Under every full moon, memories stir of the dreamers we were. ~Robert Brault
Friday, February 25, 2011
My Moon, Your Moon: Wolf Moon? Snow Moon? Dreamer's Moon.
The second post of My Moon, Your Moon is up for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
An Artist in My Midst
My father-in-law passed away in January. Our family learned last year in September that he was diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer. As you can imagine, the news was devastating to our family. But despite this daunting news, our family really came together in those last months to show him our support and to give him our love. He was a wonderful man -- caring and loving -- and though the time we had left with him went by way too fast, we were able to create some wonderful memories that we will carry with us for life.
One thing that I learned about my father-in-law, Larry Dale, in the time that I knew him was that he was an artist. I learned this one spring when my husband and I went to Florida to spend Easter with his parents. One corner of the sun room in their home housed an easel with paints. Surrounding his work station were his finished paintings.
"I didn't know you painted," I told him, surprised. He told me that it was something he really enjoyed and wanted to explore more often. An artist in my midst; I was intrigued.
Even in his last days, my father-in-law had art on his mind. He told us that Moses had come to him and told him to paint again -- but this time, he should put the voice of God in his paintings. Although Larry Dale did not get a chance to create more art before he passed away, I think my husband's brother explained it best at Larry's funeral. He said that we, his family, were his works of art. And through us, he leaves a legacy that is a reflection of his faith.
I agree. With our own child on the way, I like the idea of art imitating life and life imitating art. Larry Dale was not only able to apply a paint brush to canvas to create the beauty that he saw within his artist's mind, but he was able to extend that idea of beauty and share it with the world in the family that he created.
One thing that I learned about my father-in-law, Larry Dale, in the time that I knew him was that he was an artist. I learned this one spring when my husband and I went to Florida to spend Easter with his parents. One corner of the sun room in their home housed an easel with paints. Surrounding his work station were his finished paintings.
"I didn't know you painted," I told him, surprised. He told me that it was something he really enjoyed and wanted to explore more often. An artist in my midst; I was intrigued.
Even in his last days, my father-in-law had art on his mind. He told us that Moses had come to him and told him to paint again -- but this time, he should put the voice of God in his paintings. Although Larry Dale did not get a chance to create more art before he passed away, I think my husband's brother explained it best at Larry's funeral. He said that we, his family, were his works of art. And through us, he leaves a legacy that is a reflection of his faith.
I agree. With our own child on the way, I like the idea of art imitating life and life imitating art. Larry Dale was not only able to apply a paint brush to canvas to create the beauty that he saw within his artist's mind, but he was able to extend that idea of beauty and share it with the world in the family that he created.
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
- Leo Buscaglia
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Etsy Shop is Now Open
Guess what!
The day has arrived... I've finally opened my Etsy store for Inochi Designs.
This plan has been in the works for LONG time. After the October craft show, I had lots of inventory left over that I planned on immediately featuring on my Etsy store, but I learned that life had other plans for me. Now with a new year starting and my energy levels shooting up in my second trimester, what better time to take advantage of this renewed sense of motivation and refocus my efforts on my art?
Although there are just a few items featured on the online store now, I plan on posting prints and original art this weekend as well. Don't forget to check the Etsy mini to the right of my blog posts to easily access the online store, too.
I hope you enjoy what you see!
Love,
Diana
The day has arrived... I've finally opened my Etsy store for Inochi Designs.
This plan has been in the works for LONG time. After the October craft show, I had lots of inventory left over that I planned on immediately featuring on my Etsy store, but I learned that life had other plans for me. Now with a new year starting and my energy levels shooting up in my second trimester, what better time to take advantage of this renewed sense of motivation and refocus my efforts on my art?
Although there are just a few items featured on the online store now, I plan on posting prints and original art this weekend as well. Don't forget to check the Etsy mini to the right of my blog posts to easily access the online store, too.
I hope you enjoy what you see!
Love,
Diana
"Action is eloquence."
- William Shakespeare
Sunday, January 23, 2011
2011 So Far...
I have not started this year off with a list of resolutions as I often do. The end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 have been sad ones, leaving little motivation to imagine new and exciting possibilities for the new year. But as time passes, I realize that continuing with life is the only way to truly heal with the loss of loved ones. Life is beautiful and precious, even with the sadness it can bring. And with a new little life on the way, I believe this more than ever.
So what does 2011 have in store for me?
Well, on Jan. 15th, I submitted my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project of 2011. I went back and forth all year on whether or not I was even going to participate in the project, but at the last moment, I chose to go for it. I completed my sketchbook in less than 24 hours and shipped it off on the deadline. It was the hardest, most exhausting artistic effort I've ever undertaken, but I was glad that I committed to doing it. The end product may not have been what I had hoped for, but the fact that I finished it was satisfying enough for me. The only regret that I have is that I have no photographic evidence of my efforts -- good thing I paid the extra fee for the Brooklyn Museum of Art to digitally archive it for me!
Beginning in February, my sketchbook will go on tour across the country with 28,837 other artists from 94 countries. I hope to check it once the tour reaches DC or Atlanta. If you'd like to check out my artist profile on the project site, please click here:
Another project I'm participating in this year is one with an esteemed colleague from work, Jim Penny. He approached me last year and told me about his idea of using the full moons of 2011 as the inspiration for a collection of essays and artwork. Each month on the full moon, he would write and I would paint or draw. Then, the next day, we would share what we created and post them on a blog. To see our first efforts, please visit our blog affectionately named My Moon, Your Moon. I feel honored to be a part of such special project and to have my work presented next to Jim's writing. He has a style that is truly his own; his words have the ability to pull you in instantly and expose the experience or memory he is sharing as if it were your own to bear. To read Jim's take on the project, go here.
I do have aspirations for a wonderful 2011. I am currently working my way through Goddess Leonie's Goddess Guidebook to help me sort out and envision what those aspirations are. In the short term, I know I want good health for myself and for my family, a continued desire to learn and grow as an artist, and the ability to recognize and appreciate the blessings that life has to offer. How those wants get translated are the surprises I wait for with the passing of each new moon. Here's to a wonderful 2011.
So what does 2011 have in store for me?
Well, on Jan. 15th, I submitted my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project of 2011. I went back and forth all year on whether or not I was even going to participate in the project, but at the last moment, I chose to go for it. I completed my sketchbook in less than 24 hours and shipped it off on the deadline. It was the hardest, most exhausting artistic effort I've ever undertaken, but I was glad that I committed to doing it. The end product may not have been what I had hoped for, but the fact that I finished it was satisfying enough for me. The only regret that I have is that I have no photographic evidence of my efforts -- good thing I paid the extra fee for the Brooklyn Museum of Art to digitally archive it for me!
Beginning in February, my sketchbook will go on tour across the country with 28,837 other artists from 94 countries. I hope to check it once the tour reaches DC or Atlanta. If you'd like to check out my artist profile on the project site, please click here:
Another project I'm participating in this year is one with an esteemed colleague from work, Jim Penny. He approached me last year and told me about his idea of using the full moons of 2011 as the inspiration for a collection of essays and artwork. Each month on the full moon, he would write and I would paint or draw. Then, the next day, we would share what we created and post them on a blog. To see our first efforts, please visit our blog affectionately named My Moon, Your Moon. I feel honored to be a part of such special project and to have my work presented next to Jim's writing. He has a style that is truly his own; his words have the ability to pull you in instantly and expose the experience or memory he is sharing as if it were your own to bear. To read Jim's take on the project, go here.
I do have aspirations for a wonderful 2011. I am currently working my way through Goddess Leonie's Goddess Guidebook to help me sort out and envision what those aspirations are. In the short term, I know I want good health for myself and for my family, a continued desire to learn and grow as an artist, and the ability to recognize and appreciate the blessings that life has to offer. How those wants get translated are the surprises I wait for with the passing of each new moon. Here's to a wonderful 2011.
"For the happiest life, rigorously plan your days, leave your nights open to chance."
- Mignon McLaughlin
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Goodbye Lil' Superman
I know I have been absent for a while here. After the craft fair, life just seemed to get crazy for me. The happiest and most life altering event that has happened so far was learning that my husband and I are expecting. Our first child is due on June 24, 2011, and we couldn't be happier. As you can imagine, I've been going through all the things one goes through with pregnancy - fatigue, nausea, weird pregnancy cravings, etc. And as I enter into my second trimester, I can already tell that I am starting to feel like my old self again (with the exception of my growing belly). With this renewed energy I am hoping to get back into my studio to create some new pieces for the New Year.
But even with happiness, sometimes sadness comes, too. Perhaps the most devastating event that has happened was the recent passing of my nephew Brady. After five months of being treated for his congenital heart condition, he passed away on December 10th. As you can imagine, my family is heart broken. But despite our great loss, we gained so much from Brady. I think the pastor at Brady's funeral summed it up best. He said, "I counted the days. Brady was here on this earth for 145 days. And in those 145 days, he accomplished more than most people do in their entire lives. He made us all better people. He brought us together as a community, and he showed us the power of love."
At Brady's funeral, most of the nurses from the PICU unit where Brady received a majority of his care came to pay their condolences and read a poem that they dedicated to Brady. They called him their Little Superman. This may have been because my sister dressed him up as Superman for Halloween, but I think it was mostly because he was a fighter and endured a lot during his short time with us.
After the funeral, the nurses came to my sister's home, bearing red and blue helium balloons (Superman's colors). They planned on releasing the balloons in memory of Brady. As we all stood in the cold, one of the nurses sang a song she often sang to the children in her life - "A Bushel and Peck."
It was sweet. When the song was over, we released our balloons into the night sky. They traveled together in a cluster up to heaven, and up to Brady. It was a beautiful moment.
A few days after the funeral, I heard the song "One Last Christmas" by Matthew West on the radio. Not only did it bring tears to my eyes, it really struck a chord with me. It reminded me of Brady and how much he has changed our lives. I think my sister-in-law said it best in responding to the song: "That is beautiful. There is such goodness in the world even in the face of tragedy. Proof that every person no matter how small can touch the world in an amazing way. Brady did just that!"
Thank you Brady for blessing us with your love. You'll live forever in our hearts.
But even with happiness, sometimes sadness comes, too. Perhaps the most devastating event that has happened was the recent passing of my nephew Brady. After five months of being treated for his congenital heart condition, he passed away on December 10th. As you can imagine, my family is heart broken. But despite our great loss, we gained so much from Brady. I think the pastor at Brady's funeral summed it up best. He said, "I counted the days. Brady was here on this earth for 145 days. And in those 145 days, he accomplished more than most people do in their entire lives. He made us all better people. He brought us together as a community, and he showed us the power of love."
At Brady's funeral, most of the nurses from the PICU unit where Brady received a majority of his care came to pay their condolences and read a poem that they dedicated to Brady. They called him their Little Superman. This may have been because my sister dressed him up as Superman for Halloween, but I think it was mostly because he was a fighter and endured a lot during his short time with us.
After the funeral, the nurses came to my sister's home, bearing red and blue helium balloons (Superman's colors). They planned on releasing the balloons in memory of Brady. As we all stood in the cold, one of the nurses sang a song she often sang to the children in her life - "A Bushel and Peck."
It was sweet. When the song was over, we released our balloons into the night sky. They traveled together in a cluster up to heaven, and up to Brady. It was a beautiful moment.
The beautiful staff from the PICU unit
A few days after the funeral, I heard the song "One Last Christmas" by Matthew West on the radio. Not only did it bring tears to my eyes, it really struck a chord with me. It reminded me of Brady and how much he has changed our lives. I think my sister-in-law said it best in responding to the song: "That is beautiful. There is such goodness in the world even in the face of tragedy. Proof that every person no matter how small can touch the world in an amazing way. Brady did just that!"
Thank you Brady for blessing us with your love. You'll live forever in our hearts.
A hundred hearts would be too few
To carry all my love for you.
~Author Unknown
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Paintin' Punkins
Yesterday, I spent the day in Greenville visiting my sister and my sweet baby nephew, Brady. It's been three months since he was born, and my sister has been right by his side, everyday, as he recuperates in the hospital. He has had more complications than we expected, but we are all very hopeful that he will be going home soon.
As you can imagine, spending that much time away from home can be difficult, but my sister has shown an amazing amount of strength during this whole experience. I have witnessed more acts of kindness from the community and support from family and friends, that I know it has made some of the stress and worry of Brady's situation subside for my sister and her family. She has grown to know nothing else over the course of these few months but to be the best mother she can be for Brady. And I know that the excellent care and amazing skill of the hospital staff on the PICU floor has truly enabled her to do that as well.
I think it is Barbara's complete devotion to Brady and her determination to be an advocate for his treatment that has made her a favorite among the nursing staff on the PICU floor. Time and time again I hear the nurses tell my sister that she is a breath of fresh air. They work in a world where not every parent cares; they witness some horrendous crimes against children that cause them to be patients on the PICU floor. So to see someone who loves their child as much as Barbara loves Brady, I know it must give them hope.
To help pass her time in the hospital, the Child Life specialist has befriended my sister and has given her great activities to do during her visits with Brady. One of the most popular activities to date is pumpkin painting. It started off small with Barbara painting a pumpkin for Brady. But then she started getting requests from other patients and the nursing staff to paint pumpkins for them as well. So when I showed up yesterday, Barbara said, "Guess what we're doing today..." When she told me, I couldn't wait to get started.
Here are some of the pumpkins that were created:
Even though this journey with Brady has been a difficult one, I am so very thankful for the little moments and the happy celebrations that have made this journey for my sister and her family one of hope and love. Thank you to all who have kept my sister and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
As you can imagine, spending that much time away from home can be difficult, but my sister has shown an amazing amount of strength during this whole experience. I have witnessed more acts of kindness from the community and support from family and friends, that I know it has made some of the stress and worry of Brady's situation subside for my sister and her family. She has grown to know nothing else over the course of these few months but to be the best mother she can be for Brady. And I know that the excellent care and amazing skill of the hospital staff on the PICU floor has truly enabled her to do that as well.
I think it is Barbara's complete devotion to Brady and her determination to be an advocate for his treatment that has made her a favorite among the nursing staff on the PICU floor. Time and time again I hear the nurses tell my sister that she is a breath of fresh air. They work in a world where not every parent cares; they witness some horrendous crimes against children that cause them to be patients on the PICU floor. So to see someone who loves their child as much as Barbara loves Brady, I know it must give them hope.
To help pass her time in the hospital, the Child Life specialist has befriended my sister and has given her great activities to do during her visits with Brady. One of the most popular activities to date is pumpkin painting. It started off small with Barbara painting a pumpkin for Brady. But then she started getting requests from other patients and the nursing staff to paint pumpkins for them as well. So when I showed up yesterday, Barbara said, "Guess what we're doing today..." When she told me, I couldn't wait to get started.
Here are some of the pumpkins that were created:
Even though this journey with Brady has been a difficult one, I am so very thankful for the little moments and the happy celebrations that have made this journey for my sister and her family one of hope and love. Thank you to all who have kept my sister and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween."
- Author Unknown
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Perfect Day
On October 2nd, Inochi Designs made it's debut to the public at the Sertoma Arts Fair in Raleigh. Back in July, I attended an awesome workshop about taking charge of your own happiness, setting goals, and working toward achieving those goals. One of the goals that I set for myself was to participate in an arts fair. Luckily for me, I got that opportunity, and I seized it. Since July, I've been using every spare moment to prepare for the fair. I planned, I researched, and I created but not without obstacles. Some of the people I love dearly in my life are facing some serious health challenges which have left me feeling helpless. I felt guilty doing anything that wasn't related to making their situation less crumby. But my husband had a heart-to-heart with me to let me know that it was okay and that life must go on even when terrible things are happening. To give up or to stop living takes away from the good that can come from chasing your dreams. So, I tried to find that balance of being supportive to these loved ones and preparing for the art fair.
I took two days off from work to finish any last minute details for the event. (I think I went to bed at 1 a.m. both nights -- unheard of in my universe.) My friends were also supportive and offered help where they could by doing things like helping me package products to turning PDFs to jpegs to providing me with a solution to be able to run credit card purchases. My husband, Jason, and my good friend, Shannon, also put in their time to help me organize my booth set up. Without everyone's help, I would not have been able to pull it all off.
When the morning of October 2nd came around, I was SO EXCITED and NERVOUS. Here I was, putting myself out there for the world to see. But by doing so, I learned that there IS a niche of people out there who actually enjoy my art. I received so many compliments that day, both for my booth set up and for my art work, and I had so many of my friends and coworkers show up to support me that it really made me feel like a true artist. I felt validated in pursuing this dream. When it was all over, I had a renewed sense of motivation. There is so much more I want to do with this dream of mine. So much more... and I can't wait to share it all with you.
It was truly a perfect day.
I took two days off from work to finish any last minute details for the event. (I think I went to bed at 1 a.m. both nights -- unheard of in my universe.) My friends were also supportive and offered help where they could by doing things like helping me package products to turning PDFs to jpegs to providing me with a solution to be able to run credit card purchases. My husband, Jason, and my good friend, Shannon, also put in their time to help me organize my booth set up. Without everyone's help, I would not have been able to pull it all off.
When the morning of October 2nd came around, I was SO EXCITED and NERVOUS. Here I was, putting myself out there for the world to see. But by doing so, I learned that there IS a niche of people out there who actually enjoy my art. I received so many compliments that day, both for my booth set up and for my art work, and I had so many of my friends and coworkers show up to support me that it really made me feel like a true artist. I felt validated in pursuing this dream. When it was all over, I had a renewed sense of motivation. There is so much more I want to do with this dream of mine. So much more... and I can't wait to share it all with you.
It was truly a perfect day.
**Congratualtions to Kannikka who is now the proud owner of an Inochi Designs original painting, a set of handmade decorative tile art, and a hand crafted felt flower pin! She won the raffle contest that I held for Little Pink Houses of Hope as a salute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.**
"If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up."
- J.M. Power
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