Whirlwind Weekend

I just returned from a whirlwind weekend in Pennsylvania. We drove up on Friday night, and returned Sunday morning. The drive up took about ten hours, and the drive back about thirteen. The time that we spent there was priceless!

This amount of free time allowed me to listen to creative podcasts on my new Ipod, create sixteen pairs of earrings, and collaborate on a fabulous jangly bracelet and two pairs of dazzling dangle earrings for my niece. I also had hours of uninterrupted thinking time. (A luxury that's rare in my world today!)

I'm no further ahead than I was on Friday, and I haven't figured out the answers to life's great challenges; but somehow I feel richer for the experience, and I'm more prepared to face the world today.

Today is Monday, September 11th. It's the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that rocked our world. Please take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to sacrifice to protect us all.

Week of Organization

This week is dedicated to organizing my business and my life. I'm sighing and groaning as I write this; but in an attempt to gain some control, I've decided to set aside the fun of the paint, the paper, the metal, the glass, and the other ephemera. No new artwork for me until the hard work is done. (Well... OK... maybe just a page or two in my journal and the occasional doodle in a margin.)

How did I get so far behind? I don't think that I'm alone in my struggle. Do I try to do too much? Or does life just require too much of a twenty-four hour day? Phone calls and email messages, meetings and classes, business and creating, family and friends. So much to do, and so little time! No matter how hard I try, sometimes I just seem to get further behind.

In spite of this, I'm optimistic. I will tackle my backlog; one message, list, and pile of paper at a time. Things will improve. This process will help me to be even more creative in the future. In fact, my reward for the effort will be a fabulous funky jewelry class next weekend.
Now that should provide the necessary incentive.

Wish me luck!

Where did the summer go?

Where did the summer go? Could it really be September already? My summer was packed with craziness, hard work, and lots of fun, and September is already feeling like more of the same. I guess that it's just life today. So much to do. So little time in which to do it!

I'm in the process of shipping an order to "Books to be Red" on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Ocracoke is a magical place, and this store has always been my favorite there. (Yes...even before they began to carry my artwork!) If you love a small bookstore with tons of character, friendly people, and interesting things packed into every nook and cranny, then this is the store for you.

While on the Island, also be sure to visit "Down Creek Gallery". They're located on the water on Silver Lake Harbor. This has been their first season, and the variety and quality of work that they carry is incredible. Again the people are friendly, and it just feels good to be in their space. (Did I mention that they also carry my artwork?!)

Well, that's all for today. Just the act of writing this message has taken me to a happier place and a more relaxed pace. Maybe I'll visit in person sometime soon. Now, if I can just work it into my schedule...