Happy Equinox

As we move into the next season, my words of advice to my self are Self Care. Wishing good transitions to all.

Serious.Studio.Cleanup..!!!!

Wow, I really wish I would've taken some "before" pictures, but trust me..it was a mess! I got rid of so many old things, broken things, abandoned projects, 15 year old letters, etcetera etcetera!!
Now you can get a tour of the new and improved studio..looks like there's even some space for a table for Edythe!! (who's favorite thing, of course, is to go into Mama's studio!)

Circles and Focus

Perhaps you're wondering "what's up with Megan?" What projects are happening? What's the story morning glory? I usually try to post on this blog at least once a month during the same time as I do my daughter's blog..but sometimes I am not sure what's happening. Once i hustle through my morning from 5:30-9:30 when I put the baby down I sit outside and drink my coffee and try not to spin too far from "The Next Step"...I am sure I've talked on here before about projects and general overwhelmedness and basically, walking in circles. How do we just put one foot in front of the other and do the Next Task at Hand? How do we overcome being overwhelmed by centering, focusing and I will also add- being a bit gentle with ourselves....?

We have a large garden project going on, I've started the other Etsy shop which has been going strong and really fun for me. Then there's always artwork to bring home from the gallery, jewelry to bring to the other gallery, laundry to wash, dinner to make...wait, see?
I 'm doing it right now..!!

I would love it if someone would leave a comment (it's been awhile peeps!).
Let me know if you yourself have pointers for not getting overwhelmed and staying present with your busy lives. Take care!!

New Etsy Shop!!

I've had an idea for awhile to open another Etsy shop for vintage finds. I've had a name and the idea for awhile and finally started it almost two weeks ago. I already sold some items! Awesome! I still need to get business cards and some branding products going, but I'm really happy with my first sales and have high hopes for this new endeavor!

You can see a few of my sold items below.

I also got to do some photos of my items with my friend Alberta. We had lots of fun and will hopefully do it again when I have more goodies.

With my daughter Edythe.

Modeling a snap shirt.

Please check out Arizona Star Trading Company on Etsy!!

CHALLENGE

The new year is always a good time to begin new things, abandon old ways that aren't working and to re-examine our day to day lives. I am doing a two fold challenge for January. No drinking alcohol (aw sweet nectar I miss you!) and a yoga challenge through Yoga Journal.
The yoga challenge is for 21 days to incorporate yoga as a daily practice. Already I am reaping benefits from both challenges and reflecting on habits, routines and our day to day-ness that can benefit us or become a detriment. I am a very routine minded person (even more so since having my daughter) and the main thing I have realized is we really can do whatever we put our mind to.
The time is now. The place is here. Dig deep kids, because this is all the life we've got.
Wishing everyone a productive and transformative year ahead!
(also we'll see when Feburary rolls around what I will really take from this months challenges and reflections!!)

Primal Power

Happy New Year!
I've been a bit snowbound this week which has forced me to slow down, change plans, and make lots of new jewelry.

December was quite the big month and we've all made it to the other side alive and (at least somewhat) well. My next project is a show at Gallery Beyond Words in Prescott. The opening is during artwalk on January 28th. My dad will be there playing music and I will also be doing a block printing demo starting at 6:30. It's a lovely gallery and I hope to see you there!

GALLERY BEYOND WORDS

Prescott’s Unique Contemporary Gallery
204 North McCormick Street
Prescott AZ 928.778.2713

Some New Work

Starting work on some new pieces for our annual Beyond Printmaking show at the Raven in Prescott. Will keep you posted on the dates for the opening, etc. Let me know any responses!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE

Pictured here are just a few of the many things on sale in my shop. I am having a Christmas in July sale and offering a buy one get one 1/2 off promotion. Please visit the shop and tell all of your friends!!

Art Booth

This weekend I shared a booth downtown with my friend Susie Thompson-Pixler. Saturday was pretty rough because of cold weather, but Sunday we recovered and had a great time. Thanks to my friends Raina and Alberta- my only sales on Saturday!!

Getting ready for the sale.

My trusty assistant.

Edythe visiting me at the booth.

Miss Susie of Red Boot Boutique

We found our work really complimented each other without being in competition.
Thanks Susie for a great experience!

Small new Paintings

Working this small can be satisfying because it is fast!
These are 6" x 6".
I am using acrylic and watercolor crayons and pencils. Missing oil paint, but can't beat the cleanup!

New Paintings

After thinking for the past year that I would like to do some painting I Finally busted out the paints and made two new pieces last week.



Painting is very different than block printing. Cutting very concrete lines and patiently carving away linoleum is meditative and slow. Painting is messy and loose.
It was fun and a good reminder to Just Make It!



Let me know any feedback you have!

Daily Drawing

I am starting a new art/yoga book called The Painting Path and the first "assignment" was to use oil pastels and just have fun with the medium. This is the result.
Here is what i thought of some of it: It seems the large arm is a "strong-arm" metaphor , perhaps me trying to control my uncontrollable life with my new baby.
The glowing golden figure is my beautiful daughter. I notice the stripes on my shirt remind me of a referree outfit.

Hmmm.... well, it was fun and finished in the ten minutes she gave me between wanting to eat!
After crying at the drop of a hat today, I realize how tired I am and how I can't control this process, her process of growing and needing me in order to do that.
How do I move from a referee to a facilitator?

Let it go..................