Windows of opportunity often come disguised. More often than not; for me; it comes in the form of endings that I am usually quite distraught over. It's not that I am adverse to change; quite the contrary. But I do find comfort in the known, the comfortable... the predictable.

"It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks of life, and those of opportunity"...Frederick Phillips

Sometimes I have a tendency to get stuck in a rut... to park (so to speak) ... and get a little too lackadaisical in my approach... sometimes I need to just "mix it up" ... and try something completely new in order to open my mind and horizons.

I am starting a new class at the Harwood Art Center. It is going to be 4 classes over the course of the next month in various techniques primarily used in mixed media art. I have done some mixed media projects, and I have enjoyed doing them. However, I don't think it is my "main focus" when it comes to artistic endeavors. I do hope, however, to learn some interesting techniques to incorporate into my jewelry making and fabrication. It will be really interesting.. and even if I don't come away with something I can personally use in my day to day art, it will no doubt open my mind to a whole new world... and that is fabulous.

**all photos by Elaine A. Russell