this just arrived

Over the weekend I happily received THIS print by Pixie Campbell--

I just love her work. It came with a mini print and a longer version of this reading on the back:

"Buffalo is the American Indian symbol of abundance. Symbolically, the buffalo represents allowing synchronicity to work in one's favor, opting to allow paths to unfold through focused and flowing action, rather than force the way to success. . ."

This print reminds me of the abundance that already exists in my life and is part of my commitment to buy handmade, filling my life with art I love.

Thank you Pixie! Check out her blog too http://www.blogger.com/www.pixiecampbell.typepad.com

it all started with boo and sydney

I turn 40 next week.

It must be making me nostalgic because as I was looking at a new painting in progress, I began to think about where I started, or should I say re-started. I think it was 10 years ago that I returned to the artist I was from my childhood (of course it would be years before I could call myself that word as an adult.)

At the time, I was reading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron and learning that I was a "shadow artist." (Someone who surrounds herself with declared artists but isn't taking her own creative dreams seriously.) Cameron says "Artists love other artists. Shadow artists are gravitating toward their rightful tribe yet cannot claim their birthright."

That was so significant for me. Thank you Julia Cameron.

Here is is what I created, 10 years ago, while returning to my rightful tribe.

Boo Boo and Sydney

Murray in Vermont

Alli and Dawson

Claudia

Frye Guy

Most of these sweet guys have passed. They are all dogs I love who live(d) with people I love.

in the fishbowl

I have started an e-course (How to make a living, market yourself, and maneuver as an artist online,while staying true to who you are) with Marisa Haedike, Creative Thursday, a fellow artist whose work I love. I have been inspired by her podcasts and blog and when I saw a chance to learn from and with her, it took it! So far I love it all, especially the part where I feel connected to many other artists who are on a similar path.

This art. blog. etsy. facebook. twitter. world we live in IS a fishbowl. I think it took me an entire year to not have sweaty palms as I hit "publish post." For me, this fishbowl thing isn't super easy and doesn't come naturally to me. But I am learning to be true to myself and each day I am feeling more comfortable with all parts of my art business. And even more importantly, these days I am actually enjoying the ride.

Today I know I am exactly where I need to be.

Looking forward to learning more and getting to know you all better! *See* you all on Thursday :)

a PEEK at new children's book illustrations!

It's official! Lisa's inspired story and my illustrations have put together and sent to an agent. Thank you for your positive wishes for us! It is our hope that our story and message are on it's way to becoming a beautiful and charming new children's book.

Here is a sneak peek of the main character, Petey, who is sleeping...

Thank you everyone for keeping your fingers crossed for us! I will keep you posted :)

Also thank you to all the fellow goldfishes out there- it is fun getting to know you! I will write more on that later.

new clay tiles!

Here are samples of my new line (coming hopefully by the end of summer) of handmade tiles! It is SO thrilling. I am learning how to handle the clay so it doesn't curl or bend. The last one of Claudia was therapy for me. After having her put to sleep I went directly to clay class with my artist friends that I love (what else was I going to do?) and painted her.

a letter to Claudia

Dear Claudia,

I miss you.

I miss your sweet face and your soft fur and your crooked ear. I miss seeing you as soon as I come in the house, everyday. Toward the end, you wouldn't wake up because you couldn't hear me. I miss seeing you sleeping peacefully and knowing that in that moment everything was OK.

My friend says our dogs bear silent witness to every single thing that happens in our lives. You were with me on all of those long healing walks after the divorce. I feel like with you I healed my heart, practiced forgiveness and moved on. And you watched as we adjusted to our new family. You stayed with me until I got all settled in and happy. Thank you for being here with me.

I hope I didn't keep you here too long. I didn't want you to suffer and I didn't want to let you go. I hope the timing was just right for you. I hope you are running now in fields of green grass. Running fast like you used to, chasing squirrels.

You were so loved sweet girl. And you are always in my heart.