the work of life

'i will not let anyone walk through my mind with dirty feet.'
- gandhi

'no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.'

- eleanor roosevelt

like meditation and yoga, self-healing is a practice... it is daily work... i have certain mantras that i use in different situations, while striving to do and not just to try... being immersed in my creative space can even temporarily free me from negative feelings or environmental conditions and guide me toward those more uplifting...

'at times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.'
- albert schweitzer

i know i have used those words before, but they have a more universal application this time... that thanks go to family, friends, new acquaintances and members of this community... a reminder for me that those who extend compassion and/or empathy have their own lives as well... and it is critical not to drain their spirit... while never done selfishly, it is careless and unmindful... an extra amount of attentiveness to this is added to my list... for i definitely try to live by the 'first do no harm' principle & to be supportive of others... it is my sole responsibility to not let the tinders go out...

i know i am a bit of a quote hound, but i am inspired by the wisdom of those who have lived and lived well... so at the age of 43, here's a goal -

'i am not afraid of storms, for i am learning how to sail my own ship.'
- louisa may alcott

gratitude

'at times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.'
- albert schweitzer

no doubt, the appropriate way to begin this blog is to say 'thank you' - to family and friends who love and encourage and to the amazing artists i have met through etsy who have helped me to grow and create in ways that i didn't know i could...

since joining etsy and discovering the artists that dwell there, i have been more inspired than ever and pushed myself harder... and i am so happy for that... maybe it's because i feel like i know the people behind the art, so i feel more responsible to do their work justice with my work... there is a connection that exists when you purchase directly - even though your new friends are in other parts of the country or even canada... they have all been patient and kind when i shoot out my ideas and ask for custom orders - i thank you all for that...

i would like to mention in particular (but in no particular order!)

mak at MAKUstudio for her beautiful raku beads
beth at hintjewelry for her inspiring and eloquently created charms
cathy at cathydailey for her unique sterling components created in the art of lost wax casting
nicole at NValentineStudio for her incredible glass work - especially the goddesses!
rocki at RockisSupplies for her metal work providing ear wires and clasps that i choose not to work without
donna at purplepozies for her beautiful glass beads that i count on
maryann at LindenAvenueDesigns for glass offerings that support my eclectic nature
marie at BleuVerre for inspiration and unique glass beads that i count on for my funky days

so thank you one and all for helping me to do what i love ~ creating with pieces i love to touch and work with, pieces i can feel the hands and imagination of the artist in... i have a connection to the final designs when they are done for when i look at them, i think of each of you and how you helped to make it happen...