Thursday, December 20, 2012

A Prolific Artist





About This Piece
This Gold Rush winter scarf is made of acrylic fibers. It is 3 1/2 inches wide, and 6 1/2 feet long. 

The price of this item is $25 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Gold Rush winter scarf. There will be posts following with other scarfs available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the "for sale" label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.


Thought For The Day:
It's now Thursday, and this post was supposed to be out last Friday (aka a week ago). There has been too much going on to even write, which brings me to today.

I've figured out why it sometimes takes me so long to post. I've been thinking about it for a few days.

I want to be a prolific writer and artist really! I want each post to be filled with plenty of candor and wit. I want each post to be inundated with the items that I am currently working on.

The truth is...wit doesn't always come as second nature to me, and this blog site is not meant to share everything. So I will take some pressure off of myself from this point on. There may be days where there are more pictures than words, and then some days where there are more words than pictures. 

I am giving myself permission to be liberated in how I approach posting from here on out. This may result in a few more posts per week, and it may not. Only time will tell!

On My Work Desk:


I have started to sunset series that I spoke of in the last post. The top is almost complete and I still have a lot of work to do on the bottom piece. There will be at least 5 painting in this series. Once I complete the 5, I may do more. We shall see!

Corner of Gratitude:
The courage to simply "show up"

Pearls of Wisdom:
The pursuit of perfection is not the flaw. The flaw lies in condemning oneself to the point of debilitation when that pursuit is not completed to the perfectionists standards.

As always, thank you for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing, and following! Until next post...

Be blessed!

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.


Monday, December 10, 2012

The Compliment Of One


 Back Stitching that can be worn in the front

 Front view




SOLD
About This Piece
Like the previous cowl, this Cherry Oatmeal winter cowl is made of acrylic fibers, and incredibly soft! This cowl is stitched closed in the back. It is approximately 14 inches wide and approximately 18 inches long.

The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Cherry Oatmeal winter cowl. There will be posts following with other cowls available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the "for sale" label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought for the Day:
I could complain and say that this day has been a tad frustrating in some areas, starting with trying to get this post out. However I will save the drama and concentrate on the best compliment that I have received in a long while.

Last week my sister called and stated that she had something to tell me that she thought I would like to hear. She explained that she and her husband have recently been talking about their dreams and aspirations with one another. As a result, they decided to make an effort to talk to their 3 small children (whom I completely adore) about their dreams and aspirations also.

One morning while talking to my niece (she’s 10, and the oldest of the 3) she asks her what her dreams are. The conversation goes something like this:

Sister: Since you bring that up, what are your dreams Liv?
Niece: What do you mean?
Sister: What do you see yourself doing when you become older? Do you see yourself having a family like mommy and daddy? Do you see yourself having a husband and children?
Niece: (thinking) No, I don’t think so.
Sister: Well what do you want to do?
Niece: I want to be a fashion designer and travel a lot. I want to go to Paris and help children in Africa. I want to be like Auntie. She has nothing holding her back. She can do whatever she wants to.
Sister: Do you think that Auntie wants to be married and have children?
Niece: I am not sure if she wants to be married, but I don’t think she wants children. (I snickered at this...she has no idea!)

She wants to be like me folks! She believes that I can do whatever I set my heart to do, and that there is nothing that is holding me back. What an extremely endearing compliment! It was the best compliment that I have received in a long time for several reasons.

She doesn’t see my internal or external struggles.  She doesn’t see the disobedience of the past that make it a little more difficult for me to get things in order now. She doesn’t see the fear or confusion that sometimes tries to overtake my thoughts. She doesn’t see the pain that comes along with my hearts desires that have yet to manifest themselves.

She sees the best in me! To her I am Auntie almighty who can rule the world if I wanted to.  She sees a woman who is determined and tenacious.  She sees a woman who is a dreamer and an achiever. She sees a woman who is passionate and goal oriented. She sees a woman who is following her purpose no matter what!

What a confidence booster! Her compliment is ingrained in my memory and stored in my heart. If there is ever a time I am unsure of who God created me to be or doubtful of the gifts and talents He has blessed me with, I will recall her incredible confidence in who I am!

Olivia (aka Bugg) I love you so much! Thank you for believing in Auntie more than Auntie believes in herself at times! You inspire me to be the best that I can be, and do so with excellence! Kudos to you kid! I am so Godly proud of the young lady you are becoming, and blessed to call you my baby! You are on track to becoming beyond incredible! 

And to my two kings Josiah and Micah (aka Phat Man and Cheeks), Auntie loves you more than you could imagine!

On My Work Desk:
This is a quick sketch that will ultimately turn into a painting for the new series that I have started.

Corner of Gratitude:
An outsiders view of the greatness that lies within me

Pearls of Wisdom:
The best praises are those out of the mouth of babes. They tend to be the most sincere!

As always, thank you for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing, and following! Until next post...

Be Blessed!

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Monday, December 3, 2012

A Good Multi-tasker


About This Piece
This Black Cherry winter cowl is made of acrylic fibers and incredibly soft! This cowl is closed and stitched closed in the back. It is approximately 12 inches wide and approximately 18 inches long.

The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Black Cherry winter cowl. There will be posts following with other cowls available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the "for sale" label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought For the Day:
I have always been convinced that I was a great multi-tasker. I could have a load of laundry in the wash, a pot of good stuff on the stove, doing some concept sketching for a painting, all while jamming to my music of choice. Then the week before last happened!

I was totally discombobulated! I didn't have any particular course of action to complete what needed to be done, which caused for some chaos. And although there was so much to be done, I let the thanksgiving holiday become my excuse for slacking. It became my place of complacency for a little while.

Last week I woke up to a mess! A mess in my mind of all the things that I now needed to back track and accomplish as a result of my slacking. Then there was the natural mess...my room and studio. Just plain ole' ugly! It often gets that way when I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Now I am spending lots of time getting things in order. And after a few days of not having one, I realize that a to-do list is a must to help keep me focused. I am once again on the track to becoming the great multi-tasker that I was at one time!

On My Work Desk:



I am starting to work on a new series of paintings, which I am pretty excited about. The subject matter will be sunsets. Sunsets have been standing out to me lately in a way they have never before. I marvel at the beautiful colors that are present when the sun goes down, and even more at a God that creates the whole scenery!



I have been keeping up with sketching. I have been consistent in doing it everyday. Some are really quick and some are more detailed.

Corner of Gratitude: 
God's vision of me is beautiful!

Pearls of Wisdom: 
"Multitasking arises out of distraction itself."
~ Marilyn vos Savant

As always, thank you for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing, and following! Until next post...

Be blessed!

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.



Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Season of Thanks



About This Piece
This Waterfall winter cowl is made of blended fibers and incredibly warm! This cowl is closed and stitched closed in the back. It is approximately 12 inches wide and approximately 18 inches long.

The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Waterfall winter cowl. There will be posts following with other cowls available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the "for sale" label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale. 


Thought For The Day:
Tis' the season of thanks, and there is so much to be thankful for!

Today I have God, life, great health, family, friends, shelter, food, laughter, the ability to engage others, and the ability to create. And while I don’t have all that I will in the future, I have all that I am supposed to at the moment!

So today’s post is short and sweet!! Don’t forget to voice your thanks to God and to others today! As you give watch it be given back in return in abundance!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
~ Oprah Winfrey 

As always, thank you for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing, and following! Until next post...

Be Blessed!
Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Kind Words


About This Piece  
This Serpentine Cluster bracelet was the start of me making "chunky" jewelry, and I would dare to say that this is the chunkiest of them all..lol! This piece wasn't actually "found" or "broken" jewelry, but purchased pieces with my vision in mind. The stones are serpentine and the chains are bronze and silver plated.
I don't know much about Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex in the City". I wasn't really a fan of the show. However, from some of her outfits, I think that this would be a great addition to her collection. So...eat your heart out Carrie!!!!! 
 
The price of this item is $36.00 (tax and shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the bracelet is ONLY for this Serpentine Cluster bracelet.  There will be posts following with other jewelry available to purchase, and in the event it is needed, a return policy is at the end of this post. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought For The Day:
It's hard to believe that it has already been nine days since I have posted last. The past few days have been out of control (schedule wise) to say the least, and having a cold that is trying to keep me down doesn't help.  However in the midst of the chaos I found some joy and peace in knowing this:

Although things are challenging right now, I was manufactured to create and share those creations with this world!

I know...I have said this time and time again, and it may become redundant to you, but it serves as a constant reminder to me of what I am purposed to do while I have breath in my body.

As I sat eating lunch with some of the leaders that I fellowship with on a regular basis at a leadership meeting two Saturday's ago, a brother said something to me that made me ever so grateful. He mentioned that he reads this blog and thinks the content is good!

Now that may not mean anything to you, the average reader. However to me, it meant the world! Sharing my creations, thoughts, and ideas is no walk in the park for me, a woman that was once hesitant about allowing others to be privy to her creative process. Continuing to stay on the path to carry out a purpose and have the world critique is not easy! It may be necessary, but nevertheless, not easy.

Comments like, "I wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog.", "The Pearls of Wisdom is what I look for.",  and "You have good stuff there! I look forward to reading!", are the comments that keep me motivated to post regularly. They add fuel to the already ignited passion that I have for the arts!

So today I say a heartfelt thank you to all of those that take the time out to read, comment and follow. Your kind words go farther than you may know.  It really does mean the world to me!  And more than anything, it serves as a constant reminder that I am doing what I am called to do!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~ Leo Buscaglia

As always, thanks for reading, commenting, purchasing, subscribing and following! Until next post… 


Be blessed!

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Voting



 About This Piece  
This Metal and Natural Stone Bracelet was created a few weeks ago. This is it's first appearance here. The small circle discs are from a broken belt. The bulky chain that the natural stones are attached to are from a unwanted necklace. The natural stones were purchased.

The price of this item is $32.50 (tax and shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the bracelet is ONLY for this Metal and Natural Stone bracelet.  There will be posts following with other jewelry available to purchase, and in the event it is needed, a return policy is at the end of this post. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought For The Day:
Yesterday I rocked my vote! This should have been my third time voting, but it was only my second. This time, like the first time, I took lots of pride in voting.  I was proud because I exercised a right that my ancestors fought so hard for.  I documented my experience not because I was proud of who I voted for (although President Barack Obama won), I was more proud that I just made an effort to vote period.

Now I know, you may be saying, "Oh my goodness, you were documenting your experience?" And my answer to that would be an emphatic, "YES!". You may also ask, "Isn't that illegal?". Well that is what is so wonderful about this age of technology. We have information at our fingertips. I did some research, and there is no law for the state of NJ (where I vote) that states that it is illegal to document our voting experience or choice.

My choice is my choice. I don't rag on or have a problem with others who decided to vote for the party of their choice. That is what America is about right...CHOICE!

This is what the Federal Bureau of Investigation had to say, "Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice."

By documenting my own vote, I am not intimidating, harassing or interrupting other voters. I am protected by the federal law. I have the right to mark "my own" ballot. And that is exactly what I did folks!

Okay, enough of my racket! My prayer is that you voted period...whomever your choice was.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Choose your love, love your choice!
~ Thomas S. Monson

As always, thanks for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing and following! Until next post… 
Be blessed!

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Human Nature


 




About This Piece
This Brown Speckle winter cowl is soft and made of a blend of fibers. This cowl is closed and approximately 12 inches wide and approximately 18 inches long.  

The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Brown Speckle winter cowl.  There will be posts following with other cowls available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought For The Day:
It has been six days since hurricane Sandy touched down.  The news has been reeling with plenty of video, photos, and stories of those that were effected by the storm. While my home was unscathed, there were plenty that were damaged beyond repair!

And while life goes on for me, there are others that are in the midst of picking up the pieces, which brought a thought to mind. How often do we really take time out to bless those that are less fortunate than ourselves? How long are we willing to lend a helping hand, and what are our motives behind that helping hand?

We see it all the time. A sob story (for the lack of a better term) comes on TV and the media hypes it up for a moment, and as fast as the clip on the news airs is as fast as the sentiment to help is gone! The Philadelphia Inquirer article "Rebuilding the Shore", written by Anthony Whelan, Mike Armstrong, Amy Rosenberg, and Paul Nussbaum stated it best. "The president has left. TV crews have moved on. Many of the police roadblocks are down. All that's left of Hurricane Sandy now is $50 billion worth of ruined homes, devastated towns, and uprooted lives." It's quite shameful to say the least. However, I will be the responsible adult here and say that I am not exempt from losing that "loving feeling" so fast either.

I chalk it up to our selfish human nature. We are concerned with things that are near and dear to us, while we could care less (or not as much) about the things that are not. We are generally creatures of habit, and habit often leads to us taking care of self before taking care of someone else.

The good part is that we have the ability to help! We have the opportunity to forget about ourselves for once, and focus on someone else. Little acts of kindness go far. It's not always the grand gestures that make a difference. In addition to funds, I am sure hurricane victims would do well with generous deeds from others like a prepared meal, the use of electricity or water, transportation, kind words of encouragement or even a smile...to name a few!

I pray that the needs of the people are being met right now. I pray that it is on the agenda of our government to see that the people that were misplaced get back to normal as soon as possible. I pray that those that were spared of the storms wrath would recognize just how blessed they are!

Pearls of Wisdom:
“On the whole human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.”
~ George Orwell

As always, thanks for, purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing and following! Until next post… 

Be blessed!
Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

A Better Plan



About This Piece
This Cherry Blossom winter scarf is made of 100% acrylic fibers (a material perfect for those concerned about hair breakage).  This scarf is open ended and approximately 5 inches wide and approximately six feet long.  

The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Cherry Blossom winter scarf.  There will be posts following with other scarfs available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale. 


Thought For The Day:
Hurricane Sandy has blown over, and in the span of her arrival and departure, I have been experiencing cabin fever. Yesterday was a total bust! I did nothing…nada…niente…niets…ingenting…rien! Okay, you get the point, it was super unsuccessful!

Today is a different story though! I think I have come up with a good system to clear away the procrastination blues. After all when I get nothing done it is not because I have nothing to do, but because I am putting the inevitable off for another time. Often times that inevitable time is at the last minute, which is no longer acceptable.

From this day forth, I plan to come up with my to do list the night before, and try real hard to make the things listed happen the following day. I won’t put anything on there that is unrealistic, but I do believe that it is important for me to challenge myself.

Today I have done pretty well. I have managed to get almost all of the things that are on my list done today before the five o'clock hour. That is definitely a feat for me! They say that it takes 21 days to create a habit, and this is a habit that I need to form. 



On My Work Desk:
Just getting the brush to the canvas. A practice piece.


Journal Page Of The Day:
I have finally decided to pen down the 33 things I would like to accomplish while 33. As you can see, I am adding things as they come. I am about 5 months late, but who is counting anyway! I still have more than half a year to complete them!


 I am using my little dude to help me with my proportions. 


Pearls Of Wisdom:
"You are now at a crossroads. This is your opportunity to make the most important decision you will ever make. Forget your past. Who are you now? Who have you decided you really are now? Don't think about who you have been. Who are you now? Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully."
~ Anthony Robbins

As always, thanks for , reading, purchasing commenting, subscribing and following! Until next post… 
 
Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Value of Friendship





 About This Piece  
This Metal & Pearl Bracelet was created a few weeks ago. This is it's first appearance here. The diamond shape metal pieces come from a broken belt. The chain and and pearl pieces were purchased.


The price of this item is $35 (tax and shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the bracelet is ONLY for this Metal & Pearl bracelet.  There will be posts following with other jewelry available to purchase, and in the event it is needed, a return policy is at the end of this post. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.

Thought For The Day:
I have always known that friends were important! The older I become, the more I understand the value of true friendship. I wrote about this approximately two years ago, but have been given a few lessons in having true friends, and more importantly being a true friend.

I am an eternal optimist! You know the type. The type that believes that underneath the trash that lies within all of us, there is always a soft spot that just needs the right atmosphere to emerge. The type that believes love will wash away all the hardships and pains of this world. The type that thinks that one person is just as good as the next. The type that mostly hates conflict.

I am by nature an "open" person, and some would say that I am too "open". I “give up the tapes” easily and often expect that in return from my friends. I don’t do well with aloofness!

In my friends I have learned a few valuable lessons.

We aren’t all the same:

God has created us all to be different for good reasons. I don’t want to imagine a world of only “me’s” hanging around. As a matter of fact, uniqueness is what makes this world amazing. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if there were only one type of person or personality that graced this planet. We need the four temperament types (Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic).

Differences exist to be embraced!

Change is a personal journey:
Change is a great thing when a person changes because they genuinely want it. Nagging has never worked. As a matter of fact, it often causes a divide in friendships.

I am learning the best tactic is to pray. God knows best! He created my friends, and knew them way before I did.

Walls are meant to be let down:
Walls that surround my heart are meant to be let down with people I trust. Not everyone is out to hurt me, and I don’t need to put my friends through some sort of rigorous gymnastic routine in order to figure out whether they love or care for me. People make their intention and motives known over time, and I trust that God has given me discernment to weed out mal intentions from those that prove to be fruitful.

I can feel free to by myself:

True friends accept me as I am. That means they accept the side of me that smiles and giggles, and they also accept the side that is not so favorable. They understand that although I smile often, there is sometimes hurt and pain that hides behind that smile. They accept the teary and super sensitive part of me, and the sometimes extremely “out of the box” thinker I can be.

Friends sometimes have seasons:

I am a firm believer that each friend enters my life for a reason. Most of them last for a season, and few for a lifetime. I have learned to accept each friend for the specific role they play in my life.

So thank you friends, and friends that I call family! I am extremely blessed that you teach me these lessons, and so much more! They make me a better person. They help me to blossom into the beautiful flower that God desires for me to develop into. I love you all dearly!

Pearls Of Wisdom:
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation [an identifying name or title]."
~ George Washington

As always, thanks for purchasing, reading, commenting, subscribing and following! Until next post…

Be blessed! 

Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Torpedo Factory








About This Piece
This Fall Mix winter scarf is made of 100% acrylic fibers (a material perfect for those concerned about hair breakage).  This scarf is open ended and approximately 6 inches wide and over five feet long.  
 
The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Fall Mix winter scarf.  There will be posts following with other scarfs available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.
 
Thought For The Day:
For those that have been reading for a while have heard me speak of the love that I have for Northern Virginia. I lived there for a few years after graduating from college (for those that are reading for the first time). While I was there I spent an immense amount of time in Old Town Alexandria, which is a quaint area that is about 15 square miles large with an incredible thriving arts community. 

Well this weekend I finally had the opportunity to visit the Torpedo Factory during a girls weekend. I am grateful to have friends (that I consider to be sisters) that appreciate all forms of art and understand my love for it as well. And while I know that they like art, I am almost convinced that the friend that lives in the area thought that it would be good for me in particular. And if that was the case, indeed she was right!

The artists and their creations were absolutely amazing! The open studio set up was just what I needed to put a little pep in my step. I needed to see artists doing "their thing". I needed to feel the barrage of emotions, from sadness to sheer delight. I have been in the swing of things concerning my creations, but there is always that nagging voice that states that I am not good enough or that I won't make it in this business, and even that I will run out of ideas. 
 
I am almost sure that the nagging voice is the voice of the enemy, and I choose to believe otherwise! I was built for this! I am on the right track! I am in the exact place I should be, and even the timing of things is not an accident!
 
I love what I do, and the people that push me to strive to be better at what I do! Thank you for an absolutely lovely weekend JW Crew! I love you ladies!

As always, thanks for reading, commenting, purchasing, subscribing and following! Until next post…

Pearls of Wisdom:
"I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a hear full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun."
~ Charles Swindoll



Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.
 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Temporary Lows Of Entrepreneurship



SOLD
About This Piece
This Purple/Teal Mix winter scarf is made of a wool and acrylic blend. It is open ended and approximately 3 inches wide and long enough to be wrapped around plenty of times.


The price of this item is $30 (shipping not included), and please remember that the paypal button under the scarf is ONLY for this Purple/Teal Mix winter scarf.  There will be posts following with other scarves available to purchase, and the return policy is the same as that for Exo31 Art, LLC jewelry. If you are looking for other items that are for sale, please hit the for sale label on the left side of this blog. That will bring up all the items that are currently for sale.


Thought For The Day:

Next month will mark the 4th year of operation for Exo31 Art. I should be jumping up and down, but the reality is that I am just now starting to function as a business. I am just now beginning to understand that being an entrepreneur is a sacrifice! I am not so sure that I believed or recognized just how much of a sacrifice it was until I decided that I was going to “just do it”!

The “just do it” mentality comes with a lot of baggage. The baggage for me includes:

Working odd jobs:
I am not a 9 to 5 type of person. Don’t get me wrong; I am a workhorse! However, a 9 to 5 is often too monotonous for me. At the same time, I never thought that at the age of 33 I would be working odd jobs in order to pay bills while my business grows.

Temporary Low Funds:
Temporary low funds often comes with being an entrepreneur. I understand and accept it because it is just “temporary”. I don’t subscribe to the “starving artist” mentality. I am an artist, but I am hardly starving! I would rather go through this temporary space of not getting what I want so that I can grow to the place where I have an overflow of monetary resources. After all it is far more important for me to love what I am doing instead of loving the paycheck. One day (and soon) the paycheck will match my passion for creativity.

Living With Parents:
This is another, “I never thought I would be…” at 33. At this age I thought I would have been in a home of my own. It isn’t so, and I have learned to become okay with that. Again, I understand that this is a temporary situation.

I have learned that on this journey to leaving this awesome legacy that lies within me, there are plenty of unexpected turns. I could either end the journey short of making it to the finish line in order to avoid those unexpected turns or I could navigate my way through the unexpected turns with tenacity. I choose the later of the two. There may be struggles, success may look different than I thought, and things may not always go according to scheduled plans, but at least I am fervently going after what I know I was placed here on this Earth to do!

And to me, it all makes making sacrifices worth it!

Pearls Of Wisdom:
“Starting your own business is like riding a roller coaster. There are highs and lows and every turn you take is another twist. The lows are really low, but the highs can be really high. You have to be strong, keep your stomach tight, and ride along with the roller coaster that you started.” 
Lindsay Manseau 

Be blessed!


Exo31 Art, LLC Jewelry Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your jewelry, you may return it for an exchange or credit ONLY. Any item purchased at a retailer other than Exo31 Art, LLC cannot be returned to Exo31 Art, LLC for an exchange or credit. Please contact the retailer your items were purchased from.

  • Your exchange or credit must be requested within 7 calendar days of receiving it. Please notify us via email (exo31art@gmail.com) before the return.  Your package must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
  • Jewelry must be its original, new, unworn, and undamaged condition to be eligible for exchange or credit. 
  • All return shipping charges are the customer's responsibility and cannot be refunded. Please return jewelry in its original package. When shipping please make sure that the container is well padded and ship using UPS or USPS. Shipping insurance is not required, but recommended. Exo31 Art, LLC is not responsible for damages or loss incurred in return shipping.
  • Information as to where to return items will be sent in response to your exchange or credit request email.
  • Once your jewelry item has been received and examined, your original method of payment will be credited within one week, not including the original or return shipping costs. You will receive an email confirmation of your refund once it is processed.