We all strive to be different, unique, special but the funniest thing is we gauge our uniqueness against everyone else. Truly, what would be unique and different is if we didn’t compare ourselves to the others.
- Kat KeeganHey look, that’s me.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Creative Ownership Disclaimer
I feel this is important at this point in time, so bear with me, it is longer than my normal posts, but is resonant with some very important issues this week.
Let me start this post by stating quite firmly that I believe that I Am, that Each of us are a uniquely created Soul aspect of Source. Depending on your belief system, that may be God, Goddess, Jehovah, Creator or Great Spirit or a myriad of other names, but it is the Ultimate One, the Infinite. Yes, this makes me unique in that my vibration, or soul is me. Every choice I make is a way for me to express the light that I am, and is a culmination of love, of life experiences, preferences and continuous learning.
I also believe that You are the Very Same with all the reverent Entitlements to Sovereignty. Yes, that means that for me, Everyone is Equal. Completely, without question. What's more, is that each of us being an aspect of the Creator means also that we are all a part of each other. We are One.
Why make the point?
Well, my inbox this week has been full of clamor. Fellow artists, both very close and perhaps whose blog I might follow, struggling to define their style, admittedly depressed, expressing their belief that there are artists out there whose work is better, more creative, prettier, stylized, higher quality, yada, yada, yada (Thank you Seinfeld!) and insert your own personal judge-mental adjectives [here]. Did I just say Depressed??? YES. Depressed as in all the joy and fun that is part of the creative process or expression of Self has been drained away, accompanied by huge amounts of frustration at being what they perceive to be as 'Less Than' someone else. At first I thought to myself, ah, self criticism is always so harsh. Been there, done that. Still find time to practice, thank you.
Then there are the posts hitting my inbox from people or groups of artists unified by blogging, that I have come to admire for their talents, their self expression and generosity which is why I follow the blog to begin with. Artists who Inspire me to try new things, to explore tried and true techniques that some generous artist once taught them, which then allows me to choose to try it, expanding and exploring my creativity further, to integrate new learning to allow a further expression of myself or the I Am, my Soul.
But. Then. It came. The Whack on My Head. Really.
It was a blog post all about Ownership. Well, actually it arrived pre-emptive to a tutorial in the written format that is the essence of a formal warning generally stating that she will share with you how-to-do-something, but it is forever Hers, thank you very much and you better Always give her credit for it. Wow. But what about the pair of earrings sitting in my to-be-photographed-later-rather-than-today-finished-work (because I would rather tear out weeds in my yard one by one by hand than take pictures) that were made in November of last year that are very similar and were made before I ever heard of this artist?
Now I know why some of my friends are stalled in their work, depressed. I Mean. Really. talk about a way to stifle the creative spirit!
So, herein is where we get a lesson in Group Consciousness. You may never have heard of it before, but it's been studied, experimented on society, documented and used in marketing since the 1930's. The precept, simply is that an idea, entered into a certain percentage of a group, will grow in the consciousness and understanding at a certain rate until enough of the people of the group have the Awareness and then, when that awareness hits what is called the 100th Monkey, suddenly, SUDDENLY, everyone in the group will have the Understanding. Scientifically proven. Been used for years in all manner of sales and marketing. It is no secret.
Example: This week Burger King made big press, after years of denying it, when a DNA sample taken from one of their hamburgers Proved without a doubt that they are using Horse meat in their burgers. Documented Evidence. Now you can hear that, and it will hit your consciousness on some lower level even if it doesn't hit you in the face that all the claims of 100% USDA BEEF are LIES. Okay, so you've been lied to by Burger King (who I assume just did it for the money since it has been my sovereign experience that whenever someone chooses to lie it is to cover something up that they would be ashamed of or has to do with that almighty dollar).
So, on with the sample story. You love your Burger King on Tuesday night on the way between the office and your wire wrapping art class, so you cannot imagine not getting your regular burger. It's a habit. So you might continue to go to Burger King every Tuesday. I however, who never eat at B.K. am still appalled, not at just the Lie, but that you can still eat there. It's your choice though, so you have the Right to Choose for Yourself and I respect that. If you are a parent, you even have the right to choose for your children. Then, 3 months from now, when enough people begin to look at those lies, not just from Burger King, but from the other fast food chains and the awareness grows that there are lots of lies and that they are feeding us chemicals and fabricated food-looking plastics that are detrimental to our health, and that it is all about making money....eventually, we hit the 100th monkey. Then, the Very Next Tuesday, you decide to make a sandwich at home to bring with you rather than stop at B.K. for that horse burger. Your behavior has been modified, without your realizing that you have made a choice based on the expression of the group who is outraged now that this has been allowed to happen and is boycotting all Burger Kings nationwide. That's it. Simplified.
Another, bead example? How many of you have made Owls, used owls, purchased owls, read blogs about owl beads recently? When did Owls become so Hot, Hot, Hot? When the symbol for owls began to be used and input into our lower consciousness as something to love, until it hit the 100th monkey. Then it is all about the Owl. (I did not get on this bandwagon as I know where the recent symbolic representation came from, and as it is Occult in nature, just will not go There). Of course, to those who make those owls and use them and have no idea why it is they are so popular, other than being a winged friend, I make no judgements and have celebrated the unique interpretations and creative wonders that have been made, almost as though subversively integrating the Light into something generally pretty darn dark. (Look up Bohemian Grove)
Now that we understand Group Consciousness, about how a simple idea snowballs into everyone's awareness, let me say this.
I don't believe that there is Anything that I will ever add to the world of art that hasn't been dreamed of, inspired, created, practiced, executed, drawn, painted, illuminated, discussed, witnessed, critiqued, taught, learned or forgotten in the history of man. What's more, is my acute awareness that this is a sort of Truth for all of us, whether we want to admit it or not. Even if I become so bellicose as to even imagine for one moment that something is 'mine', it is with full awareness that for me, it means that it is new, or for me, a special moment of discovery for myself, and that I in no way can claim ownership for the creative process which led to this new discovery. I'm not redefining the world of art, but I am in the process of celebrating the newness to me and using what I find to express who I Am. I believe the same is true for you.
Now, if you are big on Ownership and believe that you have invented or created something so Unique to that list above, then I respect your right to believe it so, and I will respect your requests to honor your sovereignty and choice of beliefs rather than do you conscious harm. But I also acknowledge this Without Prejudice, meaning that I cannot be responsible for what you might interpret as a violation of your rights if/when your beliefs are not the same as mine, and my complete lack of awareness of you means that to me, you exist as part of the one group consciousness, even as my Soul has total respect for you and would choose to show you only agape and respect.
And so....here is my statement to the world of art and artists in general:
I am me. I am a culmination of what I have loved, learned, practiced, believed, preferred and expressed in my life. I am responsible for my choices and I, without perfection, practice integrity and honesty in my day to day living. I will never knowingly violate your rights, believing in the old adage, Harm None. I will always give you the benefit of a doubt, be a witness for your struggle and support you in your dreams and celebrate your triumphs. I will endeavor to practice love with agape, respect for all and malice for none.
But if I inadvertently twist a piece of wire the same way you do, or did, or might, please forgive me what you perceive a transgression, for to hold that grudge only hurts you. And if someone might give me $12 for that piece of twisted wire, please forgive them their ignorance too, because I think it might be that they just like it, or maybe like me, or on another level, their Soul recognizes it as a celebration of the creative wonder that drives all existence.
Namaste~
Let me start this post by stating quite firmly that I believe that I Am, that Each of us are a uniquely created Soul aspect of Source. Depending on your belief system, that may be God, Goddess, Jehovah, Creator or Great Spirit or a myriad of other names, but it is the Ultimate One, the Infinite. Yes, this makes me unique in that my vibration, or soul is me. Every choice I make is a way for me to express the light that I am, and is a culmination of love, of life experiences, preferences and continuous learning.
I also believe that You are the Very Same with all the reverent Entitlements to Sovereignty. Yes, that means that for me, Everyone is Equal. Completely, without question. What's more, is that each of us being an aspect of the Creator means also that we are all a part of each other. We are One.
Why make the point?
Well, my inbox this week has been full of clamor. Fellow artists, both very close and perhaps whose blog I might follow, struggling to define their style, admittedly depressed, expressing their belief that there are artists out there whose work is better, more creative, prettier, stylized, higher quality, yada, yada, yada (Thank you Seinfeld!) and insert your own personal judge-mental adjectives [here]. Did I just say Depressed??? YES. Depressed as in all the joy and fun that is part of the creative process or expression of Self has been drained away, accompanied by huge amounts of frustration at being what they perceive to be as 'Less Than' someone else. At first I thought to myself, ah, self criticism is always so harsh. Been there, done that. Still find time to practice, thank you.
Then there are the posts hitting my inbox from people or groups of artists unified by blogging, that I have come to admire for their talents, their self expression and generosity which is why I follow the blog to begin with. Artists who Inspire me to try new things, to explore tried and true techniques that some generous artist once taught them, which then allows me to choose to try it, expanding and exploring my creativity further, to integrate new learning to allow a further expression of myself or the I Am, my Soul.
But. Then. It came. The Whack on My Head. Really.
It was a blog post all about Ownership. Well, actually it arrived pre-emptive to a tutorial in the written format that is the essence of a formal warning generally stating that she will share with you how-to-do-something, but it is forever Hers, thank you very much and you better Always give her credit for it. Wow. But what about the pair of earrings sitting in my to-be-photographed-later-rather-than-today-finished-work (because I would rather tear out weeds in my yard one by one by hand than take pictures) that were made in November of last year that are very similar and were made before I ever heard of this artist?
Now I know why some of my friends are stalled in their work, depressed. I Mean. Really. talk about a way to stifle the creative spirit!
So, herein is where we get a lesson in Group Consciousness. You may never have heard of it before, but it's been studied, experimented on society, documented and used in marketing since the 1930's. The precept, simply is that an idea, entered into a certain percentage of a group, will grow in the consciousness and understanding at a certain rate until enough of the people of the group have the Awareness and then, when that awareness hits what is called the 100th Monkey, suddenly, SUDDENLY, everyone in the group will have the Understanding. Scientifically proven. Been used for years in all manner of sales and marketing. It is no secret.
Example: This week Burger King made big press, after years of denying it, when a DNA sample taken from one of their hamburgers Proved without a doubt that they are using Horse meat in their burgers. Documented Evidence. Now you can hear that, and it will hit your consciousness on some lower level even if it doesn't hit you in the face that all the claims of 100% USDA BEEF are LIES. Okay, so you've been lied to by Burger King (who I assume just did it for the money since it has been my sovereign experience that whenever someone chooses to lie it is to cover something up that they would be ashamed of or has to do with that almighty dollar).
So, on with the sample story. You love your Burger King on Tuesday night on the way between the office and your wire wrapping art class, so you cannot imagine not getting your regular burger. It's a habit. So you might continue to go to Burger King every Tuesday. I however, who never eat at B.K. am still appalled, not at just the Lie, but that you can still eat there. It's your choice though, so you have the Right to Choose for Yourself and I respect that. If you are a parent, you even have the right to choose for your children. Then, 3 months from now, when enough people begin to look at those lies, not just from Burger King, but from the other fast food chains and the awareness grows that there are lots of lies and that they are feeding us chemicals and fabricated food-looking plastics that are detrimental to our health, and that it is all about making money....eventually, we hit the 100th monkey. Then, the Very Next Tuesday, you decide to make a sandwich at home to bring with you rather than stop at B.K. for that horse burger. Your behavior has been modified, without your realizing that you have made a choice based on the expression of the group who is outraged now that this has been allowed to happen and is boycotting all Burger Kings nationwide. That's it. Simplified.
Another, bead example? How many of you have made Owls, used owls, purchased owls, read blogs about owl beads recently? When did Owls become so Hot, Hot, Hot? When the symbol for owls began to be used and input into our lower consciousness as something to love, until it hit the 100th monkey. Then it is all about the Owl. (I did not get on this bandwagon as I know where the recent symbolic representation came from, and as it is Occult in nature, just will not go There). Of course, to those who make those owls and use them and have no idea why it is they are so popular, other than being a winged friend, I make no judgements and have celebrated the unique interpretations and creative wonders that have been made, almost as though subversively integrating the Light into something generally pretty darn dark. (Look up Bohemian Grove)
Now that we understand Group Consciousness, about how a simple idea snowballs into everyone's awareness, let me say this.
I don't believe that there is Anything that I will ever add to the world of art that hasn't been dreamed of, inspired, created, practiced, executed, drawn, painted, illuminated, discussed, witnessed, critiqued, taught, learned or forgotten in the history of man. What's more, is my acute awareness that this is a sort of Truth for all of us, whether we want to admit it or not. Even if I become so bellicose as to even imagine for one moment that something is 'mine', it is with full awareness that for me, it means that it is new, or for me, a special moment of discovery for myself, and that I in no way can claim ownership for the creative process which led to this new discovery. I'm not redefining the world of art, but I am in the process of celebrating the newness to me and using what I find to express who I Am. I believe the same is true for you.
Now, if you are big on Ownership and believe that you have invented or created something so Unique to that list above, then I respect your right to believe it so, and I will respect your requests to honor your sovereignty and choice of beliefs rather than do you conscious harm. But I also acknowledge this Without Prejudice, meaning that I cannot be responsible for what you might interpret as a violation of your rights if/when your beliefs are not the same as mine, and my complete lack of awareness of you means that to me, you exist as part of the one group consciousness, even as my Soul has total respect for you and would choose to show you only agape and respect.
And so....here is my statement to the world of art and artists in general:
I am me. I am a culmination of what I have loved, learned, practiced, believed, preferred and expressed in my life. I am responsible for my choices and I, without perfection, practice integrity and honesty in my day to day living. I will never knowingly violate your rights, believing in the old adage, Harm None. I will always give you the benefit of a doubt, be a witness for your struggle and support you in your dreams and celebrate your triumphs. I will endeavor to practice love with agape, respect for all and malice for none.
But if I inadvertently twist a piece of wire the same way you do, or did, or might, please forgive me what you perceive a transgression, for to hold that grudge only hurts you. And if someone might give me $12 for that piece of twisted wire, please forgive them their ignorance too, because I think it might be that they just like it, or maybe like me, or on another level, their Soul recognizes it as a celebration of the creative wonder that drives all existence.
Namaste~
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Bead Soup
It's that time. The Bead Soup Blog Party. I've gotten the name of my partner who lives in New Mexico, all the way across America. She is Jean Peter! For those in the beading world, this woman has been making jewelry for years. She is a mega talent whose work is inspired and well, for me, a little intimidating.
For those who are interested, you can see some of her incredible work at her Facebook page at Eclectic Avenue. Just look for the 'photo' box and click on it, and then click on one of the pictures to see a larger slideshow. Amazing!
Her blog address is also Eclectic Avenue, where she shares wonderful stories about her family and beading and life. One thing we found out right away is that we are both big supporters of the Beads of Courage. She is blessed with a Grandson who, sadly, has had multiple heart surgeries and is a fighting giant and has a very, very long strand of beads. His struggle, from the length of his chain, is epic, and yet this very brave little boy keeps on keeping on. You can read about their story on her recent blog article.
It will be fun to see how we decide to challenge each other, and we have been given the second reveal date of April 6th, so mark your calendar and if you don't visit to see the soups, at least come back and see what is the creative endeavor between two relative strangers!
For those who are interested, you can see some of her incredible work at her Facebook page at Eclectic Avenue. Just look for the 'photo' box and click on it, and then click on one of the pictures to see a larger slideshow. Amazing!
Her blog address is also Eclectic Avenue, where she shares wonderful stories about her family and beading and life. One thing we found out right away is that we are both big supporters of the Beads of Courage. She is blessed with a Grandson who, sadly, has had multiple heart surgeries and is a fighting giant and has a very, very long strand of beads. His struggle, from the length of his chain, is epic, and yet this very brave little boy keeps on keeping on. You can read about their story on her recent blog article.
It will be fun to see how we decide to challenge each other, and we have been given the second reveal date of April 6th, so mark your calendar and if you don't visit to see the soups, at least come back and see what is the creative endeavor between two relative strangers!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Officially 'Stumped'
On the path of discovery in this, my bead mania and jewelry obsession, I found that being able to work in metals delighted me on many levels. The hammers, the files, the feel of cold metal as yet unformed, unmarked beckoned to me to leave my mark, to make it personal.
Enter the tree stump. A tree stump is perfect for pounding away, creating textures, work hardening, forming and bending metals to fit the imagination. Reading about one somewhere once, I had determined that it was just what I needed, given that anytime I tried to pound on the work table, everything would jump and rearrange itself. I have been patiently waiting for just the right one to present itself. (Literally, as in a *present*)
A couple of months ago, while walking the dogs, we meandered by a house built about 1920. In the front yard, a Magnolia tree, forked at the base. It stood about 40 feet tall. One side of it had spread it's branches far too close to the electric lines, so the City was cutting it down. Not back; Down. I was saddened by the loss, but speculative about the chance to get a hunk of wood. Nay, not a hunk, a stump. I promised myself to go back later in the day to check on the progress. Alas, when I went back, it was all over and the local team of caretakers had done their work well. There was nary a stick left. Bummer.
A few days later, similar treck, same dogs finds two men taking down the other half of the tree. It seems once the first aspect was removed, the other had started leaning precariously toward the house. The balance had been broken. Like many things in life, balance is a necessity. Two function as one made whole.
I find I must digress here as the story takes an interesting twist. To whit: when we moved about 6 months ago, we down sized rather dramatically. It was not hard to figure out what we could do without as we made a simply decision to only keep those things that are necessary or that we love. What did become a challenge was to make all those decisions so quickly. After we arrived here, we found that there were things that followed us in the move that just never were noticed for that process. After arriving and going through all the basics and the boxes, we began to find those items, once loved, not necessary and yes, still here. Not really sure in a new town just what to do with them, my husband said that he thought we should just put them out at the end of the driveway. I thought this a remarkable thought in and of itself. What?? Leave my now un-wanted and un-loved things on the edge of the street? I agreed, but only if he promised to do something with these things on Saturday as I was resolute in thinking they would still be sitting there, becoming eyesores.
That Saturday never came. Those things were gone. Snagged in the night by others with a new vision of purpose, a new sort of life to be born. I was amazed! No trips to search for thrift stores or hauling it to a donation center. It was nothing short of miraculous to me. Undaunted, the next week we left out some garden decorations. Gone in the morning. Old bookcase and shelf left in the house by the last occupants....gone.
Back to the story. As it turned out, the two young men cutting down the second fork of the Magnolia tree were the son and nephew of the woman who resides in the house. We spoke and I gently inquired into the fate of the tree. The smaller branches were going to be used for firewood, but the main tree was 15-18 inches in diameter and far too large for a fireplace. They weren't quite sure just what to do with that part. I plucked up my courage and asked if I could have a piece, and explained what use I intended for so lovely a tree stump.
They offered me the tree stump, free of charge when they found out where we live. They are the same two guys who acquired two garden griffon statues that had made their way to our curb. Those who say that life doesn't move in circles, surely need to leave something out on their curb. I dare you to try it.
So now I am the owner of a lovely Magnolia tree stump.
It is something! It weighs about 60 pounds. Being fresh cut, it is going to have to do some curing and drying out. It became apparent that I would need to find a way to keep it lifted off of the floor to get good air circulation, and to be able to place something under it in case sap or water might drip as it dried. Finding something that would hold that kind of weight was going to be a challenge. To my mind, I guessed some sort of grating would be required. An internet search connected me to the McNichols Company, specialists in grating. The have pictures of unusual applications all over their website, so I filled out the internet contact form and waited for a call.
It didn't take long. I spoke with one of their representatives who was so professional and kind and while I'm guessing, a bit bemused at the intended application, never let on that this was not a do-able proposition. When he told me they could even cut the recommended grating in a circle, I was without exaggeration, duly impressed.
Transaction completed, the package arrived a day later!
And here was my new support system...
Is that precision or WHAT???? I was amazed also with how perfectly flat and even the whole unit is, too. The following day I cleaned, organized the studio and found a little yellow rug to place under the whole she-bang. Blessings are happening here!
Now, isn't that impressive??
No time for further chat....I feel a need to give it a pounding!
Enter the tree stump. A tree stump is perfect for pounding away, creating textures, work hardening, forming and bending metals to fit the imagination. Reading about one somewhere once, I had determined that it was just what I needed, given that anytime I tried to pound on the work table, everything would jump and rearrange itself. I have been patiently waiting for just the right one to present itself. (Literally, as in a *present*)
A couple of months ago, while walking the dogs, we meandered by a house built about 1920. In the front yard, a Magnolia tree, forked at the base. It stood about 40 feet tall. One side of it had spread it's branches far too close to the electric lines, so the City was cutting it down. Not back; Down. I was saddened by the loss, but speculative about the chance to get a hunk of wood. Nay, not a hunk, a stump. I promised myself to go back later in the day to check on the progress. Alas, when I went back, it was all over and the local team of caretakers had done their work well. There was nary a stick left. Bummer.
A few days later, similar treck, same dogs finds two men taking down the other half of the tree. It seems once the first aspect was removed, the other had started leaning precariously toward the house. The balance had been broken. Like many things in life, balance is a necessity. Two function as one made whole.
I find I must digress here as the story takes an interesting twist. To whit: when we moved about 6 months ago, we down sized rather dramatically. It was not hard to figure out what we could do without as we made a simply decision to only keep those things that are necessary or that we love. What did become a challenge was to make all those decisions so quickly. After we arrived here, we found that there were things that followed us in the move that just never were noticed for that process. After arriving and going through all the basics and the boxes, we began to find those items, once loved, not necessary and yes, still here. Not really sure in a new town just what to do with them, my husband said that he thought we should just put them out at the end of the driveway. I thought this a remarkable thought in and of itself. What?? Leave my now un-wanted and un-loved things on the edge of the street? I agreed, but only if he promised to do something with these things on Saturday as I was resolute in thinking they would still be sitting there, becoming eyesores.
That Saturday never came. Those things were gone. Snagged in the night by others with a new vision of purpose, a new sort of life to be born. I was amazed! No trips to search for thrift stores or hauling it to a donation center. It was nothing short of miraculous to me. Undaunted, the next week we left out some garden decorations. Gone in the morning. Old bookcase and shelf left in the house by the last occupants....gone.
Back to the story. As it turned out, the two young men cutting down the second fork of the Magnolia tree were the son and nephew of the woman who resides in the house. We spoke and I gently inquired into the fate of the tree. The smaller branches were going to be used for firewood, but the main tree was 15-18 inches in diameter and far too large for a fireplace. They weren't quite sure just what to do with that part. I plucked up my courage and asked if I could have a piece, and explained what use I intended for so lovely a tree stump.
They offered me the tree stump, free of charge when they found out where we live. They are the same two guys who acquired two garden griffon statues that had made their way to our curb. Those who say that life doesn't move in circles, surely need to leave something out on their curb. I dare you to try it.
So now I am the owner of a lovely Magnolia tree stump.
It didn't take long. I spoke with one of their representatives who was so professional and kind and while I'm guessing, a bit bemused at the intended application, never let on that this was not a do-able proposition. When he told me they could even cut the recommended grating in a circle, I was without exaggeration, duly impressed.
Transaction completed, the package arrived a day later!
And here was my new support system...
Is that precision or WHAT???? I was amazed also with how perfectly flat and even the whole unit is, too. The following day I cleaned, organized the studio and found a little yellow rug to place under the whole she-bang. Blessings are happening here!
Now, isn't that impressive??
No time for further chat....I feel a need to give it a pounding!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Memories and Thanks Blog Hop
Today is the reveal for the Memories and Thanks Blog Hop, another loving inspiration from Lori Anderson creative wonder and the writer of the Pretty Things blog. As a tribute to someone we chose to honor and remember, we are today showing in the reveal what we made for those special persons in our lives.
There have been blog hops throughout 2012, all which sounded amazing and all I missed with the adventure that last year Was. When I read about this one, I decided that it couldn't be missed. I knew who I would pay honor to, what stories I could share, and finally the time to dedicate to such a proposition. What I did not count on was the Missing, the backlog of emotion, the quiet tears and the resultant migraine headache.
I chose to make a bracelet for my friend Carol, who left this earth for larger spaces in 2005. We met in Birmingham Alabama in 1995. As the Manager of a store that sold museum replica art, we met when she came for an interview as a sales person. She was tiny, about 5'1", wearing sensible shoes and a lovely white blouse. (I was later to learn that she was the Imelda Marcos of white blouses that she swore could be worn for any occasion!) When she began to speak, I was enthralled with her deep, gravely voice and an accent that I later found was from New Orleans. She was 60, newly divorced and looking for the chance to complete part of her bucket list. I found her presence enthralling, and hired her on the spot.
We began a friendship that was the most remarkable that I have ever had the joy to experience. The 25 years difference in our ages melted away in spirited discussions on every subject imaginable. We shared every aspect of our lives and we both shared the same quirky sense of humor and could elicit nearly hysterical laughter from the other. There was just so much happiness and genuine love between us. She knew that I had studied art and always encouraged me to find my way back to my first love. Not in just selling art created by long dead other artists, but to seek out my own muse, my own creative spirit, my own voice. She nicknamed me the White Witch because, as she used to quip, "There is just always a feeling of magic around you, like you belong in Stonehenge."
Carol blessed my life in many ways, not the least in introducing me to my wonderful husband, who it turned out had been a friend of hers for years too! It was as though heaven and earth moved all things in her life, in mine and even my husband's life, to allow us such an amazing time together. When I was growing up, my Mom would tell me that if I lived my whole life and could count on one hand life's true friendships, I would be lucky. As the years passed in knowing Carol, I understood what she meant.
Whenever we were just hanging out, or would go grab a hamburger at our favorite place, there we would be in our blue jeans and white blouses, with the cuffs turned back to show off our mutual adoration for bracelets...the bolder, the better!
In memory of Carol, I chose to make a bracelet lovingly hand made in copper, the color of Dewar's Scotch, her favorite. Then I added blues with lots of variation and enameled beads. And to bring things full circle, I chose to use lamp work glass beads from a new friend, Jan Thompson at JanZartGlass.
A toast to Carol.
There have been blog hops throughout 2012, all which sounded amazing and all I missed with the adventure that last year Was. When I read about this one, I decided that it couldn't be missed. I knew who I would pay honor to, what stories I could share, and finally the time to dedicate to such a proposition. What I did not count on was the Missing, the backlog of emotion, the quiet tears and the resultant migraine headache.
I chose to make a bracelet for my friend Carol, who left this earth for larger spaces in 2005. We met in Birmingham Alabama in 1995. As the Manager of a store that sold museum replica art, we met when she came for an interview as a sales person. She was tiny, about 5'1", wearing sensible shoes and a lovely white blouse. (I was later to learn that she was the Imelda Marcos of white blouses that she swore could be worn for any occasion!) When she began to speak, I was enthralled with her deep, gravely voice and an accent that I later found was from New Orleans. She was 60, newly divorced and looking for the chance to complete part of her bucket list. I found her presence enthralling, and hired her on the spot.
We began a friendship that was the most remarkable that I have ever had the joy to experience. The 25 years difference in our ages melted away in spirited discussions on every subject imaginable. We shared every aspect of our lives and we both shared the same quirky sense of humor and could elicit nearly hysterical laughter from the other. There was just so much happiness and genuine love between us. She knew that I had studied art and always encouraged me to find my way back to my first love. Not in just selling art created by long dead other artists, but to seek out my own muse, my own creative spirit, my own voice. She nicknamed me the White Witch because, as she used to quip, "There is just always a feeling of magic around you, like you belong in Stonehenge."
Carol blessed my life in many ways, not the least in introducing me to my wonderful husband, who it turned out had been a friend of hers for years too! It was as though heaven and earth moved all things in her life, in mine and even my husband's life, to allow us such an amazing time together. When I was growing up, my Mom would tell me that if I lived my whole life and could count on one hand life's true friendships, I would be lucky. As the years passed in knowing Carol, I understood what she meant.
Whenever we were just hanging out, or would go grab a hamburger at our favorite place, there we would be in our blue jeans and white blouses, with the cuffs turned back to show off our mutual adoration for bracelets...the bolder, the better!
In memory of Carol, I chose to make a bracelet lovingly hand made in copper, the color of Dewar's Scotch, her favorite. Then I added blues with lots of variation and enameled beads. And to bring things full circle, I chose to use lamp work glass beads from a new friend, Jan Thompson at JanZartGlass.
A toast to Carol.
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| Carol's Charm |
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Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
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April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
Thursday, December 6, 2012
This weeks work in pictures
One would think that with winter upon us, I would get something done in the studio, and you would be delighted with color and texture, but alas....I had to go out and do some more cleaning in the way back before the cold weather hits hard and the leaves drop off those dastardly vines. We are up to 11 types of invasive vines! We have taken to calling the back area, The Pit of Despair.
Here is a picture of the latest pile of goodies hauled out for removal by our favorite City worker.....The Stick Man! He's become sort of a Hero for us. Really. What would we do with all of this if he didn't come and get it????
I made sure to get something Normal sized in the picture for reference, and if you look beyond the mailbox, you will see that this pile is actually down in a drainage ditch! But, to get the true width of the pile, I had to use the house across the street for comparison!
Now, it is impressive, is it not? Side effect? The hole in the back fence was discovered by my dogs, who promptly went exploring! With a tight holiday schedule, fixing the fence has been left to me. My first choice would be the Ladies' Favorite....duct tape. Alas, it is damp and rainy today, so I have elected to use plastic tie wraps to hold it together. Just temporarily. Really.
Fencing repair makes me think of John Wayne, cattle ranchers and things that Men Do with their hats and boots on while I tie on an apron and bake a pie. I would do that too. I'd bake a pie for John. Wouldn't you?
Here is a picture of the latest pile of goodies hauled out for removal by our favorite City worker.....The Stick Man! He's become sort of a Hero for us. Really. What would we do with all of this if he didn't come and get it????
I made sure to get something Normal sized in the picture for reference, and if you look beyond the mailbox, you will see that this pile is actually down in a drainage ditch! But, to get the true width of the pile, I had to use the house across the street for comparison!
Now, it is impressive, is it not? Side effect? The hole in the back fence was discovered by my dogs, who promptly went exploring! With a tight holiday schedule, fixing the fence has been left to me. My first choice would be the Ladies' Favorite....duct tape. Alas, it is damp and rainy today, so I have elected to use plastic tie wraps to hold it together. Just temporarily. Really.
Fencing repair makes me think of John Wayne, cattle ranchers and things that Men Do with their hats and boots on while I tie on an apron and bake a pie. I would do that too. I'd bake a pie for John. Wouldn't you?
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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