Addition to today's List it Tuesday post

In my List it Tuesday post, I referred to a video that my husband made while driving his dad from Florida to Michigan, to be near us. I debated about adding it to the post. Decided not to... but it really makes me smile when I am down. It is not only fun but a great comfort to me, so, I thought I would share it after all. 

Now you'll see who I spent my everydays with since the summer and why he was such a treasure to be with.

I think about you every day 'Pops' and still collect your hugs from the girls at Sunrise.

So here is Rick and Roger's Excellent Adventure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIxsk8VKXVI

~ see original full post below ~

List it Tuesday!

Geez, it's Tuesday already. I can't believe how quickly the days pass...and how timely the new list topic is. You may think this can't be true, but it is. I had another family member pass away yesterday. Today, Tuesday is the funeral.

So, just in time, here is my list for: Small Comforts... Things That Make Me Feel Better:

• home made chicken soup - Yum
• if carrots and boiled chicken are in the soup.... all the better (ding!)
• Vernors..  hot or cold..it's like a warm hug
• a smile from a stranger
• some hot salsa music
• the heat from my hubby's hand placed on my sore bones & muscles
• spending time with friends 
• thinking about the old days
• finishing a UFO
• getting a good nights sleep
• Prednisone!
• hugs from my hubby 
• remembering the Disco days (ding!)
• snuggling
• finishing a new creation . . . and liking it
• remembering the cute things the kids said when they were little
• watching the video my husband made while driving his dad from the south to the north (link to video in post above)
• looking at old family movies and pictures
• potato chips... always and forever :) 

And to you my dear cousin, you had a long and wonderful life. I know you are happy to be with your sweetie again. . . .  maybe under the tree with bright leaves, holding hands and catching up after so many years. . . . I'll smile when I see you in the old family movies. . . laughing, drinking, smoking, and dancing along with everyone else. Those were such good times, honest times. Even tho I was young, I knew. . .

Join Aimee and the rest of the list posse at: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/

List it Tuesday!

Ok all you list writers and readers. Today's list from Artsyville is 'Been there, Done that'!

Many years ago and friend and I had a funny, as in odd, conversation. I said that I was in awe or really, jealous of her because she has had the same job now for over 40 years! WOW! Who can really say that now-a-days. What an awesome feat... and did I mention..pension.... there's a mighty fine reason to be jealous.

Well, it turned out that she was jealous of me for the many many different things I had done over the same number of years. Who knew? We lived at opposite ends of the spectrum, always wishing we walked in the shoes of the other.

Most of those reasons she wanted to walk in my shoes are my Been there, Done that...

• made jewelry, had a rep
• started own successful business from scratch...two times!
• supported self with craft making
• had an almost brush with fame... my former dance partner became one of top 5 international ballroom & Latin dancer for many years
• never succumbed to peer pressure 
• drove a 26 foot truck filled with everything I owned, to uncharted territories to start a new life
• started a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization
• had my "That Girl" moment
• gathered a gaggle of the most wonderful & talented people in the world to call 'friend'
• made peace with my shortcomings & embraced my strengths
• learned to live with crazy health issues so people think I'm 'normal'
• found relatives I never knew existed via the internet
• had the idea & wrote proposal for two of the areas biggest events...and I mean internationally known (ding!)
• hung out with Mark Anthony, Los Lobos, Santana, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Helio Castroneves, (ding, ding!)
• visited the burial site of my great grandparents who fulfilled their dream to spend eternity in the holy land

I've had a great life so far. I have walked in the shadow of some truly great people. I am a blessed child. As always Aimee.. thank you for giving me the opportunity (or push) to be introspective, thankful and to grow as a person and artist.

ADDITIONS TO LIST: after reading other peoples lists I am reminded of so many things that maybe I should mention... not so much for you readers, but for me. Holy Cow! How could I completely forget:

• camped out in the Blue Ridge Mountains...was fun till I saw a bear one night.. yipes
• was passenger driving thru mountains while driver took turns at Parneli Jones speeds :(
• potentially saved a family's life via Craigslist
• went to quilt show in Sisters, Oregon and spent a week hitting every quilt shop I could find (ding!)
• went on an amazing road trip all thru the east and as far north in Canada as you can get
• traveled thru a hurricane in progress... twice.. very scarey
• been so shy I wouldn't speak in front of other people...to those that know me, yes it's very very true
• showed art work in galleries as a child !
• have known the kindness of complete strangers many times over....
• somersaulted down a very large horses neck as a kid.. no I was not in the rodeo
• been collecting fabric since 1956 (ding, ding, ding!)

Find more about Aimee and Artsyville @ http://artsyville.blogspot.com/

Flea Market Friday - classes??

Well, it has come round again very quickly. . . Flea Market Friday.

Even though taking classes is not exactly flea market.. good prices are. And who doesn't like a good bargain. I found the Craftsy website a while ago and have been meaning to take some of their online classes. I've been a bit busy as you know. As things are calming down I'm trying to decide where to start.

What I like about Craftsy is the wide variety of creative classes they offer and that they never expire. You can log on any time, anywhere. Working in my jammies at my own speed works for me every time. Classes range from gardening, fiber arts, garment making, food and paper crafts and lots more. You can even give a class (or classes) as a gift for that hard to buy for creative person in your life!

Now that things are settling down a bit, I am looking forward to getting started. Which one, oh which one will I start with? Click on the banner above to take you directly to the website and get started. I'm going to.

Check it out.. get in on that bargain now! Sale prices are good for just a few days.. but really... these classes are a bargain all year round!

List it Tuesday!

Today's list is: Wish List! WooHoo...

That can really get a girls mind going.... 

I gave myself the challenge of 'off the top of my head in 2 minutes'.

Here are the first things that come to mind. I bet I'll be adding more......

My wish is:

for everyone that has passed that I love, to come back, even for just a day
to know what it's really like on 'the other side'
for the time to create, preferably all day and night - every day :)
to be able to execute the creative ideas in my head to my satisfaction
to travel to exotic places
to change my thumb from black to green
for my body to cooperate...no allergies or other health issues
to be able to jump up and dance when my favorite songs comes on
to carry a tune..omg, bad, bad, bad
to never have to worry about finances
to play a musical instrument..proficiently
to understand and enjoy things that I just don't get 
to never have computer problems again.....
....... and never have to talk to call centers around the world
to turn back the clock to a time when life was more fun and innocent

and...
    corny I know, but... peace, love and success to everyone!

Gpysy Cricut for Sale.. Never opened!

Heads up all you crafters... Get creative! Just in time for the holidays! Create your gift cards, note cards, gift tags, books, scrapbooks, calendars, mix media collages and so much more. You will LOVE this Gypsy!!

Cricut Gypsy Machine - NEW IN BOX - STILL SEALED

Product Description:

Life shouldn’t slow down when you get inspired with a good design. Now it doesn’t have to with the Gypsy handheld design studio for Cricut.

Whether you’re on the road or just in the backyard, you can escape, be creative, and have fun. Intuitive Cricut App allows you to search, design, group, weld, rotate, slant, stretch, flip, and more. Comes with 2 exclusive Cricut cartridges pre-loaded—Gypsy Font and Gypsy Wanderings. Gypsy stores all your Cricut cartridges, making it easy to search and find just the right shape. Gypsy works easily with any Cricut machine and provides hours of rechargeable battery life—just connect and cut. Design anywhere with Gypsy from Provo Craft. 

This machine is perfect for artists & crafters of all skill levels.

 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ever buy something you were so sure you'd get tons of use out of ...but never crack the seal on?? Well, that's what's I did.

A number of years ago I bought a Cricut, which I have used. I planned to load up the Gypsy and use it on the road, but if you've ever read this blog, you know that my life is full of twists and turns and ... well...not the crafting time I thought I would have. So that leaves me with the Cricut Gypsy to sell. Check out the Ebay link below !

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200848972181?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

List it Tuesday

Sorry to cop-out... I just can't quite wrap my head around a new list today. I'm just trying to regain some normalcy to life while cleaning out 'Pops' stuff.

Just know that I am with you in spirit my fellow list makers :)

Best funeral ever?

Who says 'I loved that funeral', or 'that was a fun funeral' or 'best funeral ever'? It's weird and creepy and crazy and, it seems disrespectful. But that's what I heard over and over again on Sunday afternoon after the funeral. Yes, my special guy passed away, quietly and peacefully in his sleep, with my husband and I at his side.

It was a tough road, watching him cry out in pain as he did so many days and nights. But through it all, he never lost his sense of humor. When nurses would talk to him, he look right at me and stick his tongue out, or when he couldn't talk, he wink at me. And when his nurses and caregivers would give him hugs and kisses, he said, 'wow'. The fun we had with the fart app I put on my phone just to amuse him was ridiculous. Even in an almost comatose state, he still smiled if I pushed the button. When he was in better shape, I had him push the buttons and we'd blame the noise on who ever was in the room. It was adolescent, I know. But geez did we ever get a lot of laughs out of it. I guess it's true, boys never grow up. This boy was well educated, creative, a visionary, well known and loved by many..... and at 88 years of age and wanting to die, and he still laughed at fake farts.

So, back to the funeral.... a brass band played some kickin' New Orleans style music at the beginning and end, with a rousing eulogy by his favorite pastor. This guy was great. I want him to speak at my funeral! He spoke from the heart about himself, the world and his friendship with the departed one. There were no tears at this funeral.... odd... but it was such a celebration of a wonderful man and his wonderful life, that I guess we forgot for a moment he was no longer on this earth.... but instead somewhere having a wonderful time reuniting with his wife, who passed one year earlier and missed so much.

Am I going to miss him? Yes, I am having withdrawals. We were together at some point every single day for months, and for the last 4 weeks, every day and evening. Who will I play the fart noises for now? Who will I take shopping? Who will I go for walks with? Who will I sit and rock in our favorite recliners with, while we watch tv or talk? I guess I have to go to Margarita Monday by myself this week... love you Pops... will miss you terribly....

Thank you for letting me share your last months so intimately. You thought enough of me to tell me your secrets, your fears, your memories, your wishes and best of all, the laughs. Though I have not done massive amounts of crying, my eyes burn from the inside out....

So once again, in the spirit of Ms. Artsyville Aimee's list making... here are a few things I can tell you about my father-in-law:

• He was silly and mischievous . . .  right up to the end
• I loved seeing the sparkle in his eye when I'd show up and he'd say 'WoW. Looks who's here'
• He was fiercely disciplined... unless it came to ice cream and Dewars (scotch)
• We laughed together till it hurt, every single day
• Though he hob-nobbed with some of the most famous people in the world, he was very down-to-earth and humble
• I loved it when he tried to use his age and authority to get his way, even when he knew it wouldn't fly
• He was always excited to hear from former students, learn about their lives & proud of their successes 
• He let his personality speak not his accomplishments
• He hugged me, kissed me and told me that he loved me every day
• He lived life to the fullest and chose just when and how to end it, and on his terms

The video below is the Motor City Street Band playing

'Oh When the Saints Come Marching in' at the end of the service.

He was a life long trumpet player. Still performed in two bands until this past July (when the photo above was taken). His trumpet has now been silenced.... but the wonderful memories of him and his music will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Thank you for letting me table my creativity while I went on this journey. Thanks too for going with me......

Life gets in the way, again

Over the years I have had periods, some quite long, of not posting. I merely explained it as 'life got in the way'. I've always thought that it wasn't anyone's business and who would want to read about it anyway ... We all have problems. Only thru Aimee and Artsyville did I start listing what was really going on .... the things that keep me from being creative. Sometimes it's my own health issues that take me out of the game for extended periods of time. But, it's usually that someone is ill and needs constant attention. I'm glad that I have the ability to take care of others when they most need it. I did it for my mom and my aunt and for friends as well. I consider it an honor to be allowed to share someone's precious time when they know it is so limited. I'll have time for myself later.

Well, after the last full week in the hospital and release, we went back to the ER about 14 hours later and are still there. Admitted for the third time now in as many weeks. I know the ER and staff throughout the hospital by name now. They are great and doing what they can ... but, It is not looking good at the moment and as much as I am burning and yearning to doing something creative .... anything, someone needs me more. So ... life gets in the way again. Life is in the balance. It's very delicate right now. We are preparing for the worse... just in case it comes sooner than we ever thought it would. It's not easy.. and it may take me off my blog for a while again. I am just taking it day by day.....

Flea Market Friday

Holy cow! It's 11:44 on Friday evening and I just realized that it WAS Friday and not just any Friday.... Flea Market Friday! 

I didn't do anything I should have today. I was all about 'Pops'. Brought him home from the hospital today. It was a challenge and a bit sketchy for a while. He was out of it and not doing so well  . . .  till a posse of favorite nieces came to visit. It was the ultimate perk-up.. love those gals. . .

So, hopefully I can get a pass on Friday and post it another day. If YOU did better than me with time management, please share your flea market finds or redos below.

List it Tuesday :)

I'm really getting into 'List it Tuesday'... that Aimee... what she started .... I love that girl :) 

So today's theme is "what I love about where I live". Ok, I can do that, but I'm limiting myself to 5: 

* I live less than one block from my small downtown. I can walk to cool stores, cool events, and talk to cool people, too!

* I love the feel of the city. It's like a mini big city but still has that small town feel. The streets are actual tree lined city blocks where you can walk, talk to neighbors, hang out. Reminds me of my childhood in the city before things began to fall apart. 

* My city is filled with creative and talented, artistic and musical residents. There's a plethora of quality handmade goods found in mom & pop shops for artists, art fairs, and galleries. Truly no need to ever step into a mall again!

* Easy expressway access. Within 20 minutes, we can be in the big city, the countryside or another country altogether! Being right off of 3 main expressways can get us into the next state in an hour. And (yum) less than a 15 min drive to a variety of farmers markets any day of the week.

* The architecture here is fab! You'll find everything from little bungalows to huge Tudor style homes. I particularly love the old stone houses like you see in magazines. The yards have big trees, gorgeous colorful flowers, wonderful gardens and walkways. 

my street in spring

Bonus post-

** and ding, ding, ding. . . there are always lots of garage sales :)
I will be starting Flea Market Friday this week on my blog. You are all welcome to join in! I know that you love them as much as I do and I also know that you find fabulous things, then give them your personal touch.... so let's see what you are up to.

To join in on Artsyville Aimee's 'List it Tuesday', go to: 

http://artsyville.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

Say something nice

Well, by now you know that just days apart, my aunt passed away, my friend passed away and I have been at the hospital day and night for at least a week now. 

It's funny how things happen and what effects us (or doesn't). In the emergency room, a patient laying on a stretcher sat up and complimented my hair cut as I walked by. I laughed and told her she must be in the ER for bad eye sight. We shared a few words and laughs, I said thanks and kept going. It was getting pretty harried in my room and I really needed to be there. Doctors in and out, nurses furiously doing what they had to, everyone trying to assess the situation and put together a plan of action... But, that exchange it put a little pep in my step during a very intense day and night. I didn't leave the hospital that night till after midnight.

Then the next day the parking lot attendant made a friendly comment, then the next day a hospital secretary and so on each day. Every time, those kinds words helped get me to the next phase of the day.. so I guess the moral of the story is, no matter what we are going through, just take a second to smile or say a kind word to someone. Even though they look like their day is going great, it may not be. Your kindness can have a huge impact that you may never even know about... but do it anyway. It will put a little pep in your step, too. . .

Thank you to all of you who posted comments or contacted me directly with kinds words and prayers. It means a lot and is greatly appreciated....

Another passing

Well, it’s not ‘List it Tuesday' any more, it actually Wednesday now ... but the need has arisen for another list ... there’s been another passing.

My junior high and high school friend has passed ... too young, too soon...drawn her last breath ... Some of us knew it was coming, but it’s still hard to hear that the final breath has been drawn.. It’s so final ... no chance to say what you wanted or forgot to or even needed to say ... no do-overs... too late.

Those of us that knew it was coming have been helping each other, knowing the end was drawing near... It’s still hard tho... and how ironic that this week is the anniversary of my own moms passing... so, every year at the same time, I will reflect on memories of my mom, her sister and now my friend... sigh...

I’ll think of my friend often. What a great gal.. Here are 5 things I’ll always remember about her:

She had ...
  . . . an infectious laugh that just drew you in
  . . . a bright smile that shined like a bright beacon of light
  . . . a mischievous twinkle in her eye that made you giggle
  . . . a spirit and capacity for love and compassion that paled to others
  . . . and a zest for life that could not be attained by anyone else

Good night and rest in peace sweetie...we’ll talk about you, laugh and share crazy memories of things that teenagers did when they thought they wouldn’t get caught or just didn’t know any better.... I’ll think of you and love you always. . .

List it Tuesday !

Well, I'm just a big, fat liar. I said I wouldn't bore anyone any more with my lists... but here I am again. I have spend days now in the emergency room and hospital with a beloved family member. My aunt's passing was a momentary side step in between. So here I am again ... at the hospital, sitting, waiting, talking, hand holding, laughing and being the mouthpiece and protector for someone who can't really do it themself and sitting and waiting some more.

So the contents of my list for 'List it Tuesday' today have changed a bit from what it would have been originally.... here it goes:

I am a sucker for:

- Compassionate, empathetic and competent medical staff

- Fabric, fabric, fabric and more fabric...(no surprise there, eh)

- Odd color combinations

- Texture... fabric, rust, metal, twisted paper, rice paper, yarns, threads, shredded stuff, texture in pattern too ....

- Flea markets and other peoples junk! (smile)

Get well loved one...

To join the list making club, go to: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

Memories & thanks with love

It's Saturday . . .  not 'List it Tuesday' . . . . but sometimes ya just have to be a rebel. 

Through tears, here's an impromptu list of 5 reasons why

I love my aunt who just passed away:

she kick started my love of all things fabric

she let me play in her 'wall of scraps', let me take lots home :)

and encouraged me to make something wonderful

she let me know from the time I was a very little girl,

that I could sew and be creative and it was ok

though sometimes it was difficult,

she always told me the truth when asked

starting at early childhood we always had a special bond

of understanding and respect

ok, just one more:

she always hugged and kissed me like she loved me

with everything she had 

Thank you Auntie ... Love you too. 

List it Tuesday

Well, it's 'List it Tuesday' again. For sure I will not be making and posting a new list each week. I know what you're thinking, whew! Well, that works both ways... I don't want to make them every week and I'm sure you don't want to read them either .... but, here's one more, just for today.

After spending the weekend at the American Sewing Expo (ASE), I think this new list makes sense:

* I will love, treasure and USE the new treats I bought

- in a timely fashion *

* I will post some of my successes and failures *

*  I will think outside of the box to make some really cool things with my new goodies *

* No UFOs!

(a quilters term meaning unfinished objects *

* I will start filling my piggy bank now

for the next the ASE in 2013 *

on display at Expo, quilter unknown

Get inspired to make your own lists. Check out: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

American Sewing Expo 2012

Wow! What a weekend ... The American Sewing Expo (ASE) was amazing. I ran in to so many friends - old and new, made lots of new ones, worked for a few vendors, worked the fashion show stage as always and made so so so many wonderful connections. I highly recommend that each and every one of you try to get there next year. Whether you make garments, quilts, crafts or all of the above, I guarantee that you will find something new and exciting to try. Here are few reasons why .....

I spent Friday morning working with Janet from Felt on the Fly. Oh yah! This is not just any felt folks ... this is pure merino wool felt ... machine/hand washable and dry cleanable.

 

It feels so yummy. It's soft and pliable. Did I mention that it comes in 99 colors?

When you cut into it, the edges are crisp and sharp.... and let's talk about needling. Not like bugging someone, but putting the needle into the felt. It's like cutting butter....oh so smooth.

This is a make n'take that a lady started at the Expo. She took some petal shapes and a leaf and hand stitched them down just to see how easy it was. She kept repeating how wonderful it was to sew thru!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FeltOnTheFly 

Then I saw Luveta. She's always smiling, has a wonderful outlook and southern accent that just draws you in. She has been the Junk Jean lady since long before I started going to the Expo. She saw my recycled jean vest and loved it ...  and I loved her grommets!

She loves to put grommets on shirts and jackets to jazz them up. They really look great. I think you could use them for so many other things too. I installed 2 for someone and they really and truly went together with just a light push of the finger tips .... no hammers, no tools... Yeah Luveta!

http://www.junkjeanspeople.com/


I love anything bright, colorful and ethnic .... Akonye Kena fit the bill. I also love baskets. In fact, I have a bunch of these. You can fit anything and everything in them ... I keep sewing projects in them and little boxes of bits ... like little buttons, trims, itty bitty beads, etc. He also carries African fabrics, beads, batik panels and more, more, more....

Who says business is all serious? Here the proprietor of Akonye Kena shows off his name tag .... he is known as Princess Cranky Pants. I don't know why. He's a delight!

I wonder if the big basket full of sour candies has anything to do with it??? Just a theory.

http://www.akonyekena.com/servlet/StoreFront

One of the many exhibits was goodies made in the 'Out of the Box' challenge. Here are just a few items...

Stay tuned for sew much more ... part 2 coming up ... 

And the winner is . . .

. . not me. But that's ok. I came in third out of 25. I was shocked because everyone had vests with lots of little cut pieces stitched together in nice patterns and shapes. I on the other hand merely cut up a pair of black jeans.

You can see that I took the top of the jeans, made it the bottom of the vest.... a girl needs pockets after all. Then I used the leftover pieces for the front and back and a bit of a little piece to make another double pocket at the top. 

I double stitched all the seams just like jeans tho you can't tell from the photo. I'm fairly impressed with myself but still... it's just a pair of jeans. . .

Anticipation

Every year I volunteer at the American Sewing Expo. It's fun. I get to see a lot of folks I don't see the rest of the year. I make new friends. I find new products and of course I am surrounded by beautiful yummy fabrics. 

Part of being a volunteer is the vest contest. Months prior to the show, The Expo selects the color, then sends the info in an email. At the volunteer meeting before the show starts, everyone puts on their vests, parades around and hopes to get the most votes. Well, tonight is the night.... let's see how it goes.....

Listing goals

While noodling around online, I stumbled upon a blog that caught my eye. It also inspired me. I was first attracted by the bright colors, the style, then the text, then the content. Goals. Yep. Who amongst us doesn't have a mental list of things to do. . . . and how easy is it to get side tracked and never get anything done? Well we know that I excel in that. . Will a list help me and keep me on track. Who knows, but it's worth a try right? Either way, I promise to do better. 

So Miss Aimee, you have inspired me to list my goals, for the rest of the year, for everyone to see.... 

In honor of 'List it Tuesday', here it is:

~ finish at least a few UFOs (unfinished quilts to you uninitiated). 
I have plenty

~ get a workable workspace carved out of the piles of 'treasures' waiting to find their way into some wonderful new creations

~ do a few shows selling my work... let's see what people really think.. or am I just delusional

~ get rid of things that are taking up valuable space that I will truly never use

~ continue listening to my inner voice, even when it says something very unpleasant or uncomfortable

Thank you Aimee! 
http://artsyville.blogspot.com/

Why I recycle and love fabric ..

I love fabric, yes I do. In fact, I am addicted to it.
Why? Here are just 5 reasons ~

                  

* because it has color and texture that excites me *

* because I can change it from its original form *

* it brings back wonderful memories from the past *

* it connects me to people of like mind and those that I care about *

* fabric allows me to add other items, recycled items, stuff saved from someones trash, that enhances the end product... making it that much more satisfying *


Can you list 5 things that you love about your favorite medium?

More art fair 2012

This morning I was awakened by severe itchy upper arm for some odd reason. When I took a look, it was beat red and full of large welts! That never happened before, ever. I tried some topical stuff and that seemed to work for a bit. The allergies seemed a tad better, but I'm still feeling a bit out of sorts today. Thinking about yesterday, I realized that when someone mentioned the weather the day before, when I commented, the poor woman looked at me like I had horned tentacles growing out of my body and right before her eyes. I obviously got it wrong. Oh yah, I thought. I haven't seen the light of day for a few days now. What the heck was the weather like yesterday. I better keep my mouth shut. Other than that situation, it was such a wonderful and affirming day after all. How could today top that? So, I thought I'd try the art fair again and see what happens.

Well to be clear, I didn't go to the fair to top yesterday, but I think it did. One thing that I like as much as seeing the art work is watching people and making new connections. Not only did I make new connections today, but I rekindled an old one. So glad. It means a lot to me. Life it too short to lose touch with people.

And the cherry on the top today was learning from some of the artists, that after almost 20 years, I am still thought of as one of the best at what I did. You see. I promoted artists for over 35 years. First it was artists from all over the world in a brick and mortar store, then 20 at fine art fairs and gallerys. That, on top of yesterday, put me over the moon. Thank you again Universe for putting this all in my path. My journey continues . . .

On my walk today I met and had a chat with Paolo Pedini. Love the bright colors and quirky style. He's a bit of a slow key, quiet guy, which let's his art speak. Perfect. Check out more work on his website: http://paolopedini.tumblr.com/

Paolo Pedini

Paolo Pedini

This pix is for you, my skeleton loving friend. And you know who you are. Thank you for the words and just being you. You never know how a seemingly casual conversation can impact someone. I've always admired you and your talent. If you didn't know already, now it's official.

Next I met Pat McCraffrey from Swampware Pottery. I was first drawn to the vintage images on her vases, trays and other goodies. Then we started talking. We talked about our shared love of anything vintage and the images that 'speak' to us so loud and clear. Not to mention the hunt to find them. Each and every piece is it's own painting, but functional. Love it!

Swampware Pottery

Swampware Pottery

Oh, Steven Wirtz, what a crazy mind you have! Just check out the paper mache doggy lifting his leg to, well, you know. All of the paper mache people and animals had some equal quirkyniess to them ... and they were FUN! Haha.. can't be in a bad mood with his work around.

Steven Wirtz

Then I had a nice long chat with Elissa Brown from The Freckled Army. What a nice, upbeat gal she is. Her big smile and bright eyes beamed as she welcomed people into her booth to check out her mix media collage work. Holy cow! It's just great too. I love the layers and colors and textures. She draws and paints her own images then works her magic putting it all together. I wish I had money  . . . and wall space.

Elissa Brown of The Freckled Army

Then there was Julie. I love this gal. The instant we met it was like we knew each other forever. I hope we become life long friends. She is so open and honest and talented! Her paintings are so very detailed and complex. I loved the color combinations...everything from brights to black & white to soft & subtle.

Julie VanZandt-Coules

full view from photo above

 Bye-bye now. See you at the art fair next year!

Ok, maybe just one more thing. 

This is where I just have to say something. Not out of anger but to educate. This has happened at one time or another to every artist. By people we know and trust and by people we don't. Stop ripping off someone else's designs & ideas. Artists work hard to create what they do. They have time and money invested in creating something that people may want to own or give as a gift. In many cases, selling their art is their livelihood. Especially with today's economy and jobs so hard to find, it's even more important to understand.

I think that a lot of people just don't realize the hours it takes to come up with the idea, the cost of materials, the days, weeks, months it takes to make the piece, the time to finish it with a professional look that will attract a buyer, the gas it takes to drive it to a store or art fair so you can see it, the travel/hotel costs, display costs, the record keeping and follow up to be sure the checks cash, the NSF fees and time to track down the buyer to pay up, the credit card fees the artist incurs so you, the public, don't have to carry cash. .  I think you are getting my point. I heard from a number of artists this weekend that people walk into the booth, start snapping photos (without permission) and then go home and duplicate the work to sell... or copy the images off the internet and produce them for sale or even just for themselves. This is a no-no.

All I ask, is that before you use your cell phone or camera to take a picture of someone's work, ask if it's ok. Tell the artist why you want the photo and never ever duplicate for personal use or to sell it. And never download the pretty image that you wanted so badly to own but not pay for.

And for artist who steal from other artists . . . shame on you. You know better.

Validation at the Art Fair

Scratchy throat, burning eyes, on meds .. again .. not a good day. Never-the-less I forced myself to hit the art fair. It was just one block from my house. I hadn't been out of the house for a few days. I had to try. It was a struggle.. but I made it with a few stops along the way to breath. 

Thank you Universe. You did it again. I got a good butt whipping from a few old friends....yes.. I needed it. You are right. I need to produce more. Thank you for validating me. You told me I had talent. You told me I was an artist. Having the rest of the day and evening to mull these various comments over, I realized - that's all I really ever wanted to hear. I have the ideas. I have the ability. I just needed for someone to say it... so thank you again Universe. You never let me down. Now I just need to carve out some time each day and get back on track.

In between my walks, breaks, visits and butt whippings, I managed to see some really cool art. Tho I did not get a lot of pictures, here are just a few.

Re-Zip It!

Wow! This work was really cool. Metal zippers bent and twisted into all kind of cool things. I especially loved the vases. Yep, that tall white vase is made from zippers!

 

Detroit Doll Face

Then there are the gals from Detroit Doll Face. I just love their work. . .  everything from Morticia Adams / Vampira pillows to cool knitted stuff to jewelry and oh so much more.

Desiree Kelly

Desiree Kelly

OMG! Desiree Kelly, blew me away. She was easily my favorite artist of the day. Her work is unbelievably spectacular! Unfortunately, these photos do not do the paintings justice. 

Depending on my allergies and how I feel tomorrow, maybe I'll go back for more art fair. If not, it may just be me and my pillow. Either way, I'll be making moves to create something new.

Life's too challenging to be creative

Ugh. Again... side tracked by life... How do people find the time and energy to be creative when so many crazy things are happening around them. Since my last post, in part, I have had a 5 day power outage in 100 degree weather, no phones for over a week, bedridden for a month - twice - due to allergies, still trying to finish the clean- up from last years flood, and working through an unwelcome situation in the family, Alzheimers. Working with family long distance to get anothers home packed, donated, given away, sold and then physically moved to another state was daunting enough, but the time and paperwork once landed has been a new full time job. 

You might say "well, create something to relieve the stress". I have found it just too stressful to even try. It's not that I don't have ideas. It's not that I lack the bits and pieces of things to use. It's not that I don't have the desire. I just sit and look at all my 'treasures' and feel like I need to be doing something for someone else, not myself. I feel guilty even trying. I just haven't been able to get over that hump. I'm pooped out...too pooped to create. But don't count me out all together. I know that I'll bounce back soon.... as soon as the allergies go away and take the head pounding, scratchy throat, itchy eyes and gagging, away....