All Souls Night

Happy Samhain, Halloweem, All Souls night or however you celebrate....this is for you....

The Joy and Pleasure of Making Books

This is a book made entirely of wood. Each leaf is cut into the shape of the leaf and each leaf is made from the wood it represents. I didn't make it, but won it as part of a book swap...but would like to share it, other books and a story with you....

My passion for books started at a really early age…. probably about 3 years old. Been brought up by a bunch of teenagers had it’s advantages. Each week I could have either a Ladybird Book, or a Matchbox Car. I had over a 100 Ladybird Books and you can still buy them now!

My Calligraphy and Lettering path lead me to a workshop where I actually learnt to make my own! Totally different and a refreshing change from writing on paper and mounting or framing it, and the delivery of profound and sometimes moving words seemed more personal and intimate.

Over the years I took part in many on-line book swaps organised by fellow calligraphers. Our deep love and understanding of words gave is the perfect vehicle for sharing our inspirational creativity alongside the texts that moved us. We are a fortunate bunch of people who, on the whole, can actually ‘feel’ the words, then express them as marks on a page. These movements come from deep within, unlike handwriting and lettering for lettering's sake.

I was clearing out the studio the other day and on top of a filing cabinet are about 8 boxes. Each box is full of memories…. memories for which I cannot part with and no amount of money would buy what’s in those boxes.

The actual value of what’s inside monetary wise is very little, for they are nothing but bits of paper….but inside each box holds the spirit and essence of those creative hands that sent items mostly from abroad and their value on a spiritual level is….PRICELESS! The words, thoughts, sentiments and pure kindness cannot be bought or sold. Some of the items were done by complete beginners and others pieces by ‘masters’, each created piece is just as valuable as the next. The beginners did not wait to become experts and the experts weren’t so precious with their work that they refused to part with it. All this was sent as an act of love….the Love of sharing their life’s passion.

Friendships were formed and many of us are still firm friends almost 20 years later. We have not met each other….and yet we ‘know’ each other so well. We belonged to an on-line group who shared a common bond….and that group still exists today. Many of us now are on Facebook and other social networking site. We know about each others lives, kids, families. We have shared both joys and tragedies. We have supported and encouraged each other over the passage of time. We have known each other since our kids were little! We have shared stories and poems and pieces of wisdom and helpful guidance when it has been asked of us. We are not well paid for the hours we spend, doing what we love…..but the rewards are more precious than gold!

I’d like to share a few of my most treasured gifts……

Here;s a book by Beth Lee who very kindly offered to host the swaps

You can see more of her books on HER BLOG HERE

The book was made using dark green paste paper and written in Gold....stunning!

And here is a real treasure from Bev Allen who I had the great fortune to meet when I had my studio in Darlington and she came over from Canada on a visit...

Were still good buddies on Facebook and via the blogging world. It's about time she got her own blog as the link above is one that she runs for her guild.

This is another wonderful book I received in a book swap at a local group called Quatro'.

And this is another amazingly Small concertina book. As you can see from the ruler it must have took some careful planning and expert calligraphy to do the copperplate in letters no higher than about 3mm!

And for all you book making buddies out there who make 'One Off' books or small print run editions...you might like to visit Vamps and Tramps it's worth a peek.

OK I'm on my last lap of decorating this weekend. The weather forecast is not good, gale force winds on Sunday and thanks to my mums help I have only the bedroom and the hall, stairs and landing to emulsion and the bedroom to gloss. With such crappy eyesight I was always terrified of going it alone, but this Pixie will not be beaten! Ra, ra, ra! I've been reading a book called The Power of TED* and I think it's gone to my head...well that and the Bach Flower Remedies!

What a joke! NOT lol

Well I 'usually' compose my blog posts in word then cut copy and paste into my blog, so that I can spell and grammar check and make sure all is well....well as much as it can be.
So, I've just spent the last 2 hours writing a post to catch up... and for some reason, either Internet Explorer 8 or blogger is playing up and I can't paste into this post.....oh technology....doncha just love it!

Never mind, the post will just have to wait for tonight. Although we squeezed an extra hour in at the weekend...I'm shattered! Damn those dark morning and early dark evening...I NEED the light!!!

Basically the post was to be about how wonderful the 'homestead' looks now that the glossing is done almost all the way through the house (thanks to my mums help xxx) only my bedroom to go! How lethargic and lack lustre I feel and creativity devoid of ideas at the moment...Yeah I know.... we all get 'em, and welcoming a new Honest Blogger to our ever growing clan of Wise Women the lovely Laura at Shine the Divine .....welcome hunny. Laura was recommended by my good friend and co worker Suzi at Creative Whispers.
I was also sending Rose at Living on the Witchy Side a great big hug as she is so poorly at the moment. I was also asking what's got into Amber Mog??? Femme Creator Extraordinaire! Yeah go for it sister...you really are on one....and I want some of what you're on! lol

Oh and there was probably more blather about how glad I was when the computer technician fixed my computer and got me back into the real world...it was a close call girls....4 days without my computer and I was seriously thinking of getting a man! Luckily he saved the day, it cost me, but there again probably a lot less than having a man around would!

Anyway, it's probably best I couldn't post the word document...for I have condensed the whole thing down to a few paragraphs now....NOTE TO SELF: You GAS too much!

Absent Without Leave

Phew....BOTH home and work computer back up and running! 2 and half hours with a computer technician, a new part for my work computer and a complete re-install on my home one after suffering the blue screen of death! Purse £100 lighter....but the Pixie is happy again.... happy to be back, connected to the outside world!

Reminder to friends....BACK UP YOUR HARD DRIVE!
OK....off for my well deserved tea....will catch up on your blogs later.
I have SO missed everyone

Etsy Featured Seller of the Week!

Once again I have the greatest of joy in sharing with you the following link Etsy Art and Design. And on THIS LINK I'm honoured to be featured as the Etsy Featured Seller of the Week!

the lady who runs this blog is also a fellow Calligrapher and Lettering Artist and this blog features many interesting crafts people who sell on Etsy.

What's Etsy I hear the UK blog readers say....well if you make Art and Craft special items this is a wonderful way to showcase and sell your work. It's relatively new to the Uk and very slow to catch on, so we all should really do as much as we can to spread the word.

Selling on Etsy is cheap (VERY cheap) compared to other forms of selling, your listing lasts for 3 months or until it is sold and best of all...you can get your very own shop ABSOLUTELY FREE!
there's a wonderful message board and creators of all kinds can get together and share their love of crafts and their hint, tips and techniques for selling online.

If you've been wanting to sell your work and wondering where to sell it or if you would like to purchase hand made quality items whether you are in the Uk or not......go to http://www.etsy.com/ Your place to buy and sell anything handmade!

Cindy the Etsy Art and Design Owner also has an etsy shop which you can find HERE and also has a few other blogs too, including Calligraphy Art and Design, Calligraphy Art and Design News and Collected Truths Quotations and Words of Wisdom
Thank you Cindy for choosing me as your Etsy Seller of the Week!

And one last thing to share with you tonight, my very special friend, who I see only once a year, has now got her own blog to promote, share and hopefully sell her wonderfully scented, absolutely natural, soaps, creams, bath bombs, herbs and ohhh all sorts of delicious goodies! Anyway, go over the her blog at The Old Pit Potions and give her a warm welcome and a bit of encouragement will you all???? Please?
Ok....for tonight,,,, thank's all folks.

We Are All Creative!

Oh yes we are....EVERY single one of us!

Keep away from people

who try to belittle your ambitions.

Small people always do that,

but the really great make you feel

that you, too, can become great.

Mark Twain

I *love* Mark Twain quotations and this one reminds us to follow our bliss, despite others telling us otherwise.

I hear time and time again people say...'Oh your work is lovely, I 'wish' I was creative.... but I'm not', well have I got news for you, WE are ALL creative, each and every one of us. We are born creative. As children we play. We create pictures on paper and patterns in sand, we build things and make things. Only as adults we unlearn to create.

If you have an inbuilt desire to create (and I think there is more need for that today than ever before) then there is absolutely nothing standing in your way.

Our creativity is sparked by many things, it can be a simple walk in the park, a visit to an art gallery or craft show, some pretty colours contained in wool....so many things. You really have to leave behind your fear of being wrong, making a mess of something and get rid of that belief that you are not creative. Forget that past criticism that made you feel so useless at what you were trying to do.

My art teacher told my mother I would be better off taking another subject at 'O' level than art, for I had no talent, not even for Graphic Design...Well Mr Kettlewell (who happened to specialise in sign writing himself!) BAH ****-in humbug to you!!!! Ha Ha Ha!

And to a VERY well known top calligrapher (she who shall not be named and shamed here on my blog and in public) who told me I would be better off doing anything else than calligraphy... here's the two fingered salute to you too. Oh and I remember the poor timid ladies that came into my classes, cautiously telling me that they weren't sure whether they could learn calligraphy or not, because they were...LEFT HANDED!! Dread the thought....they said it like it was some catching disease...almost whispering it, you cannot imagine the look on their faces when I slowly learnt forward, with a pitiful look and said.....'So am I! It's great isn't it, we're one of only 10% of the population' *wink*

So, don't let ANYTHING or ANYONE stop you....the world needs us creatives and remember, if there were no creative people, nothing and I mean NOTHING would be developed and new things would just not happen.

For To Create,

Is To Touch The Spirit!

Inspired by Words... I certainly am!

Ok, ok, so the great Mrs. Fit who jumped up and down ladders yesterday, perhaps isn't as fit as she thought (now where's that yoga book!) anyway, the opportunity for a day out arose and feeling like I'd done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, I jumped at the chance.

So, look where I've been today....

Can you tell where it is yet?

Although Ripon Cathedral is not my favourite Cathedral, Durham is,) I was there for a very special reason. And I was not disappointed. In fact I was overwhelmed, stunned, very proud and speechless....yes can you believe it.... me speechless! That's a first!

I was there to see an Exhibition by North Yorkshire Calligraphers, of whom I am the President. The group was formed way back in 1990, by myself and with the great help of 2 others. The work is superb...in fact I will go further than that and say that is some of the finest and inventive calligraphy and Lettering Art that has been seen for many years. Well, done everyone!

If you get the chance to go, please do! The exhibition is open daily until the end of the month.

Below are just 3 of the many pieces that took my breath away....

Ian Ditchburn (Chairman)

Anne Porritt
And again, another by Ian

The photos of the exhibition

show only a half of the exhibits.

Didn't they do well?

Excuses, Excuses…No More Excuses...Just Do It!

When you think you can't - YOU VERY OFTEN CAN!

This is a long tale....so get a cuppa, pull up a chair and read on...I may just strike a chord and gee you up a little into action...

For the lat 2 and a half years and the dreadful Saturn return (as a Virgo how she’s been afflicted – I mean affected!!) where I feel like sometimes I’ve been to hell and back and bounced off every wall I seem to have been near, a corner has been turned.
I knew I was in for a tough ride…I wasn’t quite prepared for just how tough it would get.

However…onto the reason for this post…
For the last week or so something inside me has changed and changed in a really big way! Like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel strong, empowered and full of hell (in a nice pixieish sort of way). I have turned a huge corner in my life and somehow think that life will never quite be the same again.

OK, so my visual impairment prevents me from doing a lot in life….or does it? I thought so, but now I realise that it doesn’t. The only thing holding me back is ME! Me, myself and I. So often I have used this as an excuse as to why something was not possible and OK so driving a car with these eyes would be pretty stupid! For the safety of others more than myself, but I have ridden a horse on the open road and also a motorbike in the last year or so, NOT on the road I hasten to add),

Let me describe my vision (or what is left of it) is pretty hard. Take a pair of glasses, in the middle of the lens stick a semi transparent grey disc in the centre, then walk about the house for a bit. Try standing on a chair and closing your eyes while jumping off. Get up close to someone, about 7” away, then you can see them a little more clearly, it feels like you are a bit cross eyed, but worse than that, watch them back away as you invade their personal space. Above all else, have a conversation with someone with your eyes shut, seeing personal expressions are not something I can see. You can’t see them smile or scowl, in fact all you can see is a silhouette. Crossing the road can be a bit of a drama…risk taking is paramount, if you don’t take a (calculated) risk you don’t get to cross….anyway….you get the picture.
Anyway, I’ve been mulling over the number of excuses I can come up with for not doing or believing that I can’t do something and basically give myself a good kick up the jacksy!

My living room has needed painting for 5 years that I can think of and I did set a target to paint the whole house this year…well there comes a time when needs must. And I’ve almost finished the living room. My mum’s coming over to gloss next Thursday (bless her). Now if I painted everything white there would have been no problems at all….but this Pixie does not do white….no, no, no…. I wanted it RED! It terrified me to think of how it would all look. The thought of touching even the slightest bit of white gloss with a teeny smudge of paint and the result would be VERY obvious! Still, this Pixies not for putting off.

It’s amazing that so many things we learn in the our younger days can be of so much use later on…
And I will add here, that in my younger days I was a gymnast and worked to county champion level. I’ve also done yoga, tramp lining, a little ballet, long and short distance running…oh yeah…YAWN….

Anyway…Today, I donned a pair of jeans, got out a ladder and jumped nimbly up and down….ok, ok, so there were a few false starts and some near misses, but I realised that while I was up there I needed to exercise my ability to stay on them while looking upward. It also gave me the chance to demonstrate to my menagerie that their mother can still do bar work along a painting platform, ok, I didn’t manage a triple pike but my ability to stay upright was superb and I could tell they were impressed. I stupidly saw a mark on the ceiling and got a damp cloth to wipe it off. Just a small patch about 4” square …arrrgghhhh….bug-rit! I’ve had to wash the whole ceiling! Either that or paint it!!! Now that I CAN’T DO! All 240 square foot of it! I now know my ceiling intimately. The only near hospital visit possibility was caused by Morag who took me a little by surprise when I’m sure she moved as I was standing up.

Anyway added to the decorating I have turfed out the house, getting into nooks and crannies and throwing away the clutter like there’s no tomorrow and the studio has been part tackled too. I no longer need ‘stuff’ around me, It clutters up my life and my head, making me feel like I’m hemmed in. My mind is freer, my life seems to be getting more organised, I am achieving more, but I am also getting sillier and my creative head…well it’s nothing short of madness.
I intend to start a Creativity Coaching Group, and teach sessions at the studio. My gallery bit has been organised so that I can fit 4 people in it and don’t have to move stuff around my workspace (in another room) which iis difficult if I’m in the middle of a job. I am jumping about, singing (badly, but who cares) along to 60’s songs while decorating and yeah dancing alone too. I’m sure the cats gave me a round of applause for my performance…I must have lost a stone in weight (alright, slight exaggeration here) due to the up and down of the ladder and having ants in my pants. Above all, I want to earn a living from the thing I love the most. I am loosing my feeling of GUILT that has over ridden my ability to charge for my play. This is WHAT I do. It’s how I managed to pay my bills and it is my living.

I tell you this story, friends, not for sympathy or pats on the back. It’s to share with you the many rather lame excuses I have tripped of my tongue in the last 10 or so years have to stop.

So, what excuses do you use? What holds you back and why? Are they real or lame reasons for not wanting to do something or not having the confidence to at least try? What have you got to loose?

Remember: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade…and when you say you can’t you usually CAN! Go out and JUST DO IT! Loose the fear of being wrong, or failing, for there is no such thing as failure. Just something that although didn’t happen, gives you the wisdom or knowledge to do it differently NEXT TIME
you try.

And I suppose if you’ve read this far….you will be still wondering….just who the hell is Morag????

Visitors to my home are well acquainted with her. She was a thirtieth birthday present from my husband…. And there goes another whole new story! And she hangs from my living room (yes VERY RED living room) ceiling and she’s flown there for almost the last 20 years (is it really THAT long). Oh just look at her, even she looks happier.

When you think you can't - YOU VERY OFTEN CAN!

Nursery Rhymes. - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Many years ago now I worked on a large broadsheet which contained a lot of Children's Nursery Rhymes. My original reason for this is that I wanted to turn it into a full sized, full colour printed poster. It was sent with a large amount of my work to be put in an exhibition and promote calligraphy around the North East area.
I was delayed in picking the work up and the centre change managers and despite their reassurance that everything was safe....the whole exhibition was lost. Much of it was my precious gold Leaf work.

While I have been working on and off with developing these letters over the last few months, I realised that the letters particularly lend themselves to Nursery Rhymes. This is my interpretation of Twinkle Twinkle....


I've used tiny caps (my favourite) as a contrast to the informal 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'. Perhaps you will see this better.

And this is a close up detail of the letters I've been working on....

Unfortunately I don't get much chance to do big pieces of work these days. as the vast majority of my work is either for commission or for sale. This one is for sale :o)

Baby Birth Idea - Astrological Concertina Card

I've been working on a couple of commissions, in collaboration with a superb astrologer Simon Greene. He works out the chart and gives me the info and I put it all together to produce a concertina card/book.

The details inside contain a basic personality profiles as well as characteristics and traits of the babies in question.

The books open up into a star or stand upright by untying the two end ribbons. A wonderful idea for any new parents.

We are taking orders, and the charts can be for anyone, they don't have to be babies! so if you are interested, email me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Calligraphy and Lively Lettering Art in Cumbria

Well, I'm back, rejuvenated and revitalised after my teaching day in Penrith. Penrith is in the Lake District in Cumbria and a beautiful place it is too. The Lakes always seem to hold a special magic for me, and with the changing of the seasons and Autumn's arrival, the turning leaves on the trees make it specially beautiful
Eden Valley Scribes (you can see their blog by clicking the highlighted text) are a wonderful bunch of people, with a great sense of humour and it was great to be back! They're a small but very keen group and they embraced the Lively Lettering without complaint. I think the fact the tutor made them tea and coffee all day, to keep them happy and keep them working helped! For a more detailed look at the day go to The Eden Valley Scribes Blog;

I was staying at Alison 's overnight (Eden Valley Scribes Blog Owner), but on our way home we stopped off her....

Gretna Green became famous for it's runaway marriages, this began in 1753 when an act of parliament was passed in England which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland where it was possible for boys to get married at 14 and girls at 12 years old with or without parental consent. Since 1929 both parties have had to be at least 16 years old but there is still no consent needed.

Couples still think they can just turn up and get married, but 15 days notice has to be served...just in case either party is still married! It is still one of the most popular Wedding Venues and host to around 5000 weddings a year!

Then I spent a wonderful night with a paranormal investigator and owner of 'Mysterious Britain', We talked of ghosts, orbs, legends and haunting and things that go bump in the night....lol. Alison kept herself amused with loads of Bookbinding Books that I had taken along.

All too soon (but probably much to the relief of Alison's ears, it was time to go home....it was wonderful catching up.

The visit to Castle Rigg Stone Circle was as per usual, wet, misty and windy, but somewhere I like to go if I am over there.

On the way back we visited Rheged with it's food, exhibitions, events and the most wonderful array of fine craft shops. Definitely worth a visit if you are over there.

I'm home and my batteries feel recharged. I'm repeating the workshop for North East Scribes in just a little less than a months time. And I can't wait!

I now realise I miss teaching so much. Not the 2 hours a week and out every night kind of teaching, but full days where you can inspire and create and get peoples juices flowing. I love motivating people and I would prefer to leave the basic lettering teaching to others...I want them when they are on their way and ready to open up to new experiences and have found the joy and passion that Letters can bring into their art work.

So thank you Alison, and Ian for being such wonderful hosts and thank you Eden Valley Scribes for your lack of complaints and dedication to the continuation of Lettering Art! May your nibs never run dry.

etsy Treasury

Look who's been featured in the ETST Treasury...
CLICK HERE TO SEE!

Are You An Innerpreneur?

I'm not sure whether or not you have noticed this little picture on my side bar over the last couple of days? If you haven't visited the site yet I ask you to do it right now! Go HERE I almost guarantee you will LOVE what you see, identify with it fully and it will answer a lot of questions.

Well....hands up if you are an Innerpreneur!

And please join the message board on the site, it's very new and very quiet and could do with a bit of spicing up. I'm not going to give any more away...I will leave it to you here's the link again:

http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur/index.php/2008/06/06/are-you-an-innerpreneur/

Calligraphy Workshop in Cumbria

Whoooo hoooo. I'm off to teach in Penrith tomorrow for a wonderful group of calligraphers Eden Valley Scribes. I've been busy all week preparing notes and exemplars and working out my class plan. I was musing at how much calligraphy and Lettering Art in particular has changed over the years. When I submitted the following piece for my Diploma, the letters were 'expected' to be formal, consistent and show a good knowledge and understanding of the style used. I suppose I must have done something right as I passed with 97% and got a distinction. I think it's highly unlikely I'd pass these days...not with these eyes! lol

I think it's worth reading you the words on this piece they are as follows

Mantra is a sound, and sound is an aspect of energy
A powerful energy that can influence the mind.

In order to experience meditation and Samadhi
you need a certain quality of mind,
Those who practice meditation without preparing the mind,
Do not have the right kind of experience.

The sounds of specific mantras make the mind clean
of it’s impurities and impressions.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika Ch4 V113

And this ones from The Lord of the Rings....
Yes calligraphy has come a long way. Tomorrow I'll be teaching the letters that I have been developing/playing with. The hardest thing for me has been the fact that I have had to Analise my own letters, take them to pieces, put them into groups and in some way make them connect, in order to teach them to others. Because I worked on the letters without much thought I've had to come backwards in order to come forwards (if you see what I mean). I have done a couple of pieces in pencil crayon...not very happy with them but they will show a technique

And I've done this piece using a thicker nib than I am going to teach with, showing that weight, size and form can give you a huge range of possibilities.
Here's a closer look at those letters....

I love teaching. It gives me the chance to pass on the knowledge, tip and techniques that I have learnt over the last 20 years and keeps the spirit of Lively Lettering alive and well in this desperate age of computers. People are so not used to picking up a pen these days never mind a broad edged nib. So many things are done on computer...even art! I'm sorry folks but theres nothing that can beat that wonderful urge to get down, get inky and get dirty. I'm staying over at the wonderful Alisons and Sunday gives me the chance to go and visit the wonderful Castle Rigg with it's stone circle and panoramic views. Wonderful! Hopefully the Pixie will be well rested and rejuvenated, ready to get my head around the stack of books I need to read over the coming weeks.

Have a great weekend.

Sue xxx

Creative Artwork Ideas for Love

There I was minding my own business...checking through my stats to see how people found my blog seen as my daily average has gone up to 48! and apart from the odd VERY intriguing searches...two separate searches for can you believe Beltane Man!' Well glad someones looking for him lol.

These searches always turn up one or two surprises...not least the one for 'creatively idea artwork for love' I haven't had any orders for canvases etc. so I can only suppose it's a guy wondering how to woo a lady...hmmmm.... try a bit of romance sunshine!
Anyway.... one of the searches threw up THIS SITE and I couldn't help sharing it with you. What a fantastic idea don't you think?

ECOBLE will definitely work it's way into my favourites.

And just in case the guy searches again and comes to this post...I can give you L*O*T*S of ideas for Inspiring Artwork for Love! What's your budget?

The Power of TED*

A quick post before I swan off to the studio with renewed vigor and a shift in attitude. If you identified with THIS POST I suggest that you wing your way over to The Power of TED*. I already subscribe to David Emeralds newsletter but on his website you will find some great articles and videos and also his blog.
Ok...I'm off to beat with a stick, that Victim of circumstance demon!

Personal Issues - Tackling the fear

Excuse me while I get something off my chest....n true 'Honest Blogger Style' and afterwards I know that I am going to feel a whole lot better and think a little clearer.... So to my Blogging Buddies...I thank you for your support and patience. For everyone else....Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.....

I am having to look at, deal with and face up to something that has ruled my life. Something that makes me feel sick when I actually say the word never mind try to cope with it. I hate talking about it, yet it is a real worry for me and even more so since my husband died and I’m left supporting myself with no means of a backup or alternative plan. It’s all up to or down to me. Me, myself and I.

This particular thing also encroaches on other parts of my life, making it difficult to value myself and feel any self worth. Most of the time I’m in a state of ‘so what use am I?’ And the issue I have to tackle is?…. Money!
As regular readers of my blog will know, I am registered visually impaired and as such am virtually on the job scrap heap. Fine if you have a partner who earns money and you can be a stay at home mum/wife, but absolutely devastating if like me you are alone and even worse, the only thing you ever trained for was the passion in your life, that at best means the world to you and at worst is like a noose around your neck.

The tax credit system in the UK enables me to work and I actually gain an extra £10 a week making a total income of the grand princely sum of £92. This money has to pay all my household bills which are not any cheaper when you live alone. The Gas, Electric, water rates, TV Licence and telephone cost exactly the same, the only real thing I save on is food.
I still have to pay for birthdays, Christmas and everything else that comes my way. (Dread the thought that my cooker or washing machine breaks down!)

Added to that I have a studio. The reason I have it is that it gives me a sense of purpose, to get up and get dressed each day, otherwise to be honest I probably wouldn’t. Also when meeting clients it seems more professional to have a business address, trust me, clients think you should charge next to nothing if you work from home, I did it for 10 years! The studio comes at a price and added to the rent of the studio are business rates, telephone, yellow pages and the ever increasing electricity bill. Yes I am there by choice, but it may be a choice that will be taken out of my hands very soon, unless something changes dramatically!

Now then back to my issue with money. Work is tight, VERY tight at the present time and to be honest I don’t know where this is going to lead. At the moment I give away more than I earn. I need to tackle the issue of not being able to charge people I know for the services and goods that I offer. Somehow it seems mean and lacks appreciation for the things they have done for me in the past, but this is a business I run and I really have to think more like a business woman…It’s do or die!
Here’s an example…I did a piece of work, lettering around a mount for an (can you believe this) for an ex’s mother. She then prattled on to me about how much money she owed and how destitute she was….blah. blah, blah….can I say that it’s been almost 4 years since I went out with the nutter and have had no contact with him since. No reflection on his mother though. But anyway, when she collected it she asked how much…my reaction…oh no….just take it! The result, she came to the studio a couple of weeks ago and gave me a ‘collectable’ ornament. I don’t need any more ornaments, I HATE dusting! And can’t see ornaments once they are more than a foot away! I need the money to pay my bills and keep me there! (She screams)

Every hour of every day the studio notches up costs. Small jobs come in while on their own seem very small and barely worth pricing. Those small jobs usually take more time to do ironically! Even so 1 or 2 jobs a week for the odd £10 or! 15 are not going to keep me open.
I’ve had to tackle yet another vomitty problem lately and that is one of Marketing and the marketing issue is probably worse than the money issue. I cannot get my head around marketing my own work and the reason…I don’t value myself! The long and the short of it. Because I feel like this I can’t do it. My self esteem is at rock bottom and my self worth is going just about the same way. I tackle so many things by myself these day, but this I cannot. My husband took his own life because he could not charge what he was worth (and others will back me up on this one). He was too kind, The bills would go unpaid because a little old lady wanted some chair flats done and had brought in some old curtains for him to use or a friend needed a favour returned and in his words ‘so how could I charge for that?’.
Others took advantage of his good nature. They made friends with him and as such got ‘mates rates’. I can’t tell you how I felt at his funeral when all those people turned up a lot of them shame faced and guilty. Too late then. His kindness got him nowhere and others took great advantage of a guy who would never say no.

The point of this post?….I find myself identifying with him so much these days and in the same situation!
I like to tell people I am not materialistic (and I do believe I’m not), I consider myself generous and will do anything I can to help anyone but now I have to get tough with myself and be paid what I am worth….getting others to pay it is another matter! I would rather give something away than feel like I am ripping people off, but 20 years of my life has been dedicated to the thing I love and as such has a value. If it’s that easy and you are shocked at the price artists charge….have a go yourself, and then you will see what you are paying for. This Pixie has to get tough. At the end of the day, it may loose me ‘friends’, but without a turnover of money I will loose the business.

Times are hard for us all, but I feel that by trying to help myself I’m actually creating more stress than I need. Perhaps it’s time to call it a day, put those pens away once and for all and stick to housework….now where is that duster???

Thank you for listening...talking really DOES HELP!

Note added later and post re-edited - To my friends, I am not depressed or suicidal! just need to get something off my chestI remeber reading something that others having the same problems may like to take a look at http://www.fluentself.com/blog/biggification/marketing-and-other-vomit-ey-stuff/

Motivation, Inspiration and Uplifting Quotations

Well folks I'm having problems uploading photos to blogger tonight.
I was asked at the weekend where a good quotation site can be found, so I'll give you some links to great Motivational and Inspirational Websites.

My long tome calligraphy buddie Teri Martin bot only has a wonderful website, designs pages for scrap booker and offer a free Quote of the Day, but she also has a fantastic achieve of Quotations searchable by words.

Motivate Us Dot Com is another great site with a large range of categories.

Follow Your Dreams dot com is another great site but I must admit I haven't been there for a while. It's still active though cos i've just tried it.

Inspirational Quotes is wonderful for shorter quotations perhaps more suited to cards.

Best Spirituality dot com A large range of Quotations from a wide variety of spiritual teachers and philosophers

And I've just found All Spirit Blog definitely worth checking out.

Salutation To The Dawn from the Sanskrit

Here's my second entry for the exhibition at Ripon Cathedral. I remember so clearly the first time I heard it, it was during a Hatha Yoga Class that I attended. Ahhhh happy days. Our tutor also covered Ayurveda Medicine and philosophy. I had already studied Tibetan Buddhism so the philosophy sat easily with me. My waking up routing every day was 3 full rounds of the Salute to the Sun.....crippling at first! Ohhhh I must get back to my Yoga.

CLICK ON PICTURE FOR A BETTER VIEW

The words are as follows:

Listen to the salutation to the dawn,
Look to this day

for it is life,

the very life of life,
In its brief course lie all the verities

and realities of our existence.

The bliss of growth,

the splendour of beauty,
For yesterday is but a dream

and tomorrow is only a vision,
But today well spent

makes every yesterday

a dream of happiness

and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore to this day.
Such is the salutation to the dawn.

Sadly, no matter how many pictures I took of this piece, they never came out. The piece is framed and on sale for £95.

Exhibition Piece - Dreaming of Oneness by Jamie Sams

Oh I do hope that either one or all of these pictures enlarge

I was asked to submit a couple of pieces of work for the North Yorkshire Calligraphers Annual exhibition that is to be held at the prestigious Ripon Cathedral. The exhibition opened on Friday and will run for the month of October. Many of the pieces of work are for sale (including my own). 4 pieces actually sold as the exhibition was being hung!

As their founder and honorary President, I must admit I was feeling under pressure to 'produce the goods'. I felt really difficult knowing that many of the group are now up to my level!
For my first piece I chose a poem from the book Dancing The Dream, by Jamie Sams.

The poem is called Dreaming Oneness and goes like this....

Take me gently into the dawn,

Where my dreams become the light

Uniting with the radiance of the sun

Shedding the indigo of my spirits flight,

Return me to the waking world

With vivid images imprinting my heart

Grasping the maps of newborn paths

Allowing my life to become living art

Jamie's Website can be found here http://www.jamiesams.com/

September Musings

A journey of a thousand miles,

starts with a single step

What a month September was! Just looking back and reflecting on the changes that seem to come hand in hand with the turning of the wheel and our journey into Autumn.

I had a wonderful birthday....my son and his wife surprised me with this wonderful 'icecream' birthday cake, complete with glitter and sparkles and a special Happy Birthday to the Purple Pixie on it....Hmmmm delicious :o)

My birthday day was spent at Stokesley show with family. And in the livestock tent...I saw this.....
A wonderful rare breed rabbit (called a hare actually although it is a rabbit) a perfect replica of a Moon Gazing Hare! I WANT ONE!!!!!

Ive done a couple of Christening posters...
And two pieces of work for an exhibition., I'll write about these in another blog post.

Stokesley show and my birthday was definitely a turning point. I have a deep fear of heights and fair ground rides. After my first declaration about needing to overcome my fears on both these levels while staring at the big wheel and changing my mind half a dozen times.....I did it! Ironically doing that was a catalyst towards other moves I was about to make and really wasn't prepared for.

Many years ago I used Bach Flower Remedies. I was last weekend in a very strange place, I needed to make a decision about my 'relationship' (if you can call it that with the said Beltane Man. I tried to shift my preconceived ideas and deal with how I 'didn't feel' about him, and I really did try and get at least some feeling for him.....but they just weren't there. We had nothing in common. He is very laid back, to the point he had no dreams, no excitement and no real motivation. My sense of humour I'm sure he found pathetic and even at times childish, but there again that's me! lol. And I knew I had to end it as it was going and never would go anywhere. I took the remedies (6 of them actually!) and something shifting in me to give me the courage to say goodbye. No tears, no anger, no....nothing really. Just relief. I was finding the relationship depressing....and I don't need that. So happy Pixie is on her own.

Then my friend dying, while tragic though it was, made me have to take a train journey on my own for the first time since I lost my sight. Was I scared? Yes! I was absolutely terrified. But it was either that or miss her funeral. More remedies...I took them and I did it! And now.....Well, now I have the bug for travelling! I don't know where I'm going and where I will end up, but I have to do this, again and again and again. It's the only way to overcome fear.....Oh yes....the Pixiie Power is back!

Honest Blogger Award - Because SHIfT HAPPENS!

This award was ceated in response to the following post '
Telling It Like It Is'

WE ARE Honest Blogger!
the Sisterhood of
SHIfT HAPPENS!

As honest bloggers we:

(Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Add To...As You Wish)

* Speak our truth from the heart and tell it like it is.

* Share openly and honestly our true feelings without fear of judgement, Blame or shame.

* We write to share our achievements so others can also share our joy.

* We write about our bad times too, knowing that the love and support of others is around us and perhaps heal another’s pain in the process..

*We are human beings will real feelings and emotions and REFUSE to hide behind a mask.

* We dare to be different

* We are Free Spirits

* We realsie that by spilling out, we lighten our load.

* We acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses and don't see them in terms of success or failure.

* We laugh together and cry together

* We are all following our own journey in our own unique way

* Above all else, we may lie on the floor, screaming and kicking, or feel like life is collapsing around us once in a while….but at the end of the day, we drag ourselves up, dust ourselves off and rise to fight another day.

For we are Warrior Women and we write not to please others, stroke our own egos or be judged, we blog because we care!
Our blogs are our therapy, and through sharing SHIfT HAPPENS! This award was created in particular for the following Honest Bloggers for they have opened their hearts in public and gained many friends in return.... You are truly wonderful people! In no particular order, girls, ladies and goddesses all I present to you, the following Honest Bloggers....drum roll please...

Samantha at The Everyday Witch

Cj at Cj's Whine and Cheeze and The Compost Heap

Ambermoggie at The Mogs Blog

Sue at Spirit Whispers

Ceri at Chez Ceridwen

Leanne at Dorset Days Laoi at Solstice Dreaming

Sue at Green Whispers

Beth at Be Yourself

Rose at Living On The Wotchy Side

Tevor and Liz at The Diary of a Wotchcraft Shop in Avalon

Mel at From Clutter To Shine and Creative Clutter

Moonroot at Moonroots Blog

Oh and there's probably 100's more I could add!

Please accept this Award in the spirit in which it was intended. Feel free to take and use the picture and do with it what you will. (She Grins) You can add your own reasons for awarding someone it if you pass it on, you can add links to your blog, you have no obligation at all, I just wanted to let you know that you are one helluva Honest Blogger!

For other Honest Bloggers.... and there are many out there, please feel free to take the award either for yourself or someone else, the choice is yours. Leave a comment and or link at the end of this post....so others can celebrate your or their Honesty!