Thought-Full Art Studio

A conversation...

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Happy 2023

Hard to believe the New Year is upon us! I hope that 2022 was a good year for you and that 2023 will be even better. We have had an “interesting” last quarter as our home needed several issues resolved. A few are still pending and we are looking forward to all that getting done soon and behind us. All necessary – but not how we planned the months of October through ??

I’m working on some print processes. Waiting to hear about spring shows and then I’ll be updating the website with more information. I’ve been spending a good deal of time on my garage/art area – going through boxes I haven’t explored for a very long time. Time consuming but it feels good to be getting this space in order and cleaned out. The process started when our hot water heater decided to break down completely and leak into the garage on the Thursday before Christmas. So we had a “Victorian” experience with heating hot water by the bucket to wash ourselves and dishes. Not exactly how we planned to spend Christmas – but it all worked out. It was fixed on the Tuesday after Christmas and the leak is what helped spur me to do a thorough cleanup and reorganization of my garage.

Hope that your Christmas was less “eventful” and that you were able to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. I want to say thank you to all those who thought of me this holiday season as they were purchasing gifts! It means a lot to me when I’m contacted by folks who have known my work for awhile or have just discovered it. Thank you for your support and encouragement!

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Happy Crazy Holidays

I ventured out on Black Friday – but not to purchase gifts. I was looking for tarps and covers to shield my grill, smoker, and a bunch of other things around the yard. Crowds in my shopping categories were surprisingly small and I was able to get in and out unscathed! 🙂

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know this is the craziest of days. It has always seemed like sales for Christmas start earlier and earlier. This year – even more so – as it seems there is a huge pent up demand to just GET OUT. I’m already tired of “news stories” covering the myths and realities of the dangers of poinsettias, when to start thawing whatever you have in the freezer for the next big meal, and the “must have latest and greatest never before seen” thing of the moment.

Like most artists and small businesses in general, we are not offering any huge slashing sales. But I do hope that, as people shop, they will remember all the many artists and craftspeople who create beautiful, fun, interesting, extraordinary work and who need the support of the buying public – especially during the winter months when shows are at a minimum.

In our house, we have been through a “season” of odd repair needs. The stress and expense of dealing with numerous different companies (some good – a very small number really awful), was rough. But things are settling down now and we are starting to put things back together. Through all this, we were reminded of the massive stress that thousands of people around this country and the world endure when their lives are turned upside down (sometimes for decades with no end in sight). While we were stretched very hard – we also feel incredibly grateful and thankful for the many blessings in our lives.

I hope that you and yours have much to be thankful for this year and that the holidays will be a time of peace, joy, and hope!