New Experiences

This past weekend I did a 3 day show at the state fairgrounds.  I have been extremely stressed about this since I have never done something of this size before.  Well, I am happy to report that it went very well.  Some things could have been done better, and you always learn from every experience but I am happy with the results.

Best of all, I have met some awesome people.  I also got to add to my jewelry collection, I purchased two pieces from other artists.  Yes, I not only like to make it but love to buy and wear it!

The next few months I will be focusing on creating a new website look and listing more online.  I welcome any and all suggestions to make this better!  I am also going to be trying to get a good system in place to incorporate all aspects of my day, kids, work, house, etc, so when I have some good tips or ideas I will share!

Hope you all have a good week!

Birthdays

It's Monday, it's the first day back to the normal routine after spring break, and it's my birthday.  I have been reflecting alot today and the changes I have made,  the things I want to do, and the way I role model for my kids.  Last week, we had a shooting in our school system.  The parents are angry, I understand that, but there is a contingent that are trying to get the principal fired.  They say she knew and didn't do anything about it.  So far, everything is hearsay, but what I know to be fact is the child that did the shooting was expelled.  He was kicked out of the school.  What more could she have done?  What exactly do people want these days? 

Everyday, we have opportunities to talk to our children, friends, etc...  Everyday, I enforce the thoughts that your actions are your actions to my kids, whether it be hanging up their clothes or breaking something in the house, or lying to their parents.  Yes, I get the but she ......, or I did it because........, and I always stop and say, you are the only one responsible for your actions, period.

So, I will leave you with this thought, treat each day as it is your last, treat every person the way you would like to be treated and always take ownership of your actions!

New Day, new experiences

This Saturday I will participate in Women in Art Marketplace at the Eiteljorg Museum.  It is a small show held at the museum.   It is a juried show, which means you had to apply and be chosen to be in it.  I wanted to apply, but then found out it was the Saturday before spring break, so I thought no, I won't.  Yet, I kept thinking about it, I had never applied or been in a juried show of this level.  So, I thought, I will apply for the experience, I probably won't get chosen.  So I did, then the email came that I was chosen.  Now, a big decision, delay spring break for a day and do the show or be happy with being chosen and go on vacation.  My very supportive husband urged me to do it, so here I am, nervous and excited for this new experience, but thinking that I am crazy for doing this the day before a vacation! 

It has been stressful but it has been very rewarding.  My hope is to have a great day and a great spring break.  I have been asked multiple times, why did I do this to myself, and I had to think about that and ultimately, my answer was that I was being true to myself, this is important to me and I needed to do it.  I needed to do the things necessary to make it happen because I didn't want to live with the "what if's?" if I didn't do it. 

Was it easy? no  Was it convienent? no but will it be worth it?  It already is!  So my conclusion is this, if you have a dream, or a need, or a want, go for it and do what is necessary to make it happen for you!

My hope is you all have a great day and think about your dreams.

Always learning...................................

I am taking a certification course in ArtClay and will be level 1 certified by the end of the week!  Originally scheduled at the beginning of Feb., we got the ice-storm and had to postpone until this week.  I will be very happy to be done.  I am taking the course from a great instructor, Marti Icenogle.  I have learned so much in just the 2 days I have already taken!  I have come to the conclusion that we never stop learning, there is so much and so many things to do, that people are on a constant quest to learn more!  Have a great day and go learn something new!!!

Winter is always an surprise

Winter in Indiana is always an unknown variable.  It is hard to plan your days, then a snowstorm or ice storm pops up and changes it.  For example, I am taking a 3 day certification course with precious metal clay, did day one on Monday, day 2 and 3 are supposed to be today and tomorrow, only we are getting the storm of the century (ice by me!) so now I do day 2 and 3 on Feb. 15 and 17th, which is fine, but you always have to have a contingency plan in place!  What is your contingency plan?  Do you have one and do you need one?  Something to ponder on this cold, snowy, icy winter day!