Starting over?

I'm feeling the need to start fresh. To discard the canes I've made in the past and start from scratch... (Yes, I know, Kelly, where I can send them!) Some canes are brittle, sadly, and some I'm just tired of. I feel like I need a clean creative slate with a clean work space and a new organizational method (okay, I just need organization.) The clutter everywhere is getting to me, even though I have given away or thrown away an incredible amount of stuff so far.

There are days, like today, where I am so tired and droopy - like the rainy weather outside - that I just want to curl up in a ball and have an excavation team clear out the debris.... both from my house and from my mind!

Caring for my parents, particularly my mom, has taken a physical and mental toll. Most days I am doing fine, handling things well; and I'm very glad that I can do this for them, after all they have given me. Occasionally I have a day where I wonder if I have the strength. Yesterday was one of those days, so today I'm exhausted.

I am sometimes stuck in the "I can't make anything extraordinary so why bother" routine. I see the beautiful, unique work of other artists and mine looks dull by comparison.

That's why I am considering the clear out and start over idea. Now I need a little energy...

Feeling the need for inspiration - help me and earn entrecard credits!

I'm in need of some... oomph!... creatively speaking. I've been deep in a slump, with no desire to touch clay in many many months.

My brother does improvisational comedy "sports" on weekends, and years ago when I attended a performance, they had a segment where the audience called out suggestions for a skit. I think I'd like to try the same thing here.

For those of you using Entrecard, it will earn you 50 Entrecard credits (up to the first 100 respondents). For those who aren't, you'll just be sending a little inspiration. Here's what I'd like my readers to do:

For the next week (Sept. 21 to Sept. 28), leave one comment with a subject, theme or idea. Even a story line like "Cinderella" would work. (You may leave more than one, but I'm only giving out one 50 card reward per person.) Be sure you are signed in with your entrecard blog if you would like the reward.

I'll use the themes as best I can, and post pictures.

Thank you!

Another sad goodbye

My sweet bunny, Georgia, died today. Rest well at the Rainbow Bridge my love. Romp and play with all the well-loved creatures that came before you.

Bowl of beads, no time to photograph...

What you find when you start an addition

When you remove something from your house, you have to expect some... unexpected stuff. The wood joist under the old sliding doors has to be replaced. This means jacking up the area and removing the old wood... I hear the banging and such going on now...

Molly

Molly
Originally uploaded by jaelsjewels

I tried to take pictures of some of my beads today. Molly was convinced that the camera's dangling handle was there for her amusement....

Mother's Day

created by my daughter, Sarah