Another winter arrives here in Ohio, and my mantra warms me: "at least I'm not in Maine!" As much as I loved the ocean and walking the beach and my sweet little cottage and all the wondrous friends there - as the wind howled last night I was grateful for my garage, fireplace and bathtub. And being within easy visiting range of most of my family, which warms my heart from the inside out!

I've finally taken the jump and opened an online shop at Etsy, the home of the handmade. And had my first sale almost immediately! I've posted about half a dozen of my clocks, and I'm posting some assemblages over the next several days. Along the same line of getting my art out there, I also have my photos on display throughout the Day Spa where I work. I've come out of the doldrums that enveloped me for the last several months, and am creating again.

I've set for myself of earning at least 50% of my living from my art work by next fall. Step by step. One step towards that goal happened last May when I had a show downtown. I actually made some money and some great connections. It's always a joy to have folks see my pieces and watch their interactions with the art. This show was particularly delightful because it was the first time my family had really seen my work in a gallery-type setting.

While I'm at it, I'd like to thank a couple of other bloggers for inspiring me to get back to the studiio and the computer. Their posts bring me delight everyday:

* ceramicist extraordinaire Diana Fayt at oneblackbird.blogspot.com/
* tastemaker Grace Bonney at designspongeonline.com/
* the amazing lover-of-life/chef-ette and cookbook authorShauna Ahern James of glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/
* jeweler of words and adornments Nina Bagley over at ornamental.typepad.com/
* and hometown gal Linda Apple who captures moments in paint, see them
at lindaapple.blogspot.com/

Reading their pieces and seeing their creative works gives me inspiration and motivation. Thank you gals.