Yes! to 2010!

I have had a change of attitude. Life is just too short to be depressed. I did not want to drag my sour grapes into the new year, so I did a turn around. I have been seeking joy all week and I have found it in so many places. Like say for instance:

1. Eggnog!

2. My kitties are holding and doing well!

3. Elk!

4. A warm bed and a good movie and cats purring, heaven.

5. The knowledge that my cousin Randy is not suffering anymore and is doing a dance with spirit right now.

6. A lump of porcelain and an afternoon, pure BLISS.

7. Good friends far and close and my blogging friends whom I adore.

8. My landlady telling me how much she appreciates me.

9. A phone call from a friend I have not talked to for ages.

10. Tomorrow is a brand new YEAR! Full of possibilities!

HAPPY 2010! May the year be full of love and peace and bliss for all of you! XOXO

Elk Sighting

These guys (just guessing) were looking for food in a field near where I was working. The field was full of cows and for a few tense minutes I thought there was going to be a rumble, but the elk backed off. It was wonderful to see them, thought I would share. Happy Tuesday. XOXO

Peace

My cousin Randy passed today, 10 minutes after I told him I loved him (he was sleeping so could not reply). This is not a good photo, as it is blurry, but it is the most recent one I have and he was sick when this was taken, but you can still see what a beautiful man he was. He was the bravest man I know. Go with God sweet cousin, we will not forget you. XOXO

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! XOXO

I am following Renee's example and choosing to be happy, no matter what. I am going through with my dinner plans and actually have invited more friends. Between people and animals my little house is going to be full. I am working tomorrow, but will spend the evening baking. I am wishing each and every one of you, my lovely blog friends a happy and magical Christmas. Love, XOXO

Updates

Things on one hand are getting suckier(I know it is not a real word, but it is now) and on the other hand I have lots of jobs and money is coming in, so that has been helpful. The sucky part is that my cousin R is going fast and is not expected to live until Christmas. His family is in a lot of heavy pain right now. And it is Christmas. Somehow that makes it all so much worse. I am going to miss him very much.
Also very sucky is that my cat B is still ill and is now having more issues. Spike is holding.
I do have fun plans for Christmas, I am only hoping that I will be able to do them, as long as I don't have some emergency with the cats.
I have two dear friends coming for dinner to my house. I have a bottle of champagne and hopefully for this one day I can have peace and joy and fun and leave all the ugliness outside in the cold.
I love you.xoxo

Life

I have always wanted this blog to be a happy place to come, but lately I have had so much sad news that it has become a place to ask for help and prayers. I have so many friends and family who are sick and some are dying and two sick kitties and here it is Christmas. I had word last night that my cousin R is not good, he is losing his battle with the big C. I am beyond sad. I do realize that death is part of life and I do not fear death, I KNOW that our spirit does not die, it is only that it seems that so often the ending is so full of ugly pain. I wonder about the why of this and I do believe it is because we cling to life, if we could just let go perhaps it would not be so painful. I hate all of it and I am one who tends to feel the pain of others. I have dealt with it over the years and can do very well most of the time, but right now I am struggling.
All is not lost though, I do know that the pain will stop, this is just a bump in the road. I have a good blogging friend who told me the other day that she was going to be the happiest depressed person ever, it made me smile and I will be the happiest sad person ever, because despite what goes on, despite the fact that I want to hide under the covers and run from the heartache, I know I won't, I know I will make it through and that there will be unknown gifts along the way.
I am full of gratitude for my health and I have so very much to be grateful for.
Would you send good thoughts to R and please to his family and to Renee who is feeling very ill.
Thank you so much and I promise this blog will get happy again soon(fingers crossed). XOXO

Random Thoughts

I thought I would check in with a little quickie.
It has been a busy week with work, kitty nursing and Christmas stuff. I think it may get a bit more relaxed the next couple weeks. I am looking forward to doing some art. The cats are still holding. B is still way too thin and Spike does not seem as good as new, but they are doing okay for the most part. We take it a day at a time.
This week I had a huge disappointment. Obama has been my hero and I really believed in him, but after this week and the whole health care fiasco I fear he has abandoned us. I am now totally disgusted with politics and may never vote again. Really disheartened. What do you all think?
On a happy note I saw a wonderful movie, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox", I loved it. The animation was grand and I laughed a lot, something I needed to do.
Attempting to keep my thoughts positive and looking for things that make me joyful, and doing more of them :-).
I hope you are all having a great week. XOXO

Note From the Universe

I receive notes from the universe ( www.tut.com ) and this note came today. I really needed it. I really believe it, and today, if only today I am doing it :-). I thought some of you could use it too, so here it is:
Surrender to the magic, Anne. That's why it's there. That's why you're there - to learn that there really are miracles and that they abound, as if on command, once you understand the truth about your reality and heritage. Surrender, yet prepare. Ask, yet expect.
Happy Monday. XOXO

Taos Mountain in Winter

Some Wintry photos for you. I have the next 3 glorious days off and will be spending it, cleaning and decorating and getting the few gifts I have to send wrapped and cards made out. I do wish there was some time for art, but there is not, so I will make do.

I best get busy :-).

Have a wonderful Saturday! XOXO

Ravens

This is for all of you who love ravens as much as I do. This field was full of them last week as were the trees, my camera could not take in all of them, but this give you an idea of how many there were.

Happy Wednesday. XOXO

Sparkly

Here are my lights, from outside, inside and just an arty shot, they look like little space ships :-).

The sparkle helps cheer me up. It is my goal this week to get my joy back. I must learn to live what I believe and it has proven harder than I thought, but I never give up. My choice is to be happy no matter what goes on. My goal is to not let life beat me down. There is still plenty of beauty and love and light to go around. Wishing you a sparkly Monday. XOXO

Ahhh, Sunday...

My favorite day has arrived, I have the day off and I am feeling better about life. God gave me a gift in a kind neighbor who has volunteered to help with giving fluids. He did a great job holding, and it is so much less stressful for all concerned! Many others have stepped up with information and tips and I am more than grateful. I will soon be making my own animal food as I have also found out that dogs don't need grain either. Right now they are on no grain, no by product, organic food and soon will have fresh organic raw meat added to that. This will be difficult for me as I don't eat meat, but I will do whatever is best for my boys.
See below post to find out the answer to the quiz :-).
Today I am hanging lights. I am having a carefree artist day, it has been a very long month since I have felt carefree. Wishing you a joyful, carefree Sunday. XOXO

Truth or Fiction?

I got this fun game from Sukipoet. I will list 10 things about myself and one is false.
Make a guess which one is not true.
1. I once told a man 3 times my size that I would scratch his eyes out if he did not remove himself from in front of me at a Sting function (He rudely stood in front of me and I could not see), he moved immediately :-). True, I can be mean if it is called for and if I am very hormonal :-).
2. Speaking of Sting, we once knew each other for a brief time. True, he is a lovely man.
3. In my 20's I tried many illegal substances. True, I was a curious girl.
4. I once lived with a man who had a recurring role in the old "Streets of San Francisco" series, he played a cop. True.
5. I have not been to a doctor since I was 21. Due to a bad experience when I was 6 I don't trust them. True.
6. I was once interrogated by FBI agents. True, I have not always had the best taste in men :-).
7. I have a tattoo of a dragonfly on my right shoulder. FALSE, I love tattoos, but I hate needles.
8. When I was 13 I became a bible thumping christian, though it was short lived :-). True.
9. I believe in fairies. TRUE!
10. When I was 6, a man landed a helicopter into a nearby field and gave my friend and I a ride.
True.
Anonymous and Dawn and Renee, you got the answer right. Thank you all for playing! xoxo

Snow Day

Everything was canceled due to snow today. I did have to go out into the blizzard to get cat food, but now I am back and off to make a veggie stew and perhaps do a little drawing or some kind of simple art project as I am going a bit loopy from not having done any art for weeks.

If it were not so cold (16 degrees) I would go out and hang my lights, I may do it anyway :-). Do you notice the cute little table and chairs (there is also a bench on the other side)? They were a gift from clients who no longer had room for them. I love them and have always wanted a set like it. Thank you all for your sweet comments and prayers and thank you dear Jennifer for shopping in my ETSY shop :-).

Updates and Prayer Requests

Well, the boys are both holding their own and the fluids get harder to give, not easier as I thought, but I get it done. I have no idea how long they will live, but I aim to give them the best until they leave.
I heard news about several people I love very much, bad news and I need prayers and good thoughts. The first I cannot name as she would kill me, but let's call her K, she was just told she has cancer, I am not sure of the details yet. My cousin R's cancer has spread to his lungs and he needs prayers. Then there is my mom, who while she is doing really well, has a lot of pain in her legs. And last, but not least is Renee, who is having a really bad week, health wise. Thank you for thinking of them and sending out love.
On an upbeat note, I bought sparkly lights to hang as I have never done this and I NEED to get into the spirit of the season. I also need some fun and to do some art. I need to start taking some care of me this week.
I know I have not been around much, but I hope to catch up with all of you this weekend.
Love and hugs. XOXO

Recharging

Toady I am giving the fluids a rest, I am giving worry and anger a rest. Today I am looking for things to be thankful for and I am finding many:
My B is eating tiny bits of real cat food, he is acting more like himself, I think we have turned a corner.
Spike is doing great.
I cleaned my yard yesterday and it is now a joy to look upon, well better anyway :-).
I have the day to do research on what to feed my cats and other ways in which I can help them.
My blogger friends and my real time friends who have all been so loving and helpful, you find out who your real friends are when stuff like this happens and you find out who isn't.
I think I can see the end of the tunnel and there is some bright sunshine on the other end :-).
I do believe I am due for some good times-Bring it on!
Love to you this Sunday and everyday. XOXO

Torture versus Love

I won't lie to you, this nursing business has not been fun. Sticking needles into my boys has been torture for me and them. Due to B being impossible to hold down I have not been able to give him fluids for two days, I am attempting it again this morning. He is eating a tiny bit better and drinking plenty of water, he is acting more like himself and he is keeping all of it down, but he is not eating near enough, not near. He is so thin it is hard to understand how he can stand. I have been working on my attitude as the grace flew away and I want it back. I decided that today instead of dreading the giving of fluids, I would remember that it can save his life, so instead of torture it is loving and I hope that this will help us get it done this morning. If any of you have been through this, please email me and give me some pointers :-). I have not had much time to blog or visit, but I know you understand. Thank you for all your prayers and loving thoughts they have helped more than you know.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Not doing much today except nursing kitties and going to see an older friend in the nursing home. I did get 3 invites, but declined, I really want another low key day with my boys. B is holding, eating tiny amounts of baby food and drinking a bit of water, he takes his meds okay.
The one improvement is that he is not hiding out as much and seems a bit more lively.
Have a great day everyone and thank you so much for all the love. XOXO

Grace

Grace has kicked in. Yesterday there was a shift in me and I have been able to be calm and happy. I am however very busy taking care of two sick kitties and also an old dog and a young cat who need me also. I have today and tomorrow off and that will enable me to give more care to little B. He has not thrown up for over 24 hours and he ate a tiny bit of baby food today. Oh and more water! He is also not hiding in the closet anymore which I take as a good sign. I feel that whatever happens I am okay as grace is here and I let it in. I will also be taking care of me, I am baking cookies and I rented a DVD, 30 Rock, which I adore and always makes me laugh.
I love you all and thank you for your prayers and kind words. May grace carry you through today. XOXO

B Update

I am not giving up on my boy and with the help of my blogging friend Teri I am working to keep him alive. As I can't afford to go to the vet (I still owe them a bunch) I must do this on my own with some help from my friends like you and non bloggers R and V. I gave him fluids today as well as Spike. It can't hurt and it may in fact help. He did drink some water today and he ate a tiny bit of tuna. In the morning I am off to get more fluids and other stuff that Teri suggested and meat baby food. Only time will tell. Pray hard and think good thoughts. And by the way Spike is doing great. I am coming to terms with things and trying to keep happy. As the brilliant Renee says there are no more perfect days, only perfect moments. I am keeping my eye on the good moments when they come. Thank you all for being so great and loving. I love you. XOXO

S.O.S

You won't believe this, because I don't, but yet it is happening. My cat B, Spike's brother who has had kidney disease for 2 years, is very sick, he won't eat and today he stopped taking water.

The vet told me that when he started to do this, it was the end and there was nothing to be done. I feel sure I will know when it is time to take him to have him put to sleep, but I don't want him to suffer. I know that this is not an accident, all these things happening in two weeks time, but I have no idea what is happening and I feel so lost right now. I hate to ask so much of you my blogging friends, but would you please pray for Mr. B and pray for me as I am very sad. Love to you. XOXO

LIFE

I have been having a small melt down the last couple days due to the lack of money and the mounting bills, but I read this today on Jan Frazier's site and was uplifted into laughter and light: "Relax yourself into a piece of cooked spaghetti". This is my mantra for today, this is my goal. I finally get to do some art, which today means porcelain, and I get to catch up on some things and lay around and read. By the end of the day I will hopefully be back to normal :-).
Wishing you a wonderful, light filled Sunday. XOXO

Coffee with Kj

Okay, so now you know what I look like, sort of, I really do have pretty eyes, but you can't see them because I am squinting into the camera and sun and I have to say I do not like my smile here, but I promised a photo so here it is, Kj of course looks fab :-) (she is the one in front). Those of you who do not know Kj, go to her blog and check her out. Kj is the first blogger I have ever met, I know there will be more and I can only hope that they will be as nice as her. I had to work the day I met her, so we only had an hour and a half, but we got to talk a lot and I could have talked all day with Kj and not run out of things to say.

One thing that struck me is that I have always wondered if people were the same on and off their blogs and after Meeting Kj, I can say, yes, and it made me so happy to know that. It is wonderful to know that the people I blog with would indeed be real time friends if we lived closer and could meet. We talked about other bloggers and how weird and wonderful the blogging world is, and one blogger that came up was you Renee, we have a mutual love for you and said a lot of nice things :-). We talked about everything under the sun and it was a bright sunny day, we met at one of my favorite coffee bars in Taos called Loka. Meeting Kj was the bright spot of my week. Thank you sweet K for making the extra effort to come to Taos.

P.S. Photos are by Kj.

Have a great Friday! XOXO

What I Learned Last Week

Life can be rough, it can suck and it can break your heart, but even at it's worst there is always a bit of magic to be found. On my worst day with Spike, the day I thought he was gone, I said to myself "When are you going to LIVE how you BELIEVE?". That thought turned me around.
It has been my mantra. I believe that all things happen for a reason, I believe I can trust the process. I am taking all things that come to me as a gift. Some days I do better than others, but I am learning.
Spike is home and happy. I have to give him the fluids twice a week and the vet and I decided to not risk his life with the surgery to take his stone out. Everyday I have with him is a precious gift
and I see it always has been. Same for everything. I wish that I could always see this, when I am in a hurry or stressed, I often miss all the treasures around me.
I had a lovely gift arrive yesterday in the form Of blogger friend Kj. We had little time, but made good use of it. I will share photos of the meeting soon and (gasp) you may just get to see what I look like :-).
Another gift was the wonderful Kate P, blogger, and art supporter who bought stuff on my ETSY site and helped so much to boost my moral. Thank you Kate P!
Today is my mom's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! Love you.
Have a great Tuesday everyone. XOXO

What's Up and New Work

Least you think my life is just Spike, Spike, Spike, other things are going on. I have not had time to make new work, but I have been taking photos of new things as I can, the top photo is of 4 lovely porcelain cups that did not make it, they look like the elephant man they are so full of bubbles, this is what porcelain does when you don't get all the bubbles out and it is almost impossible to know when you have got all the bubbles out. Porcelain and I are having our fist fight :-). I am up to the challenge though. The other photos are of small 2 1/2" wall hangings, the middle two are porcelain mix and the top and bottom are porcelain. So far nothing is selling on ETSY and I am a little down about it, but I won't give up on that either.

In other news, the gallery I have my paintings in, is closing and I have to go pick up my paintings this week. It is another blow in this week of blows, but I know it is probably for the best.

Spike news: I was able to give him his fluids this morning after 3 attempts and pokes. It is much harder on him than me. I do believe we will both get used to it after time. Thank you for your continued prayers and good thoughts.

What are you up to today? Happy Sunday! XOXO

Spike-Update

He is doing well, not perfect, but acting like the old Spike and feeling better. Tomorrow will be the first time I give him his fluids by myself. I will need to be brave :-). I hate needles, but that is not really the hard part, now that I have done it at the vet's it was not so bad, but the part I don't get, is how do I hold him and get that needle where it goes? If Spike survives I will be giving him fluids twice a week for the rest of his life, so I best get used to it.
Thanks to Willowtree, Teri and my friend V sending me links I have found out so much about the food we feed our animals. And I am ANGRY! Angry that no one regulates the crap they put in pet food and angry that dry cat food is the main reason for a bunch of cat diseases like kidney failure. I found out too late for Spike and B, but I can perhaps save Max (he is only 2 1/2 years old) from harm. Why don't the vets tell people about this? I told my vet, who is a lovely wonderful person, and she looked at me with disbelief, but I will keep at her until she gets it and realizes that it is true. If any animal loves are interested, here are a couple links to start you with:
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-kidney-disease.htm

http://www.homevet.com/petcare/feedingyourcat.html

Spike goes back to the vet Monday for more blood tests. Keep praying. Love you, XOXO

Spike-Update

Spike is home for an overnight, I am to take him back in the morning and he will stay for the day while I am at work. He could go right back into the state he was in, so if he gets through the next 48 hours, that is the test. We are still waiting on the surgery. I will be giving him fluids every month, with a needle, but they said it is not bad and that they will teach me. Anyway this is a huge couple days for Spike, if he goes back into kidney failure I will have to put him to sleep. Keep praying. At the very least I have one more night with him. He is very funny right now, full of it and very mad :-). This is a very stressful time, but I will honor whatever Spike Chooses. I am so grateful to have this time with him, however small. Thank you all for your support and love.
Willowtree would you email me any info you have about the food issues, if it is not too much trouble? It just so happens I feed my cats dry cat food.
Blessings, XOXO

Spike is Better!!!!

They saved his life, but he is not out of the woods yet. He also has stones in his bladder, I am meeting with the vet this afternoon to talk about what is next. He has made it through the worst, so I think the rest will be a piece of cake for him, well maybe not cake, but easier. I have also been doing some research on kidney disease in cats (my cat B also suffers from it). I was told there was nothing I could do for B except give him special food (which I do), but I am learning that there are things I can do. I have much to learn so I can help my boys and also prevent my younger cat Max from suffering with this. I will let all you cat lovers know what I find out over the coming months. Keep your prayers coming. Thank all of you so much! XOXO

Spike Update

I visited Spike this afternoon and he was so much happier and seemed a lot better. We won't know for sure until tomorrow morning and then he has other issues to deal with. He is by no means out of the woods, but he is better. Keep praying. Love you, XOXO (photo is of Mr. B and Spike)

Spike

It is not good. He has kidney failure and is at the vets with and IV drip, he has other issues as well, but the kidney issue is life threatening. It does not mean he can't make it (my little guy is a fighter), but he may not. I appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts. I am working everyday for the next week and a half and between that and Spike I won't be blogging much or posting, but I will let you know what is happening with Spike. Please continue to send him blessings.
Thank you, XOXO

Spike update-back to the vets

He is sick again and I am to take him to the vets first thing in the morning. I will be leaving him for the day as I have a big job tomorrow. Please pray and think good thoughts. Blessings, xoxo

New Ceramics

Here are a few new pieces fresh out of the kiln. I have more to show, but will save them for a little later. These are made with the porcelain mix not the pure porcelain. The mug is 4 1/2"x 3"

and the bowl is 4"x 6". Let me now what you think.

Spike update: 75% better. Keep praying and thinking good thoughts.

Have a most wonderful Sunday. XOXO

And the Winner is:

Mary-Laure won the give away. So email me your address Mary and I will send off something special soon.
Spike is doing okay, we are trying simple things first, but the vet was hopeful that all will be well. Also I went to the post office and a lovely check was in the mail waiting for me. I must always remember that help is there and on it's way, always.
Thanks to you who prayed. Blessings today. Love you. XOXO

Prayers Requested

This is my most wonderful cat, Spike. He is a very sick kitty and I have a vet appointment for 9:45 this morning. It came on suddenly yesterday. I am not sure how I will pay for this, but I know something will happen. I am trying to trust. This is a case when money becomes very important when it is needed for someone you love with all you heart. Please pray for us today. Spike and I thank you very much.

P.S. I will announce the winner of the give away later today with an update on Spike.

Faith

Usually I keep my bad days to myself, but since this one turned out so well and since Renee asked, I will tell you my little story. As you all know from reading my blog, money and jobs have been rare and I have been struggling, well yesterday my car broke, not good news when things are going well and yesterday it was all I could do to stay calm. First miracle is my mom stepped up to help get it fixed, then after telling me I may not get my car back until next week (and wouldn't you know I am booked with jobs all next week) My mechanic just called and told me I can pick up my car. Now. My faith is restored. But also Having known Renee for a short while, I realized that my car and even my jobs and even money does not matter at all. Love and health is really all that matters. Having said that I am more than happy to be able to go get my car and
go to my upcoming jobs. Yet again I learned that if I trust and believe, things work out.
Have a wonderful day. XOXO

2 year Anniversary

I just realized this is my blog anniversary! I think we need a give away. Leave a comment on this post or the one I just wrote right below and I will put all your names in a hat and let one of my cats pick who wins :-). I can't say what it will be or when you will receive it, but you can bet it will be made out of porcelain :-). I may choose what to give, by who wins.
P.S. I should have a deadline, so Saturday November 7Th I will announce the winner.

Blissed Out

Sunday, another wonderful day where I am bursting forth with possibilities and creative wonder.
I am glazing today and I have to tell you that when I received my first fired porcelain pieces I fell in love. I adore how white it is and how thin I can get it. I have just begun this love affair.
I have so many things I want to make and I will start doing sculpture too. Wish I could make it all as fast as the ideas come into my head :-). Jobs are not coming in at the moment and instead of worrying about money I am focusing on how lucky I am to be able to spend another day being creative and wallowing in joy. I have decided to pretend that I AM making a living from what I love to do most :-).
I promise I will have much to show in the next few weeks, bowls, cups, mugs, pendants, even a soap dish or two.
I wish for you a most wonderful Sunday, how ever you spend it. XOXO

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween, but the older I get the less fun it is. That is probably my fault :-).
I was invited to a party tonight, but I have been in creative hermit mode and I declined.
Porcelain has stolen my heart and that is what I will be doing, glazing my first porcelain pieces.
I will venture out for a bit though as I love seeing people dressed up. I hope you have a lovely and sweet day, what are your plans? xoxo

The Gift of Words

Tonight I want to give you a gift:

Cease trying to work everything out with your minds,
it will get you nowhere,
live by intuition and inspiration and let your whole life be a
Revelation. -Eileen Caddy

If you are to advance,
all fixed ideas must go.
-Joseph Campbell

Progress always involves risk;
you can't steal second base and keep
your foot on first.
-Frederick Wilcox

These are words to live by. At least to attempt to live by.
Love you, XOXO

Max the Hero Cat

This is Max and he is a sort of hero around here and also a killer. We had a mouse come in yesterday and he ate him (or her). I do feel sorry for the poor mouse, but I am also happy that Max deals with it for me, so I am a bit torn about rather Max is a good or bad kitty :-).

I have been busy making and glazing ceramics and will have more to show in a week or so.

The jobs come and they go, I am learning to trust where ever I am at the moment. It is a hard lesson to learn, but I am learning it. What are you learning today? Happy Tuesday! XOXO

Taos Mountain

A few photos for you. I finally have some days off, I have been working hard all week. I am so grateful for the work, but I hate how my days blur together and how I have no time for art or my animal kids. There is something about it that is soul deadening, but right now I do it because it seems I must. However, I have the next three glorious days off and I think you all know what I will be doing :-). Today I have finally listed a few ornaments on my ETSY site. And now I am off to glaze. I have much to catch up on and I will be visiting you all a bit more too. Happy Saturday! XOXO

Something to Share

I am so excited. I finally have a little something to show! The first ornaments have come out of the kiln and I am proud of them. Much better than last year. I am playing with ribbons and backgrounds for the photos. What do you think? Any input would be helpful before I list them on ETSY. XOXO

Sunday! Yes!

Finally it is clay day. I thought it might never come after 5 days of working. I am very grateful for the jobs, but I missed my porcelain :-). Don't worry I am not going to do another post about clay. Rather I want to talk about how we so often stand in our own way. I realized that the reason I don't make my living doing art is because I don't fully trust it nor do I perhaps feel deserving. I am working on these issues. I pulled a Zen card the other day that said
"He who stands in his own shadow and wonders why it is dark". Says a lot and I am listening.
Not that I am in the dark, but I do so often stop my own success by the negative thoughts and beliefs I carry around. I have also realized that you have to treat yourself how you want to be treated, so I am giving myself a bit of down time and letting myself just be today. Float about a little and read, watch the birds. But first to the kitchen to play with clay! Tell me dear ones how you are being good to yourselves this weekend. Happy Sunday! XOXO

More Fall in Taos

Tuesday I worked for a wonderful woman(thank you H!) who lives surrounded by 20 year old Aspens and their babies. My camera would not take them all in, so here are just bits. Lately the trees here have been heartbreakingly beautiful. I am super busy with jobs and glazing, but I wanted to peek in and say hi. Blessings today.XOXO

Porcelain Update

Thank you all for your words of lovely support. I had a wonderful Sunday and Monday working with the porcelain. No troubles at all. I kept it simple making only a cup and ornaments and pendants. Too soon to tell if they will make it to the final stages. I received a finished bowl back today, made with the porcelain mix and was very disappointed in it. I have so much to learn about glazing. I won't be posting that one as I really can do so much better. I have been doing ceramics for a year and a half and I feel I should be better. I know there is a huge learning curve
and I will try to be patient with myself. Okay, enough. I promise I should have some ornaments to show next week! I hope you are all having a great week. XOXO

This is the Day!

Up early and excited to get started on my porcelain. I have so many ideas that I am overwhelmed a bit, but I will narrow it down to ornaments and cups today :-). First I have to reorganize the room where I store all my ceramics that are drying and waiting to go get fired, my little room is getting very full! I can't wait until some of it is ready to sale and give away.
You will be the first to see them. Off I go into this beautiful Sunday morning full of blissful anticipation of what is to come :-). I wish you a wonderful, joyful Sunday! XOXO

Taos Mountain

We got a little snow yesterday. Winter is on it's way. I am off to an art show of a friend of mine, who is a photographer from Berlin. No time to chat, but I wanted to say hi and share these photos. Have a wonderful Saturday. XOXO

Porcelain!!!!

I know you probably don't care one bit, but I have been told that I am ready for porcelain and I have a big bag of porcelain clay to prove it :-). I have waited a year and half to be able to finally work with the clay that I adore. I have been working with B-Mix which is a porcelain mix and it is lovely, but I want the real deal, so come Sunday, you know what I will be doing :-). I just wanted to share my absolute pure joy :-). Happy Thursday.
P.S. What are you all joyful about right now? XOXO

Cat Kids

The other morning I caught the cat kids all in bed sleeping.

Thought I would share :-). Must get back to clay...XOXO

Random thoughts...

It is Sunday! Yay! Of course I will be spending the day making all manner of clay items. Hopefully I will have some things to show soon. It is a lengthy process waiting for the things to dry then fire then glaze then fire again. I think it takes about 4-6 weeks total from start to finish. If I had my own kiln (sigh) it would go a bit faster. I dream of a huge studio with lots of light where I have my ceramics on one side and my painting and drawing on the other :-). I have been dreaming a lot lately, it is so good for the soul.
I watched a lovely film the other night called "Gigantic" and I am still reading "My Life in France" by Julia Child. Yesterday, I helped a friend unpack books and I found Julia's first cook book! How excited I was! I think having lots of interest in life and a passion for many things is the secret to happiness, don't you? What are you passionate about today? Happy Sunday! XOXO

Fall in Taos

Fall is my favorite time of year. Yesterday I took these photos and there was so much beauty I could hardly contain myself. There were a lot of shots I could not take as there was no where to pull off the road, but I took what I could. It was a very rainy, overcast day.

Other than that I am submerged in making all manor of ceramic items and I am very boring to talk to as all I want to talk about is the wonder of clay :-). Happy Thursday! XOXO

Say Yes!

Today, Sunday, my favorite day of the week, I am saying yes to clay. I am saying yes to making bunches of bowls, mugs and anything else that I think of. I have decided to devote myself to clay for the next month, perhaps two.
I am saying yes to being positive, saying no to worry and doubt.
I am saying yes to Julia Child (I am reading "My Life in France"), she was such a happy, funny woman I have grown to love her so much.
I am saying yes to hot chocolate! It is Fall here and especially in the mornings it is cold!
That is all I have come up with so far, but I am sure I will think of other things to throw myself into.
What are you saying yes to, today?
Happy Sunday. XOXO

Angels

Something happened today that I thought was worth sharing. I have been in a down mood. I tend to not talk about it when it happens because that is not what this blog is about. I want to keep the blog positive and I don't come here to tell you about my complaints. Okay, so I was down and had lost some faith as we all do from time to time. I needed a bit of sparkle and today I received it. I had a flat tire. Then I changed the tire with the help of a neighbor, then went to have the tire repaired. Only the spare tire became flat on the way to the mechanics. I pulled off into a gas station and wondered what I would do next. Four bikers (angels) came and asked if I needed help. They had the old tire fixed, the spare off and the fixed tire back on in about 10 minutes. They were there right when I needed them. All of life can work that way if we remember that help is there and open ourselves to it. I had let myself forget how magical and
sweet life can be. Today I was reminded. That flat tire was a gift. XOXO
P.S. Sweet Pea and T are in love :-).

A home for Sweet Pea

A wonderful thing happened today, my neighbor T took Sweet Pea and she now has a safe, warm home. Finally :-). Keep your fingers and toes crossed it sticks.
I don't have much more to say, I am in an introspective mood and as you all know by now that means I disappear. Love you. XOXO

For Sheldon

This is for Sheldon(Brave Heart), Renee, Jacquie and the whole family:
"Death is not extinguishing the light;
it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come."
-Rabindranath Tagore
XOXO

Christmas in September

(click on image to enlarge and get better detail)

I decided to start a little earlier than last year, but I really should have started a month ago!

The ornaments take a while to do, but the cards are faster, so I wanted to show you a few examples of what I have made so far. I had a very hard time photographing these, I did my best.

All cards are made on 5"x 6 7/8" card stock with special papers, glitter and metallic ink. These cards are for sale for 5.50 a piece plus .55 shipping in the states (1.55 anywhere else), if you want them or want to order a set the prices are: $24 for a set of five, $42 for a set of ten,$75 for a set of 20. All cards come with an envelope. Each card is unique and one of a kind. They are a gift in themselves :-). I am offering them here and taking orders before I put any on ETSY. If you are interested you can email me at: anniecoeartist at peoplepc dot com. Also if you have any suggestions or questions(at all!) let me know.

P.S. The papers I buy are limited, so I cannot custom make the cards, every card will have the papers that are available at any given time :-).

Happy weekend! XOXO

Sweet Pea update

No takers yet, but I have made headway in getting her spayed, I went to the shelter and filled out an application for a 20 dollar voucher, with that I can get her spayed and I won't have little kitties making the problem worse. Pray she is not already pregnant :-). I should hear if my application is approved by tomorrow. In the meantime is is getting colder at night, I put a fuzzy blanket in her box, which should be good for now...I am trusting that all is well...Keep praying and while you are at it, say a prayer for Renee and her family. I love you.XOXO

Help!

This is Sweet Pea, the cat I am caring for until I find a home for her. It has been 2 weeks plus and I need a mass prayer, good thoughts drive as no one will take her and I don't have the room or money to take her myself. She is a doll and needs lots of love. This is a photo of her looking in my window. She wants a home so badly. Pray and think hard, thank you!

I am right as rain now and while I still miss and love my family I am biting at the bit to make art, so yesterday I began making ornaments and will spend tomorrow doing the same. After a month and a half without touching clay, it felt so good to get my hands muddy again :-).

What are you all up to? XOXO