Thinking Out Loud

Hmm, just typing the title for this post makes me think that I should use that for project inspiration....like, make it a print or painting.

Anywho, what's been going on?  My life took a turn for the better on Halloween and without saying too much, I will let you know that I have been very happy and busy the last three weeks.  That's also why posts have been less frequent on here and Twitter.

My driftwood collection is really growing.  Although I haven't done any shows or markets this year, I will have my work up in the library (where I work) early next year, so I need to get things made.

Also, I recently attended a party where there were several other librarians. It was a great time, but it also sparked a potential future career track for me.  Those of you who have known me for awhile know that I was very stressed out while I got my MLIS because I was working full time and taking full semesters of classes.  It has been suggested to me that I get a second Master's, but this time in Arts Administration.  Here is more info on it.  The suggestion included using both Master's in tandem to get a fancier job.  Many of the party guests I met have two Master's degrees.  Is it worth it?  I'm not sure.  Would I get paid more for having both?  Possibly.  It's not something I can afford right now, nor is it something I'm ready to do yet.  I've only graduated a year ago with the MLIS, but I'm definitely mulling it over.  My undergraduate degree is in Art Education, so it would be the best of both worlds to use all of my degrees for one job someday.

He's thinking about it (Blarney Castle, IE)

What's Happenin'

It is officially holiday season.  Christmas tree lots are setting up, stores are talking about having early Black Friday sales, and last night driving home, I saw a lit up Christmas tree in someone's house!  Art markets are getting busier with hopeful vendors.  There is a market coming up the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Bush at Ponchartrain Vineyards and another in Covington the first weekend of December.  I thought of doing both, but things are just busy enough without being stressful.  Maybe next time...

This past weekend was the Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington.  There were some of the same vendors that are always there, but a lot of new ones, too.  I was able to find some unique pieces to add to my collection without breaking the bank.  There were a few others, however, that I would've loved to have, which would have been much more of an investment.

Today, the studio got very organized. Got some jewelry projects finished, and I needed the drafting/work table to be cleared off.  Flyday beading will commence soon - believe it or not Mardi Gras is only three months away!  Besides, I kept tripping over things between beer fish supplies and the costume closet.

One of my fave artists from Three Rivers - http://dolangeiman.com/

Day of the Dead/All Saints Day/All Souls Day

Yesterday was All Saints Day and today is all Souls Day.  Mass was packed last night, but the priest's homily was just what I was hoping to hear.  Lately, my grandparents and other family members who have already left this Earthly life have been on my mind, so it was especially important to me to attend Mass and celebrate Dia de los Muertos. A new friend and fellow photographer met me in the Lacombe Hilltop Cemetery last night to capture the beauty of  local tradition of this saintly day.  My version has been posted on Flickr.  

In other news, there was a Halloween costume contest at work on Wednesday, and I came in as second runner up.  The collar and sleeve puffs were handmade by me, and the rest of the outfit was put together from pieces I already own.  

New Website Published!!

http://coolbeansart.webs.com/

It is not the one I paid for several months ago with Green Geeks.  That one was not meant for non-technie people.  This site, however, is so easy!  A coworker told me about it today and all that got published only took me two hours tonight!  It would probably have been even more complete if my internet hadn't slowed down (debugging issue).  Best of all, this host is FREE!!!  I'll continue building it this week, so please check back for the finished product! 

Yippy!!!

image from www.antiqueimages.blogspot.com

Queen of Hearts

The ruff is done for this year's Halloween costume. The bustier for Flyday 2013 arrived early so that can be used with this outfit, too!  All that's left to make are the shoulder poofs. Ya know, like Snow White has in the Disney movie.

Felt Things!

The latest and greatest barrette! Now improved with sewn on snap clip and embellishments. No more glue!

What To Do When You're Home Sick

The last two days, I've woken up with sinus pressure behind my eyes.  It makes me want to sleep until ridiculous times of day (for me, at least).  Yesterday, I actually made myself go to work, which was dumb because I could barely keep my eyes open.  I only stayed 20 minutes and came right back home to go to sleep.  This morning, I didn't even bother trying to get ready for work.  I realized within five minutes of my alarm going off that it just wasn't going to happen today, so no need to force myself.  It's hard to be sure when if you're really feeling better or not when you're at home because the things that make me realize I don't feel well typically aren't at home.  To keep myself from going stir crazy, I've read most of Mindy Kaling's book and I've done some small art projects that have been piling up on the work table in my studio. 

This is a t-shirt I finished today - get the pun?