friday....

Today was an interesting day. I actually got a lot done, which was surprising. Usually when I have to work a shift at my co-op gallery (Blue Door) it kinda messes up my day. But, I took a lot of jewelry supplies with me and got a lot of work done there. This is one of the necklaces that I finished. It's a little edgy and different from my usual jewelry work...but I like it. It is a vintage pistol/pocket knife that I found at an antique store in St. Augustine.

Yesterday, was a bit unusual. It was a little hard opening up so much here, and having friends leave comments already. Wow....I didn't really expect that. I always feel bad because I have zero time to surf through interesting blogs and leave comments. I hope people understand and are not too insulted by my poor blog etiquette. But, the comments that were left here and on my art site, were so encouraging. I cannot tell you how much they help me everyday. And it's also fantastic to hear that I've inspired someone too.

I tried to work on the webcam yesterday...but it was not successful yet. I was a little bummed about it. But, then in my email box this morning I had an note from an artist, Jonathan "Blade" Manning. He has webcast on Ustream for art journaling. He gave me a shout out in his latest broadcast and contacted me to be a highlighted artist in his next broadcast. He wants to use my resin technique. I was amazed at how fluent he was with the webcam...and definitely felt it was karma that he contacted me. So, I asked him to help me with the webcam...and I'll give him permission to use my YouTube video, and technique. Pretty cool, huh. I just hope he says yes. I love how things work out like that sometimes....

Well, gotta go for now. I managed to get some of the new jewelry in the Etsy store today, and went back to Ebay to sell some of my non-art items. I'm still floored by how much they are charging....but I don't know of anything better for non-vintage items. Let me know if you do...

Off to make dinner...fried green tomato pizza....yummmm....

Love,
Wyanne

thursday....stepping away from the hole....

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I haven't had any time to paint. Usually, when I don't paint, I get very cranky. I think the only reason that I haven't been cranky this time is because I've been able to steal a few hours to work on jewelry designs. So the right side of my brain has been a little fulfilled.

Danny started a new job. I'm very grateful for this job, when so many people are out of work now. But, this job and the last job he held, don't pay anything close to the amount of money we really need for our household. Our family has been hit by the problems with the economy, but not as bad as some. We were able to sell our house in Georgia, right before the real estate market sunk. It gave us a nest egg, which has really helped. But, that nest egg is getting lean and I'm growing very a little concerned. I stand on the edge of getting really down about it, or really motivated by the challenge.

Sometimes, it's really hard to be around other women artists who are fully financially supported by their partners. Sometimes I think about how nice that would be. To be free to paint, and create without stress. It wouldn't matter if it took a painting 3 years to sell, or even if it did ever sell. You would always be taken care of and provided for. But, then I realize that I wouldn't be where I am today if I had that luxury. I know myself well enough, to know that I would get lazy and comfortable. I wouldn't challenge myself or my artwork. I once heard one of the American Idol judges praise a contestant, telling them it was the years of standing on street corners singing for a dollar that made them so great today. I realized that the same was true for me. If I didn't have to do what I do to survive and provide for my family...I wouldn't be half the artist I am today. It's living on that edge that helps me thrive and grow as an artist.

So, here I am faced with what seems like a monumental challenge. How do I juggle being an artist, a business woman, a mom, a wife, and full time provider for my family? I guess I could go get a regular job. But, I know I would grow tired and frustrated with that, and miss the freedom of creating. I'd start analyzing how much I was making an hour at the job versus how much I could make at home if I just applied myself more.

But, where do I start? Well, revitalizing this blog is the first step. It allows me to write about these things and figure them out as I go. Who knows, maybe it will help others too. I hope so.

Today, it the first day. Today is the first day that I take the first step away from the hole. I will be positive and strong. I will be thankful and grateful for everything in my life. I will be mindful and diligent with every step I take today. I will make great use of the time allowed to me, and not be irritated when things come up or seem to get in the way. I will rest when needed and take care of myself. I will smile and be happy. I will take the time to listen to my kids and give them extra love. And I will especially be thankful for Danny and these challenges in my life...

Everything else will take care of itself today.

I have a great life.

Wyanne

it's been a long time....

I was thinking of starting a new blog, a more personal one. I felt the need to journal more, and didn't want to use my regular site...because it's more of a business, professional site for my clients and students. Some of the things that I need to write about, might seem boring or self indulgent to them. I had totally forgotten that I started this blog almost three years ago. I thought about deleting the previous posts and starting new. But, as I read the posts...I realized that it is a chronicle of my life, and an important part to the success of my future.

So, here I start again.

today.....12/13/07

Well...I survived the Reserve Art Event. The Universe gave me sales...but, not a sell out. Turned out the Universe was listening to another underlying request deep in my heart. That request has been going on for quite some time...it was to develop a new art technique and take my paintings to a new level. Because the sales were a little slower than I had hoped...I had the time to discover and develop this new technique. I know it will take my artwork to all the places I dream about in the future.

My challenge now is to completely turn my studio around in 6 days. It's a mess...a disaster after preparing for the online show. I need to open the doors to the public December 21. Yikes.

So...starting today...I'm on a mission accomplish this.

My card for today said: All-That-Is...Is Benefiting from My Existence.

"No matter what has caused your unique point of view to come about-it has come about. You do exist; you are thinking; you are perceiving; you are asking ---and you are being answered. And All-That-Is is benefiting from your existence and from your point of view."

Wow... this is so good to know. Instead of getting down about creating a huge mess in my studio, I need to realize how many people benefited from the great artwork that was created. Not the mess. I wrote about this 6 day challenge on my art blog to help me meet my goals. I also need to realize that others will find inspiration and help through my shortcomings and accomplishments.

I will meet all of my goals in the next 6 days. I'll get this place turned around and looking fantastic. Because there will be a lot of people who will walk through that door and benefit from my work...and my existence.

I've got a lot of work to do. But, I'm up for the challenge!!!! Love to ALL!!!!

today.....12/07/07

Today is my Reserve Art Event. I have loads still to do by 7pm.

I'm thankful that everything is coming together. I'm thankful for the computer and Internet. I'm thankful for my talent. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for Danny. I'm thankful that the coffee didn't leave a spot of my nice shirt today.

I will get everything done by 7pm with ease and no stress. All the items will be listed, video shot, and the invitation will arrive in every one's email at 7pm. I have the power to make all this happen.

From the universe I need a sell out show.

Thank you so much. I love you.

today...12/05/07

Beside my bed, I have a set of Ester and Jerry Hicks "Ask and It Is Given" Cards. They are magical cards that help you to return to your personal power. Unfortunately, I'm usually too tired at night, and too busy in the morning to use them. So, I decided to bring them to the studio with me to help me get into the best frame of mind to start my day. I tried it yesterday, and it worked much better. I chose a card, and thought and studied it. I found myself remembering it's teachings throughout the day. So, I'm going to try to make it a daily habit.

This is my card for today: I Will Do My Best To Make The Best of It. On the backside it says - A key to regaining your feeling of empowerment is to decide, right now, no matter how good or how bad you are feeling, you are going to do your best to make the best of it. Do that again and again, and in a short period of time you will find yourself in a very good-feeling place.

I know this is so true. But, it is so hard right now. I am worried and stressed over my Reserve Art Event this Friday. I'm going to bed late, and not sleeping well. Deep down, I know it's totally silly. I've already had several customers contact me about buying several of the pieces. I've had wonderful people in blogland write about the event to promote it for me. I have some really great, pieces for it. Some of the best that I've done in years. But, still I worry. I worry that it won't be good enough, or that I won't have enough items. I worry that I'll disappoint someone. I totally need to get over this and change my mindset or all those worries will manifest.

So, today...I will do my best to feel great about myself and my show. I will enjoy the feeling of it's success before it gets here. I will take care of myself, and get rest.

Today, I'm thankful that my kids sprung into action and managed to get to school on time, even though Mom was running behind. I'm thankful that my wonderful husband called the electrician to meet today to get more light into my studio. I'm thankful that I have this great big, fabulous studio to create in everyday. I'm thankful for my talent.

From the Universe I need a sell out show. Thank you. I love you.

today....11/29/07

What a wonderful feeling it is to wake up and be so excited to start the day! I couldn't wait to get to the studio to create today. I love my work. Getting dressed today...it reminded me of being in high school again and wanting to get to school as fast as I could to tell a friend a secret or see a boyfriend. Remember we didn't have cell phones back then, and Mama and Daddy would only let me talk on the phone 1 hr a night. Anyway...I digress... Just to come to the studio and create things I love....I feel so blessed. Thank you for allowing me to do this.

Today I'm thankful for the happiness and fulfillment I feel in my heart from being able to do what I love so much. My studio in the picture. I'm thankful for my life partner who reminded me last night that I'm not the Queen, and should help out around the house a little more. I'm thankful that my 6 year old listened to my "firm, most serious, Mom speech" about her behavior and took it to heart. I'm thankful that my 13 year old is such a responsible young man, and helped out in a rush this morning without being asked. I'm thankful I finished the painting for the book, and the author seemed very happy with it.

My intentions for today are to create with love and passion. Enjoy my life. Be considerate of others and not get too wrapped up in myself.

From the Universe I need....more folks to buy my artwork at the reserve art event. I need more people to discover and love my work on the Internet. Security in all aspects of my life.

Thank you for everything. I love you.