A Beautiful Thought About Fear

I had a kind, patient and challenging encouragement from God this morning:

 "Being afraid doesn't mean you're a coward. It means you're human with an opportunity to be brave."

At least I think that's what He said. It makes me want to be brave and keep on keeping on so it's probably Him. Praying we all do more than "hang in there" but soar above in His strength and Spirit. xoxo

New SJD at The Next Market THIS Thursday, Friday, Saturday!

It's the last Market before Easter! This must be true since I noticed that my candy consumption is skewing slightly more chocolaty than fruity this week: from chewy cherry hearts to crispy Fiesta malted milk eggs. Here's a reminder of our new hours for 2012:

March 8th Thursday 12 -6

March 9th Friday  12-6

March 19th Saturday 10-6 

Give your house or wardrobe a whiff of spring with something cheerful and new from The Market!

I've been growing grass in order to provide some real living green in as many places as possible. This is wheat and rye grass which is safe - even healthy- for kids and pets.

COLOR!

Recent jewelry designs embrace fashion's color blocking trend.* Blue beads accented by a vintage yellow rose pendant, or red and pink earrings bring whimsy and instant color therapy to any ensemble.
*Color blocking means blocks of solid colors worn together. It is a super hot trend for spring and summer.

Passion for Pearls and Patina

Other designs you'll see are part of a collection I'll be bringing to the Live Oak Arts Fest on March 31st in Ft Myers, Florida. Pearls (cultured, freshwater, or vintage glass pearls from Japan) are combined with old rosary chain, mother of pearl beads and sea glass to make layered necklaces and earrings that are my current magnificent obsession! Somehow, using the older chain and muted palette make this collection appropriate to wear now in northern climes. These pieces don't scream Little Mermaid or 'My mom went to Sanibel and all I got was this lousy shell necklace' like I was afeared they might. Nope, I'm wearing the necklaces layered one upon the other with a tshirt and cashmere cardi or to fill in the neckline of a button down shirt or dress. I think you'll like them.

 My partners, Justine and Lisa almost sold out during the art crawl so there will be plenty of fresh new furniture and home accessories to make you swoon. Honestly, their stuff is so great: chic pieces that add personality and character to a room while pulling their weight as seating, storage or work surface. As a rule, older furniture is better made and longer lasting than what is produced in foreign factories today. It just makes sense to get items that hold up to years of use while becoming more charming with each transformation.

Don't forget our new neighbors who will be open this weekend. The Better Life Cafe at the top of the stairs is cozy, intimate, friendly and fun. AND, their food and drink is fresh and delicious.
Sandy's Studio Sandy (of Sandy's Attic fame) has a wonderful studio in Suite #121 open on Fridays from 12 - 6. Expect to see fashion forward Spring apparel as well as art, gifts, and accessories.

There's something for everyone on Market days!

Well, Hi There!

Welcome to my new blog, "Artful Additions to Life." As I blogged for The Market (the monthly art market at Banbury Place in Eau Claire) I realized that much of what I wrote about had more to do with the creative life in general than specifically about "What's On At The Market." Hence, I will continue to blog about The Market HERE, but write about my business and the creative life HERE on this blog. I've imported most of the creativity/decor posts from The Market's blog so all that content is handy in one place. I hope this makes sense. As always, please email me or comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear what's on your mind and perhaps what topics you'd like addressed.

Magpie Eating Cake

Here is a whimsical painting by Rubens Peale (1784 - 1865) called "Magpie Eating Cake." Aside from the painting's title being a chillingly close description of me and my activities this month, I adore it for the inspiration its creator provides. Rubens Peale was the fourth son of artist Charles Willson Peale (1741 - 1827) and turned to painting only later in life. Because of poor eyesight, he never obtained the artistic training received by his siblings. By the way, I love how the father named his sons: Rembrandt, Raphaelle, Titian...no pressure, there, guys. Rubens Peale pursued the sciences and spent much of his life as a museum administrator and owner. A financial panic in 1837 forced Peale to sell his collections to P.T. Barnum and retreat, financially destitute, to a farm owned by his wife's family. He managed the farm and used his training as a natural scientist to become the local taxidermist. Fourteen years later, his daughter, Mary Jane Peale, returned home after studying painting with her uncle Rembrandt. At age 71, and under his daughter's tutelage, Rubens Peale began to pursue painting in earnest, recording his progress in daily diary entries. The last 10 years of Peale's life were spent in a joyful pursuit of learning and creativity.

Do you find the Peale's story inspiring? I am immediately struck by his humility and perseverance. Despite physical infirmity, family obligation, even financial ruin, Peale continued to find his way. The spark of creative spirit ignited his days to the very end. Rubens Peale had the humility to accept instruction from his daughter, even using his new skills to copy some of his brothers paintings as gifts for his children. There doesn't seem to be much ego or what I like to call the "Fragile Genius" about Peale. I need stories like this: stories that feed the better part of the artistic nature. Living an authentically creative life means being a good steward of the gifts you possess. Being a good steward  requires generosity, wisdom, and faith. Faith that your offering, flawed or imperfect as it may be, is valuable and enough.

R.I.P. Christopher Hitchens

Writer Christopher Hitchens

The world feels a little lonelier today with news of Christopher Hitchens death from complications of esophageal cancer at the age of 62. His quick wit, incredible intellect and strong convictions caused everyone in his path to up their game. Rigorously questioning the intellectual integrity of various beliefs and mindsets, he forced us to examine our assumptions, influences and life philosophies. In Christendom, we are much better thinkers because of what he brought to the public forum. He left behind a wife, three children, and many, many friends and colleagues. I'm sure those who knew him personally are feeling the void this huge personality has left behind. Hitch, I pray that at the end your convictions were overwhelmed by an encounter with Love & Light Himself.

Beautiful Branches - What's Your Secret Impulse?

Branches bring their organic elegance to the table

 There are beautiful branches suspended from my dining room ceiling and I love them. Their wild organic shape is bringing contrast, excitement and exuberance into the room. Just some cuttings from the yard, wire, a few white cup hooks in the ceiling, and I have a vista that interests and pleases me every time it catches my eye! I've wanted to do this for a couple of years but hesitated; putting holes in the ceiling gave me pause. Finally, day after day of grey weather outside our windows drove me to throw caution to the wind. I'm so glad I did! Once again, the riskier choice had the biggest payoff. At this festive time of year, the air is full of abundance, promise, and permission to do the unexpected. If there's something you wouldn't normally have the guts to try, this is the time to do it. Wear that color, go to that special event, rearrange your furniture, surprise yourself! Take a minute to put your finger on what charms and delights you. NEVER immediately dismiss any idea. Not without giving it some consideration. Pursue the tiny flash of a thought. You can change it back when the next impulse strikes, right? Follow the unique and unusual. See where they take you. Your home, your life will be invigorated and much richer for the journey.

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Tiny branches and a SJD bird bonbonniere made their way onto an adjoining wall

Creative Exercise "I Need"....

As winter approaches, what do you need? The hurry scurry, hustle bustle plans and preparations in our consumer culture are impossible to ignore this time of year. How are you preparing for the material demands of a harsh season? What's your anxiety level as you throw your hat in the ring for another "magical holiday" experience for one and all? What do you need?

Isn't our default setting to acquire more than enough so we aren't caught short - only to be left with extra clutter that doesn't really work for anybody? Over acquisition is MY default setting. And it's getting on my last nerve. Here are a few questions I am asking myself today in order to get to the heart of things. Open your journal, get some colored pencils and markers. Answer these questions while writing fancy.Maybe they will help you too. Oh, while you write, click on the song below. I am loving this song "I Need" by Maverick Sabre. He sounds like Amy Winehouse's little brother - and Amy's recent accidental passing is reminding me that life is precious. All the more important to be intentional about what we really need. 

 
"I need sunshine, I need angels, I need something good..."

Holiday & Gifts:

What is important to me during the holidays? What is important to my family?

Do we spend time and money on things because of "shoulds?"

Am I willing to disappoint the expectations of others and try something new if need be?

A gift is a tangible symbol of emotion, esteem, or respect for another. That's why it seems SO IMPORTANT to get it right. It isn't just the thing. It's what we're saying with the thing. Can I say what I need to without the thing? Or convey the love with a more modest, meaningful token that feels more peaceful/less excessive?

Am I open to following my heart and giving to some one completely unexpected - just because?

Do I have the discipline to wait and not accumulate?

House & Home:

How many partially used bottles of cleaning and beauty products do I see? What was I trying to achieve by purchasing each item?

Do I have a crowded pantry but no inspiration for making dinner?

What's in my dream pantry?

What has to go in order to make room for what I find inspiring and delicious?

What was the thinking behind purchasing the items now headed for the local community food pantry?

How can I be more mindful when shopping?