Many Hats and New Roads!

This painting represents all of the colorful thoughts and actions that spring from the mind of a person that lives in color! It's also my first 3D painting. Yes, each one of those flowers is a separate flower, on top of another and another, over 400! I'm not very good at painting around things with good results so I just kept piling it on. LOL. Sort of like my life I think LOL.
Many hats, many many hats. Too many!

One of those hats is a jewelry designer and I think I tried to escape that arena but realized that somehow things always lead back to the Jewelry and I guess that makes sense because that's where I started in the first place. Finding a new way to express my art with the Jewelry always seems to be the route.

Today I had my first Jewelry Party in a year. It was absolutely amazing. The turn out was far more than expected and the inspiration and love in the room opened my brain up to so many possibilities. Even the ride to the party was unique as it was on a long country rode that I'd never even known existed. And of course I was ready with camera in hand
for the ride!

The party was a smashing success. New friends and customers, and another party booked. All in all it was a good day, Mother Nature again showed herself and gave some love :-)

I've also decided to start doing my weekly Article in a new way. Less clicking! It's now apart of my newsletter and so far the response has been amazing!

You can view it here
WIRED UP!

How was your day? I hope you are Living in Color and Loving every minute of it!

MY DIVALICIOUS JOURNEY

Where I came from and where I'm going on this artistic journey, suddenly makes a more sense to me in terms of dues paid and lessons learned. The things I've learned along the way and the things I've taught along the way all combine to create the road I'm traveling in this life. What the heck am I talking about? Well I had a really good laugh today thinking about all of the things I've done today to make my dreams come true. The shows, the fairs, the parties, years later, I realize there's been many, many moons of activity and it's all been a blessing and its all been paving the way. Many miles to go and many lessons to learn but I love every minute of it. Check out some of these past pics.

Body & Soul Party in Elk Grove, CA

Diviacity Tea Party sponsored by Sheryl Coleman in Fremont, Ca
Sandra left, has been the brains of this operation for a while LOL
She also creates beautiful Chandelier Earrings
She keeps it organized and ready to roll!
My daughter next to me also creates Jewelry

Sign created by a 16 year old young man for me.

Juneteenth in Sacramento, CA last year

Folsom Ghourd Festival Folsom, CA
All kinds of customers LOL

Sales sales sales

Danville, CA Antique Faire

And the things I've eaten along the way....

My First Quinceañera

Today I left the house in search of Inspiration and as usual my Camera rode passenger side. My first stop was a back road that I take for the greenery and the calming effect it always has on my senses. I stopped and took this amazing pic

I decided to drive a long road in San Ramon and just take in the fresh air and sights. Then I saw these guys!

I swear I was like the Divarrazzi out there LOL. These dudes were not at all impressed with my presence and in fact, refused to look up. That's alright, everybody gets one! LOL

Now this is where it gets good! I'm driving along minding my own business and what do my eyes spy?...
Tires screeching, excitement, I turn, and turn again. I can't help it. My camera runs this show!

It's a beautiful 15 year old Young Lady named Jazmine having her Quinceañera. I know this because I parked and after being dragged along by my camera made my way to the carriage.
Check out these beautiful pictures.

Look at those beautiful braided tails

The name of the Carriage company is
Fancy Ferriage by Horse & Carriage
Their website is www.fancyferriage.com
And they do various events!

Well all in all it was another great day thanks to Inspiration, my Friend Beverly Rhett whom I started a new Blog with (East Coast/West Coast Divas) more about that later, Mother Nature and the Love I've been receiving on my Journey in life and working on my Dream!! Mush Mush maybe, but it's all good to me!

Life is Good!

(pssst... Thanks to Jazmine and the beautiful Carriage people for talking to me and letting me take pictures. What fun. I even learned a little more about horses. Wow)

Colorful Days and Clarifying Dreams

I have a question. What words motivate you when none others can? What advice have you heard and retained that has helped you over the hump? Okay now, most importantly, what of that advice would you share with others to give them positive encouragement in these wild times?

I'm working on my weekly article and my book at the same time LOL. I know I know, forever doing something. And that's not the half of it. These pictures I took on the way home from a Birthday Party at the best Sushi spot in town!

Then I came home and posted these

All while having memories of this...

And then I thought...
My advice would be, Find peace in the things you do have access to. Like, your Peace of Mind, your Creative Side, and the people closest to you. Take this time to give life to your dreams. No worrying about the 'don't haves' right now, because sometimes the 'Do Haves' are far more important and life satisfying. Hey, think I'll add that to the article LOL. Would you like to share your advice? I'm listening...

Colorful Days and Clarifying Dreams!
Steph

Here today, Closure Tomorrow

How important is Closure to you? I would be laying if I said it's not completely important to me. Some situations call for it, some don't. This Weeks article I write about Closure and the ups and downs. I surveyed a few and got some interesting responses. Please check it out. "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye" I love your comments too!

Here is the link to my Newsletter as well. Just because it's fun :-)
Link

Please join my Mailing List and Live in Color with me. Mailing List I don't spam or participate in any spamming activities. Its just good clean fun LOL and you can always opt out at any time by clicking on Opt out on the bottom of the Newsletter. You may be having too much for for that!

Also please check out Moxie Mavericks I have created a line of Signature Strength Pendants for them that you've got to see (or order) :-) Moxie Mavericks provides Creative Coaching Services for Artists and Entrepreneurs.



Also check out CreateWriteNow. This site shares stories, tips and more on using Journaling to make your lifes Journey a more pleasant one. Their Blog is Journal Therapy Cures. I am a Guest writer and Journal Creator for them. :-)



Hope you're all having a great day and Living in Color! :-)
Steph

Dominoes

I have only one thing to say. If you like Dominoes, don't leave them laying around me LOL.

I hope everyone has a colorful weekend :-)

The MailMan, The Assyrian & The Domino!

Wow, I can't believe a week has past since my last post. That's scary. I think I get swallowed up in Art and forget who and where I am LOL .... who am I?...Where am I? LOL It's been busy and I can't even force myself to stop so I guess I'll keep it moving until the body says "No More!"

So let's see, well there was Halloween. Since I live in a complex I don't really see many kids during Halloween but I did run into this gorgeous little dude in the Post Office on Halloween day.
Since our Mailman routinely puts mail in the wrong box, sometimes doesn't come on Saturdays at all, and seems to find rainy days as a deterrent to delivering mail... wonder if we can recommend this little guy for the job!

Sunday I went to a Baby Shower. Now a Baby Shower is a Baby Shower, unless its for my friend Jackie and it's Assyrian. This is Jackie and her beautiful family! Yes she is actually sitting in a sea of gifts!

I am a person that is always fascinated by different cultures and this was a great experience. I had never been to such a big Baby Shower, there were at least 70 women there. Beautiful women with a strong sense of pride and country. My favorite was a truly beautiful woman with true Old Country style. She stood and prayed in her native language and it was beautiful. I of course didn't understand at all but knew she was praying and it was beautiful to hear. There was lots of really good food and appetizers. The appetizers were a couple of types of Hummus, with pita bread wedges and Tabbouleh Its primary ingredients I think were cilantro, bulgar, mint, tomoatoes, onions and lemon juice, seasonings and olive oil. I could be wrong but either way, it was the best Tabbouleh I'd ever had. The main meal was even more wonderful with Roasted Tomatoes, Rice, Chicken which had been tossed in some flavorful sauce and Kabob. Now usually when we think of Kabobs it's chunks of stuff on a skewer. There was no Skewer. This was wonderfully flavored meat ground finely and cooked in a long Kabob. So yummy! The party favors were just as extravagant, they were Crystal Baby Carriages, wow! And the cake!

All in all it was a beautiful experience and I'm happy to have been included. I love learning new things and I learned lots that day!

So.... I've latched onto another art. LOL. Dominoes. And I love making them and selling them and I'm so excited about this line. Here's a couple:

Theres a ton of then on my website for purchase and fun. www.diviacity.com

So now I'm working on a party, making cards and sending invites out to Opportunity so it knows it can come a knocking anytime!

Oh, let me take this opportunity to say Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me and following me and sharing my Blog, Site and Articles with others. Much Love!!! Much Love!!!

** If you're in the Bay Area, I'm teaching an Elegant Embossing Workshop this weekend at the Berry Patch in downtown Pleasanton. Tips and Techniques for Heat and Metal embossing.
Click here for info The Berry Patch.

Dragonflies and my love affair with L.A.

These little creatures are from my collection of Dragonflies. Why I love them so much has never been clear to me. I mean they are beautiful and flutter around gracefully, but they are insects. LOL. I've always been fascinated by them. I almost said I'm not really a collector but those that know me would clear throats at that one LOL.

I found this fact 'the oldest fossilized record of a dragonfly is from the Carboniferous Period, over 300 million years ago' and that got me to wondering about something else so I'll try to stay on track but I do have to ask, really, I mean really, how can you tell me you know something has been around for 300 million years? How? what test can really prove something has been around that long? I think I've found something I'm skeptical about tonight LOL.

This picture I took at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I have a hard time saying that because it was always The La Brea Tar Pits to me.
That there is a scary looking Dragonfly, dead and all. I guess they wouldn't have been considered so beautiful to me back them, can we say, running shoes! LOL.

I miss L.A. Not the way it is, but the way it was. In the 70s and 80s. Not that my life was ultra great but the place was a buzzing happening place to be. It was before commerce took over. Before the Riots (not giving it a name! or using the one it has), before there was a store, coffee shop or yogurt spot on every corner. Hollywood Blvd was a Novelty but the movie era fog had not worn away from it yet. There were still drive up restaurants and drive in movies. There still stores with counters to eat at like Schwabs and Newberrys and you could still get a ice cream cone from Thrifty's for 5cents a scoop. My first date was at the Hamburger Hamlet and I can remember being dumbfounded by the price of the burgers. My first date also gave me a bottle of Nina Ricci L'air du temps LOL that's pretty heavy for a high school gift LOL). There were still house parties and well I guess we can just say, I miss L.A. the way it was. I went a few months ago and was anxious. People were moving really fast. The population is a lot younger, the traffic was overwhelming, freeways over major streets, one ways and turn arounds. I think half the population of California walks or drives the streets of L.A. I used to imagine going back to live in the bright lights and as close as I could get to the Ocean breeze. And then I wake up. And I go back to creating crazy stuff and remembering. The Love Affair with my Hometown, sadly, over. And even stranger, I feel like one day I may find my way back there. Maybe not to live, but to be live. LOL. I think it's time for me to back away from the monitor LOL. I guess in my own strange way, I Love L.A. A love affair that no longer holds me, yet holds a true space in my heart. I know the time will come when I will move again, experience another part of this beautiful earth. Maybe I'll paint myself a spot and then try to find it and go there LOL hmmm

My Neurotic Collage

As I sat here working on some unusual Jewelry that I wish I could show you but I can't because the person it's for has to see it first, I started laughing at myself and thinking about some of the various crafts I've indulged in, and I laughed and I laughed and I laughed some more, and then...I sighed! Then I got tired. LOL So I decided to put some pics up of the different types of things and see what comes up, okay here goes Queen of my Mental Space, Dreamer, Baker, Card Maker, Painter, Logo Designer, Teacher, Jewelry Maker, Picture Taker (tee hee hee) Sewer, Collage Artist, Journal Maker, Book Maker, Purse Maker, Video Instructor, Mixed Media Artist, Crazy Woman LOL. I got tired... way too many more to upload LOL. I guess it's fair to say I really really love creating Art and Inspiration. I hope I do both well.

Okay, I just got the basis for my next Contest LOL! Woooo Hooo!
Contest #6
Life Collage, in Pics or Words of every hobby art, occupation, dream... whatever it is that moves you! If you do it by picture (jpeg no larger than 1 mg) email it to me at diviacity@diviacity.com and I will post it.
Subject: Life Collage.
Do it however you like. As you can see mine is just a jumble of pics :-)
If you do it in words simply list your different items and separate by comma.
THE PRIZE WILL BE RELATED TO SOMETHING IN YOUR WORD OR PICTURE COLLAGE!
This Contest will end on November 1st.
Be sure to add your email or follow my Blog so you can see the Winner's Announcement.
I will pick at the least 2 winners, but maybe more.

Have a colorful day...or night! :-)

INSPIRATION DRIVE

Hey there! What you up to? Well I have to tell you guys, it's been a tremendous day in the most ordinary way. If that makes sense LOL. I woke up in sort of a fog. Not really motivated or inspired. I wanted to spend the day creating and working on projects but couldn't get there in my head so instead decided to hit the road. Every once in a while I find inspiration in my own neighborhood but today was a little different. I started by traveling a back road only a couple of miles away and connecting with nature.What a beautiful and refreshing space to be in.Slowly I felt the fog lifting from my brain making way for creative thoughts and motivation. While I admit to being addicted to the Ocean, trees are mountain views are definitely high second on my list.
And finally to send me right off into LaLa I'm a Believer land...
Can you believe this!

I thought I was seeing things and had to go back around LOL
HOW COOL IS THAT!!!! LOL
I guess the point is, Inspiration can be found everywhere, we just have to look closely.
HAVE A GOOD ONE EVERYBODY! :-)

CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER!

This book was created using an old Leather Bound Time Life Book :-) I wanted to keep the leather in tact obviously because it was beautiful but I wanted to put my message in this book. (Seems like I always have a message huh? LOL) Although there were quite a few pages I bound them so it turns only once and created a well in the center to put some fun ephemera in. Can you see the message in this one? :-) What is it?

This one is called well... The Key LOL

One of my favorite things is texture. I love creating Art that has movement and texture. The Key is covered with Mulberry Paper and coated with Diamond Glaze. And that is a real vintage key. I like using real whenever I can.


The first page has an insert that is filled with that stuff I think it's called Diamond Dust or something. so it moves all over the place. I love it! Those trees were created with Glimmer Mist and Glimmer Screens. Fun. Oh well, I just wanted to share some of my books with you! :-) Another fun past time that I wish I actually had more time for. Very relaxing and thought provoking.

A WIN WIN SITUATION!

The Winners of the 'Interpret This Dream' Contest are... (playing a drum roll in my mind)

Beverly Rhett
Anonymous said...

Hi Stephanie,
Beverly Rhett here. In looking at your painting, I get a sense of longing for an uncomplicated time in one's life. The forest full of trees to me, represents The Garden of Eden, but devoid of Adam (Man). So, I think it means a life free of the drama that men bring or, anticipation of meeting a new man and starting anew. That's my interpretation and I'm sticking to it!

October 15, 2009 11:43 AM

The Redhead Riter

I would title it "On Higher Ground" It is about a woman who has struggled through life. She has made mistakes, but learned the important lessons in life. Now, she is rising above the muck of "human errors" and on her steady path up (the painting shows her walking up a hill) through a lovely meadow surrounded by lush trees and flowers, she realizes the journey has been worth it. She has come from the darkness of humanity into the light of understanding. She is almost at the end of her climb with the realization that "things" don't matter, how we handle our "experiences" with "people" is what matters. :o)

October 2, 2009 11:30 AM

Yaya
I believe she is taking a path from darkness to sunlight. She is bettering her life. She is making a positive choice.
*******************************************

Okay so here's the thing... you know I can be wishy washy and this is no different. Everyone's interpretation had a bit of what it was all about. So even though the above 3 won the major prizes, everyone else that participated in this Contest will receive a pair of earrings! :-) I'm so touched by the interpretations. It's like you feel me! And it shows the positive energy floating around between us!

Congratulations! Please send me your address at diviacity@diviacity.com
Next Contest Announced in a couple of days!

Dear Diary...and Fun Stuff!

Well I'll be! It just dawned on me why I like Blogging so much. It's actually like an 'Out Loud' Journal. A real Interactive Journal because others share their thoughts with me. Wow, how cool is that! :-) Well after a week of being down I'm up and ready to go. new painting in the midst, back on the jewelry train for a little while. The inspiration for that doesn't come as often as it used to. In fact, painting seems to take most of my thought. So.... off of that.

I think I'm going to do something crazy this Christmas! I think I'm going to make a video of me singing a Christmas song and post it on the Internet. LOL LOL... hmmmm I just think I might have to do that! The worse that could happen is I could get laughed at and if I can provide a laugh or two...it's all good. So there, it's settled. I said it out loud, now I'm going to make it happen! So...
I decided to do a search and find out what kind of positive stuff is out there on the web and here are some really cool things I found :-)

This site is called Only Positive News It's pretty cool. I read about 4 stories after I'd already decided I love this site! :-) It's pleasing to the eye and the thought!

Okay and how about a site called 'The Optimist'? What fun. This site pulls Optimism from Life, Travel, TV, Sports and more. Love it! Optimist World

Ok for some Halloween fun check this Blog out. It's called Fahrenheit 350° Boo! And oh my goodness there's a bunch of treats on there that just made me hungry! Here's the link http://www.fahrenheit350.blogspot.com/ or it's on my Sidebar too.


Okay last one for now. Over at From Janes Oven theres a 'Thomas The Train Cake'... It's really cute! :-) Also on my Side Bar.

Don't forget about the sale at my website www.diviacity.com it's crazy. Earrings really cheap!
And my latest Article on Divapreneur 'Birds of a Feather!"

I like you!!!

DREAMS AND THINGS

Well I guess doing too much of one thing and not enough of another can really take it's toll on you. Making my dreams come true of becoming a well known self sufficient Artist have taught me some things I would never have imagined. I don't think I've even been more disciplined, more focused. Unfortunately, too the point of overlooking the health a wee bit. Yikes. So I've practically spent the last week in bed. Between diabetes and any other cruddy thing that comes along LOL like a funky ear ache it's been something. Of course I get up everyday and head for the desk. Creating is in my blood. I think I have spent a lot of time trying to out do myself! If I'm not doing something Artistic at some point each day I feel like I'm lagging. Crazy I know, but that's the Artist Way!

One thing I did do was update my website completely. Normally this would only take me a couple of hours. I think it took 3 days this time LOL. But I'm happy about the sale I'm having. It's time for me to move things around for the new year so I put up this sale and you will think I'm nuts if you go there. My beautiful friend Sandra made the Chandelier earrings and my daughter made many of the other. I just love those chicks! All of my earrings are only $6 except Sterling which is $10. I just shook my head LOL! And then I added more stuff like bracelets and necklaces most for less than half of what I originally sold like items for. Oh well. Time to move on. Diviacity Website

Sunday I have a Workshop and I might need a kick in the patooty to get me out the door LOL.

Right now it's muggy and hot at 8:00. It was pouring down rain just a couple of days ago, followed by an Earthquake. Lots going on LOL.

Well the 'Interpret this Dream" Contest ends at Midnight. I can't wait to get back to all the wonderful responses. Many people are so in tune. A couple of the responses actually almost made me cry. Very intense. But I can't wait. I will share the winning responses when I announce the Winners in the next couple of days. You still have a few hours to enter. Closes at midnight Pacific time!

Well the couch calls. I must park it and plan for my next creative activity or something. I hope everyone is having a wonderful peaceful evening.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT!

As I drove through my neighborhood today I noticed there were far more houses decorated and anticipating Halloween than I'd seen in the several years I've lived here. It dawned on me that while the economy has affected most, during the Holidays in hard times, people tend to go overboard with Holiday Madness. Can it be so? I do live in a small town, so signs of all sorts are a usual sight. Causes to be fought. Presidents to protest and promote. Campaigns for this and that and people I never heard of. Unfortunately I see them so much that my eyes have trained themselves not to look (tee hee hee). The decorations are a welcome relief.

Now what did stop me in my tracks... Christmas, yes Christmas decorations. Lights blinking, strung with abandon. Say it isn't so! A season rich with Holidays and celebrations is upon us. I am happy that my children are grown. While I do love the season, the headaches, the pressure to be The Good Witch, The Big Turkey and Ms. Claus, is not something I miss. I appreciate being able to enjoy this time with mellow appreciation. I remember receiving millions of gifts for holidays as a kid...I can't tell what any of them were. Well except for the Chatty Kathy cause I loved her LOL.This year I'm going to participate in the spirit of giving. Seriously, I always pic a few places to send anonymous gifts to or someone random to send a card to. The Holidays touch us all in different ways. I'm going to do a survey and find out what folks do for the Holidays!

Okay, here it is LOL

What do you regularly each Holiday?
Do you prefer to spend the holiday with family, friends, loved one?
What's the most ridiculous amount of money you spent during the Holidays?
Who's a priority on your shopping list? i.e. friends, family, boss, Parents

Last year the decorating bug passed me by. Let's see if the same happens this year~

Look at this tree :-)
So anyway, I'll get as ready as I always do. I'll pull out Halloween Rubber Stamps, black and orange papers and inks, have lots of fun creating some cards or something. Put it down, and never look back LIOL. ooops.