Hiatus

A vacation is one of the most anticipated periods in our daily lives, a reprieve from the norm. Hard to come by, a challenge to prepare for, and, sadly, often a disappointment. We are familiar with the expression, "Be careful what you wish for- you just might get it.". Frequently, the vacation we pin so many hopes and dreams to fails to deliver the refreshment we crave. Why? Perhaps we build it up so much in our imaginations that the reality cannot possibly hope to match our imaginings. We endeavor to make it too perfect, too planned-out, too full of activity. The best vacations may be those that simply 'happen'. Of course, for there to be any measure of success, a little forethought is wise and necessary: where to go ( "Find what brings you joy and go there."-Jan Phillips), where to sleep, what to eat and how to travel there? These are all questions that need definite answers to make your journey enjoyable. But as for filling every single moment with nonstop activity- why do that to yourself? The point of a vacation is to escape from our hectic daily lives, to NOT do our MUST-do. Leave a little breathing room in your get-away to revel in a sunset, be awestruck by a starry sky, get caught in a rainshower, hold a loved one's hand. See the sights, hear the sounds, smell the scents all around you. Get familiar with the unfamiliar. Zone out. Give your mind a chance to untangle itself from the clamor of daily demands. By doing so, you refresh your ability to generate new ideas, to spark your creativity, or even refresh a tired idea.

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -Henry Miller

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind" - Seneca

Unfurl

Winter-nude branches, frosted with buds./ Shy spring peeks around the door./ Can she come out now?

The party guests have only just begun to arrive. All dressed up in soft greens, lavendars, pinks, creamy yellows- frilly, lacy, feminine frocks. A light-hearted feeling of anticipation is in the air; yet, overlaid like a fragile cobweb is a bit of reserve, a skosh of frigidity- leftovers of a more formal winter season. Spring is brimming with artistic inspiraton. Picture a grassy lawn after a heavy spring rain, a twittering bird-crowd happily splashing in cool puddles, pecking greedily for bird-worthy treats. Aesthetic spring design for the lampwork artist might include floral motifs (naturally), the use of pale and delicate opalino colors, wispy greens and lots of clear encasing. For the beaded jewelry artist, a leaning towards lightly structured feminine design with small, intricate beads, soft pearls, pastel colors, floral accents, sparkly crystal (reminiscent of dewdrops) and airy chainwork might be in order. Begin this spring anew with fresh, shy, tender and joyful art. Spring has sprung!

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"- Robin Williams

"An optimist is the human personification of spring."- Susan J. Bissonette

(Necklace featured in this post available in my Artfire shop.)

Cirque

Circuses seem like disheveled, congested, crazy places. And clowns? Let's not go there. when I was a little girl, my father took me to see the famous Ringling Brothers/ Barnum & Bailey Circus. I hated it. Really hated it. So who would have imagined that I would fall in love with the Cirque du Soleil as an adult? It is an astonishing show. People that can do the most unreal things with their incredibly flexible bodies. And clowns. Yes, clowns. Eerie, mysterious, beautiful clowns. Clowns that make your imagination soar, that provide oodles of ideas for artistic creations. Cirque du Soleil is highly imaginative, with original music performed at each show. I saw the Mystere show at Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas. Please don't miss it. Even if you think clowns are scary.

(Beads featured in this post are available in my Artfire shop)