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!!

A Visit to the Heard Museum

Wow, if you have never made it to the Heard Museum in Downtown Phoenix, I would absolutely urge you to go! We were there on a rainy afternoon recently and of course didn't have enough time to spend, but here are some favorites:

I was really affected by the amazing cradle boards that all different tribes made for their babies. So many hours of work went into each piece, you can imagine the maker thinking of the baby throughout the process and the intention that comes with that.

Of course all the jewelry was out of control amazing blow your mind! One thing I noticed that was of interest is that many times you cannot tell by looking if a piece was made in 1910, or 2010. Many of the old pieces are very modern in design and perhaps ahead of their time.

These long earrings from Ecuador made my day! I even took a picture of the description to remember what it said.

The Heard has multiple museums in the valley and I would urge anyone interested to attend. Beautiful building and grounds as well.

Primal Power Opening Night

My Dad setting up the musica.

Edythe and I.

Matthew, my mom, Edythe, and the Rays check it all out.

Doing a block print demonstration.

It was a fun night, thanks for everyone who came! The show runs through the 15th of March, please check it out if you can!

GALLERY BEYOND WORDS

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

Book Recommendations

Wanted to pass on two books I recently read and would highly recommend:

.
-Radical Homemakers
Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture
by Shannon Hayes

-The Wild Trees
A Story of Passion and Daring
by Richard Preston

I was going to share some quotes from each, but I had so many pages dog-eared, I thought I would just send a blanket recommendation!! Let me know of any amazing books you've been reading.

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