So Thankful

It seems like such a cliche; but I just can't resist taking a few moments to reflect on all of the things that fill my heart with gratitude today. This list is topped by my loving husband who played a song for me last night, just because it made him think of us, and then danced to it with my son and me in the kitchen. I'm also thankful for my absolutely incredible nine-year-old son who, right before our eyes, is already turning into the kind of man who exudes warmth and makes us proud.

My gratitude continues with thanks for my Mother and Father, because they taught me the meaning of unconditional love and support. My Sister, different as we are we grow closer every year. My Brother-in-Law who is more like the brother that I never imagined he would be. My Niece and Nephew who make me feel loved everyday and missed when we're not together.

For the rest of my family in Pennsylvania and elsewhere...thoughts of them make me smile; remind me of "the-good-old-days"; and make me wish that we were together. My new family here in North Carolina... for the love that they've shown me and the man whose love they so graciously share with me. For Wally who's home from Iraq, and Lisa who is so grateful for it. For all of the men and women who sacrifice to improve the quality of life for others...your selflessness does not go unnoticed.

Old friends...those who are older than me and those who've I've been fortunate to know since the beginning of time, or kindergarten at least! New friends...Carolina friends, art friends, online friends, and others...I hope that we'll be granted the privlege of becoming old friends together.

Coco, Cody and Gracie. Grace. A benevolent God. Coconut Cake. My outdoor friends. Orion. Movies on Thanksgiving. Too much to eat. Too much to do. A full heart and so much love.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Top Tens

Has it been a week already since I wrote?!?!?! I really don't know where the time goes. Here are the top ten things that occupied my time during the past week...

1. Being sick.
2. Sleeping.
3. My husband being sick.
4. Cleaning and organizing my stuff.
5. Spending time with my son.
6. Being sick.
7. Sleeping. (Do these count as two more?)
8. Internet Marketing. (Ebay and Etsy have been hopping for me this week. 11 items will be shipped over the next few days. If you haven't visited, please check out my stores by clicking on the links to the left.)
9. Business planning for the studio and my artwork. (The planning has involved developing dreams and ideas. Now I need to implement them.!)
10. Being sick and sleeping.

Ok...Ok... so you get the idea. Did you happen to notice what was missing completely from the last week? ........Give up?....... ANYTHING CREATIVE! And I don't know if I can make it another minute without it!

For the next week, I hope that my top ten looks more like this...
1. Creating.
2. Creating!
3. CREATING!!
5. Catching up with my backlog of emails.
6. Shipping my Internet sales.
7. Listing my new creations on the Internet.
8. Promoting new group events, scrapbooking, and the schedule for Art for All Y'All.
9. Developing the dreams and ideas that I worked on this week.
10. Time with my family and friends to be thankful for the people I love, the people who protect all of us and our freedom everyday, my overcommitted life, and the thrill that it's full, rich, and never-for-a-minute boring.

More than a Show!

I'm exhaustedly writing this after a wonderful weekend experience that we fondly refer to as, "Art in the Pines". In addition to fabulous artwork and brisk sales, this show was unlike any that I ever experienced. I'm still smiling as I think of it.

The residents of Pine Grove Village welcomed us with open arms. There was good conversation, lots of laughter, a nonstop parade of homemade delicacies, and some liquid refreshments as well. Many artists worked hard to organize our first annual show, and we're already making plans for next year. All of you who gave so much know who you are, and your efforts were appreciated more than you know.

To those who attended, thank you. We appreciate your support. Please mark your calendar's for next year, and remember to visit us throughout the year at Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines. We're located directly on Broad Street, just above Sweet Basil's Restaurant.

There's No Place Like Home

I've just returned from a lovely weekend in Pennsylvania. I'm sure that it was the calm before the storm of holiday preparations, shows, classes, and parties; but I enjoyed every minute of it.

I arrived to the welcoming vision of my niece in the window waiting for me on Thursday. Friday was Mother-Daughter day. And Friday night at my sister's house was filled with family and an awesome dinner that consisted of pierogies, stuffed cabbage, and kielbassi. (Yummy and oh-so-filling!)

On Saturday morning, we were off to Pittsburgh to be with family and friends. The night stretched out until after 11:00, and it was one of the best that I've had in ages. The stories and laughter flowed freely as we shared many years worth of stories and memories.

My husband marvels at the fact that we all speak at the same time, and yet we never miss a beat in our conversations. It's a talent that's part genetic and part practice. It's a sound and a feeling that I miss in my life. Now that I'm back in North Carolina it makes me smile just to think about it.

Life would be so much easier with a pair of ruby slippers.

Mail Call! (Or should I say Mail Caw?)

Pictured to the left is my first attempt at creating an artists stamp. I participated in my first mail art swap this week. The theme was "Crows" and my mailbox has been overflowing with really fun stuff from around the world.

Otherwise it's been a busy time for me. I'm still preparing for "Art in the Pines" a juried arts and crafts fair to be held in Pinehurst, North Carolina on November 10th and 11th. If you're from the area, or if you'll be visiting the area, please send an email to me at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com for information.

If the temptation of fabulous art and fine crafts from a wide variety of artists doesn't tempt you, I'll leave you with two words. "Wine"and "Cheese" (Please email me for the details!)