In Otter Space

Ode To Virginia Woolf Writing Prompt (Part #2)

2010-12-21T20:09:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my writing class had the opportunity to study the first sentence (an 181 word sentence) of Virgina Woolf's essay On Being Ill. Here's my version (On Being Southern) of the sentence.

I've been a Southerner long enough now to claim it, y'all, and at lunch the other day, I confessed through tears, to one of the most Southern woman I know, that I love being a Southerner, even though she probably, like most native-Southerners, views me as a funny talking impostor, another Yankee nuisance, someone that will never fully grasp the finer point of things like barbecue-as-a-noun, grits or drinking iced-tea post Labor day, while my Midwest relatives and friends see my move to the South, as well just that, as if it were some sort of betrayal to the wonderful marvelous Midwest city I grew up in, these so called friends and relatives claim that after a few short years of living in the South I have started "talking funny" and beg me to tell them, then proceed to peel over with laughter, as I recount the lead story on the local news that first night I lived in North Carolina, the one where the county sheriff, with an ax swung over his shoulder, was busting-up he's third still that year.

Jerry's Back!

2010-12-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

My wonderful husband, seeing the error of his ways, traded back the bottle of Jerry Garcia wine.

Jerry's home and I'm happy!

Jerry Garcia Wine (Whine)

2010-12-14T21:59:00.015-05:00

My most prized bottle of wine, the one that is no longer available and I was saving for a very very very special occasion is gone.

I went to my writer's club meeting and came home to discover that my husband gave it away to a neighbor that is NOT in any way, shape or form a fan of red wine or Jerry Garcia or the Grateful Dead. What a disappointing waste of the last bottle of my favorite wine. If he was a good friend or a Dead Head, I'd be fine with it, but the meaning's lost on him.

WAH!!!!

I'm crying as I write this. Thanks for letting me vent.

Ode To Virginia Woolf Writing Prompt

2010-12-08T12:57:00.023-05:00

Yesterday in class, we studied the first sentence in Virginia Woolf's essay "On Being Ill" by way of Francine Prose's book Reading Like A Writer.

181 words.
One sentence.

Maureen suggested we give it a try.

This seems impossible. In my mind. The shorter the sentence. The better.

But it sounds like an interesting challenge. Plus I already have a theme. I'll post mine next time I blog.

Writing Prompt Assignment: Pick a theme. Write an 181 word sentence.

You may start it off in the style of Virginia Woolf by writing: "Considering how ________ ________ is, how __________ the _________ _________ that it ___________...."

or do your own thing.

Here's the excerpt from Virgina Woolf's essay "On Being Ill" for inspirational and educational purposes.

Considering how common illness is, how tremendous the spiritual change that it brings, how astonishing, when the lights of health go down, the undiscovered countries that are then disclosed, what wastes and deserts of the soul a slight attack of influenza brings to view, what precipices and lawns sprinkled with bright flowers a little rise of temperature reveals, what ancient and obdurate oaks are uprooted in us by the act of sickness, how we go down into the pit of death and feel the waters of annihilation close above our heads and wake thinking to find ourselves in the presence of the angels and the harpers when we have a tooth out and come to the surface in the dentist's arm-chair and confuse his "Rinse the mouth—rinse the mouth" with the greeting of the Deity stooping from the floor of Heavens to welcome—when we think of this, as we are so frequently forced to think of it, it becomes strange indeed that illness has not taken its place with love and battle and jealousy among the prime themes of literature.

Query Letter Declaration Part#2

2010-12-07T09:31:00.008-05:00

I need to get back in the chair and focus.

O.K., so here's the deal, I know I made that silly declaration last month. And now it's eating away at me because am I doing it? Nope. I'm procrastinating.

In the past month, I did fine-tune my query. It's ready to go. So I haven't been totally idle.

That being said, I worked like crazy leading up to Thanksgiving, more fine-tuning, the agent's advice guiding me. I'm very close. Since Thanksgiving though, I haven't been working on it.

I need to get back in the chair and focus.

But first, it's Tuesday and almost time for my Tuesday Morning Writer's Group. I've been spending this creative time sketching out new characters with the writing prompts from class. Thanks to Cheryl for this brilliant idea. Initially, this method seemed a bit forced but now it just flows and surprises.

The moral of this story is: I promised one thing and am delivering another.

I need to get back in the chair and focus.

Query Letter Declaration

2010-11-18T12:06:00.013-05:00

December is the busiest month.

So, why not throw a little more fun and challenge into the mix by promising to send out at least five query letters before December 18, 2010? See, I knew you couldn't think of one single excuse and neither could I.

Will this happen? Stayed tuned.

North Carolina Writers' Conference Fall 2010

2010-11-04T10:53:00.006-05:00

Workshop Schedule for the
North Carolina Writers' Conference
Fall 2010

Session I: Children’s Writers Workshop: Writing Well and Writing to Sell (Children's)
Session II: Panel Discussion: Critique Groups (Panel)
Session III: From Writer to Entrepreneur: How Building A Theme-Based Website Can Take You There (Internet)
Session IV: Know Your Character from the Inside Out (Plot)
Session V: Fiction Workshop: Writing for the Plot (Fiction)

Posting this here makes it official! Like a world announcement or something.

In Otter Space

2010-11-03T09:10:00.021-05:00

Fact! I've been a lazy blogger. But I've been busy writing, taking writing classes, thinking about writing, reading middle grade novels, attending Charlotte Writers' Club meetings, hanging out with other writers, all the while I've been rewriting my novel.

One of my goals has been to attend a writer's conference. After this weekend, I'll be able to check it off my list. I can't wait, I'm looking forward to meeting other writers from North Carolina.

But I'll admit...
I'm scared of rejection.
Doesn't every writer feel this way?

My first novel is complete. Though, I continue to tinker with it. When is enough, enough? This weekend at the conference, I'm going to get professional feedback.

I have started a new story or least I've started making sketches of my new characters. I'm just getting to know them, so I don't really understand what their problems are yet.

This is where the magic happens...

John Hiatt To Receive An Award...Finally

2008-05-19T21:08:00.014-05:00

"John Hiatt will receive the lifetime achievement award for songwriting from the Americana Music Association on Sept. 18 during the organization's annual awards show. His songwriting credits include Rosanne Cash's "The Way We Make a Broken Heart" and Bonnie Raitt's "Thing Called Love." Hiatt will release a new album, Same Old Man, on May 27. Past recipients of the lifetime achievement award include Willie Nelson, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, Cowboy Jack Clement, John Prine and Billy Joe Shaver. In addition, Jim Lauderdale will return as host of the ceremony, and Buddy Miller will lead the house band."- C.M.T.

John Hiatt is probably the most underrated musician of our times. It's about damn time he get some credit. His song writing is right up there with Bob Dylan. Sometimes I seriously wonder what the heck is wrong with the musical ears of this country. Don't people realize what a profound writer Hiatt is or are they just too lazy and settle for the latest overplayed shit I like to call "Pop 40 Muzgag"?

When I mention Hiatt's name, most people just look confused and ask me "John who?" or "Nope, never heard of him." His voice is gruff and his lyrics deliver a real slice of life; complete with all its struggles and joys.

Go catch one of his show, he puts on great ones. He's a true rocker that keeps getting better with age. Hiatt is an ageless beauty. Whoa, did I really just write that?

Cricut Review

2008-04-16T12:16:00.016-05:00

Chapter Two

After tons of frustration with my Cricut (read previous article here), I brought it back to AC Moore, the store where I originally purchased it. The manager was very kind and tried to help me adjust the blade. He even called several staff in to see if they could get it working. After a while he gave up and said that my machine was defective and offered to give me a brand new one. I gladly accepted, took the new one home and started to use it.

Unfortunately, the new machine worked no better than the original one. I went on-line to attempt to trouble shoot it. I tried every suggestion, but to no avail. So I brought the second machine back and once again the manager tried to make it work. He looked really embarrassed and after some time of fiddling with it, tossed his hands above his head in disgust. For the second time, he offered me another new machine, but this time I declined and asked instead for a store credit. He said he'd give me a full refund on my card, and I said, no worries, telling him there are always craft supplies that I need/want and since he was accommodating I felt his store deserved my business.

The only items he could not refund were the open cartridges because I was missing the receipt. He apologized, but I told him no worries. Later I found a crafter in the store looking at Cricut cartridges and after a short conversation told her she could have my three opened ones. She offered to pay me for them but I refused and told her to just enjoy.

I used my store credit to acquire a Cuttlebug and lots of additional supplies, spending more money than the store credit was worth. Even though it is made by the same company, Provocraft, the Cuttlebug has not failed or disappointed me yet. And the store earned my respect and much repeat business for being so helpful and facilitating with my Cricut problems.

Slurp, Slurp, Burp! (Or why I'm grumpy in the am)

2008-04-15T10:52:00.008-05:00

That's the sound I hear every morning just after I drop my son off at school.

Making the turn onto Providence Road into heavy traffic is something that requires my full attention and hands so I'm not paying much mind to the goings on inside my car until I hear the infamous, "Slurp, Slurp, (followed by a long pause) then BURRRRP. I curse, "Damn it, Dash!"

But it's always too late, he's already chugged the remains of my coffee. A Jack Russell Terrier on caffeine is never a good thing.

Uncovering A Sense of Balance

2007-03-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

NO, I have not vanished. It is just Julia's book has been such inspiration for me and I've been busy writing and writing and writing. Which is good. It is what I am supposed to be doing...writing.

My novel is really taking shape and I am so surprised at times by what happens to and with my character, Jaime. I almost feel like a visitor spying in on this process. Especially when I remember to keep my pen moving and worry about editing it later. I constantly remind myself, I'm just laying down the skeleton now and will hang the skins off of it soon enough.

I have also been teaching a craft class at the elementary school once a week. The girls in my class are keeping my characters real. These young ladies are giving me as much as I am giving them. Today I taught them the importance of experimenting and showed them how to do shrink plastic with a heat gun. It was fun to watch their amazed faces.

Also I'm attending my writing class once a week and making new friends with an awesome group of fellow female writers.

Plus I am writing a daily post on my other blog.

Lots of excitement in the air for me. My goal to finish my novel before the end of the school year. It will be a great challenge, but I see the vision of it complete. So I have faith I can do it.

I am so thankful to be alive and productive in the world right now. Particularly because of some of my own personal struggles and challenges, I believe putting myself to the page everyday may be what is actually holding me together.

Week Two - Uncovering A Sense Of Reality

2007-02-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

Today it is raining, soft and gentle and I liken this rain to my journey on the Finding Water path. The weather perfectly matches what is going inside of me; a gentle nutritional rain.

I did my M.P.s everyday. Sometimes they happened in the evening, but at least they happened. What works best for me is to write after the house is quiet and everyone has left for the day. All though it's not first thing in the AM, it is mentally the best time for me to write. And my writing at this hour has the most clarity because I'm relaxed.

I had several A.D.s this week. First, I went to the public library, walked around, pulled some interesting books off the shelves and spent an hour playing with words and researching first names and their meanings. After that I walked to a Taste of Thai restaurant and ordered a spicy chicken and vegetable dish. It was delicious and the spicy food woke-up my palette. On my second A.D., I went to Renfrow's Hardware and wandered around looking at the roosters out back, then I bought some mesclun lettuce plants and came home and planted them. My third A.D., I took my dogs and went for a godly walk. We found water (see picture above) and the spring peepers (frogs) mating calls were so loud they were almost deafening.

I didn't do well on daily walks. In fact, besides the above mentioned walk, I did very little walking. Except for Monday when I took the dogs for a half hour walk in the neighborhood.

I worked on the divining rods. With resistance. I kept thinking, I'm not doing these, they are stupid and a waste of my time. Then reluctantly I took out my writer's notebook and did a few. Later when I came back to reread them I discovered that EVERY time I wrote "Diving Rod" instead of "Divining Rod". I hate diving, it scares me. So of course I found that interesting.

Finding Water Begins

2007-02-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Week One of Julia Cameron's Book - Finding Water

This week I did my morning pages every day, although some days they were more like afternoon or evening pages. I was happy that I accomplished this goal!

I had my first Artist's Date, in which I took myself to water and immersed myself. O.K., it was kind of a weeny Artist's Date because all I did was pour myself a coke, turn on some music and head out to our porch to hang out in the hot tub for an hour. Still it was nice and I can't remember the last time that I did something this frivolous midday.

I did walk today. Finally! I know Cameron is all about the walking but lately I've felt so lazy. So this may be the place I struggle the most, but I'm hopeful my dogs will encourage me to keep up with the walking. They need it as much as I do. The picture below illustrates what happens to their toys when they don't get walked.

Crush (#47 Sunday Scribblings)

2007-02-16T10:32:00.001-05:00

Thinking of him after all these years still makes my heart skip-beat.

We were star gazers until things took a turn.

I watched him vanish on a bus,

looking at me out of his window,

until I was just a speck.

Waving,

Good-bye.

My heart thumping wildly.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T08:02:00.001-05:00

Do like us Otters, grab your honey and cuddle.
Happy Valentine's Day, Y'all!

Happy Birthday Abe (2/12)

2007-02-12T15:59:00.000-05:00

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
---Abraham Lincoln

Fourth Grade Writing Prompt

2007-02-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

As a parent volunteer, I'm writing along side fourth grade students this Winter. The purpose of this week's writing assignment was to make a small moment seem large. The prompt we were given this week was...

Think about something that happened yesterday. Write a story telling about this event.

How Gross!
By: Lisa @ Inotterspace

Yesterday, I was sitting in my art studio writing. Earlier in the morning I had refilled the empty bird feeders. As I was pausing to think about what I just written, I looked out the window to enjoy the birds munching on the seeds. I watched for a few moments, thinking about my writing when suddenly all the birds flew away in a great big hurry.

A micro-second later a white flash blurred past my window followed by another white flash. These two flashes slowed to a screeching halt to reveal themselves. They where none other than Jenny and Dash, my two Jack Russell Terriers and Dash was in hot pursuit of Jenny.Dash quickly reached Jenny’s side and as he did she turned her body around so that her back was to him. He tried to move towards her face, but she just growled and turned her body so her tail area was facing his muzzle. Then without warning, Jenny took off like a rocket.Dash started barking and followed after. Around and around the house they raced, sprinting like two crazed terriers. Eventually they both tried out and came to rest in the front yard.

They continued their dance they had done earlier with Jenny turning and growling whenever Dash tried to get close. Her growling was so loud, it sounded like a grizzly bear had taken residence up in my front yard.As she turned I saw something in her mouth. What was it? Dash backed away from her, exhausted from the chase and found a sunny patch of grass and settled down to catch his breath. Then I saw Jenny toss something up in the air. Again, I thought what was that? I saw a glimpse of something brown and red as she placed it down in the grass. Then she bent down and started chewing it. I put on my glasses to get a better look just as she started rolling over whatever it was that she had been chewing on. Gross! It was a field mouse and the red I saw was the mouse’s insides coming out.

She laid in the grass right next to her catch and closed her eyes. Dash saddled up and soon Jenny’s eyes were wide open and she was growling again. Standing up, she put the mouse in her mouth and made a playful charge at Dash and then turned and took off in the opposite direction pausing to look over her shoulder to see if Dash was in pursuit. When she saw that he was, she stopped and casually tossed the mouse in the air and caught it gracefully in her mouth

This game went on for a long time. As I watched them play I thought about Listerine and wondered if it were safe for dogs. And if it were, how would I manage to pour some down Jenny’s gullet. I never rinsed a dog’s mouth out with Listerine before, but it seemed like a good day to start.

Meet Kazana and Ajabu

2007-02-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

These two adorable otters were born at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in November 3, 2006.

The pups, (yes, that's what baby otters are called) named Kazana (Swahili for “to busy oneself”) and Ajabu (“surprise”) are not Neema (mom) and Denny’s (dad) first litter. But it's the first time Neema has delivered two pups in the same litter and they are also her first daughters. Go Neema! The parents have raised three other pups together since 2002—all single male pups, including Kipenzi, an adult male whom visitors will also meet when Wild About Otters opens on March 31, 2007 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

For more cute otters click on this web site: Cute Otters.

Oh Joy

2007-01-29T21:12:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my Zen-A-Day calender read...

Lose your mind and come to your senses.
-Fritz Perls

I like this, I like this a lot. I think all writers that embrace this mantra before putting pen to paper will find much wisdom and inspiration. Now go lose your mind and happy writing.

Writing Prompt (10 Minute Sprint)

2007-01-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

Writing off the page from...
William Stafford's list poem, What's In My Journal?

Where Is My Journal?
My journal is sitting in my van shivering cold. Neglected because its owner is trying too hard to be in too many places at one time. Places that are miles apart, clogged in congestion, stuck in a traffic jam, stopped at a red light, waiting. Waiting to be noticed, waiting to be written in, desperate for attention. All alone and shivering in the cold with not so much as a blanket or jacket to protect it from the brittle cold or the stench of the horse dung that has manifested itself into the overall aroma of the rotting aging jail, it has found itself trapped in.

My journal was waiting for this day for months. Waiting to finally come out and play, yet instead sits like a neglected lover, forced to breath in the stench of horse dung, feeling cold and lonely. Waiting to be filled.

Start My Pen!!

2007-01-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

Today is the day. I'm ready to start my creative pen flowing. I've been waiting for this day for months. Mentally preparing for it. I'm nervous, excited, scared and happy all at once. My pen and writer's notebook are anxiously anticipating and soon my computer will be packed and ready to head North on Providence. That is a sign, a very good sign.

I just love today's writing tip (see the orange box to the lower right):

Celebrate every writing success and never lose your sense of wonder about each opportunity.

A Dog's Tale

2007-01-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

The Littlest Elves
By: Lisa @ In Otter Space

There was one present left under the tree. The fact that it was too large to actually fit under the tree did not escape anyone in the house including Dash and Jenny, our two Jack Russell Terriers. In fact, ever since its arrival several days before Christmas they had been leaping up on it, sitting down on it and behaving like two merry pranksters around, on top and near it. I even joked that there must be a doghouse inside they way they were claiming it.

The white paper and colorful ribbon did not need a tag to give away the to and from. I recognized the wrappings from previous years, it was a present for me from my husband and although I did not know the exact contents, I guessed it was art from one of my favorite artist, Sticks.

My husband called all of us into the great room for the magic moment. As usual, Jenny and Dash raced in too, once again claiming the gift as their own by jumping up on top, turning around, sitting down and smiling their big bright smiles that seemed to say, “Aren’t we the cutest?”

"O.K. you two clowns,” my husband commanded, “off of mom’s present.” However, they refused to get off and instead just sat there looking at him. My son pushed them off the present, yet instantly they leaped back on. “Off you two,” My husband said again. Yet again, my son had to push them off. No sooner where they off when they hopped back on again. This on and off routine continued for a while as I sat in front of the present amused by their antics. It became apparent to me that the dogs were not going to stop with their game. Maybe what they really were trying to tell us is they wanted to help me open the gift. I gave them the command to dig. Immediately Dash hopped up on top and began ripping the paper with his paws and pulling the ripped paper with his teeth. As we clapped and cheered he felt encouraged to work harder. I helped him by carefully removing the colorful ribbon. Laughter and amazement filled the room as Dasher, now wearing an elf’s collar, tore, tugged and yanked the paper with his paws and teeth. Once all the paper was removed from the top, he started in on the cardboard box.

Eventually he worked a nice size hole in the box. I thanked him very much for his help. Then reaching inside, I pulled out a beautiful Sticks wine rack. It was colorfully painted and wood burned. As I placed it on the kitchen counter and arranged the bottles in the notches, I smiled. Dasher had brought the magic of Christmas alive. His excitement and joy needed no words. After all the simple pleasure of unwrapping a gift is a universal language.

Being Flamed

2007-01-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been flamed? I didn't even know what that was until three days ago.

According to the Urban Dictionary, Flamed is defined as follows:

being attacked online/on a forum.
to be flamed.
usually overly harsh, and often using references to personal information.
flames are an unfortunate, but inevitable, element of unmoderated (or user moderated) forums.
Often done "anon".
also known as falmes.

It is interesting how many new readers I have had these past few days. Mostly all have come to read a Sunday Scribblings Post I wrote last year about chocolate and the toxicity it causes in dogs.

I never really expected Petsmart to pay my vet bill, I really only wanted them to remove the product from their shelves. The fact that Petsmart had given my dog a sample of this treat in a puppy training class aided me in my bad assumption that it was O.K for dogs....I trusted the instructors and did not read the label. Shame on me. NEVER AGAIN!...

This piece was written as part of an online writing project about Chocolate. I learned the hard way and wrote it in hopes of letting others know about the dangers of chocolate for dogs.

Being flamed has really hit a nerve for me. Until now all of my readers have been kind and friendly, but this last batch of readers have been writing some very awful things about me and the city I live in. I even closed my blog for a few hours, but later decided to open it back up. I will not allow a few mean-spirited know-it-alls ruin my online experience.

The Year of 007

2007-01-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!
It's been awhile since I blogged so let's get caught-up. Here's some video of what I've been up to lately.
P.S. I'm the one with the rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN9zBfuz9m0&eurl=

Not Just A Seasonal Thought

2006-12-16T12:57:00.002-05:00

"Real wonder is hard to fake." - Ralph Fletcher

This Writer's Life

2006-12-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

Struggling Everyday...

It has taken a long time for me to publicly say: I'm a writer. Because in my mind, a writer is someone who actually gets paid for writing. I've never been paid a cent for my words, although Maureen Ryan Griffin did give me a free autographed copy of her book, Spinning Words Into Gold. When she asked my permission to print two of my pieces in her book I hugged her. After that something inside of me shifted. Her belief in my words has given me the confidence to feel like a Real Writer.

Back in May, when I participated in this Sunday's Scribblings Post, I had no idea it was the seedling of what will become my biggest goal of this coming year, to complete my first novel. Last Spring and Summer, my mind and my pen got busy planning, researching and writing the first chapter. Then in September, life threw me some pretty big curves and I had to put my story on hold. But always in my mind I kept thinking about it. In November, life settled down again and I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo. I really disappointed myself when I was only able to complete 5,647 words; a far cry from the 50,000 word goal. But still I had 4,300 more words than I did on October 31.

Realizing what I really needed was a class, I signed up for a three week workshop with Maureen. The ever-knowing writing coach, she's pushed me along, helping me visualize the story that's dancing inside of me as a completed novel. I've made a What-By-When plan and will join my first ever writer's group in January. By the end of May it is my goal to have my final draft complete and off in proposal form. It's time to stop dreaming the dream and get that pen moving.

Inspiration from Greenish Lady

2006-12-11T11:48:00.001-05:00

Changes!

Ha! Funny! I typed the above (Changes!) to run a blogger test instead of typing "test". Ironic? Hmmm.
This morning I converted my blogs over to Beta and was running into a bit of trouble. I should have known better, naively thinking the change would run smooth. Anyhow, I was running a test, typed in "Changes" and before I got a chance to delete it, G.L. dropped me a comment. Really leaves me to wonder.

So? Well...
Maybe I do need to make some changes.
I've found myself stuck in some boring non-productive ruts lately. I'm not living up to my full potential. I need to put a deeper focus on accomplishing some personal goals. After the holidays will be a good time to start. Once the hustle and bustle is over. Until then I'm going to kick back, look at the Christmas tree, drink some Peppermint Chocolate flavored coffee and formulate my plan for 2007.

Changes! Indeed! Thank you very much Greenish Lady. Very nice.

My Big Fat Craft Show Failure

2006-12-05T08:15:00.001-05:00

Click on the above title to read my story which I've posted on my artist blog.

My First Show

2006-12-01T09:39:00.000-05:00

Me and my cards are ready for our first show tomorrow!

Cricut Review

2006-11-29T09:08:00.001-05:00

If you have been daydreaming about owning the Cricut like I did for months, I suggest to stop. Move on with your life.

I give it a disappointing thumbs down.

Since it came out I have wanted one and waited until there was a very awesome sale. I had seen a demo and was impressed. Every day I would daydream about it. Imagining how much better my crafting life would be with a Cricut in it. I had even put it on par with a microwave's status in the kitchen.

Well in the seven weeks that I have owned it, I have felt totally ripped-off and more and more unimpressed. I'm thinking about selling it on e-bay. Once again proving that cool toys always look better on the T.V. commercials.

I think the crowning moment of disappointment was when I tried to impress/show my mother in law, a non-crafter, how cool the machine is and was left feeling embarrassed because it totally failed me. We were trying to make a simple Christmas card and needless to say it was a total disaster. The blade jumped around. The snowman and stocking did not cut properly. I ended up doing most of the cutting by hand with scissors. I fiddled with the Cricut for a while to make it work. I was determined to make this card. But then I looked at my mother-in-law growing bored and felt like a chump.

The machine's blade is either too sharp or not sharp enough. There is only a small window when it is just right. The same goes for the mat. It is either too sticky and ripping the paper or not sticky enough and the paper shifts leaving the project looking a bit like a four year olds art project.

Note Cards and Pricing

2006-11-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a four samples of my handmade note cards. I'm going to be in the St. Matthews Catholic Church Craft Show in Charlotte on December 2 and I'm trying to figure out what is a fair price to charge.

Each card is a little piece of art. But I also realize that charging too high of a price will not get as many sales.

What would you pay for a package of six of my notecards? Each package of six will be a theme like palm trees or flowers. My cards are like snowflakes, no two exactly alike.

In advance thanks for your input.

Each card is mounted onto beautiful card stock and measures 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 and comes with an envelope.

The Finished Porch

2006-11-16T21:04:00.002-05:00

Finally getting around to posting the pictures of the completed porch.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

If you've stopped here because you're thinking about building a porch, build it already! I guarantee you will not be sorry.

I think ours might give you some inspiration, enjoy the pictures.

My Mom's Surprise Visitor

2006-11-13T09:12:00.000-05:00

Woo- Woo!!
Who Is Taking My Picture?

Dottie and Lynn arrive for lunch.

Surprise Mom! It's me!

Dottie (Lynn's sister/best friend) had a heck of a time getting Lynn to slow down and stop for lunch on her birthday. My mom is a very busy and active lady. Let's see that morning she went to mass, walked 2 miles, got her hair done and then had a manicure. All before lunch!

Wearing sunglasses and my Ace Hardware baseball cap with a Girls Rule sticker on top, I shout Surprise! and snap her picture. She still hasn't realized it was me. She's just reacting to her picture being taken. Woo-woo Lynnie!

After a great lunch, with lots of laughter, tears, wine, pasta and love we light another candle for Lynn.

Happy 80th Mom! Love You!

Shh. It's a Surprise!!

2006-11-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

Can you keep a secret? I'm in Chicago on a secret mission. Today my mom turns 80! And she has no idea I'm in town. Tonight the family is all gathering to celebrate.

But first my aunt is taking her out to lunch after their hair appointments and I'm going to be waiting at the restaurant. Surprise! I can hardly wait. I feel like the little girl I use to be, so excited about giving her mommy a real cool present. I can't wait to hug her and tell her I love her.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Surprise!
Your baby girl has come home to help you celebrate!!!

Collage Art for Note Cards

2006-10-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

I made collages today. The stamped images were painted with a variety of twinkling H2O paints. I'm going to be in a craft show the first weekend in December at St Matthews Catholic Church in Charlotte and these collages will make beautiful cards. And that is what I've been up to this week, happily making lots of my note cards.

I've also been playing with the Cricut. Last night I taught my daughter's girl scout group how to make home made journals. They decorated them with cut-outs from the Cricut. Afterwards I read them Mary Oliver's poem, The Summer Day and had them write a five minute gratitude list.

One thing I really like about the Cricut is I can make window cards with ease. I love making window cards!!! One thing I don't like about it is sometimes it gets "confused" when cutting on smaller paper and sends itself back up to the top. Therefore cutting on the mat and not the paper. It does this after already starting a cutting project. I will post some Cricut projects later this week.

M.I.A. - The worms

2006-10-19T16:23:00.002-05:00

My worms ran-away! So I bought some more down at the gas station and those worms died. I bought some more worms and those worms went M.I.A.. Do you think the worms are trying to tell me something? All I'm left with is a stinky container of kitchen scraps and wet half-eaten newspaper. Some worm farmer I turned out to be! I guess I'm just more of a city girl.

A craftin' city girl that is because last weekend I bought a Cricut. I've only played with it three times including last night at my monthly rubber stampers meeting. But I can already tell, it's love! I've checked out a few Cricut owners blogs. I saw some very fun and creative ideas. I'm looking forward to posting some projects of my own in the near future.

Today's Girls on the Run lesson was about listening. We were stressing the importance of how to be good listeners. As class was ending, one girl raised her hand and told the group that today she learned in order to have a successful team everyone on the team has to be a good listener. Then another girl added that good listening is not only using our ears but our eyes also. What smart young ladies! I'm so proud of them and love coaching Girls on the Run. It is such an awesome program. Click it out!

Vermi-composting

2006-10-02T12:27:00.001-05:00

I started my own worm ranch yesterday. Being a newbie I have no idea what I'm getting myself into...

HERE'S what I did....

I took a large plastic tote box and punched some drain holes on the bottom. Next, I filled it with moistened newspaper. Then I added a mixture of grass clippings, kitchen compost, a bit of clay and potting soil between each newspaper layer . Finally I added the fifteen or twenty volunteer worms. So far so good.

Do you have a vermi-compost ranch in your life? I'd love to learn more.

Card with Hand Made Paper

2006-09-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is a card I've made with the hand made paper from our club meeting last week. I ironed the paper to smooth it out. I stamped this beautiful floral Stampa Rosa stamp with black Sta'z-on ink.

Making Paper

2006-09-20T08:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight our stamp club is meeting at my house and we are making paper. I have been playing around, making some samples. The recipe I was working with yesterday has a piece of Caribbean blue hand-dyed muslin included in the pulp. I put the fabric through the paper shredder before I ran it through the blender. I couched it against some very smooth paper and the results turned out fantastic. Click on the paper to see it up close.

Falling into Fall

2006-09-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

It feels like Fall.
I love Fall!
Fall means cooler nights. No humidity. Bright bold brilliant colors. Crispness in the air. The aroma of baking apples. Rosy cheeks after the backyard football game. Classical music on rainy days that warm my insides.

Yesterday I made stuffed green peppers for dinner and they were delicious. As I prepared them I was flooded with childhood memories of my mom cooking dinner, the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. The good secure feeling I had of being loved and cooked for, happy little memories. Food does that, it can delivery us back to another time and place.

What food says Fall to you?

Mine is baked apples glazed with brown sugar and cinnamon. Yum! I think I'll pick up a bag of apples at the produce stand today and make some tonight.

I've been creatively busy making cards for the craft and gift show I'll be in on December 2. I wish my art studio was self-cleaning because my work space seems to get smaller every day. When I'm in my art studio cleaning is the very last thing on my mind. I'll post some of my cards soon.

Back To School and Line Dried Sheets

2006-08-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

School started yesterday. On a Friday!? Go figure. But there is a reason. Public Schools here can start no early than August 25th. This year August 25 happened to be a Friday. Wasting no time the Administration started school Friday.

Having the children back at school seems like a good time to start some new things myself. Nothing glamorous just some basic "house weeding". Clearing up the accumulation of unhandled things. The things in life that never seem as important or at least not as interesting as the other more pressing details of life. Traveling as much as we did this summer so many things seem to have slipped into that category.

This morning G and I were cleaning up the kitchen. And I finally put away the tubes of caulk that have been hanging out on the counter top all summer. It felt so good to FINALLY take care of that. Life gets like that. I get so busy with the routine I fail to see the tubes of caulk piled up all around me on the counter tops of my life.

My break is over. I'm going to head off for some more decluttering, vacuuming and cleaning. I've been drying my sheets on the line and I think they are dry. Line dried sheets smell and feel so AWESOME! I can hardly wait till bedtime.

Porch Side

2006-08-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

Here in North Carolina we have an annual tax-free holiday. It makes me very happy to buy things tax free. This year our holiday was August 4,5 & 6th. SO?
So, what better weekend than the holiday to buy a new notebook? And why not go wireless?
POSTING PORCH SIDE.
Hey I'm out on the porch this minute listening to Dave Matthews, sipping a bloody Mary, breathing in the sweet aroma of my neighbor's freshly cut lawn. Today is a rare August North Carolina jewel...no humidity, perfect temps., a perfect evening.
Soon I will update on the bounty of experiences I indulged in this summer. Like honeydew melon melting in my mouth, it was so ripe with fullness.
After a summer away, a summer filled with great memories and so much travel.
....the best summer ...... ever!
And now it is time to take another dip in the hot tub, top off my battery!

Continue to pray for world peace.
PEACE! WORLD PEACE!

Soon I will return...

Where Am I?

2006-06-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well here's where I've been.....

On my porch of course! Which after two and a half solid months of work people in my house I'm loving the privacy.

And in Charleston with my mom. Oh so lovely. If you've never been to Charleston please go! It is a southern city like no other.

At my son's 8th grade graduation. My first off to high school. Hey I was just in high school. How can this be?

On my porch.

Preparing for the summer.

Driving my soon to be 7th grade son to camp.

Writing....writing.....writing.....(in my purple spiral notebook, in my pretty covered journal, in my composition notebook, on a napkin, wherever........)!

Oh. Yes and I did I mention I've been on my porch a lot. Even bought a new blender! Which has come in handy quite a bit. I'll be back but I'm going to be gone for a bit...kids, family, vacations,etc.....

HOPE YOU ARE OUT THERE ENJOYING YOURSELF TOO!!!

Daily Writing

2006-05-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

I'm curious to know how many people write daily? When do you write? Do you have a special time or place? What is it about writing that keeps you writing? I wonder if you feel like I do on days when I don't write; out of sorts.

Every morning I try to write three pages after my children leave for school. I started this practice in January when I participated in an online Artist Way Group. I found it such a rewarding experience I have kept at it ever since. I keep other journals too but writing in them is more a hit or miss operation for me. The morning pages are like making my bed. If I don't do it, I feel guilty and unkempt, warbly and off balance.

I also have another blog that I publish daily. That blog is a challenge because it has a forty three word limit and some times that is impossible for me to do, but I do it. Partly because I have a huge need to follow the rules but also because I have learned to eliminate unnecessary words in my writing. Amazing a wordy person like me cutting out "the", "and","she" like a skilled hair stylist with a pair of scissors.

Porch: Need Your Help!

2006-05-20T10:03:00.001-05:00

The ceiling will be polyurethaned but what we are still trying to decide is whether to just paint the rest or polyurethane the parts that can be and paint the parts that can't be polyurethaned.

What do YOU think?
Opinions PLEASE!!!!

More Porch Pictures

2006-05-17T12:07:00.001-05:00

The porch is progressing nicely. The sky lights are installed, the roof is shingled, the electrical is roughed in and the framing and electrical inspectors visited today. Tomorrow (Thursday) the insulation will be installed and then they can start on the ceiling. Friday the masons are coming to build the fireplace. It looks more like a lodge than a screened-in porch. It is so beautiful!

Sunday Scribblings #7: "The books I would write..."

2006-05-13T14:51:00.000-05:00

***
Oh The Books I Would Write...
sounds like a title by Dr. Seuss!

That's what I thought when I first read this week's topic.
***
Someday I might REALLY write a book until then I'll just dream and scribble a little....

How hard can this be? For a big dreamer this was like indulging in a piece of French Chocolate Silk pie. Yum!!! And since I don't really have to write any of these novels I came up with five seedlings. Ask me again tomorrow and I'll probably have five new ideas. Writer's block is definitely NOT my problem. I just can't sit still long enough to develop my stories or characters into anything worthy.

1. A humorous chick-lit book. A lonely woman has little faith in anything including herself until she adopts an abandoned dog. She learns to believe/trust not only in herself but in others too. The previously abused and abandoned dog is so badly behaved that she is forced to sign up for dog obedience school. This leads her to find the most important thing missing from her life; female friendship.

2. Disability genre book. Well intentioned parents are struggling with their emotionally handicapped son while trying to keep the rest of their family balanced. They learn how to stop being so dysfunctional and find a better way to function through the "accidental" adoption of a physically handicapped dog.

3. A humorous chick-lit book. A dancer falls and breaks her ankle ending her illustrious career. Bitter and angry she decides to sever her self from the dancing community and big city life. She moves to a smaller city and discovers her life has only just begun as she reinvents herself as a potter.

4. A mystery. A woman has moved with her husband (new job) and children to an affluent suburban town where she finds she just doesn't fit in no matter how she tries; there she finds the women petty, phony and power hungry. Through her minister's wife she starts volunteering at a homeless shelter where she befriends a homeless woman and discovers a shocking secret.

5. A coming of age story. A young girl learns to believe in herself through her grandmother's recipes she finds buried in a cedar chest in the attic. Suddenly she is baking, entering competitions and winning! A mysterious recipe leads her on the biggest adventure of her young life.

Porch Progress and Grouse News

2006-05-10T08:11:00.001-05:00

Very exciting progress has been made on the porch. Monday they built the walls and part of the roof. Yesterday they finished the roof and attached half of the plywood onto the roof. Today they plan on finishing the roof. The finished porch will have a wood burning fireplace and will measure 27' X 22'. Our outdoor living room! Stay tuned for more pictures.

The past few weeks a pair of grouse have been hanging around the house, munching on seeds that have fallen from our bird feeders. I've been told they are in transition and are headed west for the mountains. I certainly have enjoyed their visit!

Building a Porch

2006-05-07T11:12:00.002-05:00

We are building a lovely screened-in porch!

Last Monday we had the concrete floor poured and stamped. As a rubber stamper I was totally captivated. I felt like a little kid and loved watching the entire process.

As the main color I chose a light brown called "wheatfields" and classic gray as the release color. They pour the main color right into the cement mixer.

Right before they stamp the concrete they throw the release color (classic gray) in powder form onto the wet cement. Using giant stamps they press the images into the wet concrete. The results are random and beautiful. It really looks like slate.

Tomorrow (weather permitting) the framing starts.

Jenny really loves it too!

American Idol and Other T.V. Ramblings

2006-05-04T14:10:00.000-05:00

I gave up T.V. as my New Year's Resolution. Mostly I have been very disciplined about it. On the weekends I watch The Suite Life of Zach and Cody with my daughter, but this is more to monitor her intake.

Somewhat proudly I declare I have never ever watched American Idol. Does this make me some sort of a weird anomaly? Am I the only one on the planet that could give a flying frappachino who gets voted off?

Lots of people raise eyebrows at me, but I don't allow my children to watch T.V. during the school week. They also aren't allowed to play computer or video games. I want them outside playing, exploring, getting exercise and interacting with other humans. My children don't mind because they have never known life any differently. I'm trying to establish healthy habits now. So far I think my plan is working.

I challenge you to turn off your T.V. today. Instead take a walk, toss the Frisbee, talk to an old friend, check-out the garden or read a book.

Plus not hearing all those annoying commercials will do your brain some good.

I'm Still Here

2006-05-03T20:11:00.000-05:00

Yes I'm still here. Just been busy with things like the garden, the kids, rechaulking the shower, my other blog and art class.

Also we are doing a bit of construction at our house and I've elected myself as the unofficial supervisor.

SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS #4

2006-04-23T19:57:00.002-05:00

Chocolate Nightmare

Most of my memories of chocolate are fond. There is the memory of my great aunt Helen arriving at our house for every occasion with a box of Fannie May Colonial Assortment of chocolates. Irresistible! There is the sweet memory of my first love sharing his giant bar of Hershey's with me in Fort Zany. When I lived in the e.e. Cummings House in Sandburg Terrace on the twenty-second floor and the wind was blowing from south to north the Blommers Chocolate Factory would perfume the air with its most intoxicating aroma. Nights sitting on my balcony were like a calorie free trip to Willy Wonka's.

However there is one chocolate story that is a nightmare. My chocolate nightmare! Almost two years ago, on a beautiful summer evening, my husband and baseball loving son had gone off to see the Charlotte Knights play. I stayed back with the other two children and our three month old Jack Russell Terrier puppy, Jenny.

My daughter was seven and our new puppy was her world. I was out gardening when she popped her head out the front door and asked if she could give Jenny some treats. Sure, but not too many I called back.

As the light began to fade I came inside to see the lazy Susan cabinet opened and the newly purchased container of Vitakraft Choco Milk Drops knocked on the floor. I picked up the container and noticed the new jar was now only two-thirds full. I smiled thinking, that girl is going to spoil that puppy.

My children and puppy were happy inside, all snuggled up together. This was rather unusual. Jenny was usually running circles around her circles, but instead she was asleep! Asleep? A Jack Russell Terrier puppy asleep? This struck me as rather odd. Then I looked closer. Jenny was huge. She was completely bloated! And she was struggling to breath. Suddenly she was heaving. I picked her up and put her out on the front step where she immediately puked. I guess she had too many treats.

I brought her inside and watched her body shake. Maybe she's cold after being sick. I swaddled her in a baby blanket and kept a close eye on her. After fifteen minutes her condition was not improving. She seemed almost comatose. I called my husband on his cell phone. He said the game was over and they were headed home. By the time he arrived home Jenny's condition had worsened. She had thrown-up again and was so bloated she looked like road side kill. My husband and oldest son scooped Jenny up and took her and the doggie treats to the animal emergency room.

It turns out that one of the main ingredients of Vitakraft Choco Milk Drops is cocoa. Cocoa is lethal for dogs. Jenny had to be given charcoal to stabilize her. It is a miracle she survived her ordeal. Her body had reached a dangerously toxic level of cocoa. She had to spend the night in the E.R. The doctors were floored that these lethal poisons were being sold as dog treats in a national pet store!

The next day, with my $200 E.R. bill in hand I marched into Petsmart were I bought the treats and demanded they pay for the E.R. vet visit. Their only solution was to refund me for the Vitakraft treats and nothing more. I asked that they talk to management about removing the Choco Milk Drops from their shelves. They told me they had no control over what their purchaser ordered. Crazy and irresponsible! I trusted Petsmart to provide healthy and safe treats for my dog. Never again will I pick up a can or bag without fully reading the label.

Since her near death experience Jenny has made a full recovery and is an energetic and fun loving dog who loves to play, dig and paint. We stick to dog kibble, Milkbones and Mother Hubbard biscuits as rewards now. I also stay out of pet stores that refuse to read the labels of the products they sell or listen to their customers.

Chocolate is a tasty human treat but can be deadly for dogs. Thankfully for us Jenny survived.

Sunday Scribblings

2006-04-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

Sunday Scribblings

# 3

Prompt: When We Were Wee....

My First Memory

Often I have wondered how does memory work? Not from a scientific perspective but from an emotional one. What our minds chose to remember or forget is within our control. But how far back can we remember? Certainly not our birth. Our first memories are typically BIG moments like a near drowning when our dad races to the bottom of the pool and scoops us out or when we first learn to ride a bike. These moments define us, scare us, or delight us and most definitely shape us.

My first memory is being told to hush. This was an usual moment for me. I was always such a joyful child and my mother and grandmother were always happy to have me in tow. Being told to hush was a big deal. I didn't understand why, but I was being told to be quiet.

What I remember is that the T.V. was in our breakfast room. That was not the normal everyday thing in our household. We had one T.V. in those days and it resided in my grandmother's room. My mother and grandmother had tissues in their hands. They were crying. I must have been talking as they were watching television. I didn't really understand but I knew it had to be something really important. So I sat quietly on the breakfast room floor and watched my mother and grandmother cry. That is all I remember.

What amazes me and others about this memory is that I was only 16 months old. But in my mind I can see that little snapshot of them crying as clear as day. Many people I have told this story to say there is no way I could remember, but I do! And the reason is simple. It was November, 1963 and my mother and grandmother were watching the funeral of John F. Kennedy on T.V. Maybe because his murder so defined that time. Maybe because his murder and funeral were the catalyst for how Americans now experience the news. I'm not really sure.

As I grew older I somehow held onto that recollection. I can't recall J.F.K.'s murder or funeral, although I have seen them countless times on T.V. since. What I do remember was being told to hush by the two woman I loved most and for me that has forever been embossed in my memory bank.

Poetry Thursday

2006-04-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

A while back the Greenish Lady turned me onto a very fine Irish poet by the name of Seamus Heaney. Everyone out in Blogland that reads In Otter Space knows my appreciation for the darling, smart and playful Lutra candensis (River otter). Enjoy this lovely poem by Mr. Heaney.

The Otter
Seamus Heaney

When you plunged
The light of Tuscany wavered
And swung through the pool
From top to bottom.

I loved your wet head and smashing crawl,
Your fine swimmer's back and shoulders
Surfacing and surfacing again
This year and every year since.

I sat dry-throated on the warm stones.
You were beyond me.
The mellowed clarities, the grape-deep air
Thinned and disappointed.

Thank God for the slow loadening,
When I hold you now
We are close and deep
As the atmosphere on water.

My two hands are plumbed water.
You are my palpable, lithe
Otter of memory
In the pool of the moment,

Turning to swim on your back,
Each silent, thigh-shaking kick
Re-tilting the light,
Heaving the cool at your neck.

And suddenly you're out,
Back again, intent as ever,
Heavy and frisky in your freshened pelt,
Printing the stones.

Sunday Scribblings

2006-04-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

Sunday Scribblings

Real Life

There are so many stories I could tell about my current real life, but seeing it is April 9th I will share this very intimate portrait with you. I realize no matter how I write it, I will miss something. There is no way my words can come even close to painting this portrait.

Saturday, April 9, 1983

It is a rainy chilly Saturday April morning in Chicago. I should be in my dorm room but instead I'm camped out at my boyfriend Dan's house. The phone rings. It is the call. I knew this call was coming soon, but the reality of it being now hits hard. I hustle, get my things together and we take off.

I remember waiting on LeRoy Avenue in the pouring rain. Ironically, we are waiting at the very spot were my good friend Eugene had tragically died seventeen years earlier. Inside Dan's car the only sound is the whoosh-whoosh from his windshield wipers. There is nothing that can be said. I sit silently heavy in my thoughts and wait for my sister Meg.

Soon Meg's brown Mustang pulls up. We hug in the pouring rain and then drive the one block together deep in our own thoughts. What can two sisters say to each other as the reality of what is about to happen is staring us in the face?

Inside my childhood home, my father, my beloved and darling father is lying on his death bed. His breathing is getting shallower. We can hear the death rattle. Tears are falling from everyone's cheeks. Even the hospice nurse that has been staying at our house for the past three weeks is full of tears. For months now I knew this moment was coming and I tried hard to prepare myself for it. But how can a twenty year old college student prepare herself for the death of her father? How does daddy's little girl say goodbye?

His wife and everyone of his six children are gathered around his bed except for Mike. He is still up in Winona Minnesota at school preparing to come home. We all huddle around his bed, holding his hands, stroking his cheeks. Giving the only thing we have left to give; our presence, our love, our support. We pray, we talk, we sit quietly; waiting. His vital signs are getting weaker. The nurse says his death is near.

Then he opens his big brown eyes. He looks around the room, taking one last look at his family, his wife and children. His eyes flutter and close for the last time. His breath becomes shallower, slower, further apart. We hear him gasp. A few more breaths. Then the breaths become further and further apart until there are no more.

All that's left is my father's shell, his lifeless body begins to turn rigid and cold.

I leave the room unable to stand this unbearable, incomprehensible pain. I want to run down the street screaming, beating my fists against something hard. But I don't. I walk back into his room. I want to see him again. I must see him again. To begin to allow this reality to sink in. I need to drink him in for one last time. I touch his hand, it feels strange, cold and lifeless. I bend over his body and kiss his lips for the last time. Tears are falling, matching the raindrops outside. His lips are blue and cold. The kiss feels awful. It is something I immediately want to erase. But I can't. It is the final loving gesture a daughter can give her father.

Twenty three years later the tears still fall like raindrops staining this page. I realize this man, my father, is still teaching me about life, about love, about family and loyalty. These gifts he keeps giving reach beyond the grave and will always be with me for as long as there is breath in my body.

Daddy, I love you. I miss you. Please send some postcards.

Poetry Thursday --- Lovely and Rooted Janie

2006-04-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

Please bear with me. In honor of Poetry Thursday I tried my hand at writing a poem! Here's the background: Today in the Charlotte Observer there was a story about a woman named Janie Ferrell. Her family has passed plants down for the last five generations. Her story inspired me to write this poem. It is still a little rough, but I'm O.K. with that because poems are not my usual style.

Lovely and Rooted Janie
Lisa Otter

In a blooming garden,
where Bridal Wreath Spiraea
arch their graceful branches
laden with white flowers,
come discover Janie Ferrell
firmly planted.

She tends to her roots,
blessed with her precious gifts.
Generation to generation
these legacy plants
pass mother to daughter
with gentle loving care.

The Peonies sweet story,
the Garden Phlox's cheer.
The Lilacs, Daffodils, Irises all have something to share.
Hear the soft whisper from Daylilies in the summer's breeze.

It has been this way for five generations,
plants connecting,
grandmothers to granddaughters,
through their roots,
growing deeper,
inseparable by time.

A Letter of Gratitude to My Oldest and Dearest Friend

2006-04-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Journal,

THANK YOU JOURNAL!

Strange, but I never have written the above words before.

Thank You dear Journal! You are a God to me, so selfless, so loving, always beckoning me with your crisp white pages. I love the feeling of dancing with you. Just letting go and spinning around in your arms, lost in the rhythm of the pen as it scratches across our white dance floor.

You are a cherished and ever faithful servant my dear, dear Journal. You have been the shoulder I lean on, the open ear that always listens, never yawning or looking at her watch.

You have caught many of my tears, soothing me like no one else can. What a wonderful non-judgmental supporter you are! In you I release and unleash life's daily burdens. Not only do you celebrate with me my most joyful times, but together we have been through the deepest throws of grief, sorrow, sadness, and depression.

And what have I done for you? Nothing! Nada! Zip! Never once thanking you. I feel so selfish. So Narcissistic! Yet there you are always affording me the opportunity to tune out the rest of the world and get in touch with the truer, deeper, rawer version of myself. You are the holder of all my secrets, concerns, joys, drawings and stories. A capsule of who I was, who I thought I was and who I am becoming.

It has been over 30 years and our relationship keeps growing and evolving. It is as comfortable as an old pair of jeans; like a well loved quilt, woven together with the bits and fragments that make up me. Like an old married couple you help me finish my thoughts. I trust you more than I even trust myself at times.

Have you felt every feeling I've written? Have you embraced my emotional release, my writer's cramp, my melancholy at the end of an old journal, or my joy in starting a new one? Why of course and never once have you complained about the late hours or my foolish imperceptiveness.

This surreal journey of crossing from the conscious to the subconscious has been at your gentle and persistent guidance. Thank you for beckoning me to come dance with you. I treasure you!

You are My Words,

Lisa

New Beginnings - Take a S.W.I.G.

2006-04-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

The Artists Way is over.
Time to start some new things.
Endment is changing gears. She is Spinning Words Into Gold using Maureen Ryan Griffin's new book. I told her I'd give the first assignment a try too. Take a S.W.I.G.!

Assignment: Maureen asks us to write who we are in a ten minute sprint. Here's mine.

I am a woman,
yet inside still a little girl.
I am curious.
I am playful.
I want to create what I need
to be creative.
I am a student of life,
carefully studying what others have to teach.
Whether I embrace and agree with their philosophy is
not as important as
what changes
in my heart, in my mind, in my soul
while under their guidance.
I am a sponge
ready to absorb the drink of knowledge.
I love to play, to experiment, to mix
two things together to see the reaction.
I may be the raindrops falling down to earth,
replenishing.
No, I am more like the
newly sprouted seedling, ready to drink, ready to soak up the sun.
Joyfully springing forward.
I am alive in the NOW.

Sunday Scribblings

2006-04-02T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here it is, the first writing prompt for Sunday Scribblings:

What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail?

Fly without fear. That's what I would do if I knew I wouldn't fail. I wish I could sit in my seat without squeezing the circulation out of my husband's hand. When I fly I squeeze harder than when I delivered any of our three babies. I hate to fly. Especially on small planes. Fear chokes me like a Boa Constrictor. Most of our flying is on a small jet, so it is something I really need to get over.

Last night we were flying and as I sat in my seat watching the last little trace of the sun set I was filled with a new kind of peacefulness I never thought possible while in the air. The pilot, Danny, said "Come up here and fly the plane." NO! Not a possibility. My husband encouraged me, "Come on Honey. Do it!" Danny has assured me over and over that if I sign up for flying lessons I will not be scared of flying anymore. He promises I will never white-knuckle my way from city to city ever again. Somehow I can't imagine flying any other way than scared and nervous.

After the sun set, I sat in my seat and watched the pilots. Fear washed over me. What if the pilots make a mistake, what if we lose cabin pressure. Creepily Payne Stewart images were flashing rapid-fire through my mind. What if, what if, what if, what if. Then I thought, "what if" hasn't happened yet. Relax. Enjoy.

After we landed I said to the other pilot Mark, "Well I lived again." He shot me a look and said, "Of course, I won't have it any other way." So maybe, just maybe next time I fly I'll go sit up in the cock pit, get a little more intimate with the control panel and lose some of my fear. Will I fail or fly?

Poetry Thursday

2006-03-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

Tension
Lisa Otter

Tension was the seventh passenger

on the six-seater plane.

There she was with her hands on her hips,

standing ready to board.

Her threadlike lips pursed into a thin callous smile.

All the while she stood there,

she tossed her thick ominous hair behind her shoulders,

and took a deep dark drag off her cigarette.

Nobody invited her.

Nobody wanted her there.

Yet, she forced herself onto the Skyhawk.

An unwanted party guest,

she sat haughtily in her seat,

ready for take-off with her belt fastened securely and

her legs crossed seductively.

Positively beaming...

Pressing herself on us like a humid night in Charleston.

Published Again (Not Me)

2006-03-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

~~~~
My 14 year old son "H" walked in from school today with the mail in his hands.

"Hi honey. How was school?" I ask.

"Great. Really great."

"Do you have any homework?"

"No not much. But guess what I've been published again."

"Again?"

"Yes, here look." he says handing me a copy of the magazine with his latest article. One about James Earle Fraser that he researched and wrote a few months ago.

"H this is great. Wow! Hon' I'm so proud of you!"

This is becoming something of a habit for him. His second article in less than two months. On one hand I'm proud. All my hours spent typing and writing must have made an impression. And the writing and typing lessons I insisted on when he was nine certainly have aided him in his ability. When he was nine he thought his first draft was his final draft. Now he edits my writing telling me to delete unneeded adjectives.

I must admit though, I'm a bit jealous. The article I submitted to the paper hasn't been considered yet. The editor told me to re-send it, said he misplaced it. So off I go to resubmit my writing, hopeful that the little local paper will find it worthy. In the meantime, I'm putting on my sunglasses and relishing in the talents of my 14 year old son. Proud to say, "Yep, that's my boy!"

Home Away From Home

2006-03-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

"L" is back in school today! She is still not 100%, but she's getting there.

Desperate for some Lisa-time I rushed off to have a manicure. Nice! Nice to have someone take care of me for a change. Plus it was practically a necessity as we have this swank dinner party to attend this evening and my hands looked like they had been through a meat grinder.

Afterwards I found myself in downtown Waxhaw, which is always such a delightful place to be. A new eatery called Southsiders has opened up since my last trip and I just had to pay a visit.

And oh boy was it good!

The menu bragged of a Chicago-Style hotdog. I was skeptical. I always am. Living here in the south has been a culinary cultural eye-opener for me. Sweet tea and what is referred to as "barbecue" down here are definitely acquired tastes. It is a similar experience as one I've had with beer. I'm still waiting to acquire a taste for that even though my brothers assured me I would. That was back in 1978.

After hearing the owner's South-West-Side-of-Chicago accent I knew I was in for a treat. Not only did the dawg come nestled in a poppy seed bun, but she put celery salt, cucumbers, mustard, fresh tomatoes, onions and sport peppers on top! Ketchup was not even suggested. Amen!

I noticed a few customers suspiciously eyeing me as I raised the red plastic basket to my nose and took in a deep breath. I was home! The owner, Patty, stood behind the counter holding her breath. Later, she told me she thought I was the health inspector because I was asking so many questions. I take my hotdogs very seriously.

Sitting down, I closed my eyes and took in another deep breath. When I opened them there was the Mayor himself starring back at me. I'm talking Da' Mayor. Richie Senior. It was a Saint Patrick's Day Parade photo. To the left of me was picture that brought a smile quickly to my lips. It was a shot of frenzied traders in the corn pit at the Chicago Board of Trade. Next, I noticed the golden gloves hanging on the wall. Another wave of home rushed over me. But what got me the most was the 16" softball placed just above the door frame. A 16" softball right in the middle of Waxhaw. Amazing!

The hotdog was perfect. As I sat there eating, I listened to three local men thick with their "Y'alls" and "Yes Ma'ams" talking about local politics and guzzling down their sweet teas. I smiled. I was home.

A little slice of home is sometimes just enough.

Poetry Thursday

2006-03-23T11:17:00.000-05:00

Maureen Ryan Griffin is my writing teacher and friend.
She is like a ray of sunshine.
I share with you her poem entitled,
For Mother, As I Sort Through This Old Box Of Clothes Saved For A Granddaughter.
I selected this poem because my daughter has been very sick lately and Maureen's poem puts into such tender words the feelings of my heart. It comes from her book This Scatter of Blossoms.

For Mother, As I Sort Through This Old Box Of Clothes Saved For A Granddaughter

I remember sitting in the tub,
you washing my hair, a halo,
around your head where light

met the steam. I was telling you
how much I loved being eight
that I wanted to be eight forever.

And then I was nine and so happy
to be nine I wanted that age
to last forever too, then ten,

the years clicking by like Hail Marys
on your rosary beads till I would want
nothing more than to leave you.

But that year, my eighth, you bought me
this candy-stripped pink and white dress
with a whale on it.

I remember wanting to cry
when I tried it on the next summer
and it no longer fit.

Though I didn't tell you,
you came home one day carrying
the identical dress, stripped in blue,

in the next larger size. Proving
something about love I've never
found words to thank you for.

Boo to Tummy Aches ~ "L" is still sick

2006-03-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

It has been a rough stretch.
We thought "L" was getting better and then last night she took a turn for the worse. Several calls to the GI Doc and suddenly we were headed into the hospital for the endoscopy today! The good news is the Doc says everything looks normal. He took a few samples for biopsy. We will have the results in a week. In the meantime she still is in a lot of pain, tears, etc...

Anyone that knows "L" knows she's been barely sick her entire 8 1/2 years on the planet. This illness is totally out of her character and her mom (me) and dad are very worried.

The Artist Way has fallen off to the side for now. James McBride, the author of The Color of Water brought his jazz band to the CPCC campus tonight for the 14th Annual Literary Festival. This was to be my artist's date. (Un)fortunately, sometimes mother's duties are more pressing than A.D.s. Hopefully I will be able to sneak out later this week and catch some of it. Charlotte is so blessed to have this annual festival!

Artist Dates

2006-03-18T18:29:00.000-05:00

One of the things that Julia Cameron has given me is permission to go on Artist's Dates. Deprived from this activity for so long I have more than embraced this experience. My latest dates have been varied as well as awesome. Here's a recap of a few of the more memorable ones:

Went to a Bead show. Beautiful colors, so stimulating!

Took a faux Mokume-Gane class with Barbara McGuire. An educational experience to take a class from one of the Queens of polymer clay. And such a down to earth lady.

Saw Bonnie Riatt in concert. She is one of the best female guitar players. Period. Her encore was John Prine's ~ Angel From Montgomery. It took my breath away to hear this song live. Sigh.

Went to a poetry reading at Barnes and Noble (and bravely read a piece of my writing).

I mentioned earlier about Maureen Ryan Griffin's book Spinning Words Into Gold, but the part I didn't mention was she selected two of my pieces to be in her book. Small as it is I can now say "I'm published". At her book signing she asked me to read "Driven To Distraction". Two readings in one week, I'm on a role!

After all these years of being Mom, Wife, Laundress, Nurse, Cook, Chief Bottle Washer, etc... it feels a little decadent to be taking myself out on these dates. But it is so worth it and so am I!

"L" seems a bit better today. Hoo-rah! She's still not 100%, but also not at the scary level she was earlier this week. Thanks to all of you that sent wishes, thoughts, prayers, etc... I have learned there is no worry heavier than a mother's worry.

My Daughter "L" is Ill

2006-03-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hello! Up to my ears in Jell-O. :-(

I've had such an intense week. My daughter (she's 8) has been very ill. This week we've been to the pediatrician and the pediatric GI. She is scheduled for a procedure next Thursday. That seems like years from now because she is in SO much pain.

None of my fabulous maternal tricks are working.

It is wearing me out. She is calling out every 10 minutes in such slicing pain that is unnerving. Am I bad mother? Should I be doing more? Do I need to stand outside of the doctor's office ranting and raving until someone, anyone helps us?

Daily calls to the doctors' nurses are typical, as are their replies to try Zantac, a heating pad, propping her up at a new angle, etc... Nothing, NOTHING seems to be working. If she doesn't get better soon I think we will be headed to the ER. At least there I will get some sort of services.

Please tell me something...give me a magic answer. Let me know the one most obvious thing I've been over looking. I will be forever grateful for your wisdom.

Sunday's Artists Date

2006-03-13T15:44:00.000-05:00

Spinning Words Into Gold

is here.......

Yesterday I went to Maureen Ryan Griffin's book signing and reading of her new book Spinning Words Into Gold. Check out this hands-on-guide of the who, why, when, where and what of writing. It is available for $21.95 published by Main Street Rag Publishing Company, Charlotte, NC.

Maureen has been my writing teacher since I moved to Charlotte. Her approach to writing is fun, her passion is contagious and I 100% recommend any of her classes or workshops. Check her out! She is a poet and a scholar. And you can't help but love her!

Creativity Totem

2006-03-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

Meet Lutra the Playful Otter.

Imagine my surprise when Cameron asks us to find our own creativity totem. Why I've had Lutra for years now. She was a gift from my sister Meg. She really is my mascot! She is very much a reflection of my own life. She has been broken and glued twice, carries purple, green and blue feathers, sports a beret (Jenny's beret), and wear a mauve scarf. She has a place of honor on my art studio shelf and oversees all of my projects.

I painted her nose gold because like her I have an amazing sense of smell. It is the strongest of my senses. My brother calls me the "super-sniffer". Which leads me to wonder about other people's senses. Do you have a sense that is amazingly more acute? Tell me about it.

Time for Collage

2006-03-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

My Salute to Father Time!

Sometimes the concept of time really freaks me out. We humans have it down to the nano-second don't we? I've watched too many clocks waiting for the moment to pass. I've also wondered where has the time gone?
Time is a puzzle.
Time is precious.
Think about all of the funny little cliches you know about time. Share one with me.

Checking In (recap of week 8)

2006-03-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

Morning Pages: 7/7. Now suddenly feeling resistance about reading them. Ironic huh?

Artist Date: Daughter was sick both Thursday and Friday so missed the opportunity to go out on an A.D. However I did finish painting my rooster. Picture to follow soon.

Synchronicities: Slow week in synchronicity land, nothing major.

Other: Naming my dream: To be a published writer.
Action: Today (3/6) I submitted an essay I wrote to a local paper.

Attention Lawyers

2006-03-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

There is nothing thin about Thin Mints. Nothing! I am going to sue someone. But Who? Maybe the clown that ordered a case, yes an entire case of Thin Mints! She should definitely be held responsible. Or maybe that cute little Brownie that lives upstairs and peddled them in the first place. She is like a dealer. She arrives innocent at the door with her sweet smile and piles of cheerfully boxed cookies. And then asks for a check or cash. Shaking I run for my wallet.

Opening up a sleeve only leads to that sleeves entire consumption in a solo attack of the cellophane wrapper. Then another sleeve starts hollering my name. Screaming, "Eat me. Eat me.", over and over until I can't stand it any more. I give in like a lover weak in the knees. Lusting after another Thin Mint. A little chocolate drool forms in the corner of my mouth. I am a pathetic addict.

IMPORTANT message to Otter: Back Away from the Thin Mints. Put down that sleeve. Good, now back up nice and slow. Yes, that's it. Slow. Good. Don't even think about grabbing that sleeve and stuffing it in your mouth. Take it easy now. Want a drink of water? No more Thin Mints. Good. Just step away.

A New Look for In Otter Space

2006-03-03T16:36:00.000-05:00

Let's face it, Winter is over.
Goodbye Winter, goodbye.

In Otter Space is sporting a new look for the Spring.

Go Now and Be Otters in the Universe

2006-03-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

Out in the street
a dollar is a dollar
and a man is a man

but we, knowing we are
emissaries

sent out by our enormous
selves
into this dream

commend the otters,
playful, smart and sweet

who prefer
life
to objectivity.

-Suzanne Gordon

In honor of Greenish Lady
and her poetry Thursday...
I dug this Otter poem out.
It was published in Rolling Stone sometime in 1977. (ish?)

How Does Anyone Function Here???

2006-03-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

My Fat Tuesday Revealed

2006-03-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is what a mess my art studio was on
Fat Tuesday (hence my lentienal commitment)

I'd say by the looks of it the place looks pretty darn fat.........

YIKES, embarrassingly messy.

Lent

2006-02-28T11:59:00.000-05:00

I grew- up Catholic. Every year I look forward to Lent. I love the ritual of making changes in my life. I find it a very healthy process. Sometimes the changes I've made become permanent additions or subtractions. Every Lent I not only give-up something negative but I also add something positive.

This year...

I'm giving-up : post- creative laziness. This means I'm going to clean-up my art studio every day for a minimum of ten minutes. Usually when I finish a project I don't clean-up after myself. This bad habit messes with my creativity. I'll be posting pictures of my art studio to hold myself accountable.

I'm adding : drink more water. I'll be keeping a log to encourage myself.

What are you planning to do for Lent? Drop me a line in this comment box and let me know. I'd love to hear and offer you my support. And don't be afraid... it isn't forever, it's only 40 days and 40 nights.

Green Collage

2006-02-27T17:05:00.000-05:00

Learning From My Dogs

2006-02-25T22:30:00.002-05:00

I was working with my dogs today. The trick we were practicing is called Work For Dinner. It's a fun trick and if you have dogs you may want to try it.

I grab a handful of kibble and a bar stool (or you can use a laundry basket). Every time the dogs interact with the bar stool they earn a piece of kibble. During this exercise I don't speak to them, I don't say good girl (or boy). Instead I let them experiment. The whole point of this exercise is to get the dogs thinking, experimenting and trying new things.

If Dash puts his paw on the rung of the stool, he earns a treat. When Jenny nods her head at the stool, she gets a treat. When Dash moves his paws on top of the stool, he gets a treat. If Jenny puts her paws over Dash's on top of the stool, she earns a treat. Every time they do something new I give them a piece of Kibble. They try the same moves over, but when they don't earn a treat after a while they will try something different. It is a very amusing exercise and one where the dogs are constantly trying new ways to earn food.

It struck me the similarities between Dash and Jenny playing Work For Dinner and me learning to trust God. Dash and Jenny are both Jack Russell Terriers and they require a lot of stimulation or they get destructive. The more stimulation they get the more calmly they behave. I realized the more I try new things, the more God is giving to me. Like Dash and Jenny, when I experiment with new play, God rewards me with more insight, better understanding, synchronicities and delightful treats. And doing this playing stops me from being destructive in my mind. Instead of the I-can't-do-it-right-attitude, I look at the little collage I just created or the painting I'm working on and say well at least I'm trying some new tricks. Maybe God will give me a little kibble too.

The Power of the Buffalo

2006-02-23T15:48:00.000-05:00

Jamie gets a hand from his beautiful wife, Penny.

Jamie Franki (above) shows the reverse of the 2005 nickel which he designed after his brother, Bill saw a contest calling for designs for the U.S. Mint’s artistic infusion program. I attended a lecture by Jamie for my A.D. last weekend. He spoke about how he feels a lot like a contestant on American Idol, his new found "fame" as the bison artist and how his life has changed in the past two and a half years. His success doesn't stop with the 2005 nickel, as his design for the obverse of the 2006 nickel was also selected. He said three years ago he never imagined his art on money. He humbly explains he's still just "Jamie" and not use to being compared to the likes of St. Gaudens and James Earl Fraser.

The thing about Jamie is he is such a down to earth man. Taking the time to tell his story and encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams. He says, after all his is a true American dream.

But the most special thing about Jamie isn't that he has created winning designs or that he is on his way to becoming a name in the art world, but rather, it is his deep and profound love for his wife. They are like two giddy high school kids when their eyes meet. It is very sweet.

Painting Thus Far

2006-02-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of my painting
I drew it out
then under painted it.

Next I started adding some color.

I have no idea if I'm doing it "right" but so far the art police have not shown-up at my door.
I'm having fun!
It is like reading a good novel, I can't wait to see what will happen next.

Thanks to all who have encouraged me!

I took this self portrait in my art studio yesterday.
All the stuff behind me is my art! :)
Except for that red arm...it is A Story People (No Words)

No Words By Brian Andreas
I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.

Warming Up Out Of My Ice Age

2006-02-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

Julia Cameron writes on page 108 ~The Artist Way
If you want to make some art, make some art. Just a little art.

and

She challenges us on page 126 #2 to doodle will listening to some music just for joy. I listened to Jack Johnson's CD In Between Dreams. I bought it on an A.D. last week. As I listened I doodled and started warming myself out of my drawing/painting ice age. This is what escaped out of my brain.....

I can relate to John Hiatt's song Warming Up To The Ice Age
...this is the part of that song calling my name today...

She could melt the modern world
But she's just a modern girl
I think she's warmin' up to the ice age

Frozen like a punch bowl swan
Frozen like a mastodon
I think she's warmin' up to the ice age

I feel like this exercise was a great warm-up for the painting I'm about to do. The canvas is primed with Gesso and is now dry, ready and waiting for me. I'm still nervous and scared but this little fish drawing eased me out of my fear.

Checking In (Week 6)

2006-02-20T20:05:00.000-05:00

Morning Pages: Proud to say I have not missed a day since I started AW. Although I still resent the fact that I can't reread my writing. This has bugged me since day one. I have been writing since 1974, I was twelve and needed a sympathetic ear. My journal became that ear, my trusted friend and rereading those pages is way for me to see myself in more realistic terms. Does anyone understand how crazy this is driving me? Julia Cameron can you hear me?

Artist Date: Went to Hobby Lobby and bought some rubber stamps and a tube of red acrylic paint. Tomorrow I'm going to stop being so afraid of being imperfect (this weeks theme) and open that paint and PAINT. This is a new road for me and I'm nervous and scared and afraid the art police are going to show up at my door with a warrant for my arrest.

Synchronicity: I met the owner of Beet Gallery last weekend on my A.D. When she asked me if I was a writer I was overjoyed!! I thought maybe I'm starting to look like a REAL WRITER. Then she proceeded to ask me if I knew my writing teacher. "Of course", I shouted with glee, "I'm almost like one of her groupies!" She showed me an oil suspension kaleidoscope she made. I wanted to buy it on the spot, but she explained it wasn't for sale and that she had just learned how to make them at Campbell. I had never heard of Campbell before. Then like a youngster learning a new word discovered later that week someone I know is headed to Campbell next week to take the kaleidoscope class. That someone is my writing teacher. Now that's what I call double synchronicity! Very cool.

Cancel My Memebership

2006-02-16T23:11:00.000-05:00

By: Lisa Otter

Me: All right I’ve waited long enough. I’m making the call to cancel my membership. This is the day I’m going to finally cross it off my list!

Operator: Club Procrastination. Ms. Delay speaking, how may I direct your call?

Me: Hi. I’m wondering if you could help. I need to cancel my membership.

Operator: No. I can’t help. You will need to speak to the director of membership services.

Long Pause

Me: Hello? Are you still there?

Operator: Yes?

Me: Well, will you please connect me?

Operator: Huh? Right now? Oh sure one moment please.

Puts down phone. Sounds of filing nails and rustling of paper; followed by a long silent pause. Ring ring ring ring ring.

Director of Membership Services: Hello. You have reached the voice mailbox of Tom Morrow. I’m always away from my desk but if you leave your name and number I’m sure it is quite possible that I may eventually get back to you. If this is of an urgent matter please press zero and ask to speak to my secretary Ms. Delay. Beep.

Me: Hi. My name is Lisa Otter and I need to cancel my membership. Please call me back so we can proceed with the necessary paper work. I am sure there are some forms I’ll need to sign.

Several weeks pass with no call from Club Procrastination.

Operator: Club Procrastination. This is Ms. Delay speaking, how may I direct your call?

Me: Oh hello Ms. Delay. I think we spoke a few weeks back. I left a message for the director of membership services and have not heard from him. I think his name is Mr. Morrow.

Operator: Yes. That’s right, Tom Morrow, though he never comes in to the office.

Me: What?

Operator: He did however tell me you may call someday. Although it is my personal belief that somedays never come.

Me: Does he have the paperwork ready for me to sign?

Operator: Paper work? Ha! No! But he did however leave you a message. Would you like me to read it?

Me: That would be nice.

Operator: Let’s see, I think I left it over here. Oh yes here it is. Clears her throat. It says he regrets to inform you but he will be unable to process your request...

Me: What?

Operator: Says here you have a lifetime membership in Club Procrastination.

Me: So?

Operator: Well Lifetime Memberships are nonrefundable, nontransferable, noncancellable, nonnegotiable, and are not ever intended to be terminated. It is part of your unalienable rights.

Me: But I want to cancel my membership!

Operator: I’m afraid that will not be possible, didn’t you just hear what I said?

Me: Yes I did, but I don’t want to be a member anymore. I want my name removed from your system and from your mailing list. I am sick and tried of receiving your mailings. Did you know the seminar mailings always come three weeks late? Anyhow I make lists now. I’m a real doer. I don’t put anything off.

Operator: You are making lists?

Me: Yes!

Operator: Oh I see. This is serious. Please hold for one moment.

Me: Why?

Operator: Well I’m going to connect you to someone I believe can help you.

Me: Yes! Really? I think I’m finally getting somewhere! Who are you connecting me to?

Operator: Our list prevention specialist. She is excellent, just excellent. She’s a real miracle worker. She helped my Uncle Fred with his nasty little list habit back in the late 90’s. He’s completely cured now. I think you will be very pleased with her. She’s the best of the best.

Me: Really?

Operator: Oh yes, she is.

Me: But I don’t really want to be cured. I love making lists. In fact I’m making one right now.

Operator: Stop! Put down the pen. Back away from the list. I will connect you immediately! Do you need me to call an ambulance for you ma’am?

Me: What? No! Listen I’ve got to go. There’s something I need to do.

Operator: No! Please don’t go.

Click!

Money and Me

2006-02-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

I am lucky. I married a man that has financial talent. It is what he does for a living. He has spent his career rescuing companies out of economic trouble. The company he now works for was on the brink of financial ruin until he stepped in on his white horse. The owner keeps a letter from the bank in his top desk drawer to remind him how close he came to losing it all. My husband is a hero!
When we were fairly newly married and learning how to merge two financial lives he set us up on the "bucket" system. Actually they were plastic stadium cups from Texas A&M. Each Aggie cup was labeled and in each cup a certain amount of money was placed. It really helped us understand where we spent our money. When the cup was empty that was it. Sometimes we had to "rob" money out of one cup and leave a note explaining why we "stole" the money. We no longer use that system but it taught us the lessons we needed to learn about money.

I admit I'm not good with money but I am lucky to be married to a smart smart man. He has helped me become a fiscally responsible adult and I am so grateful for his wisdom.

at Julie's request I'm writing....
More on the "Bucket" System....
Every time we got paid all the money was divided up. First, checks (or automatic deposits) were cut for "fixed operating" expenses. These are the things like rent or mortgage, electric and/or gas, phone and savings. More on the savings part later.

Credit cards were not to be used unless...
a.) it was a business expense and the company was reimbursing us.
b.) check or cash was not permitted. An example of this would be renting a car on a vacation.
c.) it was agreed upon in advance by both of us. An example of this maybe a new suit for work or something major for the car. Basically big purchases where it wasn't practical to pay by cash or check.

Each cup was labeled with the category of the weekly expense items:
"Gas for the car"
"Grocery Store"
"Lunch Money"
"Clothes"
"Books"
"Dry Cleaning"
"Dinner Out"
"Entertainment"
and etc........
Any item we regularly spent money on had its own cup. Each pay period after all the fixed operating expenses were paid the rest of the money was withdrawn in cash and placed in the various cups.
I know what you are thinking. There is no way I'm doing that! That is far and away the most ANAL thing I have ever heard. And it is! I will be the first to admit it, but take my advice it works!

O.K. now to the savings part. Saving is like paying yourself. It is the VERY MOST IMPORTANT part. Do you hear me? I'll repeat it. SAVING is Paying yourself. It is the very most important part. Even if it is only $5.00. That $5.00 adds up. And don't forget your 401(k). Please tell me you are maxing out your contributions. At least contribute to the level your employer matches. Please do this. Skip the Starbucks and increase your pledge to your FUTURE self. PLEASE!

When my kids were toddlers I use to pay myself $.60 a day. Honestly I did! I took and put $.60 in a cup everyday. Then every so often I took that money to the bank and made a deposit. Sometimes I used that money to buy art supplies.

O.K. I'm hopping off my soap box now. If I helped just one person then... Yea for me! And a bigger YEA for you!

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

With Love,

Lisa

(somewhere)

In Otter Space

The Dark Side of My Reality

2006-02-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am having a crummy day.

Being a mother is always so much tougher in real life than in the movies. There are no cute little wrap-ups with beautiful fade aways....everyone smiling. The truth is being a mother is the damn hardest job I have ever had. My son is "spirited". That is the P.C. way of saying he raises hell and gives me hell everyday. And I feel like I'm living in hell. I know I'm not alone. I know I'm not the only mother to raise a "spirited" child but today I'm just having a horrible time of it.

I have been trying so hard lately to be an artist, a writer but who am I fooling? As my dad use to say, "the easiest person to fool is yourself." And you know he's right! I basically suck at everything I touch. I mean I'm not totally horrible but then again I'm not that great either. So what is the point?

Whoever reads this... Thanks for listening to my pity party.

re·al·i·ty (rē-ăl'ĭ-tē) n., pl. -ties.

The quality or state of being actual or true.
One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual: “the weight of history and political realities” (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.).
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
That which exists objectively and in fact: Your observations do not seem to be about reality.

Tagged Twice

2006-02-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

Never tagged before... then I get tagged twice in a day. Thanks ViewFromLifeOnABench
Although I think this is a Blog version of chain mail I will play.

Four Jobs I've Had:
T.V. commercial for KFC (my first W-2 at age seven...I've always been very industrious)
Disc Jockey (for the college radio station)
Bus Driver
Runner at the Chicago Board of Trade

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:
The Sound of Music
Ferris Beuller's Day Off
It's a Wonderful Life
The Wedding Singer

Four Place I've Lived:
Lincolnwood, IL
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Weddington, NC

Four T.V. Shows I Watch:
E.R.
Anderson Cooper 360
The Carol Duvall Show
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

Four Musicians I Adore: (This is Very Very Very Hard for me to Limit to Four)
John Hiatt (My favorite musician/poet)
Bonnie Raitt
Bob Dylan
Neil Young

Four Place I've Vacationed:
Private Island (Island H) in Ontario, Canada
Quetico National Park, Ontario, Canada
Aruba
The Exumas (aboard a private yacht- Awesome)

Four Foods That Make My Taste Buds Happy:
Chicago Style Pizza
Spinach
Superdawg (corner of Milwaukee, Devon & Nagle)
Scrambled Eggs with cheese and onions chefed by C my 12 year old son (he just may become a world class chef when he is an adult)

Five Sites I Visit Daily:
GreenishLady
Spiritdoll
ART JuNK~
ArtsyMama
Destination Unknown

Four Place I'd Rather Be:
Chicago
My Art Studio
Asheville
In a Cabin in the Woods

Ready or not I got Tagged

2006-02-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

My first tag........ (one more to follow later)

I've been tagged by SpiritDoll and it's the first time I've been tagged....twice in one day!....It is an Artist Way inspired kind of play....

4 Wishes, Dreams, Desires....

I hope to move myself from the “shadow state” to the real stage. A real Writer, a real Artist, a real contributor (of my gifts) in the world.
I desire a 2006 Black Mustang fully loaded (which says “Cool Chic”) instead of my Toyota Sienna (which says “Mom-Mobile”).
I dream of a cabin in the woods with 15 or more acres.
I wish to build an Art Farm. A retreat haven for artists of all kinds. This is part of the reason I want in that cabin in the woods.

4 Imaginary Lives
I have a vivid imagine nation. Literally there is an entire nation going on in my head!

Young adult writer- novelist
Singer/songwriter/poet (like John Hiatt or Bob Dylan)
Children’s book writer and illustrator (like Dr. Suess)
Disc Jockey (Alternative Radio not afraid to play Any Genre)
Painter/ mixed media artist
Vet
Professional Wood burning artist (Like Sarah Grant of Sticks)
Glass blower
Middle School/Junior High School Teacher (like Mr. Piggott)
Librarian
Free Lance Writer
Nature Guide
The person who gets to name the O.P.I. nail colors
Art Teacher
Rubber Stamp Store Owner

4 things I should change

Procrastination (and cancel my membership to its club)
Use my time more wisely (sort of like #1 but different?)
Be less insecure and more willing to take artistic risks. After all the art police do not currently have a warrant out for my arrest.
Hire a housekeeper…paint more picture...play in my art studio more!

4 people I admire

My husband - There are many things I admire about him but I especially admire his ability to focus on one project at a time (men are so lucky to be able to do this) and his wisdom to achieve his dreams at such an early age. Whoever thinks C.P.A.’s are boring never met my husband.
My sister-in-law (Kay) - she is a gift of wisdom and friendship. Her insight has been invaluable.
Donna - she is a constant source of humor, courage, wisdom and grace.
Judy – the best boss I ever had. She taught me more than she will ever realize. I admire her ability to believe in me and see my invisible potential. Her guidance has helped shape not just me but everyone I come in contact with.

4 things I like about the Artist's Way

The blogging community that is doing this current journey together- thanks Kat!
The structure – It keeps me plodding along, challenges me and permits me to safely come out of my shell.
The artist's date - the awareness and permission to fill my creative well
Morning pages – Have not missed on yet…but I am a writer by nature so this is my oxygen.

4 things I still hope to get out of the Artist's Way

I want to deepen connections and I hope that many of them will last beyond the finish of the Artist's Way. Maybe those of us most interested in continuing can form a support Circle for the Artist Way
I want help coping with fear. Some days I get so scared of that stupid critic sounding off in my head that I don’t take any artistic risks.
To open my blind-mind, to jump up and down and get excited and scream “YES! YES! YES! I made this little piece of art! Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it so Lisa!?”
Mostly, I hope to remain open to the journey through the AW and for that matter to remain open to LIFE!

I'm going to tag...

No one. Unless you (yes you, the one jumping up and down saying “Hey I’d like to answer those questions”, want to. Then feel free… and drop me a comment so I can take a look.

Inspiration Has Gone To The DOGS!

2006-02-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Today :
Inspiration comes from Jenny Furr the Jack Russell Terrier

What would you do if you discovered this?
Would you laugh or cry or do both?
Well this REALLY happened to me and guess what I did?
I taught Jenny how to paint!

Go Jenny! Paint Girl!

She likes to wear her beret when she paints. She also gets to eat when she paints. LUCKY!

An original by Jenny the Jack Russell Terrier.

True to say... she is a better painter than I am. And I love her for teaching me that just because she's a dog doesn't mean she can't be an artist!

Inspiration Week...My Turn

2006-02-06T13:08:00.000-05:00

Inspiration Comes Out To Play....

This book (page 38 Inking stamps with markers)

(+) plus this left over fabric from a jumper I made for my DD

= This card

I Can't Take It Anymore

2006-02-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

Reading Deprivation Week seems all wrong to me. Reading has never stood in the way of my creativity.
T.V. YES!
Surfing aimlessly on the Web YES!
But NOT reading. In fact I have a confession to make...I'm a recovering non-reader. I use to love to read and then I had kids and I stopped reading for myself.
OH sure I still read but Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle don't REALLY count. So depriving me from reading is like asking a recovering alcoholic to hang out in the bar or a recovering anorexic to just skip a few meals.

*****BTW -I gave up T.V. as of 12.21.2005 almost 100% (except for E.R. I watch no T.V.)
Aimlessly surfing the web? Not yet but maybe for Lent this year.

Visual Journey

2006-02-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

Because we are in week four of The Artist's Way this will be the only post this week. Here's a visual look at my life...it requires almost no reading!

This was the Otter family's table cloth. I still find it so interesting. I use to stare at it while I ate dinner. One reason I liked it so much...it has my initials in it -"LO".

In December before Artist Way began I drew this picture for my blog. I was pretending to be seven again! It really fits with this weeks' time travel theme.

As part of my Inner Compass project I challenged myself to try ATCs. This is my first Artist Trading Card. I'm hooked!!! More to follow next week!

Synchronicity

2006-01-27T14:16:00.001-05:00

I've been patiently waiting all week for synchronicity to happen. I was beginning to feel like somehow I had missed it right in front of my eyes. Then today on my third artist's date it happened. Remember the favorites list I made earlier in the week when I mentioned if "I weren't so stingy (huh?) I'd by my artist a cabin in the woods"? Well today I took my artist to look at 24 acres of land and the property line falls smack dab in the middle of a little creek. When I got home I hit Map Quest only to discover the creek is named Otter Creek. Now that's what I call Otter(ly) synchronous!

Like A Kid In A Candy Store

2006-01-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Artist Date: Jackson's Emporium Downtown Waxhaw, North Carolina

Yep that's right I took my artist self on a date to a candy store and gave her free run of the store. What fun! This is the haul. Yum Yum Yum!

My Favorites List

2006-01-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

A Look at Self By: Lisa

My favorite childhood toys were my doll house, my tea set and my art supplies.

My favorite childhood games were Happiness and Monopoly.

The best movie I ever saw as a kid was The Sound of Music.

I don't do it much, but I enjoy going to the movies.

If I could be a little more serious, I'd let myself be a lay leader at my church.

If it weren't too late, I'd be seven again.

My favorite musical instrument is the guitar.

The amount of money I spend on treating myself to entertainment each month is... A very generous amount. In 2005 I went to concerts (U2, Elton John and John Hiatt), eat out, and spend crazy amounts of money on art/craft supplies. My DH gave me tickets to see Bonnie Raitt in March!

If I weren't so stingy with my artist (huh?) ...I'd buy her a cabin in the woods.

Taking time out for myself is one my greatest luxuries thanks to being a stay at home mom of school age children!

I am afraid that if I start dreaming, I'll be asleep.

I secretly enjoy reading... There isn't anything I secretly read. (borrowed from Greenish Lady)

If I had had a perfect childhood, I'd have grown up to be un afraid to be full-of-myself. (Maybe?) - Well, ok - more confident than I was in my teens and twenties, more able to figure out who I was, more willing to try new things. Present in the moment. Grounded. Self-aware. (more or less borrowed from Greenish Lady)

If it didn't sound so crazy, I'd only eat spinach, black licorice, Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs and Fannie Mae Chocolates for the rest of my life.

My parents think artists are cool.

My God thinks artists are communicating Her word visually. Being attuned and called to use my talents is a gift I am required to give to this world. (loosely borrowed from Greenish Lady)

What makes me feel weird about this recovery is the word "recovery". I mean this isn't A.A. or N.A. for crying out loud. Plus I'm not sure I have had enough artist's confidence to lose so... How can I recover something I never had to start with?

Learning to trust myself is something that being in my 40's has allowed me to experience.

My most cheer-me-up music is a LONG list but I'll shorten it to just five... John Hiatt, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Indigo Girls, and Dave Matthews Band.

My favorite way to dress is in jeans, an arty blouse and white socks with blue clogs.

Caring People

2006-01-23T21:31:00.000-05:00

I found this quote below on watchingthecloudsrollby.blogspot.com and found it so beautiful and true I wanted to post it here too.

Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed, that's all who ever have.
Margaret Mead

Artist Date

2006-01-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

I bought art on my first artist's date!
It is called Four Queens by Amy VanArt Hodges. Isn't VanArt the coolest name for an artist. Originally she didn't sign Four Queens so with the help of Eight Legs Gallery I tracked her down and we met at Michaels for my own personal signing. Talk about an artist's date!
Please leave me a comment about Amy's art... I told her I would pass them onto her. BTW Amy is physically handicapped and confined to a wheelchair!

My Journal Cover

2006-01-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

Wild Mind Doodle

2006-01-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

This is something I use to LOVE to do in H.S. and I have not made one in 3 or 4 years. I call them Wild Mind Doodles. It is my warm-up for my creative journey. Notice the road?
P.S. I'm the babe with the "S' on her shirt in the top right hand corner.