'Tis Better to Give Than Receive

I am quite aware that Christmas is not for another few months. And even though it is as hot as anything in this wonderful southern city I live in, I'm in a giving mood. So, for the months of July through October, I will be giving away a selected piece of jewelry.

If you think you are deserving (and I hope you believe you are, because if you don't, we need to talk), of a beautiful hands that sing creation, let me know why. Post your funny, sad, outrageous (but true), reason why I should send the jewelry piece to you - and sign up for the monthly newsletter (see the sidepost). You will be entered into the monthly drawing, and maybe, just maybe - you will be the one selected to receive the giveaway.

It took me quite some time to understand the joy inherent in being able to give something of myself - no matter the size. I may never know the recipients of the earrings, necklaces or rings, to be given away. But whoever you may be, I sincerely hope that you too, through receiving your winnings, will in turn, find an opportunity to give a special gift to another, just because.

Dare to be amazing.........

Courage Knows My Name

I am not quite sure when courage learned my name, but at times i wish we were still strangers. For the past nine days, ever since I accepted the request to write and read two poems for a Jazz night concert, I have been a nervous wreck.

I enjoy having opportunitites to speak, but the thought of putting my innermost emotions (via poems), thoughts and passions on stage in front of hundreds of people I don't know, is rather frightening. It's days like these that make me wonder why in the world I constantly make myself so vulnerable. Obviously there's no backing out now. I just hope I can keep my nerves calm during the day. Once I am up on that stage, the jitters should subside, but until then I am going to have to keep myself occupied so I do not become overwhelmed with thoughts of no one liking my poetry.

Despite the temporary unease circulating through my veins right now, I am determined to enjoy the beautiful music, great singing, and laughs with friends. The calls I receive from courage are not always welcomed, but I am appreciative of his persistence. It is through this trying relationship I have learned to not hide from, but actively participate in the experiences life brings my way.

May you dare to do the same...

Tapping the Keyboard

Right now, I am writing like crazy. For us artistic types, creating is like eating. It's something we've got to do. I don't know about you but what makes me wake up in the middle of the night is not the leftovers in the fridge, but the necklace design that popped into my dream, or my next big book idea that landed on my eyelids. Okay, okay, sometimes, it's the butter pecan ice cream too. I just love the stuff!

With summer festivals in full swing, what are you working on fellow creative bloggers? Are you busy preparing to meet those who do or will fall in love with your work at artist markets? I'm so beat right now (kids home from college, work is CRAZY, preparing for a jazz night poetry reading) that I cannot contemplate the work involved with getting ready for a show.

But for those of you who are...Kudos to you. I hope you make lots of money and meet more customers than you imagined. What festivals and shows are you headed to this year? Inquiring artists want to know.

Until we blog again....be blessed and give your work your best.