tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93245692024-03-17T11:20:41.187-07:00EDGE Gallery & Studio BlogEmily Dimov-Gottshall
Expressions Gallery & Studio BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-80585472761150952622024-03-17T11:19:00.000-07:002024-03-17T11:19:58.330-07:00Some new work on Redbubble!<p>Some new work on <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/i/sweatshirt/Pug-doggie-ready-for-Spring-by-Edgot/159397934.73735">Redbubble!</a> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/i/sweatshirt/Pug-doggie-ready-for-Spring-by-Edgot/159397934.73735" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="537" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1bA8lT8sG6sQOATPkqUCa-oLh-8AVdVB5LRNUTbMyZatW2cYcn5AcCnrxxx2rVs9qnTcMxJVI7ozmU623FMyjjiPe01E2k8UDVoraSmUCWrBHlxvRvV8Dp-mmjfEfAsD7Mrf0SpHgmhPtj4SbXSnTlUqjpqyT_mWtulfaV3Rt7rfn2cegQlyX" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/i/backpack/Pug-doggie-ready-for-Spring-by-Edgot/159397934.K1KHE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="438" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMM29V-kgTMVP77N2aFKkpc2aauslyF3ZKN5ExcYK_JpwaY01l5eEyrlTvkgvcbAbiGdLaebom8Dx79S_9jzJvylTdPI7FQGgnavlbywtYrFJHuDBdGtr8wmjTbVxtiDqCHPYgGWJNxt9i-oqWt9933wg_Yw4IvYcgBn-UJeSJwvBPSiPj4X1_" width="228" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-2863716891391327792023-11-02T11:12:00.001-07:002023-11-02T11:12:21.799-07:00hello world!<p> So, it's been over a year since I've written here. A lot has happened, though still creating art. Which helps with all the stuff going on. Not sure if I'll keep up with blogging but thought I'd at least jot something here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn8DUydwfjK0RN-SRUg0puoXEp6FFV8J4BKNOPk2GQbKlT-1NQ4aMlyxhlVOMAAfUAmxu_ZA6mHJ-irkJwYj74wV7ElbOvj-wGXHUmWDVc-D6w9y3GkEUxFK0UzFr7lJo0ZxZVVPe8jnlANUofw6V1O3vbqs4wXGITzYolBmCqPqhGwPwj4nW/s4032/blackkittenpump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn8DUydwfjK0RN-SRUg0puoXEp6FFV8J4BKNOPk2GQbKlT-1NQ4aMlyxhlVOMAAfUAmxu_ZA6mHJ-irkJwYj74wV7ElbOvj-wGXHUmWDVc-D6w9y3GkEUxFK0UzFr7lJo0ZxZVVPe8jnlANUofw6V1O3vbqs4wXGITzYolBmCqPqhGwPwj4nW/s320/blackkittenpump.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little black kitten I painted and added details with digital art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know. I feel sort of lost in terms of writing and getting my thoughts out. I did some changes with education and took classes on cybersecurity which I love and empowers me. It also makes understanding how things work and why in terms of technology and what is exposed to vulnerabilities. I think I'll continue my mostly art blog but might try a new blog to talk about cybersecurity. Changes, as the song goes. :) </div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7fdhI3qUdSs" width="320" youtube-src-id="7fdhI3qUdSs"></iframe></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-29219553166327437772022-06-28T10:29:00.001-07:002022-06-28T12:53:36.088-07:00from a while back...last summer? Teddy with mushrooms<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI-ALbwkcJkd-I-kd-nU16I-tcFLP2NfNpK7kjzZQEkBWzsEhKjZoYCniyTVAyu1zFheWKYwpjZq6CzLuaK0nulodXlrQPHB7Xekl5libx99GvSi2-s6fxvZlPA_n0dYWVWwON6k_RGne_j1SuQESgsYSlkS44c0qZ3iCpfh4T-8-AFh1NQ/s3264/67F51272-0C28-42B9-928B-292E5F97DBAB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI-ALbwkcJkd-I-kd-nU16I-tcFLP2NfNpK7kjzZQEkBWzsEhKjZoYCniyTVAyu1zFheWKYwpjZq6CzLuaK0nulodXlrQPHB7Xekl5libx99GvSi2-s6fxvZlPA_n0dYWVWwON6k_RGne_j1SuQESgsYSlkS44c0qZ3iCpfh4T-8-AFh1NQ/s320/67F51272-0C28-42B9-928B-292E5F97DBAB.png" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll make this a print on <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/i/magnet/Little-bear-in-the-forest-with-mushrooms-by-Edgot/115160848.TBCTK?asc=u">redbubble</a>:</div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-37520186953666112552022-06-26T12:58:00.016-07:002022-06-26T13:06:09.459-07:00Artic Fox plushie<p><span face="futura-lt-w01-light, futura-lt-w05-light, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I created this Artic fox a while back and decided to post it here. This cute guy is made of soft white fleece and is packed with fluffy stuffing. This is for ages 5 and up.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ2tuVlYg-BE6M4qZjJmbhXSDEHIe7bUGyJu2a-bzMQun10T27tG59IH2ZE73BRNAe6P87kiO5vHtg09g43wkEC-aWO5S_di70aUGPiJg9H16AY_cwNt-CzrL_1re4ij4-x98KYQve1tMTTpBQOG_xii5KAgu9CMAPFjDmPEThDdOszM5Bw/s3264/20220626_155101.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ2tuVlYg-BE6M4qZjJmbhXSDEHIe7bUGyJu2a-bzMQun10T27tG59IH2ZE73BRNAe6P87kiO5vHtg09g43wkEC-aWO5S_di70aUGPiJg9H16AY_cwNt-CzrL_1re4ij4-x98KYQve1tMTTpBQOG_xii5KAgu9CMAPFjDmPEThDdOszM5Bw/s320/20220626_155101.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6sYhoLUGWuFPLEwc3R05C1sjIM9HGUnWWMo98g7GKJccRcGD2A7XVRyvAA2V288dqieuLzqQveLnT831D5UoRZxXvqNzXPNMf6IhkXWSjA96sn2Y1YWf7UHXP0sCdiw2sN2bebUFYUd9Sv0t9vDAM_Xm28TYoysZ_csmGhqv8eEAODscfw/s3264/20220626_155104.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6sYhoLUGWuFPLEwc3R05C1sjIM9HGUnWWMo98g7GKJccRcGD2A7XVRyvAA2V288dqieuLzqQveLnT831D5UoRZxXvqNzXPNMf6IhkXWSjA96sn2Y1YWf7UHXP0sCdiw2sN2bebUFYUd9Sv0t9vDAM_Xm28TYoysZ_csmGhqv8eEAODscfw/s3264/20220626_155104.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6sYhoLUGWuFPLEwc3R05C1sjIM9HGUnWWMo98g7GKJccRcGD2A7XVRyvAA2V288dqieuLzqQveLnT831D5UoRZxXvqNzXPNMf6IhkXWSjA96sn2Y1YWf7UHXP0sCdiw2sN2bebUFYUd9Sv0t9vDAM_Xm28TYoysZ_csmGhqv8eEAODscfw/s320/20220626_155104.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_NcqA0V_pmgg7HEGmEudoEjex4tGiNoV77b49VRj1VVmdP4f9Ua_wOgaJsnY44vkBSy85SoWHxdmUITnF3InbRaj4amYxoEVmAYVtHp80AwgeLFjBgTE2_VHDjZqLg9pp5QdVqfkhVuuVIcHA-q3Qy_0ElSnla1jStRObqZtOf2IMvoOTA/s3264/20220626_155115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_NcqA0V_pmgg7HEGmEudoEjex4tGiNoV77b49VRj1VVmdP4f9Ua_wOgaJsnY44vkBSy85SoWHxdmUITnF3InbRaj4amYxoEVmAYVtHp80AwgeLFjBgTE2_VHDjZqLg9pp5QdVqfkhVuuVIcHA-q3Qy_0ElSnla1jStRObqZtOf2IMvoOTA/s320/20220626_155115.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div></div>If you like artic foxes and soft plushies, this cute guy is for you. :)<p></p><p><span face="futura-lt-w01-light, futura-lt-w05-light, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"> <b> $25.</b></span></p><div><br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-60900454395117424012022-06-26T12:49:00.001-07:002022-06-26T12:49:14.230-07:00Mood vs. Intention<p> </p><div class="ZpV9q" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: futura-lt-w01-light, futura-lt-w05-light, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="qL5op OzXyc" data-hook="post-title" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 27px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="-1"><h1 class="zn0o0 VwmRm blog-post-title-font blog-post-title-color blog-text-color post-title blog-hover-container-element-color Zk5w2 blog-post-page-title-font" data-hook="post-title" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: futura-lt-w01-book, futura-lt-w05-book, sans-serif; font-size: 40px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;"><span class="post-title__text blog-post-title-font blog-post-title-color" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mood vs. Intention</span></h1></div></div><div class="SFQRB" data-hook="post-description" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: futura-lt-w01-light, futura-lt-w05-light, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 25px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><article class="blog-post-page-font" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><div class="post-content__body" style="--ricos-action-color-fallback-tuple: 100, 132, 143; --ricos-action-color-fallback: #64848f; --ricos-action-color-tuple: 100, 132, 143; --ricos-action-color: #64848f; --ricos-background-color-tuple: 255, 255, 255; --ricos-background-color: #ffffff; --ricos-custom-h1-color: #1A1A1A; --ricos-custom-h1-font-family: futura-lt-w01-book,futura-lt-w05-book,sans-serif; --ricos-custom-h1-font-size: 30px; --ricos-custom-h1-line-height: 1.5; --ricos-custom-h2-color: #1A1A1A; --ricos-custom-h2-font-family: futura-lt-w01-book,futura-lt-w05-book,sans-serif; 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padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="DHTiu" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="DHTiu" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="LUaQN qUxWM _3Z+zE" data-rce-version="8.71.11" style="--rce-active-divider-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.5); --rce-divider-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.2); --rce-header-five-font-size: 18px; --rce-header-four-font-size: 20px; --rce-header-six-font-size: 16px; --rce-header-three-font-size: 22px; --rce-header-two-font-size: 28px; --rce-highlighted-color: rgb(100, 132, 143); --rce-link-hashtag-color: rgb(100, 132, 143); --rce-mobile-font-size: 16px; --rce-mobile-header-five-font-size: 20px; --rce-mobile-header-four-font-size: 20px; --rce-mobile-header-six-font-size: 20px; --rce-mobile-header-three-font-size: 20px; --rce-mobile-header-two-font-size: 24px; --rce-mobile-quotes-font-size: 20px; --rce-opaque-background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); --rce-text-color: rgb(26, 26, 26); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 auto; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="kvdbP ZUTsX SO4Kx _1O7aH" data-id="rich-content-viewer" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--ricos-font-family,unset); height: 1853.06px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="_1hN1O NwZmu _3EPBy" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-bg-color-container,unset); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 1853.06px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; tab-size: 40px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap !important; width: 740px;"><div data-hook="rcv-block-first" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" type="first"></div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 iWv3d _1FoOD _3M0Fe aujbK iWv3d public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-foo" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--ricos-custom-p-color,unset); direction: ltr; font-family: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-family,unset); font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-style,unset); font-variant: inherit; font-weight: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-weight,unset); line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; min-height: var(--ricos-custom-p-min-height,unset); outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: var(--ricos-custom-p-text-decoration,unset); vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So, I decided to start writing again. It's a warm summer afternoon and the thought of how we, how I, create floated as a thought that many people probably have. Do you create with intention or when the mood strikes you? For years, I think I was a when the mood strikes me. It's a cathartic moment when I am creating and I will "vent" my feelings or ideas get expressed and then move on. There's nothing wrong with this but I do feel it can be a fickle friend. In other words, I am left with no structure and things can start to overlap/slide if I am not in an "artistic" mood. So, I began to question. what it is that gets me to create, that isn't left to my whims. A time frame is always good a good place to start. For me, it needs to be in the guide of 15 minutes to start. If I do this, it gives me a jumping off point. If I have the time, to extend this, that's wonderful. But having a basic 15 minutes, is crucial to doing some sort of art or to finish some art projects. </span></p><div data-hook="rcv-block1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" type="paragraph"></div><div class="mm8Nw _1j-51 iWv3d _1FoOD _3M0Fe aujbK iWv3d public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-51djp" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--ricos-custom-p-color,unset); direction: ltr; font-family: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-family,unset); font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); font-style: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-style,unset); font-weight: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-weight,unset); line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; min-height: var(--ricos-custom-p-min-height,unset); outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: var(--ricos-custom-p-text-decoration,unset); vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br role="presentation" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></div><div data-hook="rcv-block2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" type="empty-line"></div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 iWv3d _1FoOD _3M0Fe aujbK iWv3d public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-bsskn" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--ricos-custom-p-color,unset); direction: ltr; font-family: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-family,unset); font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); font-stretch: inherit; font-style: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-style,unset); font-variant: inherit; font-weight: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-weight,unset); line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; min-height: var(--ricos-custom-p-min-height,unset); outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: var(--ricos-custom-p-text-decoration,unset); vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Additionally, I've come to the realization I might have ADHD. I have been reading about this and <span style="background-color: initial; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration-line: inherit;">especially as a parent and teacher and to my surprise, I have a lot of those tendencies. I was talking to my mom and she admitted to this herself...which I shouldn't be surprised but still was. I had always thought this was a physical trait of hyperactive physical actions. I have had friends with hyperactivity and students as well. But I didn't realize this was a mental hyperactivity. This, again, surprised me and explained a lot as well. It also made me feel better about why I am the way I am and why finishing projects is a challenge for me. I also see why I so love starting projects! I think what this means is, I need to be aware of this and be open about it. I also need to focus on chunking my time and breaking things down into pieces. This really is helpful for me. For example, just putting out the supplies to start a project, helps me feel excited the next day and not overwhelmed by the project. I have a designated space for my art practice but have let that get messy. So, I have to do 15 minutes of prep to get some order and then I can start to play/create. The more I prep/clear out, the better and freeing it will be...that is what I tell myself to keep up the energy. </span></span></p><div data-hook="rcv-block3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" type="paragraph"></div><div class="mm8Nw _1j-51 iWv3d _1FoOD _3M0Fe aujbK iWv3d public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-4f851" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; min-height: var(--ricos-custom-p-min-height,unset); outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br role="presentation" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></div><div data-hook="rcv-block4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" type="empty-line"></div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 iWv3d _1FoOD _3M0Fe aujbK iWv3d public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-aphv4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; min-height: var(--ricos-custom-p-min-height,unset); outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For a long time, I beat my self up and put my self down. This is abusive and only creates self doubt/fear and more stagnation. So, what I do is tell my self good things like you can do it, just clear out for 15 min with a timer, look at the progress you've made and so on. Being positive and seeing how much you've changed/developed, makes you feel better and that grows good associations with your space/time/habits. I also am learning to see what I need to let go of or rearrange. Sometimes, I would get overwhelmed with memories and things. So, little by little, Iet that go too. I also feel having a steady job has helped me see what I cling to out of fear/security <span style="background-color: var(--ricos-bg-color-container,unset); color: inherit; font-family: var(--ricos-font-family,unset); font-size: var(--ricos-custom-p-font-size,unset); font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration-line: inherit;">vs. what is a memory/family heirloom. That is still a struggle. I will continue doing the 15 min time to go through what needs sorted, etc. It's interesting how creating and fine tuning your space are similar in the sense of what to keep and what to erase/modify. For myself, doing a little bit at a time, leads to getting the job done. :) </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATOA4rsY-jPOv36GRDBw_mvmlVwlczq6UIfX8SpRe17jbOKYy-I_XD8Gg1cKY5ggQ0Bhqlhj6siY4Q6lKsE4qHYsVxIQSQX-eAx2FSn_Ao2s3xunmDamD6vN9xjd9sLOFWEtCBkoLZea_iIkZaZZtCRtExiGZoM3kXT5FqWtBwbmrsEBAJA/s3264/20201029_173132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATOA4rsY-jPOv36GRDBw_mvmlVwlczq6UIfX8SpRe17jbOKYy-I_XD8Gg1cKY5ggQ0Bhqlhj6siY4Q6lKsE4qHYsVxIQSQX-eAx2FSn_Ao2s3xunmDamD6vN9xjd9sLOFWEtCBkoLZea_iIkZaZZtCRtExiGZoM3kXT5FqWtBwbmrsEBAJA/s320/20201029_173132.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-6449063671185257232021-03-01T14:23:00.001-08:002021-03-01T14:23:14.497-08:00Hello, everyone<p> It's March and it's nearly spring. I was looking at my calendar and was amazed to see how close we are to May. For some reason, that's the month that I associate with full on Spring. Of course, spring starts March 18th and the 14th is daylight savings (good bye, extra hour of sleep). So, a lot is happening in March. I was outside and the sun peaked out from behind some clouds and it was actually pretty nice for about 2 min. Then, it was cold again. At our home, we're in the muddy part of the month, after just a few days of rain. We had a lot of snow but the rain has taken that down to just a few patches here and there. I feel sort of in a daze as I wasn't feeling too well the whole time we had 2 days of rain. Sinus issues. I'm about 60% sure it was this or a combo of gluten reaction. I have to just assume all take out has gluten, sadly. </p><p>Anyway, I thought I'd update about the weather at least. I've finally felt like doing a little artwork after feeling down about all the things that have happened. It feels like a blur. I still can't believe it's 1 year since we went in the first major lockdown (March 13th). I feel sad this has happened, so many have been lost and so many sick. My uncle passed from covid related issues about 2 weeks ago. So, it's a strange sad feeling. I'm still processing it, though, I did cry. My uncle was a very devout man and I know he's in heaven with my dad and their family. </p><p>I just hope people are safe and keep doing safe practices. And my bigger hope is we work harder to help one another and make life better for so many. </p><p>I'm so glad we made it through winter and spring is starting to warm things up (if a little up and down). This is why I posted the video on<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martenitsa"> Martenitsa's.</a> The tradition is to make a red and white yarn girl and boy or a bracelet and give it to someone you love or care for. They wear it till the first blossom or stork is seen. I just let people wear it and put it on a fruit tree or tree you want to see flourish. Either way, it's a sweet tradition. I made one for each of my family members and one for the door knob. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-67765986587384309862021-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:002021-03-01T14:03:01.235-08:00Tutorial: How to make a basic adjustable martenitsa bracelet<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/JP168PuhfVY" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JP168PuhfVY/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-61809619720180742982020-10-28T04:22:00.001-07:002020-10-28T04:22:09.689-07:00Art on my mind<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTt0LM2xk3bEkucMS3TjFO3LkT0UE6Pcd9BxaaOgjoY9x30hWJzXc3iRYMUULteq0MzCya2U86xdf-_oQ5X1PUrFwl54DZH0yDQvHKXWbr1AOviX3Al-V4YeuyCix-jo4qy6T8/s2048/christfranken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTt0LM2xk3bEkucMS3TjFO3LkT0UE6Pcd9BxaaOgjoY9x30hWJzXc3iRYMUULteq0MzCya2U86xdf-_oQ5X1PUrFwl54DZH0yDQvHKXWbr1AOviX3Al-V4YeuyCix-jo4qy6T8/s320/christfranken.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Hello! Here's an digital piece I created last year. It's on my<a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/edgot/shop"> red bubble site. </a> I was reading a blog, <a href="https://www.attic24.typepad.com/">Attic24</a>, and didn't realize there was a challenge about posting for every day in October (or any month, really, up to you, the writer). That seemed a little appealing, especially since I didn't do my yearly<a href="https://inktober.com/rules"> inktober</a>. I actually started to do inktober but fizzed out after I thought of inking my pencil work. I also was going to do <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/witchtober/?hl=en">witchtober</a> as well but fizzed on this too. I felt overwhelmed as I'm trying to finish a children's book I started last year and wanted it done by the end of October. It's not likely as I got swamped with helping my son focus on schooling at home because of covid and I was stressed about finding teaching positions that were virtual (as in the demand has gone way up for virtual work, obviously). <p></p><p>A part of me wants to complain about how things are, but I think there is enough of that right now. But we shall see what happens next week with elections. There is a lot of turmoil in our country right now and many people are suffering (for no reason, in my book. It's a shame and it's making people so much more vulnerable because a few people at the top, don't want to share). So, I guess I did complain a little. Honestly, there needs to be more complaints in the form of unity and protests for basic aid and medical care during covid. When we unite, we can accomplish so much more. </p><p>Today it's raining and drizzly, again. I need to go for outside walks but have limited this due to my allergies and the previously dry weather (leaves, apparently, cause inflammation to my lungs). However, now that it's raining, I should be able to do this more so. Why do I sound like an Addams family member? Maybe that's the underlying message of the story of misfits? </p><p>We had a scare with our chickens. One of these girls got a messy bottom. My daughter thought possible infection or sitting on her nest for eggs (chickens will do this and not even eat if they are broody). So, she's been giving her yogurt and they love it. She might need a little epsom bath, but the idea of bringing her in the house, sounds awful. We will, if the weather doesn't warm up/condition doesn't improve. She's looking better, so that's a relief. It's always a learning experience with chickens. We're planning to <a href="https://www.hawk-hill.com/winter-chicken-coop-eggs/">winterize the coop</a>, so they will be cozy all winter. </p><p>Hope you have a good week. Stay safe, wash your hands and wear those masks. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-1679382775297284692020-10-22T14:54:00.000-07:002020-10-22T14:54:00.206-07:00Feeling better<p> So, the last post I wrote how I didn't feel like creating. All of the changes, the loss of safety substituting and feeling depressed about the whole covid situation, left me feeling shocked and out of sorts. I really don't know how people did it, created art, kept doing their jobs, etc. A part of me was in shock for about a month and I felt like every news I heard was shocking and overwhelming. Then, we had summer. The kids were off, I wasn't stressed from having to keep my son on task and sad about all the missed events (5th grade graduation, trips, senior year for my daughter, canceled trips for her and just a series of disappointments but nothing life threatening). And that was another factor, you'd feel a bit better or forget there was mass suffering worldwide and instantly feel badly for forgetting. I began to wonder about how so much was happening and what would happen, eventually for the health of many. Plus, there was the constant carrot of a vaccine waved in our faces and we all were hopeful and then have that dashed. My one hope was having Bernie Sanders become president but that was dashed with fears of his health and covid at any corner. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFB91E6pw_cxOJMWfqT2T7AI3etp6VfY_ZBzowdwdPKxfTwnWrtEBPAEd26PjWlBmVdvd2a2C0ZnBpRkmo02Wesz2BogE_aZWGjLAOSVRRAOanqF9Ni44wnApey8HMCbss9Wl/s2048/drivingintrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFB91E6pw_cxOJMWfqT2T7AI3etp6VfY_ZBzowdwdPKxfTwnWrtEBPAEd26PjWlBmVdvd2a2C0ZnBpRkmo02Wesz2BogE_aZWGjLAOSVRRAOanqF9Ni44wnApey8HMCbss9Wl/s320/drivingintrees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>After more disappointments, summer seemed to drag on until something changed. We bought some baby chicks. Suddenly, these little life forms caught our hearts and we all began to focus on their survival (and whether or not they were hens or roosters). It was a light in darkness and we waste a small sum of money breaking heat lamps and worrying they would get cold during the night. They grew and flourished and now we have had a wonderful surprise of eggs. Jon went crazy and built the biggest chicken coop and we all got into the spirit and painted the coop. This led us to paint our fence and put up a picket fence, which we painted as well. The outside felt good, even in the summer humidity and heat. We got our stimulus and helped to pay for this as well as a small amount of unemployment I got for job loss. So, this all helped.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe5ecmzYSz_XG6FPg99ssmSyuOP2YExeInanOey6KwLSJn-TgO0Yh0GrY34cUT95wHPhCprjrVK6h-9MJ5kSha-8X9XeSh3jKD83X5lUinU125hBIampztn3oPhXPH8LrxUuW/s2048/IMG_0051+%25281%2529.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe5ecmzYSz_XG6FPg99ssmSyuOP2YExeInanOey6KwLSJn-TgO0Yh0GrY34cUT95wHPhCprjrVK6h-9MJ5kSha-8X9XeSh3jKD83X5lUinU125hBIampztn3oPhXPH8LrxUuW/s320/IMG_0051+%25281%2529.CR2" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Then, tensions arose again, and people began to lash out at brutality. I decided to paint my fence with flowers an inspirational quotes. It helped me feel grounded and hopefully, in unity, to justice. I got our kids to help and we had a good time with this as well. Then, school started up and we decided to stick with academy school. This was a bit of a let down as they took away extracurricular activities. So, we made up by doing more day trips to trails, gardening and projects. The other disappointment was the insecurity of substituting and low pay. I wanted to work more but possible exposure and low/no security health/money wise, meant it was not a good idea. I've been applying for cyber teaching but so has everyone else. Then, there is the whole stalling of the second stimulus and this made us all worry for everyone, again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TFaVgQ2JqhINo_0V1nthc2qo9TJwJIDoOkRWjOZcmkqno3BwiiiCbxcs32k7-ZG03U6YbaORePNkUf-yMSFohRi4oVh56c5T_3oOYtbSrh1BMmGnlm7LTwX2rcd3XIr5UwOS/s2048/IMG_9945+%25281%2529_1.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TFaVgQ2JqhINo_0V1nthc2qo9TJwJIDoOkRWjOZcmkqno3BwiiiCbxcs32k7-ZG03U6YbaORePNkUf-yMSFohRi4oVh56c5T_3oOYtbSrh1BMmGnlm7LTwX2rcd3XIr5UwOS/w320-h213/IMG_9945+%25281%2529_1.dng" title="deer, I finally got a photo of a deer. I had to share that." width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(deer photo I took, they were just sitting in a field. I used a long lens otherwise, they would have run. I know other's can take much better shots, but I feel pretty proud I got this one). I was going to add a photo of school work, but a deer if much nicer..</span><br /><p><br /></p><p>Phew~ Good things. I found about marathons and especially, virtual marathons. I had never thought of my self as a runner or even a serious walker, but here I was signing up. The one I went with is<a href="https://www.marathontrainingacademy.com/100-2?fbclid=IwAR3thFT34K56kG_2dHRubu34DE711sgAYEi0xcIXFKWZWZ4VSO9imP3-fbI" target="_blank"> 100 miles</a> by the end of the year and I get a medal. I really like this because the medal looks like the Mona Lisa but is the Corona Lisa! I also found out there are 5k and want to get my kids and husband on this track. You get a medal and it's fun. I use my rebounder as it's challenging and I can be inside and watch out for allergies. If you feel you need some encouragement to get moving, I highly recommend this. They have all levels and it really makes you feel good. I'm up to 33 miles and I'm looking for my next marathon to try. </p><p>Additionally, I'm watching k-dramas (my mom really got me into some scary ones as well...love the zombie ones of all things) and animal crossing. Do you know any good kdramas you'd like to share? Let me know. Animal crossing, is a big hit, for me, of all things. I never play video games and just fell in love with the sweet characters and island theme. It was refreshing and uplifting. We got the kids the game and I ended up loving it. lol</p><p>Finally, after all of this, I started to feel like doing art and make things, again. I began to revise a children's book I started and illustrate more of the pages. My goal was to finish by November, but it may be longer. The nice thing is, once I finish this one, I have some ideas for my next one. I also joined an art group (sadly, it closed) that would give us challenges. Mostly, Halloween based, it was fun to try them and got me out of my funk.</p><p>Additionally, we donated many things to make more space for the kids. Our eldest moved into the attic and we had to clear a lot of junk (it was the attic after all) and then, the garage. So, more changes but good ones. Cleaning is a type of therapy, I think. Within reason, of course. I have relatives who go a little OCD on that stuff. My poor mom had to grow up with her grandma who'd freak out about cleaning (she'd even wear white gloves and check the top of the fridge!). I'm more of a once a week time to scrub person or as needed. </p><p>Anyway, I also think it's so important to help others. If you have a charity or group or person, help them. This will make you feel better and lifts up someone else. It is a true chain event. My two cents about feeling better.</p><p>With all this time with the family, we've bonded closer, I think. Surely, we need our own spaces and the elder two having their own rooms, really helped. It was a big relief, for them, to have their own spaces and not be under each other's skin. They still get into arguments but it's much less then it used to be. Oddly, having them at home has relieved stress about violence at school and other stress factors. It's frustrating we can't be more social and we recently lost a family friend (from a stroke). We couldn't attend the memorial as it was a covid issue. So, that was depressing. We, like many, have missed those family connections. </p><p>My feeling is we all need to hang in there and keep doing distancing. We need to have a government that works for the people and keeps people safe. We shall see what happens in November. Well, I think this sums up a little of what has been happening. I wish I could go back to school and go into therapy, I think. More people will need this and we all need to a way to express ourselves. Anyway, be safe and carry on. 💖 </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-13871777704620165342020-10-22T14:00:00.002-07:002020-10-22T14:01:02.217-07:00New work on redbubble and etsy!<p> Recently, I added some new work to my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/edgegallery" target="_blank"> etsy shop</a>! I'm inspired by animal crossing and made some wood carvings of Tom Nook and Raymond. I'm also doing commissions of avatars and fave characters. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdoDFgjlmDosOF7qf_R0to3TAoE15_4L7Q0CoiTz76-1_VcTMZ9lfGtkl5Bsoko76ERC2jf75AbA-_oUtR0Q9mJbMRQsEDukLDGeYeZG-5wXjvu6VJpaG09p4bTJ44MnFA8c2/s756/angelpur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="756" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdoDFgjlmDosOF7qf_R0to3TAoE15_4L7Q0CoiTz76-1_VcTMZ9lfGtkl5Bsoko76ERC2jf75AbA-_oUtR0Q9mJbMRQsEDukLDGeYeZG-5wXjvu6VJpaG09p4bTJ44MnFA8c2/w400-h314/angelpur.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS4eE9llgWJcSJrrI96FkqiwZKQ0jXaBEQMbQJ3xsC6d3SyzDmcgThs1NzD2TDal4XK2PJoFSCXI5wDtb6bnFFcHnVDlQlHeShLXBGVa8-AWPUujdGacTWps1sQ4I17IL2LXP/s2048/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS4eE9llgWJcSJrrI96FkqiwZKQ0jXaBEQMbQJ3xsC6d3SyzDmcgThs1NzD2TDal4XK2PJoFSCXI5wDtb6bnFFcHnVDlQlHeShLXBGVa8-AWPUujdGacTWps1sQ4I17IL2LXP/w266-h400/IMG_0251.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXjI4Ij5dd5UfZH6ZvZABxSHj7zshVLNR2_0nFmnVsJxKpiYUwIidA7jDMRnnyF6ZqcqRHYeOD0RG7zGBeY0NCh1yXsNrt1WpmhGMSI1k7RmrOWWgu6iTHZwFnRwJuVoCBPLj/s2048/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXjI4Ij5dd5UfZH6ZvZABxSHj7zshVLNR2_0nFmnVsJxKpiYUwIidA7jDMRnnyF6ZqcqRHYeOD0RG7zGBeY0NCh1yXsNrt1WpmhGMSI1k7RmrOWWgu6iTHZwFnRwJuVoCBPLj/w641-h427/IMG_0259.JPG" width="641" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And I have some new<a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/Edgot/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown" target="_blank"> redbubbl</a>e art as well.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiImc2QN6-340hOW7cvFeuUKWJsdOJfN4x6MZyciOFiEUMcuUnz59NETJQ_DXwc0TLFw8vYN8-T_Rve3eTAFg7x9Jh1Fj_0meyL6AI5kfmA-Znt1oOeAHVaemHKvtjg5KoPeYG/s896/werewolftrimlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiImc2QN6-340hOW7cvFeuUKWJsdOJfN4x6MZyciOFiEUMcuUnz59NETJQ_DXwc0TLFw8vYN8-T_Rve3eTAFg7x9Jh1Fj_0meyL6AI5kfmA-Znt1oOeAHVaemHKvtjg5KoPeYG/w321-h400/werewolftrimlove.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-53305200866939896832020-10-22T13:47:00.005-07:002020-10-22T13:49:46.666-07:00Here's an interview I recently did for First Frontier Forward website<p> I did an interview for my work for First Frontier Forward. You can check it out<a href="https://www.firstfrontierforward.com/post/artist-feature-emily-gotshall?fbclid=IwAR3tmUOpKG0ARw4p9F9qWBgPn_7V0upFf3-WpROClIC7e8Duoea-01rUH5c" target="_blank"> here</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73SJWvKMsYPgC1aZWVpEjBSm8lcx5oWRk1TeVZ5a31sB3Bc2z7ofCJT6-ePGgqRkaY9dG6Y0mL1EOXYQsqKoixdAH6_Hv9RtmHvtWrxiXgN5oISMqSyNjPlyvhD9RxXXlAfEF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1112" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73SJWvKMsYPgC1aZWVpEjBSm8lcx5oWRk1TeVZ5a31sB3Bc2z7ofCJT6-ePGgqRkaY9dG6Y0mL1EOXYQsqKoixdAH6_Hv9RtmHvtWrxiXgN5oISMqSyNjPlyvhD9RxXXlAfEF/w598-h331/image.png" width="598" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-85347127637181072272020-05-05T22:22:00.001-07:002020-05-05T22:22:31.802-07:00when will I feel like creating art.right now, it's a bit of a muddle with anxiety about health, income and family stresses working their way in. I did not think I would be revisiting homeschooling the kids at this point. It's bizarre and a bit unsettling. My patience is thin and frazzled. I hate feeling like this. Sometimes, it's better. Some days it's better. I don't feel as overwhelmed with having to worry about going places, I guess. I've more control in this regards because of my own health awareness. But, to have everything flipped upside down when you were starting to come in strong to 2020. I know many, many others feel the same and some are in much worse situations. The death and suffering feels so overwhelming. I can't watch any TV/listen to any news. I couldn't when there were so many other sorrowful things over the years and now, it's even worse. <div><br /></div><div> This is why I can't really create, I think. I focus on making food, keeping the house as clean as it will be, homeschooling my son, trying not to worry about family and friends and the idea of doing more just seems like that, more. Besides which the weather has been up and down... warm and than snowy the next day. It bothers my arthritis in my hands and shoulders. I think about my mom and her arthritis she has and wonder if I'll be the same. It's frustrating but that's life. We all have something we carry. </div><div><br /></div><div>I need to start making masks again. This gave me purpose and made me feel in control of a maddening situation. I will set my self up, and just do it. I need to stop going to bed late and get on a schedule. I need to stop staying up so late. My sleep patterns is messed up from taking naps. I'm feeling depressed right now but I will get out of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The selfish part of me is my introverted self being happy at home. And then, there the part of me that's like, ok, this is enough, let's got out...but we can't. :( No one can...and even if we could, it would be laced by fear of illness. Tomorrow, I will put on some just dance and exercise. I sprained my ankle and will have to get my self moving. I read some where that every time we feel down/depressed, this is your body telling you to move. I'm really going to get into that mindset. Be well and safe. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-5554359400751979812020-05-05T06:58:00.001-07:002020-05-05T06:58:50.158-07:00Substitute teaching and my rambling mind...As a substitute teacher trying to get a full time art teaching job in my location, it's been an adventure. Unfortunately, with covid hitting, it's made it even more challenging. Not only did I not get unemployment based on very strict $$ per week/quarters and 18 weeks looked at your work history criteria, I am waiting and wondering about a more flexible pandemic unemployment potential. I found out yesterday that 70% of people are waiting on unemployment. They got nothing. Then, when I applied for Pandemic UE, it was flawed and the system had to be redone. So frustrating and stressful. In the mean time, I scout job ads and see what I can apply for safely. It's a scary situation. I'm used to poverty and living on less. In fact, I think it's better (thinking of cutting back is good for the environment) to go this route, naturally.<br />
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I feel like there is no security net for people. Even if you have a good income, I feel like this is weighted by fear it could be lost or downsized. It's this impending feeling of everyone falling and not being secure. My wish is that our government would stop playing politics and put people first. Stop catering to big business and lift up the millions who are floundering and struggling because our system has been based on punishing the poor and working class, for years. It's time to water the roots and help our people or, quite honestly, America is not going to be America but a total flat out cutthroat countries like Libya or other place that has no government for the people. I do not want that but what we are seeing is a crumbling middle class in the last 2 weeks. We no longer have a sturdy diamond (the widest would be middle class) shape but a pyramid shape. This makes for chaos and really dangerous futures for the next generations especially with covid-19 and global warming. We need to stop whatever politics we have and help one another. This is UBI (universal basic income), Medicare for all and forgiveness of debt. A lot of people won't want to hear this but it goes back to biblical times of forgiving debt (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jubilee_(biblical)" target="_blank">the Jubilee </a>). We need to get into this practice immediately or more people will feel desperate and that is the opposite of how you fight disease and instability. I want all people so focused on a cure and healing, that all our energy is focused on solving these problems. It's possible but it does require letting go of greed and selfishness. I hope more people will do the right thing and take time to voice their feelings and thoughts to leaders. I honestly believe leaders need to know how to lead but listening to the people. If they aren't, you can tell because nothing to very little gets done.<br />
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Going back to stability, I just hope, regardless of what the future holds, we can lift one another up beyond words, volunteering and donations but by giving people value through wages that are well paid, forgiveness of debt (whether it's school loans, credit debt, medical, etc) and work to make the world a better place for many. I do not think these are far fetched ideas, in fact, this is what makes a society whole and healthy. This is what we all desperately need right now. Be safe and work towards a healthier world, my friends.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-27632407371864989982020-04-16T08:58:00.001-07:002020-04-16T08:58:13.303-07:00covid-19 and feeling downToday has been ok but I feel depressed. I think everything caught up with me. Hello, I haven't written on this blog in ages and started up right now.<br />
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So, long story short: was subbing and got laid off<br />
unemployment fell through because of the way they calculate it...you MUST work 18 weeks in a row with at least 115 a week. Being a POOR sub and jobs rarely coming up, guess what? That didn't happen. Our district pays 105 a day. That actually sounds, sadly, like a lot compared to 85 other districts pay. We can't form a union because of some outdated laws and get shafted. I actually have finished my schooling meaning I have certification to teach art. But the district I'm in makes 1 art teacher cover 4 schools. Insane. So, there are only 2 art teachers for 8 elementary schools. Very unfair to the teachers and students. For the last 3 months, I was subbing for an art teacher. My extra pay was 10 a day. When I taught long term at State College, I got 245 after a 4 weeks plus, back pay. I didn't get that with my home district. $10 a day. I found out that our district is the lowest paid one in the county. That's just so wrong. Why? Because there are people on the school board who don't want to raise taxes for schools and don't want to help the next generation of students. That's who is the saddest hit. How many times did I hear kids say, I wish we could have art every day...instead have to wait 2.5 weeks. Such a shame.<br />
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Additionally, I feel sad because my mom in law has stage 1 cancer and is feeling tired. It's stressful and we hope she'll get treatment that will make her feel better. We talked and they seemed upbeat and that was good. We went up to their house and stood outside with a banner that said, WE LOVE YOU! It made me sad to be so close and yet, have to stay away.<br />
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I've tried to make art but felt it was exhausting. So, put all my energy into making masks. I have made about 50 and have been making a bunch for a local hospital as well as family and friends. This helped me feel more in control of this maddness.<br />
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The biggest disappointment is the push to make Bernie Sanders fail. I know he didn't and in fact, the policies are coming true at a faster rate. I was spending a lot of time on facebook and started to get depressed from the sorrow that everyone is expressing and the confusion. I won't get into it because it feels like something we'll find out more about in the next 5 months.<br />
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The first days of not going to school, I spent cleaning and panicking and feeling overwhelmed and sleeping. We've been doing more house stuff, obviously. making things and doing stuff and spending a lot of family time together. The kids are all over the place, 1 sleeps in till 2 pm. The other one gets up at 9am. The 3rd, might get up by noon. It's annoying. We've had to close down internet access at 11pm because they will stay up all night and try to sneak video game time. Annoying. I understand the feeling of wanting to zone out. But why do they have to sleep into the afternoon? So annoying.<br />
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made a plea to heal the earth</div>
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Making masks</div>
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Made art to encourage mask wearing</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-91269453839637523662018-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:002018-01-04T10:18:11.751-08:00New calendar for 2018!I put together a calendar on redbubble of my work! You can check it out<a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/edgot/calendars/29713848-edge-studio-calendar?asc=u&p=calendar" target="_blank"> here!</a> It is a collection of my work. As I grow my portfolio, I'll be creating themed calendars as well. Otherwise, enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-75221913725992916812018-01-03T22:05:00.001-08:002018-01-03T22:05:28.101-08:00Happy New Year!It's been a while since I wrote. :) Winter now and going to be starting the second to last semester on schooling at PSU. I hope I can do well with this semester and will be studying more intensly to keep my grades up as well as keep me less focused on the upcoming election in November. This doesn't sound like any time soon but 11 months in election cycles is relatively fast. I want to see major progressive changes happen as this last year was intensely dissappointing.<br />
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We're supposed to have a mega blizzard. I was hoping to win the powerball, at last, but alas, it didn't happen, again. Why do I always pick the wrong numbers? Well, whomever, if they won, I hope they like my art! ;)<br />
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I'm going to try and make this year more proactive in terms of doing stuff. That's always a good plan, right? Doing stuff is fun! lol Stuff as in hiking, looking for rocks, substituting, creating art, playing with the family, hoping to sell more art and writing here and there. Plus, I want to be kinder to my self and not get carried away with self punishment for X. Whatever X is. I will focus on allowing my self time to sleep such as not writing posts at 1 in the morning (ahem). And doing good works/modeling good behavior as best I can.<br />
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I know the weather won't affect us too intensely but it makes me nervous for those I know along the coast. Hoping they are all right. If I sound like I'm rambling, it's becaue I am.<br />
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Anyway, sorry for typos and what nots. I will, should I write more, be a little more aware. I'm just glad to be yammering a little after taking a break. Plus, tomorrow I plan on making a musical broccoli soup. <3 and="" back.="" falling="" few="" from="" i="" ice="" m="" on="" p="" poor="" recovering="" safe="" stay="" still="" tailbone="" the="" warm="" weeks=""></3>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-3140627805906535702017-11-08T11:20:00.001-08:002017-11-08T11:20:25.988-08:00Already AutumnThis year has gone by incredibly fast! I had thought I was nearly finished with all my classes and it turns out I let three slip by my attention. The good part is, I've got some major parts finished up, I feel healthier then I have in a long time (I had hernia surgery at the end of summer) and I feel things are getting planned out well, finally. So, all in all, good things.<br />
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And yet, there is still a lot of uncertainty with life. My children are doing well in school but fear of school safety makes it challenging. This week was very stressful with threats and lockdowns/metal detectors. A part of me feels like, how did we get here? Another part of me that knows history and has studied health side effects, is not surprised and am glad at the relatively small impacts this has made on people. Like many others out there, I wish we could make the world safe for all out loved ones and all the strangers out there. It feels like an up hill battle but I am hopeful. I feel the more awareness and openess people have, truths are revealed and people come to the realization that we all need to help one another. It's a painful road when there is opposition but it's happening. The more we realize that health concerns are not to be swept up and hidden, but need to be addressed with holistic treatments, we are doing public services in this way. Stress is not something that should be ignored or hidden, but reduced. Health care (such as <a href="http://projects.seattletimes.com/2014/loaded-with-lead/1/" target="_blank"> lead posioning</a> and drug use) and economics are the two most important factors for me concerning why people lash out.<br />
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I'm thrilled with elections. I feel that more people who are progressive are flourishing. This is an amazing space and feeling to be at. I feel it's a tipping point and as we approach 2018 politics will be cleaned out even more so. I feel HUGE strides are being made and we will have a government that will be for the people.<br />
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Keep on fighting for our rights and those who have little or no voice. We can do this. We are the people.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-51257126651654268462017-10-08T20:31:00.003-07:002017-10-08T20:31:51.735-07:00Cross posting...I shared this on my other blog that is supposed to be only for my art or art like like to share. Oh, well. I thought I'd also share some Halloween art too! Life is too short to be worried about these little mishaps...plus, I'm too tired to change it all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqh5EOLihqtN4K_Upy1dntd3Rn0HSJCFWxsoxlFDWMjcBA1VajQ7Tez-0EDrs7pDP2yGRyyqQ3olVrH-HmF5m5famIctDeuUx3zBckJFpCrCKOSiv1CGWRFKUU7cUtNnANSmy/s1600/2017-16-09-00-15-26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqh5EOLihqtN4K_Upy1dntd3Rn0HSJCFWxsoxlFDWMjcBA1VajQ7Tez-0EDrs7pDP2yGRyyqQ3olVrH-HmF5m5famIctDeuUx3zBckJFpCrCKOSiv1CGWRFKUU7cUtNnANSmy/s320/2017-16-09-00-15-26.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love these black cats in the pumpkin patch! I can't remember if I put them on redbubble or not. Either way, sweet! Oh, and here's my <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/Edgot?asc=u" target="_blank">Redbubble</a> site too. My daughters and I started a shop on redbubble over the summer. I hope to include more of our work. The cool thing is we sold a <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/edgot/works/28104421-frankenstein-and-bride-of-frankenstein?asc=u&ref=recent-owner" target="_blank">Halloween Frankenstein</a> card to someone in England! How cool is that! I totally want to do more Frankenstein spoof work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Vqg8WD4XM6gWyV3cf40FqkPRHaD5sgy8qWLG3uWEU9Q2ODxmeSGWMufQWQvXcKu7Gqb20AUzPuuquKCghzZCPkOskQ6XrZgmubmkz0ApVMDQdCxBsATDdHagQhWy5cosz6Be/s1600/2017-16-09-00-33-44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Vqg8WD4XM6gWyV3cf40FqkPRHaD5sgy8qWLG3uWEU9Q2ODxmeSGWMufQWQvXcKu7Gqb20AUzPuuquKCghzZCPkOskQ6XrZgmubmkz0ApVMDQdCxBsATDdHagQhWy5cosz6Be/s320/2017-16-09-00-33-44.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I could not resist kitties and pumpkin costumes. Silly, I know.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jhnw9-Dni3L4M_fpEQDcT_NWo6AyG1p1c8H4Lx9lq0L1ds_tkYwExnzlxY7qwnFeSr3dyCvz7eCZpLrP43hRSrjYlSHfs6cUurOKMfeBNfCt_sXhkLeQK6Ytf7n0vF94bL7E/s1600/2017-20-9--10-39-23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jhnw9-Dni3L4M_fpEQDcT_NWo6AyG1p1c8H4Lx9lq0L1ds_tkYwExnzlxY7qwnFeSr3dyCvz7eCZpLrP43hRSrjYlSHfs6cUurOKMfeBNfCt_sXhkLeQK6Ytf7n0vF94bL7E/s320/2017-20-9--10-39-23.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sharing this as my fan art of Hocus Pocus. I was going to sell copies on red bubble but felt like it didn't deviate too much from the original so am just sharing it as part of my tearsheet of work. ;)<br />
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It's been awhile since I've written. Mainly, because I've been busy with school, finishing up the post bac program...thinking of masters degree. But mostly, wanting to start teaching. Lots of good things are happening and that is promising. The biggest thing I went through was a surgery in September. I didn't realize I had an umbilical hernia. Most likely happening between the close births of my eldest daughters. This means I probably had it for about 14 years. This summer it progressed from pain to the worst pain I've had. There are specifics that I'd prefer to forget but anyone can look them up regarding a strangulated hernia. To be quite frank, all functions were going to zero and my feelings of anxiety and negative thoughts were abounding. Skip ahead to after surgery, all thoughts are optimistic, energy level is increasing to beyond my imagination and I feel like a new lease on life. It's an incredible feeling. It really does. It feels sort of like being on the edge of disappearing and then, someone (my doctors), opening up a whole new path to life. I feel very lucky and I feel that people should check for these things even more, hernias, that is. The combination of hypothyroidism and having an undiagnosed hernia seems to be what has been holding me back all these years. When I think of all the issues I went through, the impatience of some people, the cruelty of others (you would not believe how abusive people can be to those who are fat or intolerance to those who are ill), to my own intolerance of my self ( I did a fair number of angry self thoughts), my own vanity and impatience and lack of understanding and so on, I'm glad to be where I am now. I don't feel angry anymore. I feel more at ease with my self and more at peace with how things are going. I am very grateful to be alive.<br />
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If I were a doctor, I would want to be able to do this for others: Make them feel better. It's simple and so true. I hope more people, regardless of profession, try to make each person feel better. It's hard to do but worth it, even a little.<br />
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Anyway, so, that is the biggest news. For healing, I'd say, I'm about 85%. There are still twinges but my God, I can lay on my tummy mostly comfortably and not feel sick. I'm still fat but I don't care. I love me and I'm so happy to be well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-73782779648426079492016-12-19T09:21:00.000-08:002016-12-19T09:21:02.682-08:00Here's some fun recent work I did: some pet portraits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VEn-MnHRTUnbagUkTMw8V1d6JxnR6CQyI9PoVuht4itceOkyZ2K4J1VDcVjZEU7WIWhuGKYd8jXsy0CuWois78WPBNPFYF8_tGOkL0u1UoDo4AfNXUYY001Q2EWMhWJNhmV8/s1600/IMG_7183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VEn-MnHRTUnbagUkTMw8V1d6JxnR6CQyI9PoVuht4itceOkyZ2K4J1VDcVjZEU7WIWhuGKYd8jXsy0CuWois78WPBNPFYF8_tGOkL0u1UoDo4AfNXUYY001Q2EWMhWJNhmV8/s400/IMG_7183.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-32801578248840633762016-11-23T20:40:00.002-08:002016-11-23T20:40:19.140-08:00Have a Happy Thanksgiving~<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My thoughts are with the people who are fighting against oppression in North Dakota. It is a turning point in history and I'm praying more banks pull out of it and stop these intrusive and environmentally destructive actions. My other thoughts are with family and friends and hoping all are content, healthy and find/do good works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started a play list called Rainbow Warriors on Spotify. It has nearly all of the songs from the original Greenpeace 2 album tapes I had years ago. It was good collecting them and brought tears, memories and a feeling of sadness for all the things that are happening with protests and unease. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of people are upset about the election and some are very happy. I'm more in the middle. I hope there is change and I hope to see Mr. Trump be more like Teddy Roosevelt. That is my hope. I focus on this quote: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You never regret being kind." </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Nicole Shepherd</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/31062963682/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="keepcalmhikeonsm"><img alt="keepcalmhikeonsm" height="500" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5485/31062963682_4e0719b903.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-19808743517608564182016-10-31T19:41:00.002-07:002016-10-31T19:45:15.229-07:00Being in school again<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30613971011/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="pennyhalloween2"><img alt="pennyhalloween2" height="425" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5807/30613971011_8a14829275_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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So, if you didn't know, I went back to school. Thankfully, I was placed in the graduate program but am filling in some missing links for classes as it's been a long while since I've been in school. A part of me was slightly depressed about it but another part of me was, finally! One of the biggest hurdles of going back wasn't so much getting used to school and classes, I love them all and I get a feeling of happiness learning new skills, even if it's challenging. The biggest issue wasn't even family adjustments (the family sort of rebelled against change...esp. me not being around as much, choirs slipped, that sort of thing). For me, it was finding out I have a serious health issues. I've talked about it quite a bit, hypothyroidism, but I didn't realize it was holding me back so much...and that it would sort of "flush" itself to the surface. I view it as a good thing that happened, really, as I don't feel as energetic as I have in years. I was reading a book about this and I could totally relate to the women who suddenly were treated with the right illness and had a rebirth. I should really do some more butterfly art...that's how I feel too. It even has changed my perspective on the seasons. For years (and this blog probably has accounts of it), I was so down about the seasons, light and dark and all that as the sun moves away from the us. Now, I hardly recognize a feeling of depression or feeling "down". Things just feel more upbeat and positive...even with the current election crap. haha<br />
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I sometimes want to shout from the tops of buildings, get your thyroid tested! I really do. I feel the more people get tested, the more awareness doctors have, the better people will feel. It's almost like there is the reluctance (thinking of how I suspected I had it 3 years ago, and my doctors, then, did nothing) in the medical profession, I hope this is changing big time.<br />
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Switching gears a bit, I've been participating in the Inktober.com paintings. I did all 31 days of drawing in ink and sumi ink. I had a great time doing this and what's more, practiced my art and feel more confident about my skills. Here's a few from my flickr account:<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30562820252/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title=""Wreck"#inktober #inktober2016"><img alt=""Wreck"#inktober #inktober2016" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5791/30562820252_6148b80c22_b.jpg" width="630" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30046033883/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title=""Creepy"#inktober #inktober2016"><img alt=""Creepy"#inktober #inktober2016" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5579/30046033883_43352ae5d3_b.jpg" width="511" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30376346710/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="upload"><img alt="upload" height="693" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5792/30376346710_4234005481_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Oh and I did a photo shoot at our church in honor of St. Francis! They came out really cute! </div>
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<b><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30610357806/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Kitty magic!"><img alt="Kitty magic!" height="526" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5477/30610357806_b8eceb973f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></b></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32019186@N00/30015175964/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Bark or Treat!"><img alt="Bark or Treat!" height="410" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5450/30015175964_c00ceb821a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-675318780617474842016-10-31T18:44:00.002-07:002016-10-31T18:49:29.670-07:00I want a Halloween redo!I forgot to take photos of the kids, had school on trick or treat night and missed that, husband forgot to take photos of the tricks or treats and my two adolescents are more friend oriented now (and that sort of sucks but is nice too). Oh, well.<br />
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The best thing was we did church/movie/dance and it was a blast. We really had a good time and I highly recommend having a church themed event because it is silly and fun and safe. That is the best thing, really. I love being Episcopalian as we're open about everything and our group is very progressive (which I love!). I hope most people can do stuff like this. What a difference from the group I used to go to as a kid where I was given the hairy eyeball for wearing a tee-shirt with dancers on it. O.m. goodness! What a waste of energy. Now, we're all rainbows, mentally progressive and happy. A good, good feeling. :D Plus, we got to see Beetlejuice and it was a lot of fun.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-35558403557253082016-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:002016-09-30T20:53:05.378-07:00Being Hypothyroid and treatmentI've been having treatment since March, now. Last month, I found out I was lower then I should be and they upped my perscription. The difference is night and day. Within a few days, I was feeling nearly my old self. I've still lost feeling in my fingers and feet but gosh, I feel more in my fingers...painful almost. It's incredible just to feel the pain on some odd level. Like I'm alive, I'm here. I hope this starts helping my feet. I would love to feel my feet being tickled again.<br />
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Energy is up. Even my colds aren't as bad. I have to be extremely strict with gluten. If not, I feel my throat swell. No cakes or cookie or most things I like for me. :( I had Chinese food and suffered from that. Depressing. Still, it forces me to make my own Chinese meals but darn it, sometimes you just want Chinese food take out. :( When will a restaurant have gluten free around here? Sigh.<br />
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No pasta, and I have been snacking less because I don't feel hungry. No change in appearance or size, yet. I hope there is something in that regard.<br />
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I'm proud of my self but I need to change my habits. I should be sleeping right now but am typing. Signing off in a few. But I had to update and say, I am so happy that my body isn't trapped in a sluggish world of numbness. I feel like I was in a strange fog compared to what I feel now. I know this isn't about my art but if our bodies are our artwork, I see how feelings and state of minds can be so important. Oddly, I had so many strategies to help me manage what I was going through, I feel like they make me happier as a person. I still need to learn to let go of some fears or awkwardness or rather make stepping stones and blocks to get to the point of feeling more comfortable.<br />
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One of the other things I'm amazed at is, I'm not as embarrassed and my voice feels stronger. I feel stronger.<br />
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One thing is if you are hypothyroid do not take your med before blood work. It will screw up your results. Also, if you suspect you are hypo, and get tested with a normal range. Get a second opinion as soon as possible. I wasted three years of my life thinking I was going insane because of my body crashing around me. So much stress, depression and anxiety for nothing. Trust your body and signs. I wish I had but am so, so glad it was finally caught. I am very grateful for my mom catching her's and encouraging me to get tested. <3 nbsp="" p=""><br />
Have a good weekend!</3>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-77074964410659791582016-09-16T07:38:00.000-07:002016-09-16T07:38:35.423-07:00Autumn day at lastfinally, fall seems to have expressed her self. Took a little while to warm up to but the moon seemed to say time to change, my dear, it's time. Autumn shook off summer and pulled on her gray cloudy hat. "So, there!" she said and stamped about the green leaves kicking them a lighter shade of pale yellow green. She had started the change and the sigh of seasons could just catch our breaths away because we knew, something was up. "It's all good," said the bears and deer in the woods. The birds blinked wonderingly. Was it time for them to begin the Southern move? They were ready as the air already held a certain chill they did not like. Their Northern cousins laughed at their sensitivity, happily plotting out which were the best trees for seeds and which would be the best people to fill their bird feeders. Older squirrels thought of days gone by, remembering they need to start stocking up for winter and keep the young ones on their toes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324569.post-17858640072128113442016-08-27T21:26:00.000-07:002016-08-27T21:26:10.671-07:00won second place in a local show called the Dark Arts Show! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliQz5KsNp3sggy2-YFDXQGgXeoX9w8HhFfV6UYki1cRqjrFMR6F4CIwNYynUgFOh4BH91sf677wvSDAQNoG-T0g02MkXuAuQsfAwz1ksfbxAnfix2pcW4ZK7eqtPRkUHHR6tr/s1600/day+of+the+dead+win2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliQz5KsNp3sggy2-YFDXQGgXeoX9w8HhFfV6UYki1cRqjrFMR6F4CIwNYynUgFOh4BH91sf677wvSDAQNoG-T0g02MkXuAuQsfAwz1ksfbxAnfix2pcW4ZK7eqtPRkUHHR6tr/s640/day+of+the+dead+win2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Very surprised and glad to enter with other great local artists! I feel honored.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0