Social Media Updates and a New Direction

Hello dear readers!  Hope you are doing well, I've missed you!  Thank you for all the kind emails I've received.  If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I have been suffering with a strange and rare illness for about four years.  last week I experienced an inordinate amount of stress, more stress than a human should have to go through.  honestly sometimes i think god trusts me too much, lol.  i had a particularly bad flare up and thought it was my time to check out.  thankfully, I made it with the loving care of my family.  i'm not ready to go, i still have so much to do.  i am so grateful i have so many people who love me, i wouldn't be here if it weren't for them.  i worry that i'm not worthy.  i worry about overburdening or overwhelming them, they (like everyone these days) are leading busy lives.  they have their own crap to deal with.

but this isn't a post about illness.  i'm trying to remain positive.  it's true what they say about positive thought.  it works!  i have acopula exciting announcements and a few changes in how i'm going to use social media.

1.  i am writing a book!  yes, indeed. this is one of my lifelong goals!  it is the story of my life, and i am not holding anything back.  there will be laughs and tears.  i am excited that i will be working with my dear friend, Haley Litzenger, who will be my editor.  

2.  you will be seeing pictures of me on this blog!  i have a confession to make.  i am old and fat.  but Haley has convinced me that i am fabulous.  it's true.  each of us are fabulous in our own way.  we are each unique, and isn't that a miracle?  god don't make no junk.

3.  i am experimenting with typing in lower case!  the reasons for this are as follows. in some languages the use of the pronoun "I" is not capitalized and it is actually seen as arrogance. using lower case reminds a body to remain humble.  though i am fabulous, i'd like to remain humble.  two, i've gotten extremely busy and unable to keep up with twitter, facebook, blog, emails, etc.  typing in this fashion helps speed up the process for me. three, one of my favorite daily reads, sfgirlbybay, uses lowercase. i've long experimented with lowercase in creative writing classes, before i ever read her blog. however, when i read her blog it confirmed for me that i like it.  Victoria is just the right amount of fab, edgy, sweet, bohemian girl with humility.  i always leave her blog feeling happy.

Update 6/12/13:  I am abandoning this experiment for the time being, but may resume at a later date.  Will explain in a subsequent post.

4.  i will be reorganizing the blog a little!  over the next coupla days i will be making little cosmetic changes, updating links, etc.  this is my least favorite part of blogging, the mechanics, so i tend to procrastinate. also there's a pesky little thing called....time.  there's never enough of it.  i've thought many times over the years of quitting blogging. but somehow, every time i think about quitting, i get a kind comment or email and i am enthused all over again.  ain't the cosmos grand?

a thought occurred to me when reading another of my favorite blogs, My Mod Style.  i have been following the fabulous Jessie  for so long i feel as if she is my friend.  at first i felt terrified when i started seeing bloggers who got mega huge. they started meeting each other and attending conferences. i felt inadequate, excluded. yet, i adore my autonomy and anonymity.  i made a decision, if a blog makes me feel bad, i stop reading it and won't link to it.

also, i'm too friggin' lazy to learn HTML. it's been kicking my butt for a long time. Jessie has been kind enough to help me with that, but she's getting busy too and will soon need to require payment for her services.  btw - you must check out Jessie's vlogs.  they and she are fabulous.  i realized you don't wait until you are fabulous to do a personal post.  doing the post helps you gain the confidence to become (even more) fabulous.  we are all fabulous to begin with.

Erin at Design for Mankind helped me see that as well.  she posted vlogs of herself dancing, saying that she couldn't dance.  i marveled at her courageousness!  and i adored her!  i find her absolutely - ahem - well, fabulous.

Kim, of desire to inspire, has also taught me a great deal.  DTI is a mega huge blog, and i never feel like crap after reading it.  i like that Kim and Jo are spunky, and have the back bone to engage in difficult convos as long as you take ownership of your comments.  poor Kim has accepted my criticism of animal skin rugs with grace and humor.  i love you Kim!  there are few others, that are my favs, i will be including a heading on my side bar with my daily reads.

5.  i am changing my use of the social media!  for now. may re-evaluate this decision as time goes on.  things change so quickly, it's hard to keep up.  here's my current plan:

a.  abandoning Art Wanted.  enjoyed while it lasted, but largely a waste of time (for me).

b.  etsy.  also abandoning as a seller, not a buyer.

c.  flickr.  love flickr, but can't afford the fee for a pro membership.  as you know, i've been out of work a long time.  i used to rely on flickr to be my storage option for my photos.  when pro expires, you can only see 200 of your photos, and i have probably 1000.  i find that sad.  what if a person passes?  i like feeling as if i am leaving behind a portrait of me.  that's why i like to blog.  it's self expression.

Update 6/12/13:  Apparently, flickr has heard my cries!  Hooray!  Flickr now provides 1 terabyte of storage for free!  I am no longer abandoning flickr.

d.  facebook.  i have recently rethought my use of facebook.  during my crisis, i was able to keep in touch with people who worried about me.  i used facebook to update those i love regarding my condition, but also as a means of expressing my humor and desire to stay positive. this was very helpful in that my sister-in-law is an extremely busy professional who travels a lot.   in  the past i was annoyed at people who posted too much.  no longer.  i get it.  facebook is not some evil entity.  it is completely neutral.  it is all in how you use it.    it can be a marvelous tool.  i did not feel alone during my crisis.  i do need to work on balance and conserving my energy so will need to unplug from time to time.  blogging can be a 24/7 job.

i am toying with the idea of opening my facebook to the public, although i am still a little scared.  my two loyal readers (ha! joking) know that when i am having a bad flare up i don't blog for long periods of time.  opening up my facebook allows those readers the opportunity to see what's going on.  please send a friend request, if you'd like.  please note, however, for the time being i won't accept friends who appear to be violent.  please send a message with your request explaining why you'd like to be friends.  i look forward to hearing from you!

e.  pinterest.  i know ya'll miss my fabulous fashion, color and decor posts when i am ill. so you can also check in on pinterest.  it's easy and fun. they now include the sources of the images, which was my main criticism of them. also i have been experimenting with image searches in Google+, pretty amazing stuff.  don't fully understand yet, but working on it.  it always important to me to give artists credit. making art is hard work. artists deserve to make a living just like everyone else.  and thank god for artists, they make the world a better place.

f.  replies to commentors.  working on learning a more efficient way to do this.  i respond on the blog, but am not sure commentors see my response. jessie published detailed instructions on this topic, i just haven't had time to review them.  thanks jessie!

one thing about blogging, i learn every day. and the more i learn, the more i realize i don't know. when i first thought of starting a blog, i complained to my good friend, Nate, that i didn't know enough to blog yet.  he told me "let the people see you learn."  best advice i've  ever received.  you gotta dive in, if you wait for perfection, you'll never dive in. as you know, i've been giving up my perfectionist tendencies.  the journey is more important than the goal.  when i started blogging, i didn't know what i was doing (and still don't).  i just knew i was giving away too much for free with leaving comments on other blogs and i fervently desired a vehicle for self-expression.  blogging does that for me.  if someone notices me, or likes what i've written, great. but that's not why i do it.  i was pleasantly surprised that people all over the world commented about my art.  it's also okay if no one notices, after reading Rilke, i do it for me.  because i have to.  the first time in my life that i've been in total control.  i thank god for the marvelous technology that has allowed me to participate in the world.  i even had a voice in politics over the last several years.  something i never had in the past.

if you've read this long boring post, i thank you for your time and support!  please contact me if there is anything you'd like to see on this blog.  in addition, please forgive me that my portfolio is woefully behind and needs lots of work.  i made the mistake of relying on flickr for my online portfolio.  make no mistake, i adore flickr, just can't afford it.  i believe it should be free like facebook.

i am trying to put my house in order, not because i think it is my time, but for my own freedom and well being.  i finally understand forgiveness!  it's for me, not the person who supposedly hurt me.  carrying around hatred, anger, jealousy, resentment, etc. hurts us.  not the perp.  as you know, i am an advocate of non-violence, have studied extensively the works of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Gloria Steinam, Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, the Buddha, and a little about Toltec cultures.  i highly recommend The Four Agreements, if you haven't read it already.  this is one of those books you should carry with you at all times.  it's simple, but profound. with concise instructions on how to live your life.  i refuse to harbor hatred, as it is an act of violence.  

my goal in life is to love unconditionally, without judgment.  i have cleaned up a lot of bad blood and feel so much lighter for it.  there is only one left who has broken my heart, that i may not be able to come to peace with.  i may have to come to peace with that i can't come to peace with her.

stay tuned.  i am going to be putting it all out there.  i am longer afraid.  as Milarepa said, "into the mouth of the dragon."  or when you feel as if you are poised at the abyss of insanity - jump. i finally understand surrender.  i am letting go and letting god.  ahh. such a relief that someone else is in charge.  he's my alpha.  i am his conduit to use as he sees fit for the betterment of humanity.  lastly, i hope to do it all with humor and toughen my skin to the haters.  i actually feel compassion with them, and would like to be noble enough to turn the other cheek, as Jesus did.  Janelle Monae has been crucial in helping me understand that it is okay to be fabulous.  see her marvelous video below.  i've watched it 100 times!  singing, clapping and dancing around my apartment like a crazy person.  do i give a shit what people think of me?  no.  i do not.  what freedom.

i love my readers, i hope you will join me for the ride! i promise the next post won't be so much pontificating.  we will have some fun with fashion!  xo

Shout Out!

big shout out to Charles Ramsey, a modern day hero.  i walked to the dollar store today, and studied the poster of a young, lovely missing girl.  i  prayed that she have a Charles Ramsey, just a little quicker.  :)  dear readers, i believe in the power of prayer, so please give a prayer to the lovely young girl who is missing in Akron, Ohio.  sorry, can't remember her name.  i'll update if i remember.

can't believe this happened near where i used to live!  i have friends who know the perps! and chuck, i'm glad you're getting your 15 minutes.  i hope you get major dollar bills out of this.  baby, stay humble and don't get overwhelmed by your sudden fame.

i am going to make Shout Out! a regular feature on my blog.  stay tuned for lots of exciting announcements to come.  so much to tell you.  so little time.  hope you are have a good day like our hero!  xo

Happy Friday!

I had a busy, but good week and have tons of exciting stuff to share.  For now I am going to post quickly and sign out to enjoy the beautiful day with a walk in the park.  I will, of course, have my camera.  I hope you are not reading this, because that means you are not out enjoying the weather - please get your butt out there, smell some dogwood and hug a tree.

Just in case you are stuck inside Spring cleaning, open a window.  Get your broom or your duster and click this link.  Enjoy the artistry of two of my favorite hot mamas.  Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu.  Janelle is smoking hot in this video.  I guarantee you will be singing at the top of your lungs and shaking your bootie.  Don't give a second thought to whether the neighbors think you are crazy.  Even if your bootie is too big (is there really such a thing?) don't worry.  Shaking it is good for your soul.  You know the saying: "Dance like nobody's watching."  You are not crazy, you are fabulous, so get it girl.

This is what I call sexy.  Sexy moves, without being too slutty.  Janelle proves you don't have to be naked to be beautiful.  She's freaking gorgeous.  She's got a smokin' bod, a great bootie and knows how to shake it.  But she reserves the mystery by covering it.  Nothing more sexy than a strong, mysterious woman.  And the music.  Damn.  Smart, sassy lyrics with a dope beat.  Kinda makes me feel the way some of the music by Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill or India Arie made me feel.  Empowered.

To Janelle and Erykah, thank you for helping me get my groove on today.  Like you guys say, the bootie don't lie.  To see my previous post regarding Mary J. Blige, click here.  To see my previous post about Erykah Badu, click here and here.

Have a great weekend biotches.  Stay tuned for lots of exciting stuff next week.  xo

Hard and Soft: Mixing in Wood Pieces

Here's a look I've been seeing a lot of lately, and loving it!  Mixing in wooden or organic forms with clean lines or light colors.  Love the balance of hard and soft.  Here's a particularly great example:

This beautiful dining room combines hard and soft elements very gracefully. The room is airy, soft and a little bit funky.  Because the well chosen objects are graphic in shape, there is still a simplicity to the room which adds a peaceful feel.  The soft painting and white walls lend an airiness to the room.  The lovely and simple table runner looks like a cloud on the dark table.  The table also grounds this airy room.

Here's another view of dining room.  Love the balance of the old with the new.  The light and dark.  The simplicity of the Eames chairs is perfectly juxtaposed with the heaviness of the table.  The unexpected mismatched chairs  provide a rugged touch while remaining airy as they are painted white to match the walls.  In the corner a proud ethnic piece has gained prominence by not having to compete with a jumble of art.  The look is skillful and perfectly balanced.  There is also a perfect balance of masculine and feminine in the room.

As you know, my preferences always lean toward the simpler, uncluttered home.  But I do love beautiful things, color and texture as well.  To satisfy these needs and yet remain uncluttered is what I strive for in decor. This type of restraint is all about balance.  It may look simple, but it's not easy.  However, if you are able to pull it off, the peaceful feeling you enjoy while spending time a room like this is so worth it!   This couple managed to pulled it off in their entire home and with a child and dog!  Proving it can be done.  A fine achievement in decor.   I highly recommend the rest of the home tour.  To see the rest of this gorgeous home:  Courtney & Michael's Scandinavian Comfort via Apartment Therapy.

Today is a Good Day

I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but my current favorite song is Stay by Rihanna.  So soulful.  I can feel her in this song.  I'd like to take her in my arms and say, "Girl, I been there."  I know the agony of being strung out on a man who doesn't treat you right.  I am so grateful this is a chapter in my life that is now past.  Being single is the same as anything else.  There are good days, and bad days.  Some days I revel in my solitude and want to scream to the heavens, "Thank you for my freedom!"  I'm only human so of course I  get lonely sometimes.  If there is anything that I could say to young girls, it would be this:  hold out.  Hold out for the one who treats you right.  It might hurt to be without a man, but it is nothing compared to the joy of living drama free.  I have now experienced this joy, and I will never go back.  My wish for all women is that they experience this joy.

It's almost ironic that my thoughts are of the joys of being single this morning.  Last night I attended a wonderful celebration of love, and had a great time with my family and friends.  Not for one minute did I lament that I did not have a date.  In fact, I was perfectly content.  I'm proud, feeling comfortable in my own skin has been a long, hard struggle for me.   

Rihanna, thank you for this beautiful song, and for helping me get my apartment clean. I've listened to it like a zillion times while I cleaned.  I probably got on my neighbors' nerves because I was singing at the top of my lungs.  I couldn't help it!

Here's a look at how my apartment looks on this beautiful Sunday morning.  So grateful for my humble, little apartment.  Now I'm off to see my favorite cousin!  One other thing I'd like to brag about:  I am wearing make up for the second day in a row!  That may not sound like much, but for me it's an accomplishment.  Today is a good day.  Hope you are also enjoying your weekend, dear readers!  xo

Contemplative

I am feeling very peaceful and contented today.  It's a perfect Sunday.  I love this photograph.  It appeals to the part of me who would love to run to a new place.  Not sure why I am always drawn to solitary figures in art.  And, of course, I have a thing for pink hair.  Image via Urban Outfitters catalog.  Their catalog is always such a treat of beautiful photography.  I am guessing this is the work of fab photographer Geordie Wood, but I don't know for sure.  If you know this photographer, please contact me.  

Graffiti inspired furniture

I love the look of graffiti inspired painted furniture.  Especially when a modern graffiti look is juxtaposed with a stuffy, old piece.  It gives it a completely new life!  Here are a couple ideas I'd love to try.

I love the hand painted chair and screen!  I'd love to try my hand at making a screen.  These two pieces look so great together, the room looks soft, hip and comfy.  Image via Virlova Style.

This image has been obsessing me all week.  I may need to steal this idea.  I love this sofa.   I especially love the sofa juxtaposed with the modern standing lamp.  I think I'd prefer to see an acrylic coffee table here so that the only visual weight comes from the sofa.  Image via Lonny.

A Perfect Accent Wall

The next place I move to will definitely be a place that I can paint.  I am jonesin' to paint one or more accent walls!  This fuchsia corner accent wall is the perfect color!  I am saving this picture so I can take it to Home Depot and have the paint custom mixed.  I love color so much, but I'd love to live in a place that is all pink with lots of white.  The softness of the curtain looks so beautiful with that color.

And oh yes, I believe I've mentioned one or a million times before that I want white floors!  Image via House to Home.

Lola Donoghue

I am completely smitten with the work of Lola Donoghue.  Lola is a talented and prolific artist.  She does beautiful fashion illustration which are girly, with just the right amount of edge.  Perfect.  I only wish I had painted them.  She also does visionary abstracts which are at once childlike and sophisticated.  I love her use of color, negative space and texture.  I chose one of each of her genres, because it was difficult to choose what to feature, I love all her work so much.  These two pieces speak to me. 

More of Lola's fashion illustration can be seen at her Etsy shop here.

Ahh.  I could stare at this all day.  Gentle, yet edgy.  Otherworldly.  To see more of her abstracts, click here.

Here is a mock up with her painting in my living room.  I am in love.  My words are not doing these works justice, I am unable to express the depth of my feelings for this work.  Oh well, sometimes we over analyze art in an effort to understand it, when it's really about a feeling.  I feel this work.  Deeply.  I could lay on the sofa all day contemplating the color and textures.  I wish I painted it!  I think I need these in my life.

Rock Sculptures

I've been sort of having an artistic crisis since I moved into my small apartment.  I love my apartment, but I have no where that I can make a mess, no money for supplies and seem to have developed an allergy to my first love - acrylic.  But I must create, it's in my soul.  When feeling a creative burst over the weekend, I was looking through my drawers trying to figure out something I could make.  There it was - a tube of superglue!

The Influence:

I've been wanting to make rock and sea glass sculptures for a long time.  I thought about this lovely image I saw on My Attic.  So I went crazy with my tube of superglue.

I glued a few rocks from my Lake Erie collection together.  I began looking around my apartment for other things to glue.  Maybe I can glue some vases together.  Oh, I know.  I saved some cute large beads from a broken necklace!

So I made these little sculptures.  Not sure what I'm going to do with them yet.  One thing's for sure, my appetite is whetted.  Stay tuned for more rock sculptures.  Who knew how fun a tube of superglue could be!