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Monday, September 9, 2013

Good Things

...come to those who wait!  That's what they say, anyway.  Unintentionally, I have had you waiting for a *very* Good Thing that will now require a little more of wait!?

Here's "the rest of the story."  Just over a year and half ago, I joined forces with two incredible artists and friends, Jean Skipper and Jodi Ohl, to begin planning a dream project.  In the time between the decision to take part and now, much thought and care has been invested in this new venture!  There were all the 'behind the scenes' details to attend to, building *and adhering to* a schedule for each step along the way, and ensuring that we left no "i" un-dotted nor "t" uncrossed.  The Plan was for there to be a big Roll Out, sharing all the juicy details, and inviting people to join us.  Never, in our wildest dreams, did we think that the Roll Out would be replaced by The Big WOW!

ReMe - Ocracoke - May, 2014...the first of many!

Before the planned date for the Roll Out, we shared 'save the date' information with friends old and new, just so folks would know it was coming...  Within 36 hours of putting the PayPal button on our web-site, we filled every spot for our inaugural event in May, 2014!?  With each new registration, the phone calls flew, and the e-mail buzzed!  Our initial idea was to grow by adding a new event each year; the overwhelming response to our 1st event has us doing the mad scramble to secure our Ocracoke location for a second event in 2014!   And we are already scouting locations for future events.

Please take a moment to visit our blog for all of the details about the magical place that will be the stage for this dream come true!  While you are there, take note of our best efforts in ensuring that you get the information you need to join us for the next installment of this creative adventure!  Sign up for our Newsletter to be 'in the know' about our next offering, and future events in other locations.

Our vision was never to become the next "big box" event -- what we want to offer is more than a 'retreat' -- it's an experience!  We envision small, intimate gatherings of like minded souls in beautiful places to enjoy creativity in community.  We have built a platform that will allow for an all-inclusive artistic event, regardless of skill level and/or proficiency in any given medium.  We each bring our own experiences of the powerful friendships borne of such gatherings to this endeavor, and it is truly a blessing to be able to share this treasure with others!  To our first group of eager attendees, I say "Thank YOU!"  ...and to all those yet to come, I say "Welcome.  We look forward to meeting, sharing, and creating with you!"  

PLA, Jean, and Jodi
...at The Inn
This new opportunity affords me the ability to do nearly all of my favorite things in one, big, beautiful package!  Art, travel, food, friends, and teaching -- could it get any better!?  The beauty of the business side of things is that I am working alongside two of my favorite people -- we each have so much to bring to the table *heck, we need more tables!*  There is an inherent ease with which obstacles dissolve under the kind and watchful eyes of partners who are also dear friends.  Our ideal lives among us each day as we work together both in real life and virtually to accomplish our goals.  The end result, allowing us to give our Guests a heaping helping dose of what we rely on day-to-day:  the power of community and the gift of 'awareness of self' amid the daily rush.  If I were any more excited about all of this, I couldn't stand it! 

Having shared this Good Thing with you, I must away -- there are even more good things on the way *all in various stages of completion?*!  ...and as my beloved likes to say, "you have to make hay while the sun is shining!"  I'll see you again soon, right here!

Onward & Upward, 

 - pla




Words of wisdom for today:
"…true happiness is not attained by self-gratification,
but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
"
                                      - Helen Keller



Monday, September 2, 2013

So, I went to Chicago

...with an incredible friend (Jodi Ohl), and had the most amazing adventure!  Our 'adventures' actually began before we ever hit the road *foreshadowing of a spectacular journey, wouldn't you say?*  When I arrived, with my own vehicle more loaded than it ought to have been, Lady J had not finished putting all of her gear in her truck (being larger than mine, the chosen chariot).  It was not long into the removal from my truck going into her truck that we realized we needed more room!?  Thus we became "The Women Who Don't Back Up!"  After procuring a sweet little U-Haul trailer, we RE-loaded *hers, mine, and ours* to head out on a 6 state road trip to attend CREATE - Chicago!
...and away we go!
After the loading, unloading, and RE-loading
YES:  you can drive 1,700 miles without backing up!
Greetings from Virginia
We came out of a few hours of spattering rain to this!
A Mountain Sunset in West Virginia
...shortly after which, we sat in stop and go traffic for
late-night road construction
Moon Over Dayton, Ohio
Northwest Dayton, to be precise - the Englewood area
Wind in the Corn -- in Indiana
...after hours & hours/miles & miles of corn, this!

Sweet Home, Chicago!
...for 4 nights, anyway
We shared driving, stories, and snacks as we made our way to the Windy City over a two day drive.  How much more pleasant, to travel with a friend!  There were times when, I am SURE, had we been stopped we would have been hauled to the pokey -- such was our raucous, heaving laughter!  There were shared sights of both beauty and decay that prompted stories from previous lives.  There was the mad fumbling with the phone and/or camera to capture the latest hilarity from the highway, as we zoomed northward.  It was a magical trip, for many reasons -- not the least of which:  getting to know someone I have long considered a Friend, but in actuality have never known very well, beyond our common interests.  It was a pleasure to visit her classroom, just at the end of each session, and see what her students had done with the knowledge and techniques that she so lovingly prepared for them.  Their sheer delight in having learned new things, and wrought them by their own hands made me excited for them -- and all that will come with their new 'knowing.'

We worked well together, in our coming and going from this event that was very different things to each of us.  For J, it was a time to re-connect with former students, welcome new ones to her ranks, and continue to grow and prosper in the world of mixed media art -- where she has become so well known.  For me, it was a journey of a different nature:  a stepping out, into a new pool of light; a venturing forth to test the waters; and an effort to find purchase in that world.  While she was there to teach for three days, and then set up to sell her wares at the Vendor Faire event on Friday, I was there for that single event alone.  All of that made this a little nerve-wracking for me -- the girl who likes to 'know' what is going to happen -- what The Plan is.  There was no knowing for this...  It was A FIRST -- it's been a little while since I had one of those (at least on such a grand scale); and it's been even longer since I felt this mix of trepidation and giddiness!

It turns out, I am pretty good at this 'displaying of my wares!'  I had a MOST incredible evening!  When the doors opened, a literal flood of people entered that Ballroom; and for the next three hours it was non-stop greeting, answering, showing, and accepting the payment of those who "got it" -- my work, my 'pieces-parts,' and my sheer joy in being there!  ...and then, like the last show of the Circus, it was over.  Would it surprise you to know that I was the last one packed up, and loaded out of that Ballroom?  *it shouldn't!*  Yes, I took too much with me -- No, I don't regret a single agonizing lifting of box, toting of bag, or hauling of load!  Why?  Because of the myriad lessons learned on this trip.  ...I can't get the tag-line for "The Six Million Dollar Man" out of my head:  "...we can rebuild him, we can make him stronger..."  I know that next time around, I will travel smarter and leaner -- with a honed focus -- pared to a reasonable load *more reasonable than this one, anyway!*
Arrowood Paper Arts in action!
...it was a wild night in the best of ways
SO...  after another in a string of week-long dinners at an abysmal hour *we <3 Warren's Ale House!*, we hit the hay to begin the long journey home the next day.  ...more Toll Booths and corn fields.  ...more ideas bouncing than unspent kernels in a popcorn popper.  ...more laughter, more music, and more stories!  I don't know who was happier on my final return to the HoCo Home:  The Man or The Dog *or ME*?  It is wonderful to travel - to see this great country, to meet new people, and to feel the growth of your own being.  I wonder if that isn't what makes the 'coming home' all the sweeter?

 Onward & Upward, 

 - pla


p.s. -- for more photos from our Chicago adventure, please visit my brand-spanking new PhotoLog
p.p.s. -- ...because it just wouldn't be my world without it, know that there is MORE amazement inducing wonderment right around the corner! 


Words of wisdom for today:
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends,
but is played out over and over in the quiet chambers.
The mind can never break off from the journey.
"
                                      - Pat Conroy
Photo Notes:
   First 6 photos taken with Motorola Android X2 - standard camera app -- edited in IrfanView for size & color adjustment.
   APA in Action:  taken by the CREATE - Chicago photographer

*All photos can be seen in a larger size by clicking on them* 

Saturday, August 17, 2013

BIG NEWS!

Greetings hale and hearty Reader!

I am thrilled to announce that a dream is coming true here in scenic HoCo.  August 13th marked the birth of Arrowood Paper Arts!  It is exhilarating to share this news, and *if possible* even more so to be living this wild ride every day!

Look for me in Chicago!
***website coming, soon!***

As many know, this isn't my first foray into a creative business venture.  It is very flattering that long time users of my candle and soap wares still ask *hopefully* if I have been 'back in the Barn.'  The Man misses those days, too.  He, like so many others, had his favorites.  If I am honest with myself,  I miss them too -- at least parts of them :-?  I am proud of all that Pennywise Specialties was, but I am incredibly "a'fire" with the road ahead of me -- which has been a long time in paving ;-)

Two Halves of One Heart
...the result of a savored moment of serious play
with my friends in the CMMAG

 ...as with most things in my world, I have jumped right in to this current venture.  Loads of things are in the works! With all that is already a 'constant' for me, these happenings have served to prove true an amazing phenomenon.  I have often marveled that it seems the more there is to do, the more you can get done!  Alternately, it could just be that having something you love to do makes it easier to do the 'other stuff,' too -- so you can fit it all in (?)  What e'er may be the case, I've been hoppin' -- and having a freakin' ball!

From the "What Happened In-Between" File:
Two pieces from a new series, currently on display at
Liquidambar Gallery & Gifts in Pittsboro, NC.
These are part of a CMMAG show, hanging through September.

All of this wicked goodness has developed while preparing for my first Road Trip under this new banner!  I am hitting the road, next week, with a supah Art Bud to debut at Create Mixed Media Retreats in CHI-CA-GO!  The incomparable Jodi Ohl will be teaching throughout the event, and I will have the chance to serve as ready and willing assistant to her and her students *ahem, throng of adoring fans!*  To wrap up this big first, we will both be participating at the Vendor Night event on Friday, August 23rd.
 
Upon returning home, there will be more fabulous-ness to report!  I can hardly wait to tell you all about it -- but the work table is calling, and the clock is ticking on what must be done before we embark!  I do hope you will join me again!  

Onward & Upward, 

 - pla


Words of wisdom for today:
"The doors we open and close
each day decide the lives we live.
"
                                      - Flora Whittemore
Photo Notes:
   Heart and What Happened, taken with my trusty Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
   Look for me from my design at Vistaprint

*All photos can be seen in a larger size by clicking on them* 

Sunday, August 4, 2013

In the Midst of My Joy, I Wept

Greetings!  I might be hanging my head in shame, given my lengthy absence; but I'm pro'lly not  ~>;-)

Life is good!  ...and it keeps me busy, happy, productive *for the most part* and ever on the cusp of adventure.  I am seriously considering a new 'tab' here for the occasional "catching up" post -- okay, yeah, you know me...  it's not really so much 'occasional' as 'ordinary' - *sad but true!*

Great and wondrous things await The Girl,
following her graduation from ECU in May
The adventures have been plentiful since our last reconnoitering, here; the latest, to celebrate both our anniversary (16th) and the birthday of The Man (62nd).  We lit out for our favorite, coastal run-away; enjoying incredibly mild *if a little rainy* weather, peace, quiet, the song of the sea, and the *blessedly* few work-related distraction(s).


a break in the clouds,
the nodding sea oats glow, as
a sweet breeze glides by
While reveling in virtually all that gives me joy, I received some news that stopped me in my tracks -- causing The Man to re-enter our temporary domicile to the vision of me:  wracked with tears - trying desperately not to cry, and failing miserably.  The explanation even more bizarre than my tremendous sorrow in the lap of luxuriant indulgence...

A woman with whom I have corresponded and exchanged gifts, yet never met, is a TRUE hero to me.  I fell head over heels in love with Amy McCracken* through the regular reading of the 3x3x365 blog, *all due to my admiration (aka:  virtual stalking) of one Patti Digh*

To understand this photo, visit 37days.com
To understand why it is such an awesome photo,
visit *and read daily/weekly* 3x3x365.blogspot.com
*Amy is a shepherdess to animals without homes (Executive Director of Richmond Animal League), a cheerleader for CF patients lacking a sufficient voice, and a writer (nay, Writer) who continually moves me with her profound observations of our frail, grasping attempts to make sense of Life and its ponderous inanities for us mere mortals.  One of the things that drew me to this dynamo is her love and dedication to defeating Cystic Fibrosis while lifting up those who suffer so from this ravaging disease.  You can read more about such heroic endeavors here, and here.

SO...  The Man and I are quite unexpectedly 'away', and all is right with the world -- or so I thought.  On the day after we arrived at Kure Beach, we enjoyed early morning sun, and typical *for this time of year in NC* afternoon thunderstorms.  On Monday of last week, these came with gusty winds that drew us inside - unable to even enjoy the  ocean view from our covered deck.  As we prepared to move the afternoon indoors, I checked the latest news of those I care to know about via Facebook.  I was utterly gobsmacked to read that Alyssa Doane (aka:  Little A, Cheeto, Sweetness *okay, so I might have added that last moniker on my own*) had lost her fight with CF.  She. Was. Gone.  It has been nearly a week, and the simple act of typing this brings tears to my eyes.  Why?  I did not know this girl.  I was more than thrice removed:  not family, not dear/real-life friend, not even a passing acquaintance.  I only knew of her peripherally -- through someone else I do not know (?)

Little A and Big A -- flight ready
It was her promise!  She was such an amazing young woman.  She was strong, and brave, and gracious, and funny; all in the face of being terribly sick.  In spite of my awareness that hers was such a fragile existence, I had the abiding, crazy (?) belief that she would be fine - she would rally, once again - she would continue to be the amazing girl that her all-too-brief and troubled life had allowed (nay, required) her to be.

I wept.  I was not surprised at my beloved's inability to understand my upset -- I did not fully understand it!  I thought that I had finished weeping, only to find that I had not -- not by a long shot.  I was heartbroken; grief-stricken for her family, her personal warrior, and her friends.  I, selfishly, admit that I was also sad for me -- for the sudden, real, and crushing realization that I would never meet this incredible being.  In that moment of my wicked sadness, however, I arrived at another truth:   I/we are beyond blessed!  I am a mother, sister, aunt, god mother, friend, and passing 'known' to countless children -- all of whom are totally healthy.  What an incredible blessing to know that these beacons of our future are complete and among us -- they do not struggle to breathe, walk, laugh, play, and/or share and return our love, and wild faith in their futures.

My heart continues to reach out for Little A's family and friends.  They remain in my mind and my heart as I go on about this daily rise and rest - advance and retreat - try and succeed/fail that we call our 'every day.'  My soul continues to be heavy in the knowledge of such a loss.  In spite of it all, I remain crazy thankful for all of those who I can 'reach out and touch.'  I am tremulously small in the face of my life's greatness.

...a view from the backside -- Okracoke Island, NC
(from a visit in May '13 -- already looking forward to '14)

I'll leave you with this:  Go, and go NOW!  Hug them (if they are near enough), call them (if they are not) -- tell them now how crucial their being in your life is to your being.  Proclaim your love, support, and gratitude for their presence!  You will all be the better for it.  I know this to be true!

Onward & Upward,
 - pla

Words of wisdom for today:
"Our attitude toward life
determines life's attitude
towards us."
                                      - Earl Nightingale
Photo Notes:
   Graduation, Sea Oats, and Ocracoke Island taken with my trusty Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
   Roller Girls via 3x3x365 Blog
   Little A & Big A via Facebook

*All photos can be seen in a larger size by clicking on them* 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Gobsmacked by Love

Greetings, Blogland!  How's tricks?

Things in HoCo have been hoppin'!  ...and through the simple forgetfulness of yours truly, today ended up being a 'blogging day!'  Yes, I knew it was President's Day.  But, here in NC, it is no longer a State holiday.  It is still a Federal holiday, so the bank and P.O. were C-L-O-S-E-D :-\  *I found this out, while being the productive little elf that I am, and heading out to take care of some 'bidness' today -- only to discover that those with whom I needed to interact were all away*  Ahhh...  an unexpected pocket o' time!  Perfect for getting back in the swing of things, here, eh?

I think so, too!

I mentioned, back in January, that some pretty sizable changes were taking place in my little corner.  While the ramifications of those changes are still being discovered (and explored, and reveled in, etc., etc.), the biggest thing *in the moment* was the capital-A-Amazing gift/tribute that I received that night!  ...and while much blog-worthy 'stuff' has happened in the time between that night and today, I just couldn't move onto all of that until I found a way to get my mind wrapped around the powerful beauty of this:
The Book
Way back in October, totally unbeknownst to me, the fabulous MDP *my intrepid co-leader of the CMMAG* contacted the membership of the Guild to invite them to take part in a special project -- a book for ME (!?)  She supplied them with a list of some of my favorite things ("bees, bookmaking, good wine, great friends, monkeys, chickens, Joseph Cornell assemblages, pirates, daisies, metal, good novels, ECU, and an abiding love of all things CMMAG"), and what happened next was pure MAGIC!  Right under my nose *literally -- in the midst of our Year End Wrap Up/Christmas Party in December,* her little helpers collected the works of my fellow guild-mates.  In January, as I stepped down after two terms (4 years) as President, they presented me with The Book.  

Overflowing with memories, thanks, and amazing artwork!
Well, first there was a very moving 'speech' *a la Open Letter* from our esteemed Founder, the incredible JR.  As she read her most generous thoughts to the assembled group, MDP sidles up alongside me with a box of tissues *they know me too well!* -- and it wasn't long until I needed them!  ...and before she got to the end of her letter, JR needed them too (!)  There was applause and hugging (and sniffling, and laughing); I thanked everyone for their input/support -- I have said for years that without them all of those good ideas meant nothing -- it really does 'take a village!'  Then I resumed my seat, figuring we would get on with the rest of the meeting.  "But wait," exclaimed MDP, our newly elected President "there's more!"  No kidding, I said "Oh, Lord!" while reaching for a fresh tissue!  In spite of having put together just such a 'secret project' only two years ago for JR (commemorating the 10th anniversary of the CMMAG), I was blown away at them having done so for me!
Powerful Words
Here was this gorgeous tome -- full of shared memories, notes of thanks, amazing artwork, and chock full o' sweetness!  ...for ME (!)  Even trying to tell you now, gentle reader, how overwhelming it was brings tears to my eyes.  I am not down playing the work, time, and effort that I put forth during the course of my tenure as President; I'll tell you -- there were times I nearly pulled my hair out!?  But, seriously, I approached this like I do any other commitment:  with every intention of doing the best job I am capable of doing.  Were there things I could have done better?  Probably...  The love and appreciation housed within this treasure trove more than make up for the times when I wondered "What was I thinking?"

My membership in this group has been much like getting a ticket to a foreign land!  Every month, we come together to learn, share, and grow as artists and crafts-people -- nurturing one another and the community that supports and sustains us.  I have never experienced anything like it before!  I have made some of the most incredible friends, had some wicked good times, and learned many things about myself in the process.  I guess the most mind-boggling part of their recognition is that I already felt 'compensated' for my efforts -- by our successes, our ongoing growth, and our strengthening bonds within (and beyond) our circle.  Just after the first of the year, I acknowledged that I am sometimes haunted by old voices and the messages that they deliver.  I now have the ultimate remedy for those blue days!  The Book is capable of chasing away any negativity seeking residence!  It occupies pride of place in my living room, and is enjoyed regularly.  I am sure that there are little secrets I have not yet discovered -- I'll find them all, no worries ;-)

As much as I would like to share ALL of it with you, I am highlighting just a bit of the wonderment contained within The Book.  *...a girl can't share everything!

My Ode - a la MDP
*You must tell me!  Has anyone ever written you a song?
*
A Crossword Puzzle from JR
*The Man and I marveled mightily over this, the night The Book came home!*
Another pleasant *yet no less amazing* surprise:  they're still coming!?  At last weeks meeting, I received more pages and sweet thoughts -- I look forward to enjoying them as they arrive, and for many years to come!
Still coming in!
Oddly enough *and in the serendipitous way that such things happen* I stumbled across the perfect sentiment, just today -- to sum up my speechlessness over this amazing gift:
A Simple Truth
That, my friends, says all that I cannot!  *yeah, yeah; I know that there are some who think I am never at a loss for words.  Just goes to show ya'!* This simple thought is the best summary of why I love this Guild -- just as they are all of this to me, they are all of this for everyone who signs on to be a part of our community.  I suppose it is merely human nature to have doubt(s)...  

What a splendid gift to have such a 'crew!'  With all of my heart, I thank the members of the CMMAG (past and present)!  Thank you for your generous spirits, your 'can do' attitudes, your willingness to try new things *and be wildly amazing*, your beautiful support of one another (and me), and your belief in the power of Community.  I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for us -- and if the first two months of this year are any indication, we ain't seen nothin' yet!


Onward & Upward!
 - pla

p.s. -- fast forward to last week:  The Man surprised me in a major way!  A dozen roses and bottle of very nice Malbec for Valentine's Day :-o  ...as I have humbly said before:  Lucky am I!



Words of wisdom for today:
"Everybody needs his memories.
They keep the wolf of insignificance
from the door."
                                      - Saul Bellow
Photo Notes:
   All photos with Nikon D5100 - using AF-S Nikor 55-200 lens (cropping and out of camera adjustments using IrfanView)
   "A Simple Truth" came my way via Facebook - the quote was not attributed.

*All photos can be seen in a larger size by clicking on them* 

Friday, January 25, 2013

...and Staying Uplugged

*whew!*  This week has been a whirlwind of catching up, figuring out, and planning for what comes next!  I have discovered a few things along the way...  I will have to share those with you a bit later, as I am off -- on the road, again!  This weekend holds a much anticipated (and looong overdue) visit with The Girl!

...but I encountered a poem this morning that yearned to be shared:

     The dignity of desire

      Dive into the thin air of hope
      long for it
      like a tree's roots dig
      for drink       don't pretend
      you don't need it
      you need it
      but don't expect it to look
      like the movie that plays
      on the screen
      of your skull
      your job is not to find it
      only to let yourself
      be found
      to find strength
      in begging
      for love.
                  -Samantha Reynolds, Bentlily.com 

I love that as I make my way along this Journey there are signposts from those who have gone before...  Just last night, as I spoke to my Auntie V to wish her a happy birthday (71 -- how did THAT happen!?), we talked about how the older one gets the faster the time seems to pass.  Are you taking time to look for the 'signposts'?  Are you dragging your heels at every opportunity to make each little happiness, each gift of beauty/love/grace last as long as possible?  Savor!  Treasure!  Hold tight!  There is incredible goodness in this world -- our only task is to be as 'open' to it as we are to all the horrific news that churns on and on and on.

Here is a sampling of some goodness that gave me hope, this weekhope for our youth (we need more news of 'good guys' like these!),  hope for greater kindness (we need more news of bravery/kindness like this!), and hope for us all (because love IS for everyone!).

SO...  What has given you hope, this week?  Have you experienced something that made you feel more hopeful, or reaffirmed your own vision?  Share it with me!  In this world that has become so connected to the next news cycle, what little thing(s) bring its beauty and magic back to you?

I'd love to hear what the signposts look like on your part of the trail!

Onward & Upward!
 - pla



Words of wisdom for today:

"Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
And I'm feeling good
I'm feeling good.
.
"


                                      - as sung by Nina Simone
p.s. - I'll be back with all of the aforementioned 'shareable goods' in the next week or so...  For right now, "I'm flyin' high.  ...and I'm feelin' good."