Paying It Forward

I'm feeling the need to "pay it forward." Problem is that I'm not sure the best way to do it. Have you "paid it forward" in your life?? Do you have any suggestions?

For many many years, I have questioned how it came to be that Shreveport became my new home after Hurricane Katrina. The answer slowly came to light over the last six years. I am blessed to have found my way back to my art. Five years ago, I began to design jewelry. It was a great mental health outlet for me. It just so happened that people started "digging" on my creations. Three years ago, I picked up a paint brush and put it to a blank canvas. Believe it or not, I hadn't painted in eighteen years prior to that. Once again, people are liking my work. Now, I can't imagine not being able to paint.

So, I am pondering how to give back. Shall it be a free one day jewelry workshop for young girls? Maybe, finding a young adult interested in art. I can spend some time showing them how my creative process flows. I will have to think on it a bit more. I will figure it out sometime this year. It is important to me.

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Lucky as I hold the painting they just purchased!

True Blood Connection!

Over a year ago, I discovered a little bar named, "Lucky Liquor." Of course, I am late in my discovery. The bar has been in the area of town call, "the bottoms" for over 40 years. It's a local landmark. The bar is shown in the opening credits of the HBO series, "True Blood." They have also filmed a few scenes inside.

In my quest to paint local Shreveport history, I decided this would be a good place to start. About six months ago, I decided to display the painting while doing the Farmer's Market. As luck will have it, Mr. and Mrs. Lucky visited my booth. Yes, their last name is Lucky. The painting was a two fold purchase for them. It bared their name and they are fans of the Ture Blood series. It's little moments like this that makes an artist smile!

The Quintessential Creole Lady!

Posed, shiek and elegant all rolled into one descibes this picture of Dianne Honore! When she posted the photo taken in the Historical Treme' neighborhood, it spoke to me. I had to capture it on canvas!! So far the reviews of it have been good. Let me know what you think!

I have decided to do something different and sell numbered prints for this one. Only 50 will be printed. The original may go to a good home for only $75.00. The prints will be matted, numbered with orignial signature for $26.00!!

Look for it to be added to my Etsy site soon. You can find me under NEWORLEANSLADY85!!

Such A Great Feeling

Recently, I made a quick visit home to New Orleans. I had the chance to visit with a very dear friend at her home. As we sat, chatted and did a bit of catching up, my eyes wondered around the room. I became over joyed with what my eyes saw. She had three of my originals hanging in her home. I had forgotten she purchased them. It reminded me that she was actually my first customer that commissioned me to paint a painting.

As I expressed my excitement, she directed me to her hall to see the invitation from my first show that she has matted and framed. My friend then drew my attention to the print I had given her for her birthday that is also matted, framed and hung!!! Such love!! It made me feel real good that my friend has my works all over her house!! The love and support of friends are unmeasurable!!!!!

Saturday Mornings!

Saturday is my favorite day of the week! When I open my eyes on a Saturday morning, it seems the possibilities are endless!! The work week is done and it's my play day!! When I lived on the Gulf Coast, it meant we could take a day trip to the beach in Mississippi! Now, it may be a day trip to Dallas.

I lay in bed early on a Saturday morning and decide how I want my "play day" to go! Will I jump right into making a new jewelry design or will I splatter some brightly colored paint on a canvas! Maybe, it's a day to get out and go to a few favorite stores I like. It could be a day I get in the Kitchen and create an extra fabulous meal for my family! Whatever my spur of the moment decision is, trust me, I will be enjoying my glorious Saturday to the fullest!!!

Don't just exist in this world, live life to the fullest! Life is a gift, enjoy it!!!

Happy Happy Saturday!!

Get Organized!!

<><><><><><>

<>

<><><><><><>

Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new!! I decided my studio/workshop was cluttered, messy and unorganized. Once that revaluation came to me, I took on the BIG challenge to take a step and get the chaos under control. After 10 minutes into the job, I came to the realization that it was a bigger job then I thought. Was I up to the challenge? I wasn't sure. First thought was to toss it all in a box and call it a day!! It occurred to me that many of us manage our lives this way. We let stuff build and build until we have no choice but to take immediate action. By that time, it's so overwhelming that we want to shut the door and lock it. Whether it's emotional, physical or financial, we have all done this at some point in our lives. I'm not a quitter, I dug my heels in and handled my business!!! Once the job was complete, I was proud of the out come. The total job took almost 8 hours. It was difficult. A few times, I almost decided to stop and finish it on another day. I knew that was really not an option. So, as we do in life, I pushed on until it was done. I asked myself why did I let it get so bad! Yes, I practically have two full time jobs and I'm on multiple art related boards, but that's no excuse. We have a tendency to let our lives get way out of control before taking action. This usually causes more pain, money and time that wouldn't not have been required had we stayed on top of what we should be doing!!! I challenge you to find an area of your life that YOU have let get out of control.The new year is here. Get a new attitude and take control!! Get empowered, make a change in your life! It could be small or huge. I promise, you will be proud of yourself for following the plan. You will pat yourself on the back once you step back and see how well it turned out!!