part 2 - sharing the love

okay - paint is drying and i have a few more minutes to post some more l-o-v-e... * Cal Patch is awesome. I own one of her shawls (made just for me!) and i keep it in protective covering away from shedding dogs and playful cats. she is such a sweet, gentle soul, and her chickens provide me with incredible feathers! * speaking of gentle, sweet souls, Jen Lee is like a wonderful caramel hot chocolate (made with real chocolate on the stove the way it should be). There are a ton of so-called life coaches out there, but Jen is not that...but she is, but not really. she gently helps you tease out the wayward threads of your life tapestry, till it is perfection. you will learn, and own, your life story. I recommend her as a friend, and also recommend her workshops. Something new is afloat at Jen's ...go see! * and speaking of Jen Lee - another one, sort of...Jennifer Lee of Right Brain Business Plan fame. simply put, her book changed.my.life. if you think you want to start a business, or plan to start a business, or have already started a business - her book is an absolute must. you have to have a business plan. you must. it's a plan for your business. and for right-brainers like me, the thought made me queasy. her book gave me that plan and it was fun & creative & painless. did i mention: you NEED a plan for your business? * Liz Kalloch & I met just once, but she struck me as such a grounded earth-mama type of person, that her essence stayed with me. talented designs (which i own one of!). i wonder if i could be that nice if i was that talented? hmmm... * my angelfriend Georgia is responsible for all this nonsense i call art! she believed in me when i didn't believe in myself as an artist...she insisted absolutely insisted that i introduce myself as ARTIST when i would just scruff a toe into the dust and say something deprecating about my craft. and it meant plenty & enough to me to hear her words - why? you may ask? well, because she is an amazing published poet, teacher, listener, life traveler, life overcomer, word painter and makes some damn good soup. Her latest book is actually a textbook to be used in schools to teach kids about poetry and history and themselves. all that in one book! i believe in her, and in her tireless ability. if you knew her, you would too. her house is crammed with artwork from some pretty famous, and some not-so-famous artists, and the whole big victorian funky house feels like home the minute you walk in. and never want to leave. oh - and she knits amazingly. * sometimes a website or blog will just captivate me with color and make me want to reach in the screen to touch & fondle. that is this site. Vineeta Vineeta - you are out to capture my mortgage money! beauty. * i did mention these were in no particular order, right? well if they were, this one would be first: Szozda Gallery. I have known Caroleena (my name for her) for a zillion years. she is more than a gallery owner - she is a true friend to her artists. she makes sure she knows Every.Single.Thing about the work she presents...the process, the materials, the story-behind-the-story, the artists themselves. She watches over her artists like a momma hen. her gallery is on the street level of the Delavan Center - an ancient former factory that now houses artist studios in 3 levels above. she makes sure the pricing is proper and that everyone who is hungry gets lunch. Also in the building is Reg. Life as we know it would cease if Reg ever took a day off. he is the kindest, smartest person - all wrapped up in a tattooed, gruff, hammer wielding package. you never doubt which side of his favor you are on. okay - the paint is dry....time to get back to work.