next thing....

I just love how God does things! The craft fair wasn't a success financially, but in every other way, it was a bell ringer! Beth Ackley, a wonderful woman and the president of our clay guild, and I manned the booth. We were able to plan what the booth should look like since we are going to be doing more fairs. We talked about display, color, shape and overall feel. Best of all, we got to know each other better! I love the people part the most!

There were 2,000 people through that day. If the winter event had been our first show, we'd have been blindsided! 10,000 through that one! We used this show to figure out what was necessary for a successful fall show.

We talked about our personal work and what would make a better offering to the fair goers. ( For only 3 weeks to crank out as much as we could, I think we did well with what we had!) For future shows, more color! We are going to see the trends and go from there. I will be happy to create no matter what colors I use!

The feed back from the shoppers was very encouraging! Many had not ever heard of polymer clay. I think we will see some new faces at our next guild meeting too!

Both of us have been concentrating on getting our studios is order for better working organization. Ikea is the mother ship! ( My sister, Kelly, has jumped on with me, makes it even MORE fun!) Organizing into zones is my strategy. I do a lot more than polymer, so my studio has to be versatile and keep multiple facets of my creative ADHD in order! That could be another whole posting!

All the dominoes are lining up, next is the business organization. After 30 years, I got my name changed with the Social Security Administration. Next, the state and federal tax stuff. (Don't I sound all businessy? "Stuff". :) ) A talk with our family accountant would be MOST wise right about now too!

It's all good. No....It's all GREAT!

Coming into home stretch..

I have found that I can be disciplined. I hesitate to say "self" because I have prayed for, and received help!

It's coming into the final week before the spring fair at the Washington County fair grounds on April 10th. I have more pieces than I thought I would! It's been a delight doing it. Finishing and polishing outside in 70+ degree weather today felt like laziness!

Packaging, business cards, pricing and inventory are next. Incorporating is also in that to -do list!

In the business side is a creative side, and I like that the 2 are together. It keeps me from being bored and gives each side of my brain a time to rest and recharge!

Today...

I made several new polymer beads, drilled 12 sets of flowers for earrings, carved 5 beads, and just decided to stop and let my brain rest. I can tell by this time in my life when I'm "in the groove" and when the groove is in me! Sometimes to let the brain and eyes rest can be one of the ingredients to a fresh creative burst the next day. I am looking forward to making the earrings and necklaces tomorrow. Tonight I'm anticipating good rest!

On another note, I called the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and made an appointment for him to look at my hand. Kinda makes me irritated that I will have to stop for whatever he decides to do and rehabilitate. I'm already praying for FAST healing and little time down as possible! I don't even know if I'll be able to type. Well, I'm sure I'll get words down, but not as fast!

My mind and hands will have to re-direct. That will be the time to sort through my lessons and decide what goes in the book!

Am I my own "box"?

I was thinking about new pieces of polymer jewelry last night at my work table, and wondering if they would be good enough, received well, if the colors were right, comparing my work to what I see on other web sites, etc.

Then a still small voice whispered that I was the one holding me back. We hear "thinking outside the box" a lot these days. I do believe I am my own box! It's time to shut down the thoughts critical thoughts that keep me from doing something and listen to the whispers that say, "Just do it".

I always tell my students it's ok to make a mistake. You learn from your mistakes. If I keep thinking the way I am, I won't discover if the mistakes should be "on purposes"!

Time to change the thought patterns!

So far...

it's GOOD! I found out last night our polymer guild has been accepted into the Washington County Fair Park's " A Fair to Remember"spring art and craft show! This will really test my scheduling skill! Because it is so close and I have so much to do, some things have been re-organized and moved around according to their "urgency".

I have added in physical activity. Actually, when I'm done writing this I'm going for a 2 mile walk, and probably another one this afternoon! I don't want to be creatively active and physically sedentary! That will be a good time to plug in the iPod and listen to some good teaching. I'l be spiritually active also. wow. Hitting all 3!

The Week of the Great Experiment...

It's spring break! The experiment is being disciplined to us my time as if I'm self- employed this week! I have scheduled myself for the week, including housework and cooking. I'm not being legalistic about it, but I do have to be serious about my time.

Today was a polymer guild meeting. I am always inspired and encouraged by the great people we have with us. Our founder, Beth Ackley, shared a little of what she learned at CFCF and Synergy. It was almost overload for us, I can only imagine what it was like to be there! That is a goal, to go someday!

In the week's schedule there are times for painting as well as claying. I'm working on a painting of the river of life a the tree for the healing of the nations in heaven for a friend. It's a companion piece for a painting of creation based on the very first drawing I ever did during a sermon at church. After I started on the 2nd of heaven, I looked at what I THOUGHT was the completed creation piece, and realized, it's not done. I wonder if I would think the same thing about other pieces I've done? I think that needs looking in to!

Looking at a new year....

A new school year starts Wednesday. It will be different, but GOOD! Last year was a pretty difficult year for our school. To say we had a financial "crunch" is an understatement, but here we are, missing only one teacher at our campus. We believe in our school and what we are doing. I have had several "thank you's" from parents who know what last year was like. They realize that we really DO look at our "jobs" at Heritage as a ministry, and genuinely care about their children.

The campus will be different without some of the support staff, FRIENDS, but I pray we are able to have them back soon! My routine will change in the mornings when I get to school, but I will adjust, thanks to facebook! I can still have my "therapy" session there. I just can't bring Judy coffee!

The key to it all is God's grace and flexability. We need His grace to go with the flow!