To Have And To Hold

Here you have it. The marriage between a jewelry designer/artist and a woodworker. Two creative souls joined forever. There were several pit stops along the way before we got to this artistic destination. Got me thinking about love and the "to have and to hold" part of life's partnerships. I am an optimistic, positive person. I am sure you have seen that in my writings. However, in order to tell this story, I have to make a slight detour. Ultimately, still very positive.

Recently, I was devastated by betrayal. By members of my own family. When things like this happen, you wonder about yourself, perhaps you did something horrible to deserve this and more along these depressing lines. I ended up not angry at them, but at myself. For wasting years of love, support, time and money on them. For being duped by people I trusted and loved. Oh yes, I was angry at myself. Just as I was about to launch into a not so good phase of not trusting anyone anymore, hubby set me straight.

He reminded me, I need to stay true to the person I am. Someone who loves unconditionally, gives of myself wholeheartedly, feels compassion and trusts people implicitly. He said that I should not beat myself up for doing good. More importantly, that I should stay on this path regardless of what happens. If I don't, then it would be a betrayal far worse than what my family did. It would be a betrayal of my core values and the essence of who I am.

For those of us who are fortunate, we find partners who bring out the best in us. When it would have been easier to join in anger and blame, they steers us towards the high road. Who safeguard our souls and make us better human beings. A better half, who reflects our true self. This quote says it best: I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

Today, we celebrate 25 years of marriage. My husband, the best thing that ever happened to me!

Everyday Elegance

I love flowers. There was a time, when each week began with a trip to the florist. I would buy several bunches and place them strategically in different rooms. Having them around uplifted me throughout the day.

These days, I think twice about spending money on frivolous things. I don't think flowers are frivolous, however, they are something I can do without. Or so I thought. It dawned on me that I need flowers around me as much as I need food and water. I had to come up with a solution that worked for my soul and my budget.

Voila! A crystal bowl from my mother-in-law with some Azaleas from the garden. It does the job quite nicely, don't you think?

A Few Favorites

I like being versatile in my jewelry design. There is something for everyone. Some of my own designs have become favorites. I have made similar necklaces with different gem stones for my own jewelry box.

The hand wrapped flower pendant made with Crazy Lace Agate and Amazonite, with Sterling Silver wire and chain.

The Calcedony pendant hung from a seed bead woven bail. The necklace is hand woven Kumihimo (the Japanese art of braiding silk cords). I love black, in necklaces and clothes.

I especially love showcasing gemstones with wire. And the warmth of Carnelian is a draw, always. You can see more of my designs at my Etsy shop. I am exhibiting at an art show this weekend, so I will be back blogging on Monday.

What is your favorite type of necklace? Simple and small or large and chunky?

The Love Hate Thing

My treadmill.

Five days a week, I get on the treadmill. I have friends who love to exercise. Something to do with the endorphins, how it improves their mood and makes them feel good. No, not me. Every time I pass the treadmill, I get a vague sense of disquiet and displeasure. Then there are those days, when I almost hate it. Most mornings, I try to come up with some excuse or the other to not get on it. I feel a twinge in my knee, I feel lightheaded today, my whole body aches, I think I twisted my ankle, I am working in the yard today and that is enough exercise..... Boy, can I get creative! Hubby and I have a pact to not accept any excuse from each other. So far, he has been a tough taskmaster. I am proud to say that I am far better in the creative excuse arena than he is.

Then, one day, I can get into an old pair of jeans. One that I haven't been able to comfortably zip up for a while. And now, it fits perfectly. I have lost inches without even realizing it. Did I happen to mention that I love my treadmill? Love it! No pain, no gain, huh?

Though I am more in tune with the person who said, "Whenever I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes."

A Double Take

Our home is decorated with interesting finds. Not necessarily expensive. Just interesting. Your home should be infused with your own personality. Items that reflect your individuality. A large part of our home is painted a bright, eye-popping green. Similar to what you see on my art website background. In fact, an 80-year old neighbor with a great sense of humor, once told us that he needs sun-glasses to enter our home.

So, why that green? It is a perfect foil for my vibrant paintings. At one point, we decided to go more subdued and painted the walls a nondescript color. It did nothing for my paintings or for our sense of well-being (grin). People entering our home have only one word, "wow"! They are assaulted and embraced by the colors immediately. The wall color also compliments our taste in furniture, which is contemporary.

Once we moved into our home, we found that there was really no place to sit outside the shower. You know what I am talking about, right? A place to sit and dry your toes. It is quite obvious - whoever designed the house never took a shower or bath. Or maybe never wiped between their toes. The search was on for a bath stool. Not just any bath stool. Something quirky, something that would make us smile each time we saw it. Something that would fit perfectly in that spot. Well, here it is, our bath stool. Made of wood, from Indonesia. The crouching man makes our visitors do a double take when they see it.

Live Your Best Life

I love Oprah's website. Especially her tag line "Live Your Best Life". My favorite topics lie under the heading entitled Spirit. Though, I like perusing through all the different sections too.

So, what does it take to live your best life? Do you ponder about that? It used to be that I get up in the morning and it is a race to accomplish something or the other. Just stuff that needs to get done that day. Now, I begin my morning with meditation. Sitting still for 15 minutes, doing nothing. Especially not thinking about my "to do" list. For people who know me, this in itself, is a herculean task. My meditation ends with thoughts that set the tone for each day.

• Appreciate my husband and all the wonderful things he does for me every day. Make sure I show my love in many ways throughout the day.



• Be grateful. For everything good in my life and for the wonderful things about to happen.
  
  
• Go out into my garden, breathe the fresh air, check out the lizards, birds and butterflies. Inhale the fragrance of the blooming spring flowers. Be aware of the power of the Universe (God) in everything I see.



• Surround myself with good books, music and learning. My goal should be to learn something new every year.



• Pick up the phone and call a friend that I haven't heard from in a while. Make sure that I give love every day. I only get back what I give.



• Eat healthy. Stop and think before I eat. I have a habit of eating when I see food, regardless of whether I am hungry or not. Drink plenty of water. A cleansing routine, very important for my body. Focus on good health and find ways to take care of my body. Exercise often, even if it is just a little walk.



• Do not worry about money. Though money is important, it cannot have control over my sense of well being and happiness.



• Be happy. Work on being happy. Learn to control my thoughts when they go down a anxiety ridden path.



• Welcome positive, optimistic energy and people into my life. Stay away from negative energy. Know my boundaries and core values. Sometimes it is best to end relationships than to foster toxic ones. I can do this without anger, animosity or sadness.



• Find ways every day to make a difference in someone's life in some small way.



• Love myself, forgive myself.

I know all of the above, but consciously thinking about it each day has brought about a greater sense of well-being. The way I see it - when I lie on my death bed, I should be ready for my next journey, knowing well that I have indeed lived my best life here.

Strudel Art

Every once in a while, hubby makes me a Pillsbury Toaster Strudel for breakfast. I like the blueberry ones. These are the ones that comes frozen and you stick it in the oven. Well, by now you know a little more about my hubby - the cook in the family. Every time he serves me strudels, he paints with the icing on the strudel. I look forward to these creations. Of course, the challenge is to figure out what he has painted before the icing melts (grin).

Here is what I got yesterday. The big story in the local newspaper is that we cannot turn on the sprinklers to water our lawns anymore. The lack of rains in Florida has brought about this drastic measure. Apparently we can water the lawn by hand. So, today's art would be me (note the flip in my hair) watering our lawn (grin). 25 years together, and he still can make me giggle.

Cute, don't you think? Both the strudel art and hubby!

Always An Adventure

My friend Sigrid is a born traveler. I met her 20 years ago. We worked together at one of my first jobs in San Francisco. Sigrid only worked as a temporary staff. Her aim in life was to work for a few months, make enough money, then travel. We all waited to hear her wonderful stories each time she returned.

She is also an incredible photographer. She belongs to several photography clubs and conducts slide shows of her trips. Often, she would invite friends over for dinner. The best part of the evening was her slide show and commentary. She remembered every detail of her trip, had an incredible sense of humor that she had us rolling with laughter. She loves trekking and her adventures in the Himalayas is something that I will remember always.

She is a simple, humble person. Cuts her own hair, makes her own clothes and enjoys every aspect of life. Those days, she frequently poked fun at my designer clothes (in a good way). She taught me that getting together was about enjoying each other's company and not about the food. I haven't seen her in several years, but she keeps in touch via hand written cards. Her cards are hand made with one of her photographs. She doesn't own a computer, so forget e-mail (smile).

This is her latest card. An excerpt, "My big trip last year was quite an adventure. I flew with a buddy to the Kamchatka Peninsula, where were trekked for 4 weeks in the company of two tough Russian guides - surrounded by volcanos and bears. It was a memorable experience which I will treasure forever."

By the way, did I say, Sigrid is in her late 60's? She puts me to shame!

A Dream On Its Way

Dreams do come true. Life would be so easy, if all one had to do was stay focused and work hard. It takes many falls, getting back up again and tenaciously forging ahead. There are times when pessimism and depression seep in. When all you want to do is throw up your hands and just quit. I go through bouts of this from time to time. Patience has never been one of my virtues. Growing older has its benefits though. I find myself more of a tortoise than the rabbit these days. I keep working on my dreams, a little at a time, every single day.

Today, the launching of another dream. For the past year, I have been working on getting my art licensed. I blogged about it here. I had two choices. I could either market myself by getting a booth at one of the art licensing shows (which is pretty expensive) or find a reputable licensing agent to represent me. After research, thinking, more research and much more thinking, I opted for a good licensing agent. Sure that would mean splitting the profits. But I already have a full plate, which includes exhibiting at outdoor art shows, painting and making jewelry. Trying to market myself to the licensing world would have been a challenge time-wise. Sometimes knowing what is logistically doable is the best way to find a solution.

Came up with a list of reputable licensing agencies. Contacted them with samples of my work. List got narrowed down to three agencies, who were seriously interested in working with me. Today I signed a contract with Porterfields Fine Art Licensing. They will represent my art worldwide for licensing. I am excited and as always, grateful for the wonderful things that happen in my life. A new and exciting journey begins.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover (Mark Twain)

Whiter Teeth Anyone?

I was brushing my teeth the other day, when I realized that even though I am blessed with pretty decent teeth, after all these years, they have lost their pearly white lustre. It must be the coffee I drink. One cup a day for many years adds up I suppose. By now, you know that I am into holistic healing and natural remedies. And that means, that the thought of getting one of those whitening concoctions currently flooding the market is not feasible. Besides which, I will probably have some serious allergy attack from it.

So, as usual I decided to check out natural remedies for whitening teeth. There are several out there, but the one that I choose to go with is Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Yep, EVOO, as Rachel Ray says. Put some on a dry washcloth. Then rub them on your teeth once a day. I did this every day for two weeks, and by golly, the teeth are definitely much whiter. No kidding. Try it.

Love the sunlight playing peek-a-boo with the palm in my back yard.

The Stylish & Versatile Lariat

A customer once told me about the arthritis in her fingers. Explaining how it was difficult for her to wear jewelry anymore because she had trouble with the clasp. She loved my designs, but commented that the clasps, though appropriate for the necklace were too tiny for her fingers to deal with.

Since then, I have been pondering about her dilemma and decided to make something stylish, yet easy to wear. My latest creation, a woven seed bead lariat. Stylish, yet incredibly easy to knot in front. Even if you just loop it over once, the lariat stays in place because of the weight of the seed beads.

So, do you like?

More Than Money Can Buy

Vallauris is a town in south eastern France. From 1948 to 1955 Picasso lived in Vallauris. During his time there, he created many sculptures and paintings. He also became interested in pottery and played an important part in the renaissance of the Vallauris pottery industry in the 1950's. Many of the artists who live in Vallauris these days are potters. In a lot of their work, you catch a glimpse of Picasso. A pot that we picked up on our trip to Vallauris. I actually carried this pot with me in the plane, clutching it close to my bosom so that it would not break (grin). Today, it sits proudly in my living room.

While we were negotiating selling our house in Kona, Hawaii, the buyer was so enamored by our decor, that she wanted to buy everything in the house. This, of course, included all of our precious art and unique finds. We had to explain. That to us, it wasn't decor or things, but memories. That every single item in our home told a story that bound us together. Many, we found together while enjoying our passion for travelling. Others came from our past. Eventually, the buyer realized that the "decor" was worth much more than money could buy.

Ever walk around your home and refresh your memories?

The Good, The Bad, The Truth

It is time again to 'fess up to more truths about blogging, tweeting, and facebooking. Read a superb blog the other day. As I was appreciating the good writing, I came upon the blogger's irritation in dealing with a certain type of Tweeter. The type that appears, tweets about their blog posts and duly disappears. Okay, this is where I hunch down and slowly slink out of the room. Yes, that would be this Tweet (or is it Twit?). It has been several months of tweeting, but I am still not with the program obviously. Small talk was never my forte. I remember in my 20's, abhorring the thought of going to parties and making small talk. I would rather walk the plank in a pirate ship. Not much has changed since then. On the other hand, when I am with people I know and like, you cannot shut me up. Tweeting is like being in a room full of strangers. You throw things out there trying to catch someone's eye/ears. Most of the time, you are ignored. Oh, those old feelings of rejection, low self-confidence, why bother, who cares, all come back (grin). So, y'all (as Paula Dean says), I am going to come to the party, holler about my blog posts, have a look see and leave. Rude, I know, but that is the way it is going to be.

Now, onwards to Facebook. I tried, I tried, I swear. But Facebook and I just do not connect. The only reason I joined was to stay in touch with cousins that I miss, who are spread all over the world. I have read so much about people using Facebook to market their products. I am impressed. I don't believe I am going to make connections with friends of friends of friends in the hopes that someone will buy my work. Reminds me of mustering up courage to walk up to a group of people and introduce myself. Even after a successful career of public speaking, I still am not comfortable in the extrovert role. And the ending to this story? There is one part of me that is quite lackadaisical about the whole marketing agenda, while the other part of me is quite horrified at my "can't be bothered" attitude. Typical Gemini!

Finally we come to blogging - my favorite passtime. I enjoy the writing and reading. Such versatile and interesting writers in the blogging world. On the Etsy forums, sometimes I see posts that say "Follow me, and I will follow you". What do you think of that? The concept of following just so you can increase the number of your blog followers. I only follow the blogs that interest me. What about you? Do you simply follow someone who follows you or do you think twice before following? Not that there is a right or wrong answer for this one. Just curious.

Somehow, all my early Spring flowers are fuschia. I love that flamboyant color!

Do You Believe In Miracles? Part 1

I am a believer. In miracles, that is. Hubby on the other hand believes that the magic happens because of my efforts. People say I am lucky. Hubby believes that is bull too. He thinks that luck is being smart enough to be at the right place at the right time to seize the right opportunities. Or as Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose". Hmmm... definite truth to that. I am pretty focused and tenacious. However, there are times when serendipity occurs. When you find yourself in the middle of events that defy logic or explanation. Some might see it as random and strange coincidences, but I don't think so. Ever find yourself in a situation where you feel the hair on your arms stand up, when a bizarre energy field surrounds you and you think, "wow, this is magic". In my "miracle" series, I explore the amazing events that keep happening in my life. After you read them, tell me if you give credence to miracles or not?

The year, 1987. The place, San Francisco. I was working as the Training Coordinator in the IT department of a small law firm. For years I had read about another international law firm. This place was voted the number one law firm for women and minorities, their pro bono work was legendary and I just loved their core values. I kept telling everyone how much I wanted to work for them. Friends tell me that it would be extremely difficult to get a job there. Their training department was rock solid and their employees rarely quit, so finding an opening there would be next to nil. I was devastated. Then one day, I was at a computer users' group meeting. I found myself sitting next to the IT Manager (Glenn) of this international law firm. We spoke briefly, exchanged cards, then the meeting began. When I was leaving, I thought, gosh, I wanted to tell him about wanting to work for his company, but never got a chance. A few days later, Glenn calls me. He says he was very impressed with my participation in the meeting. He then mentions that one of his trainers is transferring to their Tokyo office and asked if I knew anyone who would be interested in joining their team. Surreal moment - the hair on my arms stood up, I was speechless for a few seconds!

I went on to work with Glenn and his team for many years. The job was everything I had hoped for. What an honor and privilege to work with the best group of people. What brought about these events - me making the decision to go to that meeting, Glenn sitting next to me, then calling with the job of my dreams? Magic!

How about you? Any miracles in your life? Spring has sprung in my yard - the flowers are just lovely, aren't they?

On A High

I am on a high. High on art, creativity, color, new ideas, cool blogs, good friends - just a general sense of well being. A realization that I am indeed fortunate (like my many blog friends) to be given this gift of creativity. I sometimes wonder what the rest of the world does - the ones that are not creative. I am sure something equally worthwhile. Is there anything else worthwhile? (smile). Words that jump out when describing artists - inventive, innovative, original, inspiring, imaginative. Words that combine emotions and intellect. For me, it is always the emotions that come first. I feel the painting, before I figure out how to put it on canvas. I was recently inspired by the concept of six degrees of separation - how we are all on average six "steps" away from each person on Earth.

And the end result of my inspiration? Nine wood blocks. Each stands on its own - yet connected to each other. Instead of painting on stretched canvas, hubby and I decided to collaborate on a joint venture. Wood blocks in sets of 6, 9, 12, painted and attached to a wood base. The inner sides of the frame painted with a yellowish orange shade to compliment the flowers. The outcome, a 3-D effect. This one is entitled "The Nine of Flowers" and is a collage of interconnected Plumeria blossoms. The photo is not quite straight, but you get the idea. So, dahlings, what do you think?

Remember what Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken".

The Diamond Nose Ring

As a young girl, I never thought I would one day leave my home and travel thousands of miles for love. That was unfathomable. When it came time for me to pack my bags, I began to look desperately for something that reminded me of home to take with me. I packed my bags with little momentos, gifts that had sentimental value, items that held cherished old memories, etc. Yet, something was still missing.

Weeks before I left, I finally came upon the solution. I decided to have my nose pierced and get a diamond nose ring. It is actually more of a nose stud, but known as a nose ring. I was going to embrace the Western world and needed to have something instrinsicly Eastern with me. It is a traditional custom in India for married women to wear a nose ring. It was part of my culture that I could bring to the Western world. Something that could never be forgotten, put away or even accidently misplaced. It has been a part of me for 25 years. Here's a photo of my diamond nose ring. Hmm....didn't realize that my nose was so straight (grin).

A wonderful music video by Kiran Ahluwalia from India, with English subtitles. She is a beautiful singer who sings Punjabi folk songs - this one about a diamond nose ring (grin).

Baking Goodies

As many of you know hubby is a great cook - chef quality really. He recently decided to try his hand at baking. I do not have a sweet tooth, but boy, am I beginning to develop one (grin). Here is his latest - a wonderful dessert called "Hermit".

Hermits

Ingredients:
· ¾ cup sifted flour
· 1 ½ tsp baking powder
· 1 tsp ground cinnamon
· ½ tsp grated nutmeg
· ¼ tsp ground cloves
· ¼ tsp allspice
· 1 ½ cup raisins
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine at room temperature
· ½ cup granulated sugar
· 2 eggs
· ½ cup molasses
· ½ cup chopped walnuts

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of a 13” x 9” baking pan with Crisco and line bottom of pan with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and spices.

3. Place the raisins in a bowl and toss with a few tablespoons of the flour mixture.

4. With an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then the molasses.

5. Fold in the flour mixture, raisins and walnuts with a large spatula until uniformly incorporated.

6. Spread evenly in the pan. Bake until just set, about 15-18 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.

7. Let cool in the pan until room temperature. Remove from the pan and cut into bars.

Try it, I think you will love it. They are not brownies, by the way.

Forgiveness vs. Being A Victim

Latte at Starbucks with a good friend. The topic of discussion - the dichotomy between forgiveness and being a victim. Hmmm...an interesting and deep conversation over coffee.

I recently discovered that I can forgive wholeheartedly. However, I have to be careful not to fall into the same trap. That of being a victim to toxic relationships. Be it with family or friends, it is crucial to be clear about your expectations in a relationship.

How do I deal with family or friends that treat me shabbily? I confront the issue. Yes, I am one of those people. Confronting issues straight on. No beating around the bush for me. I voice my concerns and what my expectations are. Some of them will get it, others will get defensive and have no desire to make any changes. If that is the case, I cut ties quickly. I usually give people several chances though to try and make things work.

You see, sometimes, regardless of how much you explain, clarify and hope that things will change - things may never change. When you see the pattern, you need to get far away from the relationship as possible. Because at this point, it is not about forgiveness, it is about being a victim.

The worst scenarios are with immediate family members or long time friends. It is easy to forgive because you love them. Yet their shabby behavior continues. What happens if they are incapable of changing? That for some people blame is easy and a habit. It takes incredible courage to confront one's own demons and behavior. And for many that is an option too difficult to confront. Ever wonder if they are worthy of your love, loyalty or support? That by forgiving without demanding change, you are condoning bad behavior?

There is a deep sense of responsibility for the type of relationships I welcome into my life. So, I need to be vigilant. Wow, heavy thoughts! Yes, sometimes I go to these not so easy places in my mind and heart. And come out feeling refreshed and with a keen sense of clarity - about who I am, where I am going and who I want on the trip (smile).

Barbara de Angelis, has written numerous books on relationships. Here is what she says living with integrity means:

Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships.
Asking for what you want and need from others.
Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension.
Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values.
Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.

My acrylic original "The Pause That Refreshes". I love discovering these beautiful fountains in Europe - truly, a pause that refreshes after a long walk.

Oranges It Is

It is obvious. We are hooked on oranges. Especially these small ones called "Clementines". The sweetness, the plumb slices that burst with juicyness when you bite into them - it is all tempting. Oranges play an important role during Chinese New Year. They are passed out to friends and family as they symbolize good luck and wealth. Fortunately, they are good for your health too. We probably would eat them anyway.

What is your favorite fruit?

Go With The Flow

It is really hard to be patient when you want something so badly. We all go through this phase, don't we? As an artist, I am anxious for fame and fortune through my creativity. However, hurry up and wait seems to be the theme these days.

While waiting, I work at enhancing my art, learn new tips and tricks, figure out ways to market myself. Every day is full and busy. I also meditate daily. It helps me feel centered, embrace the here and now and just go with the flow.

I recently completed this painting entitled - what else? Go With The Flow. It is painted on stretched canvas with beveled edges. Not the best photo, but you get the picture (grin). As a child, I was never one to paint inside the lines. There is something so liberating about having the river burst out of the confines of the border.

In your light I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you,
But sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art. (Rumi)

The Significant Toothpick

The toothpick. Not something we like to talk about. Paramount, however, in it's significance when it comes to our comfort level. Picture this scenario. You find yourself amongst people, having a conversation. You have something stuck in your teeth. You cannot really focus on the conversation, can you? Your mind keeps going back to that little bit of something stuck between your teeth. Your tongue keeps probing. Your thoughts keep flitting between "I got to get this thing off my teeth to what was she saying". You are embarassed to open your mouth too much, in case you expose more than your teeth. Oh, what you would give for a toothpick (grin). A floss would be better, but a toothpick would do in a pinch. You know what I mean, don't you?

We found this beautiful, handcrafted ceramic porcupine toothpick holder (wow, that was a mouthful) on our trip to St. Paul De Vence in the French Riviera several years ago. It is always a conversation starter at parties.

The Cloak Of Anonymity

At times I get nasty comments from people who sign off as "anonymous". I delete these comments without publishing them. Now you might ask, what if someone left a nasty or critical comment and signed their name to it? Nasty or not, if there is validity in their comment, then I will definitely publish it. To respect the fact that they were brave enough to leave me their identity and opposing views.

While, I understand the need for privacy or anonymity in making comments, my take is "no, you are not going to leave your nastiness and not take responsibility for it. Not on my blog". There is too much of that going around in the blogging world. Under the guise of not wanting to put your name or face to things, some people believe that they can write anything they want.

So, all you anonymous commenters, here's my advice. Your comments, if valid, are important to me. I write because I want to hear your opinion, thoughts and insights into my words. However, don't write rubbish, ramble on aimlessly or decide to vent your personal frustrations here. First read the post thoroughly, then if you are not sure of what someone has written, ask questions. On the other hand, if you are feeling nasty, start your own blog and go at it. Why waste time here, since it will get deleted.

Do I sound upset? Yes, at the colossal gall of some people who have not been taught good manners. Sure you can disagree, be critical or have an opposing opinion. But learn how to communicate that with respect and thoughtfulness. Otherwise, you will be not taken seriously or treated with respect by anyone.

OK, I am off my soapbox now. Sheesh! Do things like this get your goat? Or, is it just me?

Time to go sit in my backyard and check out the play of sunlight on my Jade plant.

Sunlight In My Life

I thrive on light. My spirit blossoms when the sun comes out.

On cloudy, dark days, I go around switching all the lights on in the house. Sometimes, I am not even aware that I am doing this. Then I hear hubby yell, "why are all the lights on, it is 3 p.m. in the afternoon". Oops!

The sun shining, its play on the flowers at different times in the afternoon. Don't you just love the shadows, the mood, the ambiance?

A Little Of This, A Little Of That

At the onset, my blog was about showcasing my art and handcrafted jewelry. A great tool, I thought, to promote my creativity. But things have evolved since then. It wasn't just writing, but the reading that brought insights. Invisible strings began pulling me in a certain direction. I found myself drawn to blogs that had a little of everything. Too much of one topic made me loose interest. Could it be the same for others?

What draws me? Photo blogs, where the pictures speak a thousand words; insightful blogs that ponder and question things in life and blogs into creativity, color, design, fashion and style. Eye candy - a place that is so visually pleasing that I want to stick around. More importantly, blogs that paint a clear picture of the person behind the words. Like any relationship you have in life, the blog posts build the rapport between you and your readers. You need to showcase all aspects of your personality, so that a well-rounded picture emerges. Let the dance begin - a little of this, a little of that and eventually a peek into your soul. Like getting to know a new friend, do you remember thinking, "wow, we think alike, I like her thoughts, her humor, her style (or his). I want to know more". That, my friends, is the magic of the draw!

My blog has morphed and manifested into something else today. A place that reveals more of the person I am. If I had the opportunity to do over, I would definitely change the name of my blog to something that better reflects the essence of me. What would that be? Don't know, but I keep thinking about it. Your blog is a living thing that can be molded into anything you want.

Do you think about where your blog is going?

My original Acrylic entitled "Let There Be Light".

Sittin On The Dock

A dock. A boat. Early morning mist. One of my latest acrylic originals. Reminds me of the Otis Redding song - Sitting On the Dock by the Bay.

My first attempt at music in my post. You can listen to Otis Redding singing if you like.

Otis Redding MP3 from Free MP3 Downloads