taproot studio

Yummy Cream Scones

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

My son and I were in the kitchen at 5:30 this morning making scones for his geography class at school. We used a recipe that is so easy and so good I wanted to share it with you.

Cream Scones

Preheat oven to 425 deg. Farenheit. Whisk together:

- 2 c all-purpose flour

- 1/3 c sugar

- 1 T baking powder

- 1/2 t salt

(I have substituted 1 c whole wheat flour for one of the cups of all purpose flour with good results. This yields a scone that is heavier, but very flavorful.)

Add and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened:

- 1 1/4 c heavy cream

Knead dough against side of bowl 5-10 times to form a ball. Pat into an 8" circle, slice into 8 or 12 wedges and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with extra cream, if desired, and bake for 12-15 minutes. That is it...Couldn't be any easier and they are yum!

Today we threw some chocolate chips in before forming the dough into a ball. My favorite addition is a little ground cinnamon and some slivered almonds.

And, since you asked, I will tell you that I found the recipe in my most favorite recipe book of all time:

I have two different editions of this classic and they are an invaluable resources for me. They are the first place I look when I need a classic recipe or want to learn more about a certain ingredient or technique.

So... I hope you'll try and enjoy this recipe. Wouldn't warm scones be nice Christmas gifts for your friends and neighbors?

Still Felting...

2011-12-08T08:08:00.001-08:00

I want to write more soon about the process of making felt, but I do have a few quick photos to share of an order I'm just finishing up. I've been working on some felt pockets for a dear lady who loves gardening. Her friend saw some earlier versions of these designs and thought they'd make a nice Christmas gift. I agree!

I really enjoy using Impressionist paintings as inspiration for my felt. No matter how many times I work from a particular painting I see something new about the original when I begin to lay out my design. Yesterday I concentrated on the details of the field and tree line in Monet's Wild Poppies.

Laying out the wool roving is my favorite part of the process and this is what I really wanted to share with you. Here is the wool pictured above before I wet felted it.

The smaller piles of red, yellow and green roving on the counter became the flowers. I prefelted those pieces and applied them to the background once the entire piece was wet and beginning to hold together.

The reason I love the early stages of wet felting so much is that I am forced to let go of my tendency to get caught up in details. In fact, the process of wetting and fulling the felt changes the piece so much that there are always suprises. There is just no way to control it completely...sounds a little like life, yes?

Here is my latest interpretaton of Van Gogh's Sunflowers. In the finished piece the individual colors are more defined than I expected, but I love the way it all turned out and I love that the "spirit" of Van Gogh's original piece really shines through. I think it's great I could never create the exact same image. If you saw the photos of the pockets I posted a few weeks ago, you know how very different these are, even though I was inspired by the same paintings. LOVE that!

It's time to get these packed up and send them on their way. I hope you are inspired to do something creative today. Go where you go and do what you do with all your heart and enjoy the process!

Holiday "Snow"

2011-11-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

What a very busy day this was.

First of all, I spent the morning loading up the jewelry cases at the MT SYLVAN COFFEE HOUSE & MERCANTILE. They are now fully stocked and ready for holiday shoppers! While there I just had to take a few photos to share of a really ingenious and quick way to create a winter wonderland.

In need of some quick decorations for a special event a few evenings ago, proprietor, Denise Warren, piled shredded documents on cabinets and displays to create a wintery environment. It is amazing how much the piles of white paper strips resemble piles of snow. What fun!

I love simple ideas that work!

A Nice Long Nap

2011-11-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

My cat had a nice long nap today. At about 1:00 I noticed he was "dead to the world", as my mom says when someone is in a seriously deep sleep.

Even when my son lifted him from his comfy spot, Obi refused to wake up. He's so crazy.

We could not believe he could actually remain asleep through all our laughter and picture taking.

I suppose in a way I've had a nice long nap on my blog. There have been so many posts in my head...so many things I meant to share but instead I simply took a break for the past few months. Now I'm all rested ans excited to get back in the habit of checking in here and letting you know what I'm doing.

If you know me at all, you know I like to try new things and a few months ago I tried a new thing that has brought me much joy and breathed new into my creations. I have learned to wet felt.

Since some of you may not know much about the process of making felt, I will try to post more about it soon but for now I just want to share a few images. I have mostly been creating little wallets and what I call "pockets". They are just the right size to hold and protect a phone, a pair of glasses, or really any small treasure. These are a few I created using impressionist paintings as inspiration.

You may recognize Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night and Sunflowers or Monet's Poppies. I love simply responding to the colors and forms I see in the original pieces and then laying down my own interpretation. It's actually very much what impressionist painters did, only they worked directly from nature.

I completed a few more pockets the other day. This time I worked with circular forms that were purely from my imagination.

I had a great time adding the freeform machine and hand embroidery. I love needlework as it was one of the first skills I learned from my Grandmother. She taught me how to thread a needle and work a nice straight row of stitches. I think of her often when I do handwork.

Well, it's good to be blogging again. Maybe now that I've stepped back into it I'll be able to keep up. I hope this post finds you happy and well and ready for the upcoming holiday season. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week!

Summer Reading

2011-06-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

One never knows what chance treasures these easy unconcious rollers may toss up on the smooth white sand of the concious mind;

what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor.

- Anne Morrow Lindberg, Gift from the Sea

I no longer keep track of how many times I have read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg, a text filled with wisdom and peaceful observance of the stages and rhythms of a woman's life. Nearly every summer I revisit the pages of my well-worn and well-loved copy, amazed at the peace that washes over me when I see my own questions, my own musings so precisely verbalized by a woman who lived a life so very different from mine. It reminds me that we are not alone in this journey because deep down our hearts are the same.

This book is particularly appropriate reading for me this week given that I am staying at the beach and celebrating my 46th birthday. These two events have put my contemplative nature into overdrive. I always wanted to be a woman who grows older with grace but I admit that lately I sometimes find myself wondering who that cheerful and slightly sagging chick in the mirror is. Does she know that 50 is just around the corner?

I love watching and listening to the waves as they form and make their way to shore. The tide, like the passing of time, is unstoppable... relentless. Every day it flows in and it flows out, changing the landscape with each crash of a wave. Life is just the same. Things come crashing in, circumstances change and the best I can do is look for and appreciate the beauty that is before me right here and now because it, too, will be changed with the arrival of the next wave.

I haven't needed much "stuff" to keep me happy this week. Even the one moderate suitcase I brought seems superfluous (although I really, really tried not to overpack). The weight of unneccessary possessons is such a burden. As I headed out to the beach my first day here I filled my backpack with so many things I thought I might need. Did I really think I was going to read my book and work Sudoku puzzles? Today I will probably walk out the door with just my hotel key.

Most of all, though, I have learned that I am ready. By God's grace I believe I am ready for whatever the next year, the next season of my life brings.

Tomorrow I head home. This retreat has been great, but I look forward to infusing a bit of beach girl attitude into my everyday life. I want to pursue my renewed desire to simplify and "lighten my load", to seek and appreciate the beauty that washes up on my little shore each day.

A Great Gift

2011-06-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea

between the shores of your souls. - Khalil Gibran

This week I have been given a great gift...time alone by the sea. I can only imagine what it must be like to live near the ocean where the horizon is so wide open and the land is a constantly changing canvas, washed clean and reshaped again and again by the pounding of the surf. For a few days I will wander, rest, reflect and dream on my own. In the evenings I will come together with the man I love and do more of the same. I find that we are beginning to settle into this rhythm in our everyday lives as well, as our kids are growing up and away from us. Like so many other transitions I have experienced, this time is bittersweet...a mixture of sadness and excitement, adventure and grief.

A Dream Come True

2011-04-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today I had the great fortune of visiting with one of the most beautiful women I know, Mattie Seale.

Mattie is the mother-in-law of one of my dearest friends, Susan. (Mattie is quick to point out that Susan is not "just" a daughter-in-law, but that she has become a true daughter over the years.) To many of us Mattie is "Mama Seale" and just a few moments in her presence today left me with a feeling of peace and contentment.

Mama Seale has a heart of gratitude. She is well-loved and she loves well. She has lived a big life filled with the usual ups and downs but when she looks back on it all, she says life has been good "without interruption". She told me that her faith is the foundation that allows her to enjoy life to the fullest and that her life today is like a "dream come true". I felt peace and hope settle over me as I listened to what she had to share.

It seems that every day I am bombarded with information about how to make my life "better". I am encouraged to do more and be more. Teachings abound on how to "create the life I want" and "live my best life now". I believe, though, that great lives are not orchestrated or acheived. Great lives are simply lived, facing whatever comes with courage and grace. Mama Seale knows this and her words of experience and wisdom resonate with something deep inside of me. They call forth a desire to simply let go and be content with what I have and what I am this very day...to realize that my life, with all its challenges and triumphs, disappointments and victories, really is a dream come true because I am loved and I love and in the end that's all that really matters.

A Prayer for Japan and for Us All

2011-03-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

I spent some time at the Dallas Arboretum today. The spring beds are unbelievably gorgeous and this weekend there's an added bonus...Artscape, a fine art fair, is taking place in the pecan grove.

As I walked through the gardens and admired the artists' works I was so grateful to be surrounded by such beauty and again and again I found myself thinking of the people of Japan. How many lovely gardens and beautiful works of art were destroyed in last week's earthquake and subsequent tsunami? As I watched families enjoying the beautiful day together I thought about the thousands of families that are mourning the loss of loved ones or living in fear of a nuclear disaster. I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around this.

The only thing I know to do is pray.

So I pray that each individual in Japan today would see something that brings them hope.

And I pray that each finds strength and help in the days ahead.

And I pray that each of us will take time today to count our blessings, to honor the people in our lives, and to reach out to someone in need.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8

Secret Gardens

2011-03-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

After spending a few days visiting family last week I arrived home yesterday just in time to put together my favorite bouquet of the season. Spring at our place begins with the blooms of narcissus and grape hyacynth bulbs. Happily, for just a few days their blooming season overlaps that of our azaleas and I gather the blossoms into small bouquets of riotous, glorious color..

Most of the bulbs I grow were harvested from flower beds planted by my grandmother over fifty years ago. I found them in this old garden, hidden in the woods just a few hundred yards from my back doorstep. Grandmother lived in a house that used to be nestled in these woods. The house is gone, but the bulbs and plants she cultivated there have continued to grow and multiply.

Entering this place I feel like Mary in Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, stepping softly as if she were afraid of waking someone. This is a sacred space for me...a place where I dreamed childhood dreams and shared happy times with people I loved. It is a place that captured my imagination even when I was very young. I dreamed of living on this property when I grew up, of carving out my own nitch in the woods and planting gardens of my own.

Sometimes I forget that I am actually living my dream. Sometimes I think I might like to live someone else's dream. Really, though, this one is best for me. Here I have room to breathe and stretch and grow, just like the buds Mary unearthed in Burnett's garden.

So this week I am going to spend time cultivating the garden around my own home and in the process I know I will be renewed. Warm spring days have arrived and I am eager to feel connected to the earth with the sun on my back and the rich, damp soil in my hands. My spirit yawns and stretches as it wakes to this new season.

I hope this week you will do some maintenance in your own secret garden...that quiet place, whatever it is for you, where seeds of promise and hope were planted long ago. Pull a few weeds. Clear a little space. Give your dreams room to grow.

Woo Hoo!

2011-02-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce that Blue Star Trading in Hico, Texas is including Taproot Studio artwork in their spring inventory! I have been busy, busy getting their order together and some really fun projects are on their way to the store today.

There are more altered cigar boxes...

matchboxes...

lots of collage eggs...

and loads of stamped spoons in pots!

The tiny seed packet at the base of the spoon was a last minute addition that I love. It has me thinking of all kinds of projects using seed packets. I'll let you know where that rabbit trail takes me.

Have a great weekend!

Always Somethin'

2011-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

I just re-read yesterday's post and wowa...a bit serious, eh? I am happy to report that this is a beautiful sunny Saturday morning and I am definitely not in a tunnel today! The sun is streaming through the windows onto my incredibly messy work space. No joke...the mess is substantial.

The funny thing is that just after writing about the need to balance creative pursuits and relationships, I was challenged in that very thing. (It's amazing how often that happens.) Immediately after hitting the publish post button I received a call from my friend Jennifer, a gifted fiber artist who is very good at maintaining a healthy balance between work and play. She wanted to stop by to share a little inspiration she'd found and what were the first words out of my mouth? "Can we make it another time? I'm in the middle of a big project." Ha!

Really? Was I so busy that I couldn't take a five minutes to connect with a friend and be rejuvenated and inspired? The tunnel was definitely trying to suck me in. I ended up meeting Jen for lunch and our interaction - the laughter, the article she shared, the "connectedness" - did inspire me and give me renewed energy. I am so grateful for friends who save me from my tendency to isolate myself.

So this morning I'm going to work a bit to catch up. I've got a big order due soon that has been a lot of fun to put together. I'm working on some items for a spring display...stamped spoons, decoupage boxes, and something new...collage eggs.

These are paper mache, covered with pages from vintage books, painted and embellished with hopeful and inspiring words, quotes, and images. I just love working on spring projects with messages of life and new beginnings. I sent the first few out the other day and I'll be working on some more today. I also have a pile of sterling spoons flattened and ready to stamp (thanks, Em, for your help) and a collection of painted pots fitted with styrofoam and ready to have reindeer moss applied.

All these happy projects are giving me spring fever! Now I am off to the neighbor's house, hopefully to find a UPS package that should have been delivered here last night. I ordered some new stamp sets...some pretty fonts to use on the spoons but they were delivered to someone else by mistake. UPS can't help me find the package until Monday but I really need it today! Well, okay...I really want it today.

And so it seems appropriate to leave you with the words of the great Roseanne Rosannadanna:

It's always somethin :)

Tunnels

2011-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

I love details. I sometimes love them a little too much. I tend to lose perspective and allow projects to morph into tunnels...endless passageways into which I disappear.

Finding balance has been my greatest struggle as an artist/mom. Too many times I have rushed headlong into tunnels of creativity, leaving my family, indeed my life, at the entrance. I like to put a nice label on it. I like to think of my perfectionism and obsessiveness as passion and focus. Really, though, the label should read "self-centeredness" as I pursue my own interests at the expense of those around me.

How easy it is to get so caught up in issues of self that we are oblivious to the needs of those around us. We enter the tunnel, moving deeper and deeper into the dark, ever more removed from the world . Some get so lost in the tunnel that they sacrifice everything else.

I am held in check by choices I made a long time ago. I committed myself to loving and supporting a good man for the rest of my life. I chose to raise children that need my energy and attention for a season. These commitments sometimes feel like chains but really they are lifelines. They pull me back to center and my freedom falls within their boundaries.

A Bit Wreckless and Very Grateful

2011-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

-Goethe

You know, this blogging thing is amazing, really. With just a few keystrokes anyone can be a published author. How extraordinary (and scary). There are no editors to catch my grammatical errors and typos (although I do have a few grammatically gifted sisters who love me enough to notify me immediately when they see a mistake). I usually don't bounce my ideas off anyone before I hit the "publish post" button. It all seems a bit wreckless when you think about it. One click and whoosh...It's out there.

On a deeper level, there's the issue of content. When I express my true heart, or put my artwork up for everyone to see I'm taking a chance. Maybe you won't understand what I am really trying to say. Maybe you will compare me to endless numbers of artists who are more gifted and more skilled than I.

Long ago in art school I felt like I put my heart in front of a firing squad each time my work went up for critique. In that setting you pour your blood, sweat and tears into a project and then invite others to tell you not just the strengths, but the weaknesses they see. As much as you want and need honest feedback, it can be hard to detach your sense of identity from the way your latest project is received. Especially at first it feels a bit it like someone takes a peek into the bassinet and says, "Your baby has some good qualities, ma'am, but let me tell you how she could be improved!" The creative life is not for the faint of heart, to be sure.

But what choice do any of us have? We are individuals created in the image of a gloriously creative God. We were born to share the things that matter most to us. Our human hearts long to be known and loved.

So I want to thank those of you who encourage me in my creativity. You cannot imagine how much it means to me that you read my clumsy words or see my humble efforts and have a kind word to say. Thank you for being my safe place to grow and learn and try new things.

A Story of Grace

2011-01-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

My guess is that not a lot of people would be excited if someone dropped this off at their front door.

I actually was thrilled when a recent acquaintance asked me to see what I could do with the vintage cigar boxes she found among her father's things. As many of us are at the beginning of a new year, she was ready to let some things go and thought these could be cleaned up and used for collage. Visually they are so very interesting. Beautiful, mellowed colors and bold and varied typefaces lend plenty of character and texture...a great jumping off point for a mixed media piece.

I got to know the owner of these boxes a bit the day she dropped them off and a story she told me inspired the theme of my first design. She spoke of her mother, who relocated to a new living situation after a fall and an injury. During the transition her mother asked to visit her former home just one more time before everything was moved out. On the day of her visit, she walked through the space, touching a few items, remembering and honoring the time spent there, probably reliving her most precious memories. After a short time she turned to one of her daughters and said, "I'm ready to go." She then stepped into her new life and now thrives in her new environment, making new friends, finding joy in her new situation. What an amazing story of grace this is.

Letting go and moving forward is such a challenge when what we had before was wonderful or, at the very least, familiar and comfortable. So often, though, we do not have a choice. We don't always get to choose when or how our circumstances change. Sometimes change chooses us.

This is one of the hardest things I've had to come to terms with in my walk of faith. It took a major health crisis in the life of a close family member to teach me that I am not in control. Somehow before my baby sister's lengthy hospital stay years ago I believed I could make anything happen if I worked hard enough or prayed hard enough. I learned at her bedside that this is not true. Her life (indeed all of our lives) were changed forever and only by grace have we released the old and found joy amidst the challenges of the new.

Again and again I have learned that faith doesn't give us the ablilty to control the world. It gives us the ability thrive when our world is out of control.

Thawing Out

2011-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've been a little too serious lately...too focused for wreckless abandonment, too grown up for awe and wonder.

It snowed here two days ago. I love the way most Texans react to freezing white stuff. It is such a rarity for us. A few flakes on the ground and we're trying to build snowmen (sometimes tiny ones) and pulling out whatever we can find to use as sleds. Our family has been known to use trashcan lids and small plastic swimming pools. The children of a good friend use their boogie boards. Everyone runs to the store to "stock up" and then we run home to "hunker down". Then the snow melts, usually within a day or so, and the temperatures climb back up as quickly as they fell.

Normally I would have been the first one to throw a snowball at some unsuspecting family member. Instead, I sat in my chair by the window and watched. I enjoyed it but something was off. I wasn't sad or grumpy, I just wasn't engaged. I didn't even take any pictures, which is unthinkable for me.

I owe a big "thank you" to my children. Yesterday they got me out for a walk in the woods which, of course, ended in a snowball fight. It felt good to be silly...to run and laugh and scream. I'm so glad I got out and played in that beautiful landscape before it melted away. In the aftermath of our childlike romp, I realized how much the concerns of this world have been weighing me down. I know I am missing out on some amazing blessings because I am tired and distracted.

I'm not quite sure what to do about all of this. I can't just ditch my responsibilties and play all the time, but surely I can find a better balance. I've had it before. I want to find it again.

This morning I went for a walk and took pictures of the snow that remains. Much of the snow has melted, but it turns out that snow is just as beautiful when it's melting as it is when it's falling. Our drippy, melty woods is quite lovely in its own way. Even now I can hear the steady dripping of melted ice falling from the trees hanging over our tin roof, a reminder of how quickly things change...an encouragement to embrace this day before it melts away.

Deisel's First Gig as a Judge

2010-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

I just chose the winner of my first Facebook drawing. I say "I", but it was actually my daughter's dog, Deisel who did the choosing. The name of each entry was put on a dog biscuit,

then Deisel went to work!

We did, of course, place the biscuits face down so he couldn't see the names and don't worry...we didn't let him eat the one he chose. (Sharpie marker just can't be a good snack for a dog.) I filmed the event, intending to post it here and on Facebook, but I had a few seemingly insurmountable challenges in that endeavor.

When all was said and done, the winning biscuit belonged to a beautiful lady named Kim Dockery. Kim, I hope you will enjoy wearing your new earrings!

**If you'd like to know about drawings in the future, "like" Taproot Studio's Facebook page. You can find it here.

A Nice Reminder

2010-12-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

Never was there a child more suitably named than my Emily. (Her name means "industrious.) There really isn't much down time in that brain of hers. The other day she was waiting for me to get ready to run errands with her and suddenly our leafy front yard became her ginormous canvas.

Whoever creates the crop circles in England has nothing on my girl. She made a really beautiful design in the leaves while she waited on her dawdling mother.

How liberating it is to just enjoy the process of creating...to simply enjoy exploring and expressing. It doesn't require a fancy art studio or expensive supplies and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of our efforts. Thank you. Emily, for for reminding me to see potential in everyday objects and sieze the opportunity to play and create and enjoy this beautiful world.

There All the Time

2010-11-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

This dresser is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. The huz and I unearthed it long ago in a little shop in southern England. For years I wished I had a key for the top two drawers. They open and close just fine, but I wanted to be able to lock them. (In case we were one day visited by a lingerie thief, I suppose.)

The other day I looked down at a charm necklace I wear quite often and had the brilliant idea that, just for kicks, I'd try my favorite little skeleton key in one of the locks.

Yep, you guessed it...a perfect match!

I was really surprised. It makes me wonder how many other "keys" are jingling around in my life. How many answers to questions are already in my heart and my mind, just waiting to be recognized and put to use?

To the Moon and Back

2010-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

I've been busy setting up a store on the online marketplace, Art Fire. I love it that they set aside a place for me to describe my inspiration for the pieces I offer for sale. Here's one I wrote today:

"Love you to the moon and back" is one of my favorite expressions of love...mostly because it mentions the moon. I remember so many evenings in my childhood, looking at that magical glowing orb in the night sky...so mysterious and far away and yet so constant in its movement...so predictable in its travels. Shining full and bright or barely visible as a sliver, it was always right where it was supposed to be on any given night and that gave me a sort of peace and reassurance. It still does.

I have a long way to go before my new store is complete, but you can check out what I have so far at http://www.artfire.com/users/taprootstudio. I hope you like what you see.

Also, I opened a Facebook business page for Taproot Studio a few weeks back. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/taprootstudio .

Good grief, there's a lot going on around here...

Aiming Past the Wood

2010-10-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood,

you will have nothing. Aim past the wood,

aim through the wood." - Annie Dillard

We've made some progress on the tree I mentioned in the last post and the logs are starting to pile up. It's time for my thirteen-year-old to learn the fine art of log splitting.

The Annie Dillard quote above is true, not just literally, but symbolically, and I hope I can use this opportunity to teach a greater truth to my son. Sometimes you just have to fix your focus beyond what lay just before you to get where you want to be.

I often think if we could see too far down the road of any endeavor we might never dare move forward. If known in advance, the challenges and obstacles ahead might well overwhelm us before we even got started. Often the only way to progress is to set our eyes on the prize...the end result...the finish line. This is, afterall, hope. This is, afterall, faith.

Our Weekend Project

2010-10-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's a gorgeous day, which is good, because we have some major work to do outside. A big storm moved through some time ago, taking several trees down, and today is the day we are finally going to start cleaning up one of the larger ones. This particular tree was an oak measuring almost 100 feet tall. It will supply plenty of firewood for our wood stove this winter!

I am most interested in the root system of this tree because it provides a great illustration of why I chose the name Taproot for my studio. As large and heavy as oaks like this are, they do not have taproot systems. Their roots tend to spread laterally, generally staying within a few feet of the ground surface. They have no deep reaching roots to anchor them firmly to the earth.

As you can see, when the storm and strong winds came, this huge oak fell right over, exposing the weak root system, and killing the tree.

This is the reason I work under the name Taproot...It reminds me that I must reach deep to grow strong. Every day I must be "furtile ground"...growing stronger by walking in faith, hope and love.

A Change of Scenery

2010-10-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about seeing and appreciating beautiful things is that I can employ that inspiration to bless people I love. The lovely potting shed/bedroom installation I shared with you yesterday encouraged me to surprise my family with a special outdoor setting for our lunch today. I love the way a beautiful table setting looks against the backdrop of nature.

It all started with a white canopy and some patio furniture placed under the big oak tree in our front yard. Several patio plants helped to anchor the grouping and help it feel "set apart" from the surrounding area.

After choosing simple table linens, I searched the house for items that would add visual interest and personality to the environment. One of my favorite ideas was to personalize each place setting with a message composed with scrabble tiles.

Once the table was set, I added several items meant to encourage the family to "linger" a bit after the meal...

...nice fluffy pillows in the seats and a soft blanket nearby, in case someone felt chilly (we had a cool front move in yesterday!)...board games...a few sketch books...and more scrabble tiles.

We had a simple little picnic, made extra special by the beautiful environment.

The piece de resistance was the beautiful sunshine and the fresh, cool breeze that graced our entire afternoon. Just as I had hoped, we spent much of our day together in our beautiful outdoor room. A simple change of scenery and a little creativity turned a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Still Reeling...

2010-10-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever taken in so much through your senses that your whole system feels like it's on overload? It happens to me fairly often, this week being no exception. My mind is still reeling a bit from the sights and sounds of my trip to Round Top. Maybe writing about it will help me calm me down!

I want to tell you about an amazing room we happened upon toward the end of our journey. It is still calling my name. In the entry was this beautiful potter's shed, filled with vintage tools, miscellaneous garden items, and earthy accents. There was even a raised flower bed installed in the middle of the room.

Now, here's the really great part. This potter's shed also contained a totally scrumptious bedroom...beautiful linens, fine furniture, and all. It was all I could do not to to squeal in delight. (Okay, well maybe I did squeal just a little.) My heart definitely skipped a beat.

Imagine...not only was every detail of this setting just gorgeous, the huge overhead doors on either side of the building were wide open and a fresh morning breeze was blowing across it all. I so wanted to curl up and take a nap, but I was afraid the three bears might come home and chase Goldilocks out of town!

The blending of the two environments was what made the room so exquisite. Both the bedroom and the shed were delightful on their own, but the two intermingled...that eclectic mix of earthiness and refinement...was breathtaking. Did you notice the birdbath with the mirror top next to the bed? How about the sophisticated little silver containers on the mirror or the beautiful china and jadite dishes nestled in the pile of clay pots? Pure genius...

Oh, maybe this will be the year I build the outdoor room I always wanted.

Oh, Where to Begin?

2010-10-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

After spending three days at the Round Top Antiques Fair (read about it here), I am excited, inspired, and worn out. There is no way to see everything at his huge event, but my friend and I certainly tried. Now that I am home... jammies on, feet propped up, and a puppy nestled at my side, I have no idea how to even begin to describe it all to you. Just imagine good company, beautiful weather, and miles and miles of vintage, altered, and artistic finds...

Many of my first impressions had to do with the beautiful colors surrounding me. Being a graphics girl at heart, I was drawn to the collection of old signage pictured below. I love the juxtaposition of the different typefaces and orange and blue is one of my favorite color combinations. Funny...I doubt that whoever stashed these items against the back of a tent realized that someone would view their arrangement as a work of art!

And just look at the slippers below, from Feathering Your Nest in Smithville, Texas. I really should have brought a pair of these home. How could you not be happy with these yummy colors and textures on your feet?

I love the way they were just piled together in the display bin. It reminded me of the relay game we played as kids where we had to pick our shoes out of a pile and put them on before tagging the next person. Slippers would have been helpful in that game...lacing up my sneakers always slowed me down.

I am winding down fast and so I leave you for now with one last image. If ever I were to buy a sleigh (which is highly unlikely, to say the least), this would be the one.

The tufted burnt orange cushion on this piece is simply stunning. And how about those ginormous bobber things on the ground beside it? Talk about a random combination of objects...

Well, I have many more things to show you, but they'll have to wait. My pillow is calling, rather, shouting my name! Ah, it's good to be home.

Transformations

2010-09-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I developed a new semi-obsessive interest in silver plated spoons. (Did you see my last post?) Since then I've scoured second-hand shops and rummage sales for vintage utensils, the older the better. I've got some ideas for Christmas ornaments and jewelry, but for now I am having a lot of fun hammering the spoons flat and embellishing them with stamped words and phrases.

Each piece is absolutely unique and full of character, bearing many marks and imperfections.

I think a lot about spiritual parallels when I work in my studio. When altering these spoons I remember that they were uncared for and discarded until I purchased them, seeing the potential each one held. Despite their layers of tarnish and grime, I believed that each one could be transformed into something new and beautiful in its own right. Do you see where I'm going with this?

I can't think of a better illustration of the transforming love of Christ. Even in our lowest moments He sees our potential. He looks far beyond our imperfections and sees something beautiful. He values us so greatly that He gave His life as the purchase price.

That's a big message for a little spoon to carry and it was a huge cross for one man to bear. I hope today you know how valuable and full of potential you are. In the capable hands of our Creator, marks left by hurt, shame and regret are not only redeemed, but transformed. Our scars become an essential part of our character and beauty.

Anticipation

2010-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I should just write my entire blog about the MT SYLVAN COFFEE HOUSE & MERCANTILE. I spend enough time there and I love the people that frequent the place so much. Sometimes when I walk in I hear can almost hear the theme song to the television show, Cheers,... "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came..."

I walked into such a sweet atmosphere this morning, as Denise Warren was readying the tables for a bridal luncheon. As proprietor, Denise always takes great care in preparing a fresh and peaceful environment for her guests and today was no exception.

There is something delicious in the anticipation of a celebration. There is nothing more joyful than friends coming together to share a bit of life, and being asked to facilitate that is really quite an honor. I was blessed to be able to help out today by furnishing centerpieces for the tables. They featured some of the vintage spoons I've been altering and stamping lately. (I'll have to post some more pictures of those later.)

So I've been thinking a lot today about that atmosphere...where preparations are made for a great celebration. What if we lived each day with that kind of anticipation? What if we walked around believing something joyful and wonderful was about to occur? Would we see and interpret things differently? Would set-backs and dissapointments become opportunities...just bumps on the road to something better?

Just One Question...

2010-09-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

How am I supposed to get anything done with this face begging me to come play?

Thanks, Deisel, for helping me find balance in my day!

Something Pretty

2010-08-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

No deep thoughts or great insights to share today...just a pretty idea for a vase. Our local coffee house uses vintage light fixture globes to hold simple floral arrangements. They are just so much fun.

I found out today that the owner found several of these globes in the building before it was restored, although the structure was not previously fitted for electricity. Interesting... (click here to read more about MT SYLVAN COFFEE HOUSE AND MERCANTILE).

Anyhoo, I wanted to show you my version. I found this globe at a resale shop for just 49 cents. There is nothing better than a great find at a great price!

I would love to hear about ways you repurpose things in your home. Maybe you know of new uses for old linens or other items no longer in service. I'd be especially interested to hear any creative ideas you have for storage...I am currently on a slightly manic mission to rid my environment of plastic storage containers. Right now my favorite substitutes are vintage glass jars and picnic baskets. What are the current trends at your house?

Summer House

2010-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Our summer house has...

...time for impromptu sleepovers with friends.

...time to rediscover our passions.

...and time to enjoy our favorite things. (One of my new faves is limeaid with a splash of orange juice, absolutely the best when served in a glass that belonged to my grandmother.)

I love our summer house!

Little Things

2010-08-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

“In the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” - Kahlil Gibran

Art flows from life. If I want my art to be refreshing and encouraging, I must allow myself time to be refreshed and encouraged. In order to create beautiful things, I first appreciate the beauty around me.

Today was one of those happy days when I was able to set my "to do" list aside and recharge. It started with an impromptu coffee date with a friend, during which I purchased this too-cute and not-so-little flower pin with a vintage button center:

Wearing it made me so happy, especially after I added my favorite strand of pearls. It was like wearing a badge announcing my light-hearted mood.

Another little thing that made me happy was the yummy array of colors in these strands of glass beads found at a local resale shop.

The sales lady offered me a great bargain on them. The best part? I assumed the price she quoted was per strand, only to find out at the register she meant it for the whole collection! There is just nothing like the feeling of getting a great deal.

Finally, I tried something new for our evening meal that I'd like to share with you. Along with some beautiful steamed vegetables and grilled beef, I made this Blueberry and Red Pepper Salsa:

Lovely food can do so much to heighten the senses and instill a feeling of well-being. The recipe I tried tonight is based on one recently published in Southern Living magazine. I came across it while waiting at the optometrist's office, which explains why I can't tell you which issue it was in and why I had to guess at most of the quantities! I'm sure the Southern Living version was great, but I bet it couldn't beat this one.

Blueberries and red peppers...who knew? I hope you'll try it!

Blueberry and Red Pepper Salsa

2 1/2 c fresh blueberries, chopped

1/2 c whole fresh blueberries

Juice of 1 lemon

4 T cilantro, finely chopped

1 lg. jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (more to taste)

3/4 c red bell pepper, diced

1/2 tsp sea salt

Toss all ingredients together and let sit 30 minutes to allow flavores to blend.

Serve with baked whole grain pita chips

All in all, it was not a momentous day. No great problems were solved; no projects were completed, but the little things...the kindnesses, the discoveries, the precious moments...left me refreshed and renewed. I can't wait to get back to work in the studio tomorrow!

A Tribute to the Human Spirit

2010-07-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

There are incalculable resources in the human spirit, once it has been set free.

Hubert H. Humphrey

I think my mother can do anything when she sets her mind to it. Staying mobile is an increasing challenge for her these days, but she didn't let that stop her when we got the chance to run down to the beach yesterday. In case you ever wondered, walkers work really well on wet sand. I had a hard time keeping up with her!

I think the best part of our pretty much all-round great day was the moment when the first wave hit our feet. It was sheer joy to hear my mom giggle with excitement. We watched my son splash in the water and the birds fly overhead. We soaked in the sunshine and talked about how beautiful this world is. It was very good.

Home Again

2010-07-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams. - Author Unknown

Enjoying this pretty little breakfast my mom just brought in, propped up in the iron bed that was mine as a girl, surrounded by reminders of my youth...I am, at long last, ready to return to my little blog.

I wouldn't call the last several months a "dry" period. I haven't been writing a lot, but our home has been happy and lots of jewelry has been coming out of the studio. Still, I feel this slow deterioration of the deep-rooted peace that lets me know things are in balance. I realized a few weeks back that neglecting the discipline of journaling was taking its toll on me. Writing helps me stay focused, centered, and sane! Returning to my blog is part of my plan to get back on track. I have also taken up the habit of writing morning pages.

Morning pages, a long-time practice and teaching of artist, author and mentor, Julia Cameron, are three pages of writing (long hand) anything that comes to your head. In her classic book, The Artist's Way, Cameron suggests that artists do this every day to awaken creativity. (Click here to read more about morning pages.) For me this type of journaling is a form of prayer. I come just as I am, pour out whatever is in my heart and mind, and I listen. I get answers. I gain clarity. And today, I was inspired as I wrote and looked up to see this amazing Rose of Sharon blooming outside the window of my parents back bedroom.

It is good to spend time in the home where I grew up. So often when I come to visit I am rushed... here for a weekend, or here for an event. But this week I am just "here". I have time to rest in this place so filled with memories. I have time to remember and honor much of what made me who I am. It is bittersweet.

I look out at the Rose of Sharon, so generously offering its gorgeous bouquet and I marvel at how large this plant is now. I remember when it was tiny. Come to think of it, I remember when it wasn't there at all. I look out into the yard and remember plastic swimming pools, our big swing set, birthday celebrations, and lazy summer mornings just like this when everything was right in my little world. My biggest worry was what game my little sister and I would play when the afternoon heat drove us inside for the day.

I find myself wishing our old playhouse was still out back, with it's big windows and adjacent sandbox. Maybe I'd build a few sand pies for our imaginary bakery or maybe I'd just sit and dig my toes deep into the soothing cool of the sand. Maybe there, surrounded by so many memories, I'd hear, loud and clear, the laughter of a little girl who knows she is loved and believes anything is possible.

I hope you make time today to remember and honor something good from your past. Allow these memories to lift and encourage your spirit as you close your eyes, dig in deep, and listen.

Bird Invasion

2010-02-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

We have been inundated with feathered friends this past week and I am much inspired to create some jewelry in their honor.
I began by collecting little bird figures from around the house. They are a great visual reference for different ways to stylize wings, tails, etc. Today I lined them up on the windowsill to watch the snow come down. (Yes, we are getting more snow!...very unusual for our area.)

I have also been doodling little bird and flower motifs lately, so I pulled those out, as well.

The bottom right picture above became this delicate little pendant. I love that the leaf swings freely...that really makes me happy.

I haven't hammered and soldered the earwires for these tiny little sterling birds beads yet, but I love the length. The birds dangle so sweetly from their elongated perch. These I will keep for myself, however, because I've discovered I need to make an adjustment. In order to keep the birds facing forward, I need to make a fixed loop on top instead of using headpins through a hole. I will like the look of the fixed loop better, anyway.

I've already started another pair and love that the birds I'm making today have a different personality from the first. Even birds need their own identity!

Shiny Things and Food for Thought

2010-02-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

This will be a quick post. Today is a mom day, as I am leaving in a few to chaperone my son's field trip. I just want to share some pictures of my first attempts at silversmithing. I am still on cloud nine after my class last week. My first project was a pair of shiny, dangly earrings...so much fun to wear!

Each project was designed to teach certain skills...sawing, grinding, and lots and lots of soldering:

On the final day, we were able to put a little more of our "selves" into a project as we designed our own stone and wire pendants. I went for an asymmetrical, dynamic design and was pleased with the results:

Back when I was in art school I remember walking by the silversmith studios and thinking to myself, "What could you possibly do with such a degree?" It seemed like a lot of fun, but entirely impractical. I just didn't know the possibilities.

As I consider this, I realize I have that attitude about a lot of things. I tend to take the safe road, believing that the "fun stuff" would get me nowhere. But what if the fun stuff is fun to me because I was born to do it?

Hmmm... food for thought as I take off to spend the afternoon with 300 junior high band students. Have a great day!

Narnia in Our Backyard

2010-02-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

My mind is still reeling from all the things I learned and experienced at my silversmithing class last week. I love the feeling of all that newness and possibility. Maybe our snow day last Friday was symbolic of all that "newness" I was experiencing...new friends, new skills, new inspiration.

I have yet to photograph the jewelry I made, but I will say I have definitely found a new love!

Until I get some jewelry pics posted, here are a few snow photos for you to enjoy:

Our day started early, since we knew the temperatures were expected to rise quickly., My kids began making snowmen at 7:00 in the morning!

Dakota Joe was beside himself with excitement over all that white stuff. (We all were, Texans that we are!) Our overgrown puppy must have eaten his weight in snow.

I loved seeing the woods transformed overnight. Just for a day we had Narnia in out very own backyard.

All Over Again

2010-02-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Some days are just so amazingly wonderful that you just wish you could wake up and do it all over again. I knew it would be just such a day when we woke up to a dusting of snow. Now I realize that to many of you, a "dusting" of snow is not noteworthy, but for us it is a real treat. If you look very closely at the photo below, you will see what a small amount of white stuff it takes to get our attention.

To make the day even better, I was headed to day 2 of a 4-day silversmith workshop held at Beulah Land, a local B&B. (http://www.beulahlandranch.com/ ) This is my first experience in silver jewelry formation and I am loving it!

Our instructor, Mr. Dan Haga (http://danhaga.hagaweb.com/ ) is a gifted artist and teacher and our hosts, John and Sue Carlson are nothing short of wonderful. As we worked on our projects today, I had a hard time not gazing at the snow that continued to fall, but I did manage to finish a pair of earrings and a bracelet. I'll post pictures in the next few days!

Finally, as if this day wasn't great enough already, the snow began to accunmulate as temperatures dropped this evening so I ended the day with a snowy walk in our woods with my son. What could be better?

I am a happy girl tonight and do you want to know the best part? It's still snowing and I have two more days of silversmith classes left, soooo, tomorrow I get to do this wonderful day all over again! Now...if only I could sleep...

For the Sake of Giving

2010-02-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

Drip, drip, drip...definitely an inside day. I intended to organize my studio this morning, but as I was getting started, I heard a local radio station request handmade valentines for kids in the hospital. Hmmm...spend the day cleaning, or play with scissors, paper and glue...honestly, which would you choose?

I had the best time thinking about what would put a smile on the face of a child. I thought about the time I had chicken pox and my classmates made get well cards for me. I kept those cards for years. My favorite was made by a friend who was super-artsy, even at the tender age of seven. I'm sure Deborah is out there scrapbooking and altering books even to this day. Way back then, she glued a little pouch to the inside of my card and included a tiny note complete with artwork. I remember pulling that little note out and reading it again and again just because it was so stinkin' cute. Today I put lots of surprises in the cards, imagining little hands touching and little eyes lighting up.

I loved working with bold "kid" colors and fun images (not to mention stickers and pipe cleaners and google eyes). More importantly, though, I love knowing that these creations will be given anonymously.

This year I have a goal to give more just for the sake of giving, without looking for any acknowledgement or anything in return. Care to join me? Let's see just how many kindnesses we can share without telling a soul! Of course this one won't count since I told you about it :)

Have you ever been blessed by an anonymous giver? I'd love to hear your story!

In Due Time

2010-02-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Walking along our trail this afternoon, I thought of the many hours I spent clearing it last February and March. It seemed I was out there almost every day.

It's hard to believe that was a year ago. So many things have changed since then. A year ago I worked alone. Now I have two puppies to keep me company. I prayed a lot back then about my daughter entering college and my son moving into junior high. Now they are both settled in their new schools and doing great. Twelve months ago I was thinking of starting a blog, a website, or maybe an etsy store. All of those dreams are now reality and I’m learning to balance it all. While some issues remain unresolved, many have somehow worked out and, sadly, some things I truly enjoyed are just a memory now.

I want to dwell on this for a while...to allow my ever-changing circumstances to teach me to look beyond the present, to count my blessings, and to keep hope alive when things are hard because everything could be so very different a year, a month, or even a day from now. This life is dynamic and flowing with possibilities, creativity, and joy when we embrace and expect change.

Where were you one year ago? What has changed in your life? Be encouraged, my friend. Embrace the blessings that are yours today and believe that what is heavy on your heart may not disappear tomorrow, but it will most definitely resolve in due time.

A View from Above

2010-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

I ran across this photo of our front yard as I was organizing my photos today.

It was taken early one morning last summer, when the day was fresh and full of possibilities. This is the view from the desk in my studio.
Sometimes I look out and see my son chasing (or being chased) by our dog or my daughter sitting on the swing with a friend. I can see the driveway as people come and go and I always seem to look up just when our sweet mail lady leaves something in the box by the road.
From this vantage point, I see a bigger picture than I would see on the ground. I see things "in context", if that makes sense at all.
It reminds me how grateful I am that there is One higher than I Who watches over me. When I can't see past my immediate situation, my Father in heaven is there, knowing all that has been and all that will be in my life and in the lives of my loved ones. From God's perspective, every moment is fresh and full of possibilities and nothing is random or out of control. Most importantly, just as I look on my children with such overwhelming love as they laugh and play and trust, my Heavenly Dad delights in me simply because I am His.
There's a little verse trying to make it's way out of my head today. It's nothing fancy, but it expresses a bit of what's on my heart:

On days when I don't understand
I place my life in your strong hands
And trust that from your throne on high
You see and know the reason why
Then, safely resting in Your grace,
I sense a smile upon Your face

Where Did I Go?

2010-01-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yay! I'm back! Since I didn't post any pictures over the holidays I thought I'd share my favorite photo of our puppies. Dakota is almost a year old and at the time this image was taken, Deisel was about 2 months. As you can see, Dakota was maybe not so excited about his new friend.

So I haven't posted since November. What's up with that? Yes, the holidays came and it was a busy season, but was it that busy? Not really. Besides, we make time for the things we truly love and I love blogging, right?

So why can't I seem to make myself put my thoughts to paper (or keyboard) lately?

I'm doing that "thing" again. It's that thing where I can't simply do something for the pure joy of it. Somehow it was beginning to morph into a chore...a task...an assignment. I slowly succumbed to the temptation to think about attracting more readers, more followers. I saw the potential for my blog as a marketing tool for my jewelry business and I began to move in that direction.

The joy of writing my little blog was slowly draining away.

Instead of sharing my heart, I began to feel like a ghost writer for someone I thought I should and maybe even wanted to be.

You know, I've been there and done that. For years I tried to be who other people said I should be. I tried to fit the mold, to meet the expectations. The truth is, when I am in my studio or writing a blog post, I sometimes get a glimpse of a girl who wants to be known but always ends up hiding. I think I recognize her. I think she's me.

I would like for this blog to be a safe place for her... a place where she can express her heart...a place where she can step into the light and be free.

So here's my plan: henceforth I will write from my heart and not my head. I am going to avoid, as much as possible, things like the site meter I am about to remove because they encourage me to try to "measure" my success at this. It's such a habit with me. I'm going to have to go cold turkey.

And so, in honor of the child that is stepping forth, I leave you with a few images of a freer, less encumbered me:

Just playing in the front yard...not a care in the world

"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain one"

Pablo Picasso

Laughing (as always) with my baby sister

"Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will bo no means enter it"

Mark 10:15

I would love to hear about the things that bring you joy and your favorite ways to express what's in your heart. Do you ever struggle to be the true you?

The Gift of a Clean Slate

2009-11-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

During a very brisk walk this morning, I realized the breeze was getting a little breezier and the chill in the air was a little chillier. I looked up to see a line of clouds rapidly moving to the east, leaving nothing behind but clear, blue sky...clean, pure, lovely endlessness.
I was suddenly acutely aware of the new mercies that are mine today. I awoke to a clean slate, a chance to make better choices and make the most of the blessings I've received. I have the opportunity to be a little more aware, a little less selfish, a little more faithful. I believe this is the gift for which I am most grateful as Thanksgiving day approaches...the daily gift of a clean slate.

Ready for Monday

2009-11-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I had trouble sleeping. Usually my head hits the pillow and I'm gone, but last night my mind simply refused to get still. Maybe it was the coffee I had too late in the day. Or maybe I allowed myself to dwell too long on my "to do" list. (I know better.) Sometimes everything seems so urgent. Ironically, urgency tends to paralyze me.

So, instead of tossing and turning, I padded down to the living room in my sock feet and tucked myself under my most favorite blanket. In a silent, sleepy house, I pondered my weekend and the week ahead.

It didn't rain Saturday as I had expected. (Apparently I was the only one around here that heard that particular weather report.) Saturday turned out to be a great day to rake and burn the ocean of leaves that covered our front yard. Our pup was a lot of "help", playing in the leaves as we piled them on tarps and dragged them to the fire.

This big guy turned up as I was raking. He was about 4 inches long and quite plump. (Hard to tell from the picture.) We admired him for a while and then placed him in some leaves under a bush, hoping he would find a new, happy home. Isn't he a lovely shade of green?

Sunday afternoon was spent as all Sunday afternoons should be spent... with friends. We demolished a fresh apple cake and drank too much coffee on the front patio, which is most likely the reason I could not sleep later. It was totally worth it, though, because we had a very sweet time (sorry about the pun) and our friends saved us from eating too much cake on our own.

So, after such a lovely weekend I found myself so very grateful for simple things...beautiful things. I am grateful for unruly puppies and big fat caterpillars. I am grateful for my friends and family, and the way they beckon me out of the tunnel in which I so often find myself where I get too serious or too focused on me. And I am grateful that on the brink of a busy, pressure-filled week I had a few very quiet moments to collect my thoughts and rejoice in all that is good in my life. Okay, Monday. I'm ready for you now.

A Few Treasures to Share

2009-11-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

I did a little shopping last weekend at First Monday in Canton, Texas and came away with a few treasures. My favorites were these skeleton keys and miscellaneous pieces of hardware. I can't wait to get them cleaned up and sealed so I can use them in some jewelry projects I have in mind.

I was also happy to find these vintage calling cards. I don't really have any plans for them right now, I was just just struck by their sweetness and thought I'd add them to my file of fabulous stationary.

Let's see...what else? Some pretty gemstones and pearls...vintage jewelry odds and ends...lots to keep me busy...and more large house keys to be altered. I guess I'd better get to work! I'll post some photos when I get some new pieces together.

We're expecting a rainy Saturday tomorrow. I need to photograph some jewelry, so I'm going to have to try to get that done before midday, when the clouds are expected to roll in. I've been doing most of my photography outdoors and that takes a bit of planning.

One last thing...I thought I'd share a color pallette I'm compiling. It started with a pretty red leaf as the main color. I laid it on my desk and have since added bits and pieces of gold, light teals and greens, and various blues. The bit of purple I have added here might be a bit too much...what do you think?

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend ahead. Enjoy!

It's Good to be Back

2009-10-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I definitely checked out of blogland for a while as I got ready for last weekend's street fair at our local coffee house. The weather cooperated quite nicely and it was a lot of fun to be out and about with neighbors and friends. I am so happy to live in a community that has so much creative energy flowing through it!

Building up my inventory for the event helped me get focused and prepared for the holiday season. I have a lot of Taproot crosses in stock right now and will be listing these on etsy for the first time in the next few days! Here's a small sampling of what I'll be listing:

With each necklace that includes a cross pendant, I like to include this message about the process of creating a Taproot cross:

Taproot crosses bear on their surface a patchwork pattern, symbolizing unity within the diversity of the Christian church. This pattern employs the process of caning, based on an Italian glass working technique called "millefiori" (meaning "a thousand flowers"). Polymer clay caning produces cylinders or logs of clay with designs running through the middle of each “cane”. Although the effect can often appear to be painted, each color in the design is actually a separate color of clay.

For the creation of Taproot crosses, several flower canes are combined to form what I call a “mega-cane”. As this mega-cane is stretched and reduced in diameter, the flower forms bend and change slightly to accommodate each other. This creates a dynamic and cohesive pattern to be applied to the surface of each individually formed cross.

Here are a few of the canes I am currently working with:

and some earrings made from individual canes:

Well, there's lots to do in the studio today, so I'd better get back to it. I am glad to be back to my blogging and will share more soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Oh, So Yummy

2009-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I walked into my friend's coffee house this morning and my jaw dropped.

Is this not the most scrumptious apron you've ever seen? And just look what she has stashed away in her studio:

Vintage linens, adorned with embroidery and crochet lend their unique personalities to each apron. Isn't this little ring pocket wonderful?

These beauties will soon be available at the Mt Sylvan Coffee House and Mercantile, just in time for the holidays. You may even supply your own linens to be incorporated in a custom design. What a lovely way to preserve and enjoy precious family heirlooms.

The Quality of the Day

2009-10-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

Henry David Thoreau

I've been working on my self-talk lately, finding that a simple word or phrase can turn my thoughts in a good direction and improve my day immensely. A few months ago I began altering old keys with visual reminders of things that make me stronger and happier. I guess you could say they are "keys" to a joyful life!

I just put the finishing touches on these last night and plan to string them on antique brass ball chains. I've not actually seen antique brass ball chains for sale lately, but I'm keeping hope alive that they do exist. (any suggestions of where to find them?)

I've been adding little one or two word encouragements to my gift bags, too.

How amazing it is to think that such a small detail...just a word or a phrase or some little visual...can change someone's outlook. There is such power in what and how we choose to communicate. It is a total blessing to know that these little keys and tags might just put hope in someone's heart or a smile on someone's face.
I hope you are encouraged today, my friend, and that you will find a way to encourage someone close to you. A few simple words truly can affect the quality of this day :)

Nesting

2009-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

My son brought this butterfly to me yesterday. It's wings were a little tattered and it moved very little as he held it on his hand. I'm sure we were witnessing this marvelous creature's last few moments of existence. What a privilege.

A little later he brought this flower to me...It was the last spider lily left blooming. I'm glad he brought it in. A big rainstorm moved through last night and this exquisite bloom would have been pummeled.

I sense a theme emerging. The fading butterfly...The last lily...The world around me is in transition. Fall is settling in and nature is preparing for winter. I notice my own thoughts are turning toward my nest, wanting to create a warm and inviting environment where my family will take refuge from the chill of winter. Time to pull out some soft blankets and make soup!

What do you like to do when the weather turns cool?

Inspiration in Paint Water

2009-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

This will be a quick post...I've been spending mucho hours in the studio lately. When I'm not there, I'm playing catch-up with the rest of my life. I'm afraid the housework is coming out on the short end of that deal.

Anyway, I was just about to wash out this paint jar and noticed how beautiful it is. (I think I've posted at least one picture of paint jars before...I guess I have a thing for them.) I took a picture for my own inspiration and thought I'd share...

Love, love, love that mustard color with the teal. And how about that splash of red at the top of the jar? Oooh.

I hope your eyes are wide open to the beautiful colors around you today. Happy Saturday!

Better Late than Never...

2009-09-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Julia at Drawn to the Sea had a great idea when she announced First Word Friday last week. I was excited about participating again and thought I would post something early this morning, but you see how well I followed through on that one. (There's not a whole lot of Friday left at this point.) Let's give it a go anyway, shall we? As a reminder, here is how Julia introduced her idea:

Posting in short bursts invites you to interact, to be part of the process. Sometimes I simply offer a little vignette... & hope it speaks to you, or through you. Will you share a little of the story you see in the photo above (or in my case, below), in three sentences or less?

The first word is Before...

I really do hope you'll take a moment to jot down a piece of the story this image inspires in you. What lies beyond this doorway? Is it the beginning of a journey or the end?

If you get a chance, visit Drawn to the Sea to see others who are participating and read responses to the beautiful photo Julia posted. That's what I'm off to do right now. Have a wonderful weekend!

Fertile Ground

2009-09-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

The line between collage and jewelry is often a bit blurred in my work. Lately I've been creating small charms by bonding images to sheets of brass and then trimming, sanding and sealing them. The charms in these necklaces were created with scans of vintage seed packets. Seeds, like promises, grow and come to fruition in fertile ground.

This necklace is already hanging in the jewelry case in our local coffee shop. Maybe it will find a new home soon!

By setting aside more time for creative endeavors and disciplining myself with a little more structure in my days, I hope to become "fertile ground" for the potential within me to flourish and grow. Today I am working on organization in my studio and creating more charm necklaces in preparation for the upcoming street fair in our community. I am also going to do some research on the Austrian Symbolist painter, Gustav Klimt, as I am fascinated by his compositions. The subject matter is definitely for "mature" audiences, but I find myself drawn to the collage-like quality and the stunningly intricate graphic detail typical of his creations. I also love to study the progression of his work as he moved from traditional training to expression that was truly innovative and unique.

(Read a bit about Gustav Klimt and see some examples of his work here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Klimt)

What seeds will be planted in your life today? How will you provide fertile ground for their growth?

No "Givens"

2009-09-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

So after all my talk of sunshine yesterday, look what I saw upon waking this morning:

The weather can be so unpredictable as we move from summer to fall. One day I'm dancing barefoot in the sunshine, the next day I have raindrops dripping from the tip of my nose or I'm hunting for a sweater to ward off a fresh chill in the air.

Life is just that unpredictable in so many ways. There are no "givens." Rain clouds appear unexpectedly. Frosty evenings send a chill through my bones. All I know to do is look for the hidden blessings and trust that even the darkest night is broken by the sunrise.

The Sun is Shining! The Sun is Shining!

2009-09-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

After several (eight, to be exact) days of sopping-wet weather, the sun is finally shining! I am finding all sorts of unusual things growing in the woods. (That sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?) These newly sprouted beauties probably won't last long. They are already starting to deteriorate.

How about this...whatever it is? Such gorgeous color and texture. Look quick before it's gone :)

A few fall leaves are showing up here and there. In East Texas we tend to have a lot of false starts to Fall. I'm sure we're still in for some very warm days.

I hope you're enjoying the beauty and color that surrounds you today. What seasonal changes are you seeing?

Let's Have Some Fun

2009-09-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Julia over at Drawn to the Sea has a creative challenge posted today. Won't you join the fun? Simply leave a comment sharing the story you see unfolding in the photo below. (Three sentences or less, please.) I'll even give you a word to get you started.

Lately...

To see who else is playing or to post your own First Word Friday challenge, visit this most fabulous site: http://drawntothesea.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-word-is-quiet.html

Loving this Collage Kick

2009-09-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more collage pieces. I just can't seem to not use words! (I have trouble with that all the time. I state the obvious. I leave ridiculously long phone messages. Economy of words is definitely not my forte.) Maybe someday I will learn to let images speak for themselves, but apparently that has not happened on this day.
I am really loving this collage kick I'm on, words and all.

I truly believe that our creativity is given to us so that we can communicate true and beautiful things. I hope these images will encourage, comfort, and inspire.

Something New

2009-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well, after talking about "getting into the boat" in my last post, I feel like I've been challenged to do just that as I prepare for an upcoming art fair. I normally create mostly jewelry for these types of events but this time I've decided to put some of my collage work out there. Here are a few pieces that I will take to the show:

These are small pieces (5"X7") but I hope to create some larger works in the next few weeks.

I would also like to work with just images and color (no words), but for now I'm enjoying the positive reminders I get from the quotes, so I'm going to go with that for a while in hopes that others will be encouraged as well.

I will try to post more soon. Thanks for looking!

Getting into the Boat

2009-09-08T00:15:00.000-07:00

I took a few days off from blogging (and everything else) last week to prepare for a river camping trip with the huz and kids. Just got back yesterday and wanted to share some pictures of our lovely long weekend on the Sabine River on the Texas/Louisiana border.

We enjoyed the mystery of foggy mornings...

and the majesty of gorgeous sunsets.

The hours in between were filled with beautiful, rugged sights.

I loved rowing down the river, experiencing and seeing things in ways I never could from the shore. In a boat one becomes part of the river instead of being just an observer.

It reminds me that I can choose to observe life as it appears from my present position, thinking that maybe someday I'll do this or that, or I can "get in the boat". I can choose to enter into something new right now, believing that when I do, a whole different (and much fuller) experience awaits me.

Thoughts and Images

2009-08-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

I hope you are finding much joy and beauty in your world today. As promised, I've put together a collection of thoughts from the great poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, and images from my own portfolio to inspire and calm your creative spirit...

Seek those (themes) which your everyday life offers you; describe your sorrows, desires, passing thoughts and belief in some sort of beauty.

Describe all these with loving, quiet, humble sincerity and use to express yourself, the things in your environment, the images from your dreams, and the objects of your memory.

If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself. Tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches. For to the creator there is no poverty and no poor, indifferent place.

Perhaps it will turn out that you are called to be an artist. Then take that destiny upon yourself and bear it, its burden and its greatness, without ever asking what recompense might come from outside.

Your life will in any case find its own ways thence. That they may be good, rich and wide I wish you more than I can say.

Quotations taken from Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, translation by M.D. Herter Norton

All images were captured in the woods that surrounds our home.

Hidden Treasures

2009-08-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Rainer Maria Rilke
(1875-1926)

In his writings, the German poet, Rainer Maria Rilke promoted the importance of patience and acceptance in the thought-life of an artist. He encouraged aspiring writers with the famous words, "Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to learn to love the questions themselves."
Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet is a text to which I return again and again for inspiration and encouragement. Today I began compiling a selection of quotes from the first letter in this collection. Rilke's thoughts about looking to our current environment for inspiration led me to combine his words with photos taken in the woods beyond our house. It seemed a natural combination...I will post the finished project soon.
I am grateful for the reminder to appreciate the beauty that is right outside my back door - to search for loveliness in surprising places. The woods is an obvious treasure trove for such discoveries. Big city apartment buildings and arid deserts are no less stunning. I wonder what riches are waiting to be found in your environment today...

The portrait at top (c. 1907), by Paula Modersohn-Becker is a public domain image uploaded from http://commons.wikipedia.org/ {{PD-Art}}

Far Away Friend

2009-08-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

It’s been a busy week…wrapping up our summer and getting ready for a new school year. With my oldest entering college and my youngest entering junior high school, I am headed full-speed toward an empty nest. It seems that since my daughter began her senior year we look at every activity as the last time we’ll do this…the last time we’ll see that. The days of open houses and field trips are numbered and for a stay-at-home mom, that means a major life change is around the corner.
Saying goodbye to summer this year feels like saying goodbye to a friend who lives far away. I know I'll see my far away friend again, but she won’t be the same. I won't be the same. Life will have shifted a bit (or maybe a lot) when summer returns. It will be good, but it will definitely be different.
What a sweet privilege it is to see my kids grow and mature. Like the butterflies that flit about this time of year, my daughter is coming into her own and my son will follow all too soon. It is an achingly beautiful sight…

Clarity Through Expression

2009-08-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

It is only through the effort of expressing that we clarify and make distinct who we are and who we are becoming.

- Jerry Fresia *

I find that blogging is freeing and intimidating at the same time. On the one hand I can say whatever I want. On the other hand, I can say whatever I want. For a mid-fourties girl who has spent a lifetime trying to please others, the opportunity to express myself honestly is a bit daunting.

To express my "self" I must first find out who she is.

It's hard to get used to having my own space...my own platform where I don't have to say the "right" thing. I don't have to blend or keep the peace. Still I find my self wondering what a reader might need to hear or what I could say that would make you want to return to this space of mine. Old habits are hard to break.

As I learn to write from my heart my true self timidly begins to emerge. It's touch and go. She still wants to hide behind the masks that have kept her safe and made her presentable. I have to say, though, it sure feels good when the masks come off and she feels the sun shining on her face. Maybe I should stock up on sunscreen...

* This quote is from an article entitled "Why We Paint"( http://painting.about.com/od/inspiration/a/JFresia_miracle.htm) Many of the ideas the author presents apply not just to painting, but to any creative expression. It's an encouraging read.

Becoming

2009-08-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

How does one become a butterfly?" she asked pensively."You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."~~Trina Paulus

Painting on Cardboard

2009-08-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

I had a painting instructor once who required his students to paint on scrap pieces of cardboard. What's more, each assignment was to be painted on top of the previous one. It was a great exercise and it taught us to focus on the process instead of the product. Our professor knew that a pristine new canvas and expensive paints could be intimidating and might even cause us to "play it safe" in our creative experimentation. Afterall, we wouldn't want to waste such precious materials.

How good and, indeed imperitive, it is to set aside time and resources to play...to give ourselves permission to experiment and learn without the pressure to produce a great masterpiece. We must be willing to be less than impressive. We must be willing to have nothing tangible to show for our efforts.
This is creativity for creativity's sake and it opens our hearts and our minds to so many wonders. So go ahead and have some fun. Try something new and just enjoy the process.

Two Odd Birds

2009-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

I was wondering why birds weren't coming to our birdbath...

Make an Adventure

2009-08-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul.

-William Somerset Maugham

My son and I were taking a walk the other day when this ominous dark cloud came up. We were quite far from our destination when it began to rain. Asked if he wanted to find a safe place to wait out the storm, he replied, "No, let's keep going and see if we can make an adventure."

Today may you find such child-like trust and abandon in your own heart. May you see in your circumstances the potential for discovery and adventure, no matter how big the challenge and may the road ahead lead to peace and great joy!

This post has nothing to do with berries,

2009-08-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

but isn't this a lovely image? I carry my camera with me everywhere since I started blogging. Can anyone out there relate?

Blogging encourages my creativity in so many ways. I am more focused on the beauty and potential in my surroundings and sharing my discoveries brings me so much joy. I think that's the best part...the sharing. When I hit the "publish post" button, I feel like I just opened up my heart and let someone else take a peek inside. That's both freeing and scary at the same time.

I want to write from my heart more. I want to take more risks in my artwork but I have trouble letting go. e e cummings understood the artists' predicament - the freedom and the insecurity that can surface when we bare our souls - as he wrote:

Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity,

wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals

the human spirit.

Believing in myself...Why is that so hard? Why do I allow the voices of insecurity and doubt to drown out the voice of Truth?

Anniversary Roses

2009-08-01T15:32:00.001-07:00

Look at the gorgeous roses my sweet husband blessed me with today! I love the array of colors as each one symbolizes a different aspect of love. How appropriate for an anniversary bouquet.
I always need a reminder of what each color means. Here’s a list in case you do, too:
Red – romance and passion, also courage (very necessary in love, wouldn't you say?)
Pink – admiration, appreciation and gratitude
Yellow – friendship, joy
White – purity, unity and new beginnings
Orange – passion and excitement
Lavender – enchantment, love at first sight

Hmm...This list sounds like a recipe for a great marriage to me :)

Baby, You and Me

2009-07-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

got a groovy kind of love
You give me freedom to explore and express and grow. Thank you for growing with me. Thank you for your patience and your gentleness. Thank you for your faithfulness to me and to our children.
In 22 years we've had much more laughter than tears and many more good days than bad. As each year passes, I appreciate more and more the way you sharpen and soften me at the same time. You hold the key to my heart. Thank you for carrying it lightly.
I hope this year we will take more walks together and linger over breakfast more often. Maybe we'll even do a bit more star-gazing. Life is moving quickly. I want to savor every moment with you.

I love you, my husband. Thank you for loving me.

English Breakfast Tea

2009-07-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

So we were out of coffee this morning and I had to "make do" with tea. O, happy day! I'd forgotten how much I love a good cup of English breakfast tea. Inspired, I pulled out my favorite tea pot and picked a few flowers for the table. It became a morning beverage event.

Please understand, I do love coffee, but lately I've been drinking it more out of habit than by conscious choice. Believe it or not, this small change in routine set the tone for my entire day. It started me thinking "outside the box" to find creative solutions to all sorts of challenges. Maybe you're not mindlessly drinking the same beverage every morning, but chances are you're in some other rut and making little changes in your routine can transform your thought process. You might even be amazed to find your attitude much more positive and hopeful.

It's not necessary to visit a foreign country or go bungee jumping but it wouldn't hurt to be a little daring. Try wearing a weird hat while cooking dinner or dancing in the grocery store aisle when no one is looking. (Don't worry about the security cameras...I'm sure they record that kind of stuff all the time.) Just do some little thing out of the ordinary today and see how much more creative and alive you feel.

TiltShift (Just for Fun)

2009-07-26T20:09:00.001-07:00

Today I tried an online tool called TiltShift, which manipulates photos making certain elements appear miniaturized. This picture of a window at the beautiful Magnolia Bakery in New York City...
became this entirely different image...

After playing with it a bit, I can tell that photo selection is important. Landscapes, cityscapes, and still lifes seem to work well if there is a horizontal plane on which to focus. Of course, the application is pretty specific but it was fun just to try something new.

Next I'm going to try this photograph of Cafe Angelique (also in New York), which serves the BEST QUICHE IN THE WORLD...

If you'd like to try this application for yourself, there is an easy-to-follow tutorial to help you get started at http://drawntothesea.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-tiltshift.html .
Along with giving some helpful tips, this link directs you to the TiltShift website, where you can view some really amazing altered photos and manipulate your own images for free. Lots of inspiration and lots of possibilities!

Below and Above

2009-07-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

This photograph, taken at the edge of our pond, represents to me our human potential. Were it only an image of the surface it would be nothing special...just a bunch of sticks and bubbles. But light has illuminated the scene in two ways:

1.) The sunlight reveals what is beneath the surface - what would usually be hidden. There is both beauty (suprising color and form) and yuck (the refuse of rotting vegetation). Isn't this like our own interiors? Beneath our "surface" is a complex collection of experiences, thoughts and emotions...many things unseen by others, yet part of who we are.

2.) The reflection shows us what is above. No matter what lies beneath our surface, we are born to reflect something much greater and more beautiful than we could hope to be. In a still moment even pond water, and all that is within it, becomes an image of heaven above.

Love the Moment

2009-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed. - Corita Kent
An unusual amount of rainfall in the last few weeks has made the flowering plants around my place happy, happy, happy. Their beautiful blooms inspired me to pull out some flower canes left over from recent projects and make a pretty little collection of flower beads.

When I work with these beads I will try to think about the quote by Corita Kent. I will remember that flowers begin in darkness...a tiny seed planted in the right environment becomes a thing of great beauty. Even the ugly stuff...the hard stuff becomes a lovely gift when we allow it to shape us into stronger, more patient, more compassionate human beings.
Today, if a worry, a hurt, or even an irritation crosses my mind I will do my best to love that yucky moment. I'm not sure how successful I'll be, but I'll give it a shot. If I give that seed the environment it needs (a trusting, hopeful heart) just maybe it will become a thing of beauty in my life...

Reflection

2009-07-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

mirror image...alive in light...revealed in stillness

child of God

The workings of the human heart are the profoundest mystery of the universe. One moment they make us dispair of our kind, and the next we see in them the reflection of the divine image. - Charles W. Chesnutt

What will we reflect today, friend?

Beaded Rain (just for fun)

2009-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

I spent some time yesterday photographing hand-made chains. Grouped this way they remind me of colorful, shimmery sheets of rain.

Birth of a Greeting Card

2009-07-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

While making some funky little "notes to self" for my wall this morning, I made a happy discovery. A scrap piece of paper was folded like a greeting card. This gave me an idea...

Just for fun I stamped some simple messages and images on card stock, antiquing the edges to add some “umph”. The rustic quality and the yummy color combination are so serene...just the feeling I wanted to evoke.
I hope you find something that inspires your creativity today. Drop me a note and let me know what it is!

Rain!

2009-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more wonderful than a rainy morning in the midst of a summer heat wave? I was so, so happy to wake up this morning and hear raindrops hitting my tin roof. (It's one of my favorite sounds, even when the temperatures haven't been in the triple digits.)

Seeing the world around me refreshed and rejuvenated lifts my spirit and makes me feel new again, too.

Eighty years ago today...

2009-07-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

...my handsome daddy was born!

You carried me in your arms when I was young and gave me beautiful memories that I carry in my heart always. You are a great dad and I love you very, very much. I wish I was there to celebrate with you today.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.

Rockin' Out on a Lazy Summer Afternoon

2009-07-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Around our house, soaring summer temps are the perfect excuse to stay inside and create something. Today we painted rocks. It gave us a chance to laugh and talk together while we got a little messy.
The result?...A pretty plate of colorful, inspiring and encouraging messages to pass on to friends and strangers. For now they grace our patio table with a whole lot of charm...
The water we used to clean the brushes was so pretty...I just had to take a photo. I may use this interesting color combination in another project. (Inspiration comes from the most surprising places.)

A Part of the Action

2009-07-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Many mornings I watch the sunrise from the window in our kitchen. Today I stepped outside and became a part of the action. I joined the morning breeze and the creatures of the wood in welcoming a new day. (I confess I ran down the driveway in my pajamas to get this shot.) It felt good to participate in the celebration of sunrise... feeling the damp grass between my toes...hearing the birds sing their morning songs...smelling my neighbor's bacon cooking...

No watching through windows today. I will be fully present in the world around me...a participant and not a spectator.

Insect Inspiration

2009-07-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Pondering dragonflies this morning

Learning about the miracles of nature enrichness our lives and inspires the creative process. I spent some time yesterday studying dragonflies and I thought I’d share a few fascinating facts. These beautiful little insects have a short adult life but what a glorious existence it is. Did you know that dragonflies…

…spend most of their life (up to three years) underwater in the larva stage, living only a few weeks as adults with wings?
…have two sets of wings that move independently and beat at only 30 beats per second (compared to a bee’s 300 bps)?
…can fly forward, backward, up, and down? They can also hover like a helicopter and do loop-the-loops. (How fun is that?)
…have large, compound eyes containing up to 30,000 lenses giving them an almost 360 degree view of the world?
…fly between 30 and 38 miles per hour?

As I learn more about these amazing creatures I marvel at the complexity of their design and I appreciate even more the wisdom of their creator. Even in the tiniest details, each is fashioned perfectly to fulfill its purpose and live the life it was born to live.

How much more ingenious then, is the design of a human being? We are, each of us, fashioned to live a glorious existence: loving, learning, creating, overcoming, and celebrating each day. So spread your wings, my friend. You have what it takes. Live the life you were born to live.

thanks to the following sites for some grreat dragonfly facts: http://21facts.com/animals/dragonflies.php, http://www.helium.com/knowledge/6515-life-span-of-a-dragonfly

Winged Creatures

2009-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

I've been very busy in the studio lately! Here are some images of the winged creatures I've been creating in polymer clay. It was fun putting them in a natural environment to take the photographs...sort of makes you take a second glance.

Tomorrow I will begin turning these into necklaces. Hope you enjoyed looking!

Investment Counseling

2009-07-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

My relationship investment counselor, Dakota Joe

Meet Dakota Joe, my faithful companion for almost three months now. He is a very sweet fellow and I am totally smitten. So far today he has chastised the cat, splashed me with muddy pond water, and tried to eat the butterfly I was about to photograph…all before 8:oo in the morning.
Why do I put up with all the inconvenience? Dakota Joe and I have an agreement. I’ll love and provide for him even when it is a challenge and he’ll love me back no matter what. He will sit with me when I’m lonely, listen when I need to talk and protect me when I am frightened. It’s a simple arrangement and it’s an investment for both of us.
We think so much about investments in financial terms, wanting to secure our future and “put something aside” for rainy days. In the end, though, the most important investments we make are in our relationships. Deposits into the lives of others have eternal value and, as an added bonus, they are impervious to inflation, stock market crashes, and unemployment. In fact, challenging circumstances have the potential to make our relationships stronger as we learn to rely on each other more for encouragement and comfort.
We often do not realize how much our future depends on the strength of our relational investments. We are designed to love and be loved and our poverty in this area causes us to seek comfort in things that ultimately disappoint. Our possessions and our bank accounts cannot fill our need for companionship. (Neither can food, drugs, shopping, or anything else…) So today do something to secure your future; invest in the life of someone you love. Encourage, comfort, and support them. Make the decision to love them no matter what, even if they splash you with pond water or try to eat your butterfly.

Hot on the Trail

2009-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few years back my family and I began carving out a trail through the woods behind our house. Nearly a quarter of a mile long, it is a great place to get a little exercise and observe nature in action. The walking path requires a fair amount of maintenance, which is what I've been taking care of today...raking and trimming back stray vines and branches. I suppose I am something of a "woods whisperer" trying to disturb the the area around the trail as little as possible.

Having unlimited access to an unspoiled wooded area is such a rare opportunity. Observing this natural environment is fascinating and after nearly two years of working in it I am beginning to feel the rhythm of the woods. With each season comes a different experience...a different way to appreciate this amazing little corner of creation.

Today I observed how still the woods are in the summer heat. I particularly noticed that the birds, so lively and busy in the morning, are nowhere to be seen when the afternoon temperatures rise. Oh, to be a bird, that I, too, might be still and wait for the cool of the evening venturing out to accomplish the tasks set before me today.

Being still and waiting are two things that do not come naturally to me. I wonder why this is, when busyness is so depleting to my spirit. Just as hard work is necessary to a balanced and productive life, rest is essential for the health of our minds, bodies and souls.

So what lessons did I see illustrated by my feathered friends in the woods today? I see that they get right to work, doing what they were born to do. They don't procrastinate or complain or look longingly at other birds that appear to have a better life. In fact, they work with gusto, singing all the while. Their songs remind me how joyful life can be when we live with a glad and grateful heart. Then, during the heat of the day, the birds take a break. This reminds me that when life gets challenging, often the best thing to do is rest as I wait, trusting that things will "cool off". Evening always comes, as does the morning. How much more centered and productive we all could be if we balanced our lives as the birds do!

So on these hot summer afternoons, as the air gets still and the birds get quiet, I will let it remind me of my own need to rest physically, mentally and emotionally. The question is, "Do I trust that the world will go on if I take time to replenish, or do I think it all hinges on me?" Maybe something in me likes thinking it all hinges on me...but that's a post for another day :)

My favorite ways to rest are creating artwork in my studio, watching my kids play with their puppy in the front yard, and falling asleep reading with my head on my husband's lap. Where do you find your rest?

A Great Day to Start a Blog...

2009-06-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Got up and out early this morning and had a special treat…a deer came walking through my yard a few minutes ago. We do see them near the house occasionally but it always gives me a thrill. Deer are so graceful. A sense of peace washes over me just by being in their presence. I know people like that. (I'd like to be a person like that.)
I have also been graced this morning by sightings of two road runners, many butterflies, dragonflies, and a bumble bee so loaded with pollen I’m not sure how he was staying air-born. Maybe I will work on some winged creatures in polymer today.