Answer for Randy

Randy, you just left me a comment asking about my shelving units... they came from Costco! They are metal and look like a big deal to put together but they are not. A girlfriend and I were able to assemble them ourselves! They are awesome! Thanks for the comment!

Range of emotions

I'm having an odd range of emotions today. This would have been my 25th wedding anniversary. A huge milestone in a marriage. I am feeling both sad that it isn't that day of celebration, as my divorce was final in Sept. last year, and relieved, all at the same time. I'm learning to live "in the middle" of such extreme emotions, accepting that both are true. Grief and relief mixed together. I think I'm feeling much like one would feel walking through something like cancer with a loved one, over a long period of time, and then losing them. So deeply sad to have lost and so relieved at the same time. The suffering is over. Well, actually, the suffering is only over on a certain level. The affects never go away... the trail of pain remains. It's what is done with it that makes all the difference. I continue to pour my heart out to the One who knows everything about me, who loves me unconditionally, and never leaves me. God knows my complex emotions and thoughts and carries me through.

Just this past week, I asked myself a couple of hard questions.
1. What am I afraid of that keeps me from the feet of Jesus?
2. What do I want more than Jesus... what really keeps me from him?

Well, my list was a mile long for the first question. For the second, I only wrote down two words before I was completely stopped in my tracks. Security and control. Plain and simple. In a life of feeling very afraid and insecure and everything seems like complete chaos, those are two things that I find myself striving for. But Jesus gently reminded me of this IMMEDIATELY upon writing those two words down: My security comes in believing that HE is in control. Ahhhh.... I can firmly stand on this truth and trust that no matter how crazy everything in my life looks, feels, and is, NOTHING got by my God. He is not taken by surprise. What an incredible comfort. I'm choosing to believe in His love, protection, and provision for me as I continue to walk through deep waters. And as I look for His presence in my present moments of every day, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Yes, that peace that passes all understanding is MINE!!! I don't have to know what is coming next (although I honestly would really like to! ha!) but I trust He knows and He will walk with me through it, whatever it is, no matter how bad, not matter how crazy and scary. Thank you, Jesus!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29: 11-14

I'm believing in my future and I'm seeking....

Progress

While I still have more work to do organizing and cleaning in my studio, I am making progress. see?

Mark your calendars!

For Sunday, March 13th. From 2-5 I will be teaching another Altered Composition Notebook class so if you missed the one hosted in my home a few weeks ago, now is your chance to jump in. Only this time, it will be at The Creative Quest! All you need to bring is a jar of rubber cement glue. I'll provide everything else! Call the Creative Quest at 623-847-2215 to sign up and join me for this fun class! These altered composition notebooks make awesome journals and fantastic gifts!

Also, at the store THIS Saturday, The Creative Quest will be celebrating it's anniversary! I have put together a few samples of cute fabric flower pins as a $5.00 Make 'N Take. Everything is provided for you to make a flower of your choosing. I am putting together a wide variety offabrics, trims, buttons, etc... to create a one of a kind pin. Great to add to your outfit, hat, bag, etc...

My boys spent the night with my mom last night. I got up early and hiked with my girlfriend and am back to day #2 of cleaning out my studio. As you can see, it has been the room of doom... no room left to work.
I am making great progress. I took some of my work to a local store called Ecocentricity, this past week, to show them and see if they would be interested in carrying pieces to sell. The owner wanted everything I took in and then some! So I need to kick in high production mode and get some more things to her and also for a couple of other local stores I want to work with. Ecocentricity focuses on showing work from local artists, especially those who recycle and repurpose materials. They also do consignment for resale on items and offer ecological alternatives for various things. I'm excited about some ideas that came up in my conversation with the owner. I need to make some time to meet again and explore these ideas further. What is cool is they also donate part of proceeds to help with homelessness! How cool is that?! So, if you are local and have not ventured into this little treasure of a store, it is located at 137 W. McDowell on the south side of the road.

OK, cleaning/organizing break is over. Later!

OWOH: And the winner is.......

Leslie from http://leslie-mylifeandtimes.blogspot.com/!!!!
Congratulations Leslie! And thanks to everyone who visited my blog and entered my drawing!

Day Moon

Beaded Prayer Totem

I am offering a new class in my home on Friday evening, Feb. 18th from 6:30-10 pm. I'd love for you to join me!


Beaded Prayer Totem

For centuries, in many different cultures, beads have been associated with prayers. In this class, we will create something beautiful as a reminder of those prayers which we will write and encase in small beaded prayer pillows. Our pillows will then be mounted to form a totem. This class will be very relaxing. The beading process is very meditative. We will make 5 prayer pillows to our totem. The totem itself will measure approximately 6 inches in length without the hanger and beaded trim. These also make a wonderful gift of blessing to someone close to you.

This is a very relaxing project to work on. Very meditative and therapeutic. I do hope you will be able to join me!
The cost for the evening is $25.00. All other supplies provided. ( but you may want to bring a pair of scissors.) You will also receive a complete instructional handout to take home. Snacks will also be provided for the evening.

Please r.s.v.p. as soon as possible as space will be limited.

*If you have cat allergies, please know that I have three cats in my house. If you are interested in the class and cannot come, please contact me to schedule a class in your own home and invite friends to join you!

I'd appreciate it if you could please pass this on to other creative friends who may be interested in this class.
Hope to hear from you soon!

On another note: Registration for CREATE retreat starts tomorrow! I'd love for you to join me in Costa Mesa at this awesome retreat! Head on over and check it out! Click on the icon to the right!