for the weekend

Today I was able to play in the woods for a little while... and I brought along my trusty camera.
In a perfect world... I would be able to do this every day... but alas... such is not the case right now.
But in the meantime... it was great to be out and about in the forest.

This is the last week of my temporary job... in which I've been working 6 days a week... (all beit... for only a couple hours a day). I will miss it, for alot of reasons.... not the least of which; is that it is our main source of income at the moment. We have had some drastic changes in our life/ lifestyle these past few months... and I think I am still in a bit of culture shock about it all. I do think that the move cross-country was a great decision... but it's been hard in many ways as well.
Lessons are being learned.
Skills are being tasked.
Life goes on.


I love to research things on-line... and (not incidentally)... I was looking for jobs that can be done from the home. So I was reading several articles..  like THIS one... this week. Unfortunately, the reality is that most companies really don't want to have their employees working from home. ... which is sad. With my husband planning on going back to school... it would be great for him to be able to work from home a bit.

-Someone forwarded me THIS article... which I thought was interesting.
-And because money is an issue... this was a cool article to read.
-This looked good... and I will have to try it sometime soon.
-My daughter found some discarded windows this past week... and was researching what to do with them... and came across this... and this.... and this.... and this.
-Then I came across THIS... and this... and this.... which makes me want to do art full time.
-A friend was asking me about Steampunk this week... a style of work that I love... and I found this site that I thought I would share with you.
-today I cam across this... and as I am a HUGE fan of Legos... it made my day :)
-as an artist... pricing your work is always difficult. I friend of mine sent me this article on the subject...
- and on that vein.... I love Keith Lo Bue's work... and thought I would post his website for you all.

I hope you all had/have a great weekend...

2-28-14

These past few weeks.... I keep coming across things involving sheep. 

I see them on back roads... I start crocheting and realize I am using organic sheep wool... they have even presented themselves in the storyline of some movies I've seen lately.
And so... I thought I should look up what the symbology of sheep as a totem or spirit animal would mean.

"Sheep can show how to maintain balance and have confidence in situations and abilities, teaching us how to move in the physical with agility, camouflage and blending with surroundings, teaches a sense of togetherness and community along with showing how to make life easy and promote serenity. Sheep instills a sense of protection and alertness with peace of mind and heart. Are you moving in the direction you should be going? Are going with or against what you know to be true? Are you protecting yourself enough and/or remaining centered in peace? Sheep wisdom can help in understanding your place and perceptions within the scheme of things."  --(from Starstuff.com)

Then I saw that Sheep (or Ewe) are associated with the Celtic goddess Brigit and her spring festival Imbolc (meaning 'ewe's milk').... which is almost upon us.

Furthermore, "Sheep are symbols of the simple goodness we bring to life when we have the desire and affection to do good for others and to be good ourselves. Such goodness is gentle and patient, just like sheep, but needs to be protected from attack by other selfish parts of our character that can easily destroy our desire to do good for others."

From what I've read... the focus of sheep tends to be on feelings of vulnerability... along with a desire for conformity. Never has this been more true... especially for me this week.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-feeling vulnerable and feeling a little lost and alone... because it is forcing me to work harder.
-focusing on improving myself... and learning more about myself
-friends who are willing to kick me in hte pants when I need it
-animal totems... and all the lessons they can teach us
-wool. Even though I am allergic to it.... I find that I can crochet with the organic spun yarns; and it is a joy to work with them.
-the coming spring equinox
-signs of spring popping  up all around me... like the melting of some of the snow, and the presence of more birds 
-in Chinese astrology; the sheep is associated with sensitivity and perseverence... and boy am I feeling that.

Finally... I read that "Sheep/Ram/Ewe's wisdom includes; Maintaining balance in dangerous situations, Confidence in ones abilities, Fertility, Courage needed to maintain balance, New beginnings, Abundance and Assurance in new areas "...yep. I needed that.

--You can read more HERE

2-27-14

Today has been an odd day.
The weather has been a bit schizophrenic.... snowing madly, blustering... whirling snow and heavy wind... and at this moment... the sun is shining and the snow coming down is sparse.
Just a minute later now, it's a blizzard out there... and the wind sounds like a freight train.
It's like the weather can't make up it's mind.
And my back is killing me.
And a good friend is moving and I had hoped to help... but can't get ahold of her...
...some days I should just stay in bed...

My thoughts keep wandering on me... and I feel as flustered and as blustered as the snow coming down.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-things that seem to be helping my back:  turmeric tea, a long hot shower, motrin...
-having a short burst of energy... and using it to fill the bird feeders
-and seeing tons of bird prints in the snow soon thereafter
-and Brina puppy prints right alongside them
-leftovers.... which means I don't have to cook tonight
-a jar full of different colored markers...sitting on the kitchen table
-a bowl full of beads for inspiration
-discovering that I can get back issues to my favorite magazine that I am missing
-icicles
-and this glorious bit of a sunset... right before the sun went behind the hills... (see the last photo here)

2-26-14

Today I am finally starting to feel better... although I find I tire much more easily than I think I should.... and I get really stiff if I sit for more than 30 minutes at a pop.
That said though.. I was able to make several pair of easy earrings for the Etsy shop...which makes me feel a bit better.

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-beads. I love them. Can't get enough of them.
-easy grip tools. With arthritis in my hands... these make twisting wire easier.
-hypo-allergenic findings. Good for people sensitive to metals... yet very affordable.
-sorting trays. I still marvel at the great deal I got on this bead cabinet over a year and a half ago.... with all the trays... and extra beads.
-being able to print postage ... from USPS.com ... straight to my printer. It really saves time.
-venues like Etsy and Ebay... where I can sell my items from my living room. Just a few short years ago... this would never have been a possibility.
-flannel shirts.
-eggs and english muffins. Tonight's easy dinner.
-sunshine.
-we had a small flooding of water in our basement... and it could have been tragic; as we have all our books down there. Fortunately, we had placed all the book boxes up on plastic sheeting... and none of them got wet. The things that did get wet... were mostly plastic and glassware stuffs for a future yard sale. What a relief.... I am so very grateful.

catching up

Sometime in/around last Wednesday... I really hurt my back. I am not sure how... and I suppose it doesn't matter... It just really, really hurts. Between resting, taking motrin, hot packs and camphor... it didn't seem like I was getting better... but then yesterday, I was able to get a chiropractic adjustment. Today... I am extremely sore and stiff... but I have hopes of improvement overall.

Unfortunately with all this... and working, and such... the blogs fell to the wayside.
Today I will try to "make it up" to you :)

Usually on my weekend posts; I try to include some links to cool stuff I'd found during the week on the internet. One of the things I came across, was a friend of mine who was starting to make lucets. Well, I had no idea what a lucet was... so I looked it up. Turns out; it is a very cool cord-making tool. With the cording.. you can then go on to make things like necklace chain, etc. So. Here are some links: here, here, and here.

Last year, I had posted in one of my blog posts... a story about THIS woman. A great artist... and truly a vibrant, wonderful human being. I learned this week that she had passed... and saw this story on her.

On the theme of art, I wanted to include this link on photography...this link on a fabulous artist... and this link on street art.

Over the weekend... my daughter found and salvaged some old windows... and she's been looking up creative ideas on what to do with them. She found this site... and I thought I would share it here as well.

Just for fun... I wanted to include THIS

To encourage... I wanted to include this...

And because spring is just around the corner... I wanted to include THIS and THIS.

And because I love to eat international foods... I wanted to share this article with you all.


Hang in there everyone... and I hope you all have a restful night.

2-21-14

One thing about having a chronic illness... is that you learn to live within the confines of what is going on physically.
Today was not a good day... and there was alot of pain to deal with... lack of mobility and all...
But it's on days like this that I feel even more acutely what I am grateful for...


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-the understanding and compassion of those around me
-the willingness of my husband and daughter to help me
-my Brina... who is always up for a rest on the couch or in bed.
-"pain tea"--- an herbal concoction that my daughter came up with to help with days like this. It contains Pau D'arco, echinacea, red raspberry leaf, burdock root, dandelion root, lemongrass, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It really helps.... probably more than anything else I do for pain management.
-hot packs
-massage
-camphor (this is a massage cream that you put on areas that hurt)
-advil (which usually helps... but today did nothing)
-hot showers. Always help...
-rest. Lots of it... and as much as I can. BTW... I love our tempur pedic mattress :)

2-20-14

Today was a bit of a rough day for me... but it had it's highlights... like a visit from my cousin and my favorite Aunt to my studio space; and getting to show them a little bit of what I do.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-rain. Today it rained... and it was wonderful.
-visits with people I really care about
-playing in the studio... and being able to show people my stuff
-getting feedback on what I do... always a good thing.
-beads! My cousin brought me a few beads and shells from a trip years ago to Ghana.
-finding the right color toilet seat. Yah ... I know. But my mom's bathroom has a baby blue porcelain tub/sink/toilet.... and I thought it would be impossible to find a matching toilet seat... and yet... I did.
-anti-anxiety meds. My baby Brina is getting increasingly anxious about things as she gets older. Noise. People in the house. The garage door going up and down and how it vibrates the floors. Thank GOD for Rescue Remedy. It really helps her alot.
-leftovers for dinner... makes dinnertime easy :)
-cookies. My husband got me 2! White Chocolate macadamia nut cookies... YUM. Perfect with my evening cuppa tea.
-having a home that is truly a sanctuary. I know that I can rest here... recoup here... be myself here. And that means everything.

2-19-14

Today it was a "balmy" 38 degrees... and so; some of this week's dumping of snow began to melt... and then it rained. A very odd day weather -wise... but it sure made for some interesting light around the trees... which always makes me happy.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-lots of birds at the bird feeders... and tons of tracks of visiting wildlife in the yard
-having lunch with a dear friend (and a fabulous BLT on salt-rising toast).
-the ability to work hard; and see where you've accomplished something
-dinner. I was gifted with an incredible dish of chicken/broccoli/pasta/cheese casserole... and it was YUMMY.
-and coffee cake! home-made too!
-rain. Because I love rain... and because it cleaned almost all the road salt off of the jeep :)
-gift cards. I was able to use some gift cards from Christmas... and it filled almost half of our gas tank today.
-our mail carrier. Through rain, sleet, snow... yah. And it's a really steep hill I live on... THANK YOU.
-my health. Yes, I have lots of health issues... but there is always someone who has it worse.

2-18-14

It's been snowing most of the day... and it is lovely.
Not great for driving in... but awesome for sitting on the couch, reading a good book... and watching these huge fluffy snowflakes slowly gliding down to earth.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

--that the roses from my hubby on Valentine's Day are still gorgeous... and smell awesome
-snow shovels... and a husband who is willing to call shoveling out the driveway... and my mom's... his "work-out" for the day :)
-also... for my dear husband...  who shoveled a pathway in the 3+ foot snow drifts in our back yard so that our 15yr old dog could pee without getting buried in snow
-leftover roasted chicken, english muffins, and buttered corn
-lots of hot tea with fresh lemon wedges
-a stack of good books to read at my bedside
-antique wood chairs. I picked up 2 gorgeous old wood dining-type chairs at a local antique shop during their holiday sales... and LOVE them. A little wood glue in some strategic spots... and they will be perfect.
-green glass. I also picked up a stunning green depression glass orange juicer at the same sale... and we have some fresh oranges from the store... so I am anticipating some fab orange juice this week.
-this gorgeous winter light for photographing snow in :)

2-17-14

Several years ago, I was deeply involved in the start-up and running of a gallery space in Albuquerque.
I learned alot... about all the workings of starting such an endeavor... and running it on a daily basis... about working with all sorts of people... artists and business minded individuals...  but also about myself. About what I am capable of... and what I am willing to do... and not do.... and how I want to shape my work as an artist... and as an independent business owner.

Today I spent the entirety of the day in meetings with other artists and like-minded folk... talking about the potential for future events and such locally. And while I  never anticipated that I would be involved in another endeavor such as this... I find that I am excited... and optimistic about what it could mean to both myself... and this community.

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-having art in my life. I can't imagine my life without it.
-the camaraderie of being around other like-minded folks... artists... and supporters of the arts.
-the drive of being an artist that fuels my everyday life
-the experiences I've had in the past with the gallery... and of participating in art shows and events in the past
-the experience of having my own art business for over 16-17yrs now
-having my own studio space in my own home
-having a patient and loving family who understands what making art means to me
-being able to work daily with my daughter; who is also an artist
-opportunities for the future--- to show and sell my art
-and the feeling that it is all coming "full circle" in my life...

for the weekend

It always amazes me how quickly the weeks go by.
I have been trying to focus on gratefulness this year (as evidenced by my daily posts)... and I think it has really altered my perspective. Not that I was a "negative nelly" before... but I think it has helped ... especially during the christmas season... when I tend to get more depressed. (... and also during the extreme heat of summer -- so we'll see how it goes here where it doesn't get near so hot).

So... today the daughter and I took a walk about in the snow (not an easy task... it was up to our knees)... and took some photos around our property. I love the one at the bottom of this post that my daughter took... of a small bird (finch maybe?) landing.... it looks like an angel print.

It's cold.  It's winter.  And in the blink of an eye it will be spring again... and we will be wondering where all t\he snow went.

So; for today... just sit back and enjoy whatever weather you are having... and just be.
Here are some links:

-I was recalling to my daughter about Chock Full of Nuts coffee. My grandmother used to drink it... but I never realized the awesome back story on it's history.
- I watched the Westminster Dog Show this past week... and came across this article that I thought you might like: here
-I've been reading alot of articles on self-empowerment. Here is a neat photo essay...
-and on the same vein of thought... I thought I would include this: here
-dreaming of traveling? this is cool...  as is this!
-and here is a link to a "tiny house" that I thought was gorgeous.
-I am not a math person. It is all "above my head." But I live with a math geek... and thought this was interesting.
-I love bookstores. Seriously. Can't get enough of them. ... and so... this was awesome.
-I had a friend forward me this link... and I really am fascinated by the art.
-this is the website of a local artist I like. 
-and for some serious art inspiration.... look here.... and here.

Hope you all have an awesome weekend.

2-14-14

Happy Valentine's Day!
It started out a bit rough... but ended with flowers (silly iPhone shots taken above)
I'm sure there's a life lesson in there somewhere...


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-people who love me in spite of myself (like when I am sad, mad, or difficult.)
-friends who force me out of my funk
-and take me shopping for thrifted goodness :)
-for the gorgeous embroidered blouse I found today
-for chocolate
-for the crockpot of chili I made last night.... so I didn't have to cook dinner
-for beads... which always make me happy
-for my daughter, my wonderful husband... my son in Albuquerque, my gorgeous granddaughter... and my beloved Brina.
-for carnations from friends in lovely red vases
-for roses from my hubby ... thank you love.

2-13-14

This is sort of a digital collage... 2 separate photos "sandwiched" together to form a single image. I've dodged and burned areas to bring out the detail... and added some color to an otherwise neutral color scheme. The first photo shows snow falling outside in my yard on a stark tree. The second photo is of a little bird landing on my feeder in the yard.

But alas, I have a migraine... so I am not getting anything done.... save this photo.
.ugh.

Things I am Grateful for today:

-excedrin for migraines
-hot packs
-antihistamines
-muscle relaxants
-tea
-more tea
-tea with lemon
-eye masks (to shut out the light)
-slippers
-snow falling gently outside

2-12-14

It's been so cold... and with all the snow-storms here on the east-coast; I thought I would post a photo to remind us that spring and summer ARE INDEED coming...
I took this photo right here in Potter County, in September 2010.... but just edited it tonight.


Things I am Grateful for Today:

-first of all; it's my son's 23rd birthday. I love you MICHAEL... and hope you are having an awesome day.
-and WOW! yesterday I saw a massive male bald eagle... right here in town! No camera with me... but WOW! he was awesome.
-music. This is what I am listening to right now....
-potato chips. Cheap thrills.
-tomato pincushions. My mom had a couple.. and I think they are adorable.
-thimble keepers. Who knew these existed? I sure didn't.
-hello dolly cookies. Yum. My 2nd most favorite cookie... and I got one today :)
-boxes. Yes, I know it's a mundane thing. But think about it for a minute. You get to carry/ store a WHOLE bunch of stuff.... in ONE place... and you can STACK 'em. Genius.
-sunflowers. Soon they will be blooming. Ok... sorta soon... in the whole scheme of time...
-garden catalogs... I think I need to go find mine :)

2-11-14

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-last night we had the most awesome blueberries from our local grocery store.
-clean bedding. Isn't it wonderful to go to bed on clean sheets and blankets?!
-last night's reading fodder "The Five People You meet in Heaven"... by Mitch Albom
-being able to work in the studio... even though it's really cold out (ie: thank the gods for portable heaters).
-paint. Ok. I mentioned on facebook that I had only ever done 1 painting in my entire life.... and that I was petrified to try. Well, last night (while I was looking for something else).... I found a complete (new) set of watercolor paints... AND paper. I guess I have no excuse now.
-granola. We bought a box of Kashi cereal on a whim... it's REALLY good.
-spending time with my daughter... looking at photos she took after the last snowfall.
-putting out compost (fresh veggie bits and such) for the local critters and the garden.... and seeing all the tracks in the am.
-realizing that we haven't  had garbage pick-up for almost 3 1/2 months... and that we've only accumulated 1 bag of actual garbage... and 4 of recycling.
-my Brina when she stretches full out on the couch... and heaves a contented sigh :)

2-10-14

Things I am grateful for Today:

-friends with cool collections. I love to see what people are interested in... what they love to have around them... things that make their heart happy.
-glass. I am enamored with glass and old bottles. I love all the colors.. especially the way the light comes thru them.
-rocks. Another one of my passions. I started collecting rocks when I was tasked (at the age of 4) ... to pick up rocks in our yard so my dad didn't run over them with the lawnmower. I even got a wheelbarrow for my 4th birthday for the job.
-tchotchkes. Collectibles. What-nots and do-dads. They are all awesome.
-steampunk. I was recently gifted with the most awesome lamp I have ever seen. It is an amalgamation of parts, gears, knobs and such... made by an artist in the area... it even has an Edison bulb!
-old books. Today I found an older hardback edition of Sherlock Holmes for my hubby for Valentine's Day.
-old cameras. I love them all.
-old furniture. My favorite pieces are from the Arts & Crafts period... but I love all the handwork, time, and gorgeous woods that went into old furniture. So much better than MDF.
-old movies. ... especially the musicals from the 40's and 50's.
-quiet winter evenings watching old movies... reading old books... and eating popcorn :)

for the weekend

It's the weekend! ... and so... another of my posts filled with cool links that I hope you will enjoy.

-With Valentine's Day coming upon us... I thought I would include this link.

-and the Winter Olympics!!! so... I wanted to include this...

-But then I got to looking at  houses... and saw this.

-Love this house.... and this one... and then I found this site.

-I stumbled upon this .... and... whoa :)

-and this made me smile

-Squeeeeee~

--and then there was this... that just made my gypsy heart sing

-I saw this headline this week.. and found the article interesting.

-And finally... I've been giving alot of thought to my creative business and things I want to work on this year. So, here are some links I found on the subject of starting/ working on your own creative business---
here, here, and here.

---and to give you some inspiration for your crafting adventures... look here,... and here...
HERE... here... and HERE.


So rest up this weekend... enjoy some free time if you have it... perhaps make some cocoa and watch the Olympics :)  ... and I'll see you on Monday.

2-7-14

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-last night we had the most awesome dinner... courtesy of friends who gifted us with pot roast and home-made cheddar biscuits.
-being able to be out and about in the snow taking pictures
-barns. I have never seen a green one before.
-the awesomeness of creeks in snow. I love the look... the sound... even the smell.
-raku beads. I found a a couple in my stash the other night... and made some earrings with them. Mine have gold flakes on them.... and I love the look of them.
-it's FRIDAY!
-new friends--- old friends.
-tie-dye. A friend gifted me with a fabulous ankle length sundress/lounge dress today... and it is a bright and bold set of colors. So cool!
-thrift shops, yard sales, antique shops... I love them all
-vintage sewing boxes. Today I found a vintage wooden sewing box with hinged lids on either side; and tons of old thread in it. I gifted it to my daughter... and she loves it :)

2-6-14

Things I am Grateful for Today:

--deer tracks all over the yard. Looks like Grande Central Station out there. I can only guess there was a party during the night in the yard :)
-fox prints. Yep. Guess he came too.
-bird tracks. Not to be discounted... the birds joined in sometime this am.
-puppy prints. From our dear Sabrina :)
-cat prints. There is a very large Maine Coon that visits our yard on occasion. His name is Bubba. He is pretty awesome.
-sunshine streaming in my windows.
-big fluffy clouds in the sky
-fresh flowers on the table ... makes my heart sing
-turning on the TV just in time to see Radagast's Rabbits! from the Hobbit movie.
-everything bagels with cream cheese

2-5-14

Things I am Grateful for today:

-snow. I know, I know. But it sure is pretty in the morning.
-for the folks that plow... for the people who go out and clear their sidewalks... for the people who go out of their way to help things stay moving and safe...
-friends. I have a couple folks that I visit that don't get out as much as they would like too... because of their health... and I love visiting them. Today I was able to visit with one of my favs.
-roses. I picked up the most gorgeous pink roses today to give a couple people...
-including my daughter. .. whom I am very grateful for. Not only is she my daughter; but my friend.
-visitors. Late this afternoon we had 2 doe come down in the yard to graze. The photo above is one of the deer.
-hot showers, soft towels and working bathrooms. So many folks don't have the luxury of working plumbing... or hot water... or the simple things we all take for granted.
-the internet. How wonderful to be able to get (most) anything you need at the click of a mouse? Especially in poor weather... or when it just isn't practical to drive an hour or two to get something.
-crock pots. I think I am going to make a pot of chili or something :)
-Top Chef. Tonight is the finale.