the potpourri of life

This is the last week of our ecourse with Kelly Rae and I'm feeling the mixed emotions you get when you are almost to the end of something you've waited a long time for. You know that feeling you had when you graduated high school or college? the anticipation to explore the world with the knowledge you acquired during that time, hoping it will get you to your next goal or destination. During this course I've thought back to when I first started my art business, KoiStudios. I had no idea what I was doing and had to figure out everything by trial and error. Building a website, which online galleries to join, social networking sites, etc, etc. And still learning everyday, although now I am much better at researching and connecting with other artists, trying to bypass some hardships. But that's how we learn, is by making mistakes. I know what I am capable of doing and when I have self doubt (which happens more than I'd like to admit) I think about all the accomplishments I've made in my life so far and what goals and dreams I have to look forward to.

I know that I have been wanting to make a drastic change in my website and have thought about changing the name of the business as well. Both are big steps for me and at times can be frustrating to even think about. But change is good. And with the priceless information that Kelly Rae has graciously shared with all her fellow flyers, I will be able to think logically about the steps I need to take to move my creative biz forward.

Moving Forward

Yesterday David and I went to check out the 18th Annual Salida Art Walk. It was a lot of fun to see so many talented artists all in one place! Being a native of the area I always am amazed at how much that little town has grown into a beautiful little art mecca. I have had some frustrations lately about my lack of participation in the community since I've moved back two years ago. But after pondering my whys, I am so ready to jump back into the game. We stopped off at one of my favorite galleries, The Maverick Potter and chatted with Mark. One of my favorite pieces was of an installation piece he had made creating aspen trees out of clay and wire. Beautiful work Mark! I also was fond of two bronze ravens that were seen at Gallery 150. (I just tried ringing them to find out the artist's name, but they were closed.)

So, this morning I'm off to a great start. I have already thrown six cylinders which are part of my new piece that I've had in mind...My goal is to have ten made today, so this afternoon I'll throw six more. I think I'm getting my routine back! YaY!!! So excited.

....this is the last week of our flying lessons e-course with Kelly Rae. I'm sad to see it come to an end, but delighted to put all this new information to good use with my work and creative biz. We've learned so much in such a short amount of time. I am also looking forward to meeting more of my fellow flyers and keeping in touch across the globe. It's always so much fun for me to meet fellow artists. There is a connection among the creative community that is beyond words. I just love it!

Tuesday, Monday...Is tomorrow still Wednesday?

OMG! I lost a day already and now it's almost the middle of the week! This is what happens when my routine is altered a bit. I literally lose days of the week! But it's alright, because tomorrow is another day and I can start to get back on track. I just finished reading today's post with Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons and I must say, it was much needed. I know we all could use a little help where time management is concerned, but somedays I think I could use a little more help than others. But thanks to Kelly and my fellow flight crew, I have an idea of where to begin. I have always been a fan of organization and to-do lists, but now more than ever I need to actually use them.

...on another note, my love handed me a heart shaped piece of super tonight. I couldn't resist the temptation to take a picture before I enjoyed it. For those of you that don't know what super is....it's a pork sausage that is stuffed in a large casing and then smoked and cured for several months. My family has been making it for as long as I can remember. Anyways, this picture is for my husband. I hope he likes it since the super is gone!

Floors and Fencing

I've been neglecting my blog the last week or so and I feel like I'm losing a no win battle against time...

A couple of weeks ago I sprained my wrist while working with my horse, so I haven't been able to throw any new pots and am chomping at the bit to do so! Then last week we installed our new flooring in the kitchen, dining room and two hall ways AND started on our new privacy fence!

our new dark walnut flooring

The good news is that I finally caught up on my e-course with Kelly Rae and have learned some very valuable tricks and tools to use towards my own creative business! I need to start making a to do list and catagorizing what I need to work on first. The cool thing is that I can work on several things at once which will help with my own personal time line.

It's hard to believe that I have been selling my work online for the past five years! I took a bit of a detour this last couple years since we moved...and going back to school... But now I'm BACK! and ready to take my art in a new direction.

Peg Bear for Baby

My nephew, Anthony, has been visiting his Nina for a few days. We've had lots of fun swimming, playing baseball, watching movies, bottle feeding baby calves and working on a sewing project, a peg bear for his soon to be born niece.

Happy Tears, Gumdrops, and Splash!

Aqua Splash Planters @ muddypotts

Gumdrop Bowl @ muddypotts

Happy Tears Vase @ muddypotts

Unearthed Landing

Last night as I was reading my new book, I had ideas flowing in for new paintings. I started journaling again (thanks to Kelly!) and sketching out ideas. I was also thinking about yesterdays post in class and thinking about WHY we do what we do. I asked myself, WHY KoiStudios? What was I thinking? and here is what I came up with:

I know I have always had a fondness for fish, especially the koi. They remind me of my grandpa's fish pond and when I used to visit my grandparents as a child. The koi fish is so colorful and graceful in the way the live. So why koistudios? Why not? It's always been a part of my life since I was a child...

Summer Nightie

Taking Off

I started a new project last night!

I have a book called the One Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins.
My first undertaking is the Summer Nightie. I found a cute print with butterflies that I thought would be perfect!

I also started my reading my new book, Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques

by Kelly Rae Roberts.

I would have loved to read the whole thing last night, but I knew I needed to get some sleep.

Can hardly wait to get back to it!

Who Does She Think She Is?

Today is the third day of my Flying Lessons: Tips and Tricks ecourse with Kelly Rae. As I sit out on my deck, listening to the hummingbirds play, and the breeze whisper through the tree tops, I am confident that I have finally listened to my heart AND my husband =).

A couple of weeks ago I was accepted into the nursing program at a local community college. For the past three semesters I have been studying hard to achieve that goal. I was also struggling internally with my inner being as to whether or not I was making the right decision by abandoning my passion of creating art. I now know that I am what I am, an ARTIST.

I love how everything falls into place when you are on the right path...