My new blog...

As you may have noticed, I've been conspicuously absent from my blog lately. The year is flying by even faster than usual thanks to my new venture at Artist Alley. I love every minute of it, and I'm truly living my lifelong dream.

A few weeks ago, I established a blog for The Alley. You can view it at http://www.artistalleync.blogspot.com/ .

I don't plan to discontinue my personal blog; but for the time being, things will be quiet here. The new blog will be the best place to keep up with my antics for the forseeable future, and I hope that you'll visit soon.

New Meaning to Butterfly

I'm still scrambling for time; but I wanted to share a photo of a piece of artwork that's made me smile all week long.

This Butterfly has a body that's a butter knife. He hangs in the window in front of my desk with other creations by Amy Keith, a new artist to Artist Alley. If this doesn't tickle you, maybe the dragonfly with a spoon for a body will; but you'll have to wait for the picture of that one since they've been flying out the door steadily since they arrived.

Have a great weekend!

I miss them already!

I had a lovely visit with my family last week. My Sister, Niece, Nephew, Mother, and her dog Penny came to North Carolina for a visit. It was chaotic and noisy most of the time, and I loved every minute of it. They left for home early Wednesday morning, and it was amazing how quiet our house became. Somehow I'd never noticed it quite as much before their visit.

During their visit, my niece spent a day working at Artist Alley with me. This photo shows her first ever display. I think she's a natural!

Where does the time go?

Where does the time go?

That's all.

Where does the time go?

"Willow Reclining" by Emily Whittle.

Here I Go Again!

I feel like I should stand up and announce to the world, "Hi, My name is Jean, and I am a well-intentioned-but-very-bad-on-the-follow-through-blogger." I mean to blog. I see the value in it. It's a habit that I'd like to start and stick with; but somehow I never seem to establish the habit.

In the last few weeks I've had a broken telephone, erratic phone service, a dead cell phone, an internet connection that's sporadic at best, and an email server that I can't access no matter what I try. This morning, I also learned that none of the posts to my Yahoo groups went through during the past few weeks either. I really don't mean to complain; but if it's related to communication in my life, there's a good chance that I've been struggling with it. (Maybe someone can enlighten me as to the greater meaning or purpose of these challenges!?!)

Well, for now I'll start slowly. Here's today's post. (Assuming that it publishes without problems....which may be a stretch! lol) Hope to write again soon...

A Time to Create

In the calm after the rush of our opening week at Artist Alley, I realized that it had been over a month since I'd been creative. Oh sure, I do think creatively in my daily life; but I'm talking about REALLY creating.

I remedied that yesterday and today by painting my heart out. I was really trying to just have fun without worrying about the outcome. In the end, I was fairly pleased with the results. I used only the three primary colors, and I set out with no goal in mind. One of my pieces is shown here. The sides of the canvas read, "Reach...Shine...Grow...Bloom.

Now there's paint under my fingernails, and I can't seem to wash it off.

I couldn't be happier!

Standing on the Edge of a Dream

I'm sitting quietly in my new business, Artist Alley. Dear friends and loved ones carried me through the process of moving, setting up, and preparing for this day. In less than an hour, our opening reception will begin, and I needed to take a quiet moment to reflect on the many blessings in my life.

I've never been happier.

I've never been more grateful

Details about the opening tomorrow.

(This piece is by Ed Duke. My Dad would have loved it!)