Finding Even More Happy In August

I scheduled some much needed time off from work starting today, Saturday, August 27. I mention that because I don't know if I'll finish this post tonight so I want to be honest about my "today." Having just returned from my today, let me tell you it made me more than happy. It made me blissful and blessed.

I chose to start my day attending two of my favorite farmers' markets, greencity Market and another on Division Street, both I now miss due to my weekend schedule. It's a see-good, smell-good, hear-good, feel-good and TASTE good festival. A healthy high.

 I bought basil, tomatoes, blueberries, parsley, peppers and honey. I've finally learned to discipline myself at the market because so much of what I would buy ended up getting wasted and pitched. Money doesn't grow on trees or in the ground unfortunately :(

On to another festival: the Bucktown Arts Fest. It is a good show, quite competitive  to get into, tried twice unsuccessfully several years ago. I had a mission/intention going to this show. I have not attended many this summer and was feeling it. I felt the need to be around and connect with other artists - those brave souls doing an outdoor show- for inspiration and kindred-ship (is that even a word?)

First stop, one of my favorite artists/heroes, Anne Leuck Feldhaus as she was literally wrapping up a sale! She was unaware that this was even taken. I never want to intrude on any artist at a show with a camera. I bought a small painting.

Another artist/hero , who I recently wrote about, is Melissa Banks. She was also unaware that I took this.  But I wanted to visually introduce you to her and her phenomenal jewelry since I didn't before.

And then there is Jennifer Meyer, sistersan, a beautiful and phenomenal sculptor and welder of recycled materials. We met three years ago doing an Architectural Artifacts Holiday show and she is one of the greatest gifts to enter my life from that show. She is richly soulful, spiritual, wise and ridiculously funny. I haven't seen Jen for two years? but we are so connected that the physical didn't matter. Seeing her after this lapse of time was the best! She knew her picture was being taken and didn't want it. She was exhausted from the preparation for this show. I begged. :)

 

Two bookcases made from recycled filing cabinets. These are jaw dropping in person!!

Talking to her for some time at the show was empowering, touching and emotional for me. We never truly know the impact we have on other peoples lives, be it from our art or being, until your hear or read their words directly. I am so grateful I got to hear those words and take home a piece of her art as well.

Finding The Happy In August

If I could eliminate one month out of the year, like the 13th floor of a highrise, it would be the month of August. I would still acknowledge and wish all the people I know with August birthdays a Happy Birthday.  It just wouldn't be on my personal calendar. I don't know exactly what it is about August that always gives me so much angst. Don't even get me started politically. 

In times like these, I gotta find the happy. It's a process:

I reworked and consolidated these stoneware faces from Terra Cottage that I had for eight years and put them on one painted wood panel. Photo did not come out well but I like them and they're fun.

I actually am still on a high from this. Sir Paul and I share the same birthday- June 18th. Other than that.....

I'm not exactly sure IF this would this help me with August. Shows perhaps? I've been a spectator and not a participant with this one. The people doing it seem to be happy. It looks likes fun. Moving on....

I actually have been a participant in this one in the past and almost got certified before I got sick from ingesting dirty Lake Michigan harbor water. I have to start all over again. Art has taken over for now. Alas, I am a spectator until I ingratiate or find my way onto someone's boat. This does make me happy seeing the sailboats on the lake and in the harbor.

What REALLY makes me happy in August so far is seeing my new work in Flourish Studios. I love that I am starting over in a place called Flourish!

I dropped off a few mixed media pieces and bangles last Monday and they were on the floor when I stopped by briefly Friday night for an event. This is not the final display but they wanted to get them out and I am very happy. I will write more about them in a future post. Talk about a feel good place!

I am waiting to hear about getting in a gallery soon and working on new pieces and prospects. There are only sixteen days left in August. A lot can still happen so I'll just keep trying to find the happy.