Shared Messages from the Universe

Blogtoberfest: Day 31

Yahoo, yippee...blogging each day during October, check. I have to admit that I really didn't think that I would stick with it. I am so glad that I did. During the next few days, I will be reviewing my month of posts to help determine which posts I will be sharing in the future. Do you have a favorite post? Is there a theme that you want to see me continue?

Last night as I walked home from yoga I was thinking through the photos that I have taken during the past week. I realized that I have been so busy; 4 airplanes, client meetings/dinners, car rentals, building a house...that I didn't pay attention to the messages from the universe. Then I crossed the street and right before me was this:

We all have dreams but do you dream big? I dare you to dream bigger.

If you could do anything - what would you do? If you could live anywhere - where would you live?

Are you living the life you want? Does your soul sing each day?

Remember to join me tomorrow, when I will be participating in a blog hop with my fellow flyers. It is a great opportunity for you to meet other artists. Who knows, maybe you'll get some Christmas shopping ideas!

Sunday Color Snippets

Blogtoberfest: Day 30
In honor of Halloween tomorrow I thought I would post a little holiday color today.

Happy Halloween!

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011 I am participating in a Blog Hop. Visit my blog on Tuesday, read my post, comment, and then click on the links that will be listed to visit my fellow Flying Lessons e-course classmates and check out their blogs. It is a great way to meet new artists!

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I Feel Cheated...

Blogtoberfest: Day 29

I feel cheated, Autumn is my favorite time of year and due to all the rain this year the trees just haven't popped. The color isn't dancing. So, I am posting a few pictures from last year.

How was your Autumn? Did you have color to play with?

Oh, and earlier in the week you may remember that I arrived in Colorado to snow...well, I have returned home to a Winter storm warning...and the snow should arrive this afternoon.

I guess I need to embrace Winter...I just feel like it is too early.

Friday Frenzy

Blogtoberfest: Day 28

This week my Friday Frenzy list seems a bit overwhelming - maybe it is because I have spent only 2 nights in my own bed during the past week. Thanks, Superman (my BF), for holding down the fort and taking care of Tucker during my week of travel.

• Sleeping - oh how I need sleep!

• Halloween Party, Saturday

• Lazy Sunday morning with my BF.

• Twisting some wire into jewelry.

• Longing to take some pictures - not sure if I will have the energy.

I think I need to slow it down and pamper myself; yoga, a hot bath, warm tea, candles, and snuggles.
But, before all of that, I still have a client meeting and a long flight home.

How will you spend your weekend? Is it filled with frenzy?

Random Thoughts

Blogtoberfest: Day 27

I am sooo NOT ready for this.

Happily I am only visiting Colorado (on day job business) and the snow hasn't hit NYC yet - but this is a glimpse at things to come.

What is your favorite season? Are you looking forward to the snow?

I Made This...With a Whole Lotta Help

Blogtoberfest: Day 26
I know I promised to share my ATC's but this so dear to my heart that I need to share this today instead, I hope you understand.

I primarily worked on the roof with my colleague, Sarah. (I am on the right) Together we shingled over half the roof.

As you may know from my recent posts this past weekend I was Mississippi with a group of colleagues from my day job volunteering. Sacred Heart Southern Missions has been a client of my company for over 60 years and services that they deliver to the community in MS is nothing short of a miracle.

The level of poverty is extreme. Many people do not have electricity, indoor plumbing or telephones. The home that we worked however has electricity and indoor plumbing. The pipes used to freeze in the winter and heating the home is done with space heaters and often never kept the home warm. I can honestly tell you that it bothers me greatly that I live in a country that allows people to still live this way. I am so happy that I volunteered to help give someone a better, safer home.

Working with my colleagues was rewarding. We worked as a team to accomplish something greater than ourselves.

Demo - the outer layer needed to be removed down to the frame. See the door in the center?

Progress, a new door, insulation, plywood and wrapped. Window framing and siding would be started before we left.

What touched me the most is that the owner of the home watched the progress with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. She chuckled more than once at Sarah and me on the roof shingling. She was the most humble, grateful person. She shared that after the first day her home was already warmer during the night.
It was a busy, long, hard working 3 days. Seeing her smile, hearing her thanks as we left, and knowing that her home was warmer was the best reward to end our visit.

This was only one house. There are many many more. SHSM constantly has a project like this and welcomes volunteer groups to visit and help.

I encourage you to give back, share the love, and make a difference in another person's life today.

Tidbit Tuesday

Blogtoberfest: Day 25

Tidbit: a choice or pleasing bit (as of information)

Acorns - - if planted these would become a tree that could build a house...

Little tidbits about me...

• I'm exhausted. Three days of "sharing the love" and building, hammering, carrying - is tiring.
• I'm frustrated that in America people live in homes, like the one I worked to improve (and many that are in worse condition), during my 3 days in Mississippi. Maybe I'm more frustrated that more people don't know that people still live without electricity, running water, and simple adequate shelter in this country.
• I am touched that I have helped change the life of a woman - who was so grateful, humble and surprised at how quick we made a difference to her home. She shared that her home was warmer during the night on the morning of my second day.
• So proud to participate with my co-workers - all of whom gave it their all.
• I am more grateful for what I have, who I am and conscious of how I choose to participate in this life going forward.

Please visit tomorrow, when I post my "I Made This" segment. I'll share my story of my three day weekend in more detail.

Share a little tidbit about yourself in the comments. I'd love to know more about you too!

Shared Messages from the Universe

Blogtoberfest: Day 24

Shared Messages from the Universe is a weekly post.

During an e-course this past summer one of many tasks was to pay attention when the universe is telling you something. You know, written signs that have a message that you probably walk past every day. Well, I see messages from the universe everywhere - walking, on billboards, ads in the subway, in magazines, etc.

I encourage everyone to play.

This was an ad that was on a make-up store window thus the brushes that you see. I like prefer to see the brushes as painting tools instead of make-up tools.

How will play today?

Sunday Color Snippets

Blogtoberfest: Day 23

I love to capture color in a photo.

I love how early morning light can make the color pop and how something that is wet has richer color.

When is your favorite time to takes pictures?

I hope your day is filled with color.

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

For those of you who are wondering, the first day of giving back, "spreading the love" as a friend of mine said, was successful but long.

As I lay here writing this post, I can feel my body ache from the hard work of stripping the roof, replacing boards, laying new ply board and today I will be laying shingles. Last night I was so exhausted but fell asleep with a sense of pride and joy. The lovely woman that we are helping is so humble and grateful and her smile is simply enough that's touched all of us.

This morning though.....Coffee is necessary!

And...I'm Off...

Blogtoberfest: Day 22

Good morning friends,

I happen to agree with Tucker on this one...4:30am is way too early.

But, the airport awaits. Mississippi here I come.

Touchdown at 8:30 in Memphis then a short drive to Mississippi to shingle a roof.

How are you spending your Saturday morning?

Go ahead, rub it in...coffee, paper, warm blanket?

Friday Frenzy

Blogtoberfest: Day 21

Normally my list of things to do on Fridays is filled and crazy with a variety of activity. This weekend, however, I really only have one major thing that I am doing. One "to do" that will be filled with many things.

I am paying it forward.

I am volunteering to help roof, side, paint, and fix up a family's home in Mississippi. My day job is sponsoring a 3 day trip to help a client deliver services to a deserving family.

I am beyond excited! I love to give back.

Growing up, my parents always were involved in our community. I grew up in a small town of 5,000 people in Wisconsin. Yes, the type of town where everyone knows everyone else.

They taught my brother and me that there was always someone who had less. Helping to make our community a better place was a way of life - it is just what we did. Oh, and they still do.

They also taught us that when a friend or a stranger needed help you offered and helped. I have fond memories of building a garage, a deck, a home addition, building my Dad's business/shop, and roofing.

So, my frenzy for Saturday, Sunday and Monday is as follows:

• Give, unconditionally.

• Lend a hand.

• Provide skills of building/roofing. Thank you Daddy for teaching me how to swing a hammer and use power tools!

• Embrace the power of making a difference.

There is so much to learn when you give of yourself to help someone else. Someone that you've never met. Someone who doesn't have the means to help themselves. It is often filled with emotion.

I am so grateful to have this opportunity.

How do you give back? Have YOU paid it forward lately?

I encourage to embrace the ability to give and share your skills to help someone else, someone you don't know. I promise that it will change your life and allow you be even more grateful of what you do have in this world.

Random Thoughts and This Week... Inspiration

Blogtoberfest: Day 20

I have been reviewing and organizing photos that I have taken in the past. I've found it inspirational.

I am also reminded that I love pattern and texture.

A brick wall with an even pattern.

I love the single squiggle.

Doorbells...I wonder if they still work?

A stone wall with no repeated pattern.

A more elaborate railing pattern.

Apple crates.

There a simple beauty that I find in patterns and a texture that inspires me.

Have you noticed patterns around you? Do you capture them or just notice them?

Do they inspire you?

I Made This

Blogtoberfest: Day 19

This week's creativity has been focused on creating 3 Artist Trading Cards that I will trade with my fellow flyers from my recent participation in Kelly Rae Roberts' e-course.

ATC's are little works of art, 2.5x3.5 that are traded between artists. I am sooo excited to participate. You can learn more about ATC's at my fellow flyer, Julie's blog, by clicking here.

You should know the following:

• I have never made these.

• I am a photographer and jewelry artisan and painting/drawing feels a little foreign.

• Even though I had hesitation - I jumped and did it anyway.

Here is a glimpse at my work in progress. The flowers are parts of one of my photographs, I have used acrylic paints and will add beads to add dimension. I like texture. The finished product will be posted a little later on one of my Wednesday posts. Stay tuned.

No matter what kind of art I am doing, even if I am trying something new, I seem to get lost in the process. I embrace the activity of creating.

What have you created lately? What is your favorite part of the process?

Tidbit Tuesday

Blogtoberfest: Day 18

Tidbit: a choice or pleasing bit (as of information)

Little tidbits about me...

• In the morning this is where you can find me with my iPad posting to my blog. Tucker of course helping to download the pictures.

• I love the morning light.

• I love the energy of the city.

• I also love the sound of crickets.

• I enjoy the beauty of night sky on a dark country road.

Share a little tidbit about yourself in the comments. I'd love to know more about you too!

Shared Messages from the Universe

Blogtoberfest: Day 17

Messages have been all around me lately or maybe they have always been there and I am just paying more attention. Either way, I have had a lot of fun bumping into them.

During three different walks on three different paths I noticed the same ad which contained the above message.

As I begin to put my attention toward my creative life this is quite appropriate.

Has the universe been sending you messages? Have you noticed them?

Upload your shared messages from the universe to flickr and then join my group by the same name so you too can share your universe messages.

Blogtoberfest Self-Portrait Day

Blogtoberfest: Day 16

Today Blogtoberfest is hosting self-portrait day. (Sunday Color Snippets will return in full color next Sunday.)

Yes, that means a picture of me that I took myself.

I was tempted to just repost the picture of my cowboy boots. Technically it is a self-portrait but I decided to play nice and yes the picture of me is smaller on purpose.

Here is a little color. I couldn't resist.

Snapshots

Blogtoberfest: Day 14 (tomorrow is self portrait day for Blogtoberfest make sure to stop by then)

Smitten Saturday will return in a couple of weeks...until then enjoy some snapshots.

Friday Frenzy

Blogtoberfest: Day 14

It's Friday and that means a frenzy of activity for me. (Feel free to look back at last weeks post if you'd like to see how this started.) So many things, I really am going to have to choose.

• Clean my desk, yes this is carries over from last week. I honestly only did part of the cleanup so still more to do.

• OHNY-Open House New York is this weekend. This occurs once a year and it is when some private buildings open to the public in NY. You can tour and take in the architecture and design.

• Make jewelry!

• Artist studio tours in Chelsea.

• Early Saturday morning photographs at the farmer's market.

Oh so many more; yoga class, brunch with the BF, read the paper.....

What is on your frenzy list?

Random Thoughts

Blogtoberfest: Day 13

Sometimes, (all too often) I think I am Wonder Woman.

I should preface this with the following facts: I live in NYC, I do not own a car, I take public transit everywhere and this requires a whole lot of shlepping.

I often carry too many bags for too long of a haul. Thus, I think I am Wonder Woman.

Last night I went to the grocery store on my way home from work. My BF lovingly created the list of needed items and I thought I could do it. Lines were short at TJ's (by the way that never happens in Manhattan) so I was excited. Then I watched the cashier put the groceries in my Eco-bags I brought...and I watched...and I watched...and I got scared.

I reached for my cell to see the following text, "Let me know if Wonder Woman needs saving by Superman", I smiled the biggest smile. The cashier helped to load me up for my trek. Two buses later and blocks from my stop I texted him back and said YES! Thank goodness, I am so glad that I did not have to carry the 3 bags up 3 flights of stairs. Thank you, Superman!

Hmmm, being Wonder Woman would be pretty cool. I always did like her red boots, bracelets, and the lasso.

Have you had any Wonder Woman moments?

I Made This...

Blogtoberfest: Day 12

Inspired by fellow flyer, Deborah Velasquez and her blog post on October 4th where she shared an owl stamp that she made.

I ventured to Michael's over the weekend.

My BF is a trooper because he went with me. It was a great afternoon. I stocked up on a few supplies, found some I didn't know I needed (giggle), walked through Central Park and had lunch. Beautiful!

I carved a stamp using the flower shape that I created for my very first piece of jewelry that I made during a jewelry design and metalsmithing class that I took.

Next goal, carve more! This time leave just the petals so that they stamp, make smaller ones (this one is about 2"x2"), and of course then stamp with them. Oh, I guess I need ink, hmmm, sounds like another trip to Michael's is in order.

My end goal is to stamp my own wrapping paper so that when I ship jewelry or prints they will protected inside the shipping box wrapped in beautiful printed paper.

This was so much fun. Thank you, Deborah, for the inspiration and the encouragement. Please visit her blog and see the wonderful owl stamp that she carved by clicking here.

Tidbit Tuesday

Blogtoberfest: Day 11

Tidbit: a choice or pleasing bit (as of information)

Little tidbits about me...

• I love cowboy boots.

• I've played piano since I was 6 years old and I miss it.

• I carry my camera all the time.

• Time spent with my family is precious.

• Chocolate should be a food group.

Share a little tidbit about yourself in the comments. I'd love to know more about you too!

Shared Messages from the Universe

Blogtoberfest: Day 10

Yesterday, I had a mass transit adventure traveling to Brooklyn via the subway. Happily on my return trip I chose to take the East River Ferry.

There was a sky writer creating a message and had been underground I never would have seen the message from the universe.  Last Chance was seen before I docked. Now was noticed as I was standing on the street waiting for a bus.

Has the universe been sending you messages?  Have you noticed them?

Upload your shared messages from the universe to flickr and then join my group by the same name so you too can share your universe messages.

Sunday Color Snippets

Blogtoberfest: Day #9

More from the farmer's market.

© Lori Moon Studio

Beige (I think you would call this beige) kept crossing my path while I was taking pictures.

A pumpkin, maple syrup candy, portobello mushrooms, and eggs.  Beautiful Beige.

What color keeps crossing your path today?

Smitten Saturday

Blogtoberfest:  Day 8

I love to buy handmade art and crafts.  Thanks Mom!

As a kid I remember my Mom and her friends creating their art & crafts items and then selling them annually during deer hunting weekend in Wisconsin. I specifically have memories of helping my Mom make Christmas ornaments that she sold.

When she didn't create items to sell we attended the fair and purchased creative items from other people that we knew. When I am home, we still attend and purchase. We went just last year!

So, I blame my Mom for my love of handmade items. Thanks, Mom!

Today I wanted to highlight 2 artists that I've recently purchased items from: Pauline Leger @ Art for the Heart and Erin @ Appetite.  I'm in love with them both.

Pauline Leger creates beautiful paintings

(c) Pauline Leger

and has created an adorable Little Women series that just makes me want one of everything!

(c) Pauline Leger

Make sure you check out her Etsy store Art for the Heart.

Erin from Appetite creates beautiful hand silk-screened textiles and creates scarfs, pillows, purses and more.  She loves to use upcycled, repurposed materials which makes her items to me even more attractive.

I came across Appetite during the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn this year and purchased a clutch bag at that time.  When I needed a new purse I knew right where I was going to get it. I recently purchased this bag

(c) Appetite

I encourage you to check out Appetite's etsy store and her website to link to her homewares that are just as beautiful!

I'm in love with purchasing handmade items.  I encourage you to support one of the artists I've listed above or to shop from your favorite artist. 

Friday Frenzy

I get excited on Friday's...
You see, I have a day job and it isn't a creative day job. I am a fundraising consultant by day - - artist by heart. This week has been filled with client meetings, dinners out, a Broadway show...it sounds glamorous and is most of time fun but this week I've missed my lunch time photo walks. My get away, my disconnect, my creative time.
So, it is Friday and it means blue jeans and cowboy boots. It also means weekend plans and all the thoughts of what I need to try to get done this weekend (this is where the frenzy comes in):

• Clean my desk at home. (my apartment is probably the size of your bedroom, more about that in a later post)

• Take photos Saturday morning.

• Edit photos.

• Blog posts.

• Create some jewelry. (twist some earrings)

• Connect with a couple of friends.

• Maybe take in a flea market.

I could list 10 more things...but I am already freaking myself out so let's hope that I can cross 2 of these off my list this weekend.
What is on your Friday frenzy list? What do you want to accomplish this weekend?

Random Thoughts

Blogtoberfest: Day 6

© Lori Moon Studio

I'm not sure how random this is but I would rather be here today than where I am going to be - behind my desk at my day job.
I woke this morning by turning over for just a few more winks which I never do. So, I feel a little more tired than usual.
I like my mornings; coffee, the news, blog reading, photo uploads from the day before or if there is enough time I go out and take more pictures...the BF stays in bed so selfishly it is my time.
By the way, my morning greeter did not allow me to sleep too long. Tucker can be very persuasive.

I hope your day is filled with joy, that the dance you do makes your heart sing.

I Made This

Blogtoberfest: Day 5
Inspiration and creations. What inspires you?
This photo was taken at the farmers market. The way it is framed you don't see anything but the flowers so you wouldn't know. I love to take pictures and always carry my camera with me.

© Lori Moon Studio

The pendants below were created and given to friends as gifts (love that my friends are my prototype testers). More are scheduled to be made (in-between by day job hours) and in a few months will be for sale. I am so excited!

I am also working on some wire wrap pearl earrings and hope to feature them next week.
Has something inspired you to create and make art?