp3Uds5pzg0xDMWLsn7ghpqQNYBovDLsBykDNcjUq5YvHc90-2u07VnwHFZ8bHfiY/s1600-h/dangles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lLjEVvbaMlEpXW1eEGm1mlvtejFSKhEkQKRv4Dzhnv2EbQYE2dM4Ik1a_l729BHkiSZ634rg3Phyp3Uds5pzg0xDMWLsn7ghpqQNYBovDLsBykDNcjUq5YvHc90-2u07VnwHFZ8bHfiY/s320/dangles.jpg" /></a><br />
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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?!<br />
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Best of luck and may your days be filled with magic!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-90667621377777477792009-11-20T10:54:00.005-05:002009-11-20T11:30:51.728-05:00hello there!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxzwYNas5W3zVX98yylwhPig7X3Y4MzS3hOI_wyOy2koWrKcXtAboooztZC7PkoUiMEsAfNRwCC7Y_-5ObxCGFylBR0eEMvaCGsak7f5bQ0Ptgs2-EwRMWvYuX6l4DQ36mtRmCbOEyRMS/s1600/pendants+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxzwYNas5W3zVX98yylwhPig7X3Y4MzS3hOI_wyOy2koWrKcXtAboooztZC7PkoUiMEsAfNRwCC7Y_-5ObxCGFylBR0eEMvaCGsak7f5bQ0Ptgs2-EwRMWvYuX6l4DQ36mtRmCbOEyRMS/s320/pendants+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406216223639510418" /></a><br /><br /><br />Wanted to post a quick hello to those of you visiting as a result of the giveaways over on the fabulous <a href="http://www.goodmourningglory.com/">Diane's </a>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 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/moltenadornment">shop</a> to find a special offer for those of you who visit Diane's blog! Wishing all of you a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.<br />Namaste!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-71691356274005640632009-10-11T13:48:00.005-04:002009-10-11T15:30:30.084-04:00asking, believing, accepting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJkazpFgLET3slVSNh9zDX-i_nGgJZrPYQK_b9eTzSUY9x-FUDxbokoIAOr7h25HNSb_0WmIyUhB4mFfbQDEAJpdlv3tdO097DnySkbg-J4aVdTil2HJ5vTkr8vuBctQM3DdLh2iuHl_Q/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJkazpFgLET3slVSNh9zDX-i_nGgJZrPYQK_b9eTzSUY9x-FUDxbokoIAOr7h25HNSb_0WmIyUhB4mFfbQDEAJpdlv3tdO097DnySkbg-J4aVdTil2HJ5vTkr8vuBctQM3DdLh2iuHl_Q/s320/tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426139634515506" /></a><br /><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 <a href="http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2009/08/lovebomb-2009.html">this</a> 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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqq4Qkt5kmv3YMRa0LKLa7IN_Fwv47G_sRPZ86eyK5ijv1DVXxkSjK7W3SmE_NFBt4Uo_6gAC6bko2q_O9XpFnFy5fZQrSIvCMTTNNJCZqtX1ORdTJPl3sFmVkUpq0SVUFqNUELd5FhT1/s1600-h/tree+witch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqq4Qkt5kmv3YMRa0LKLa7IN_Fwv47G_sRPZ86eyK5ijv1DVXxkSjK7W3SmE_NFBt4Uo_6gAC6bko2q_O9XpFnFy5fZQrSIvCMTTNNJCZqtX1ORdTJPl3sFmVkUpq0SVUFqNUELd5FhT1/s320/tree+witch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426463089643634" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/index.html">retreat</a> and have registered for the <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/lv-2010.php">fourth</a> and <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/virginia-2010.php">fifth</a>, my circle of friends has grown, and I have been invited to do a show <a href="http://rivertwistshop.com/index.php">here</a> 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. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_qoY85vWip8e-jOA9u3E3i4wT4U6MM6McIYnnSv2DwNl7s14PvO4LuurjNDLBdKhjYdm6Y8ABA0xVhhM9Pm7e0gTlKZCRum43yC10D_uL1RSHUmRNszcYwiurbdp8hUHw_19t2hZ7xwB/s1600-h/tree+crow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_qoY85vWip8e-jOA9u3E3i4wT4U6MM6McIYnnSv2DwNl7s14PvO4LuurjNDLBdKhjYdm6Y8ABA0xVhhM9Pm7e0gTlKZCRum43yC10D_uL1RSHUmRNszcYwiurbdp8hUHw_19t2hZ7xwB/s320/tree+crow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426273778111650" /></a><br /><br /><br />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!<br /><br />Namaste!<br /><br />ps-the images are of my halloween tree I put together yesterday<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-36454608431005451582009-03-29T21:53:00.002-04:002009-03-29T22:18:13.758-04:00wandering<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyxeECYh8kEperLPIzK861uxNT9K1S_Uum8J45tdb0DM-BQNg2o1nIhdWbXqWgz27wiNwNbIqcM8YZpUj9UfcMFIyd3XA9TGNWtRXp1IQF4dh4jSCm3GIHtuv0Jwqcq64E8j0wKVNN4pw/s1600-h/not+all+who+wander.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyxeECYh8kEperLPIzK861uxNT9K1S_Uum8J45tdb0DM-BQNg2o1nIhdWbXqWgz27wiNwNbIqcM8YZpUj9UfcMFIyd3XA9TGNWtRXp1IQF4dh4jSCm3GIHtuv0Jwqcq64E8j0wKVNN4pw/s320/not+all+who+wander.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318796383270873490" /></a><br />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 <a href="http://www.dispatchfromla.typepad.com/">this</a> 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!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-57586627765630486202009-02-12T18:20:00.002-05:002009-02-12T18:31:35.754-05:00drum roll please.....This random number generator thingy is quick! What a cool invention. Here's what it said:<br /><br />Random Integer Generator<br />Here are your random numbers:<br /><br />182<br />231<br />Timestamp: 2009-02-12 23:18:42 UTC<br /><br />#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!<br /><br />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! <br /><br />Have a great Friday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-22754092090099351092009-02-11T14:41:00.003-05:002009-02-11T14:52:42.850-05:00tomorrow is the day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt_FkwpwPSIrXzwiIQdbiqvRalvhaH1Z0S3vZIiCLejVqaQfxGsJYvCTt7f3pUrpCTkjra8uSrHc714Yw4MxrBEgbZMDV15AOqiMXeDvvq9-EGXShccf02M009E38VqmPG_09BxPJSqkU/s1600-h/group+c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt_FkwpwPSIrXzwiIQdbiqvRalvhaH1Z0S3vZIiCLejVqaQfxGsJYvCTt7f3pUrpCTkjra8uSrHc714Yw4MxrBEgbZMDV15AOqiMXeDvvq9-EGXShccf02M009E38VqmPG_09BxPJSqkU/s320/group+c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301628929184661442" /></a><br />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 <a href="http://thenext40years.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html">here</a> 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!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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</a></div>ChandraThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743752434699820442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822295980858707993.post-87103959820879271662009-02-05T20:52:00.006-05:002009-02-05T21:37:29.403-05:00about to chill<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC83wgWS2czRw8A4q77Lp4QoTOjOh6trSgBimpMhRw-SmTwJpmwzS9vOqzeWpWWSik8bQj5jnqGxRcguus52i43Ejn0xRQlRkqXgONGcLoe-Rm3t6YiLB3lm6kG_TyoYsGUKI40cpMfRhy/s1600-h/Greenhill+Tree+17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC83wgWS2czRw8A4q77Lp4QoTOjOh6trSgBimpMhRw-SmTwJpmwzS9vOqzeWpWWSik8bQj5jnqGxRcguus52i43Ejn0xRQlRkqXgONGcLoe-Rm3t6YiLB3lm6kG_TyoYsGUKI40cpMfRhy/s320/Greenhill+Tree+17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299505912153662866" /></a><br /><br />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 <em>happened</em> 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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAczgWLizBttonmicyYFJSnFcmohd1CLUu429oiMxrw_KFW9bD43g1WltSnNzHtoZqmE_ATFXNlIV9K-YVlXDj5EcxAvY2zLUzz-iCMY-ii-10ygzKP0unMd9ve0UlSeIfM5YHObWxCihF/s1600-h/Headless+Angel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAczgWLizBttonmicyYFJSnFcmohd1CLUu429oiMxrw_KFW9bD43g1WltSnNzHtoZqmE_ATFXNlIV9K-YVlXDj5EcxAvY2zLUzz-iCMY-ii-10ygzKP0unMd9ve0UlSeIfM5YHObWxCihF/s320/Headless+Angel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299504862655969442" /></a><br /><br />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 <a href="http://thenext40years.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html">OWOH giveaway</a>. 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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://thenext40years.blogspot.com">
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