Making Dreams Happen

I've just read a great article by Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone, who outlines on how to convert self-defeating behaviors into success in Steps to Achieving Your Dream on the Reader's Digest Site. The power of relationships, focusing on what you really want, getting out of your own way, comprising a dream team, and milestone planning all form one strategic path to making your dream happen.

With the help of Dr. Mark Goulston, author of Get Out of Your Own Way at Work, Keith presents 10 quick questions that will help you identify key areas of potentially unconstructive areas.

On Keith's site, he's designed an online Life Coach tool that will allow you to begin the process of becoming your own life coach.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Personal Loans (and Borrowed)

How many times do you tear out your hair because you can't find that favorite book? Did you loan it? Did you lose it? You've pinged your friends on the forums pleading, begging, even bargaining to get it back, but to no avail.

This strategy is something I've been wanting to do for myself and I've heard my friends undergo similiar circumstances -definitely frustrating. Intially, I created the personal tickets for loaned books and videos, but this general coupon will also tuck nicely into loaned clothing, yard implements, and other sources one generally finds as being the local loan-all.

As Creative Goddess, I've devised a personal strategy to assist you:

Personal Library Tickets for Items Loaned

While it's pretty basic, I would encourage you to download it and modify it to fit your needs. I'm going to cut them into strips, staple them, and trim the bottom off when a friend borrows any item of mine.

***
On the flip side... How many times do you open a book and wonder where it came from? You shrug your shoulders and put it back on your shelf and walk away. Walk away no more.

As Creative Goddess, I've devised a personal strategy to assist you:

Personal Library Tickets Items Borrowed

Again, it's pretty basic, but download it and modify it to fit your needs.

Let me know if this helps you or if I should make changes. After all, it's about the loan-in-progress we all share!

Great, but is it real?

Yesterday, Andrew received his annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2007 issue. Naturally, I grabbed it first just to see how my 40ish body compares to the ones laid out on each glossy page. Bleck. So, then I move onto critiquing the bathing suits, layouts, and the potentially cool airbrushing section -you know the one: the girls are nude but due to some of the skilled hands of the artists, you can't tell they're nude.
The centerfold caught my attention, and it's not what you might think. I was captivated for two reasons:

1) the oh-so-cool seam that was painted under her armpit, extending in all 4 directions where the seam should, and
2) the fabric looked real, her face and hips did not. Her face and hips looked so airbrushed that she should have been on the cover the "The Cars" album in the 80's.

My body image just increased by 20 points. :)

While the online version is difficult to see the nuiance, you'll want to take a look at the print issue.

Guide to Exhibition Applications

Kristy on Fragiletender has outlined the guide to exhibition applications. It simple, straight forward no-nonsense advice.

http://fragiletender.livejournal.com/325150.html

DesignSpotter: Nancy Darrell

My husband and I are tired of trying to rescue our candlestick lamps from the cats escapades. We've decided we'll go with the wall sconce approach -at least they can't knock those over and kill the bulbs inside!!

Meanwhile, I've found a cool artist who creates ceramic lampshades in all forms -you've got to see her work- very illuminating!!

Nancy Darrell

Chocolate Behavior

I couldn't let the most popular chocolate day of the year slip by unnoticed. I found that Fine Living has a quiz for the Chocoholics -and you know who you are! I haven't taken it yet myself, but just know you'll find me lurking at one of the neighborhood chocolate shops for lucious inspiration.

Fine Living Chocolate IQ

Oh, and did you know that Marie Belle, one of my most favorite chocolateers, does private label imagery on their truffles? I just need folks to buy my stuff so that I can afford the set-up costs and begin sending out the sweets to my favorite customers!

Jewelry Debut!!

I am so excited to have begun my jewelry line! Solid sterling silver pieces with Bacchus as the showcased illustration!

Bacchus Sterling Silver Jewelry

Bacchus is gorgeous as he's highlighted against a dark background. He also looks charming hung on black leather with exotic bloodwood and sterling components -the sterling bayonet clasp provides an exceptionally streamlined finish.

I've worn them to NYC this week and around town and I must say both pieces are extremely light and make me feel sexy with this feline behavior.

I'd love to know what you think of my new endeavor!

On Buying Art

A couple of mantras for those wishing to pursue the personal luxury of buying art:

Art, good or bad, is never to match one's couch.

Art is like wine: If you like it, buy it, drink it, and enjoy it.

Art is personal.

Art Speaks. One may not like the message, but art has something to say and in a visual way, it helps one verbalize that message.

But, for the love of Dog, please stay in touch with the artist when you purchase her art. I recently submitted work for a juried show and one specific rule for selling one's work through the gallery was:

Buyer information released at discretion of buyer and may not be available to the artist.

It's not that we want to plague you with mailings, but the upswing of staying in touch is that both you and the artist can celebrate the valuation through the years. This also helps us keeps you apprised of our events and evolution as an artist.

We learn from the masters when it comes to certificates of authenticity and ownership. We hope that when you purchase a piece of art from a gallery, that you will allow the gallery to forward your name to the artist. It was because of that clause that I allowed the pieces to be shown, but not to be sold; the gallery however, will provide interested parties w/my information. With this in mind, I created a packet with several copies of my bio and postcards. I keep in touch with all of my buyers and enjoy hearing from them now and again.

Shameless Plug: If you like my work, please enroll in my Mewsletter to remain apprised of my events on CalligraphyPets, ECStewart Collections, and other work I may evolve into as a creative goddess.

Happy Birthday, Mozart!

One of my most favorite composers celebrates his birthday 216 years posthumously.

Trivia:
1) Do you know his full name? Hint: It's not just 3 names, but 5!
Mouse Over for Answer

2) Where was Mozart born? Bonus points for also knowing the address!
Mouse Over for Answer

3) Mozart became friends with whom? Bonus points for guessing at least 3!
Mouse Over for Answer

4) Who played Mozart in the 1984 film 'Amadeus?' Hint: It's not the originally considered Kenneth Brannaugh! Mouse Over for Answer

5) Was Salieri friend or foe of Mozart? Mouse Over for Answer

Now that I've been reading about all the composers inspired by Mozart and writing musical scores in homage to him, I'm feeling a little inspired to compose a visual musical piece of my own. Hmm.... stay tuned.

Meanwhile, read more about Mozart and get inspired yourself!

LINE Up - VAE Group Exhibit

Jeanne alerted me a few months ago to VAE's Call-to-Artists Exhibit on "Line." I brought in two pieces: Stretcher & Scratcher to be juried into next month's show.

Wish me luck! I'll know more about the final results early next week.


UPDATE: They both were selected for the show!
First Friday Reception: Friday, February 2, 6-9pm. They'll also be on display for the month of February.

Keeping Mum

If there is something we strive to convey on SAVANTBlog, and that is to keep control of one's brand. Yes, it's true, your customers own your brand, but it's your company's job to maintain an identity that helps your customer talk about you -favorably.

So, at what point do you keep quiet?

Rabbis are screaming over a porn flick created entirely in Israel (but made by a US production company) not because of the subject of film (porn) and not the title (Assraelis) but because of the misuse of the actual Kosher stamp of approval on the DVD cover.

We would have never known about the movie but because the KOF-K attorneys decided to make a fuss, brought more noterity to the film than ever thought possible. On the flip side, if you're a company trying to keep it in the black, take a strong icon and put it on your porn DVD cover.

How about "Just Do It?"

Assraelis

Jeopardy Online Contestant Test

My husband, the Jeopardy Junkie that he is, decided to take the online test last evening for potential contestants.

We learned that it was a 50 question application with 15 seconds for each question, whether you were finished or not -and no going back reviewing previous questions! The test began online at promptly 8pm EST and being the Gilmore Girls junkie that I am (Lorilei is driving me nuts with her neurosis!! I'm about to quit GC without remorse), decided it would be best if Andrew holed himself up in my studio for the 12 minute race without interruption. No cats, no GC, no explosive cackles to ruin his concentration.

We arranged the studio to his liking and made sure to plug in the MAC to ensure constantly flow of electricity, bottle of water, chair adjustments and then we watched the countdown clock in large block numbers wind down. During that time I asked him if he needed any help -he's a freakin genius and that boy does not need "help" from his fellow blonde. Then I invited myself to stay and watch the process -just out of utter curiosity. I told him I'd keep quite and remain invisible.

Ha!

Watching him hunched over the MAC pecking at the keys, I refrained in the beginning to give him any aid -this was his damn test. I watched his growing diffidence as I jeopardized my own promise by quietly assisting him. Each time I did, I tried to draw blood from my own hazardous tongue -poor guy- I promised him I wouldn't. I promised! Argh.

Overall he did well and I just gasped at some of the questions he was able to answer rather quickly. I suck at history and that's one of his strong suits. Once in awhile I look at him blankly and ask him, "Why did you marry me? You could have done better if all you wanted was arm candy. A whole lot better!"

We reviewed the 3-night opportunity (one in each time zone) and decided that if he didn't qualify this time, it would be ALL my fault. I decided that we would both schedule ourselves and I would take the test first (he would look over MY shoulder) to learn the questions so that he could take the test the second night (WITHOUT me) and we'd go from there.

I guess that's my exposure to parental paladin.

Private Ideas

It looks as though I got another comment posted on Robert Glenn's Painter's Keys under the subject title: The Knowledge.

For those of you out there who don't know Robert Glenn, he writes a philosophically-based newsletter that discusses the significance of art. It's pretty easy to digest, so those who haven't fully read Socrate's Apology won't be intimidated by his [Glenn's] yarn.

His site: http://www.painterskeys.com

I just thought it was a great segment on which to comment. It's amazing how folks are perceived by others, both from a personal & objective view point. This alone has taught me many a lesson on several planes, never to judge another merely by one's scribbles. Let me just say that I hope that when I kick-off, no one goes thru my studio and decides to yank all of the pages from my notebooks and decide to have a freakin art show. If I wanted my notebooks in a show, I'd put them there!!! :D

Topic: The Knowledge
Link: http://clicks.robertgenn.com/knowledge.php

You'll find my post w/Chaser, one of my CalligraphyCats, adorning the text block.

Tell me... would you have that free n'easy feeling allowing others to take sneak peaks into your sketchbooks?

Discovery: Metal Artist - Kari von Wening

A visual feast in metal art richness, Kari enlivens the act of metalsmithing assemblage. Gorgeous work!


Kari von Wening Online Studio

2007 Trends: One Stupid Idea

As women, we're pretty private right? Well, some of us don't edit what we speak (guilty!) but when it comes to my purse contents, I do-not-like-to-show-contents... period! Uh, no pun intended.

Take for example, the i-know-what-you-just-bought-at-the-drugstore see-thru plastic appeal. Seriously, the WSJ has posted an article today on the new big trend: Clear Hand Bags

Long ago, a department store for whom I worked forced us chix to convert our personal bags into a small clear clutch. I understand theft is rampant in dept store, especially when it comes to the employees, but this is one chic who isn't going to succumb to fashion at my own expense. I'll let others lament over being accosted for showing one's chocolate, cuz, I ain't sharing!

Finally! Luxury Decorative Pillows Featuring Bacchus!

It's so difficult to maintain the several facets of my business and blog, too, and now you can see what I've been doing!

I'm so excited to bring my enthusiasts something new for your home! Andrew and I have been crafting deligently in our studio to bring more luxury directly to you with suede and felt decorative pillows! These are so gorgeous and soft that we have several hanging around the house -they definitely bring a smile to my face.

Right now, we've got suede & felt fronts in both 16 x 16" and 12 x 16", but please give us 6 weeks to make one for you since both of us are choosing fabrics, cutting out the images and sewing them together.

More Decorative Pillows

Belated Honeymoon -Finally!

This past holiday season, Andrew and I agreed to get the hell out of Dodge and finally take that oh-so-desperate honeymoon we've been hankering for.

Since we're Scobbits (Scottish Hobbits) we thought it only fitting to head to lowlands of Scotland and participate in their frivolity at New Years 2008. Now, we're seeking a counterpart for Christmas. Germany, maybe? After all, that the Christmas tree origination and they've got great Christmas Markets. We also understand the Londoners all go out for Christmas Dinner and it's one big party that evening and Boxing Day is full of sales.

Any more suggestions? Ohhhh, this is going to be fun!

ISO: Motion Detector Gadget

I'm looking for a device that will respond when my cat walks by. I know we can find a motion detector at our local home improvement, but I'm looking for the electronic device to which we can attach a feather and it shakes, inticing kitty to lunge.

We've got the Panic Mouse but it's eating thru batteries like milk shakes, causing Pip lose interest.

Any ideas?

Update

Andrew and I were at PetSmart and found PanicMouse 360 -it rocks. Unwittingly, we bought it because 'NayNay was jonesing for Pip's PanicMouse each time I turned it on inside the studio. Pulling the PanicMouse 360 out of the box, we discovered that the designers must have had a focus group: the on/off button was separated from the speed button and now include a timer -so kitty can increase him time in 15 minute increments.

I'm training 'NayNay like Pavlov's dog, hoping he'll learn each time he presses the timer, the PM360 will activate. At least this way, it doesn't eat the batteries like candy.

Raleigh ArtsRamble

Recently discovered, a group has convened and created an online art community for Raleigh named ArtsRamble.

For those of you seeking venues for your work, you can find a free listing for the calls here.
A number of them require end of January 2007 submissions -so go check the listings now!

Wax On, Wax Off

So, after several weeks of beastiness, Andrew and I finally got around to getting our pedicures tonight. Ahh, how wonderful it is to have one's footsies & calves rubbed!! While Andrew's pedicurist was serving double duty to another client, I got extra massaging. Oh, man, why we don't go everyweek is beyond me.

Oh, yeah, that's right -it's about expenses.

Meanwhile, when I was getting the extra rub-down, I asked about eyebrow waxing. I was just curious about the whole event since I remember as a young adult trying out the 'home kit' for legs. I applied 2 strips on my legs and after ripping off the first strip, I was terrified of ripping off the second. Needless to say, I'm chicken shit of pain and that 'home kit' got dumped straight into the trash.

Andrew continued to patiently wait with Business Week in hand and I agreed to having at least a clear coat applied to my toe nails. When my pedicurist was done, she encouraged me to continue the self-indulgence with waxing my eyebrows. I wimpered. A very pregnant woman sporting fire engine red polish on her toes and sitting athrone next to Andrew attempted to quash my fears. I quickly revealed to her my young adult experience as I acquiesced to my pedicurist persuasion. Both the pregnant woman and Andrew attempted to comfort me as I slipped into that ominous room into which women are frequently seen disappearing as we sit quietly soaking our feet.

The experience was, well, not as relaxing as I witnessed on Oprah last week. My pedicurist began with waxing the uni-part of the brow. Honestly, I have no unibrow but it's all part of the procedure as she continued applying and ripping the wax from below the brow and above the brow. I thought she was done until she pulled out the tweezers to coif the rest of the hair. Nice.

While my skin sports a puffy redness, I can see through to how my brows appear a little more glamourous and as Oprah said, an immediate face lift. The funny thing is that when I did a vanity check in the car, I noticed a resemblance to a dear in headlights. I'll wait until morning to give a true assessment.