Ahab's Wife

i've been reading ahab's wife, by sena jeter naslund. i am almost through this mammoth novel, which is probably as long as the original book the main character, una, is inspired from. i read moby dick, way back in high school english. at the time, i thought it was so dry and boring, i barely made it 3/4 of the way through the novel, when i gave up and was forced to read the cliff notes instead. so, with that history, it definitely wasn't the connection back to melville's grand work, that reeled me in.

what was interesting to me, was that i came across the book in a second hand shop, a few days after i had sold, my piece, the sailor's valentine.being inspired by old sailing vessels, the ocean and that particular period of time, i decided to take it on my trip with me. its been an interesting read, and will probably not end up in the unfinished pile. but more over, it has drawn me closer to the themes that i had worked with over the summer. so i thought i would share some of the visual inspiration that i am collecting for some new work that is percolating in my brain.

re-entry and discovery

i have been home for about two weeks now. the jet lag has worn off, and every day i feel like i have a little more energy. the re-entry, from being away from my home and family for 2 1/2 weeks was a little more difficult this time.

maybe it is partly the weather; i left balmy Hong Kong at 65 degrees for VT at -2 degrees. or it could be the food or culture or the architecture.

it could be that i spent the majority of my time when i was not working alone in a small, sterile, hotel room, that overlooked that vastness of the city. i think it is independence that is the most difficult to over come. the time that i had to myself, was priceless. even when i was in cities where the population is unfathomable, i was still alone, with myself. not having to share myself or the space around me with anyone. it may sound selfish, but it was restorative and insulating. i feel like i needed a little of that. coming back to my life the way i left after thanksgiving was a challenge. taking care of everyone, making meals, doing laundry, etc, etc.... i felt bogged down my the mundane. held back by all the stuff that has to get done.

so now, the cleansing and the de-clutter has begun. i've taken the week off from work. day by day, i pick away at the accumulations of belongings, sweeping out dust bunnies, creating bags of donations for goodwill, posting on free-cycle. i am moving out all the things in my life that don't work, don't fit, and taking up space. so perhaps i have started my new year already. i was done with 2009, anyway....

Thanks! Alpha Stamps!

Earlier in the fall was asked by the lovely Miz Bella at Alpha Stamps to create some ornaments for their December newsletter. It came out a few weeks ago but I have finally had a chance to post the link.

If you are not familiar with their site, Alpha Stamps are purveyors of fine quality rubber stamps and supplies to make ATC, Altered books, and any other altered art project you can dream up. Their site if full of great tutorials, fantastic inspiration pieces, and tons and tons of embellishments!

So, I wanted to give them a shout out and a mighty thanks for inviting me to contribute to their December newsletter! Here's wishing you a creative day!

Ahhhhhh.....

i got some of my elements back! hooray!

i would still like your help to find some cool links for backgrounds, templates, etc.

recently, from a friend's recommendation, i found my latest blog addiction is The Vintage Moth. Abigail Mooney's site for free and vintage images for mixed media artists. she is a great resource for wonderful images. make sure to check out some of her site's sponsor's, too!


i would love to hear what you design blog favs are. send me your tips/ideas and inspiration sources for a design filled life and i will enter you in a drawing for a free gift, from my etsy shop. drawing will be held on 12/31. have a creative week!


looking forward to a bright new future in 2010.

Ooooppps!

i was playing around with backgrounds and margin widths, when i accidently erased my header and my sidebar details, including all my links and inspiration sites.

that will teach me.

so i am enlisting your help to fix it up. if you were linked to me in the past, please comment with your contact info, so i can put you back where you belong. also, if you have any fantastic ideas about layouts, backgrounds, etc. hit me up. this accident is forcing me to give my blog a face lift and your input is greatly appreciated.

so now i am officially under re-construction.