On Gratitude and New Beginnings

The road this year has proven to be more challenging than I ever could have anticipated.  My Mother's declining health was certainly a part of it.  More so than I'd realized as I was walking through it day by day.  After she passed, I was struck by exhaustion like I've never felt.  I've come to realize that it had insidiously crept into my very soul, both mentally and physically.  In hindsight, I'd been running on fumes, and it finally caught up with me.  I'm happy to say that I'm emerging on the other side of this period of my life.

With this emergence comes a heightened sense of gratitude.  Gratitude for parents who love us unconditionally; gratitude for my husband who supports me when I don't even realize that I need it; gratitude for family members who reach across the miles to embrace us; gratitude for friends who love us like family, and gratitude for my customers, both individual and businesses, who tolerated my behavior when I was giving all that I had, knowing fully well that it wasn't enough.

A before shot of one corner in my new studio.

The last few years have been a period of gathering for me.  While my time in the studio was limited, inspiration never ceased to dance in my head.  I know now that I was saving it deep in my heart.  Collecting it, along with my precious memories, to be put to good use later.

Later has finally arrived.  During the next month, I'll be moving my studio to a new location.  I'll soon be surrounded by creative souls in a place that I love, with a classroom, and gallery space, and so much more.  In September, there'll be a bit more routine to my schedule.  While one part of me resists routines of all kinds, at my core I know my life will benefit from this change.  Soon the shops and boutiques that represent my work will be fully stocked again, and I'll be creating with abandon.



My view of the future is lighter and brighter than its been in some time.  It's filled with hope, and of course gratitude.  Gratitude for all that has been and all that will be.

Stay tuned!  It's about to get exciting, and I'm looking forward to sharing every step of it with you.

Art In The Schools on Ocracoke..... Captain's Landing

Thanks to the kindhearted folks at Captain's Landing, my Mother was able to join me while I was teaching on Ocracoke.  Her mobility has been limited, and as her disease progresses it's deteriorating even more rapidly.

At Captain's Landing, we were welcomed with open arms into a first floor handicapped accessible suite that overlooked Silver Lake Harbor.  We were treated to a front row seat for an ever-changing amazing view, and the most glorious sunsets that I've ever seen in my life!  Thanks to them, my Mother was able to enjoy all of this without ever leaving the comfort of our room, and I was able to enjoy my time with her.

This is the only photo that I have of Karen Lovejoy.
With her assistance, and a bit of food, I was almost
able to touch the beloved Ocracats
who live at Captains's Landing.  

Captain's Landing has rentals and a sweet gift shop too!

I feel certain that this will be the first of many visits to

Captain's Landing, and I'm already looking forward to a return trip!

If you're heading to Ocracoke, and seeking an inviting place 

in the heart of it all, Captain's Landing is for you!

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To read more about how I learned about this opportunity, the Ocracoke Community, and our Retreats on Ocracoke, please visit our ReMe Retreats Website by clicking here.

My Latest Greatest Tool Find

Recently I had the good fortune of discovering the Troy Antique Mall in Troy, NC, and I was charmed by the hospitality extended to me by the store's owners, Sibyl and Marty Williams.  They were friendly without going overboard, attentive without hovering, and oh so accommodating of my requests to open display after display so that I could drool over the treasures hidden within.

It's my very own World War II Era Metal Stamping Kit

During my visit, I managed to collect quite a few post cards, a vintage tin with textured graphics, and a dime dispenser for Ken.  Then, on my final walk-through, I spotted this beauty in "Case #6".  I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.  I knew that I had to make it mine.

An Outside View

When I first took the mallet out of the case, my reflex was to test the weight and balance in my hand with a mock striking motion.  I didn't even realize that I'd done it until I'd replaced it, and Sibyl said, "It looks like you've done this before!" 

I hope to become a regular visitor at  The Antique Mall.  I can't imagine passing through Troy again without stopping.  And as for this set, it's found a new home and place of honor in my studio. I'll treasure it for a lifetime, and I've already begun to dream about a new jewelry collection inspired by its history. 



This kit includes individual stamps of the full alphabet,
a mallet, the case, and a specialized anvil.

 

One side of the anvil was used for
marking spoons, forks, and knives
from the mess kits.

The other side of the anvil was used
for marking meat cans. 
After WWI, dog tags were
no longer hand stamped as the
process was automated.

The letters and random words stamped into the wood
add to the appeal of these tools for me.

The first three letters stamped with my new set.
A nod to my Dad who enlisted in the army
during World War II when he was 17 years old.

Thank you...

I know that it's hard to believe; but life here has been crazier than usual lately.   Fortunately I've been blessed with many Moments of Grace amidst the chaos.  Recently two of my artsy friends surprised me beyond words, and I wanted to share the gift of their talents with you today.


Purse and Earrings by Jessica of Lucky Cup Studio.

Jessica is extremely talented, and she's one of the owners of Swank Coffee and Handmade Market in Southern Pines.  She knows that I LOVE my extra-long-over-the-shoulder-purses, and she was kind enough to make this one with me in mind.  I've been wearing it with the lovely earrings that she also made.  You'll find more of her work at Swank or in her online store.





The cutest clothes for the wee ones, also
by Jessica, and available at Swank.

Then, as if this wasn't enough, on a routine drive-by of our mailbox one day, Alan and I were astonished to find it filled to capacity with this super sized box of Barilla Spaghetti.  I come from a Big Italian Family, so the quantity didn't necessarily surprise me; the fact that it was in my mailbox did.  I swear that no one in my family has ever mail ordered their pasta!  :-) 

 

A surprise in our mailbox.

Imagine my surprise and delight when this lowly spaghetti box revealed the most amazing piece of pottery ever.  This sweet bird bell was created by the talented Suzanne Rehbock of Flying Pig Pottery.  Many years ago, Suzanne and I struck up a fast friendship at a show in Swansboro, NC.  Since then I've been a rabid fan of her work, and it just keeps getting better.  If you'd like to see more for yourself, please visit The Flying Pig Website, Online Store, and Facebook Page.

North Carolina Pottery Bird Bell
by Flying Pig Pottery

Thank you again, Suzanne and Jessica!  Your kindness is appreciated more than I can say.