Welcome 2010 . . .

"We will open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called OPPORTUNITY and it's first chapter is New Year's Day." ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

"We usually spend January walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we outght to walk through the rooms of our lives, not looking for flaws, but for potential". ~Ellen Goodman

Two wonderful quotes to start the New Year off with.

I looked at this blog recently and was appalled at how long it has been since my last post. Every year, I find myself at surprised at how busy and out of control the holiday season gets. As an artist, this is my busiest time of year. I worked very diligently at getting the "have-tos" done early so that I could enjoy the season. I did a really good job . . .and then fate stepped in. I found myself with a scratchy throat the Saturday before Christmas. By the next day, I was flat in bed with a full-on case of the flu. Almost three weeks have passed and I am still fighting the residual effects. Sometimes life slows us down and we have to listen!

I spent much of my holiday break resting, reading, spending time with friends and family. I wasn't in my studio for almost 3 weeks!!! That is quite shocking, since I usually spend at least some time in it every single day. I definitely needed the break - but am now ready to get back to business!

2009 was a year full of change and challenges, hope and heartache. It was a lesson in learning to appreciate all that we have.

I felt, and continue to feel, grateful for all the blessings that I have in my life. . .my family, my wonderful husband, my talents, and my amazing friends. And I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to create art and share it with others. Life is good!

We are finally going to jump on the bandwagon and begin to post some of our work on ETSY. Jon has been working to create a lightbox that allows him to take photos of my work and eliminate some of the harsh shadows. One of the struggles I have had with deciding to jump on the bandwagon of selling my work "online" was figuring out how to take good pictures that show the color and detail of the work. I think he is on the right track.

As we continue to grow this business, it has become more and more evident how I cannot do it alone. There are so many details to be worked out. It is wonderful having someone who can help figure things like a lightbox out and then make it happen!

I have set some goals for the new year. One of them is to become more active on this blog. I also want to network more with other artists and bloggers. There are so many out there that inspire and uplift me. I look at there blogs on a daily basis and love to see what they have created.

Stay posted and check back frequently. I will give more details on our Etsy adventure as Jon gets it up and running.

Here's to a GREAT 2010!