How Great The Art

I took one big giant step for Mother's Day. I decided to join a company with a compassion for women from all parts of the world. Mostly I did it to be able to buy from Artisans from all over the world. I miss traveling and going to Museum gift shops. I love the site of Trades of Hope because it shows videos of the artesans at work. And, you can see the workmanship that goes into each item. My party ends the end of May. I'll be having another one in October to celebrate my birthday. But, that's it for the year. I am so happy I have two parties booked in June. Thank you to those who have ordered. If you haven't, here's your chance. Press Here to be taken directly to the page to start shopping. Would you like to host a party now that we can meet face to face? It's a great way to buy a gift or treat yourself. All orders are shipped directly to the customer. Or better yet, think about becoming a partner. It feels good to be part of a group of

This was a week for clarity for me. On my journey to joy I found myself doubting myself. I found myself questioning what path I am taking. Am I on Easy Street? I don't think so. I made myself vulnerable in many ways. I really was reaching up to touch the sky. I made efforts in all I am involved in. And, they could have turned out better, but I wasted a lot of time, because the outcome wasn't as great as I expected. When the week went on, I realized I learned this lesson early on in life. The harder I try at something, the more I am disappointed in myself. So, this is the good part. My meditation was perfect this morning for where I am in this journey. Here is a quote from it :"A seed sprouts and grows into a plant without struggle, doubt, or effort. So why then do we struggle with our personal growth and spiritual transformation?" I actually was giving a pack of seeds in every ebay order, I had, up to a few weeks ago. My orders stopped, so I stopped t

My meditation was really good this morning. Lots of talk of miracles, awe and wonder. As we start to venture outside of our homes we realize how miraculous, awe inspiring and wonderous the outside world is. We have had to make a lot of adjustments. And, I know I really wanted to experience life living inside the box. But, getting outside the box is where everything happens. We don't feel as safe, but in the long run, the chances we take are more then worth it. The start of summer is here, and it is nice to approach it refreshed. Looking forward to days of sunshine and warmth with cool breezes from the ocean. Every day I see a new music concert I would love to see. Tomorrow will be the last day we have to wear masks inside in New Jersey (as long as we are vaccinated). The forecast for the weekend is a rainy one. But, I still have a list a mile long of things to get done around the house. It has been a very dry May, so the ground needs a good soaking. Cheers to summer!

There is a huge hindu temple made out of marble imported from Italy in New Jersey. I went there on Monday for the "Wow" factor and was disappointed it was closed. I will keep an eye out and really want to share pictures there sharing Trades of Hope. I am trying to stay as open minded as possible lately. And, the news is just making me crazy, especially the news from India. Trying to feel hopeful instead of hopeless is quite the challenge. I am glad I have joined as a partner in Trades of Hope. Because, at least I feel I can do something to contribute. For the next week there is a gold bracelet from India, when bought $3 will go to helping feed the Artisan group in India and with any extra needs they have to fight the spread of covid. Trades of Hopes raised a few thousand dollars to help earlier this month. Here is the link to my party: Hopefully you will see something to treat yourself or a gift. Happy Summer! Quote: Sadness is but a wall between two gard

Today I am getting in the car and driving somewhere. I need some WOW factor in my life. I am getting extremely bored. Having a purpose when you wake up in the morning is something I long for each morning. And, sorry to say my local walks and painting aren't cutting it, anymore. I am starting to struggle with where I feel more comfortable. And, I am very comfortable at home, a bit too comfortable. I know this is not good, so I am trying to fill the calender with not just road trips, but time with friends. It was really good to do the show at Mathis House on Saturday, but it was very hot. I struggled a lot with the question "What am I doing?. I think it is important to face our fears at the same time. But, going forward I am going to spend my time appreciating the work of others. I want to do a lot of museum road trips along with days on the beach. I will devote a day each week for a work search. It won't be easy to get the salary I need, and not work weeke

One of the fun things I used to make when we had the shop was photo albums or scrapbooks made from genuine vinyl record album covers. Deja Vu was already a favorite as it had faux leather feel and a picture attached. The first week we were open I had Graham Nash in my store telling me how cool I was. And then David Crosby giving me the full story of the album cover Deja Vu. What a treat!!! David Crosby signed the scrapbook for me and I will cherish it always. I am looking forward to seeing a report on CBS Sunday Morning today on the 50th Anniversary of the record Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. He told me most Artists would really appreciate selling one million records. But, that album cover was so expensive to make with the picture hand attached in the beginning, the faux leather look and the gold lettering. They were manufacturing more and finding ways of making it more cost effective. The group was always interesting to me, and honestly I knew their names, but

Looking at what is behind us, can be comforting. Having friends who were with us at different times or our lives is priceless. Remembering those times together is the best. Lately, it's been nice to have the time to catch up with others on the phone, facebook or in person on a beach chair at the beach. We are in our sixties now, and I find our conversations fascinating. What we have overcome and what we have worked so hard to achieve. It's funny most of us started our adult lives as waitresses. And, I think we share the same values and can look at life the same way. And, really know how to support each other. We have a certain kind of knowing that if we keep the faith, everything will be fine. I will never forget when I was at college and a Resident Advisor and the Dean was giving me a review and she said "Why are you here? Your face lights up when you talk about waitressing back home." I was shocked, she said that. But, she was like that, she knew how

I think by doing a daily practice of art, it shows you can put your heart into something you love. But, then when it comes to showing your art or selling it, it becomes a brave act of courage. It is where you can put yourself in a position of caring what others think or makes you vulnerable to rejection. Or it can make you happy, because it is well recieved with praise. No matter what, it is trusting yourself and your trueness to yourself. It is fascinting to say the least. It is something from time to time, I need to do. It quiets the voice inside me that continually says to try. I blame time, mostly for not doing it continually. But, also it is a big investment of time. After 90 days of it I questioned myself, "what are you doing or better yet, what are you going to do with all of this, now ?". So, it begins with my first show on Saturday. I am looking forward to getting back in front of people for the first time in 5 months, that is for sure. I am not going

I am excited to bring my 100 day project (really a 90 day project) to life at a Spring Craft Festival this weekend. On Saturday May 22 from 9am - 3pm I will be set up at the Mathis House on Main Street in Toms River. I believe I will be in front on the horse shoe driveway of this beautiful Inn and tearoom. The new owner officially had a ribbon cutting in the beginning of May. As everything shut down last year during covid, she was a standout to me. She set up a farmers market in the back. At the time I was just doing drive thrus. I didn't like the thought of wearing a mask. So, she had a bunch of homemade masks in beautiful fabrics and I bought a beautiful one with roses. I am so glad I did, because we ended up having to wear masks for so long. I also bought some lunch and ate it in my car. I had been inside for a couple of weeks, and it really was reassuring there were some options open besides Wal-Mart and Target. I am looking forward to this, and hoping I can do som

Yesterday, I set out a plan of what I wanted to get done. And, it didn't turn out as planned. I am not so good at being home for a long legnth of time. I really do get stir crazy. This morning I updated my resume. I also applied for a job that looked promising. I get emails all the time. Most of them are for Amazon. Don't get me started. I am not a fan. But, anyway we can set out a path of what we want, but sometimes taking a step away can help you see what you need to do more clearly. We are about to have a week of summer weather before all the kids are out of school and the tourists arive. This is a dream come true. But, yesterday approaching it, I felt I can't really enjoy it without making some kind of effort in landing a job. So, it begins. Looking forward to seeing where my purpose path takes me. Quote: “If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.” –Latin Proverb Song of the Day: Sara Bareilles Once Upon Another Time

Mondays are the best day to set the course. Break through the gate. Get started. Get going. You are off to great things! It's an all new week just waiting to be filled. I am setting up my booth today in the house, to make sure I don't forget anything and see how functional it is. I will be sharing pictures all week. I am also watching two virtual calls on Trades of Hope today, to help get this business going. And, I just finished a "boot camp" for ebay selling yesterday. To tell the truth, it is a little hard to stay focused. But, my goal is to put the work in, and hope for some results in the coming weeks. Quote of the week: “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” —Pablo Picasso Song of the day: Brave Sara Bareilles

It's Sunday! I love to set goals and face a new week with determination. I have a week to get ready before the Arts and Crafts show at the Mathis House in Toms River. I am going to do a bunch of listings on Ebay. Right now, Ebay is real big on making offers. I haven't tried it, because I feel my prices are on the low side, from the research I do before I list. But, things have been slow, and I want to get moving before summer. I also will be working on Trades of Hope. I am going to make a commitment for a year, and I am off to a slow start. So, I am setting some goals and attending virtual workshops. The first one is Monday on "How to help the world from home". So, it is important to set goals, but more important is not to back down if you don't do as well as you planned. Take some time to renew and refresh and then get back at it! Last couple of weeks I spent a lot of time working on a link tree. It has all of my links if you don't follow me o

This picture is of my Mother's Day gift from my daughter Kaylyn. When I put it in the car I had a foam beverage holder and I put it in the holder. I no sooner pulled out of her street and it tipped over. I felt so bad all the way home. I put it next to the door and walked by it many times before taking care of it this morning by planting it with potting soil and giving it a good soaking. And, while doing all these things I wondered why I didn't do this in the first place. Why did I have to pass by it and felt bad about myself? I have talked about my gardening skills before, but I am really into digging deep into feelings lately. What brings bad feelings and what brings good. I also dug deep into a huge patch of grass that takes over my bird bath plantings. I pull up in my car and look at it, and think how pretty it would be if I just dug it out. I have tried before without much success. It only took about an half an hour, and I realized I could do it without help

I have never had so much "Me" time in my life, and I like it. And, I am taking it! Some of the overwhelming feelings I am trying to overcome and push aside to let the power of joy into my life are guilt, fear and negativity. Truly the most influential and powerful way of doing this is through meditation. I don't sit cross legged and opened armed as I should. I just stay in bed after waking for about two hours and use free videos or if I am really lucky there is a free 21 day challenge on chopra. I was really sad Oprah and Deepak's ended their collaboration. But, sometimes better things arise, and that is Alicia Keys and Deepak! And today was all about finding joy! So, I hope to be sharing all I learn with this. And, it should be a lot and very powerful. You can find it here . It is absolutely free! I love the message each day with a quote and I love to write in the journal too. Quote of the Day: "You always had the power, my dear, you just had

Every couple of weeks I am enjoying visiting with my daughter and her family. Watching their family is like a camera lens, and puts life in focus for me. I come away knowing what is important in life and what is not. Spending so much time alone, I am learning more and more the need for connections are important to live life fully. I am naturally an introvert. But, after having time alone, I realize how much I need to reconnect with people. Not, just commenting on facebook, but seeing people face to face. These times are challenging for sure. This last year we were able to play it safe. Being safe from infection was our number one priority, but alienated us as a nation. It became really upsetting when we were all staying home and the numbers were rising and not getting better. This year it seems our priorities are better. Getting outside is good for you and encouraged. Also, so very satisfied that the vacinations are working and the numbers are dropping rapidly. But, now w

There is a little confusion about my new "job" with Trades of Hope. As much as facebook is a wonderful comminicator some things can get lost in translation. Trades of Hope is a direct selling company and through facebook I have been able to connect with those around the world. Which is pretty darn cool. And, something new to be able to do, since we can't really do face to face parties very soon. I tried having a "room" in our group Journey to Joy, and some had a hard time getting in. I had no idea what to expect, so it was fun figuring it all out. But, any way through this company I am able to share handcrafted jewelry, beaded, crocheted and handsewn animals, genuine leather handbags and hand dyed and handmade scarves and clothing. It is an opportuntity to help the unfortunate in places like Mexico, Vietnam, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Haiti, India, and even in Baltimore in US where the soap is made. I woke up "literally" one morning and had the

What a week! I don't know if it was because I got the second shot of the vaccination or Spring weather, but I got a lot accomplished. Most of all one night I got a really good amount of quality sleep. I seem to be looking forward more, instead of behind me. I am really glad I didn't get a reaction from the shot and was able to see my son perform a sold out show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ. I put air in my bicycle tires, went for a few bicycle rides, got my oil changed in my car, got a new phone and traded in my old one, went for an eye exam and will get a pair of readers and one for distance while driving, and went to Atlantic City twice. I also signed up as a partner for Trades of Hope and ended my 100 day project at day 90. I don't feel bad ending it at day 90 and it could be why I got so much done last week. It doesn't really matter, and that is why I stopped. What does matter is that I have something productive to focus on. I am looking forward