Alumni Show!

That's right.  It's and actual ART update!  How crazy is that?!

I finished a painting the day before my latest surgery.  It took 3 (or 4?  No, 3) sessions - and I love it!  I usually nit pick a painting To. Death.  It'll hang on my wall for ages as I walk by and try to decide if I can live with the "mistakes" or if I should just leave them.  I try to leave them.  I really do.  But I'm not always successful.  A painting is never truly done - it's a cliche for a reason.  But not this one.  I finished it.  I like it.  It's done.  AND it's now been accepted into the AASU Alumni Show in early October.  :)

Now I'm off to enjoy this beautiful Fall day - I have butternut and acorn squash I have to figure out how to cook.  Probably a yummy soup - perfect for a cooler evening.  Feel free to post any recipes you might have!

About me!

I am learning rather quickly about video editing. That being said - still more to learn! This is in response to a comment or two I received from strangers regarding the first video. (Prior to me learning more about privacy settings...) This blog is, generally, for family and friends. But if you came here and enjoy it- hang out with us for a while! And thanks for viewing. :) Our "humor" is not exactly mainstream...

Happy Happy December! Aka: Things I'm Grateful For

Happy December to everyone! Yes, I know November was the month for giving thanks, but shouldn't we do that every month? Every day? So. Here I am, after ages of not posting, listing things I'm thankful for.

1. My family/husband/friends - all are fabulous! (so many snide comments could/would normally be added here, but I'm going to keep this one straightforward and non-sarcastic. That's a true challenge for me!)

2. The fact that my scarves are flying off the Etsy and Red Clover shelves, thus keeping my Yoga Teacher Training on track!

3. My above-mentioned honey's seriously-great job that allows me to teach yoga/pilates/trx, create art, take care of my family, and (in January) go back to school to get my Culinary degree. :)

4. That same honey's fondness for my cooking, etc that reminds him why it's good for me to be out of a cubicle!

5. Oh! The fact that I no longer spend 40+ hours in a cubicle. That will forever be on my Thankful For list.

6. My health.

7. My body that, while it never seems to shrink, continues to grow stronger with every work out.

8. My new condo that is so much easier to clean - and in such a fun location - halfway between downtown Savannah and Tybee Island.

9. My camera.

10. My cuddly wiener dogs. Even when they make me walk them in the cold, wet grass and scoop their poop. (ew. Downside to condo living.)

11. My paid for car.

12. The family that will soon be buying my house! (whoever/wherever they are...)

13. Miniature Dark Chocolate Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (ironic that this one ended up as naughty number 13)

14. TRX straps on my porch.

15. Travel - and the fact that we can!

16. Silk wholesalers.

17. Pinterest - my new way to track fun stuff/trends/recipes/dreams!

18. Speaking of dreams - my honey that continues to dream with me the ever-evolving, soon to develop dream.

19. Even with the cruddy economy - our country. It's pretty fabulous, really. And the more we all travel to other countries, the more we all realize just how special it is here.

20. Our soldiers (and their families!) that keep this country safe.

21. The fact that this list is over!

Sure, sure - everyone on FB was posting one for each day of November and I only made it to 21. But that sarcasm ban proved more difficult than I imagined.

What are you thankful for? Let's all take a minute - every day, or even every hour - to be grateful for something. Something huge. Something tiny. Just be grateful for what we have. This is the secret to bringing more of those fabulous things to us! Really. Give it a shot. When we focus on the good, the good continues to grow. (this is true for negative as well, so be sure to push those negative thoughts away.)

Have a wonderful December! ♥ And thank you for reading!

Happy St Patrick's Day! and other random thoughts...

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

One of my all time favorite holidays. I have to admit, it's slipped down the list past Thanksgiving, where I get to eat and visit with family - but a day just to celebrate is hard to beat. Just hanging out with friends and having fun. And if you want to celebrate St. Pat's, I've gotta say that Savannah, GA is the place to do it!

Ok, now to admit it: I'm not going downtown today. I'm staying in my cozy home/back yard enjoying the peace and quiet and catching up on things that need to be caught up on. Something tells me that when I head to Tybee this weekend, the festivities will still be going strong. I'll play catchup with the ladies. ;)

Yesterday was THE BIG DAY! My very most favorite day of the year. I admit it's a selfish day. But that's why I love it. I will always and forever admit that I am selfish. I got up and cooked a lovely, full breakfast then headed off to teach my Yoga class. I threw in some hard stuff - just because I can. And honestly, the ladies like the hard stuff. *snicker* (you can always count on me to keep it classy here)

I also hung out by the pool/in the back yard for a couple of hours. What a great way to welcome Spring/my 38th year! I did a few things around the house that needed to be done, then got all dolled up for dinner with my honey. He got me a new Nano - and it's perfect! My Shuffle has seen better days, and I just can't get as much music/have as much control of that music as I'd like. AND the Nano has a pedometer and other gadgets that are so cool. Since I've been learning to run (to make that 3 Days for the Cure 60 miles go a little faster in December...) the pedometer/sport gadgets will be great for tracking my improvements.

AND I got 2 books from Bulgaria! Ok, so Beulah called the Savannah Barnes and Noble and had them hold them at the front desk, and they are not Bulgarian in any way, but it's still exciting that I have presents from sistergirl in BG.

I did a bit of work in the studio this week and posted a painting. I was ALSO in the AASU Alumni show and BOTH of my paintings sold before they could get on the wall! So exciting. In fact, I need to get that new Nano loaded, go for a run and then get back to the studio! I can hear it calling from the back yard... "Jennnnnifer, oh Jennnnnnifer, come and paint with meeeee." It's a little creepy. But you must always listen to the voices...

Junk in my Trunk.

I attended an event last night - it wasn't the most lucrative event ever. (but the band was good!) I took my scarves, and sold a few. But nothing like I am used to seeing this close to the holidays... I wonder if it's still the economy killing the art world. Or maybe it's my pricing. Or maybe it's my scarves. Who knows - maybe it's all of them? Whichever it is, I had fun visiting with friends and hanging out at the Arty Party at the Jepson afterwards. The after party was WAY past my bedtime (10pm-12pm) but I managed to stay awake and have a good time. Saw Ty Pennington there. They are doing an Extreme Home Makeover in the area. His entourage was in the way of me getting to the Doritos bin, so I was a little annoyed. I think it's great that we have stars in Savannah on a fairly regular basis, but I wish people would not torment them (and block the food in the process...)

It's another gorgeous day in Savannah - I have 3 new paintings I want to start working on, and can't decide which one to start with. So I think I'll start all three! Mark is working all weekend, so there's no reason I can't hole up in my back yard and get busy. Gotta go soak up some sunshine before it goes back into hibernation. Have a great day everybody!

Morning Sunshine!

Have been able to leave the windows open all week due to the lower temps here in lovely Savannah, GA. Downside - that sun sure was bright when it hit my french doors this morning... Oh well, up and at 'em!

I taught my first Intro Yoga on Thursday, and loved it completely. There were random, weird things happening throughout - such as late (35 minutes late...) arrival, hammering and sawing from the furniture store next door, a phone that forgot it was supposed to be on vibrate, etc. Just added to the relaxed, informal atmosphere in my opinion - and caused a few giggles. :) I'll be teaching every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am - so come on in and enjoy. It's an intro class that focuses on correct form and relaxation - but I definitely sneak a good work out in there as well.

I am anxious to start my 200 hr certification, and then go on to get an aerial yoga instructor's certificate as well. But I suppose that will have to wait a bit. Let me find a link to the aerial yoga - because this is some crazy-fun that I can't wait to experience - and hopefully teach!

Feels like Sunday, but it's only Saturday, so I'm off to get cleaned up and enjoy this lovely "bonus" day. Maybe I'll even squeeze in a couple of hours for the Top Secret painting I'm working on for Mark's bday in November...

Until next time - make it a fabulous day! namaste ;)

Etsy featured item!

I made it to the front page of Etsy this weekend. That's never happened to me before, so I really wasn't sure what it meant to be featured. Basically it means that the "views" on that scarf went from 35 to 201 in about 1/2 an hour. Not too shabby as far as exposure goes! Here's a screen shot:

I think the curator of this Treasury did a great job on all the items, but of course am partial to my own item... ;)

Enjoy your St. Pat's week everyone! I have 66 more scarves to iron today for Wednesday's booth on Riverstreet, so I better get back to work!

Crawling out of the dye vat to type an update...

I've been sucked in. The silk whispers my name - always. I pretend to do other things, like clean the house, watch Days of Our Lives - you know, priority things. But, no. My mind is really developing color schemes and new ways of binding the fabric to get the best merging of colors. To fuel this returning obsession, I bought a book at Barnes and Noble. I should really have stock in that company. Shibori Designs and Techniques. My new favorite book. And that's saying a lot, as I go through at least one book a week... I am 90% of the way through the book already. I am determined to read it from cover to cover before attempting any of the designs - I don't want to miss any important details, and sometimes I just like to torture myself by testing my self control. I will certainly be starting some of these fabulous advanced techniques on the next batch of silk.

On Tuesday I applied for 1st Saturday on Riverstreet. I am returning to selling silk at the art fair. It doesn't take up too much room, compared to say, the 50 ceramic bowls I have sitting in my 3rd bedroom. But I need to sell them to feed the PayPal account, and in return pay my silk supplier. Gotta get my fix. My shopping cart is already full - just waiting on the acceptance letter for 1st Saturday, so that I can click the Complete Purchase button...

I also started an Interior Design I course on Tuesday. Just once a week for 5 weeks, but it is heavenly to not only be back in a classroom, but learning about something I truly enjoy. I already know I'll be signing up for ID II and ID III. That reminds me, I have to delve into the 3rd bedroom in search of graph paper for my homework... Those of you that have seen the room know to send out a search party if you don't hear from me after about a week.

On a happy note -wait, everything above is happy. To cap off the happiness above, my lovely friend Rachel (Wine and Cheese, Please...) game me and my blog(s) an award yesterday. I have received the coveted "When Life Hands You Lemons" award. As a recipient of this amazing award, I must share 5 things about myself, as well as link to 5 other blogs. I'm not sure if I have 5 other blogs to link to, but I'm sure I follow close to that many -and I'll post them below.

So here goes:

5 Facts About Me (that you may or may not know)

1. I love to travel - but I can't stand cheesy tourist traps. I've been to NYC twice and have refused to see the Statue of Liberty, etc both times. Mostly just because I don't like it when people tell me I "have" to do something. I know, I know - it's spiteful and only hurting myself. Yet somehow I live through it. I much prefer to roam around aimlessly and see how the "real people" live.

2. I don't like for people to tell me what to do. I will go out of my way to do the opposite, in fact. It's childish, I realize. I am ok with that.

3. I have 5 siblings, and while they were the bane of my existence growing up, they are some of my favorite people in the world now.

4. I'm almost 37 and I have not only no plans to have biological children, I really don't like the little suckers. I will play with them, and enjoy them, but then I will always give them back. I adore my step daughter, and that is more than enough for me. Feel free to keep asking me when I'm having them and why I don't want them, and then trying to break apart my subconcious in an attempt to understand the horrible things that must've happened to me to cause this dislike of the heathens. Nothing happened. I just have others plans for my life.

5. Speaking of my life - I love it. Would I be happier if I were selling more art? Absolutely. But sales are picking up, along with the economy. So I have complete and utter faith in the fact that sales will continue to increase, and I will be able to afford my silk addiction. Would I like to see friends and family more? Sure. But we do pretty well keeping in touch via internet. So my life is pretty rosy. Fabulous husband, great family and friends, starting to find my niche in the art world. All is good.

So, 5 blogs that deserve the passing on of the 'When Life Hands You Lemons' award.

1. Exploring Bulgaria... and Beyond : yes, I'm biased on this one. It's my sister. But it is fabulous to follow her adventures. And absolutely deserving of the award. She is taking what is otherwise a potentially horrendous event in her life, and making it an adventure for her and her family - and her followers. It might be a private blog though, as it is about her kids and has photos, etc. AND she hasn't updated since APRIL of 2009... Yeah, Big B, that's a not so subtle hint.

2. Wine and Cheese, Please... : Of course, I have to return it to Rachel. She is so entertaining, and keeps me laughing when I read. And her encouragement is always so appreciated!

3. Sagittarius Gallery : Ok, this is an art blog that I try to follow. It's just fun to read about the ups and downs of a painter - and know I'm not the only one going through the craziness involved. Oh, and her work is gorgeous as well!

4. Hatched : This one is new to me. I just started following it yesterday, thanks to Rachel's links! And it is cracking me up. Go check it out. I love anything that makes me giggle. :)

Well, that was close. I got 4 out of 5. When I come up with a 5th, I'll be sure to pass on the love. I know I have another one in my list of followed blogs, I just need to go do some digging.

So congrats to all of the great bloggers out there! Keep up the good work. What else would I do on such a rainy, icky day if I didn't have you to keep me entertained? Oh, yeah. The silk. It is beckoning... I. Must. Dye.

Have a great week everybody!

It's Baaa-aaaack. aka: An update.

Ok, so I've been quiet for the holidays - but the new year is bringing a new drive, and a new direction! Thanks to my sister's upcoming 30th birthday - combined with her return to belly dance, I've been inspired! (Happy Birthday Beth and Marie! -yep, 2 sisters with the same birthday...) Over the holidays I began thinking I should do something for her 30th - and when Michael's sold out of those light up ballerina Christmas hippo yard ornaments, I had to rethink the gift... I discovered that my supplier had recently started selling belly dance veils and hip scarfs. Fortunately, I've delved into the world of belly dance a wee bit, and was able to pick out a few things I thought she would really use. Then I hounded her doggedly in order to get her costume colors, etc. I dyed the scarf and veil (uh, Note to self: fringe tangles horribly in the washing machine - hand wash from now on!) and waited anxiously for the snail mail delivery. Hopefully she will send me some pics of her in her full costume so I can post them here! (hint, hint)

Anyway, once I brave a trip into the abyss that is my supply room and began rummaging through the dye supplies, I got hooked. I pulled out my previously dyed scarves, posted a couple that were good, then began to dye the remaining scarves. Now I'm out of silk and anxiously waiting (again) on the mail man to deliver my next order! I have posted 3 scarves, 4 are sitting in my kitchen floor "setting" and I have one veil and hip scarf to photograph and post in the store. I can't wait to do a few more scarves to try some techniques I've been scheming on - then I'm going to work on a couple of silk paintings. I think some of the oil painting work I've been doing will actually translate to silk pretty well. I love being excited about a project!

Speaking of customer photos (which I sort of did above, but admit that was a cheesy segway) I have a few below from one of my customers! Thanks, Connie, for creating that awesome wall of art in your home! And of course for sending me the pics.

Here's one of my standard scarves - good for the neck, hair, or waist. They're approximately 11" x 58", so can be used for a lot of different things.

And here's a Belly Dance Veil that I made while making Beth's set! Very cool peacock color scheme. Could keep this one for myself...

Back to the States!

Well, we've finally made it back to the States! It's so nice to be home. We were originally back in Georgia for about 4 days, then loaded up a minivan with three dogs and the kiddo - and headed to Oklahoma City. We spent a week with family and friends,

and are now hanging out in Savannah again. So many plans. I have to get busy. I have several art ideas - my two main projects will be (1) updating the Etsy site with items I've already completed and (2) mosaics. I've been stewing on a "green(ish)" way to make some mosaics, and I'm really excited to get started. Switzerland got me to seriously think about ways to recycle the most unexpected things. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the progress!

Roma!

Mark and I took a long weekend trip to Rome! We left around lunch time on Thursday and took the 3 hour flight from Basel (via Lyon, France). We decided to take a shuttle directly to the hotel from the airport to "save some time." Turns out it would've been faster to just take the train, but then we would've missed out on all the excitement of Italian driving - only second, in my experience, to the craziness of bus drivers in Cancun...

Our hotel was amazing - and more importantly, in an amazing location. We were right in the heart of Rome. We walked everywhere - starting with dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. While the dinner was a bit of a surprise, everything was great.

Just so you know, neither of us is overly fond of heads and tails being attached to our food:

(Mine was better than his)

We hit the streets for a preliminary tour and found ruins around every corner.

The next morning we headed to St. Peter's - specifically around the backside to get into the Sistine Chapel. I was even able to take a few photos inside the chapel before they announced the fact that photos are prohibited. OK, and maybe a few after they announced it, too...

We managed to eat gelato an average of 3 times per day, and I think I had pizza every day as well. The food was great. But nothing was as impressive as the never-ending history.

Literally, every where you look in Rome is another famous work of art. And we were able to see just about everything you can think of. We took over 500 photos, but I'll try to narrow them down to a few dozen shots...

We spent Saturday roaming around with our tourist map, checking sights off as we found them. Most of the time was spent at the Colloseum - it was incredible! But we also had plenty of time to run all over and try to find random things we wanted to see. All of the giant heads made me laugh, especially the ones with silly expressions:

Just so happens the final leg of the Giro d'Italia was on Sunday.
Looks like Mark may've been having a little trouble finding it:

You'd think all the big pink banners would've given it away...

While I hope you enjoy the photos, I've got to say that nothing can compare to seeing this place in person. Even if you don't care about the art, the city itself is worth the trip.

We spent the first half of Sunday searching for and exploring some of the catacombs. Then we spent the afternoon watching what we could see of the final time trial of the race, then headed to the airport (via train this time!) Our flight was about 45 minutes late taking off, so making our connecting flight did not come close to happening. Fortunately, AirFrance took care of everything, as the next flight was not until Monday morning. AirFrance arranged a room, dinner and breakfast for us and made sure we were on the next flight. It was so much more pleasant than missed flight experiences we've had in the States. (take note, AA!)

Next up - Art 40 Basel!

Less than 24 hours to go...

So I've packed, unpacked, repacked. Unpacked, repacked. Finally got everything into the luggage today! Then I weighed it all. The big one was 9 pounds over. So a little more unpacking, repacking... After taking out one item at a time and reweighing over and over, I finally got it under the limit! I guess I did not really need all 7 pair of shoes, multiple hardback books, and 5 pair of jeans, but it would've been nice... (notice I did not remove any painting/art paraphernalia - priorities!)
The puppies are gone. I took them to the kids yesterday. It's very quiet around here. Just sitting on my cozy couch listening to the rain. Need to pick up a few things around the house, then I'm off to bed!
Tomorrow one of my lovely friends will be picking me up and driving me to the airport - after we grab some lunch and have a good, last gab-fest.
Guess I'm off. The sooner I get to sleep, the sooner it'll be time to fly! Now, I just hope I'll actually be able to fall asleep.