One of Art's Perks....

....is being able to make a piece and give it away. I had the most fun trying to keep yesterday's "Mr. Mel" piece a secret, both on the blog and through e-mails Jan and I exchange. Believe me, trying to keep track of what I have written where and when is a bit of a pull when I am functioning normally. (yes, normal is up for grabs for interpretation!) But I have to admit I am a bit proud of myself that I did not blow the surprise for Jan through my stream-of-unconsciousness writing!

Today is an exceptionally early PT. Ick.

I think I'll take a nap when I get home, of course, after the grocery and the other little run arounds that seem to keep me away from canvas and fiber and paint! That is the non-perk side of art; all the things you have to do other than IT!

I thought I would post these tin heart milagros; I used to buy these in New Orleans though they are made in Mexico. I know of no place around here to purchase them and I wish I could remember where I got this particular photo. "Milagro" means little miracle or little blessing.

That was why, when naming my studio, it seemed appropriate because it truly is a blessing for me and art has been a means of staying sane through some rough times. I try to keep the doors open to other artists as well, that they can feel at home here and make art and enjoy themselves within these walls. Solace from the tough times, or lonely times.

We all have those; seems of late I have heard more and more artists feeling the stress of being pulled in too many different directions and trying to keep it all together and do all they did before. The amount of on-line time has increased and for every minute of doing something else, no matter how organized you are, it is a minute away from creativity. We need body doubles; no joke.

So these hearts are for all who work in the arts, who bear the burden of too much with too little in too short a time, who fight with new technology so as not to become antiquated and out of touch----little miracles posted here, given to you.

There is always a blessing where you least expect it, if only you LOOK.

The Value of Friends

I had a hard time when thinking about what to post today. Due to yesterday being Good Friday and DH home all day, going to church service mid day and then coming home to a late lunch, I never made it to the studio. I have to keep reminding myself that a day off is OKAY. While I spent a good portion of the afternoon fatigued (okay, we have an elevator at church to get to the chapel, but I chose the stairs, and it's an old church so, maybe in reality, two and a half flights to walk up....?) I was also hurting pretty bad from cold wet weather.

And I was thinking of Spring. And that made me think of my friends. Spring is that breath of freshness after a long cold Winter of dark days and bone chilling nights. All around me, I have cards and goodies my friends (both here and afar thanks to the internet, groups, and this blog!) have sent wishing me a speedy recovery. They check in on me via e-mail. I have to account for my time due to the fact they KNOW ME and KNOW that I might be doing something I shouldn't...... :) That might annoy some, but for me it is a sign of concern and love.

And they need me around a while yet either for entertainment purposes or other nefarious deeds! ;)

So I, right now, feel like the plants that fill my yard, trying hard to burst into bloom again and my friends are the elements that bring Spring.

The sunny days to lift you up, the warm rains to make you bloom, the longer days to strengthen you.

I feel like all those little green buds I see on the trees and the shrubs, just waiting to pop out and be fresh and whole. Flower blossoms almost ready to bloom........that waiting game. And all the time, my dear friends tend me---they leave comments here, we chat on facebook, I correspond through my Pirate-group and e-mail. There is a lot of love.

I encourage you to let your friends and loved ones know what they mean to you. Be it a casual acquaintance on a blog you like, comment and tell them they make your day. A coffee shop you go to where you feel at home--tell them. Someone closer, let them know that they mean much to you.

Say the things that this current world would like to harden and chill out of us; that we care for each other, that we are thankful for friends far and near, that we appreciate a service rendered, that we are indeed still feeling human beings and that LOVE above all else is our priority.

Let that little hope of Spring fill your heart and let all of us as friends support each other into full bloom.

Creatively.

Emotionally.

Every day.

Stepping into new artistic territory or exploring the old.

Each creation we undertake as artists, as friends.

My friends are the Spring in my world after this long dark Winter. My friends give life.

And I thank you all for that.

Nothing more........XXXOOO!!!!