Could we please get some more snow?

Merry Christmas
Peace on Earth
Goodwill to all

For Keith-Snowy day today.

"Fear makes the wolf bigger than he really is"

-German Proverb

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.”

Rumi

So, my friend Catherine
tagged me and since i have been so neglectful of my blog here- i will play.
Although i do not have seven people to send this too...if you read this you please feel free to be tagged by me!
thanks Catherine!!
PS go check out her totally amazing jewelry on her blog


Answer the following questions with single word responses, and pass the award on to 7 other bloggers:

1. Where is your cell phone? DEAD
2. Where is your significant other? WORK
3. Your hair color? BROWN
4. Your mother? CALIFORNIA
5. Your father? GONE
6. Your favorite thing? BOOKS
7. Your dream last night? BORING
8. Your dream/goal? HAPPY
9. The room you're in? OFFICE
10. Your hobby? PHOTOS
11. Your fear? EVERYTHING
12. Where do you want to be in six years? HOME
13. Where were you last night? OUT
14. What you're not? BRAVE
15. One of your wish list items? LENS
16. Where you grew up? IDAHO
17. The last thing you did? COOKIES
18. What are you wearing? JEANS
19. Your T.V.? ON
20. Your pets? ONE
21. Your computer? OLD
22. Your mood? MELONCHOLY
23. Missing someone? YES
24. Your car? ARGHHHH
25. Something you're not wearing? WHAT
26. Favorite store? INTERNET
27. Your Summer? FAST
28. Love someone? YES
29. Your favorite color? PINK
30. When is the last time you laughed? EVERYDAY
31. Last time you cried? EVERYDAY

let the change begin

October-if it isn't leaves it's candy

Sunday afternoon

Is it really October already?

Daily Om for today

 

October 3, 2008
Fresh and Unfixed
There Is Only Now
It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front door and take a left turn to May of last year, any more than we can take a right turn to December 2010. Nevertheless, we can easily miss the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time playing “catch up” to the moment that we just let pass by. During moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander. We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

When we begin to corral our attention into the present moment, it can be almost overwhelming to be here. There is a state of stillness that has to happen that can take some getting used to, and the mind chatter that so often gets us into our heads and out of the present moment doesn’t have as much to do. We may feel a lack of control because we aren’t busy planning our next move, assessing our current situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous. Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day, remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.

The Dart League King

 

The Dart League King-Keith Lee Morris.

The book signing went off really well. It was a great turn out and there was a great question and answer session.
I really would encourage everyone to go out and read The Dart League King

This is Keith Morris' second novel and is another fantastic read.
Here is what Publisher Weekly said.

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. In this absorbing and intelligent novel, Morris (The Greyhound God) follows five characters through a handful of hours culminating in a dart contest on a Thursday night in Garnet Lake, Idaho: Russell Harmon, who lives for the dart league and his cocaine habit; teammate Tristan Mackey, who is haunted by having not prevented the drowning of a classmate; Kelly Ashton, who wants desperately for someone to rescue her and her young daughter from this small town; Russell's darts rival Brice Habersham, a DEA agent posing as the owner of a gas station; and drug dealer Vince Thompson, who, tonight, is carrying a 9mm Beretta to his meeting with Russell. As each chapter shifts from one voice to the next, Morris cranks up the tension so that by the time the dart match arrives, the book is impossible to put down. Morris explores how even the most banal choices we make—to get in the car or not?—can have a life-altering impact. (Oct.)

The last of the sunflowers.
We will be going to Portland on Thursday for a little shopping trip. Plans to go to Tin House Publishing, they are the publishing company for The Dart League King, Keith's book.
Then some shopping and a trip to University of Portland and then whatever else strikes our fancy.

just glad it is a short week.

first day of school tomorrow. End of summer. Fall begins. lunches have to be made. Clothes have to be organized. Closets Cleaned. Garden weeded and harvested. This summer was way too short. I think it was only about six weeks. Spring came so late and fall to early.

My friend Keith Morris is having another novel published at the end of this month. The Dart League King keeps you reading and wanting to learn more about these small town characters and what has brought them all to this point.

I will post his reading schedule this week and a link to his blog as well. Actually, there is no blog until I help him set it up-so hopefully by this week that will be done-

We are having a BIG party for him over at the winery on September 27 at 5pm...books to be signed and questions to ask and wine to be drunk.

More on Keith later but while you are waiting you can re read the Keith Morris interview here


revised to add reading Schedule for Keith Lee Morris and The Dart League King.

Dart League King Events
Sunday, October 19 , 2008, 7:00 pm
KGB reading
http://www.kgbbar.com/calendar
85 E. 4th St.
New York,NY 10003

Wednesday, October 22 , 2008, time tbd
Happy Endings Music and Reading Series
http://www.amandastern.com/happyending.html
302 Broome St. @ Forsyth
New York,NY 10002

Monday, November 10, 2008, 7:30 pm
Powell's reading
http://www.powells.com/calendar.html
1005 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97209

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 7:00 pm
Village Books reading
http://villagebooks.booksense.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp;jsessionid=bcaSyJM6TGAon7yFtwuUr?s=storeevents
1200 Eleventh St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

Thursday, November 13, 2008, time tbd
Elliott Bay reading
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/index.jsp
101 S. Main St.
Seattle, WA 98104

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 1:00 pm
BookPeople reading
http://www.bookpeople.net/events.htm
521 S. Main St.
Moscow, ID 83843

Sunday, November 16, 2008, 12:30 pm
Auntie's Books reading
http://www.auntiesbooks.com/
402 W. Main
Spokane, WA 99201

time flies doesn't it?

summer time and i am trying to cram as much as I can into the 2 months that we get.

camping, concerts, boating, gardening and of course working-yuk-

anyway, i have been making jewelry and getting rid of it as soon as it is done. No pictures but, I will hopefully make more this weekend and get some photos.

I want to go to another art retreat, one that has photography classes. I will keep looking for one that is close.

we are having a nice summer rain today, it feels good to cool off.

more later

On Tuesday night we had a HUGE thunder storm. lightenig and thunder that you would not believe.It was all around our neighborhood. I was on the computer, My dauhgter's laptop, when it began. All at once there was a crazy bolt of lightening that lit up the night and at the exact same time the loudest thunder that I have ever heard. so loud the house shook and i threw the lap top off my lap onto the floor.
I was home alone and i was freaking out!!
The storm went on for hours.

I knew that the lightening must have struck something near by but i could not tell since it was so dark.
anyway, the next day when i was riding my bike home from work, i noticed a weird tree in the field. I got off my bike and walked over to the neighbor's and he showed me the tree in his yard that was literally blown to pieces. SCARY. It was right next door. I went over to touch it and take a piece of the tree home.

I did mess up the computer and that was what was most important to everyone as I was telling the story! I do have some pictures I will download and post so you can see the tree.

“Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.”~Anne Sexton

SUMMER

Daisies of the world unite-you have nothing to lose but your chains

Meloncholy is incompatible with bicycling--james e starrs

June

Been gone for awhile...gardening, family, flu, guests, work, and life...trying to get back into the groove...
Picture of the new bike my daughter bought with her dog walking money, pretty cute, just need to attach the basket and we are set.

So far things have been moving pretty fast this June. I can't believe it. before you know it we will be talking about fall again.

hopefully, I can get myself to post a little more often again and work more on some photos. It sure is addicting-photoshop- that is...sometimes I am on for hours before I even notice that nothing else is getting done...still trying so hard to figure this out.

have a great week and maybe i will have some shots of the garden later this week.

"All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life; they’re in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment."
~Richard Bach





 

Back to the interviews...Today we have an interview with a very talented and kind woman..Michelle Allen of Allen Designs

Please tell us a little about yourself

I’m 35, married for 15 years, two daughters (13 and 8) and a dog.

And a little about what you do

Ohhhh. What do I do? I’m an artist, I design gift product, paint canvas, create, explore… get distracted! And, I’m a business owner, I manage four employees, cast vision, organize, do wholesale shows, analyze inventory, pay bills and whatever else needs to be done.

I am curious about how you started your business . How did that start and are you surprised at how successful it has become.
(I think I told you that I saw some of your work at a shop here in my small town. I got all excited for you.)

About 15 years ago I decided to go back to school for graphic design. I registered, went to my first day of classes and headed over to the college bookstore. When I was there I saw this amazing book on taking recycled picture frames and turning them into colorful artwork. We were so broke at the time I left that book behind and drove 30 minutes home only with the required books. I couldn’t get that colorful, creative book out of my mind. I finally got back in my car and drove back to the college, dropped the classes, returned the books and bought my “new college class”! I got home and my husband drove me to Home Depot, helped me buy a scroll saw, set it up and showed me how to work it. From there I began making all kinds of misc. things-wall plaques, key holders, greeting cards, clocks, magnets. One thing led to another.

Am I surprised? Yes! I never wanted to be an artist. I watched my mom struggle as an artist all my growing up years. It definitely wasn’t on the top of my “to do” list!

I see that you travel to China for your work. How many times a year do you go and what exactly happens in China?

I go twice a year. The wholesale markets are in the Winter-Jan.& Feb. and Summer-June & July so I go and develop the new lines for each season. I have posted on my blog the past two trips to China and all that goes on while I’m there if you would like to see more detail.

You are a very talented artist, how does it feel to be able to do what you love for a living.

It’s a huge blessing! I can’t imagine doing anything else. My heart aches for people who have to work day in and day out at jobs they don’t enjoy or have a passion for. I have much to be thankful for.

I see that your mom has a blog and that she is also a very talented woman. How has she influenced your art and business?

She’s been a huge inspiration to me in so many ways. When I was young she taught me to draw and to “see”. She’s a hard worker and a problem solver and has modeled that for me my whole life. Like I said earlier I watched my mom struggle as an artist when I was young but she never gave up. Now she’s published and making a living as an artist/author. And, she has always been my #1 cheerleader!

When did you realize that you were a creative soul? And what was the first thing that you created?

I probably started feeling most creative in middle school when I would draw with blue Bic pens tattoos all over my friends arms. Now, having a middle schooler myself, I’m sure their parents were also embracing my creativity!

What most inspires you?

Color and patterns of any sort inspire me. Of late I’ve been spending a lot of time paying attention to things in nature. I am a blog addict so seeing what others are creating makes me want to get my brushes gooey!

Do you have a studio in your home or is everything offsite?

We have 3.5 acres which include our home, a studio where our US made line is produced and everything is shipped out of and a larger shop that houses warehouse space, a woodshop and a smaller studio where I work and Katy my graphics gal works.

You have two daughters, is it hard to manage motherhood, work, and travel? As a mother I am always curious to see how other women deal with these issues.

It was a lot harder when they were younger and crying every time I left for shows or China. The loads of guilt were heavy! I had to always remind myself that when I’m home – I’m home! Now they’re used to the schedule and they always know where to find me.
It will be interesting to see what they say about their mom working when they grow up. I’m sure they’ll be in counseling for something! Lol!

Michelle, I have to say that when ever I read your blog I get such a good feeling. You give off such an amazingly kind energy with your words, pictures and art. It is no wonder that you are such a success as an artist, business woman and a person.
I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions

Day off today-drive hour and half to Dr. appt-some shopping then home.
Planted a ton in my garden-lots of flowers-lots of weed pulling-lots of sunshine and lots of sore muscles.
Finally watched Sweeney Todd.
Still no TV-having a fight with Dish Network-bad customer service
Happy the days are so sunny and long
book- The Saffron Kitchen

Another Friday

Rainy and cold. Riding my bike to work in the rain has actually been fun.
Saves on gas for sure.
I made a hat out of bubble wrap so my head wouldn't get wet on the way home. Well I also made it and wore it to horrify my daughter, but she just rolled her eyes!
Have a great weekend.

Reading-Alice Waters and Chez Pannisse

Can i show the same picture twice? just a different version

Is time to get back to the interviews and stop with all the junk?
I have been so busy and side tracked lately...

Monday, May 19, 2008 – Perspective

"If we just worry about the big picture, we are powerless. So my secret is to start right away doing whatever little work I can do. I try to give joy to one person in the morning, and remove the suffering of one person in the afternoon. That is the secret. Start right now."
~Sister Chan Khong

"You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime."
~Dale Carnegie

Today's Affirmation

I treat all persons kindly and with respect.

Today's Meditation

Dear God,

I move into this day with a smile on my lips and a song of praise in my heart.
I pause to remember that You are the core of me, the source of who I am.
I am reminded to let that which is within me shine forth.
A sweet smile, a kind word, a friendly glance or a loving hug; these are my gifts.
I may not remember tomorrow the seed of love I plant today, but someone else will come along to water and tend the seed until it flowers.
There is fertile ground all around me; the clerks at the gas station and grocery store, my co-workers and neighbors, passing motorists on the highway, the server where I will eat lunch, and the stranger on the street.
My intention is to be a roving ambassador for Your love.
Talking about Your great love is not enough, may my life truly reflect Your light to all.

You ever notice how your confidence drains out of you as you get older? It is like a battery with the energy slowly draining out.

So, we must have to keep charging ourselves so that we don't lose it all. Learning new things, making new freinds, and the ever popular doing what you love.

Hey, you could be a role model to someone...and who wants a role model with no confidence?

Happy Day all you Mothers

How did i get so lucky to become the mother of the most amazing child? Not only does she love me she actually likes me. last night she told us that she "Loves our Family". That was after I made her do the old fire drill around the car on our way to get ice cream while wearing our pj's and slippers...

Being a mother is something i was never sure if i could do. I am an all or nothing type of person ( i am finding this out after all these years) So, having a child was something i knew would be an extreme emotional take over of my being. Loving something so much that it actually is painful was a scary thing to me. How would i handle all the anxiety that comes with this responsibility?

The hurt feelings, the disappointments, the trying to protect her from any harm? --This has been as hard as I thought, by the way!!--

But, I am slowly learning that I can not race her to "what might happen", that I need to just to be beisde her with all my love and support...(very hard)...I really just want to stop any 'badness' that may be lurking up ahead--but, I am working on it-

Anyway, Mother's day as we all know is really everyday, isn't it??

So Happy Mother's day to you all -

PS -wether you have your own children or not- listening, loving and showing a child you care is the best 'mothering' anyone can do...

Finally it starting to feel like spring. The grass is green and you can see actual buds on the trees.

The bird feeder has been full of birds for two weeks now. We even had a blanket out in the yard last weekend for reading and doing homework and getting some very much missed sun.

My daughter's best friend had braces and now she is getting glasses. Em is beside herself because she wants glasses and braces...isn't it funny that the things that are nearly perfect on her she isn't happy with?? I tried to explain that to her, but no...I told her to get fake glasses..that was dumb!

So Glad it is Friday..this has been a long week and i only walked to work twice...

Still reading Extremely close and Incredibly Loud. I left if for awhile, it is such a cool book, I love the way it is written. If you have the chance you should really try it out I think you will be amazed. Seriously, go get it now.

I need to clean up this site it looks a bit messy!

I went with my friend Megan and we had a photo shoot with the girls. Megan needed models for her web site. The girls had a blast with all the fluffy cinderella dresses. I tried to learn some stuff. It was a fun day and we got some cute pictures. As you can see below.

I still have only processed two pics i will work on more this weekend. Time has just been flying by and haven't had a chance to post anything too interesting, sorry...

Work has even been really busy which is great as it makes the day easier to deal with.

My friend and I are trying to work on having a small 'art retreat' type thing here on the lake. just a couple of teachers and small groups. I think it would be really fun and it is such a beautiful spot to hold something like this. Just a lot of work organizing, I am not sure if we need to plan for next year or try for this fall. Actually things look good, I just get scared of "what could happen".

Anyway, one more picture and I know it isn't the best processing but it was this or no picture at all and we couldn't have that!

I also noticed that the images I process and post from the laptop do not look the same on other computers. They look fine on the lap top screen and then a lot darker on the computer screen at work. So I don't know if you see it as too dark or if it looks fine?