MORE ART-Y SIGNS

Let me set the scene...

work surface full of paint, etc...

and happy messy fun.

The stockpile of signs.

Some funny, some inspirational,

some just nonsense.

Hanging on the studio wall, and a wall in the hall that I have extended for

"gallery" space.  Suffice to say I am always filling nail holes in the wall..

I have spent two days working on these while listening to Solomon's Song by Bryce Courtenay.

It's the 3rd book in a series and  I have thoroughly enjoyed them.  The 1st and 2nd books were

actually read  but I couldn't find a copy of the 3rd book except on tape.  Which was fine... I have

really loved this book..  highly recommended reading/listening.  I love reading but am limited to how much I can find time to read.  So books on tape is a great way to "read" while I work in my studio.   My idea of a

wonderful vacation is a good book and a quiet spot on the beach.  Or a quiet spot by a lake.

that too.

but now must clean house.

sigh.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Working on a series of fun signs with wit, wisdom and humor.

These will go in my booth at upcoming shows.

I discovered a ladder makes an excellent drying rack!

This one is done..

This one on the side is the first one I did several weeks ago.

It inspired me to make more.

I ADORE this one

and will make more with this saying because I

am predicting it to be a good sell.

I got the various wood pieces FREE from a local cabinet shop.

I had been visiting their dumpster and occasionally getting pieces of wood.

But needing a stack, I decided to go in the back door of the shop and

ask if they had any funky scrap wood they could give me for free.

The guy that helped me was really nice.

I asked him his name, and he said "Chris"

Oh.. that's my son's name and I extended my hand to shake his and

told him my name.

He smiled and replied,

"My mom's name is Linda too" 

We both smiled at the connection..

I always feel such joy when a

serendipitous moment occurs in our life.

What inspired me to go inside and ask for the wood scraps?

THREE SIMPLE RULES IN LIFE

1. If you do not GO after what

you want, you'll never have it.

2. If you do not ASK, the answer

will always be NO.

3.  If you do not step forward, you'll

always be in the same place.

That was in my head that morning.

And of course,

I have made a sign of this..

which is now drying..

so I will post it later.

till then.

have an inspiring day.

ta

FAST AND FURIOUS FALL

This time of year, I escape from my studio and take part in as many fall - holiday festivals as I can manage.

I love the interaction with people, I love the one to one selling and the challenge of presentation.  This photo was taken in the auditorium in Montrose at their Fair Grounds.  Setting up without my Easy-Up is a little tougher, but I managed.  Next event is the first weekend in Rifle at the Rifle Middle School.  Then the following weekend it's Unique Boutique here in Glenwood Springs.  I needed to stimulate my own economy and this is a great way for me to get out.  Plus I often will make contacts for prospective wholesale accounts.  A lot of work, yes.  But the rewards are worth it.

In my studio... little happy holiday wreaths are popping up as fast as I can make them. Last year I made some of these small fabric wreaths, for friends and family.  I love the happy bright colors and decided to make some to sell at the upcoming shows.  I also have my fabric ties on a garland with white lights.  It brings fun color ino my booth and makes me smile. 

Speaking of smiling.....

With the cold weather coming on, I moved my Banana tree into the dining room.  Despite the hardy banana's ability to weather cold temps...  I couldn't risk losing this! It's my little hold onto tropical island longings. This weekend we worked hard and long in the yard cutting back all the flowers, shrubs and tall grasses to bed down for winter which is fast approaching.  A huge load of clippings were loaded into the truck and taken to the local landfill.  And we worked on the refinishing the front door.  And we bought a new chandlier to hang in our entry way.  There simply wasn't enough time in the day to finish our long list of to dos! 

Now I wake to a week full of work and smiles.  And the best of all news?    An angel has landed in my heart and I am keeping my heart tight and sacred for the news that came to me on Friday.  Despite the concerns and worries that are bubbling up, I am focusing on the promise of a dream that has been with me for a long time now.  A smile and laugh that tinkles in my head.  A love that makes me feel like I am walking on the Moon.  A little girl that makes my heart melt.  Emalie. My sweetest little angel.  Her mama and papa are moving back to Colorado.. bringing me a gift that I can hardley believe will really happen.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  My heart strings tied tight. 

may you have a day filled with light and hope too.

ta

INSPIRED BY MY MORNING'S MUSINGS

why I blog...

not to be recognized by others...

but to recognize what is in my heart.

SAGE WISDOM

I have long admired the wisdom that comes in children's books.  Seems some of our most complicated times in our lives can really be so simply solved.  I often look for simple solutions.. try to weed out the unnecessary and keep the core issues in view.  EGO is often the weed that over takes the issues.  Maturity  will balance the EGO and in time, we hope, EGO will subside.  My mantra lately has been

LET IT GO.

  Keep the core issue in sight. 

One of my most favorite books that I was gifted with was

Crones Don't Whine

I recommend it to any woman - any age.

One of my most "This is what I know now" ahhhaaas is this.

I am learning to accept some people for who they are.  I would like to change them... to help them come into

a better place in their world.  This is especially true of someone who I love dearly.  But I am projecting my beliefs onto them.  Who am I to say what is best for them?  What I try to do is offer  my support on their terms, if they ask.  I have friends who go through trials and challenges and often all they need is just someone to vent with.  I also have long believed that LOVE means I love you no matter what.  Unconditional LOVE.  Not that I will let you walk all over me.  But I will allow you your path. 

My husband and I are learning about elderly life through our moms.  I often try to put myself in their shoes.  I think the thing that is most unsetteling for older folk, is the threat of losing their SELF and respect and understanding from others.    We adult children try to help and guide, but there is often a resistance to our help.  Here's where I have learned:

allow some time and space.  Their path is theirs.. and as with anyone, walk a mile in their shoes.

Compassion is what I am talking about.

I had a great friend who was 30 years older than me.. from my parents' generation.  She was spry, very opinionated, and very kind.  I complimented her on how viavacious she was at her age.

She smiled, thanked me, and replied:

"Getting old ain't for sissies."

Wise words from a wise woman. 

Years ago, living in an unhappy place in my life, I would go to sleep at night and invision a cabin in the woods. It was my sanctuary where I could someday live. A place where I could live without fear of criticism or unkind consequences.  I built that cabin in my mind every night for over a year.  Every room, every detail is still vivid in my mind.  There was a huge fireplace in the living room..  the heart of the cabin.  Above the fireplace made of stone, embedded in the wall, a huge beam of wood.  And on that beam I carved

these words:

"I WILL NOT SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, I WILL INDEED ROCK THE BOAT"

Because in my first two marriages, that was the over riding rule... to sit down, shut up and not rock the boat.

If I ever list regrets in my life, it will be that I didn't shun this rule and learn to be more outspoken.

Speaking our truth in kindness shouldn't be a bad thing.

So when I read this Dr.Suess quote, it resinated with me. 

And that cabin? I live there now.  Because it's in my heart and soul...  my inner sanctuary.

It is where I go when life hurls hate, meaness and sadness at me.

And that wooden beam with the carved words?

.... still glowing from the soft warm light, the edges of the wood worn

where I have traced it with my fingers.

May we all find peace and harmony.

May we all have respect and understanding.

Because KINDNESS MATTERS.

ta

MAMA

done... I had to whip out this art for an upcoming show.. to be delivered next Monday.

Never mind that I have known about this show for months.

Last minute creating.

But I really am happy with the way it turned out.

I think I was thinking about the love of my mama.

All the care she gave me and  how loving she is with my daughter and my grandaugher.

She is so loving and generous.

at times to a fault.

So this is about mother's care and love and

how blessed I have been to have her in my life.

LOVE MY MOM AND MY EMALIE

There is a LOT OF LOVE here.

Counting my blessings this morning.  Thinking about how much I love my mom.  How blessed that Emalie has had time to spend with her on this last visit.  Mom was telling Emalie how Opa died.  Emalie was listening so intently.  Afterwards, when we left Oma's house, Emalie must of said 6  different times.... "poor Opa."

I wish Dad was still here... for so many reasons.  He would of melted with Emalie.  She is such a loving little girl.  But she gets that from her mom.. and my mom.

I surround these two with love and light.

Always.

my mantra for the day

"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, 

you would never think a negative thought"

Peace Pilgrim