Most Beautiful

Last Wednesday we had the most beautiful snow of the season.  It started pouring about 9:30 in the morning, and by 2pm everything was covered --- the trees, the roads, the grass ... everything.  It was SO pretty.  And it wasn't cold enough to last very long so it's already gone from the trees and the like.  But we do still have snow on the ground.  I guess we will get to see the ground in a month or two.  Looks like we are expecting more snowy weather next week. Oh, awesome! :-/

In the most recent news from Elk Park, there is very little!  We are still in the waiting cycle to hear the final word on Paul's prospective job.  We know "it is what it is" ... no matter what that turns out to be. But I must admit the waiting game is a bit frustrating and I am not nearly as patient as my sweet Paul is.

I think I've mentioned the 10k coming up, so we spent time at the gym, working on our walking/running ability and times.  Paul is a machine while I remain a wimp.  Perfect!

We had a lovely pottery class on Friday.  Patti always makes the class a perfect end to the week, no matter how grueling the week has been.  Thank you Patti!  Paul's alligator is in the kiln, along with the elephant, and his kayak.  My bowl and platter are in there.  Can't wait to see how they all come out.  Such a fun little adventure game!

Yesterday we attended a service for Charles' grandfather (Edd Green) who was laid to rest in the Green family cemetery.  As is the custom here in the mountains, the palbearers (which Paul was one of) covered the grave after the service.  It is done as an honor to the deceased, rather than some cold machinery covering them, they are covered with respect and kindness.  The cemetery is up on a beautiful hillside of the property which he owned.  As the grave was being filled, I stood by a HUGE tree and marveled at how beautiful the day was (50 degrees, for starters!) with a gorgeous blue sky and a still kind of peaceful reflection time.  It seemed like a perfect day to be laid to eternal rest.  As the Rev. said, we (humans) don't really understand death, but God does.  It struck me (up there on that gorgeous hillside) how it all comes down to just YOU, no matter what your life had materially in it, when it's all said and done, none of that matters.  You are set to rest with just your own self.  Hmmm... (The Rev. was right, death is confusing and it makes my head hurt).

We send blessings to Charles, who will sorely miss his grandpa.  We send blessings to his mom, Donna who will surely miss her precious daddy; and to Charles' dad, Terry, who will also very much miss his father-in-law.  And of course, to the rest of the family and friends.

Today I am hoping to finally get all the Christmas decorations off of the dining room table and tucked back into the attic until next time.  It is supposed to be 50 degrees today! Should be warm enough in the house to make that possible. YAY! I might even be able to vacuum without freezing ... life is good!

So, Shannon and I have chosen several art shows to apply to and hopefully get entered into.  Today I will also make sure all the applications are complete and ready to mail tomorrow morning, bright and early.  It's going to be a great day!

Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday!  Wishing you a PERFECT week!

Cheers!

Paul & Cheri

Maniacal ...totally

I know I haven't posted often lately ... I know it in my heart and I know it because it is being mentioned here and there ... ahem .....

Let me update the situation ...

I have been working/playing at The Rusted Periwinkle.  The pictures above are of the store, which we actually call "the shoppe"!  It is located in Elk Park on lower street where Sherry Holden used to have Mother Nature's, and now is occupied by Tammy Brinkley's The Rusted Periwinkle/Periwinkle Pass Studio.  Tammy is an incredibly gifted mixed media artist and has been very generous in guiding me in my art biz start up and letting me work with her (and for her) at the shoppe.  She has been the BEST inspiration for which I am deeply grateful.  Indeed! (please do yourself a favor and check out her beautiful work at http://www.periwinklepass.com/).

SO ... there lies another clue to why I've been busy.  I am trying with all my might/energy/blessings/imagination/creativity/determination to set up a new blog, etsy store, website, financial plan, business plan, art show schedule and actual art to sell.  It's been busy.  I have a contract for a new Fine Arts Gallery in High Point, NC (Upstairs Gallery) to open March 1.  (enter fear - yikes ...)  More information following ...

Shannon and I are also working on the Clayzaics show schedule, the inventory needs, the show booth necessities and etc.  Good grief! Planning has taken on an entire new meaning!  And requires more hours in the day ... more energy in the hours ... and more mind power than normal.  always unpredictable for me)

And Paul had is pre-employment physical today.  When all the tests are cleared for take off, employment will commence.  At that time I will reveal the company etc.  We are praying (at least I am!) for expedience in this test processing.  Reserves are exhausted and gainful employment will be ever so helpful now, and we will be ever so GRATEFUL!  Of course, we already are grateful .. so more of the same ... only better :-)

Nina is coming to town in March so she and her dad can run the 10k race (Chasing Snakes) for the family homeless shelters in Johnson City, TN.  I put the kibosh on "I'll just show up and run" for Paul, so he and I are going to the gym and working in some walking/running time for training.  It's lovely to work out again.  Wonder what in the world took me so long?  Nice to have a workout buddy, I must say.  I don't  really think Paul is as excited about it as I am, but it's been nice to enjoy the endorphins again.

The cats are learning to co-habitate, but they do not like it much.  Artemis lives for the moments when Sulu goes outside for his morning romp.  Sulu lives for those moments as well, come to think of it.  Spartacus just rules the roost and is well happy unless someone goes for his food - or his mom.  We're still working on harmony.  Spring will be welcomed, for lots of reasons!

Our friend Joe Williams, who was Mr. England in the 70's, will be having his birthday on the 29th.  Joe dear, we wish you a mighty fine birthday!  Cheers, mate!
My dear friend Joanie Stewart is having a birthday on the 30th.  Joanie is the Artistic Director of the Suwanee Ballet Theatre in Cumming, GA.  We have known each other through thick and thin, richer and poorer, lost and found choreography, broken spirits, battered ballet slippers, broken hearts and sweet celebrations of life.  Joanie, happiest of birthdays, sweet lady.  And many blessings to you and yours!

also, my cousin, Georga, who lives in Brooklyn is celebrating her birthday on the 31st.  Georga was one of my six cousins I knew, but she was by far my closest cousin.  We were, after all, the only girls in the bunch and had to stick together.  Also, we were both theater people, and Georga has made a life long career out of acting and teaching children about acting.  Happy Birthday, sweet Georga.  Much love!

So, as we anticipate some more beautiful snow tomorrow, I leave you with good thoughts, sweet blessings and lots of good wishes for a happy adventure through life.

Cheers!

Paul & Cheri

Hello World!

29 years ago today this young man was born!  He came in to this world around noon.  And he's been making his presence know ever since!  Jon Adams.  I love you, honey.  Happy Birthday to you.

And Jon, wishes for many, many more Happy Birthdays to come! Hope all those birthday wishes come true!

Additionally in birthday land, Charles celebrated his birthday on Monday. Happy Birthday, Charles!

As I told you, we are taking a pottery class on Fridays. So here, as proof, is Paul doing his thing in class.

And just to widen the view a bit, here is Paul entertaining the teacher and our sweet friend, Patti.  Patti generously volunteers her time at the senior center where we take our class.  Great FUN!  Patti is a real time potter.  She and her husband, Dan can be found here:  http://www.linvilleriverpottery.com/. Her work is exquisite! Check her out!

 And here is what Paul came up with last week during class --- an alligator!  You just never know what he's going to come up with!  Paul asked Patti why she wasn't making any suggestions to which she replied she'd never had any alligator making experience and then she says to him, "I got nothing", which puts it all in perspective for the way I often feel when dealing with instruction and help for our Paul! 

This is a beautiful and stunning view from Mark & Janine's crow's nest a top Buck Mountain.  There has been so much snow I'm not sure it'll ever thaw.  But meanwhile we just try to appreciate the beauty it adds to our world!

Do hope all of you are having a beautiful world.

Short and sweet today - still working on the art blog, art website, etsy, etc., etc.

Could use some luck and extra hours in the day!

Happy Trails!

Paul & Cheri

Perspective ...

I know January is going to be snowy and cold (11 inches worth Sunday high about 10 degrees).

I know there is a perfect hill to sled/snow board on in our backyard when it snows like this.

I know the views are breath-taking and the peace it generates is magnificent and oh, SO good for the soul.

I know there will be more snow to come THIS WEEK! (oh boy) copious amounts ... another foot or so.

And I know the snow will eventually topple over this poor little bird bath.

But I always keep hoping spring will be here next week.  We were promised by the woolly worms AND the Almanac that our winter would be mild.  They said early winter (Nov/Dec) would be harsh and late winter (Mar/Apr) would be harsh, but the majority of the winter was supposed to be mild. Well, that prediction turns out to be incorrect! I, for one, am tired of being cold, of spending unbelievable amounts of money for propane and electricity, and poor Paul's lower back from gathering wood is mostly just broken!    B U T, let me be perfectly clear on this point, we are GRATEFUL to the brim of our gratitude vessel to have the option to buy propane and electricity, to have wood to gather and to have a stove to fire the wood up in!  We are deliriously content with our home, our lives and our love.  Sometimes it is just a good idea to gather your perspective and realign things.  There!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Yesterday was our niece, Sara's birthday.  Happy Birthday Sara!!!!

*I've been given a challenge to open my Etsy shop by Friday.  I suppose you won't hear from me until Friday (or Saturday) as I am going to be working on the art biz set-up.  However, I would appreciate any good thoughts you might have just sitting around!  I'm a bit of a nervous Nelly trying to get my head wrapped around all of this and get it done, be in the moment, and carry on with all those pieces of art I have in my head!  It's all so very exciting, invigorating and scary as any unknown territory is!  Big BREATH!

*Paul has been working on his pottery elephant!  He is quite good (don't tell him I said that) and I'm always very impressed with his art work.  Smarty pants! (I'll post a photo when it gets finished)

Until we meet again . . .

Stay warm, dry and keep your perspective in check!

Many blessings to you all,

P and C

Today

 Christian, the rock star

 Christian the snow boarder

Christian, the sled monster!

Warning: these pics have nothing whatsoever to do with this post!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paul & I took a pottery class at the senior center from our sweet friend Patti.  It was great fun! Paul began work on an elephant tea pot --- or something elephant!  I made some mosaic tiles ... I hope. I cut them out, we'll see how it  goes! It was such fun, it doesn't matter.  Thanks, Patti.  We had a great morning!

Then, we all went to a memorial service for a 26 year old woman who passed away New Year's eve/day.  We have a core group of adults that get together for things like solstice parties, 4th of July celebrations, and the like.  Tony and Cindy out of that group are the parents of Jessica, who passed away.  Our hearts are just broken for them.  Watching the room filled with people struggle with grief was one of the most wretched feelings I can remember experiencing since last spring when we attended a different (yet similar) service for another young woman, Eleanor who passed away.  Her parents are Barbara & Ellis, also in our celebratory group.  What are the odds that in a group of 20 or so adults, 2 sets of parents would lose an adult child?  Losing a child always goes against the grain of the way things are supposed to play out.  It seems so absolutely unforgivable ... and yet to whom do you offer the "I will never forgive you" curse to?  Grief is SUCH a raw emotion, and so very hard to understand how to process.  Most of us have had the unfortunate opportunity to experience the raw feelings.  Most of us struggle with processing grief for the duration.  I wish for these two families more love and support than they ever knew was possible.  I wish the same for anyone and everyone dealing with grief. Blessings to you all.

It seemed appropriate today for the snow to fall ... and fall and fall and fall.  It cleanses the air.  It's quiet and peaceful.  It's beautiful.  And it's beyond comprehension ... just like the subject at hand.

So I leave you with this, which I am always saying anyway.  Enjoy your life. Love with your whole heart.  Laugh with all your might.  Never miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.  Love life.  It's amazing, precious and you just never know when it's over.

Blessings to all,

Cheri (I'm not signing Paul's name b/c these are my personal ramblings, but he wishes you all blessings too!  Along with a cuppa tea from his elephant tea pot when it is built :-) )

And the New Year begins ...

 People with my DNA (l-r, my daughter Jennifer, her son Christian, my son Jon, his sons Austin and Cade)

The three amigos, (l-r) Austin, Cade and Christian

My hippie Nutcracker, as promised. Thanks, Beckye! We love him!  Even my grandson Christian thought he was a perfect Nutcracker for our collection :-)

 I've been making lots of fabric journals with creative art insides.  They are FUN to make and pretty cool, if I do say so myself.  Tammy Brinkley's beautiful art is on the cover ... you can view her art at the http://www.periwinklepass.com/ website.  She is brilliant!

This is the commission I was working on.  I LOVE the way it finished up! It's for a little boy and was so much fun to make! I loved doing this piece because of it being for a child. Something very new and different for me!

There are lots of new beginnings for us this year.  I will be kicking off a new blog for my art this week if all goes as planned and will explain there some of the new endeavors.  Some very cool and exciting stuff!

Paul is in the interviewing process for a new and exciting opportunity.

We have so many blessings to count!

Stay tuned for more!

And once again, to one and all,

Happy New Year.

Blessings to everyone!

Paul and Cheri

December 30th

I've been trying to think about all the birthdays I've had up to this point! My parents (momma mostly) always made sure we knew we were special on our birthdays.  Our dad spoiled us monetarily, and our mom spoiled us with breakfast in bed, pancakes for dinner, birthday cake and ice cream, stuff like that.  There were parties some years, and because my birthday is at Christmas time, there was always an air of celebration bigger than a birthday deserved!  I guess that feeling has always been with me because on the morning of  December 30th I always wake up refreshed, happy, adventurous and a little spunkier than normal!  I have always been blessed.  I have always been able to see the glass half full.  I must've been born under a lucky star because I know my parents grew the seed of positivity and love inside me when I was a child so that I might have this special life to celebrate each day and give thanks for it every December 30th. 

When I woke up this morning I was reminded of another BIG reason to celebrate love in my life - Paul.  I am humbled and grateful, amazed and overwhelmed. When I picked up my phone, my email/facebook messages had been working overtime receiving the sweetest lovely birthday greetings from my friends and family.  My heart is filled with warmth and joy and my eyes are filled with tears.  And mostly I am speechless ~ believe it or not!

I just wanted to say thank you.  And to remind you all to celebrate! Life is good!  I am so blessed and I do so hope you are too!

Many thanks,

Cheri

Boxing Day Blizzard ...

Yep - another blizzard day.  We've got LOTS of snow outside and are expecting it to continue falling until Tuesday according to latest report.  Oh boy! It is honestly beautiful outside.  The snow has draped everything!  And I do love spending time with Paul so it's working so far.  But I can feel cabin fever setting in.  I'll surely be mildly insane by Tuesday.  Paul's mum hand made us this beautiful blue throw for Christmas, among other wonderfully warm clothing.  THANK YOU, Mum!

Snow in copious amounts makes me want to sleep ... a lot.  I also make LOTS of trips to the fridge ... and back to the den.  It's been a typical, wonderful winter wonderland ... and all the things that go with it!

 This was Paul on Christmas morning ... had his Christmas cracker crown on.  We do have a good time!  None of the kids could get up here because of the weather ... so we're still holding on to lots of presents to give out to the grandsons...if we ever get out of this snow!

Look at all of these presents!  We had a great time unwrapping and discovering our treasures!

Here's one of my treasures! I've ALWAYS wanted a photo of Albert Einstein (one of my big heros).  Turns out Paul is a GREAT listener!  Who knew!?!

Christmas eve game night with Janine & Mark.  We played Trivial Pursuit 80's.  We were NOT good! But we had GREAT fun and consumed plenty of spirits.  Great friends and a great time!



Snow makes this guy want to sleep too! And he finds some interesting places to nap.  There is still not a happy family vib between all the kitties, but we're working on it!

Hope you have all had a wonderful Boxing Day!

Looking forward to wishing you a Happy New Year too!

Stay warm and stay safe!

Paul & Cheri

One week until Christmas ... almost!

The Happiest Christmas Tree --- wired to the ceiling so Sulu can't pull it down while he picks the ornaments off!  It looks beautiful in the evening with the lights and the crystal.  I love sitting in the living room and just staring at the tree.  It's peaceful and creative thought producing.  It's a gift from mother nature.  Beautiful and happy ... and lovely.

The growing Mr. Sulu.  He has provided plenty of giggles for Paul and I.  He drags things around the house and stashes them in his treasure trove under a chair in the den.  Tonight he came through dragging one of my scarves that was about 4 feet long.  I thought it was a snake! Spartacus was intrigued!  So entertaining!  He's moved it around several times.  It must be hard work but he's invested in it being his.  It is FUN to have a kitten around again.  :-)

These guys are not too sure about how fun having a kitten around is!  But they are slowly adjusting to having to deal with it anyway!
I have been blessed with a mosaic/multi media commission piece.  (whoo hoo!)  We have been enduring some mighty cold weather.  Last week the temperature was in single digits so I had to work in the kitchen where the warmth from the wood stove would dry the adhesive on the tiles and the grout.  Artemis decided to help me.  I sat in the chair opposite where these guys are sitting and worked for a couple of days.  They basically stayed right where you see them while I worked.  I think Artemis was my guardian creative angel ...  and Spartacus was our resident napper.  At least someone was getting some rest!

This is Paul's Nutcracker tree.  We put it up when the rest of the house gets decorated each year.  This year we decorated with gumption because we had the Solstice Celebration here.  The house really does look nice and warm, and FESTIVE!  We had a very good time at the Solstice Party.   And, it really feels like Christmas with all the snow ... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas".   There is a light dusting from this morning's precipitation.  Nothing big, but enough to make it feel right for the season.

Our Nutcracker collection.  Our friend Beckye has given us a "hippie" to add to our collection which is missing from this photo.  I'll try to get that photo added before the end of the season.  He's very "Paul and Cheri" appropriate. :-)

Our nativity set that I've had for years and years.  And it's still all together!

The Entertainer ... he's a hunter.  He loves to hide behind things and jump out to surprise you.  Or jump you, if you're another cat!  So funny ... great photo ops! 

The beginning of the commission piece - 24" x 40".  Will show the final later this week.   I'm very excited about this piece.  It's for a little boy - a bulletin board.  It's FUN to do because it's happy and whimsical!

Paul used his ingenuity and had our beer on snow in a wheelbarrow this time instead of our normal wash tub of ice.  Lots of beer still left --- please drop by and have one or two!  Besides, 'tis the season and we want to visit with everyone!  You can stop by and NOT have a beer if you wish! 

Solstice Fiesta in progress!  Ole!  Don't you just love the party hats?

The Kress Sisters, Meghan and Jennie -so GOOD to see them!  They're both in school AND working.  We felt very special having them for a few hours.

Two very lovely women right here! On the left, Beth, on the right is Patti Conner Greene.  Beth is the co-hostess of the Solstice Celebration.  She made some absolutely DELICIOUS homemade pork tamales rolled in fresh corn husks! She also created a gorgeous fresh swag of seasonal greenery for our dining room doorway and a lovely table spray.  She said she wasn't "feeling it" and was bummed about her lack of energy for it.  Just for the record, her arrangements are BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you Beth!  In her professional life Beth is a CNA and cares for and nurtures sick and home bound adults.  She is a precious, giving, loving and a very special woman.  We love you Beth.  Happy Solstice.
Patti is an incredible potter, who I've mentioned many times here.  She is now volunteering her time at the senior center once a week teaching pottery.  After a little "fake i.d." scenario, I got to attend a class last week.  It was PHENOMENAL!  I had THE BEST time I've had in ages!  And it set the stage for my new endeavor of creative dreams coming true.  I learned how to make a bowl out of clay - it is drying now.  Can't wait to see what happens with it next!  Patti is involved with a collaborative effort with a couple of other potters whereby they are each making a piece of a tea pot (spout, handle, body, lid, etc), assembling them with a part from each artist into one teapot, firing them, glazing them, and putting them in a show!  It is most interesting and educational to watch this concept come in to fruition!  I have always been intrigued with collaboration work and would LOVE to find a group to play in.  PLEASE visit her website, her work is exquisite and gorgeous.  Patti and her husband Dan are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.  They are fun loving, practice adventure seeking regularly, and enjoy every breath they take.  Our kind of folks!  www.linvilleriverpottery.com  Oh, and while I was visiting the senior center for my class, who should appear but Santa Claus!  I was touched by how magical his presence was.  I was also touched by how I immediately felt like a little girl with stars in my eyes for this very friendly, happy, jolly man dressed in a red suit!  It was THE BEST time I've had in ages, did I mention that?  I LOVE the holidays because of the magic.  I so wish it could last all year long ... and I'm working on that!

A little look into the holiday celebration ... lots of spirits on the table!

The Mayan flavored feast! It was good. :-) Thank you to everyone who could join us in the flesh.  Thank you also to those of you who joined us in spirit.  There is a lunar eclipse on the horizon for us, as well as the winter solstice on Tuesday, the 21st.  Its a good time to re-evaluate what you do/don't want in your life, your future and your dreams and goals.  I'll be dedicated to declaring all that.  I hope we all have clarity to see and feel what we are seeking!  There was a moment during the party where I got to stand back and count all of the blessings I could see:
* a wonderful husband with a generous spirit and a loving heart
*wonderful friends - all around
*fabulous food and beverage
*a warm home with all the conveniences of modern living (electricity and such, big change from a teepee!)
*gorgeous representation of the magic of the season with gifts from Mother Nature like the giant beautiful tree and evergreen decorations, and the magic of snow
*art
*hope, dreams, joy, laughter, compassion, forgiveness, celebration and love
*A village of different personalities, talents, gifts, senses of humor, experiences, stories and energies
*F*A*I*T*H*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of my brother's passing.  I miss him every day.

My heart goes out to his wife and his daughter.  Mercy.

*Apparently Christmas is approaching very quickly!

Have you been good?

I leave you with my favorite picture from the holiday party ....

Chad (Jennie's husband) and Paul (my husband) male bonding ...

and notice the wooden tree in the background - a gift from Paul's daughter, Nina.

Hand cut and dressed up with lights! Perfect!

All good wishes for a wonderful week to everyone!

Paul & Cheri