Robyn's Art

So Thankful that it's Friday

2009-11-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that the weekend is almost here. I am committed this weekend to take some photos on Sunday. Saturday will be a busy family day, but that does include a road trip, so possibly some photos there as well. I am getting to the point where I want to photo everything... if it were up to me, an hour long road trip would be extended to an entire day just to stop and grab photos along the way.

I'll also be ordering all my supplies for the craft show this weekend. Making my list and checking it twice. And making sure my inventory is ready. I have a lot to focus on. And goals are one of the things in life that keeps me sane.

Without goals I wander aimlessly. I plummet into darkness. Truthfully, I very easily slide down into depression if I don't keep myself busy and focused. Luckily for me, this I know about myself and can keep it at bay.

My hope for all of you... all of my friends and family is that you know what to do to keep yourself raised up above that. The holidays are upon us soon. It's very common for depression to surface... and with the economy (I will be re-posting my blog about the economy soon), you absolutely must do all you can to hold your head above water. If you need some support, reach out. Talk with your friends, your family, even a professional. You are in control. Don't let it control you.

If you would like to talk to me, I am here. I'd love to help.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

Life is really good these days. I feel like so much is falling into place. Not haphazardly, but after a whole lot of working towards it. It is an awesome feeling when hard work is rewarded. And I feel that it's so important to be thankful when that does happen.

I have an extensive support network. Many don't even realize they are in that web that helps me through. But many do. Family, close friends. They lean on me and I lean on them... together, we are a strong pillar emerging in the world. I am so thankful for each and every one of them.

Their strength adds to my own, and I'm able to be supportive of more people as a result. It's a constantly turning wheel.

I witnessed a friend's art evolving yesterday and saw her sense of self absolutely soar. That is amazing! A couple of days ago, that same friend felt me reach out to her when I needed to be reassured about my decision to do a craft show. She helped me brain storm all the things I'd need to do to prepare and soothed my soul.

My pledge today is that I will not only continue to raise up those around me, but I will also continue to lean on my network for support.

Who are you thankful for today?

Watch life pass by

2009-11-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

I took this photo from the car window. I was experimenting, and having fun. I love how it turned out. I call it "Watching Life Pass By".

Today, my goal is to relax a bit... and watch life. I need to breathe. I've calmed down about the craft show, though I'm still making mental notes. I'm not so freaked out now. I will just focus on making steps forward, no matter how small.

Do you ever sit on a bench and watch people? I like to imagine where they are rushing off to, I create amazing, elaborate stories in my head about their lives, their hopes, their desires. I believe there's a certain amount of empathy that comes with this ability. My stories explain WHY they have that stain on their blouse, or why they put on a bit too much perfume today. The stories explain it away... You should try it. Seriously. It's fun.

Try to do something today that takes you *out* of the hustle and bustle of life. People watch. Meditate. Soak in a bubble bath. Create a world aside from the one out there... and make it your own.

Fasten Your Seatbelts!

2009-11-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

As a general rule, there are two speeds in my life... crawling along and fasten your seatbelts! I'm embarking on one of those crazy times when I need to be buckled in. Today I'm signing up for a craft show Dec. 4th and 5th. It's local, it's with some good friends. And so far, I'll be the only photographer there.

I am thrilled beyond words... and majorly overwhelmed. But I know me. Today I will start making lists of all the preparations that need to be done, and I will start doing them. I started researching packaging yeserday, and have some sources bookmarked to order from. I also received some metallic prints in the mail that I will sell in the show.

That in itself was a funny bit of synchronicity. I never order prints until they are ordered. Then (depending on specifics of the order) I order them locally and mail them, or have them shipped directly from my lab. But the other day, I ordered 11 8X10 prints, to see how they look. 5 regular, 6 metallic. So I feel like I am a little ahead of the game.

More research today. And if you have any suggestions for items I need to have there, please do mention it! Or... for photos I must include...

Pay attention... listen to the signs of the universe. When you are ready, it will start throwing stuff your way.

Signs I can't ignore

2009-11-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

I think when you are present in your life, there are times where it's like being yanked around by a great dane. Times when you are being pulled so strongly in a direction that you have absolutely no choice but to follow.

I had a weekend like that... a weekend of being shown where it is I'm supposed to be going. What it is I'm supposed to be working towards. Like most things in life, it's not instant. But I have a definite direction.

I know people who will never listen to the clues. They will never allow the right direction to be shown to them. And they will always be searching blindly. I'm sure that was me for a number of years.

But no more. I am on this path... I am working towards the end goal. I wish the same for you... if you don't know where it is you are headed, start listening. It will be shown to you, I promise.

TGIF

2009-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

The magic I spoke of earlier in the week has returned. Today is a beautiful day, and the weekend looming before me looks wonderful. Like I said before, I love fall. I love naked trees. I love leaf covered streets and paths. I love wearing my crochet/knitted hats. I love layering. :-)

And I love trying to capture the magic with my camera. Not sure if the weekend will allow time for that, but I certainly am going to try.

The other day, I came across the following quote.

"Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it." -- Goethe

It was a great reminder to me... like I had said about a week ago, about showing up at the page. In the name of being pointed in the right direction, I keep happening across these signs. And that is a very good thing. I need all the reminders that I can get.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. And if you need that reminder, write it out on a post it. Put it on your mirror or in your car... perhaps on your computer monitor. Enjoy!

Real blog post to come later today...

2009-11-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

I wanted to leave you with this photo this morning... check back later for my Friday blog post. Have a wonderful morning!

The contemplation continues

2009-11-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

I am having a very hard time getting motivated this morning. Just as I typed that I realized I had forgotten my coffee this morning. Now, with my coffee in hand, I hope to find my motivation.

I had a wonderful talk with my dad yesterday. He sounded absolutely great. I was telling him some exciting news and he was fully rejoicing with me. He so gets me, and that makes me so happy.

I have a busy weekend planned, and got an email about an upcoming craft show in the area... the lady found me on etsy :-). My initial reaction was "noooo.... not enough time". But... I will email her back, asking for more information. After all, I do have over 50 journals made, and I'd like to move them from my shop... new directions coming soon with that. The craft show is about an hour away, but I will weigh all the pros and cons throughout the day to decide.

In so many ways, business-wise, I feel as though I've arrived. I have found my photographic voice. I am following my heart. Life is pretty amazing.

The deep contemplation that's been within me for days is continuing today. I'm getting there... slowly. For a person with 0 patience, this is going well.

I wish each of you a completely present, mindful day.

A little Magic

2009-11-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

I love the colors of fall. Spring is an amazing time of rebirth, but in the fall, that's when the behind the scenes magic happens... that's when the groundwork is done for the coming season. Seeds drop to the ground, waiting... leaves fall to protect and fertilize. It's all absolute magic.

I have some magic of my own going on in my life right now. I'm not going to tell exactly what it is because I'm so afraid to jinx it. But something amazing is happening. Yep, right along with all the unsettled-ness in my world. And the struggles I've been going through... right in the middle of that, a glimmer of magic.

Life's pretty amazing. Just when you think you are going down in the water for the last time, a small flotation device floats by. You're still in the water. You still have to figure out how the hell to deal with the predicament you are in. But now you have hope. So that's where I am. Still floating around. But still in the same water. I'm taking lots of extra meditation time lately. And I'm so thankful for my morning pages I'm doing as part of The Artist's Way.

If you're in the water... look around... there might be something coming to provide you with a little magic...

Unsettled

2009-11-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. About priorities, about life in general. I wish it were, but my thinking's not done. It's a time of unrest for me, and of being mentally/emotionally unsettled. Answers are being fed to me slowly as I meditate, and as I try to go through my day mindfully. I will get there. It's quite a journey, though.

Throughout all of this, my head is held high. I know that I will come out exactly where I need to be. I just need to apply patience (that's quite a lesson in itself).

This all seems very cryptic, doesn't it? I apologize for that. Sometimes struggles are like that. You can let others know you are struggling, but the details are left for self to work out.

I will continue to move forward, no matter how slowly. And I will continue to share all that I am able with you. That is my pledge. Life is amazing, and wonderful things are discovered daily. I hope that you all find that to be true!

Be well, my friends... be well.

Monday, Monday...

2009-11-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

These are some of my recent photos. I got in some camera time over the weekend... not as much as I would have liked, but some. Most of these were just for fun. I hope you all have a great week!

Hooray for the weekend!

2009-10-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

This has been a really long week. Tomorrow, rain or shine, I am going out with my cameras and getting some good shots. I just know that... remember my earlier post about 'showing up at the page'? If I go, I will get them. With the fall colors, the falling leaves, and the amazing barns and trees in my area, I'm all set. Or perhaps I'll go out by the wineries... the possibilities are endless.

I am also going to do some extra work on The Artist's Way, and possibly plan something special for the girls who are doing it with me... they are working so hard! It's the first time I've facilitated this, and it's really an amazing experience for me. It's leading me... new directions are around the bend. Lots of thoughts about what I want to be when I grow up.

I honestly feel like I'm kinda doing some groundwork now.... getting things in place. Like the pre-packing you do before you move. And the odd thing is... this time, as I'm doing the groundwork, I recognize it as such and I feel how important it is. I know I must do it mindfully and carefully, so I have a good base.

Thoughts are heavy today. Have a safe weekend... try to focus on being present.

My dad...

2009-10-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of my dad. I'm guessing it was taken about 30 years ago. When I went to Utah last time, we went through his old photos and I scanned a bunch in. There were a lot better pictures of his face. Lots showing him in his Navy uniform, quite a few that show him cooking, several of him showing off his tattoos... but this photo speaks to me the most. Probably because it shows his deep-rooted love of photography. I am still amazed that we share that love.

Someone very near and dear to me has been pointing out other similarities between dad and I to me lately. We're both very stubborn. Extremely. We have our set ideas about what self-care is, regardless of what others encourage us to do. We are both very strong individuals.

My dad is my biggest hero. Thoughts of him are heavy on my mind today because he spent the night in the hospital again. However, Dad is an amazing fighter and he assures me that it's not his time to go yet. Know what? Against all medical knowledge I have... and even though all the odds are against him... I believe him. He has more than proven himself to me before.

So Dad... when you are home and you read this... know, that even in your struggles I am learning amazing life lessons from you. Thank you, and I love you.

Time to Rally

2009-10-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absence yesterday. I was fighting a migraine and felt very under the weather. I still trudged through work, but it was a difficult day. Today I'm feeling a little better...

This past weekend, I watched my boys ride at Washougal MX Park, in Washougal, Washington. It is one of their favorite tracks to ride at. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but the track was extremely muddy. Quite the challenge for them! They got frustrated, they almost gave up... then they rallied and finished off strong. Awesome to watch!

Inspired by my teenage sons... I realize that I also must rally. It's time to beat this downtrodden feeling the migraine left me with! Today I will mail orders out, I will edit some new photos and list them. I will work extremely hard and go to bed exhausted. And hopefully in there somewhere, I will connect with those amazing people in my life... because really, they make it all worthwhile.

Changes

2009-10-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of fun yesterday editing photos. This version didn't quite make the cut to go into my shop, but I still like it.

I was feeling quite under the weather yesterday, but I still managed to talk to some wonderful friends online, edit photos, and list 3 of them. Oh yeah, caught up on my Artist's Way homework too!

Saturday, we went to Washougal to watch the boys race motocross. They had a tough time, because it was very muddy, but the day went well, no major injuries! Then we all went out to dinner, and I made kladkaka. They were oh so happy as they ended their day with video games.

I feel some new creative directions pulling me their way. Many things will be changing in my shop over the next few months. For instance, journals as I currently have listed may cease to be listed... maybe. That's the thought at this point in time... we will see where I am led.

Where are you being led creatively? Are you following or fighting it?

TGIF

2009-10-23T04:42:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased that Friday is here. It's going to be a very busy weekend, but at least it won't include going to work. Don't get me wrong... I am not a work hater. I am a perfect fit for the job I have, and I do it well. I'm just always happy to have a couple days off, aren't we all?

I hope to have a lot of photography time in this weekend, though it may not be for my shop. Going to watch my boys' cousins play football on Saturday, and going to watch my boys race motocross on Sunday. So lots of photos of them.

I will, however, as always, get some creative shots in... I just can't help myself. I will also be completing week one of the artist's way. I'm already being led in some new directions on this journey... I can't wait to see where it takes me!

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend... do something fun!

"Show up at the Page"

2009-10-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the Artist's Way with a couple of friends, and a big part of it is writing the morning pages. 3 pages of uncensored writing first thing in the morning. I have to admit, it's not always first thing in the morning for me, but they are an amazing tool! You learn so much about yourself when you have to write out 3 pages worth of stuff.

The writer of The Artist's Way always says to "show up at the page" and realizations will come to you. I've done a lot of thinking about that, and realize I can apply to anything really. I show up with the camera and get some amazing shots. I show up at the computer and can edit and list. The only worry, really... ever... is showing up.

Sometimes the motivation is the most difficult thing. I know this all too well. I get bogged down by life, by work, by emotions, by depression, and exhaustion. But once I actually show up, it's like the planets start aligning or something.

I challenge you to listen to those inner voices that guide your dreams. But this time, don't shush them. Really listen. And show up!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Keeping it Safe

2009-10-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

I took this photo in the park on Sunday. I visit that statue every time I go there. I love the dog's longing look, and how the girl is determined to not let him get her ice cream. The only thing missing is the ice cream falling off the cone.

I think sometimes we are so concerned about someone else taking something from us that we forget to appreciate that something. That's very vague... let me get some examples. I know people on etsy who have amazing ideas... ideas for products that would sell amazingly well. But they are so protective of those ideas that they'll never bring them to fruition.

Makes me wonder... what good is an idea if you aren't going to use it? My goal this week is to pay attention to my ideas... see which ones are worth birthing... decide exactly what I need to do to make them happen!

New Photos

2009-10-19T04:40:00.001-07:00

I added these photos to my shop over the weekend. Well, all except the wood duck, he will be added today. I went and took pictures yesterday, wandering through the woods at a local park. I had forgotten how exhilerating it is to go out, take photos, come home, upload them and get immediate feedback.

I have a friend with whom I can toss ideas around with and the things he comes up with are quite amazing. A true meeting-of-the-minds experience. Pretty breathtaking when that happens.

I'm bouncing all around today... I started The Artist's Way with 2 girlfriends yesterday. I have done the 12 week program 3 times in the past, and I am thrilled to be facilitating their journey this time!

This week will hopefully bring about some amazing creativity! Encourage one another!

Climbing Higher

2009-10-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

This is the most recent print available in my shop... I took an old favorite of mine and added some editing... and there it is. Like I said, it's one of my favorites. I took it during a camping trip last year. Up above the stairs was a very small parking area, then you walk down the stairs, follow a trail, and go to your camp site. It was so enclosed... I loved it!

To me this photo shows one part of the journey we are all on. Trust me, those stairs started looking daunting as we were packing all our gear out of our site! But life is not best lived while strolling along a flat, straight road. Life is best when climbing those stairs or hiking up that mountain! And I love the brightness at the top of the stairs... no idea what it is from below, but we are led towards it. More often than not, we are rewarded.

I'm basically an optomistic person and choose to think there's a light at the end of the tunnel even when I can't see one. I know from past personal experience two things: that things will always get better when they are bad, and that I *need* to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel, so even if there wasn't one there before, there is now!

I am beginning The Artist's Way with some friends. I see a mountain before me, but I see a huge light at the top, and perhaps a nourishing tree as well... I wish you all well on the journeys you are on.

Going where the Path May Lead

2009-10-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

I've been really listening lately. Listening to the voices, seeing the signs... and I know that I'm on a new path. I can't go very deep into it at this point, but I dare say there are amazing things on the horizon.

I will be starting The Artist's Way with a small group of friends at the end of this week, or early the next... I will be facilitating it. This will be my third or fourth time doing it, and each time is quite the journey. My seatbelt is buckled, and I am ready.

You know... life is trying... it's not all good. But I am in just the right frame of mind lately to learn from all that's going on. That's an awesome feeling!

Short blog today... how is YOUR journey going?

Not real?? Puh-lease

2009-10-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

I have made some amazing friends online. A soul-sister that I never knew I had til she completed me. I've been with online friends through illness, pregnancy, childbirth, heartache, and now chemo... yet I do know people who would disregard any connection made online as 'not real'.

That would be the same as saying my business is not real because it's online. But, as I'm very near 200 sales, I can assure you that it is indeed real. Just as these friendships are... these people have touched my heart in ways I never knew possible. I've learned a lot of people skills, actually. And they do carry over into real life.

I'm in a forum on etsy where we always encourage one another, we help each other through... my family, I call it... and I've learned how to FEEL more (I was very good at having a hard outer protective shell). I've learned how to trust and how to reach out. And most of all, I've learned how to reach out and help others up.

I learn through conversations with my online friends that I miss my family and must call them. I learn that if I am struggling, I can lean on them. If I need a shoulder to cry on, they are there and I don't even have to worry about getting makeup on their shirts!

I am rambling now... just wanted to say to my online friends.... I love you guys and I'm so thankful for our very real relationships...

New Photos in my Shop

2009-10-13T04:46:00.001-07:00

These will be available in my shop by the end of the day. Still moving forward with the editing. Any thoughts?

Photo Editing Fun

2009-10-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

I have been having some fun with photo editing this weekend. Several new prints (including the one above) will be listed in my shop today.

I know me pretty well. And I knew that what I needed the most was to be creative over the weekend. I made and listed 2 new journals, took some amazing photos of them, and then went on to the photo editing. I only broke one toe in the process! So, it was a good weekend!

I will be starting on The Artist's Way this coming week with a few online friends. I am looking forward to that more than you could ever know! Strange time to be doing it, right before the holidays, perhaps... but perhaps it's the perfect time.

Dad, if you don't hear from me today, call me... sometimes I forget my phone can dial out :-)

Don't forget to check my shop throughout the day for my latest photos. Have a wonderful Monday. If you find yourself in a funk, let those who love you know so they can help pull you out!