Wooden Boxes

So this is not a picture of a wooden box. It is a cropped version of yesterday's picture. I did not notice the heart in the picture until later. A happy accident maybe - I like to think it is a hug from the universe. But I wanted to share my hug with you. I used picnik to edit this - free online photo editing - like that word - FREE.

As the studio progresses, I am slowly gathering the storage solutions from all the places I stuffed them. I also have a friend who saves these wonderful cigar boxes for me. I have come to the conclusion - that I have a problem here too.

Not only do I collect stuff - I collect things designed to hold stuff. I adore wooden boxes - of all shapes and sizes. I do pay a tiny bit for these that Nancy saves for me. I also have glass jars - pill bottles - lab bottles - wooden cigar boxes - baskets - cabinets - shelves - print trays (thanks to MaryAnn) - even diaper wipe containers and baby food plastic bins - all manners of stuff.

Like JenB - I have a tendency to buy some things just because I like the damn container they come in. I also keep cardboard boxes because they will make great shipping containers.

Now all of this stuff gets used, but I am currently on a self imposed freeze of buying (or otherwise aquiring) storage containers. At least until I have all the stuff moved to the barn. I can see my space becoming more and more eclectic as I start stuffing is to the gills with things.

I really want my space to feel like a beach cottage version of SallyJean's space. Or maybe Wendy Addison's Theatre of Dreams. Right now it seems I am well on my way to realizing that feel.

It does feel great to work out there. As I get closer and closer to finishing, I am spending more and more time there. Don't worry - there will be pictures at the end of the project. My birthday party is going to happen there. And I'll make sure there is a more comfy chair for when all of my friends visit. (she spent the evening perched on a stool watching me paint)

Have a wonderful day.

blooms and stories

ETA- my lovely mother-in-law left this in the comments. Please pray for Charles Cleveland and his family. Charles is nearing the end of his journey here and the entire family needs your prayers too. Comments left here will be forwarded to the family.



These roses are at the corner of my house. Old fashioned roses. I am dedicated to caring for these and it takes a huge amount of my time and energy to do so. BIG FAT LIE. They are at the corner of the front porch. The lie is the amount of care I give them. The soft yellow is a piece of a climbing rose that I dug up at the house where I grew up. it is hardy and drought tolerant. We run over it with the lawn mower to keep it from completely taking over the corner. The red was a gift for some event. Yes some of the leaves are spotted, but it does not take away from the beauty of the blooms.

The yellow rose has a story. When I was small, my family would ride on Sunday afternoons. (gas prices have all but eliminated that kind of family time.) Many time my sister and I would ride in the back of the truck - standing up against the cab - wind in our hair. Redneck southern girl roots. Mom saw these roses blooming in a ditch and made my dad stop and dig one up. Of course dad bitched and moaned and groaned, but he did it. The rose is covering the corner of the driveway at the old house now.

I read Corey's post today with tears in my eyes. My dad was loved by so many people. He was outgoing and funny and helpful. When he was killed, the world stopped turning. In my eyes, he had that kind of power. I remember the line at the funeral home feeling endless, as friends and relatives poured into the room. There were stories and laughter and tears as well. He is still remembered fondly by so many people. I remember the chapel being full for the service. I remember the heat of the September day at the graveside. I remember just wanting it all to be over. Wanting to figure out where to start again. And yet I didn't start again. Not for many, many years. Not until the love of those closest to me helped me pour a healing balm over that wound. Corey described her fathers death as beautiful. Surrounded by the love of family and friends. She described a courageous man who dies as he lived with grace and dignity. Her words today reminded me of the restart I finally made, to live fully and freely and to bless as many as I can as I journey through this life. Her words reminded me of the celebration that was my fathers life and of the hole he left when he passed away in so many peoples hearts.

Please lift Corey and her family up at this very difficult time. The love and compassion of others is healing. Prayers are heard and felt by those connected . My dad would be amazed at the way this medium connects so many people around this now very small world. I am amazed at this medium and how connected I feel to many of you. Thank you from the bottom of my being for every comment, email, and kindness you have extended to me.

Have a wonderful day.

As promised

Prom pictures. (and a little Maggie Grace goodness). The soon to be graduate was beautiful. The day was stunning and this post will be very heavy on the pictures. She was so happy and I managed the night with no tears. (yay me)

Abby was my consultant on a new dress for graduation so we had a fun filled night as well.

Now pictures....


Sisters and Friends - I'll be enlarging this one as gifts for Mothers Day for the Grandmothers. We could have paid big money to a photographer and not had a better photo. BTW - she made her own earrings for this event.

These are out of order - but we are hammered at work - one of the guys is on vacation and I am squeezing this in between customers.

Molly and friend Brooke - they went as a threesome with Jacob - he'll show up later in this post. They were so pretty.

When Miss Molly was born - she had a ton of jet black hair. Every morning, and I do mean every morning, I made a bow for her hair that matched her outfit. She was not going to were anything in her hair because the dress was so ornate. Well she decided at 4 pm that the hair needed something - it was just to plain. We dug up a comb and broke out the beads and Mom (aka MaggieGrace) beaded a hair ornament. She reminded me it felt like she was little and I was making her bows. (tears tried to spring, but I was able to blink them away) I really am glad she remembers that.

I do believe - I'll be making a few of these to sell. It really was quite simple and effective. And matched the dress perfectly.

The back of this stunning dress. FYI - she is also taped into the bodice of the dress with adhesive costume mesh. Let's not discuss that I had a roll of the stuff in my stash.

The handsome young man - Jacob. He brought both of the ladies a corsage - he said you shoulf have seen him trying to explain that to the florist. The vest and bow tie were purple - this picture looks almost blue.

Hair and makeup close up - the background of this picture is of Miss Molly's art wall in her side of their bedroom.
Miss Molly's hair is straight, but we tried for curls. They did not hold for the entire time, but we did try.

Close up beside the southern style limo. Jacob borrowed his Dad's truck. There were threats of bodily harm if he even scratched it. Side effect - he is so afraid of those threats that none of the moms had to warn them to be careful.
Don't all southern girls need a sunroof shot in the pickup???? The rest of the story - Jacob is yelling "did you take those high heels off??????"

Shoe shot - This one is posted just for you JenB. (Brooke on the left - Molly on the right.)

A posed shot to test the costume tape. LOL.

The full front of the dress. She has on flats in this picture so no feet allowed in the shot.

They had a great time. at 12:30 am - she called looking for us to tell her where the closest all night gas station was. She called when she found the gas station. She called telling us which after prom party she was going to. (thank you Bugg family for hosting and cooking). She called when she got there. She called when she left to come home. She shows up at the house about 3am. THEN - Mom was finally able to really rest.

Enjoy the pictures. Have a great Monday.

PROJECT RESEARCH

Happy Friday. Tonight is Relay For Life. Mostly cloudy - chance of rain. I have scattered job duties all through out the night. In between times I'll be working on the dorm room blanket and trying to squeeze naps in. Tomorrow night is prom. We have nails tonight. Hair and makeup at 1pm tomorrow then photos - then the crash and burn.

Mom called and a store that had closed in my hometown is selling inventory. This place is one of those that never threw anything out. Some of the stuff could be from the 50's. Hoping we will score a few things.

I am slowly creating the trays for the next art quilts. These will be mixed media and will include some "string" sized crochet flowers. I purchased this book last night at Barnes and Noble and I think it will be like my Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. One of those books that I go to over and over again. Flowers, pictures, medallions, squares, doilies. A great reference book. I bought it for the flower patterns, but it will be refered to for so much more.

PROJECT RESEARCH
Originally uploaded by maggiegracecreates

I made this mosaic as I was researching some ideas for this project. Click on the words "PROJECT RESEARCH" below the picture and it will take you to FLICKR for all of the links. I make mosaics from my favorites often - a kind of electronic media inspiration board. As I searched through FLICKR I found many favorites created by one person. BlueButterflyArt creates one of a kind garments and accessories - vintage and goth - soft and feminine - victorian - bohemian - all of these words are accurate descriptions for her work. I favorited several and they are shown on the mosaic above.

I have the titles for the artworks - I'll be submitting them for a local Gallery's October special event - HAUNTINGS.

The first 4 will be 5" x 5" mixed media art quilts and will all feature the same photograph manipulated to fit the titles which are
1. Haunted Memories (sepia)
2. Face of an Angel (b&w)
3. Sad and Lonely (b&w)
4. Searching for Peace (softened color)

A fifth piece (the idea is my favorite) also an Mixed Media Art Quilt (size to be determined) and will feature my favorite tombstone I have ever photographed. The title of this one --- Who Found Favor. (b&w)

The 6th piece - will feature a tombstone as well. -- Title - Too Late for Flowers. (b&w or sepia)

Then there is a dreamy piece - God I hope this one works like I want it to. Off Duty Angel. The first 6 will be completed before I even start this one.

How many of you name your pieces first? Do you see them in your brain as completed pieces? Do you sketch them completely or just the rough ideas? How do you track the ideas?

For me the ideas and rough sketches come first. I hardly ever go back and detail my sketch. (mostly because I cannot draw) I can then see them as completed pieces. (I can also stand the walls up looking at a blueprint of a house) Once the complete piece forms itself into my brain I can name it. I keep track of these by sketching into a sketch book, but once I have committed to myself to make something - I start an inspiration tray and collecting the materials. The project may morph a bit as technical details present themselves. I also like working with constraints - some of my favorites are - a theme (like hauntings) - a list of materials - a color - a required item or process (like use what you have or recycled material) - a word - etc. The girls over at eightbyeight are sending each other bits for the collaboration project and I think that kind of project would be incredibly challenging and fun to work on.

I really am interested in how you guys work. It like looking at your studios - there is just an unbridled curiosity about it. Please share with us.

Have a great weekend.

Wanna know what I did last night?

Relay for Life fundraiser. The competition for Miss Jones Chapel. Just a few photos and a video at the end. This will not be a wordy post. There is no need. For those who would like - all of these are clickable. I was the emcee. We had a blast and raised around 2000.00 dollars for Relay.



Donald Sartain - Lay leader for the church prepares to be Betty Idol (Billy's Sister) for the night.

Hoppy Royston as "Lucky" - Hoppy is the Probate Judge.

Left to right - Abby, Lee Reno (as LeighAnn), and Jeannie Bown - the three of them are freshmen at MCHS.

Austin Mize (as Audrey) - Austin is also a freshman at MCHS.

Molly helping her friend Cody Green transform into his alter ego. Also a MCHS student.

I do have to say - Cody's dress was my favorite by far.

Ethan Scarborough slowly becomes LaRhonda. Ethan is in Molly's graduating class. His mom, Lari, is a survivor.

Cody Cross (as Codianna) - Cody is one of Madison County's Finest and is running for Probate Judge. (He actually won the title last night.)

Claytina (otherwise known as Sherriff Clayton Lowe) - imitating my red hair.

I especially want to thank all of the youth who participated and for bringing friends to the party last night.

I hope you all enjoy these photos - it was so much fun.

Have a great day.

Miss Jones Chapel

The glittered sceptor I made for the Womanless Beauty Pagent fundraiser at Jones Chapel UMC.

This fundraising effort is for Relay For Life an American Cancer Society signature event. There will be men dressed as women parading across the stage and maybe even providing talent. I am the emcee for this loverly event. Should be loads and loads of fun for everyone.

I haven't mentioned too much about my cancer journey in several months. October will be many survivor years for me. I am just as passionate about sharing my experience as I was early on, because early diagnosis is key for everyone in every cancer situation. Some can be prevented and that is even more important for everyone to know.

Now about my journey. There are several stories I can share and as we go into relay weekend - I'll be sharing some of them. Mind you - at times these may seem callous towards people - that is not my intent. I simply think that the more real life stories of dealing and hope after hearing those words - "you have cancer" - give you a better picture of the fact that what your are feeling and how you are reacting is more than likely normal.

I had a wonderful outcome. Only a lumpectomy of my left breast was required. Clean margins and no lymph nodes were involved. I found the lump on a Sunday morning in the shower. The medical process began the next day. Several weeks later - the surgeon - Dr. Howard Abney said to me - "if you were my wife, daughter, or sister, the lumpectomy is what I would recommend." The surgery was then scheduled.

Fast forward only a few days. A wedding. A beautiful new start for a young couple. Friends of ours. Friday night the rehearsal and a party. Saturday evening wedding and reception. There were drinks and dancing, a party, celebrations. All of this was 4 hours from home for us. I wore the mask of joyful celebration - and the band played on - but inside I was slowly realizing that my path through life was changing. After the party we returned to our hotel and joined with another couple of our friends, we drank a few more, and ordered an in room movie.

The movie chosen was probably not really a good choice considering the plans for my week. We watched FACE OFF starring my secret boyfriend #1, Nicholas Cage and John Travolta. Not real relaxing watching for a girl about to have a possible body altering surgery. I do have to say - I really enjoyed the movie and have watched again and again since.

On Sunday morning, after a night of tossing and turning, we are up early. The reality is I did not sleep. I am not a pity party type of person. More charge ahead, deal the cards and play the hand you are dealt. This personality trait has served me well. But on this particular Sunday, I can feel it. IT being a full blown pity party. I know from the time I get up, that it is coming. I decided not to fight it. To just let it happen. I know that I will be better equipped to process eveything if I get this over with, than just move on.

But being the rational, take charge, keep control person that I am, I decide to let the man at my address know what is coming. I get my shower, come out of the bathroom, and announce. "I am about to cry and I want to give you some options - you can cry with me - you can stay and watch me cry - or you can leave and come back in a little while and I'll be okay." I have to tell you that I had no preconceived idea about how the man could - should - or would react. This was completely about my meltdown with no thought at all to his decision. I simply wanted to warn him - to avoid the "what's the matter" question after the tears started to flow. Poor guy - this was an impossible decision to be faced with early on Sunday morning.

We laugh about it now. I really can't believe I annouced a meltdown. He had his breakfast in the lobby, I cried and got it all out of my system. Then we moved on and played the hand we had been dealt.

The feelings you have and the way you deal with your news, will be strictly dependent on who you are. It really doesn't matter that it's not fair. That you hate this diagnosis. That you don't have time for this. Cancer doesn't care. The path through the journey is your path. You will find yourself stronger on the other end of this route. You will find relationships change as a result of this journey. You will be different. There is no right or wrong here. It is all gray territory. No one can tell you how to do it. They can only share their decisions. Your true friends will not question your actions and reactions to the news.

I am going to announce my midlife crisis in the same manner. Next month I am running away to a beach with those little umbrella drinks and a cabana boy to bring them to me. Anybody want to join my midlife crisis. ---- note to those who are offended this was supposed to be sarcastically funny.

Have a wonderful day.

Adaptations.......

Changes occuring everyday at my house. Miss Molly is mentally getting ready for her big change. I am buying things like nail clippers, tweezers, measuring spoons, an iron and ironing board, and stashing them in a corner. (Local best friend may have to teach ironing lessons - my idea is to toss things in the dryer with a wet towel.) We are preparing mentally for her not being there.


The only one, it seems, to be ready for the changes is Miss Abby. She even seems excited. They share a room and she is mentally redecorating their room for just her. Both are requesting a wardrobe expansion because they share so many clothes.

This week is the beginning of the end of the High School career for Molly. Last night was the Ministerial Banquet / Baccalaureate service. Saturday night is prom. Then awards night - Senior Skip day - yearbook signing day - graduation is only 18 days away. Busy busy busy.

Add to all of this flurry of activity- activities for mom and family- womanless beauty pagent - relay for life - soccer banquet - slime time fun night. Busy busy busy.

Abby has softball in the equation too. - Those all day tournaments take it out of everyone. MaggieGrace is taking a back seat for a few weeks. There will be some creativity - tonight is a "paying job" - making drawstring waist poodle skirts for a theater production.

We are all changing - adapting. The circles of life will continue to ripple outward. Molly has a job interview tonight for her very frst "real" job. She is more than a little nervous - will ya'll please lift her up as she takes this really big grown up step.

MaggieGrace will be squeezing in some things - I need to or I am going to lose my mind.

The photos in this post are modifications of the color one at the top. I used picnik to make these modifications and then saved them to my flickr account. Both of these services are free. I'll be using these - printed on fabric (thank you Vallen) for an art quilt series.

Have a wonderful day.

It's how we roll.....

Volleyball season is over. Softball is now in full swing (pun intended). The two sports overlap early in the season, so I haven't watched too much of the softball princess stuff. Saturday morning - at a reasonable hour, I would like to say - we were at the fields in Jefferson, GA. This is like playing at home since it is only about 40 minutes from the house. We played 4 games and went undefeated to win the tournament. Squeaked out that last one in a come from behind win with no time left on the clock and us having our last at bat.

MaggieGrace has been full of the graduating senior - situational I promise. Now you guys have to endure the softball princess and her friends for a while. I did get several rows completed on the dorm room afghan during the day.


These girls (front row left to right - peanut - cort - and abby) are just hanging out after those games in this one. Cort is in her sling, but she was our "base badit" all day.

Proud mama note - these two are friends and are also sharing the same academnic success Abby's big sis. Abby is ranked #1 and Cort#2 in the freshman class.

All lined up for the trophy awards. I cannot say enough about how genuinely nice these ladies are. Competitive - you can't get any more so - but these girls are nice and respectful and polite to everyone they encounter. This is a close knit group and they have a great time together. It helps when we win for there to be more fun and games. The parents also enjoy each others company - a good thing because we spend an enormous amount of time together.

We left at 7:30 Saturday morning and got home at midnight Saturday night. The reason Mount Laundry is so massive. Supporting my kids is so much more important than the housework.

I really want to thank Ann-Margret for her package of goodies. She arranged a private color swap with me. I chose red and white as my colors. I have mailed her package and sadly - I had a brain freeze. I did not take pictures. The rose above is one of my favorites in the package. I have it pinned to the red and white bag she sent. The bag holds my Wednesday night materials for church. The tiny little one inch boxes are my absolute favorite things in the package. There is a Godiva chocolate box full of them.
There is also a dry erase marker - I have just purchased the marker board to use as the backsplash area behnd the cabinet - serendipity there. This was a fun package to receive. I hope she enjoys her package as much as I have this one.

There was also a surprise from the crafty queen of Ohio as well. Ribbon. in a wooden crate. These are a few of my favorite things. Thank you my sweet friend.

Funny stories - Karen over at Junking in Georgia has posted about her NASCAR experience in lower Alabama this weekend. Redneck sports. Well we had a big break and we were close to Commerce, GA on Saturday. The graduating Senior needed prom shoes - which we bought without her there - I like to live dangerously. After some shopping at the outlets, we needed lunch. Arby's won the vote - we go in, place the order, and I take off to the restroom. Bear with me - this is not a TMI post. As I enter the restroom, I see a lady there with teeth in hand (washing them in the bathroom sink) yes teeth in hand. Now there is a Jeff Foxworthy moment - you might be a redneck if "you have ever cleaned your dentures in a public restroom".

Hope ya'll have a great Monday.

Goodies ....

Another beautiful day. It is Friday -- doing the happy dance. I need to do a tiny bit of housekeeping / updating the cast of characters here. Normally I delete anonymous comments - most are ugly anyway. I also delete duplicates. And uglies (so don't waste your time leaving those). I read all the comments here and quite often on other blogs. It is amazing to me the insight and inspirations from those too. I have also discovered some wonderful people just by following comment links. You will alway see one anonymous commentor left though. My wonderful MIL - Ann and FIL - Herbert, they are anonymous but always sign their comments. Thank you for reading here. (Ann - it is so easy to set up a blog and the family stories would be wonderful reading for us - as would posting the pictures. Think about it, please).

Also - thanks to everyone who commented about the yoyo quilt. I have it hanging on the wall in my hallway. The one thing the textile folks at UGA said was that prolonged exposure to sunlight could damage it even more. My hallway has no windows and we rarely open the door to the outside, so this is the safest place to display it. I think in those evenings next fall, when I am really missing Molly, I'll start the repairs to this.

Now for the goodies.......

Along with that quilt, there are many, many other things in my house that came from Charles' and my family. There are also goodies that just caught my eye in a junk, antique, or thrift store. Here we go.

I found a stack of cards in Mama Norvan's stuff. This is a get well card for a child, but all of us adult paper whores (you know who you are) will love it anyway.



Look at the one on the left below - reminds me of all the Marie Antoinette items out there in blogland. Oh--- and are those soldiers adorable or what.

I had a little dutch girl doll when I was small and the ballerina looks like the ones in a little girls jewlry box.


I have scanned this sign in the past and used it on cards and tags. I could also see this printed and cut out and used as a little girls tree garland. Or blow these doll pictures up and cut them out for a a baby shower tree. Then add childhood dolls as the rest of the centerpiece. Ideas.

Raesha - would this count as ribbon? Hope so. I added a yard of this to each of my ribbon bags for your swap. It is actually sheer dotted swiss sashing. It came from a thrift store (this big roll for 50 cents) , but my Mom worked in a sewing plant and said they used this type of cut material for the belt and sashes of dresses. Pre cut to width and they only had to hem the edges.

Both of these images are yours for the taking. From the front of an old photo album. To me the girls looks like she is mourning.

The next one is a macro shot from - I love that setting on my camera. I am going to play with this image on www.picnik.com and see what happens. Since I committed to create some art for the fall, I want to try printing this on fabric and see what happens. Maybe try some transparency sheet transfers as well.

She looks so sad.

I am not even sad today. It's Friday - Miss abby plays ball close to home tomorrow. Molly will be picking up the prom dress today. We get to find a bag and shoes and jewelry tomorrow. Decorate for a womanless beauty pagent on Sunday.

Ya'll have a wonderful weekend.

I know .....

I know you all have been just waiting to hear what words of wisdom and inspiration I have for today. Got none. Natta. Zero. Zilch.

I do however have a plan for tonight. Dinner with a fellow church member - the final planning meeting for the Womanless Beauty Pagent at Jones Chapel. A fund raiser for Relay for Life. There are older men involved - young married men involved - and a significant contingent of the teenage boys involved. Me - I am the emcee for this wonderful event. Sad part of the story - I gotta keep it PG-13. So no self test boob display. And no testicular cancer self test display. I will be brushing up on my cancer facts and figures. I need funny questions to ask each contestant. There will be serious questions - those are easy. Please help me with the funnies. Pleading for comments that will help here.

Now for some fun -----

The man at my address took me to meet his Grandmother (Mama Norvan) first. (I guess I had to pass that inspection). Fell in love with this wonderful, funny, outspoken, riot of a tiny lady - head over heels, immediately, I loved her. From the very beginning she talked of a quilt - a yoyo quilt - that was made by her Granny Rosa??? In all the years I was around, I had never seen the quilt.

Fast forward many years - many laughs - lots of love - later. Mama Norvan passed away. As the family cleaned out the house, this nasty grungy piece of fabric surfaced from one of the storage areas. It had been stored in a cardboard box that had been wet more than once. Dirty, nasty, mildew gross. It was slated for the dump. It was almost black with grime in places.

I recognized it - it was the quilt. The one so fondly recalled by one of my favorite ladies on the face of the earth. I stuffed it into a garbage bag and took it home.

A phone call to the textile people at UGA and a plan to try and clean this quilt was hatched. I put it in my bathtub with a baby shampoo as a detergent - agitated by hand carefully. Put it on a blanket rolled up to dry most of the water - and support the fibers. Lay it in the sun to dry.

Over and over this process repeated. Each time it became a little brighter and the water less dingy. Many baths and drying later. Another few phone calls and I buy 4 super sized boxes of denture cleaner. One last major bath, dissolve the denture cleaner tablets, add quilt, agitate, roll up, take outside to dry.

Look ......

The colors are vibrant. Some yoyos need repair. One of those someday projects. All different patterns. The yellows are solid and make outlined boxes of the colored prints. I cannot believe this almost black nightmare looks like this.

This is one of my favorite fabrics in the entire quilt. Love it. How about you guys?

Notice ----- in an effort to practice the PG-13 environment, I have left out all of the lauguage bits that were actually used in the handwashing a filthy, vintage yoyo quilt. You however are allowed to insert them in places you feel appropriate for that job.

Have a wonderful day.

Details

Last night was a tough night. Things that sent me huge steps backwards. Things that had me retreat to bed early to ponder and cry. (Please everyone - lift up my BIL as he is struggling in his fight with cancer - if you will please take the time to leave a prayer or encouraging word over at his place).

I picked up a book that I have read before. Alexandra Stoddard's Living a Beautiful Life is one of those lifestyle books that is light reading for me. I encountered her writing when I found her tiny book full of Grace Notes and now own many of her books. Anyway - I was in the mood for some lighthearted reading and what do you know. I spied one of the most profound thoughts in the first few minutes. Funny how God sends little notes - just when you need to hear them - using many forms of communication.

The quote from Eleanor Brown says

"Life is too short for you to be the caretaker of the wrong details."


See I worry about this. I worry about that. I worry about others. I worry about me. I love hard and deeply and am affected by stresses often. (The van above was parked across from me yesterday and I snapped this through the window. I have no idea what the stuff on the top is supposed to be) I was fearful of sending my art into the world and there it was - art that I don't understand and he was driving it around boldly proclaiming his art statement.

People were discussing it - some were intrigued. Some were disgusted - it was made of trash after all. Everyone noticed. Local best friend encouraged me. With words like - your art may not appeal to everyone, but it will to someone. And then asked - why I was afraid.

He does this often - forcing me into saying out loud what the fears are. Or why I feel like I do. (Thank you, master - for making me be completely honest with myself) My fears -- What if no one likes it? What if someone says something negative? What if my stuff is not as good as others? What if the magazine doesn't publish my piece?

Then the all important question Local BF asks - What if all those things happen - would you still do it?

Details - yes I would. Why am I caretaking those fears - that's a wrong detail. Did you notice the weeds in the picture above or just that lovely iris bloom?

Details - will it stop me from sending it out into the world? Not even - I'll ignore those what if's - because I am happy when I am creating - it really isn't about them it's about me. Which part of the flower above is the best? The full bloom - it will die off almost immediately - the prtially open bloom - not even at it's full potential yet - the bud - will it be as pretty as the others - maybe not - but maybe even better - the leaves - not really all that showy, but oh so important for feeding this entire plant - maybe the roots - holding on, supporting, pushing the growth of this plant? Not one of those is more important than the others. Someone appreciates and identifies with each part.

Do you see the withered bloom here? Details -- I am really trying hard to be the caretaker of the right ones. I'll be cutting some of these iris for my desk too. That -- my friends is one of the best and beautiful details of the spring. Find a beautiful detail to celebrate - hopefully your mind will be too busy celebrating to focus on the wrong details.

Iris photos from around the pecan tree in my back yard.

Have a wonderful day......