A woman who works with her hands is a laborer;

A woman who works with her hands and her head is a craftsperson;

A woman who works with her hands, her head and her heart is an....

Artist.


Thursday, October 7, 2010

When It Rains, It Pours

I feel like I have dropped off the face of the planet over the last few weeks - and if you judge my existance by this blog, that assumption would be correct.
I have been buried in the studio over the last few weeks working on all sorts of exciting things. And of course, real life exists too.
There have been birthday dinners, family events, homework help, my day job and of course life necessities like chores, grocery shopping, sleep . . .
But as of today, I am beginning to emerge and only slightly worse for the wear. So what exactly has been dominating my time? 
Well - thank you for asking!

We are gearing up for our fall and winter holiday sales. We don't have a lot - but they are heavy hitters for us. The summer kind of wiped us out, so we really are trying to rebuild our inventory. And because we don't do anything the easy way - we have been working on redesigning a few of our best sellers - the plaques and mirrors. In the past, we have relied on an outside source to purchase the raw product and then we have created the magic. But now we are creating our own from raw wood and only have to rely on ourselves. I like that much better - and I am much happier with the end result!

We are heading to Sisters, Oregon this weekend to take part in the Sisters Harvest Festival. This is a big show that takes over the town of Sisters. Wonderful art and music and food - great fun.
Unfortunately, the weather report is not looking good - so if you are so inclined a few prayers and positive thoughts our direction would be most appreciated!
 This is our last outdoor sale of the year. Last the skies were clear and beautiful cool. I am hoping that the rain stays away just for a few more days - but if not, we are Oregonians and I learned years ago, we don't melt!

We have wonderful news - we have just placed our items in a new store - Boticelli's Functional Gifts in Corvallis. We delivered a nice supply of bright and whimsical mirrors and plaque this week. If you are in the Corvallis area - check it out.
We are also working on an order for Made In Oregon stores. We should have items in about 5 of their stores throughout the state by the Holidays.
And we are talking with a few more stores in Washington and Oregon that we will be settling up with and making deliveries of products by mid-November.  Alot of information, I know -

In real life . . .
I feel sad and melancholy as I watch the days rapidly shortening and I know that summer is officially over.
But I do love the golden days of fall - the way the light seems to glow and glisten off the trees, the crisp feel of the air and the cool temperatures at night.
 But I dread the gray of winter.
So instead - I will focus on the warmth and coziness of the long nights spent with friends, family and extended family around the table . . .

 cozying up for a lazy afternoon nap . . .
And remembering - that summer will be back again,
 so in the meantime -
 I will try to do my best to reflect those days by carrying the sunshine with me where ever I go.



2 comments:

  1. Well done on getting your beautiful work into so many stores - you sound like you have been really busy and I think it's nice to allow yourself to get absorbed by your work and your family in your own little world - they are lovely family photos which capture some special moments.

    The nights are cutting in here too - autumn is definitely in full swing but I'm also looking forward to cosy nights sitting with family and friends or quiet moments of sewing and painting.

    Good luck with your next event.

    Michelle x

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  2. I thought you were talking about the Oregon weather! You have been busy and I am happy to see your work is out there - it brightens my day to see it!

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