"All I remember is, they had great candy..."

This past summer, a forty-something man was lingering in front of our house. I put down my gardening trowel, strode over, and said hello. He smiled and said, "Hi, I'm visiting from the west coast, but a long time ago, I grew up in this neighborhood." We chatted for a bit and then I asked him, "Did you know the Vances, the couple who built this house?" He responded with this life-changing comment, "I didn't really know them. All I remember is they always had great Halloween candy." In that moment, a self conscious half smile flitted across his face and erased thirty years. And just like that, I knew a torch had been passed. I wanted us to be known like that; known for abundant generosity and a sweetness of spirit towards the young. So it's movie size candy for the kids this year. It's fine if our names are lost to the ages if we can deserve this epitaph, "They had great candy..."

Movie size candy: $1/box from Walgreens. A bargain for all that happiness!

Too Busy Not to Nurture Creativity

Moss inspires me. I think moss is my spirit animal.

When life gets complicated and busy, a focus on obtaining the fundamentals of food, shelter and safety is what gets us through. We build the solid granite base of Maslow's pyramid. When time and money are limited, keeping our nose to the grindstone and working hard seems the responsible thing to do - particularly when others depend on us. Why is this noble single mindedness often stressful instead of satisfying? Why are we pulled to take our eyes off the vital tasks at hand? Are we lazy? Addicted to entertainment? Amusing ourselves to death?  No. We look up and our thoughts stray because we are complex organisms and the stuff that makes us smile and feel inspired, the "quality of life" stuff is being crowded out by the time consuming process of keeping body and soul together and we're lonely for our heart's home. Shaking this distraction off and briskly returning to the hamster wheel of work is not the answer.

Regularly exercising the creative aspect of the soul is essential for everyone. Every human being carries a glowing ember of the pure and perfect ancient spark that set this whole world in motion. In this spark resides the essence of our humanity. It's a piece of our Creator; a piece so clearly not manufactured by ourselves that it can feel foreign, unmanageable and superfluous. But it is the exact opposite of that. God put this fire in us for a reason. And the reason isn't to serve as a carrot on a stick, propelling us on to a far off time when we have "the luxury" of nurturing creativity. The spark is for now. It's to ignite the fire that makes the entire engine run each day.

Being mindful of the whole, the reason why you are and who you are happens with creative thought and activity. Am I advocating oil painting for veterinarians? Lunch time poetry slams for the business executive? Interpretive dance for bankers? Maybe.... But incorporating an artistic exercise routine into ones day needn't be lofty, odd or even time consuming. It needn't take us out of our comfort zone.

Here is a simple exercise that happens to be my favorite. For me, creativity is basically translation work. Or a math problem. And in the interest of practicing what I preach, I will be creative and use a math-y analogy instead of a language-y one just because it's a stretch.

Given x.  x = thing or concept.  y = unrelated thing or concept. Synthesize x with y to make x=y. 
Show your work.*

*I'm showing my work only because I am illustrating the process. During the day, I mostly do this in my busy, busy mind. However, I've found using a journal or notebook is extremely satisfying; especially if you're a doodler.

          x = victory  y = horses  make x (victory) = (y) horses

Victory is what one wants when one is in a battle. I am the simplest of soldiers. No special training. Enlisted man. A Private. A very private Private with imperfectly mastered skills learned at boot camp.The battle is tiring me and draining me of energy and hope - am I fighting completely alone? The enemy is larger, stronger, and very big. I feel before I hear. Rhythmic vibration on the ground. Something powerful is coming. The movement morphs into sound - the sound of a hundred horse cavalry. As the horses come closer, the enemy flees in the face this magnificent adversary. I stand on the now deserted hill alone., watching growing clouds of dust stirred up by the approaching hundred hooves And in the last few minutes before the reinforcements arrive, I plant a flag of victory in the bloodstained earth of the battlefield.

Therefore, victory = horses

Give it a try. Make the two things as disparate as possible. Don't be afraid of cliches - they can help break the ice. Consider leaving a comment or message with your results. I'd love to hear what you come up with - I'll get it. I'll recognize it. Because your thoughts began with the same fire that fuel mine.


P.S.  I'm getting into the challenge of this idea. Here's a proposition: I promise to synthesize any two words into a cohesive analogy or will send you one dozen home baked cookies - recipe of your choice. If I fail, you can email me contact information for cookie delivery. IF I fail. Post your challenge in the comments or on my facebook page.

The Best End of the Deal

August 2013= 25 Years with this fine fellow!

I once read somewhere that the happiest marriages are those in which each party secretly thinks they got the best end of the deal.
I don't think there's any secret here - just look at this adorable man. I only wish he had a blog so I could check to see if he (secretly) feels the same.

Justine Childs Has a Blog!

My old partner in crime (The Market) has FINALLY started a blog! It's called "Vintage Hearts at Home" and I think you will love it! Justine has a sweet, charming, generous spirit - and that comes through in each and every blog post. Not limited to decorating (although it's a great place to glean inspiration and information for all things home decor) Justine shares tutorials, what's on her heart and fun family adventures! Here are a few pics from her blog which convey Justine's sensibility: vintage, timeless, whimsical and family centered. Have fun exploring Vintage Hearts at Home!

Enduring love affair with black & white

Harlequin!

Cabinet in Justine's Studio  - charming, charming, charming!

Justine's gorgeous ever changing dining room...

"hi ho" Kurt Vonnegut

The local venue for selling SJD jewelry and art (The Market at Banbury Place) has closed. Still processing that. Still thinking about the ideas of ventures failing vs running their course. Yessir, this change along with the whole issue of a "calling" or vocation have generated lots of food for thought this summer. Lots of food but little appetite. I think about where my gifts and talents would be best used - what would make the world a better place but also what would satisfy the very human need for a sense of accomplishment, for a sense of meaning. 'hi ho' as dear Uncle Kurt would say. hi ho.

You're Invited....

Darkest Before the Dawn

..."they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left." Luke 23:33

"There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews." Luke 23:38

"Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid." Luke 23: 50-53

Jewelry Reno: Broken Bracelet to Earrings, Necklace, & Pendant

Old jewelry found in studio reorganization - I think I'll try to do something with this broken bracelet.

Look at these cute earrings! Very Bo-ho Chic.

Bonus: they seem to cause a happy mood!

Pretty necklace

Pretty necklace shortened

Cross added to bracelet link that had a stone missing = cool pendant

Reconstructed Jewelry

Below is my latest story of jewelry redemption. It was satisfying and fun to redeem what was broken and on its way to being nothing but clutter. What do YOU own that is just waiting to be transformed into something fabulous? If nothing immediately springs to mind, go on a scavenger hunt around your house. Look for lone earrings, broken strands of beads, old buttons, snippets of chain. If you've saved it, I'll bet it elicits a happy memory. Maybe this fragment belonged to some one you love, or it's a souvenir from a memorable trip. Whatever its origin, I can guarantee that your little keepsake has more soul and personal history than anything you'll find at Kohl's or Macy's. Not that there is anything wrong with updating your accessories with something trendy - I like shiny, new stuff, too. But there's something about the worn, the"pre-loved" that gives an outfit originality and depth. Wearing pieces that have a history will elevate your ensemble from pretty and eye catching to meaningful and authentic. 

Whenever I wear something "inherited," I can't help but recall the amazing, complex women who owned the piece before me: my grandmothers. Margaret loved to shop, lunch and play bridge. Martha taught me to row across Spirit Lake and solve crossword puzzles. They came from such different worlds but they both loved me in life changing ways. And that's something I don't ever want to forget.

Grrrrrr.... I don't like it when stuff breaks!

Pearls, it's off to the bottom of my jewelry drawer, I guess.

Unretouched photo. At least my new reconstructed earrings are the bomb dot com!

Also, look at this ring made out of one of Auntie Mary's old coat buttons.

What Remains - The Story Behind the Jewelry Collection

Annual Art Crawl This Friday & Saturday

You are invited to Eau Claire's historic Banbury Place for the Fourth Annual Banbury Art Crawl!

Friday Feb. 8th 3pm- 9pm & Saturday Feb.9th 9am - 3pm

Special Bonus Hours: The Market is open Thursday 12-6 if you want a sneak peek before the crowds! Just up the steps to Suite #203.
Off of Galloway Street - Look for the green awning

In this very special yearly event, all the Banbury 13 studios and businesses fling their doors open wide, inviting the public in to see recent work, enjoy art demonstrations (kids love the glassblowers), shop artists' wares, and much more! Children welcome! Art Crawl website HERE.

The Market will be open during the Art Crawl in good ole Suite #203 with the usual mix of fun and funky vintage furniture, home accessories, jewelry, valentines and more! Come say, "Hello," we'd love to see you!

Above the Clouds, Skies Are Always Blue

Fort Myers, Florida December 2012

It's true. Any airplane pilot (or traveler) can tell you about what's above the clouds. The sky is clear blue as far as the eye can see. I'm finding that helpful today as I encounter some oppressive clouds of circumstance. The truth is, beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue. That's a beautiful reality worth hanging onto until the clouds clear a little bit. xo Susan

12/12/12 Sale at The Market 2pm

New Jewelry Collection: What Remains

I am obsessed with adding more and more pieces to my new collection of jewelry, "What Remains." Inspiration keeps coming while I'm gathering the perfect bead, button, key or charm for a necklace or bracelet. This time last year, I was making "Tennis Bracelets for the New Millenium." These were wrap bracelets made by lashing old rhinestone chain and leather lacing together, evoking a sort of post-apocalyptic, Mad Max world. I've continued that theme with these designs. I imagine bright and shiny relics catching an observant eye, then rescued from obscurity by a careful collector. She preserves her finds on a chain; her own portable personal treasure trove - everything valuable kept with her, always. Their past monetary value is unknown -  money is meaningless in this new world anyway. She loves each object for itself; diamonds hanging happily beside an old brass key - precious because she found them.

Find the "What Remains" collection at The Market Eau Claire during the month of December!

The Market Eau Claire Open Every Saturday

Yes, we bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all seekers of the gorgeous, unique. locally made wonderfulness that is contained within the walls of The Market! Newly extended December hours include every Saturday until Christmas from 10am - 3pm. There are sure to be new items arriving weekly so swing by often. Also, Spoiler Alert!* Justine's planning a VERY SPECIAL SALE on 12/12/12. Link to The Market's Facebook page here

* The 12/12/12 sale is not really a spoiler, just wanted to add to the dramatic excitement of it all because seriously, Justine is making this Christmas so magical! If you haven't entered the whimsical world she has created at The Market this season, you are in for a treat. Come by to find your Christmas joy - and lots of presents to give or to keep!

One Good Deed

"One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories." So says one of my heroes, Charles Spurgeon in his Morning and Evening devotional for November 25th. That sentence resonates with me because I am, by nature, a dreamer. I dream big. In every realm of my thinking. I have big dreams for the world (peace in Israel and an end to terrorism through honest, respectful discourse) for my community (once people know about all the independent artists and businesses in Eau Claire, they will insist on an art farmers market and lives will be full of beauty and music and artists won't have to deliver pizzas) but mostly for my selfishy selfish self (it's time to reconfigure our floor plan and construct a studio/garage/greenhouse with wood floors to match our existing floors except then we'll have to refinish the existing so we may as well re-do the kitchen too and while this is being done, escape to our house on Sanibel that we will have to buy in order to protect ourselves from dust and paint fumes during construction but also to minister to my parents in Fort Myers which is our CHRISTIAN DUTY and also we could let missionaries stay there whenever they wanted). Hmmm...which dream has the most passion and detail?

Living a life that is ultimately successful in the grand scheme of things, means daily recognition of the tiny moments of opportunity that knock at our door disguised as interruptions. Some examples of those opportunities: seeing the caller I.D. but actually answering a phone call you know will take awhile, opening all the mail and being willing to read about what World Vision is doing, calling, writing, or texting some one who keeps coming to mind. Ignore a divine interruption and you'll cheat yourself, and some one else, of blessing and joy. 

This is not to say all interruptions are divine. Discerning the difference between a time sucking problem and a divine opportunity takes practice and plenty of mistakes. If you are some one who balks at the idea of a schedule anyway, distractions are around every corner and losing focus means a feeling of defeat (and shame - 'why do I just spin my wheels?') as the day slips away. I hate that.

The most helpful tip I have in this regard is that the divine interruptions almost always involve people. Coming alongside people in times of trouble or discouragement has never left me feeling depleted or cheated. It also hasn't gotten me closer to the big ideas - at least as far as I can see. But answering the call of insight, acting on the flash of inspiration that comes as God brings some one to mind, these are the things that make life rich. These are the moments, when added together, construct a life overflowing with meaning and blessedness. 

Oh, I see I just got a text from my daughter so I guess this post will be shorter than expected, dang it! Only kidding. Noticing a sadness to her message, a call to her might be the most important thing I do today. And it wasn't even on my schedule....xo Susan

You can have Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional delivered daily free to your inbox through Bible Gateway. Here's the link. You won't be sorry!

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Thank You, Veterans

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies grow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead; short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe! To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high! If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

SJD New Jewelry at The Market

New LAARKS Music Video

I made Human Abstract cookies for premiere night - very fun!

Watch the video HERE. On Thursday, October 25, the music video premiere of "The Human Abstract" by LAARKS - film by Peter Eaton was held at Volume One's gorgeous, brand new The Local Store.  The Human Abstract, written by LAARKS front man Ian Jacoby, is based on a collection of poems by William Blake, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience.' Eaton collaborated with Jacoby writing the video's script. This work certainly may be enjoyed at face value for its exciting story and Spielberg-esque style. Digging deeper, however, one sees what Eaton and Jacoby are saying about the world's way of responding to the mystical experience, encounters with The Divine. The tendency in modern society is to scientifically analyze, deconstruct, quantify, and reduce any human experience into what is understandable and measurable. This process almost always minimizes or even dismisses the spiritual experience, leaving those with a belief in 'something more' seen as crazy, anti-intellectual or superstitious. The film also addresses the all too typical result of man's inability to explain the unexplainable: a feeling of being threatened, fear, desire to control, suppression, and ultimately, tyranny. This multi-layered film perfectly captures the beautiful complexities of the song.
 

DIY Personalized Platter: A Surprisingly Wonderful Revelation!

UPSHOT: Old Sharpie just as effective as oil based Sharpie for dishwasher safe designs on china!

PROJECT DETAILS: I love the idea of being able to commemorate an event, a person, a moment in time with a useful keepsake. As years go by, memories are fading a bit - even those I thought I'd recall forever like funny stuff my kids said when they were little, or nicknames my Grandma had for things. A personalized plate or platter is a great way to preserve these words and share them with the next generation.

I recently did an experiment involving Sharpie markers. My project? In a free-form artsy scrawl, capture all the funny things my kids have said over the years. I planned to write in a spiral pattern around an old white china platter from a thrift shop. I wanted to begin at the center so I could add sayings as the spiral widened. Checking online, my research indicated that most DIY bloggers recommend using the Sharpie oil based marker on clean china, then curing in a 350 degree oven in order to make the design permanent. I dutifully went to Michael's and found the new oil based Sharpies in a big gorgeous end cap display. From amongst the dizzingly large array of choices, I selected a fine line black and medium nib gold marker. They were expensive, yo. Like starting at $3.99 each, if memory serves. I use the wonderful regular old Sharpies (fine line) all the time, buying them by the dozen for about $8.50.

I decided to do a test on the back of a square china plate I got at Target for $3. Once I got the paint flowing to the tip (it was one of those 'press on the tip tons of times until you see ink' pens which bothers me because I think that process dulls the tip and I like a fine line) writing was effortless and fun. I found the paint a little prone to smearing - more than a regular Sharpie so I tried a few sentences with my regular old smear free Sharpie as well. After baking in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, I turned off the oven, and let the dish cool before removing. Nothing smeared during hand washing. So far so good! Then into the dishwasher it went. And....ta-da! I was so delighted with the results, photos were quickly taken and 'show and tell' began to several disinterested parties residing at our address. Both Sharpie markers came out perfectly! So, here's the deal. If you want pens of varying colors and nib sizes, you'll find them in the Sharpie Oil Based Markers Fancy End Cap at Michael's. If you get more of a thrill using what you already have, go with good ole regular Sharpie!