11-6-14


It's a chilly, rainy day here in Potter County.
One of those days that you would prefer to stay in bed, read a good book... and drink hot tea.
And so, I've turned on a big band swing music station... and am preparing to settle in a bit.

I've got to make a list.

For those of you who know me; know I am a compulsive maker of lists.
Lists of things I have to do.
Lists of things I want to do.
Lists of things I am behind on.
Lists of books to read... movies to watch... jewelry to make...
(and ironically, this is sort of a list).

I think I like this summary on the compulsiveness of list making best... (here)
but there are lots of articles out there on the habit of making lists.
And so I thought for today... I would include this list... on why we make lists (>>grin<<)
...see you all tomorrow.

-signs you are a list-maker
-why we make lists (psychology)
-why our brains love lists (The New Yorker)
-do you make lists (psychology)
-the amazing history of the To Do list
-why we love making lists (NPR)
-why were are fascinated by lists
-It's all in your head
-thoughts by ReadingPsychology
-lists everyone should make (Business Insider)
-the "human condition" (LA Times)
-and a whole website devoted to making lists! (why didn't I think of that)

-- and then there is THIS GUY.

11-5-14



Fall seems to have come and gone so very quickly...
and it seems like just a week or so ago there was still so much color to be seen in the hills...
... but not so much now.

I am weary... and overwhelmed.
Seems as if there is too much to do all the time... and rest will not be satisfied.
But alas...
I am reminded of this poem by Mary Oliver... and I will see you all tomorrow.



Fall Song by Mary Oliver

Another year gone, leaving everywhere
its rich spiced residues: vines, leaves, 

the uneaten fruits crumbling damply
in the shadows, unmattering back

from the particular island
of this summer, this NOW, that now is nowhere 

except underfoot, moldering
in that black subterranean castle 

of unobservable mysteries — roots and sealed seeds
and the wanderings of water

This I try to remember when time's measure
painfully chafes, for instance when autumn 

 flares out at the last, boisterous and like us longing
to stay — how everything lives, shifting 

 from one bright vision to another, forever
in these momentary pastures.

11-4-14


Life has all these twists and turns and you just never know how things are going to turn out.
I, certainly,  would not venture a guess.

These past few days/ weeks have been a sort of "winding down" for me in many ways... and I am not sure where things are headed. There are so many things I have been trying to give 110% towards; and for the most part; feel as thought I have been failing them all.,,, whether or not that is true... is beside the point. I feel "behind" and worn down.
And so, after some deep reflection today (and a nice outing with a friend)... I have come to the conclusion that I need to focus a bit on "my own stuff." Working on my art, working on the studio space, catching up on some orders and projects that have yet to be completed, resting and re-grouping.

And so I feel like that is the direction I need to head in next.
Wanna go along for the ride?


11-3-14


ah monday... you torture me so.
After a crazy busy weekend... I can barely move around... and just want to hide in a pile of quilts and sip hot toddies...
But as promised; I have some good news to share with you all...


It's been not quite a year since we moved back to PA... and it has been crazy chaotic...
weird and wonderful... distressing, frustrating... and yet...

*we got a house, moved in (sorta), started a photography blog with photos all taken here in PA
*reacquainted ourselves with family and friends we haven't seen in a long time
*had a series of odd jobs... some great... some... not so much. But all were learning experiences.
*in January, I went to a public meeting brainstorming about the possibility of a new artisan space here in Coudersport. I became involved. Like, really involved. I work every Wednesday at the shop; and try to do something for the center (work/photos/advertising stuff) every single day.
*started trying to figure out the local show circuit; and went to or participated in as many local-ish shows as I could this year.
*The Potter County Artisan Center has it's Grand Opening April 12th
*revamped my Etsy shop
*started selling in Ebay again
*took photos every single day for my blogs (and as a personal quest-- I've been taking (almost) daily photos since 2008)
*went on a short 3 -day trip to Chicago... which was awesome.
*became accepted as a juried member in the Route6 Artisan Trail, and have several photos featured in their newest brochure!
*hired a lawyer, and got proceedings started to establish a fictitious name request; leading to an eventual license as a small business owner here in PA (done!)
*received the TOP6 Award from the PA Route6 Artisan Trail folks... a HUGE honor.

Now add into that the "stuff of every day life"... helping out family when I can... doing volunteer work, etc, etc
and you have sort of an idea as to how busy things can get around here.

***BUT... the most recent news... which I wanted to share with you all...
is that I applied, and have just been notified of my acceptance, as a juried artisan with the PA Wilds.
This is a HUGE deal, and one my friend Stephanie wrote about on her blog, here.


This post in not to sound all...."LOOK AT ME--LOOK AT ME".... but to emphasize how some guts, lots of hard work... support (from countless folks)...and a wing and a prayer... can lead to good things.. AND... That I am excited to see what greatness comes next.

for the weekend


--what a busy weekend this has been already!
But I've got some great links for you all to look at this weekend...


*especially now, this is good to know
*7 things Kids who grew up in a Library understand
*10 things food banks really need
*40 Inspiring workplaces of the famously creative
*French school lunches
*the psychology of colour
*JK Rowling's website... with some cool new stories.
*some good news
*handmade laundry soap
*interesting read
*and another...
*the HIT list... crucial tasks for success
*and some art 


I hope you all have a great weekend, get some rest; and I'll see you on Monday with some news :)

10-31-14


It's hard to believe that Halloween/ Samhain/ Dia de los Muertos is upon us already... and I am sorely un-prepared.
And I am coming down with a cold.... and so I will bid you all lovely day, and will see  you tomorrow.

The photo for today's post is of a fungus near our house.
It always amazes me how colorful these are... and how gorgeous a show Mother Nature puts on for us every.single.day.

10-28-14


There are days when I have to force myself to look up.
I am normally a relatively optimistic person, able to see the good in everything... and have extreme hope for the future...
but there are days... we all have them.

These past couple of weeks have been rough.
The death of a dear friend... being away from my son and granddaughter (it's her birthday this week)... worries over financial stuff... frenetically running to and fro... errands... helping family... physically not feeling well...  sometimes you have to wonder, what is this all for? Fortunately, I don't often get in this kind of a funk... and I am always able to pull out of it;
for which I am grateful.

And I am certainly grateful for where I am.... and what we have... and the steps we have made to forge a new future for ourselves here.... and I know that things could definitely be worse.
Everything in perspective, right?

This week is Halloween/ Samhain... my favorite holiday of the year; so I am trying to get it together.
According to the moon phases, we are in a waxing crescent moon.
If you read astrology, it is a time for gathering information, making plans, and laying a foundation for future endeavors. Emotionally, it is said to be a time for change and regeneration... for fortifying and strengthening yourself.
All good advise, no matter your beliefs.

And so I wish for you all today... strength... understanding... and energy to do what you need to do...
(myself included).. and the motivation to look up.

10-27-14

 leaves from 2009

 pumpkin lights from 2010

pumpkin still life from 2011

fall leaves from 2012

pumpkins on the steps from 2013


I've taken almost daily photos since 2008..... hard to believe.
A few days missed here and there... and alot that I have since tossed (or in the case of digital photos; deleted).
Every once in awhile though, it is interesting to go back through and see the progression... how things have changed... what the weather was like... where I was... sort of a visual diary, I guess.

So for today... a photo from this day (or close to October 27th) in various years gone by.

for the weekend




Another week has completely blown by... and I find myself with a billion things I ought to be doing... and no energy to do them. Such is life. Sometimes things are just so chaotic and frazzled that you just have to step back and prioritize. Make a list. Figure out what you need to tackle first.... and then rest until you can do it. Do one thing at a time. Cross them off the list. Move on. Drink some hot tea.
Watch a movie. Snuggle with the dog. It'll all work out.
And that's where I am right now...

And wherever you are this weekend... here are some links to look at:
*steelbison (art)
*Akira Nagaya
*Yuli Brodskaya
*paper quilling
*Little Red Riding Hood (french 1847)
*Nunzio Paci
*Watkin's Glen in 1973 (not far from here)
*a french WWI soldier's room... untouched for 96yrs
*San Francisco in the 1940s and 50s
*forgotten words
*unborn baby animals
*on growing wildflowers
*eerily beautiful abandoned places
*recent solar eclipse and some photos
*a DIY blog I came across






10-24-14




I love being out in nature... and it was one of the factors driving our thought process when we moved back to our hometown, here to PA. We wanted to be close in proximity to my mom's house (which means in town)... but yet close to areas where we could enjoy seeing the occasional deer and such. Fortunately in Potter County... that was not a hard thing.
We often enjoy seeing deer, wild turkey, fox, bear... and recently... a fisher! to our yard.

When I was in 9th grade we had to do a leaf collection for Biology class. I was in heaven then, running through the woods in search of varieties of tree leaves.
Since moving back; I've been trying to re-learn the trees and plants and such.

One of my favorites back then, was the sassafras tree.

According to one website: "Native Americans and early settlers considered sassafras to be a cure all for all sorts of ailments. The root bark was once believed to be a curative, capable of treating everything from headaches to malaria, fever, liver problems, stomachaches and colds. In addition, the wand was believed to increase hunger. The wood, which continues to be used in furniture, was often used in flooring and bedsteads because people believed the sassafras fragrance would drive away bedbugs and other pesky insects.
Early settlers also believed that beds made from sassafras would drive away evil spirits, give people restful sleep and ease problems with the digestive system. Burying money near the roots of a Sassafras tree was said to bring prosperity."

Upon further study, I read that the roots of the sassafras can be steeped to make tea. It was also in the past to make a "root beer like" soda. It was mostly discontinued as it was found (in very large doses) to cause liver problems in rat test studies. (I am old enough that I remember sassafras soda being sold in the area). Although today... some micro-breweries have taken to using small doses in specialty beers.


The photos for today's post are ones I took of a sassafras tree.  This tree is unique in that it sports 3 different shaped leaves: un-lobed oval, bi-lobed (mitten shape) and tri-lobed (the 3 pronged shape).

10-23-14



Yesterday I watched a video of Paul Klein giving a talk to a group of art majors.
And because that's how I roll; I want to share as much information as I get..... back out there.
He recommended 3 important "rules" about your art:

1. Be distinctive.  ---Be yourself. Be that one in a million. Don't have your stuff look like everyone else's. You are unique... and your work should be too. Figure out that little "something-something" that makes your work different, distinctive and uniquely you.
2. Get yourself in the game. ---You need to be your own best advocate. You need to get your work out there in the public eye. Create opportunities where your work can be seen. Make a list of places to potentially have your artwork seen.... and start tackling it.
3. Make good art. ---Create work. Make stuff every day. Make things/work that evoke a response in you... because it will probably evoke a response in others. Keep at it. Be consistent.

Personally, I am working really hard at these "rules"...
(although I didn't see this video until yesterday, I have been doing this for quite some time)
Yes, I have days that completely suck... and I feel defeated, but I keep at it.
And like the little engine that could.... I know I am on the right track.

See you all tomorrow.


(( the photograph for today's post is one I took in the deep woods here. I happened to be in somewhat of a ravine, and it almost had the feeling of coming up from deep withing the center of the earth... and up into the light. I feel this way a lot of the times about my art/photography/jewelry work. Sometimes I feel like I am in the middle of a deep, dark hole... and I have no idea how I can get out.... when suddenly -- and sometimes of my own making--- the light will shine in ... and it will all be OK ))

10-22-14


Today a dear friend, father figure, and mentor passed away-- and I am bereft for the family; whom I adore.
He was an incredible, stellar human being in so very many ways... and loved and respected by all.

Reflecting on the passing of my own father just a few years ago... I empathize... and understand their grief...
all the while, having some relief that the suffering and pain of their loved one... is finally at peace.
And not unlike the season's... he was glorious and full of color and bloom right up until the very end...
and now, we  must prepare for a quiet, restful time ... until we see him again.
And we will ❤

10-21-14


Ah... it is late, I fear.
Certainly late in the day for me to be posting... but not too late to appreciate the beauty of the trees around us...

I've had a rough day with my SLE; and so I think I will just wrap things up for the night and do a more "thoughtful" post tomorrow.
I wish peace and rest to you all...

10-20-14


I don't think I've had 2 days off in a row; in probably the entire time (almost a year) that we've lived here... with the exception of when we went to Chicago for a short trip at the beginning of June.
And it feels odd.

I would like to say it's because I've been working and earning a living... but in reality...
it is days mostly filled with volunteer work... looking in on people... helping folks out when I can... trying to help family, etc.
Throw in there times when I had some temporary work...
Working on the house/yard/studio...
working on Etsy stuff... going to shows... etc.
It's been really busy.... and sometimes I look around and wonder what I've been doing... and what (if anything) I've accomplished.

I had yesterday  and today off, through a comedy of errors... or perhaps other forces at work.
Who knows.

Yesterday was a mish-mash of feeling guilty for not working on things...feeling oh-so-far-behind on things... yet so very tired... reading tons of stuff on the internet... reading some blogs... watching a movie...  drinking coffee... and planning on things coming up next.

 And I've been reading some books; one of which is called "Making a Living as an Artist."
The first section addresses myths about being an artist ... and there are several... but I will only touch on a few that really hit home to me:

1. "artists must be discovered"... and along with that one..."It's not how well you do your art, but who you know." I'm sure it seems like this. Certainly I have had moments where the thoughts cross my mind. But the reality is... we all start from somewhere... and it's up to us as artists to "get the word out" on our art... and be proactive. Odds are, no one is coming to my door any time soon. So I have to go bang on a few doors myself.
2. "artists are poor business people." Well, yes... some are. I am definitely one of them. But I am trying to learn every day. I think in general, artists need to get over the notion that you have to be suffering and poor to be any good.
3. "artists don't get any recognition until they die." True for some... not true for everyone. Again. You (I) have to be careful about sweeping statements like this. Every situation is unique. So are you.
And more to the point I think.... do you want recognition? I think on some level, we all want to know that what we do is important, that what we do is valuable, and what we do is needed. No matter if we are artists, mechanics, scientists, or moms. We all want to be appreciated.
Personally, I think there is a definite lack of feelings of being appreciated with so many people I know... so my own quest... such as it is ... is to try to make everyone feel validated, and needed, and appreciated.

And with that.... I will say THANK YOU for reading my blog today... and I'll see you all tomorrow.

for the weekend



Well... I can anticipate that most all of next week will be filled with editing photos (personal and ones for the local Potter County Visitors Center), working on some matting and framing of photos for people, and working on new jewelry items and such for my Etsy shop.

In the meantime, I will be going to the Open House even at our local Potter County Artisan Center tonight... so if you are in the area; please stop in. We have live music by Tim Walck; and there will be a demonstration by the students at Essence of Motion Dance Studio, LLC.
Plus, sweets and treats... and a meet and greet with some of the artisans :)

And for you! my fabulous readers; I've compiled a few links that I thought might be interesting fodder for your weekend:

* a super awesome crystal I got at the Gem and Mineral Show last weekend
*How to make a steampunk top hat
*the YMCA is sponsoring a contest where you could win $5000 for your community!
*this is sort of a friend of a friend... but she runs a gallery in NoLa
*awesome Halloween pumpkins!
*want to buy an entire Victorian Town? It's cheaper than you would think! Here's more... and here's the listing.
*one of my favorite clothing stores (that I've never bought from, because it's out of my range... but I can dream, right?)
*an evolving view of animals from the New York Times
*what to eat when you're broke
*another one of my favorite sites... recycleArt
*SPOILERS! Images from Project Runway at New York Fashion Week
*a cool fall craft project
*and just something FUN!



((the photos for today's post are ones I tool at Rock City Park, near Olean NY))

10-17-14



So this past weekend I was at the Gem and Mineral Show at Rock City Park; selling some of my gemstone jewelry pieces. The last time I was there; I had gone to a wedding reception just down the road... back in the late 70s. Amazingly, I remembered directions!
I did not, however, remember how stunningly gorgeous it is.
Yes, I remember it being beautiful... but not like what I experienced this past weekend.

The trees were at the peak of their fall beauty... the weather was nice (a little chilly and windy at times)...
and the folks there were welcoming.
I had a wonderful time; and bought several specimens to make into jewelry pieces... so stay tuned.

In other news... over the next couple of weeks, I am taking photos on behalf of the Potter County Visitor's Association for their
new/ coming website. I am going 'round to some local businesses and taking pictures of establishments and product so that visitors to the new website can see more about potential destinations  here in Potter County. How awesome is that?!
I know most of the people who have seen my photography, think I primarily do scenary and such; but there was a time in my photography "career" (since 1986) that I have done advertising, wedding, portraits and architectural photographs as well...
So I am really looking forward to dabbling a bit in things I haven't done in a long, long time.

Hope you are all having a great Friday.... and I will see you all tomorrow for the weekend post.


10-16-14


And today is a whole new day.
Sometimes you just have an awful day; and no matter what you do... it just doesn't get better.
You don't know where to turn.... where to go.... who to ask for help.... and what to do.
I know we have all been there... and it sucks.

But today is better... and I have a job to do this afternoon... and there is fresh coffee on the counter.
See you all tomorrow.


*remember a month or so ago when I did a series of posts on art business related information?
I will be starting another round here next week... with a new book I've been reading.

((today's photo was taken at Rock City Park, where I had a show last weekend))

10-15-14


I'm feeling like the main character in the book "Alexander and teh terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day"... as story by Judith Viorst that I used to read to my kids when they were little; and has no apparently, been made into a movie.

The main character laments..."I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

And so has been my day.
I will not bore you with the details... but suffice it to say that I am fed up with my government, fed up with the health care system, fed up with the economy and lack of positions for someone with degrees and experience...
I am tired of spending months filling out paperwork only to be told they are wrong; that I completely was told the wrong information; and that I need to start over. I am tired of the ... you have to do x... but do do x... you have to do y... and to do y... you should already have done x.
I am completely tapped out.

I hope someone's ice cream falls off their cone... and lands in Australia.

And so I will leave you all today with many well wishes for a good evening...
and a photo of some of the ferns near Lyman Lake.
See you all tomorrow.