Make Art and Be Inspired—Inspite of Yourself

That's the beauty of the internet. A connection to like-minded people. People you didn't even know would become your friends. It all started with a post on Facebook...an invitation to participate in an Inspiration Deck swap . Inspired by Christine Mason Miller’s latest book, Desire to Inspire, Jessica Brogan put out the call.

We were about to put our house on the market. We had just found a new house and put in an offer. I knew my life was gearing up to be crazy busy but I wanted to do it in the worst way. And so I committed. I got right busy getting my cards ready and backgrounds painted. After all...I had a little over a month before I needed to send off the cards and how long could it take me to do just 52 cards? I was "in"...

Backgrounds painted...verses set up on the computer, and then it seemed I just couldn't get back to the project, no matter how much I tried. Things needed to be cleared out so we could take pictures for the listing. The pod needed to be packed, there was a showing we needed to get ready for. The movers would be coming tomorrow. At any rate, I found I was an artist without a studio and an inspiration deck sans the "inspiring message".

Sometimes you just have to do the work, 

to discover what it is inside that needs to be revealed...whether it be to yourself or to someone else. 

Since I couldn't find the verses that I had printed off I made some new ones and set to work to finish the inspiration deck. It felt good to do artwork in spite of not having everything perfect or even available. It felt good, like it was exactly where and what I was supposed to be doing. It was a good lesson. I don't need all my supplies—just a few plus a surface to work, a light and some glue. Must remind myself that things need not be perfect. You just have to do the work.

A collaboration of kindness and inspiration. 

So glad to be a part of it. 

Special thanks to Jessica for all the hard work. My deck has arrived and I am happy for the creative connection to women all over the country! Each week, I can flip my deck to a new inspiration. It's amazing how many times those words are exactly what I need to "hear".

So if you were a part of the swap. THANK YOU for being part of my life, for being on my desk. Thank you for the inspiration and the connection. Be inspired...Inspire others. Cheers!

Great Piece on a Great Shop

This past week, the people from Channel 12, cable TV in Maple Grove did a piece on Stonecrop.

You can see the video and read the great article here:

It's long been a favorite shop of mine and was recently voted 2012 "Best Gift Shop" by readers of the Osseo-Maple Grove Press. Check it out...and you'll see why.

I am honored to be a part of the shop as an employee and one of the local artists. Kathy has been graciously carrying my wares since I first started creating. I am looking forward to being a part of the upcoming trunk show on Saturday April 14 from 10 - 2. Stop by and say HI!

A Good Day

I went to my job at Stonecrop knowing it would be a busy day, with lots and lots of new product arriving daily. But today, was different! Today, the product that arrived was mine. Many of you have been asking when and where you can buy my cards. You can now find them at Stonecrop in Maple Grove.

There are seven designs available. Each one is blank inside and can be used for a special occasion card or just to simply send a note to a friend. The cards have been well-received on just the first day! Thank you to my licensing partner, It Takes Two!

Also available; desk treasures (lovely, tiny glass pieces with encouraging and uplifting messages—Great to give or to buy for yourself) marble tiles, Lotus Blooms T-shirts, leggings and socks.

I am grateful to the owners, Kathy and Jim Buley for the support and opportunity they give me and other local artists. There are over 20 of us represented in this great little shop! There are so many treasures available here. Whether you're looking for a gift, live plants, jewelry, a little something to spruce up your home or a whole new look, you'll find something unique and beautiful at Stonecrop. I hope you'll stop in soon.

Opportunity

I am excited to announce I have a new license! I received 6 card designs, "hot off the press" yesterday. They will be available soon. For the last few months, I have been working with It Takes Two. I have known about them for some time. Over the years, I have sent many of their cards with heartfelt messages and simple, beautiful graphics.

I like the company. I like what they represent and I love the acceptance, professionalism and the great feeling that I got from the minute I walked in the door. Started in 1984 by mother and daughter team, Georgia Rettmer and Kimberly Rinehart, the company just turned 25 years old.  I love that they are right here in Minnesota! I am in great company and look forward to "the ride." Thank you, Kim and all! I hope it's a great adventure for all of us!

If you have a shop that sells greeting cards and would like to offer my work, let me know. I'll pass along your shop information to It Takes Two or you can contact them directly.

Trunk Show

I am part of a trunk show at Stonecrop in Maple Grove this weekend and wanted you to know. Should be a fun time. If you can, come on by!

Fall Colors Artist Trunk Show
at Stonecrop in Maple Grove
Saturday October 8
10 am - 2 pm

www.mystonecrop.com

Fall

Even tho I feel the impending "doom" of Winter, I still love that Fall is in the air. We've taken the convertible out several times over the past week and I love the smells, the dampness, and the cool pockets of air as we drive into the valleys.

At the same time, there's a sense of urgency to "finish" up outdoor projects and go to the places we intended at the beginning of the season when Summer loomed large in front of us. We cruise a lot in the Fall. It's our favorite time for that really. (we have a heater and are not afraid to use it!) You know, if we always had 75 and sunny those days would not be so precious. At least we are not preparing for the wrath or cleaning up from the effects of a hurricane here. (my heart goes out to those affected) I'll take our Winters over the threat of hurricanes like that any day.

Things are a bit weird in the garden. My Cannas are just now beginning to bud and my Korean Lilac is blooming for the second time—It's the end of August! I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. Gardening is a process, that's for sure. I enjoyed feeding the Hummingbirds naturally. (I hope I gave them enough) I can't imagine they are getting much more nectar out of the remaining Bee Balm blooms. I enjoyed my favorite Black and Blue Salvia, combined with a variety of Coleus, cream colored Petunias and Dark leaf Sweet Potato Vine. Despite not getting everything done, we enjoyed sitting out on the deck overlooking the garden nearly every evening. Isn't that what it's all about? Relaxing together, enjoying what you "have", not bemoaning what you "haven't" gotten done.  As August comes to a close, I'll decide what plants I'll take clippings off to root for next year, I'll re-pot the succulents and bring them into my living room and I'll think about the different things I want to do next Summer.

This is me, enjoying a favorite beverage from my new beer glass, featuring Saint Arnold, the patron saint of brewers! Who knew?! (I'm claiming Saint Arnold as my patron saint for sure)

The State Fair is in session. My daughter and I are planning a day out together. This morning I planned my "food" list. Mine is not very long. In fact, if I get my Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie on a stick I am happy. She and I haven't had a day at the fair in a long, long time. In previous years, our visits to the Fair were usually confined to the horse barns, paddocks and the area surrounding the hippodrome. She used to ride and that was our life for the duration of the fair and for the horse show season. I am looking forward to a day, without little ones around, where we can start and actually finish a thought or conversation. I love the little girls, but having a day with my adult daughter will be a real treat. When the girls are around, I am distracted by play and answering questions. Love them, but looking forward to having my daughter all to myself. :)


My husband is a huge Vikings fan. We enjoyed going to the pre-season game at the newly renovated Metrodome this week. It was a fun evening, enjoying the side-line antics of the cheerleaders and flag carriers, the new drum line, crazy Ragnar and being a part of the wave that would not stop. This time of year my husband becomes optimistic and is filled with hopes of a Viking Super Bowl win. ~sigh

That's all for my rambling, random thoughts on Fall post. Hope you are all well, happy and enjoying the day. Peace.

The Apology

You'll remember my post back in April, when I was eagerly anticipating this...

...pussy willow buds on my weeping pussy willow tree in the back yard.

And arrived home to find this...

A stub of a tree trunk—no cascading branches to be found.

With the extensive Spring-time trimming I was not sure there would even be a tree once we got to this part of the Summer. Well, I feel I must apologize to my husband, "Edward-Scissor-hands-Thiltgen". I was pretty hard on the guy. I should not have worried or fretted. Even tho I missed the buds this Spring our little tree is no worse-for-wear. Maybe it even has MORE branches than last year.

This is what the tree looks like today!

Amazing come back, right?! Prolific, branches coming from the top of the tree and sprouts from the ground up as well. So, it is with this post that I say, I'm sorry Mark, for ever questioning your tree-trimming abilities. It is a beautiful little tree and I love how it looks in the back yard...but please...next year...temper your trimming a bit so I can enjoy the little pussy willow buds, OK?! :)