In my studio I’ve posted a little reminder that encourages me to sit still…to embrace the quiet.

I spend countless hours on this chair creating this n’ that.  

While I’m sitting, I’ll often keep my hands busy making little objects. 

It seems that when my hands are busy, my mind becomes settled.  This stillness soothes the soul, bringing feelings of peace within.  This calmness is balanced with an energy that fills my entire being with soft, glowing light.  A light that keeps me warm during this frigid season.  A light that allows me to see clearly when the sun is sparse during the dark winter months. 

If you share my need to sit still and make things, especially things with bird images you can visit my website to get a glimpse of my sculpted clay bird necklaces.   The details for making this necklace are available in the current issue of Somerset Life.  In this article the clay material that I used is “Das”, not “Jas” as it reads in the article (sorry for the mix-up.)  Within this article you’ll also find the details on how to make a few more of my necklace projects.

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The holidays required more of my attention than expected which explains why I’m just now going through our photos from Europe.   While reviewing our photos I noticed a trend.  It looks like we covered most of the p’s in the food category. 

pizza

pasta  (oops blurry)

pastries (actually churros, but close enough)

And a panini almost everyday (I forgot to take photos, probably too busy eating.)  Anyway, I came home with a craving for more panini so I created my own version using a regular pot and pan.  All you do is place some ham, cheese, tomato and arugala between 2 slices of good artisan bread.  Then butter the pan (preheated), add the sandwich (set heat at low to medium), place a heavy pot on top of the sandwich and toast both sides until the center is warm and melted.  If the pot isn’t heavy enough, just place a regular tin can inside.  This pressed sandwich doesn’t sport the grill marks that a fancy panini machine would deliver, but it’s quick and easy and tastes just as good.   It just occurred to me that maybe my version is more like a cuban sandwich than a panini.  Oh well, it’s still yummy and I don’t need to bother buying another kitchen gadget to make it. 

(oops, blurry again)

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Today’s snowy weather has kept our family indoors.  This comes as a welcome change since we were in need of some down time together.  Besides watching multiple episodes of Iron Chef on television and adding the finishing touches to our gingerbread house (I like to save this activity for the New Year rather than squeezing it into the Christmas holiday), we took this opportunity to pack away our ornaments.

Here’s a look at our tree all loaded up with ornaments (oops, forgot to turn on the twinkling lights.)

Most of our ornaments are handmade, and I especially cherish the ones that we made using photos.  Since the photos themselves were the main focus, I intentionally kept the photo frames simple.  And in keeping with this authentic feel, I chose to capture unpolished, candid photos that cast a diy vibe. 

Bill and I with our first dog, Bosco from 14 years ago.

From our wedding day, 12 years ago.

 Bill and Brook, 10 years ago.  Notice the prominent side burns – so 90’s!

 Looking at these old photos stirred-up deep emotions, and I was flooded by feelings of immense gratitude for my loving husband and daughter.  Before meeting Bill and starting a family of our own, I didn’t have any real family to count on.  Growing up my family ties were weak, fragmented and unreliable.   Getting through this stage was tough, but I learned a very important lesson…always look on the bright side of life.   And trust me, there is ALWAYS a brighter side, another option – an optimistic way of perceiving any situation.   In line with the gift of optimism, I’ve gained an earnest appreciation for each and every blessing in my current life.   Blessings such as a loving family and friends, a comfortable home, time to pursue art – these things keep me grounded.  It turns out that looking back isn’t so bad after all, but I’m definitely more excited about looking ahead… moving forward. 

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As the beginning of 2010 gets closer, I find a need to surround myself with small reminders that will help make every day more special…more meaningful.  By cobbling together some scraps and found pieces, I created these mini tokens with positive messages.

The message that wraps around this spool reads “Beauty is all around us” – a reminder to appreciate all the wonderful things I come across.  To always see things with eyes wide open is an awareness I aspire to hold on to.

Remembering to “laugh often” is equally important to me.   Sometimes I tend to get too serious…too intense.  When this happens it feels fantastic to let loose and laugh, laugh, laugh.  Practically nothing beats good old-fashioned belly-aching laughter.   I can’t imagine what life would be like without this tension-breaking, people-bonding pleasure.

Happy 2010 –  hope it’s drenched with beauty and laughter.

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Several years ago I used recycled wool sweaters to create these Christmas stockings for our family.   Each year we get to experience the pleasure of filling each other’s stockings – giving each person a wide selection of small yet thoughtful tokens of love.  For instance, Bill knows how much I adore the scent of lemon verbena so he often hunts down special lotions or soaps that are infused with this fresh smelling fragrance.  And since Brook loves shimmery lip gloss, I always tuck several of these treats inside her stocking along with many other “thinking of you” items.   We don’t actually fill our stockings until Christmas Eve, but I like to hang them up early with some scrunched-up sheets of tissue paper inside.   This way we get to enjoy them a little bit longer, extending the holiday spirit.

Yesterday I whipped up a few mini-stockings (also made from recycled wool sweaters) to hand out during the holidays.    After this impromptu sewing session, I still have a decent pile of recycled wool remnants left over which will be perfect for making Valentine’s Day gifts.   Since we’ll be staying home for the Christmas holiday break, I’m planning to fit in some special time with Brook, and maybe do some art projects together.  Brook is very much like me.  She loves to spend countless hours making all kinds of things, especially teeny-tiny things, using lots of this n’ that.

But before I move too quickly towards Valentine’s Day projects, here’s another Christmas holiday project that I created using a recycled wool sweater.    This Advent Calendar (published in Somerset Life – August 2008) has tiny pockets made from recycled dryer sheets.  Inside each pocket I tucked mini birthday candles with numbered tags (1-24) tied on with plain cotton string.   The “Peace on Earth” tag is also made from a natural material (peat pot) and the hanging star (purchased in a local shop) is made from organic cotton batting.    There seems to be an endless supply of natural and recycled materials all around, which is sure to keep me busy all year round.

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About this time last year my “Aspirations” project was published in Somerset Life.  This particular project was very close to my heart, and every bit of it reflected my most sincere hopes for 2009.  These deeply rooted feelings sprang forth unexpectedly and with such force that it inspired me to write this spontaneous poem.

Aspirations

Goals for 
next year must
not be forgotten.

Everyday counts
A chance to
GROW.

A chance to give
A chance to share.

Live in awareness
yet unselfishly. 

With eyes open
mind open and
a ready heart.

My specific list of aspirations to embody the above ranged from the simple, remembering to smile more often, to four others that were more ambitious:  listen truly, practice patience, avoid greed, maintain balance.  For the most part I’ve kept these things in mind last year, and I’ve tried to follow this list as much as possible (practicing patience and maintaining balance were the hardest to keep up.)   So as 2010 approaches and I look back, or rather forward…I don’t feel as if I’m ready to let go of  last year’s aspirations quite yet.  I think that I’ll need at least another year of practice for these aspirations to sink in…to settle beneath my skin.  This realization is somewhat of a disappointment.  I can’t help wondering, why am I not there yet?  Why am I not the person I wish to be?   However frustrated I’m feeling right now, I’m not planning to give up on my aspirations.  Instead, I will work harder this next year towards becoming my best.  Also, with no regrets I can honestly look back and see that although I wasn’t 100% successful in changing my ways, for the most part I think that some good change has occurred.  This is enough encouragement for me to keep moving forward…to keep blossoming. 

Speaking of changes and blossoming.  Jenny Doh, a very special and caring friend has decided to take a chance by following her heart.  She’s moving forward on a new venture that will no doubt bring hope and joy to many.  For more exciting details on her mission please visit her blog (see her farewell post explaining her new plans.)   2010 will be the start of something very wonderful for Jenny…something wonderful for many. 

Creating work and writing articles for Stampington under Jenny was a highlight of 2009.  I learned so much and loved every minute of it.  I’ve discovered bits of myself that I didn’t even know existed (some good, some not so good.)  But I believe that digging deep is good, even if I don’t always like what I’ve uncovered.   And I am sincerely grateful to Jenny for having given me so many opportunities this past year to explore and express my creative passions.  This experience has lead me to truly find myself…know myself…trust myself.

And to start off the New Year at Stampington Publications, this newest issue of Somerset Life will be available on January 1st.  As always, inside you’ll find fabulous ideas for inspired living.    You’ll also see several of my jewelry projects featured in the article, Blissful Adornments.  

May you all enjoy many moments of bliss going forward…Happy New Year!

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This past Wednesday I spent the entire day at home, voluntarily snowed in, where it’s wonderfully warm and cozy.  I stayed in my pajamas and worked all day long, diligently re-organizing my studio.  Being at home I was reminded of how much I enjoy this quiet time…this alone time…time to think.   Last winter I spent a record of three solid days at home without once leaving the house.    I didn’t have to drive my daughter to school since she takes the bus, we had plenty of food in the house (I’m always prepared in this area) and I didn’t have any appointments scheduled.  So I used the winter’s cold as an excuse to stay in.   I loved keeping busy at home.  I loved being alone…working…thinking…then working some more.  After years of complaining about this nasty cold/dark season, I’ve finally come to appreciate the good part of winter – the part that lures me to stay home…home sweet home.

But I’m careful not to stay in too long… otherwise I’d miss out on all of this.

View from our backyard

View from our back deck

Around the neighborhood

So spectacular…so well worth braving the cold.  And then so good to return home again, where there is warmth and a studio full of almost organized art supplies.

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With all of the holiday hoopla (even if we try to keep things simple) December can be a stressful month.  To alleviate some of this pressure I need to fit in some down time.  I like to kick back and relax (preferably with my feet up and under a cozy blanket.)  And in my hands there’s usually a book or inspiring magazine like this recently published issue of Art Quilting Studio. 

Inside you’ll find wonderful works from Danita (cover girl) and Ruth Rae as well as many others.  You’ll also see a couple of examples of my work in “The Last Page”, “Art Quilt Walking” and “Around the Quilting Block”.   Sewing with scraps is an addiction of mine which luckily also happens to be another great remedy for stress relief.   For me there’s nothing like the soothing rhythm of creativity to keep me feeling calm and centered…peaceful.  I’m wondering what keeps you all grounded this time of year – would love to hear your tips.

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Right before we took off for our recent trip I decided to pack a just-in-case kit consisting of a couple of sewing essentials along with some scraps.  The thought of spending 10-12 hours sitting around waiting at the airport  or in flight without something creative to do with my hands seemed like a waste of time.   At home I don’t usually have this huge chunk of time to squander so I wanted to make the most of it.

As soon as I settled into my plane seat I felt the urge to start making something.  I thought that rather than waiting impatiently to take off (btw our flight was delayed for 1 1/2 hours)  I could busy myself with some creative play.

By the end of this trip I whipped up quite a few hearts and I’m just now adding some finishing touches to them (will post these soon.)

I was so happy that my little kit came in handy, and it was also useful for more than just my original intent.  Bill’s computer backpack started to come apart while we were at the airport on the way out.  Luckily for him I had an embroidery needle with some thick thread in the ready to fix this problem.   I totally felt like the MacGyver of crafting!

Before

After – not perfect, but still holding strong.

And this kit also came in handy at the hotel whenever I needed something to do when I couldn’t stay asleep due to jet lag.   Being prepared worked out very well this time around and I’ll have to remember to do this again for our next trip.

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Our first day in Geneva we arrived tired but happy.

Then fast forward to our last night in Geneva which was the very opposite of happy.  To explain this further I’ll just back-track a bit.

Our trip started out with a beautiful walk through Geneva’s Old Town and other wanders through this beautiful lake-side city.  Then a day trip to Lausanne, where we got to visit the old port area and a wonderful jaunt to the Olympic Museum, where we were inspired by the power of sports to bring the world together in peace.  After Lausanne, we spent a few carefree days in Lyon, France, again wandering the Old Town, visiting amazing cathedrals, walking up and down La Croix Rousse, and eating amazing food.  Here’s a quick peek into our trip:

Geneva – Old Town

Lausanne, Switzerland

Lyon, France

After Lyon, we travelled back to Geneva by rail to spend our last night there before flying home.  Upon arrival at the station and as we were headed towards the immigration line, we noticed that our eyes and throats were burning and that there was a very strange and unfamiliar smell in the air.   With passports still in hand and while walking towards the immigration guards we overheard them telling someone that there were recent riots in the station area.   They told us that the irritating sensations we were feeling was from leftover tear gas.  OMG, what terrible news!  This was not at all what I expected and I felt both scared and confused.   And as we rushed to get through the station to get to the exit we walked past many groups of police officers dressed in riot gear and wearing gas masks – yet another frightening sight!  And there were people all around, shielding their mouths with scarfs/coats and coughing from the tear gas.  There didn’t appear to be any immediate danger but it felt like any moment now, something terrible might errupt.  I definitely did not want to stick around to find out and really just wanted OUT.

After collecting our luggage from the lockers and finally getting out of the rail station, we immediately noticed that the local trains and buses looked to be congested.  And again there were clusters of police all over the streets.   We also saw areas that were taped-off, and the streets were dark (around 5 pm) and crowded.  We quickly realized that we had no way of getting to our hotel and being bogged down with luggage wasn’t helpful either.  Our only option was to go by foot.   As we rushed to get away from this scene we saw retail and hotel windows smashed in everywhere we looked.   All of these unfamiliar signs of violence caught me off guard and I felt completely out of place.   But as I looked around within the crowd, I noticed that some folks didn’t even seem bothered by this scene.   Aren’t riot demonstrations, policemen with clubs and tear gas out of the ordinary for them?  Or are they just accustomed to dealing with this kind of situation?   Anyway, on top of this already terrible scene (in my view) a hotel worker told me that all trains had been cancelled due to the danger (see, it was not just me who was concerned.)   Anyway, after getting further away from the direct site of the demonstations, Bill managed to get us a taxi at a stop light.  Usually you have to call ahead for a taxi from a hotel, but the driver understood our urgency and agreed to take us to our hotel which by the way, was back in France near the airport.

Relief finally started to sink in as we headed for our hotel where I hoped it would be safe.  On our way there we passed the United Nations building where we saw many more police in riot gear and taped-off areas.  And as we drove through the thick traffic towards our hotel, I felt so grateful to be getting away from this whole mess.   Luckily for us the taxi driver was there when we needed him.   And here’s a photo of him smiling, probably feeling good about having helped us foreigners get through the chaos.  Merci Beaucoup!!!

We later found out that this mess was the result of protesters against the WTO (World Trade Organization.)  I learned that when this particular group comes to town, this type of situation happens regularly – all over the world.  People can get very emotional about the issue of globalization and unfortunately, their emotions often hinder their judgements – causing them to act irrationally and at times dangerously.

However complicated our last night was, I am now pretty much over it and onto thinking about the good parts of our trip.  For instance, in each place I had the opportunity to experienced something different… extraordinary and inspirational.   Everything from the vibrant yet muted colors, historic architecture, simple/elegant food, fashion, etc. will undoubtedly show up in my upcoming works (I plan to post photo updates as my project ideas develop.)  Every aspect of the creative process (spotting and gathering inspiration, processing and organizing my thoughts/ideas and then translating it all into a visual, tangible and hopefully meaningful piece) feels exciting and new – can’t wait to get deep into it.

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