The Artist in Me

A New Start!

2009-09-17T23:57:00.005-04:00

Wow...it has been almost 4 months since I last posted! However, while I have not been updating, I have been busy as a bee working.

From here on out, I am going to be more vigilant about posting. I know, I know...I have said that before, but I am in a place where I am holding up to my words. Now in order for me to do so, I won't be doing so much writing, but displaying more of my work.

So...here goes folks! This is a new series that I am working on that has everything to do with color and pattern.

Enjoy and as always, your comments are welcome!

Pearls of Wisdom

Motivation happens when you least expect it. Welcome it with open arms and be prepared to go with its movement!

Be Blessed!

In The Studio

2009-05-11T22:45:00.004-04:00

Last week was an extremely productive week. I was able to set aside my previous hang ups about getting into the studio and literally attack my work head on.

While at the last Joose meeting (last week's Wednesday Whoop) I realized that there may have been several things keeping me out of the studio. One being the clutter in parts of my studio, two not having my own space, but the biggest speed bump of them all being my frame of thought. My frame of mind about my work, and warped feeling about my studio.

It almost felt like my enemy...the space that was holding up my creative process. When I got there, nothing would come, and I do mean nothing. No, let's get back to before I got to the space. How about it was hard for me to even get to the space.

So, I took the advice of some of my fellow artist friends. They had some good pointers. I just needed to be in the space. In fact, that may have been the very thing that was holding me back. Not doing! Who would have thought that not doing is what was causing me so much heartache and lack of creativity?

As a result of our conversation, the studio and I have been constant companions in the last few weeks. I now love the feeling I get when I am there. All else doesn't matter in that space. It is just me, my tools, my imagination, and emotions that create wonderful pieces of art work. Thank GOD!

Here is a new series that I am in the process of starting. It is somewhat of a color study, but more about process. Enjoy!

Pearl of Wisdom!

Be not weary in well doing! GOD in heaven can do anything!

Be blessed!

The Wednesday Whoop - SALON JOOSE

2009-05-06T23:14:00.005-04:00

As I continue to grow as an artist, I find the importance in learning of other artists' and their techniques. So, in an effort to bring artists to the forefront that I appreciate and that don't often times get the notoriety they ought to, I am starting The Wednesday Whoop!

I will be highlighting a different artist or association every week. I will be primarily focusing on visual artists, but being a renaissance woman means that I definitely will not leave out artists that concentrate on other forms of art.

Welcome to Wednesday Whoop

SALON JOOSE!

I first encountered Tanya Dodd (founder) while serving on the University of the Arts AAP Board about a year ago. At one particular meeting she shared a booklet of her amazing photography and our love for art formed a great friendship from there. We exchanged numbers and email addresses and vowed to keep in touch.

A couple of months later I received an email titled Salon Juice-Fuel For Artists By Artists. It was an invitation to attend what I call an "artist forum."

Well, I decided to attend, and was ecstatic about what I found Tanya Murphy Dodd and Anyta Thomas (co-founder) had going on when I got there.

So what is exactly Salon Joose? Salon Joose is an open arena for artists of all kinds and caliber to come together to share past, current and future creative endeavours. These shared experiences are not kept in the physical realm, but taken viral as well in order to get vital information to artists all over the world via blogs and online talk radio.

Those who attend sessions that occur every 4th Sunday of each month receive honest critiques and suggestions of their work (if wanted) in a comfortable studio/gallery arena. If a discussion groups, workshops, exhibition space, space rental and much more is what you are looking for, then look no further than Salon Joose!

Another honorable perk of Salon Joose is that they have a running calendar of art events that is happening in and around the Philadelphia area noted on their blog.

So get JOOSED people!
For more information about Salon Joose and its founders, please visit http://www.4joose.blogspot.com/.
If you are interested in attending a forum, please contact the founders from the website above so they can put you on their email list. They are more than pleased to have additional artists join!

Thanks folks! I look forward to showcasing another artist next Wednesday!

Pearls of Wisdom:
If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get the work done. ~Dale Carnegie

Be Blessed!

Getting Setup

2009-04-24T01:50:00.002-04:00

I am truly on my way to becoming the business woman that I am meant to be. I am sure of it. The road has not been necessarily easy, and I am sure that there are plenty of other snags that will come along the way, but I am so excited about that which has taken place, and that which is to come.

I have made some much needed purchases in order to aid in the proper flow of my businesses. These new items include a AIO printer, and a sewing machine. Yes...I said it...a sewing machine.
Now, I am not fancy with the sewing machine. As a matter of fact, I don't really know how to use one at all. However, there are certain pieces that I need to sew. I have been doing so by hand, and am more than happy to get the precision that I am looking for with the "Brother". I also don't mind the time factor.

So...here is what's new

Newsflash...Newsflash...Newsflash
The business cards have been printed and are out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art Front

Painting/Drawing: I am in the midst of starting a new series. The series is derived from a friend. She actually is in need of a painting, and from that I have done some sketching and some purchasing of some oil paints, which I haven't done in a while.

Photography: Buddy and I are about to take some excursions. In order to get the study pics that I need for the new series that I am going to get into, I need to go to some arboretums. I will definitely be doing so in the next couple of weeks in order to get started.

I was also just asked this evening to do a family portrait for some family friends. I am stoked about it.

Jewelry: I have made a couple of new pieces. I have come to the conclusion that I will continue to do business with Elle Bee. I have been saying that I am going to take some more pieces there for the last couple of months, but I will have to do so within the next couple of weeks as they have almost sold all of my inventory.

Massage Therapy Front

I have come up with the name of the business: Enet's Graceful Touch Massage Therapy.

There is a website that is up. It is basic, but will be revamped within the next couple of months. I want it to be just a tad jazzier. www.enetsgracefultouch.massagetherapy.com. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

I have been giving out my business cards, and even have a gig this weekend to do chair massage (with the help of NMTI). I will definitely be networking!

Well, that is what we have folks. I will be sure to post pics to keep you updated as well.

Pearl of Wisdom:
"Beethoven, Wagner, Bach, and Mozart settled down day after day to the job at hand. They didn't waste time waiting for inspiration. The great composers did not set to work because they were inspired, but became inspired because they were working."
~ Earnest Newman

Be Blessed!

My Plan B, His Plan A

2009-03-18T17:49:00.005-04:00

It's been a while and no, I haven't fallen off the bandwagon, but have really been needing some time to get some things in order. I have been a tad hesitant about writing since I have had nothing visual to go along with my creative/artistic ventures. As I stated before, I believe I will write anyway; therefore we have this entry.

As I sat and spoke to a friend a while ago about some of my insecurities and woes of life, it became clear to me that my plan B may have been God's plan A all along. It's funny sometimes how we plan, set up shop, re-vamp the plan, re-vamp the shop that we set up, and the cycles go on and on, only to find out that plan B is so much simpler and conducive to who we are than plan A in the first place. The plan that made us sweat and toil day and night, cry hours on end, and sometimes compromise our identity was never meant to be so.

His plan A has been here all along. My ticket to freedom. However, although that free ticket is available for me to take a hassle free ride, I have been hesitant about getting on. One foot on the train, the other foot on the platform. The foot on the train realizes that I must make a move.

The foot on the train realizes that I must make a move. I have been created for a time such as this. To carry out that which GOD has gifted me with. If I don't jump on board, I will be left behind trying to find ways to pick up the pieces.

The foot on the platform questions the moves that I am making. "Are you thinking in an orderly fashion?" "Have you thought about consulting this one and that one before taking this leap?" "Do you really think that you are equipped to make this journey?" "Is this the right time? Maybe you should wait to make sure." If I jump on board, I may have left the station before the cargo has been loaded.

So with that being said, I am vowing to put all anxieties aside and hop on the train. I am ready to take the lead of my Master and go with His plan B, which ultimately becomes my plan A.

On the Art Front

Jewelry: December proved to be a great month for jewelry sales. I am assuming due to the Christmas season. Although I have not had the opportunity to make much jewelry, the store where I am selling items would like me to continue to sell items in their store. I will hopefully be replenishing their stash within the next 2 weeks or so.

Buddy (my camera): Buddy has not been used in a while. I need to take him out to do some product shots. While in school I made a new friend that I coincidentally went to the same high school as I did. He graduated a couple years after I did, but has a great eye for photography. We have not had the opportunity to shoot together yet, but will do so in the near future.

Button Series: I have gotten rave reviews on my button pieces. I completed yet another piece within the last month, and am working on how I would like it to be framed. I have one more that I want to do to complete this series.

Paintings/Other mediums: I have been blessed to have been introduced to many different art circles within the last couple of months. My mother has an associate who she has put me in contact with. This associate has gallery space available for free, and my fellow artists know how much of a jewel that is! So, I will be taking her up on her offer in the very (and I do mean very) near future. My former boss also would like for me to have a show in their work space. Therefore people, I have no excuse not to show and sell work. I will do it!

Other Adventures

Massage Therapy: I now can put the letters CMT (certified Massage Therapist) after my name. Although I was concerned about how well I would do, I graduated with honors and perfect attendance. It is just a pleasure to know that I am able to offer others relaxation, and comforts to their physical ailments. I am toying around with a couple of different names for my upcoming massage therapy business. I am up for suggestions!

Becoming Legit

2008-11-18T19:47:00.003-05:00

Life is funny sometimes, and God always seems to have an uncanny way of getting a job done through you when you have missed the mark, or have been too stubborn or afraid to get it done. There manages to be the smallest nudge that undeniably forces you to the next stage in life.

I received that nudge about a week ago. It came in the form of a W-9 tax form. I have been successfully selling jewelry items in Elle Bee. It hasn’t been a smash hit, but definitely keeps me receiving a check in the mail every month, which means that my creations are being worn on ears, arms and necks outside of my circle of family and friends.

So, I received this W-9 form, which I have never had to fill out before for doing consignment. I am actually very familiar with the form as I have to get those that do contract work with my job to fill them out in order to get paid. Although familiar, I never really took the time to get familiar with the forms for my own purposes. As a matter of fact, subconsciously I didn’t want to be involved with them, although I knew sooner or later I would need to in order to properly fill out tax forms for my businesses. Notice I said businesses with an s (but that is for a different blog).

The section that got me sweating said sole proprietor, LLC, and some other options besides other, that I cannot recall off the top of my noggin. I was sure that I could pass with checking other until I read exactly what other entailed (nothing that I could subscribe to).

I consulted a great lawyer friend at that moment and asked if it was possible that I would get penalized if I just checked other without an explanation. Of course, she said sooner or later it would catch up with me, and that I should just register as soon as possible. The law may be slow to cash in their monetary reward, but when they do, they manage to try and take you for all you are worth in addition to the pair of draws on your behind.

I took the plunge and did so the next evening. With the assistance of my friend, the process was almost painless and as a result, my business is birthed:

Exo 31 Art LLC

I am blessed to be in such company that can give me advice on how to get these matters straightened out. She did so effortlessly, as if she did it in her sleep daily, and without looking for compensation. The saying “you reap what you sow” is indeed correct. Lord knows that I have been diligent in sowing wonderful seeds, not because I have the intuition to do so on my own, but because the Christ in me demands me to do so. So, I say thank you to all those that sow good for the sake of sowing for the greater good.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Your little hands in the big hands of GOD always equals success, even if that success is not immediately tangible.

Be blessed!

I Rocked My Vote...and You?

2008-11-04T19:51:00.000-05:00

People I did it…I have successfully cast my vote for our next President. As a matter of fact, as I pulled up to the polls, I cried as Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” played on the radio. A barrage of memories came to the forefront of my memory…the strongest one being a story shared by my pastor this past Sunday. He shared the story of his great grandmother, and how she walked just to cast her vote. It went something like she walked 12 miles to where she was to vote for them to tell her that she was not from that district. She walked to the next district she was sent…another 15 miles or so. She arrived to her destination for them to tell her, “Nigger, you are too late to vote.” She didn’t get to vote that year, but was sure to be the first in line to vote the next year.

When I think about voting, I think about the above and much more. I think about my ancestors who had to go through so much, just so that I could have this right. I think about their unselfish act of being sprayed with fire hoses, bitten by dogs, beaten by the masses (physically, mentally, and spiritually), lynched, and killed in all sorts of despicable fashions; all for the benefit of me.This was actually the first time casting my vote for a President. One may call it sad, and some may say that I should be ashamed, but I am not. I have come to understand that we all have our downfalls, and I am not at all left out from that category. However, I am thankful that I have understood the error of my ways, and have made the change. This is what life is about….change! A change for the better, and a change for the good.

You may have figured from the paragraph above concerning “change” that I voted for Barack Obama…and yes, you would be right. However, I didn’t vote for him because he is a black man that shares white blood (like most of us), but simply because he has a better regime. He has a better plan to pick America out of the muck and mire that we are presently sinking in. As I listened to the Steve Harvey show this morning, a guest had a good point. We vote for a better America…period. We all must coexist and aside from Barack being black, he is still an American. An American that I believe would make drastic changes for the better if elected into office. Despite all of this, win, lose or draw, this is a big step for America period!

I thank God that I have been able to take part in this smidgen of history. I am grateful that I have not continued to take for granted that which my ancestors sweat, bled and died for. I am thankful for being able to understand the importance of praying for the will of God to be done over my own with this election, and continuing to pray regardless the outcome.

Be blessed!

The Perfect Kiss!

2008-10-21T22:28:00.006-04:00

It has been a while. It seems like the more I declare I am going to do this thing more frequently, the more it lingers and falls into this lull. The funny thing is, I have so much to say on a daily basis.

Anywho...I wanted to post some responses that I have received from the prior post, asking what the perfect kiss felt like. Not to my surprise, all of the responses were great and unique in their own right.

LoveBabz: Ahh the perfect kiss feels like I am flying. Like I am weightless. Like the whole world is standing still waiting for me to catch my breath. It is like heat that begins in your toes and moves up your back exploding from your lips. It is passionate and gentle all at the same time. It is sweet and salty (sigh).

Kora: I have been kissed. It was by a lover and it was romantically. I was coming home from a long day at school and he just opened his arms and gave me a hug and a kiss, to tell me he was there and whatever happened is all over.

Kristen S.: It takes your breath away. You are not even where you were when the kiss first started. Everything around you is in a swirling blur.

Monique: Makes you feel like you are in la la land.

Nina W.: Not too long, not too short, a little bit of tongue. It has to be meaningful, fresh breath, and not sloppy.

Mackenzie C.: Small, intimate, not sloppy, like the... I don't even know how to explain it. I am so picky.

Gene C.: It has to be meaningful. I don't know, I never though about this.

Evan: I like kissing shorter women. To have them stare into my eyes and look up at me, and for me to share the same experience. I can embrace her as she leans in. You have a different vantage point. From my perspective, their eyes almost always close first. I like that. It is indicative of how to proceed. I like to open my eyes while kissing to see their reaction. Lots of tongue action. Long, passionate, and sloppy!

Renee' D.: Meaningful! Soft lips, open mouth, tongue but not too powerful, and hands behind the back of the neck.

Peg: Soft, tender, not wet and sloppy, lingering. You have to experience the perfect kiss to know it. I am a sucker for a good kiss!

As I thought about writing this entry, I struggled with answering the same question that I have asked others to answer. At times my imagination is rather vivid and descriptive to say the least. Of course I am being candid and whenever one is candid, there is exposure into the innermost thoughts of parts of who they are.

Again, this is my thought of an ideal kiss, and/or the scenario and emotions that go along with it. I don't carelessly give kisses away. In my mind, they are intimate and to be shared with someone special. However, when I sat down to write this short piece, I did have a particular individual in mind. An individual not from the past, but one that is in my present...one that I am intrigued with getting to know more about.

I'm not sure I can handle the soft, unspoken grace of your lips upon mine at this moment.
The distinct sweet aroma of your breath, slightly salty taste of your lips, and honey dipped flavor of the tip of your tongue.

Your lips lay ground work for impure and unholy thoughts
If I am completely honest, it is liable to encourage actions beyond the simple exchange of affection from my lips to yours, and vice versa
You accepting the natural juices that emanate from my oral cavity and even deeper, the mingling/sharing of our spiritual beings

Time halted, almost ceasing to exist
Oblivious to that which is around us deeply engaged and focused on that which is taking place between us

We create a melody

One that is all our own
Varying rhythms, changing tempos, diverse degrees of moisture
Icy cold, steaming hot, temperature difference

Soft, tender, and passionate
Suction and nibbles releasing endorphins
Blocking pain receptors turning an otherwise unpleasurable experience into a gratifying one

Too much to lose
Perhaps something to gain
Too many dormant feelings that stand to be exposed
Too many years past of silent kisses kept between me, myself, and I that have begged to be free

There you have it folks. I truly thank those that have given their input. I look forward to reading more of your responses. Keep them coming...they are very much so appreciated.

Be Blessed!

Some Kisses From Luscious Lips!

2008-09-27T19:24:00.005-04:00

XXmuahXX is coming along nicely. It's debut pic is posted below, and I have worked on it since, so it is ever evolving.

So, I have changed it's scope a bit and have another question for the reading audience:

What does the perfect kiss feel like to you?

I am hoping that this will draw more of a descriptive response.

The Art Front

Photography:

I finished the wedding pics that I spoke of in previous posts. I created a DVD, and am extremely pleased with the outcome. It was a rather long video, so posting it here is not an option. An opportunity to shoot another wedding has presented itself from this wedding.

Painting:

Aside from my own paintings, I have been asked by a friend of the family to paint a mural on a room wall. Word of mouth advertisement has proven to be very kind to me. This friend of the family has passed the word on and I now have yet another gig.

Jewelry:

My sister has been talking me up to some shops in Delaware. It looks like I may be in another store in this area soon.

All in all folks, I am thankful to the man above that things are on the up and up. I am holding the many balls that I am juggling fairly well, and must say that I am loving it.

Words of Wisdom

Management means, in the last analysis, the substitution of thought for brawn and muscle, of knowledge for folkways and superstition, and of cooperation for force. It means the substitution of responsibility for obedience to rank, and of authority of performance for the authority of rank.

~Peter Drucker

Be Blessed!

Is it for Sale?

2008-09-24T23:23:00.013-04:00

I have to say that I have been extremely blessed. So much so that it is beyond measure and certainly more than I have ever thought or could have imagined. My creativity is speaking for itself and taking flight all on its own.

The mini photo shoot that I had about 2 weeks ago for a 40th renewing of vows ceremony, went well. I have posted a few pics to the side. I took over 300 or so shots. I managed to edit them, and plan to send them off the their perspective home over the weekend.

XXmuahXX is well underway. I plan to have it done within the next couple of weeks...meaning two weeks. It's not as large as some of the other pieces that I have shown, but nonetheless very interesting. I will post progression pictures in the near future

So, the question has been, "Are my pieces in the market to be sold?" The answer to that question at the moment would be...yes and no. The pieces that I have been posting for your viewing pleasure and feedback are not on sale at the moment. I am in the process of getting my pieces in some galleries and need to make sure that my portfolio is forever building. However, there are a few (and I do mean a few) at the moment that are in the market to be sold outside of the body of work that I am currently working on. They are not really anything like what I have been working on, but if I may toot my own horn...fabulous just the same. LOL! Of course I will be posting the galleries where my art is being displayed. If it is in a city near you and you feel inclined to purchase a piece, that would be great!

Pearls of Wisdom:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

~Melodie Beattie

Be Blessed!

XXmuahXX

2008-09-09T18:22:00.011-04:00

I have finished the button piece that I was working on and ventured onto yet another piece. Interesting it is to say the least and has been on my mind since I have been in that loving kind of mood.

The title is XXmuahXX. Its birth started perhaps a few weeks ago as I sat and spoke to my mother about kisses. I rambled on and on about the good ones, the bad ones, the missed ones, so forth and so on. I simply explained just how much I desired to be kissed.

It strikes me as strange that at a young age I looked at kissing as just that…kissing. It felt wonderful as my young hormones raged. However, in my aging and as Lovebabz would say, coming into my “grown woman”, I have grown to seek kisses for different reasons. I have grown to understand that a kiss is not simply just a kiss….as the song goes. It’s much more. It denotes so much: friendship, love, care, honesty, etc.

Kisses act as a sort of binding contract, and at times serve as a sign of betrayal. They normally take place at the beginning and the end of interacting with another individual. You kiss a family member or friend when you first come into their presence and then before you leave. A kiss between lovers is shared during the beginning of the courtship phase and often at the end of the courtship (mostly if ended amicably). Lovers kiss to engage and end a particular act of sexual intimacy.

Kisses can be simple and complicated all at the same time. They can be sweet, but bitter. They can be loving, yet unforgiving. They can be passionate, yet mean nothing. They can be innocent, but mean the world. They can be passive, yet aggressive. They can be fearful, but exhilarating. They have the ability to make you smile and cry all at the same time.

Simply put…lips are wonderful body parts that God has made, and kisses are simple nuggets of joy that can be shared with others through them. So, XXmuahXX is a homage to all of the fabulous kinds of kisses.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU
Have you given a kiss or been kissed lately?
Where did it take place?
Where was the kiss placed?
What type of kiss was it?
What was your experience?

*As many of you know, I combine my writing with my pieces. I would love to gain feedback in order to place some of it in my piece. If you would like to forward this on to others, that would be great. The more the merrier. There is a possibility that it may or may not be used. Thanks you so much!

Be Blessed!

The End or the Beginning?

2008-08-26T21:02:00.004-04:00

As my life has begun to become consumed with my various responsibilities, I played with the idea of ceasing to continue this blog. I haven't been able to give it the time that I had originally planned to do at its start. I also found myself writing more about who I was, and the many things that was swirling around in my head as oppose to the artwork that I was creating. To the outside world it may have seemed that the two didn't coincide, but to me...they do. But as I really started to think about things...I need to continue. I will continue. I need to push through even when I don't feel like doing so. So, here goes folks. I will blog about my artwork. I will blog about my random thoughts. I will blog about school. I will blog about whatever I so please to blog about!

Playing Catch Up

I have recently started school. Yes...me...school! I never thought that I would be the one that would attend school after declaring never to return approximately 8 years ago. Although I like to do what I would call "recreational writing", I never became fond of technical writing. You know...the papers that can run 20 pages or so. However, the opportunity to become schooled in something that I always wanted to do, without the paper drama arose, and it was so unlike me to say no.

I said yes...and in return, school has said yes to me. It is showing in my grades, which I am grateful to be able to say. I will have completed my program in March of 09, with my National Certification as a Massage Therapist. Unconventional, yet so me. I am loving it you all. I am enjoying the practical portion the most. Where can you go get an education and get a massage daily. It's a beautiful thing.

The Art Front

Photography: I am going to be photographing a great friend of the families 40th wedding anniversary in mid September. I happened to take some shots at a cousin of mines surprise birthday party last month, in preparation for the wedding anniversary. I am trying to take Buddy plenty of places to make sure that I am up to par.

Jewelry: I am happy to announce that the jewelry in Elle Bee is doing well. My pieces are selling, which is the ultimate goal.

Buttons: I am finishing the piece that I am currently working on this evening. I have only a couple of stiches left to complete and it will be a finished work. It's exciting. I have to say out of the whole series, I draw to this piece the most. It chronicles the relationship/courtship between a man and a woman.

Pearls of Wisdom:
I am still on this whimsical love ride you all. Not that love has come yet, but the idea of the love that awaits me has me feeling marvelous.

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.
~Carl Jung

Be Blessed!

Enamored With Buddy

2008-07-29T15:45:00.007-04:00

I have taken Buddy out for numerous occassions now. I find myself just wanting to take him out wherever I go. Sidebar: For those that have not had the pleasure of reading...Buddy is my camera. End Sidebar.

The train is always a source of fascination for me. The tracks, the signs, the waiting areas, inside or outside stops, and those that are waiting to aboard. It's a place where some folks spend massive amounts of time and others use minimally.

I have more recently been interested in alleys. I can't explain exactly why. Perhaps it is the fact that they are dingy, but yet have so much character attached to them. I can remember passing an alley way in the wee hours of the morning while walking to work in Philly. It would be dark, but this particular alley would be illuminated by the pastry shop that stood at the it's end.

Graffiti and murals are also a thing for me, especially when they are well done. It's truly phenomenal how people can pull together to get something as massive as a mural accomplished. It is also pretty swift of a graffiti artist to pull off his/her work (tags) on a strict time constraint and having to constantly look over their shoulder.

Pearls of Wisdom:
"If you love what you do, then it is no longer work. The money you earn is secondary when you love your work." ~Catherine Pulsifer, a quote from Love What You Do

Are you loving what you do today?

Be Blessed!

Sore Fingers Return

2008-07-24T13:34:00.006-04:00

I am finally back to the button series. It is going smashingly well. It is actually going better than I expected, as it has been a minute since I have attended to it. I am assuming that is why it is going so well. My buttons need lots of love and attention, and so do my fingers. They become extremely sore during the process. So, I have vowed to do the button piece in small spurts..perhaps one or two a month, depending on the size of the particular piece.

Other Art Updates:

Photography: I have been using Buddy quite a bit. I have committed to taking him out at least once a week and sometimes more than that. It is wonderful the things that are available to be photographed. Often times it is the unsuspected things that create a fabulous photo. In another week or so, I am looking to post some of the pictures that I have taken on this photography site.

Paintings: I painted another panel in a series on my niece and nephews. I didn't like it at all. I would say that I hated it, but I love the subject...(otherwise known as "my kids"). Even though I didn't like the way that things were turning out, I decided to push through and finish it anyway. I once heard the creator of The Joy of Living Creatively say that an artist does not always like everything that he/she creates. However, an artist should not let that one faux pas stop them from creating masterpieces. The ideal is to push through that particular piece to get to the next piece. I have vowed to push through so that my creativity is never stagnant.

Jewelry: The ETSY page is up. I haven't made any sales as of yet, but then again I haven't made the effort to put much more on there since about 2 weeks ago. I have created some more jewelry, but I just need to put it on the website. That is me being a bit lazy on that end. I will find out how things are selling at Elle Bee Studio by the end of this month. The check in the mail will tell me. Other than that, I have been getting lots of compliments on the pieces that I have been wearing. It is making a buzz around town and selling itself for the most part.

Pearls of Wisdom:

I've been in a loving kind of mood for the last couple of weeks. So, just bare with a sister and allow the love that has been so graciously given to me spill over and engulf you! ENJOY!

"You can’t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth." -Unknown

Be Blessed!

I Went ETSY!!!

2008-07-14T17:53:00.003-04:00

Hey all!!! I have been a little off kilter when it comes to blogging. There is so much that I want to say, but I find it hard to sit down and just do what I am supposed to do...write. So I am here now with some overdo updates.

Jewelry: Okay...my pieces are in the Elle Bee store. I am not aware if they are selling, but I will know by the end of the month. My sister friend Lovebabz has purchased some of my goods and is pleased. Thank you Love! And I went ETSY you all. I am now selling my wearable works of art there. The site address is as follows: http://www.exo31artist.etsy.com/ I don't have much on the site as of yet, but keep posted, there will be more to come. Visit the site, let me know what you think and if you like...pass the word on. Oh and Torrance...I haven't forgotten about you! I am doing some research to get you some slamming doggy wearable art.

Photography: Buddy has not been in use aside from me taking shots of my jewelry. When I purchased Buddy I said that I was going to shoot at least once a week. Ask me how many times I shot....not much. It's funny, I have a phobia of taking Buddy out. I know it sounds weird, but a part of me does. I will get out of it real soon as I paid too much to keep it under raps and not used.

Buttons: I actually haven't worked on the buttons in a minute. They are still in the making though.

Paintings: I have just started a new diptych on mirrors. I am loving the concept thus far. It will be up here in a couple of days as it shouldn't take me more than that to finish.

Pearls of Wisdom:
We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts. -Aristotle

Leaving anonymous quotes is cowardly. Be brave and do a brave act by stating exactly who you are.

The Drop Off

2008-06-29T17:22:00.002-04:00

It took me some time, but I have finally made the "drop off". I know, it sounds like I made a run for the street pharmaceutical man, delivering the oooh wee...the candy...the snow...the dope...etc. However, that is not the case. I actually made a drop off of another kind, but do want to address the drop off spoken about above...if I may, briefly.

I watched "American Gangsta" the other week. The movie was long, but it kind of warmed my heart in the end. Again, I don't condone that behavior (he could have put his savvy intelligence to work for good from jump), but it offered hope to those that are involved in the game (often times who sadly know no better). The main character Frank Lucas was a natural leader, intellectual, and a go getter. He was calm about his business...low key and never flashy. He managed to come up with what I would dare to say was an excellent business plan. It was so savvy that at the height of his career, his per diem was approximately one million. His reign lasted for a minute, and would have lasted even longer had those that were working with him (his family) had the preservation of the business in mind. He ended up helping out the leader of the narc unit on the case and getting off with somewhere between 9 and 15 years in the slammer. He came out and now lives what is seen as a somewhat normal life. In his own words he is doing the following:

Lucas: I do whatever I got to do. I'm putting things together, trying to
build a facility where kids can go play ball and whatever. I'm waiting on the
mayor right now to get another space to go ahead and do that. I got some help on
the way, and I want to try to put that to use. I'm working with my daughter,
Francine. ... I'm getting some finances lined up now so I can do it. I want to
be remembered for helping these kids. If I can get them to follow what I ask
them to do, I'll be happy. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1573648/20071106/story.jhtml

The story spoke volumes to me. It proved to me the following:
-There are cases where people go to jail, come out and can live decent lives.
-One can fall down, but the mark of a true man (or woman) is one that can get up from their mistake and turn it into something wonderful for others.
-In life, we give to get and get to give.
-Sometimes those who strive to look out for self, end up looking out for you too.
-Once we've waddled in the mud, it is our duty to see that those around us avoid getting dirty the way we did.

I just needed to get that off my chest. I have folk (as Mr. Stephens over at rawdawgb would say) on lock down for various reasons, and I need them to know that they can make it. It is never too late...as long as there is breath in your body to turn over a new leaf. Now into...My Drop Off!

I am officially featured in the

Elle Bee Studio store

in Manasquan, NJ.

I took the items on Friday, and had the pleasure of meeting the store owner...who was a gem. She is a jeweler herself and liked the goods. There is nothing better than knowing that another artist likes your work. The shop is about a mile from the beach, and there is a bead store around the corner that is like a beaders heaven. And it doesn't stop there folks. My sister traveled with me (thanks Kiwi) and wanted to eat at this restaurant we passed. We stopped in there and asked for a menu. It turned out not to be the restaurant that we were looking for, but it worked out to my benefit anyhow. We started to chit chat with the woman that greeted us. I told her why we were in Manasquan and she stated that the restaurant was looking to possibly have jewelry classes on Thursday night for their ladies night. Now, the store is about an hour and fifteen minutes from my home, and in all seriousness it may cost me more to get down there than what they would pay me for the class. However, I am a firm believer that God always makes provisions for the vision that He has put in motion. Things will go the way that He desires them to.

So people, there you have it! There will be much more on the horizon for sure. And on another note, I am extremely grateful today that I have lived to see my 29th year today. God is real yall! If you don't know, please ask, and I will surely let you know. The fact that I am alive and have the use of my limbs to explore the gifts that God has given me, is a beautiful thing.

Thank you JESUS!

Pearls of Wisdom:

Do what you do best. To do someone else never serves you or others justice.

Be Blessed!

An "I Wonder..." Day

2008-06-17T08:08:00.009-04:00

Have you ever had an "I wonder..." day? I wonder how I got here, but I'm glad that I'm here or I wonder how I got here, but I've got no clue how to get out? I've been on both ends of the stick, but within the last couple of days, it seemed to be the later of the two scenarios.

The great things:

I have taught my first jewelry beading class. It went smashingly well. It was a private lesson and the woman was so pleased that she is scheduling another class. She made a pair of drop earrings that she allowed her daughter to wear out of the store. They looked great! I will hopefully have some pics of my students work to put here a little later.

I have recently joined a photography website. The people have been very welcoming thus far. I look forward to posting my work there for some feedback, and being able to identify photography contests that are legit for me to enter.

I jazzed up my studio a bit. I hung lots of some previous prints that I have done in order to inspire me while I am there. It's a space that I feel real comfy going to now. Before, I had no choice...I had to do my work somewhere. However, now...I am sort of elated to be able to get down there to work.

The "I wonder how I got here, and what do I do":

Lots of thought have gone into the things below.

I took my car to the dealership yesterday for them to check out my breaks and tire rods. I asked for an oil change and a 25 point inspection. They came back stating that they could do none of the above. Why? The nut or bolt (or whatever you choose to call it) is stuck; the pan cannot be emptied. It seems the thread is stripped. That means that they have to replace the whole pan. The cost of that is roughly 1,200 dollars. I laughed when they told me. I thought it was hilarious, as I just paid 1,200 in February to fix some computer issues so that it could pass inspection. Oh, and it doesn't stop there folks. As I went to the back to check out the screw that could not be unscrewed, the mechanic pointed something else out. The piece that you take down to get to the oil pan that is supposed to be held by bolts, is held by ties. Yes people...TIES! You know the plastic devices that hold items down in stores in hopes that thieves don't walk away with items that are not theirs....kind of ties. I felt like hitting the deck at that point. It was only God (and the woman that was gracious enough to pray with me) that allowed me to walk out of that place with my head up. As I got home I did my research and found out that my car had never had an oil change. The last place just topped the oil off, which just reinforced that I was ripped off by the place I bought the car from. I started to think about all the things I could do to their establishment. How I could give them bad press if I wanted too. How I could go and picket in front of their store. As I thought, I was reminded that cheaters never prosper. I was reminded that they don't get to get my joy. I was reminded that there are wicked folks here on earth and there will always be. I was reminded I am not fighting that particular person, but a spirit that lives within them. Bottom line....they aren't worth my aggravation! I will ride Dayton (my car) until I can't ride him any longer. And I have a feeling that will be a long time...or at least I pray so.

I am faced with yet another decision as far as my job goes, which has really been a blessing. There is a possibility that my current part-time position will go full-time. It may not be within the next couple of months, but then again it may. Things on the art end are going well, but have not opened up enough to completely stop working as of yet. However, I do need a position such as the one that I have that offers me some flexibility to do my thing. I have to be honest and say that after weeks of thinking about this, I am not too worried. I know the God that I serve has

provided for me thus far, will continue to do so. Nerve racking....maybe. Impossible....NEVER!

So there you have it folks. The things that make me say "hmmmm". The things that just cause me to wonder. There are a few other things that I could ramble about, but let us just say that I am making my way to greener pastures. The season is about to change in a couple of days, and I am believing that there are great changes occurring for me around the bend.

Pearls of Wisdom:

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world."

-Ada Lewis Huxtable

Be Blessed!

My Wig is Blown

2008-06-06T09:00:00.013-04:00

Yesterday the Lord officially "blew my wig back". The "blowing back of the wig" is a statement that I have adopted from a wonderful woman of God that I call a best friend and sister. It means that you were surprised beyond belief...in essence, your socks were knocked off. And yesterday, all of that happened. I am extremely thankful. I am thankful beyond what words can express.

I had a meeting for my job as a program manager and that went well. I spotted a friend that I had not seen since starting my new position. I went to a beading supply store that I didn't have any intention of going into before the moment I stepped in the door.

The result from these seemingly insignificant occurrences:
-I have a better understanding of how to move forward with the program that I am helping to run.

-The friend that I ran into is in the position to introduce me to a gallery owner this evening at "First Fridays" (a night of gallery openings in the city that happens every 1st Friday of each month).

-The offer has been extended for me to teach a jewelry beading class...and yes, I have accepted!

So you all...these are indeed baby steps. However, I understand the monstrous presence that a baby step holds. Baby steps grow to be adult characteristics and habits. What a wonderful thing to know that these baby steps and those to come are all designed to make me the woman that God desires for me to be now and in the future.

Pearls of Wisdom:

When upon life's billows you are tepest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done

-Johnson Oatman Jr.

Be Blessed!

Fuel

2008-05-29T10:29:00.004-04:00

I went to bed on Tuesday evening with the intentions of blogging before I did so. However, the man with the sand had poured some of his elixir in my eyes forcing them to shut, unbenownst to me. I had in mind to write so many things, but as I woke up on Wednesday morning, it was clear why I hadn't.

I woke up with fuel on my mind. It was the strangest thing. I mean, I know that gas prices are high and all, but to wake up with it on my mind was insane, until I thought a bit deeper.

Fuel is what makes things like planes, trains and automobiles go. Fuel (although this sort we call encouragement) is what keeps us as human beings go. It keeps us on the path that we ought to be and ultimately guides us into our destiny. So, as I thought about the day before, it all became evident why God had slipped that small word into my spirit.

The day before I received a surprise in the mail from one of my blog sister friends...lovebabz. The card (as you can see) is lovely. It reminded me of my days of singing karaoke with friends. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that someone that I have not had the pleasure of meeting in person would fuel a dream of mine. She sees the passion that God has gifted and thought it not robbery to lend to that gift, all while teaching me that I should do more of the same. It really reinforces the biblical meaning of you reap what you sow, or as some would like to call...the rules of reciprocity.

So, I thank LoveBabz and all the other supporters out there for sowing into a dream that has been for so long deferred. This is my season to start to blossom and I am so glad that there are folks around that take time to water my God given talent. He has planted, and allowed you all to water. For that, I am eternally grateful!

Pearls of Wisdom:
God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,
A gauntlet with a gift in it.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Be Blessed!

I Hate the Lull!

2008-05-22T00:08:00.010-04:00

The close to month lull without blogging is just about killing me. It creeps up so fast without me evening knowing it. I have to be honest and say that I have been in sort of an art funk these past couple of days...almost extending to a week. Today...I broke free, and it feels oh so lovely! So, here is the skinny on what has been going on in my art world.

Painting: I have been doing lots of this, thanks to a set that I am working to create for a play that my church is putting on...."The Glory Train". I am a one woman shop for this assignment. It's cool, although I don't think that folks realize how tedious it can be. I just count my blessings to be able to create what is asked of me. This pic is part of the fire for a scene depicting hell. I have been holding off on the button pieces to get this one done.

(not sure why the pics are posting this way)

Jewelry: Am feverishly making some. I am trying to get up some inventory to put in the store that I told you about in Jersey. I am excited about that opportunity. A friend of mine wants to have a jewelry party featuring my stuff. I am also thrilled about this prospect. The only thing is that I am having a hard time supplying the demand. That's all good though...right? It's going to have to be for the time being. Oh and there is a possibility that I may get with Mr. Stephens to create some jewels for the pooches.

Photography: I took Buddy out last week and shot at the Barnes and Noble around my way. It was cool. What I got was some things that look like they would be good for catalogs or something. I will have to post a couple of them next time. I am going to be taking some pics during my niece's kindergarten graduation within the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to that occasion.

So folks...I am still on the grind, although I have not been as vocal about it. I will try and do a better job of staying on the up and up.

Something a little more personal...I've taken to cataloging at least one thing that I learned during the day. Today, there were more like two.

1. I have the ability to push and work through a funk to get to the brighter side
2. I trust myself to be vulnerable with those that care about me. There is no need to hide behind a mask.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Choose to be the best that you can be
To be authentic in everything
Your past does not dictate who you are
YOU CHOOSE!

Because you never know where life is going to take you
And you can't change where you have been
But TODAY you have the opportunity to choose
-India Arie (I choose)

Be blessed!

We Bid Graham Adieu

2008-05-02T00:03:00.003-04:00

We said farewell to Graham (aka Miss Mary) t0day. She took the train. After she arrived, she called. And as I stated last night, she said that she had a pleasant ride. It didn't seem too long to her since she spoke to a woman the whole ride there.

Despite the rough times we have had these past few months, I am truly grateful. So, I dedicate this one to Graham!

THANKS GRAHAM!

The Grind

2008-04-30T21:33:00.008-04:00

The week has gone by so fast, and I have definitely been on my grind....with many things. I have almost successfully completed another button piece that I started on Saturday. Yes...the one that is posted. Sewing is becoming second nature. My fingers are not as sore, and I don't have as many stab wounds to attest to the sewing of thousands of buttons. I haven't actually counted how many I have sewn, but it is definitely over 1,000. I will make a big to do about the 10,000 button mark. You all will know about that one for sure. It's a funny thing...I am unable to productively sew buttons outside of the confines of my bedroom. I can do everything else successfully in my studio, but the sewing elsewhere just does not work.

It is absolutely amazing how creativity flows when you just start to give unto it. I guess it is much like anything else. You give and you receive. Some call it the law of reciprocity, but I accredit it to the Lord. Call me super spiritual if you would like, however I would have lost the little bit of sense that I have without Him. They say that you must walk a mile in someones shoes to really know where they have been. I say, I don't want to walk a mile in any ones shoes, but my own. See we view folks on the tube, in our neighborhoods, sometimes family and friends that have millions, but we have no idea what they had to endure to get there. Remember people...the grass always looks greener on the other side, but what did that side have to do to make their grass so green? Did they water it daily (put in honest and necessary work to make it)? Did they use fertilizer (got some help from trusty friends and family using their networking skills)? Did they roll out fresh grass over top old and dead grass (Desperate times call for desperate measures...they hooked and crooked or slept their way to the top. They cover up their dirt with glitz and glamour that looks good on the outside.)? Just some food for thought!

In Other News:

Graham is moving back to her old abode tomorrow. It's rather strange, but she is elated. Talk about the grass being greener on the other side. I guess she thought being here was going to be a walk in the park. Although our home is a great spot to be in...much to her dismay, it was not a five star resort. Not because it couldn't be, but because we didn't allow it to be for her. Here she had to do some things for herself (not that she didn't at her old abode). Truthfully, she has a better support system (one that she is accustom to) at her old abode. She must return by tomorrow to get some important paperwork filled out and signed.

So her departure will be tomorrow, but of course without a bang of an exit. She is taking the train. One would think that was simple enough. We take you all the way to the platform, get on the train with you to make sure that you are situated, ask the conductor to keep a close eye on you to make sure that you are alright and that you don't miss your stop, and someone will be on the other end to do the same when you arrive to your destination. Not with Graham though. She is too sick and weak to do the above routine. It is way too much walking for her (although we have assured her that we could get a wheelchair if need be), and she would rather be driven to her 2 hour destination. Here are her options for who could drive her (although they are not options at all):

D: My cousin. He works 3rd shift and has a family that consists of a wife and four children (aging from 1 to 13). So she doesn't want to ask him. He has to work and has a family to take care of. He needs to get rest.

Jim: My cousin as well. Age 70 and is recovering from a heart attack he had 3 weeks ago. She doesn't really want to ask him either, although he is back to work. He should not be up and about. He needs to rest and recover.

*She doesn't want to bother either of these family members, but has no problem mentioning that she was going to ask them to take her hadn't the above circumstances been existing. All in hopes that they would make an exception this one time for her.

Sieg: A child from her old stomping ground. Okay...he is no longer a child, but she helped to raise him (you know...it takes a village to raise a child). She has no problem asking him, but has had trouble catching up with him until today. She couldn't find his phone number, as she has not spoken to him in years. She had been calling every contact that she knew to get it, and today she got her golden ticket. However, it wasn't so golden when she found out that he was not able to oblige her request. He doesn't do much highway driving, and has two jobs.

Bottom line...Graham will be riding the rails tomorrow, much to her chagrin. She will get over it and tell us how pleasurable her trip was, once it is over. That is just how it goes for her.

Although she was only here for a short time, I learned a lot about her and myself. She offered more inspiration than she would ever know. She opened the door to allow me to do what the Spirit that lived within me was telling me to do all along. She doesn't know it, but she allowed me to have faith in what I knew to be right. I've always loved her, but love and respect her all the more for what she has done.

Pearls of Wisdom:

Family quarrels have a total bitterness unmatched by others. Yet it sometimes happens that they also have a kind of tang, a pleasantness beneath the unpleasantness, based on the tacit understanding that this is not for keeps; that any limb you climb out on will still be there later for you to climb back.

~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Do you honor your family although sometimes they may not be worthy of honoring?

Be blessed!

86 and 2

2008-04-24T07:49:00.002-04:00

I don't think that I would have ever thought that the numbers 86 and 2 could have been so much alike. Yes...they are far from one another in numerical sense, but when talking about age, I am convinced that they are much the same.

I had the opportunity to take care of Graham all by my lonesome last week. My mother had the luxury of taking a vacation (a word that is foreign to me-a whole different blog). We usually take turns....I am home engaging Graham during the day and mom takes care of the evening. There are a few moments where Graham has to fend for herself for a couple of hours while we take care of business in order to keep the lights on. However, last week I had her around the clock....breakfast, meds, nap, snack, lunch, nap, snack, dinner, meds, sleep, and stories that I have heard a hundred times before in between. We did well together. We went to the stores, although she stays in the car (unless it is for food), and she even let me cut her hair.

So, I have decided to list the things that are so similar between the two ages:
-They need balanced meals, often with snacks in between
-They are sometimes messy eaters
-They wake up every morning before you do and knock at your door - Graham no longer does this, but she did in the beginning
-They take lots of naps
-When going out, they have to be monitored. If not, they get lost
-They need and love to be catered to
-They talk a lot, telling the same story repeatedly
-Time flys when you are with them-for various reasons
-They think that they are the boss
-They are set in their ways with no desire to change
-If they don't get their way, they get cranky
-They some times have to wear pants to hold their water (pull-ups or depends)

In My Art World:

Button Paintings: I have started 2 more pieces. They are going well. I have become a staple at Jo-Ann fabrics. I told her what I was up to with all the buttons that I was buying. She said, " I hope that I can say I knew you when you become famous. I can say, 'She used to come in the store all the time.' It was a statement that made me feel empowered to continue on my grind. On the flip side, I had to revamp the button piece that I displayed earlier. I did something that I didn't like and therefore had to change some things. I was upset at first, but quickly got over it, realizing that I could change things around if I wanted to. Isn't that what life is about? We make mistakes and hopefully learn from them the first go round.

Photography: Trying to make it a point to shoot at least once a week. I did some shooting last week and was not too impressed with the outcome. However, I wasn't all that jazzed about the subject matter that I was shooting either. I find that I do far better with people and things or places that really intrigue me. So, I will do some shooting this weekend and prayerfully come out with something better.

Jewelry: I have had some tremendous support from those of you in this blog world...Lovebabz and Torrance to state a few. I thank you! I am making it a point to try and have a couple of peices completed (by mid-June) that I can take to show for consignment at this high end store in town. I am still looking for opportunities to sell other places as well (craft shows, online, amongst friends and family, etc.).

Grants/Galleries: Still in the process of looking for grants and opportunities to enter my stuff in galleries. I am excited about the world seeing my work, and take away from it what they may.

Pearls of Wisdom:
We ought to be wise with the choices that we make. These choices have an effect on the next generation, and the next generation, and the next. Choice never affects one single person alone. It goes on and on and the effect goes out into geography and history. You are a part of history and your choices become a part of history. -Edith Schaeffer

Are you making your choices count as a affective and countable part of history?

Be blessed!

Graffiti

2008-04-18T19:04:00.008-04:00

Today I took an excursion into the city. Okay...I had a partial day where I spent some time in the office, but I took Buddy (my camera) with me. I thought that I would be able to take some pics in Rittenhouse Square, but nothing seemed to particularly move me. I thought that perhaps I would run into some cozy couples on a bench. However, that didn't happen. There were too many people out, and why wouldn't they be. It was absolutely gorgeous out today. I am...as we would say back in the day, "salty", that I have to take care of some business this evening and am not out frolicking in the beautiful sun. It's all good, I didn't have anyone to frolic with anyway.

So, instead of cozy couples, I took some pics of this wall with graffiti graced upon it. These pics do the artistry no justice. It is quite amazing. I was never so fascinated with graffiti, but this piece gets me every time, especially the hooded child. For as crazy as it may seem, I spent many days staring at him and explaining a problem or two. I felt at times like he may be able to understand. After all, he looked as if he had been through the ringer too, and perhaps we could understand and ease each others pain. It sounds kooky, I know...but some days it's just like that.

Pearls of Wisdom

To understand the heart of and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to."

-Kahlil Gibran

Be blessed!

The Craft Show

2008-04-12T19:31:00.016-04:00

I know...I know....it's been a minute. A sister has been working hard for the last two weeks getting ready for the craft show I was involved in this morning/afternoon. It was more like a bazaar, but served as a craft show for me, since I was showcasing my jewelry. I made out okay. I sold six pieces, which was okay considering I made more than what my table cost me. I have to find the perfect niche to sell my stuff though. Some of my pieces are very ethnic, while others are rather dainty. I am not quite sure that they would all fit in the same arena. I also wanted my packaging to be a little unique. I started off with store brought wooden boxes. I applied string on the outside, and fabric on the inside to cushion the jewelry. I have put plenty of pics here, so you all can let me know what you think.

Again, I used my wonderful camera. I am getting quite used to it....I love it! I am ready to test it out. I want to shoot some couples really soon. Do I have the couples? No...not yet. It's actually important that the couples are able to be transparent, comfortable, and affectionate in front of me. We are not talking about porno though here people. Just simple, fun, playful, and innocent embraces...kisses...etc.

Since I have been reminded from Lovebabz that April is poetry month, I decided to add a poem:

As a Possible Love / LeRoi Jones

Practices

silence, the way of wind

bursting

its early lull. Cold morning

to night, we go so

slowly, without

thought

to ourselves. (Enough

to have thought

tonight, nothing

finishes it. What

you are, will have

no certainty, or

end. That you will

stay, where you are,

a human gentle wisp

of life. Ah...)

practices

loneliness,

as a virtue. A single

specious need
to keep

what you have

never really

had.

Be Blessed!