Smile and say "I Love School!"

Even though I've been looking forward to having my days back in the studio to myself, I couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy as I said "Goodbye, I love you, have a good first day!" and walked out of Leila's classroom. Leading my wild child into confinement. I hope she has exciting things to tell at the end of the day...a sure sign of a great year ahead. She is sitting next to another little girl named Layla (what are the odds of that?) and my girl said..."maybe she will be my new best friend." Maybe. I miss her already. (I also told her not to wreck that cool messenger bag, cuz if you don't want it, I do!) I'll always be her BFF.

How Do You Say Goodbye?

We lost our beloved dog, Java, this past week. He was one of the sweetest dogs you could hope to meet. So gentle and loving that we would often call him "perpetual puppy." I am in the stage where I have to remind myself that he is gone. He would often sleep right behind my office chair and I still look for him there, only to catch my breath when I look down and see that he isn't. Please let me get past this stage. I don't want to linger in this transition period of looking for what isn't there. In the meantime, I am doing some things to help ease my heartbreak. I have planted a memorial butterfly garden with a yellow rose bush in the center. Java was born in August and died in August, and August's color is yellow. I didn't know this before I started planting, but the appropriateness of it didn't escape me. I am also inspired to paint him, maybe to capture what is now gone. Maybe as therapy. After time heals me a bit more, I will be able to put together the pictures. For now that will have to wait, as it would be just too much and as I navigate through this difficult time I am going to be gentle with myself....just like Java!

Create, Girl!

Isn't she sweet? I just dropped this girl off at the Casselberry Art House for the Lit From Within show that will take place this Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 7:00. I'm so excited. I had originally hung her on Sunday, but something bugged me and I needed more time with her. I worked on her yesterday and today, and I love how she turned out and can't wait to party it up and celebrate our group's creativity. Each of us also decorated paper lanterns that are hanging throughout the Art House and will look so lovely lit up at night. I must remember to get a picture of mine before they are auctioned off.

CHA Craft Trade show

Here is a shot of the wonderful Mary Engelbreit at the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Supershow at the Orange County Convention Center this weekend. It was so inspiring to hear her speak and I was even brave enough to ask her a question. "How do you fit it all in?" Her answer, "If you're serious, you have to get Somebody, an assistant of some sort, a licensing agent...someone to handle a lot of the STUFF and you can get to the important part....The ART. She said I should do it...that I deserved it. A great quote from her, "Creativity is one of the most basic and the most powerful of all human traits. And don't let anyone tell you any different." Another great quote that led her to many entrepreuneureal adventures like her magazine and opening 12 stores...."How hard can it be?" Love that!

I had such a great time. That is what it must be like to be inside a beehive. There was just a BUZZ. A buzz of like minds. The excitement was palpable. I learned a few things and saw so much inspiration. Crafters and artists have got to be the friendliest people on the planet. I made a beautiful necklace which I'll post about soon. Plus, I experienced enough synchronicity to confirm that I was in the right place at the right time. In case I didn't know it!