All week long I have been jumping from one project to another and instead of organizing I decided just to clear a space and plop myself down in the middle of it all....which works just fine for me cause I work on the floor anyway!
I have jumped back into my studio working on all kinds of fun stuff for the holidays and more!
The first that I want to share is my new little canvas peace ornaments made from painted canvas (of course!)
$5.00 each or 4 for $15.00
Select your color or let me pick for you!
Visit my etsy shop!
Coming back home and to real life after my adventures in the Pacific Northwest has been a little strange...I am back to work which means I am back to living my double life- remaining professional and appropriate by day and making a mess and growing a creative business by night- I feel like Clark Kent and Superman sometimes!!! Anyway, since I got back I have been battling a chest cold which hit me on the last leg of my trip- I stayed home yesterday and made myself relax in front of the tv- sometimes it is good to veg out right?!?!
Thanks to my hubby I got out for a little vitamin D in the evening when he suggested we go for a little outing and walk along the waterfront of San Diego to watch the sunset- kinda a tradition for us when we get back from a trip. 
We took our time and strolled along the water looking at all the boats in the marina, appreciating the sun on the water and lovely city that we live- we walked slow- something he is better at than I am! I am trying so hard to be happy and appreciate the now and walking a little slower toward my goals instead of always wanting more and faster. Thankfully I have a great guy by my side who relishes in the present and loves taking his time to appreciate everything along the way- a perfect balance that I am learning to welcome with each experience that comes my way! Now is it back to studio to create some new stuff- stay tuned for a give away, new work and lots of inspiration!!
I am now back to San Diego, back to our little home, back to my lonely husband, back to my day job, back to more creative projects....and despite catching a cold, I am feeling unusually refreshed, empowered and full of hope. A few years ago I decided to explore a different path with my art- After teaching art workshops for college students I discovered a love for sharing my knowledge, my crazy creative process and myself with others...(which goes against my typically shy and quiet nature) I found a new confidence that came with interacting and sharing my passion-where there was no fear, no insecurity only the feeling of a fit. Teaching became my goal and I have been rewriting my journey as an artist ever since. After teaching lots of smaller classes Teesha took a chance on me by accepting my proposal to teach at ArtFiberFest- here I was a fine artist and painter with an idea to teach painting and how to cut up canvas paintings up and sew them into something new at a fiber venue! I have to share with all of you out there how much is meant to be embraced and how wonderful it was to have the opportunity to share my process with you. Ruth wrote on her blog that teaching for her is intoxicating and I completely agree!!! It was magical watching everyone find their voice in each of their classes and in each of their projects. It was inspiring to see so many people with different backgrounds and experiences come together and bond over the one thing we all have in common and that is an uncontrollable desire to create and connect with others who create. To top off my experience I made the trip alone- which was not the original plan- The plan was to have my husband join me for a little R&R and assist me with all my stuff- which all went down the tube when he was called into work and couldn’t make it. It is funny, I used to do everything by myself with no fear but being settled and married I have learned to depend on him to catch and assist me when I am nervous or afraid. This was not an option this time and it is funny because making the trip out to Port Townsend, with a car load of stuff, not knowing anyone (except Ruth) and jumping into my first retreat teaching experience felt like a big deal to me and I have to be honest-I didn’t want to do it alone!!! But in this new little adventure, I found a piece of myself that I lost a long time ago...don’t get me wrong my hubby is actually a feminist and supports anything I do but being married sometimes your lose yourself a bit and it is easy to forget how empowering it is to conquer something on your own. Being alone through this whole trip brought me more confidence, courage and hope that the things that I am working for (no matter how big) are attainable even by myself!! The whole experience was unique and special and I have to thank Teesha and Tracy and Tiphoni for creating a venue for wonderful things to happen! It brought a new confidence, a renewal, an opportunity to find myself in a different way. I look forward to more time spent teaching and connecting with more creative people out there- everyone of you inspire me!!!
It is Tuesday and I am FINALLY relaxing at home (parent's house on the Oregon Coast). I have been taking time to organize all of my thoughts and pictures from ArtFiberFest to share on my blog. I must say that I had such a wonderful time having the opportunity to teach at a fiber venue was like a dream come true for me because it means that I was able to make the transition from a fine artist and painter into fiber territory- love it! The best part was meeting so many wonderful, creative and open people. I spend so much of my creative time either alone or often with people who are just not like minded- so to get to spend 5 days with individuals who love the same thing was so nice and a comfort to me!
***Watching Gail let go and have fun with paint...and even make a mess- 
*** Exploring Downtown Port Townsend
***Beach combing by myself in the wee hours of the morning.
***Spending time having fun with Ruth Rae...I love Ruth even the the bathroom is fun with her!!!
***Listening to the haunted toilet flush in Seminar room
***Loved staying in a scaring but funky captains house! 
***Meeting Lisa Engelbrecht- she is the sweetest and most talented rebel calligrapher!!! 
I am officially prepared for teaching at ArtFiberFest (well almost) my problem is that I am never finished doing anything- it's kinda a problem! But I am finally feeling relief and have so much fun stuff for vendor night including hand painted fabric with lots and lots of splatter! 
Just a glimpse into my morning...still working, creating, painting, gathering stuff for teaching, preparing for holiday sales, trying to be productive as possible - all while holding onto gratitude for the many amazing things that I have to be thankful for. More to come!
