ReMe Blog Hop pt. Deux! - OR – Destination Relaxation

Hi!  Thanks for visiting with me as The Great ReMe Blog Hop continues.  If you missed last weeks posts, do take time to read Jean’s approach to the first prong of The ReMe Way *Rest-Relax-Renew,* Rest.  This week, I’ll share with you what it means for me to Relax.

All Aboard!
What does it mean to you to Relax?

I have to open by saying that, as a quasi-typical Type A, this whole “relax” thing is not my natural state!  *a running joke around here is that I have two speeds:  Stop and GO!*  Rather, it has been a learned trait for me; one that I appreciate having learned, and continue to fine-tune.  As an artist with full time dreams on a part time reality, I often find relaxation in ways that may look a whole lot like ‘work’ to other people.

Day to day, for me, involves working alongside my husband and our business partner as we run a small company dedicated to providing affordable technological solutions for county agencies throughout NC.  Kevin (aka Resident Genius) designs access control and video monitoring systems that are used by County Jails, Courthouses, and Sheriff’s Offices.  He and Bob are the hands-on, front line fellas – performing installations and service calls hither and yon.  I am the ‘behind the scenes’/Girl Friday of this outfit, manning the office, ordering equipment, billing and paying bills, and assorted and sundry other tasks that keep the wheels of commerce turning smoothly.

In my off hours, I enjoy the company of fellow creatives in both a regional mixed media art guild (of which it is my privilege to serve as a member of the Board), and a local art marketing discussion group.  When not learning/growing/socializing with these dynamic crowds, there are family and friends near and far with which to correspond and connect.

Add to all of that my own artistic business venture (Arrowood Paper Arts), and the newly established joint endeavor with fellow artists JeanSkipper and Jodi Ohl (ReMe Retreats); it becomes easier to see where the notion of only having two speeds comes from, eh?  Fortunately, being actively involved in creative pursuits is its own form of Zen for me!  Quite often, the easiest way to settle my rather active mind is to immerse myself in some sort of creative activity:  sketching out one of the myriad ideas from the mind-tumbler, designing a new class/project, puzzling out a new way to use an old thing, or romping around in colorful a painting/printing session.  Allowing myself to step away from my various To-Dos and indulge in serious play is a fabulous way to recharge my batteries!

Print, Cut & Fold, Print, Print
Serious Play begets Beautiful Work

 

Another, and perhaps the most long-held, means of relaxation is to find a comfy spot and dive into a good book.  For as long as I can remember, I have been an avid reader.  I thought the notion of a ‘limit’ on how many books one was allowed to check out of the library in school was preposterous (!)  From my teen years all the way up to the present moment, the most totally indulgent thing I can think of is to curl up with a book and read until falling asleep, only to rise in the morning and return to reading, while still nestled snugly among the covers *preferably with grand mug of good coffee.*  This scenario can only be improved upon if the weather is either (a) wickedly, frosty cold, or (b) dreary grey and rainy – making such slothful behavior fully justifiable *unless the laundry is calling too loudly (?)*  In the spirit of Full Disclosure, I will confess that the former happens with a great deal more regularity than the latter!

Before you head over to “the rest of the story” on the ReMeBlog, take a moment to tell me what ways are your favorite to embody “Relax” in your day-to-day existence.  Leave a comment here, and you will be entered to win one of my handmade FolioBooks.  They make handy little project workbooks, allowing you to keep track of all the details with pockets on the front and back covers for notes/receipts/ideas-scribbled-on-cocktail-napkins/etc.  Winner to be chosen *in the tried and true manner* by Wito the Wonderdog on Monday, February 17^th (with video verification provided).   Good luck!

FolioBook by PLA
Enter a comment, here on the blog, for your chance to win!

Continue to ReMe, for some of my favorite ways to Relax in Ocracoke…

One down, one HOP to go...
The Great ReMe Blog Hop continues!

Onward & Upward,

 - p

Words of wisdom for today:

"It is nice finding that place
where you can just go and relax."

                                      - Moises Arias

Photo Notes:

   Destination taken with Samsung Galaxy S4 - edited in Pic Monkey
   Print, Cut...   Samsung Galaxy S4 - collage created in Pic Monkey
   FolioBook taken with Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS1  - collage created in Pic Monkey

   ReMe Banner  - created by yours truly

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

A Big Day for Little Things

This week, on Thursday (February 6^th), exactly five days before the anniversary of the accident that truly changed my life forever, I got my new hearing aids.  It was a “big” day simply for the fact that it was, in so much as others are involved, The End of the ordeal – you might think that the day the law suit ended would have been The End*. However, until this measure of restoration could happen it wasn’t really over.  I suppose one could argue that this particular adventure won’t really be over until I am done & gone…  That seems a labyrinthine argument -- way too big for my meager mind, tho’!

Say "Hello" to my little friends...
NOTE:  "Oto-Ease" = Ear Lube *intended to ease itching/irritation*
The lovely, little black box of grey 'wands' = Wax Traps *let's just leave it at that*

In addition to being a Big Day in the ‘Tying-Up-Loose-Ends’ department, it was even bigger in the ‘Fully-Realizing-What-Was-Lost’ department…  Bear in mind that I was nowhere near ‘deaf’ – the Audiologist’s Report revealed that the inner ear injury had damaged primarily the upper register (high frequency) of my hearing – to the tune of a 40% reduction.  The best analogy I have for this are the coupons, beloved of artists and crafters throughout the land, from Michael’s, AC Moore, and the like.  You know, those 40% off gems with which they lure you into to the store – knowing that even on your most disciplined day(s), you can’t go in and get out with just ONE item.

Unfortunately, 40% off one of the five senses is not such a good deal.  I suppose it serves as a testament to the adaptability of us mere mortals that I did not realize *rather, had NO freakin’ CLUE* how much I was actually missing.  Don’t get me wrong, I knew that I was having a hard time ‘catching’ everything – conversations amidst lots of background noise, watching television and having to ask “What did he say?” (which I had to do quite often, much to the chagrin of my sweetheart), etc.  Every day, I am reminded that there were SO many other things that had just faded away for me.

From the time I left that appointment Thursday morning up to the moment of this writing, I am constantly feeling the big “Wow!” – little things, things that in the overall scheme of Life may seem inconsequential, are being re-introduced to my range.  Examples?  I’ve got buckets!

At the end of my appointment, the Doc handed me my paper and sent me to the check-out counter.  I must have looked The Fool, walking down the hallway marveling at the noises emanating from that magical piece of paper!?  “Wow!” I thought to myself, “This is really LOUD paper.”  When I handed the paper to the young man to settle up before leaving, I recall being amazed that his computer was SO ‘clicky’!?  Upon exiting the office, I actually heard the traffic beyond the office complex – cars whizzing down the road… that rubbery (almost sticky) sound of tires on asphalt.  I had not heard that when I came in to the office (?)  Leaving the parking lot, I was startled by the firm, mechanical ‘snap’ made by engaging my turn signals – which now sounded more ‘blinky’…  With every stop, entrance, and exit that happened on Thursday (and there were many), I noticed a new depth of sound.  *the jangling of my keys, the gritty sibilance of my shoes on the sidewalks, the faint sigh of doors closing, the succulence of wine tumbling into my glass, the clink and clatter of dishes, even the sweet snufflings of Wito, it just goes on and on…*

My favorite re-acquaintance of the day, however, was when I heard the susurrations of the pines with only the slightest breeze.  The whispering of trees is one of my favorite sounds in the world – so calming, so peaceful, like a promise breathed into the neck of your lover, or the heartbreaking sweetness of “I love you” uttered by a child half asleep.  I wept.  I stood in the sunshine, and tears ran down my cheeks as I was serenaded by the soft whispers of the ancients. 

Down the Road I Go

There have been a few disarming moments, as well...  I sound different now – which was to be expected, having these wee ‘helpers’ inside my head all my waking hours.  I was not prepared for my husband to sound so different to me, though – the voice that I spend more time with than any other.  It was not a ‘bad’ thing, just different.  Perhaps the tiniest bit sad, in a way:  that the voice of one so beloved had been diminished for nearly three years without my knowing it, until it came back to its fullness.

...I love you, too!

The coming weeks and months will be studded with appointments as we fine tune the return of this newly-fascinating sense.  There will be more differences, more discoveries as I return to the world renewed of hearing – really hearing.  I am excited for all that lies ahead, even though at present it is a bit overwhelming. 

     

Now that I can hear more clearly, let’s have a chat!  What sound is most precious to you?  What activity that involves listening is your favorite? 

Onward & Upward,

 - p

*not trying to confuse you, dear reader – as noted earlier this week, I have some catching up to do – sorry to leave you hanging, with just the beginning and the end – the middle of this saga is yet to come ;)

Words of wisdom for today:

"We have two ears and one tongue
so that we would listen more and talk less."

                                      - Diogenes

Photo Notes:

   Hello taken with my trusty Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 - edited in Irfan View
   The Road -  Samsung Galaxy S4 - edited in PhotoShop Pro X2

   ...you, too!  - Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 - edited in PhotoShop Pro X2

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

P.S. - I’ll share with you a little treat I gave myself to revel in my heightened auditory powers.  I started a new audio book on Thursday; The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, read by Stephen Fry!  A long-time lover of good storytelling, this match was made in Heaven!  Utter joy – a performer who clearly loves what he does, Fry’s delivery is impeccable.  It having been years since I read this book, I can think of no one better to refresh my memory of the tale.

P.P.S. -- Don't forget that the Great ReMe Blog Hop has begun!  Jean's 1st Friday entries are up on her blog, and continued at ReMe's blog.  I do hope you'll join us, and share how our Motto "Rest - Relax - Renew" resonates in your story.

 

Love Is In the Air!

It's that time of year again...  One can not venture into any retail establishment without being bombarded by glittering hearts, a menagerie of pastel-hued stuffed critters, and chocolate piled to the rafters.  Yes, Valentine's Day is right around the corner!  My creative cohorts at ReMe Retreats and I have another idea for spreading love in this season of Cupid, though.  We are hosting a HOP!  No, we haven't confused the order of our holidays  --  We're staging a Blog Hop :-)  

Let's go to the hop...

 Won't you join us on Fridays in February?  We'll be sharing with you how we embrace the simple philosophy of the ReMe Way -- both in our day-to-day lives, and in the special ways that Ocracoke embodies each notion for all of us.  It promises to be most illuminating -- and, you may just win an original piece of art from us!  It's the perfect win/win scenario:  we win by sharing our passions with you, you win by learning more about the dynamic artists/instructors behind ReMe Retreats, and you might well win an original work of art in the process!

I am super excited to be on this creative journey with two amazing artists who also happen to be dear friends.  As I shared with you last year, our inaugural event is fast approaching (May, 2014)!  Due to the tremendous response to our initial offering, plans were put in place to offer a 2nd ReMe Retreat in Ocracoke in October of this year, as well *registration is now open*!  We thought that the Season of Love was the perfect time to share more of our love for this undertaking.  To do just that, we are expounding on our motto:  Rest - Relax - Renew.

                          Jean Skipper                                               Penny Arrowood                                               Jodi Ohl
                           February 7                                                      February 14                                               February 21
                                Rest                                                                   Relax                                                           Renew

The details:
Visit with each of us on Fridays in February -- follow the link to "the rest of the story" on the ReMe Blog -- leave a comment on the presenter's blog post -- giveaway winners will be announced the following Monday.  *easy peasy!*

What's that, you say?  There is a Friday unaccounted for?  Why, yes -- yes, there is, my astute reader!  Don't you worry tho' -- we have BIG plans for that last Friday!  I hope you'll hop to it, and join us on this whirlwind tour of exactly what it is that ReMe means to each of us, as well as how special we want ReMe to be for you!

Onward & Upward!
 - p

Words of wisdom for today:

"We must always change, renew,
rejuvenate ourselves;
otherwise we harden."

                                                           - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Photo Notes:

   ReMe Banner:  designed by yours truly

   Jean, Penny, and Jodi:  from Facebook profile photos (effects applied in PaintShop Pro X2)

  

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

Gettin' Back in the Groove...

Greetings!

It has been said that time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like bananas...  That may well be true (?)  One thing I know for sure is that the space marked by months on the calendar can seem like the blink of an eye in the space(s) between my Life and BlogLand!

Groucho said it!
"Time flies like an arrow.  Fruit flies like a banana."

Many great and wondrous things have transpired since our last virtual visit, here; and I am so looking forward to sharing them all with you.  I envision a wee series of posts dedicated to 2013 Revisited  :-\  They are good and juicy morsels of memory, and each has played a part in how I have come to rejoin my groove as we settle in to all that this vast new year has to offer.  I want to share them with you as much for your vicarious pleasure as for my own assurance that these precious memories do not escape me all together in the hustle and bustle that lies ahead.  So...  shall we rest easy in knowing that we have a veritable buffet of goodness to look forward to, together?

Here's a little taste of what we can look forward to looking back on in the coming weeks:

     >  the 2013 version of the Me-Treat turned into a mind-blowing, (s)hero-meeting,
         new-friend-greeting, heart-bursting-open, thought-expanding Life changer *
     >  an arduous journey ended in a most satisfactory manner
     >  the CMMAG returned to Art of the Carolinas for the SIXTH time, and the magic
         was even more monumental than before
     >  new opportunities seized yield incredible creative mojo as new classes and creative
         offerings pop up like mushrooms on a spongy log
     >  what's all the hubbub about 'having a word,' and why does it matter?

...and to all of that, I'll add my hopes that yours was a wonderful and restorative Holiday Season!  Ours was marked by the elongation of celebrations typical with children living far afield, and friends and family all living full and involved existences (the final, festive get-together taking place one month to the day after Christmas)!

Never one to indulge in "resolutions," I have jumped headlong into this New Year with a renewed resolve to formulate the discipline required to achieve all the wild desires of my heart -- not the least of which is the creation of more regular content in this little space I have carved out of the immense interweb!  

I look forward to spending more time with you, here.

Onward & Upward!
 - p

*  part of my extended haitus from this very space was my sheer inability to put into words all that my autumnal excursion was for me!  ...long in the coming, but so well worth the wait!

Words of wisdom for today:

"Little drops of water, little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean, and the pleasant land.
So the little minutes, humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages of eternity."

                                      - Julia Carney

Photo Notes:

   Groucho -- photobucket find 

  

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

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

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*