Reflections on A Year; the ups and downs

I am sitting snug in front of the beautifully lit tree, and enjoying my family; the kids home from college. After a busy holiday show season, I'm ready to hibernate (craftwise) for the next two weeks.
2011 was an eventful year for me and my family. One family member suffered a devastating illness, and is still recovering. Another is continuing cancer treatment. My parents sold their house and moved into an apartment. It's been busy and stressful and sad and scary and I'm thankful to shut down this year. I am looking toward better days.
On a positive note, I have enjoyed and am thankful for the time we have together. Since my nest is pretty empty, it was a good yea to have some work done around the house. We had some much needed bath tile repaired, and I painted and updated 2 bathrooms and a laundry room. Our house sure needs a perk me up every decade!
I have had a great year creatively, and highlight the Inspired. Art Event with my best girls, and learned some pretty great techniques and projects. Going on an Art Retreat is such a joy and makes me happy and excited to create!
The Art/craft shows I particpated in this year were pretty successful; I think the economy is picking up a little, and I keep making adjustments to display and application photos.
By joining the CMMAG a few years ago, I have been blessed to meet some great, fun, smart, creative and sharing women; and gain motivation at every 'meeting of the minds'
So as I prepare for my Winter Solstice vacation, I can reflect on the past year, and honestly say the good was pretty great, and as bad as the bad was, it was less bad because of the family and very supportive friends I am so very lucky to have. You know who you are ;) After Christmas Day and all the flurry of busy-ness is over, I will sit down and write up a list for myself to outline some goals for 2012 I've been thinking about. I don't want to call it a New Years resolution list, because I never keep those, so I'll just go with 2012 business goals!
I wish everyone a most Happy Christmas and wonderful, creative, Happy New Year!

Spring is in the (F)Air

So now we sit and wait; and hopefully it will be in the craft room!
Most applications are in; need to get 2 more by the weekend.

This is always such a hard time for me; after the applications go out in the mail, I sit back, wait, and obsess. "Will I get in", "why didn't I get in?", "Oh, goody, I'm in!" It's like this every year; and I should be over any lingering insecurity; but when the envelope comes in the mail, it's like waiting for a college acceptance. Is it the thin letter of rejection, or the fat packet of success!?!

But meanwhile, I have plenty to do to boost my inventory. I am loving creating my journals; and a recent trip to the Reader's Corner has supplied me with 2 grocery bags full of supply and inspiration. If no one knows this place, it's on the corner of Hillsborough and Rosemary. The books outside are 10 or 25 cents! Perfect for the mixed media artist. I love these guys, and shopping at an independant makes me happy:) This latest trip was on Sunday; after going to the NC Fairgrounds to the Wake Library sale. After navigating the crowded lots, I got to the building and found a long line of would-be readers stretched around the building! I think I ended up with the better deal; no lines no waiting!

Inspiration Rejuvenation

Wow.
As I sit typing this, I have ideas whirling around in my head!
I have a clean slate craft table in the studio. Haven't started a thing since the holidays.But a short step back from things provided me with a creative spark I desperately needed.
A 'whirlwind' trip overnight with likeminded art f(r)iends to Sanford NC was just the shot in the arm I needed to get started in 2011! Not one, but TWO very fun classes, a shopping trip to the Fiberfest, and a silly night of laughing was refreshing to my soul! Thanks, Girls :)
So now I am back home with the most beautiful pile of sari ribbon sitting on my table; impatiently waiting to be snipped up be my scissors! I have plans to incorporate these gorgeous threads into my Journals.
Jane Powell has also got me thinking about collage in a new way; I have some new ideas to experiment with. I'm looking forward to beating the winter doldrums by getting down to business with my new supplies and rejuvenated Art*Spark.
Bring it on, 2011. Now I'm ready!