Finding Me 2012 ~ One Big Fat Life Lesson. Pt 1

I feel like I just woke up this morning and realized that an entire year has passed.  What? Where did 2012 go?  It has been quite the whirlwind year!  This has been an incredible year of growth for my lil ol’ company, Mabel & Elodie, and, quite frankly, for me.  I had no idea what this year was going to look like when it began.  I had been a big traveler for a number of years.  I am often on a plane at least once a month going somewhere other than home.  I love to be in airports and on planes.  I love to put my earphones on, buy my cheesy tabloid magazine, and grab my go-to travel snack- peanut M&M’s – off I go!  Nothing makes me feel more free than sitting in an airplane and looking out of the window at the clouds whirling by.

However, this year, I did no such travel.  At the end of December 2011, I had decided that if I was serious about trying to make a go of my side hobby/business – I was going to need to trade in my wings for a firm grip on hard work and reality.  It was not an easy decision.  I wanted to do it ALL.  I wanted the financial security of a full-time job, a fabulously supportive soulmate romance without drama or strife, a healthy and super-fit body, adventure and travel, AND a wildly successful business.  Oh yes, and peace and serenity.  Totally and completely feasible in my mind. So I tried it.  I was training 4 nights a week in MMA (mixed martial arts), teaching full-time during the day and one class twice a week at FAU (local university), preparing for several shows and Fab.com sales, training for a half-marathon with one of my best friends – all the while maintaining my spiritual and emotional well-being with various practices  - and attempting to have an active social life…….

Then BLAMO!

Yep.  I crashed and burned.  I was able to hold it all together until about mid-July.  I had been fairly successful juggling it all and robbing time from Peter to pay Paul… until I ran out of creativity.  That is the funny thing about being an artist – you have to fill your bucket.  You can’t run on empty for very long without completely using up all your creative reserves.  It happened one day when I walked into my studio for my scheduled work time and I simply could not think of one thing to make.  Not. One. Damn.  Thing.  Zip.  Zero.  Nada.

It had happened.  I was smack in the middle of the realization that I simply could not do it all.  Something had to give.  In retrospect, it was one of the best days of my life.  I realized, in that moment, that I had limitations and I needed to re-prioritize my life – and fast.  So I stripped down.  I pulled out a piece of paper and made a list of everything that I absolutely cannot live without.  Art.  Love.  Spirit.  Ability to pay my bills with relative ease.  Meaningful relationships.  Adventure.  Health and regular exercise.  Laughter.  Lots of Laughter.

Just about this time, I connected with my old friend Chandler.  Chandler and I were BFF’s while I was living in Boulder and attending grad school.  Grad school was one of the most meaningful and rewarding periods of time in my life and Chandler and I laughed our way through many nights while I was living in the magical world of Boulder, Colorado and making tons and tons of art.  It was Bliss.  Chandler has since grown up a bit – with two beautiful kiddos, a fabulous hubby, and a thriving Etsy business.  My hilariously fun friend has created a wildly successful empire of adorable handmade baby blankets on Etsy.  She is my go-to gal when it comes to the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurial expertise.  So when my Save-The-World-And-Make-A-Gazillion-Dollars-And-Be-All-Balanced-And-Peaceful shtick went out the window – I called Chand.

“Balance?  Balance is for amateur jackasses.  I haven’t worn anything but sweatpants and my husband’s t-shirt in weeks.  Anyone who is trying to get something great off the ground will tell you that balance is a pipe dream.  Forget about it.  Follow your passion and buy this audio book by Danielle Laporte.  The Firestarter Sessions.  Go now.  It’s amazing.  It’s the best book I have heard on this exact subject.  Balance is bullshit.  Forget balance – and go kick ass.”

And that is exactly what I did.  For anyone starting a business and following your bliss, Danielle Laporte is the voice you want in your ear while you are in the ring.  I personally don’t trust anyone giving me advice unless they throw in a few expletives for sport.  Then I know we speak the same language.  My tribe is a feisty and sassy bunch who could probably use a few lessons in etiquette and appropriate language usage from Dear Abby (is she still around?).  Ms.  Laporte does not disappoint.  She is refreshingly honest about what it take to be an entrepreneur and how to push through the nagging fear in the back of your head that whispers “You may not have what it takes to do this……”  Oh shut the hell up!  I’m good.  I got this one!  

Go and take a look-see for yourself here.  Stay tuned… tomorrow I’ll dish about how my not-so-graceful-but-oh-so-lively shift from pleasing the world – to finally making myself happy went.  Here is a lil hint… stumble, stumble..trip..trip.. got it.. oh damn.. she’s down … nope.. She’s Back up!  And the crowd goes wild…..wwwahhhoooo!!!!

Undercover Granola Girl’s Tip #132

I have often thought that I am a Granola Girl trapped in a South Florida Girl body. I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida- back when it was a sleepy lil beach town. No one had heard of it. SNL hadn’t mentioned it in the “Coffee Talk” segments. It was a simple place to live. Then the invasion happened. Some time back when I was a teenager.. things in my sweet little home town changed. Somehow, someway my Lil hometown got on the map. Things changed overnight.

I didn’t fit in. I would rather spend my days outside then inside the mall. I ran around and jumped into the intercostal at whim- swimming whenever possible. I very rarely wore shoes and I had troll baby hair. You know, the kind of hair that stood up on its end because I wouldn’t let my mom brush it? I have learned, over the years, that I don’t quite fit here. I really realized this when I moved to Boulder, Colorado for graduate school. I had found my tribe. The people in Colorado loved to be outside as much as I did. The women there had real breasts. The men didn’t get facials. It was Utopia.

After grad school I needed a real J.O.B. – or so I thought. So I moved back to my hometown and found my wonderful job that I have had for the past 8 years. I have daydreams about moving my job to the mountains. I find myself looking longingly at mountain homes and barn studios. Whenever I have a chance to travel – I am all about moving my butt to the rhythm of the mountain music. I am still making plans for my big mountain move someday – I am not certain which mountain I will move to, but I will live there again. I am not interested in Colorado as much as I once was. My life there has long since past and I run the risk of diggin’ up bones if I were to return. I think I experienced the best it has to offer. My latest heart set is on Utah, California, or maybe North Carolina???

In preparation for my travels this Christmas break – I pulled out the ol’ camping trip guide. I love to camp. Love it. Love it. Love it.

IF you are a camping lovin’ Granola Girl at heart – here is my Granola Girl Tip #132 – (I just like to number them randomly because it gives the illusion that I give these tips ALL THE TIME – just roll with it.)

Get a hammock. It makes ALL the difference in the world between an awesome adventure and a “eh.. yea, camping was OK” adventure. You know why?? Because when you are beat from kayaking or hiking or whatever else you do on your camping extravaganza – restin’ your tired derriere in your very own hammock makes everything just right in the world. Ahhhhhh.

I bought my ex-boyfriend this super cool Eno hammock for his birthday one year. I am very happy I did – because when we went on our kayak camping adventure – yours truly spent every evening curled up with my “Still life with Woodpecker” book and my stash of peanut M&M’s. Heaven.

Don’t take my word for it.. check out all these happy hammock folks… all part of the Eno Photo Contest. So comfy and check out these views!!!

The best part about these comfy cozy hammocks – is that they compress into a small ball of easily transportable comfort. If you have a Granola Gal or Guy on your gift giving list this holiday season – I highly recommend shelling out the relatively small amount of money – compared to the amazing experience – necessary to purchase one of these truckin’ treats. Check out all the nifty colors, sizes and accessories here at ENO today!

Thank you to 1/2 Marathoners and The Betties.

These are The Betties.  I have had them my entire life.  The modern world refers to them as bunions.  I don’t like that word.  There is nothing sexy about that word.  Since I have fought with my acceptance of The Betties my entire life – in order to make peace with them.. I named them.  No, I did not wear high heels or too tight shoes as a youngin’.  Evidentially – The Betties are a gift from my ancestors.  I suppose we all ran around with duck feet in our tribe.  I am certain there was an advantage that I am unable to see from here… maybe?  So.  Last summer I had decided that The Betties had to go.  I was breaking up with them.  We had our time together and I was ready to wear pretty high heels and invest in some Jimmy Choos.   I had heard of this Jimmy for years and had longed to slip my club foot into one of his masterpieces.  Alas, I had carried on an intimate relationship with my man – Havannas – for years.  Flip flops were the shoe of choice for me and The Betties.

In preparation for my big break-up, I went to see a lovely man by the name of Dr. Clandenning, a Bettie removal Dr.  I had a consultation with this man, wherein I explained that I was in need of his service to remove my duck feet.  He spoke in length about how horrible this surgery was going to be, how I was going to be laid up in a wheelchair for 8 weeks, and how I was going to have permanent pins in my feet for the rest of my life.  I was not deterred.  I was all IN.  I rented the wheelchair.  I convinced my family to take care of me for 8 weeks.  I sweet talked a student to pick me up and take me home for a month.  It was perfect.  I daydreamed of my new relationship with Jimmy and started a Goodwill bag for ol’ Havanna.

Then the pre-op visit came.

My angel mom came with me to the appointment.  She was, after all, going to be my nurse.  She is the best nurse in the world.  If you ever need a good nurse, call me, I may pimp her out for the right price.  Anyway – we sat in the office with the Dr. as he spoke to my mom and told her how she would need to take care of me.  The entire time he had my foot in his hands, pushing and contorting it every which way, and asking me questions like “Does this hurt?”  ”How about when I press here?” “What about now?”… each time. Distracted by his list of what not-to-do to my mom, I would answer, “No”, “Nope”, “All good”.  Wrong answers.  Suddenly, pushing himself away from me and The Betties, with what I perceived as utter distain, he announces “I am not going to do this surgery.  We are cancelling it.  You are not in enough pain and I refuse to do a procedure that may, in fact, cause you pain for the rest of your life.”  I was stunned.  What do you mean????  I was prepared!!!! I had the wheelchair!  I had ordered the BED!!!  What??

Nope.  He wasn’t doin’ it.

I left the office dumbfounded with my mom.  I was, actually, really disappointed.  I had prepared for my break-up with total commitment.  I was ready to say goodbye.  Evidentially, fate had another plan. The Betties and I were not to part ways.  We are like two peas in a pod.  Like peanut butter and jelly.  The odd couple.  Destiny had spoken.

Fast forward to a week ago.  I have a wonderful friend, Nancy, who has just completed her very first 1/2 marathon.  She posted Facebook pictures of her emotionally charged finish line victory.  It was completely inspiring.  I was impressed.  Impressed enough to strap on my orthodic running shoes and give it a whirl- evidentially, The Betties just needed some support and lovin.  They are totally snug as bugs in my fancy running shoes with the uber expensive orthodic inserts.

See??  Doesn’t this picture fill you with complete inspiration and make you hear some amazing theme song in your head all at the same time??  Nancy is a total badass.  I want to be her when I grow up.

So now I am a runner.  I am running.  The Betties and I are making progress. I have somehow convinced my friends Jason, Carrie, and Janet to sign up for a 1/2 Marathon at the end of April.  God help us all.   I have employed the help of my friend Bill – the Iron Man triathlete- he is, in fact, nuts.  Lovable.  But completely nuts.  He runs with me and likes to encourage me.  Right when I am about ready to sit down in the middle of the street and have a temper tantrum – Bill yells “YOU CAN DO IT!!!”  I have Calista Flockhart moments while listening to him.  I envision grabbing the nearest tree branch and lobbing him over his exuberant Iron Man head.  Bless his heart.  He is only trying to help me.  I asked him too.  But in those moments of my lungs grasping for air… and my legs burning.. I find simple pleasure in my perverted mind by the thought of inflicting a tiny amount of pain on poor Iron Man Bill.  I need help, I know.

Today I am grateful for Dr. Clandinning and his rejection of me and The Betties.  I am grateful to my friend Nancy for making it look so easy.  I am grateful to Bill for helping my grumpy duck foot ass.  I have a new love relationship with The Betties.  We are now BFF.  They give my feet some sass and style that they would never have otherwise.  Who wants boring ol’ normal feet?  Nope.  Not me.  It’s me and The Betties forever.

Alabama Chanin Love.

I am always inspired by self-made artists and creatives.  Actually, I am impressed by anyone who follows their passion and creates a sustainable life for themselves.  Take that one step further -taking one’s talent and passion and creating an entire community of artisans who are self-sustaining.  Now add a large dash of “good for the environment too” and viola!  You have Ms. Natalie Chanin ~ founder of Alabama Chanin.  Alabama Chanin heralds itself as  ”is a lifestyle company that focuses on creating an array of products though focusing on slow design and sustainability.”  I call them simply ~ brillant.

Located in Florence, Alabama, this creative powerhouse is committed to excellence in craftsmanship and design.  Alabama Chanin is also committed to cottage industry ~ evident by their commitment to empowering and employing local seamstresses and paying them a living wage.  In an economy where fear and uncertainty have waged it’s own war against the creative spirit of artisans around the country, this beam of light and hope highlights the possibilites for all artists who have a vision and a driven spirit to succeed.

Thank you Natile Chanin for your profound vision and inspirational evidence that a creative life filled with integrity and perseverance is possible!!

UPPERcase Magazine

I am a huge connoisseur of magazines. I spend way too much money on magazines and books. I know, I know, there are such things as libraries – however, I have a difficult time understanding the concept of borrowing. Hence, my history of large overdue fees and late fees from Blockbuster. So, I buy. I have stumbled across a new favorite source of inspiration… Uppercase Magazine.

Started by the talented and amazing Janine Vangool, Uppercase tag line is “for the creative and curious”, which, of course, explains my fascination.

Back In Action!!!

This has been a very busy 6 months of my life.  When I started this blog this summer, I had all the time in the world.  I wasn’t teaching, I was building a kayak with my dad, and I was enjoying a blissfully relaxed summer with super G the wonder mutt.  I spent days perusing design blogs daydreaming about the day when I would be in demand and successful.  It was lovely.  Then BAM!  Success happened.  It was sudden and wonderful… and very, very unexpected.  I wasn’t prepared.  I went from a life of balance and bliss… to chaos and stress… and sugar.  Copious amounts of sugar and caffeine.  SO.  Now, after several months of juggling and little sleep… I am BACK!  I have an arsenal of blog information that has been so inspiring to me – but I didn’t have time to post it.  So here goes the first inspiration… This video of a fabulous designer from Fab.com.  I have been preparing for my second fab.com sale and I must say – I HEART FAB.COM.  Not only are the folks over at Fab talented and efficient – they are so wonderful to work with.  They make everything appear seamless.  It is amazing.  I highly recommend either being a designer or simply buying anything that fits your fancy from these folks!!!

Inspiration and Creativity ~ Help for creative blocks.

I am not sure about you all – but I spend so much time in the studio creating ~ there are some days when I would rather clean my closet out then go to the studio.  Simply because I have no creative ideas!!!  Well, fear no more!  I stumbled across this little gem on a trip to Barnes & Noble this past week.  Evidentially I am not the only one with this problem.  So my new friend Randi Feuerhelm-Watts (she also has a blog) has created this fabulous creativity tool to help blast you out of those creative blocks!  “Wide Open ~ Inspiration & Techniques for Art Journaling on The Edge” has oodles and oodles of sparkable nuggets of creativity inside every box!

Each one of these delightfully designed cards has an excersise to help you get your creative juices flowing.

Each card has a image on the front

And a party in the back!  I am so excited to work with these cards this weekend.  I will post some of my “inspiration” work next week.  Happy Friday!

Photo a day – Pirated Fun!

So…

I am an artist by day and night and I am constantly looking for sources of inspiration.  I found one such animal over at my friend Amber’s absolutely inspiring blog – “Usual Bliss“.  Amber’s blogging actually prompted me back into the world of blogging.  After spending most of the past week stalking her blog and being completely inspired I decided to start over- I had taken a 10 month hiatus and realized that I wanted to start an entirely new blog full of inspiration for other artists, such as myself, who spend copious amount of time perusing the Internet trying to find that creative spark.  (Thank you Amber!!)  Upon looking at Amber’s fabulous blog and life – I saw a link to her challenge to take a “Photo a Day” ~ which, in turn, led me over to Fat Mum Slims ridiculously cool blog.  So.. here I am.  Pirating other fabulous lady’s blogs .. two days back in.. and taking up the challenge to take a photo a day.  I may need to break down and buy the new iphone 4 for this project.  (I still have my handy 3GS in its Otter Box from 3 years ago!) So here is the list of this month’s photo challenges~

Now, since I will be starting – in true rebel style – in the MIDDLE of July – I will be starting today off with Texture.  Yum.  One of my all time favorite things to take pictures of and to create on almost all of my sculptures and plates!  Wanna start this challenge with me??? I would love to see some of your photos!  Here is mine for today…(btw~ this was an easy one.. I took a picture of this mornings piece to come out of the kiln! hee hee hee)

Happy Thursday!  Now go take some pictures dagnabit! ~L