Michael Jackson - The End of an Era

What a difficult day. I have many fond memories about Michael Jackson, his music and his dancing. I remember dancing the night away to his music, watching his performances, music videos, etc. His talent was an amazing gift.

At the same time over the years, I've felt ambivalence given the many allegations about inappropriate relationships with young boys, his ever-changing body, how he hid his children from the media, and his erratic behavior.

I seem able to separate the man from the artist. I don't condone the behavior of the man. He seemed like a tortured soul to me and I am not really surprised that he is gone. The complexity of this man was beyond comprehension, which I guess is somewhat typical for the highly creative.

He changed the face of music and dance and I will miss him.

I feel compassion and am saddened. I suspect his death is drug-related and I hope that those responsible will be held accountable. Add him to the list of tortured souls who died with the help of their "helpers", or as I would say, their enablers - Elvis Presley and Anna Nicole Smith - both their deaths are traceable to prescriptions provided by their Doctors. And so many other artists have died from illegal drug overdoses - the talent lost is profound.

I've Won an Award!! - One Lovely Blog Award

Wow - Miriam of Angel's hair awarded me with a "one lovely blog award" - see her blog @ http://theangelshair.blogspot.com/ I love how she writes and I follow her blog regularly. And I very much appreciate her giving me this award. I was blogging more regularly than I am currently and am hoping to get back into the regular groove....life is seeming very busy and intense these days. This award reminds me that I love the blogging world and need to give myself a push when I seem to move away from it. Thank you Miriam!

Now it is my turn to pass this lovely award on to Bloggers that I follow.

Here are the blogs that I enjoy reading and each of them are being awarded this "Lovely Blog Award"

http://queen-of-arts.blogspot.com/ http://pamwardenart.blogspot.com/ http://tamaragarvey.blogspot.com/ http://amusedcreations.blogspot.com/ http://annettepiperjewellery.blogspot.com/ http://gaeabeads.blogspot.com/ http://kingofmicestudios.blogspot.com/ http://alscreations.blogspot.com/ http://57designstudio.blogspot.com/ http://wwwyellowflower.blogspot.com/ http://michabellacreations.blogspot.com/ http://chainmaillebymboi.blogspot.com/ http://akacontrariwise.blogspot.com/ http://flyviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/

" One Lovely Blog Award Rules": Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award."

Thank you Miriam for picking me - and congrats to all the bloggers that I follow for sharing of yourselves.

A Wonderful Day Celebrating Our Soon-to-Be First Grandchild

It's been an exciting time here as our daughter is having a baby. In the past week we've met the Dr., had a tour of the hospital, and got to listen to the baby's heartbeat. What an amazing experience.

Today Winde's friends got together to throw her a baby shower. Now I've not been to a baby shower in 40 years or so, and am not what I would consider experienced with such events. It was a beautiful day. I am posting pictures for those who may want to see how great it all was. I'm a proud mom, soon to be grandma....

Sometimes It's Difficult to Get Motivated!

I seem to have stopped writing in my blog. My last post was Mother's Day. I'm not sure if there is a connection between the last post being about my mother, and my not writing. I don't think so but I'm not sure.

What I do know is that it is a struggle to keep myself "up" given the challenges I face making a living as a jewelry maker. Things that used to roll off my back are effecting me more these days.

An example of this is that I was not accepted into a big craft show this year that I got into last year. I know how competitive it is for jewelers at craft shows and therefore shouldn't be surprised, but for some reason, this year it hit me harder than usual. Makes me think of the things I need to do to increase my chances of acceptance.

For example, I think I need better photographs to send to shows. My photos look pretty good on the web, but printed they are not as professional looking. I also think I need to add an artist statement to my applications, acknowledging that there is a ton of competition for jewelry makers, and what it is about my jewelry that stands out and makes me a good candidate for their show. As a "beader" it is easy to discount the quality of the work I do although when people get a chance to see it up close, it is clear that the pieces are not run of the mill, given my use of color and design.

So.....I've been in a funk and am hoping that I am moving out of it. I have a show in Connecticut this Sunday at an Art Fair, and I hope that will help. I love talking to people about my work.

Here are a few of my new pieces. I seem to be using pendants more and more, and these are particular ones that I've been hoarding. When I find components that I love, I hang on to them for a while, not wanting them to go.....then after a while I can use them and put them up for sale. I suspect other jewelry artists understand that dynamic!