As You Grow Up

We were visiting our family last Thanksgiving and I spotted this sign in a quaint shop in Nevada City, CA. As I stood there and read it over and over I became so aware of life and how very fragile it is. We are not in control of our own destiny, only God is. We need to be reminded daily of how temporary this  life on earth is and make that special effort to hug someone we love, dance like no one is watching and love life to the fullest - we only go around once. Be happy and love yourself for what you are. Bloom where you are planted and always be thankful for every breath you take. I love you one and all.

How To Steal Like An Artist

http://www.austinkleon.com/2011/03/30/how-to-steal-like-an-artist-and-9-other-things-nobody-told-me/

This is an interesting article on the artist in our lives.  I'd be interested in your thoughts and opinions.  There were over 200 comments on his site last time I checked so it definately invoked some serious thoughts. 

IT WAS TIME

It was time for a change-a makeover-a new blog and it was time to re-brand myself.  I've had the official title of The Bear Affair for 20+ years.  It all started out when my sons gave me a gorgeous bear for Christmas one year.  Her name is Gloria Vanderbear and she still holds a place of reverence in my home.  I was doing alot of crafting in those days and bear collecting became my addiction.  At one point during a family visit, my grand daughter exclaimed to everyone in sight, "Grandma, I counted 450 bears upstairs last night."  I quickly redirected her conversation to another topic and off we went.  After all, if I kept moving them around no one would be able to keep track, right???  Well, over the years I have amassed quite a collection. 
Some of these bears are very rare and collectible.  One of them roller skates and another one marches along while beating his drum.  While on a visit to California one year I spotted this HUGE brown bear in an antique shop and, well, I just had to have him.  His name is Benjamin and I flew him home with me......well, not on the same plane but he did go by air.  I have a lovely collection of Robert Raikes bears and in future blogs I'll include some pictures of them.  For now though, it is all about changing and updating.  Silversmithing is my game now and I figured that I needed a name that would do justice to my art so now you know the rest of the story - MY ART AND MY SOUL will be my new business name and I love it.  What do you think?  Tell me how you chose your business name.  I love hearing from you so please leave me a comment or two before you leave the blog. 





A Few of My Favorite Things (and Friends)

These are some pictures from the trunk show that Madeline Thorpe and I did in November.  We had a very successful show and the weather couldn't have been nicer.  We sold our etched metal art, etched glassware and lots of our copper and silver jewelry.  We are in the process (aren't we always in the process of one thing or another??) of preparing for our next show.  I will keep you posted......in the meantime, I hope you enjoy our art and soul.  Thanks for looking and I would love to have you comment.

Madeline does this beautiful glass etching on these perfume bottles.  Aren't they just the most beautiful works of art you've ever seen?  I think so;o)