Yes, This Year Is Almost Over

Eek! What was I thinking? That this would be a good year. It's the end. Again. Didn't we just have 4th of July? Not only was I sick for two weeks and the stupid cough is still lingering, I now have tendinitis of my right thumb. That's been going on for about a week too. Feeling a bit defeated but I'm too stupid to stay down. The thumb is feeling better and getting more movement but it still hurts when I try to grab things. I can hold some things, thankfully, but it's not 100%.

Being sick and incapacitated with the hand put me in a bit of depression. I had lost three weeks of work time. I know, I should not be hard on myself but it's me. This is the busiest time of the year for me. I was extremely hard on myself and there wasn't much I could do about it. I was sick. I had to get better. The thumb on the other hand, came out of left field. Again, I thought I was being punished for wanting to be a creative person. One who was doing more than just barely surviving. The head was saying quit. Life is too hard. Life sucks for people like you. But the heart...

The heart says 'NO'.

At this point in time, quitting is not an option. To create is to live. I am allowed to cry buckets. I am allowed time to heal. Then I will continue on that fantastic road. There will be no name calling. I will be nice to me. I have many ideas and characters waiting for me to give birth to them. They are waiting for me to show them to the world. This journey I've started is still in its infancy and there is no giving up. Not now.

I have a commission to do.  I have two shows next month to prepare for. I am back in the ring.

The basic shapes for two Day of the Dead masks. The jaw may be too strong but this is the start of them. I will work on them today along with catching up on NaNo. Thanks for checking in on me. See ya soon.

Ornament Swap

Here are the ornaments I got from the wonderful doll artist Karen Michaels. I sent my angel ornament to another artist. This is with the group Art Doll Artists. They can be found on Facebook. This is the first time I've done a swap. And it's nice getting cool things by other artists in the mail.

In Progress

It's a pain. Catching up, still working on feeling better, getting mentally back on a creative track. It's been tough. I'm working hard on not giving up because I'm so far behind. But then a part of me kicks me in the backseat to do one thing. One little thing. Because there's nothing else I want to do.

Saturday was tough. In my crazy little head, nothing seemed to be going right. Yet in between beating myself up, I managed to get something done. Too bad I can't have more days like that. I started out with this...

The core is a wet felted egg shape that I made for another project that didn't get done. Instead of tossing the egg (there are more) I decided to make something else. And I ended up with this.

He's still in progress. He will have a green cap with a brown stem and probably a red bow tie. Why him? I don't know. He spoke to me and he's determined to get done.

Block 8 of Bless This House quilt. I did change the wreath and am trying to do a little bit each day so I can stay on track.

I added some of the flowers and the heart. Now I've got to cut out bias strips to make two stems. One little bit at a time. Right?

Once again, this year will be the season of the ornaments. They're easy to do and they sell well. They make great stocking stuffers and they're cute. Here's my latest batch of angel ornaments.

I'm also involved in doll swaps and here is my doll for the Stitchin' and Switchin' USA fall swap. She will get a knitted or crocheted hat (because she wants one), a jacket and probably a scarf. Her design is based on a Penny Wooden doll. I love her curly hair but she still wants a hat. Then she'll be off to her new mom.

And wonders of wonders, I finished reading a book. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I really liked it, especially the black and white photos of the peculiar children. It is obviously a two book story and I hope he's working on the second book. It's got unusual kids in it, monsters, time travel and it's about friendship and adventure. I guess I'll have to check out his website to see what's coming up. I do recommend this book.

Bouncing Back

I'm having a tough time bouncing back from my illness. I have so much to do and catch up on, I'm trying not to panic. I am getting back to things slowly because I don't want to have a relapse and get sick again. So I've been taking midday naps because I'm so tired. I guess that's what happens when you're coughing and blowing your nose for two and a half weeks. Non-stop. You get tired. I am starting to get my appetite back, so I guess that's a good thing.

I have two art fairs next month and need to restock the shops that carry my work. Tonight is my last English Country Dance session for the year. I will go for the first part to see people, maybe dance a jig or two then head back home and rest. Lots to do this weekend, along with seeing some gal pals. Next week I'm in the Olde Mill Eclective shop.

Still behind in NaNo but my screenplay is coming along. Here are some things I've got going. Have a wonderful weekend.

This is the start of my latest Bless This House block. I modified it a little, the original had way too many squigglies.

This is the beginning of a stogie chewing pumpkin. He will be needle felted. I did manage to get my art table cleaned off and filed doll patterns I'm not using at the moment. And I've posted a blog. I will try to be a little more consistent. Especially now the holidays are coming up. Take care everyone.

It Sucks Being Sick

Yes, it does. I'm just now getting back to business after being sick for almost two weeks.  I had a very bad head cold which turned into a sinus infection. It wasn't pretty at all and I won't go into details. But I'm doing a lot better now and working to get the creative juices flowing again because....

The Holidays Are Coming!

Yep, I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. It's another month and just one more after this one. Really?  What the heck? As they always say, time waits for no one so you might as well have a blast. I have the Krankies Craft Show to work towards and I need to get more work in the shops and back on Etsy. I'm praying that I stay well as I've way to much to do before the end of the year. Oh, did I mention I was also doing NANOWRIMO this month? Yep, I'm a crazy gal.

Have a nice November and I will be getting pics up shortly.

Las Amigas Fall Art Show & Sale

Mid last week, a friend emailed me asking if I wanted to participate in her groups art show that was coming up. They were having their last meeting and she thought of me and that I might want to go in with them. Of course I said yes even though it was at the last minute. It was at a home, that was gorgeous. I love it when people take a nothing house and turn it into something special. The weather held out, I met some really nice ladies and have been invited to their next show. I also sold some things.

Blue Ridge Adventure Part II

 Fog.

 Sometimes when we would come out of fog from around a bend, I'd be waiting to see a headless horseman or some spooky specter. Nothing.

 Things being boarded up for the winter.

 This was a unique picnic area. There was a meandering stream throughout the park and tables were set up around.

 In a couple of spots, there were these stones in the stream so you can cross over to small islands. I did cross here and got wet. Cold but fun.

The water wasn't that deep and I didn't get wet until on my way back. We also saw a small herd of deer. From Asheville, we drove to Blowing Rock and stopped at Kilwins to get caramel apples. Not just any caramel apple, I got a turtle caramel apple with pecans and chocolate. Oh my goodness! I love Blowing Rock too. It's a very nice little town. I love the small shops and eateries. Then we headed to Boone where we had dinner. I love fall and I love the mountains. I really could live in the mountains. We got back home around 8 on the PM and we were beat. But I was invigorated creatively and ready to take on my next artistic challenge.