The New Year 2012 The Meaning

~ Janet from another Planet ~

I see life as a dance.  Does a dance have to have a meaning?  You’re dancing because you enjoy it, Life just exists through ordinary things.  Through cooking, and small talk, storytelling, fishing, tending animals and fruit, flowers, music, books, raising kids, art gardens, campfires, water gardens, sewing … and on and on ….

Life is about moving, it’s about change and when things top doing that , that’s when they’re dead.  We are alive to it’s fullest so that Death is just another chapter in life.

Memories of our lives, our art our works and deeds will continue in others. 

“A person First Starts to live when he can live outside of himself”

Albert Einstein.

Life is a great big gift…. Open it slowly…  breakable.

Thoughts from Janet

One Week before Christmas 2011

This year has gone by so fast, hope i can get with it and keep my blog updated this year lots in the works. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas , if your in Lake City next week I am having a 50% off sale on everything in my area so there are a few really nice pieces of artwork if you would like a unique gift or add to your collection .  Thought i would put this picture up it is not in the shop but I did enjoy painting these birds.

When we come to the edge of the light we must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe one of two things, Either we will find something firm to stand on or we will be taught to fly.....

Early Sunday morning, have been absent from my blog.  Have been in the process of moving back into my home in Madison. What a workout that was and still is, always takes time to get everything in its place.  Have been having paint classes in Lake City at Amygene's Embroidery Shop, where I rent a little studio, 216 SW Main Blvd. Lake City, FL. All while hitting as many shows as I can, this artist life is not easy but it sure is rewarding.  Getting ready now for Paulding Meadows Art & Crafts Festival in Dallas, Georgia. That is Sept. 10th and 11th, oh the months are flying by.

some photos of my home in Madison, Fl

This Window is on of my fav.

Books and more Books



Happiness

     Today I am at work in my studio.  I have been thinking, meditating, on the word HAPPINESS.  The word seems to pop up everywhere I look; magazines, books, calendars, artwork.  Happy has always been a favorite word of mine.  To say the word "happy" just makes me happy!  Happy, happy, happy!  
     I read a book the other day, Happiness Is a Choice.  I wanted to create something that has to do with happiness.  So I just thought of painting the word.  It seems to say it all!

"Just do what must be done.  This may not be happiness, but it is greatness"  -George Bernard

"Happiness is a by-product of an effort to make someone else happy"  -Greta Brooker Palmer

"If you want happiness for an hour- take a nap.  If you want happiness for a day- go fishing.  If you want happiness for a month- get married.  If you want happiness for a year-  inherit a fortune.  If you want happiness for a lifetime- help someone else."  -Chinese proverb

I just spent a weekend in Savannah at an art show.  For those of you who have never been to Savannah, it's beautiful!  I would encourage you to go visit.    

I painted a lot of ocean items for this show.  But of course had to take the roosters.

MIA: Why you haven't heard from me...

      Anyone who personally knows me knows that I am very technically challenged!!  So how do I manage a blog??  I'll let you in on a little secret....my daughter, Joy (Hi!), is in charge of the blog.  I give her photos and things that I have written and she magically makes in appear on the blog!  For those of you who don't know her, she is a CPA and is a little swamped at work right now!  Hence the no postings!  With April right around the corner we will definitely pick up on the posting.
     Thanks for your patience!!

Interview with Suwannee Valley Times

Check out my interview with the Suwannee Valley Times- "A Day in The Life"

Flamingos

After painting and making snowmen, angels, and santas for months I decided to paint something to show my Florida roots.  What's more Floridian than Flamingos!  These were definitely fun to paint. 

Homemade Wreaths

   For those of you that don't know, Creativity runs in the family.  Most of my children are artistic or creative in one way or another.  One is a painter, like me.  All of my daughters love to decorate.  One child loves to draw.  One's an accountant- that takes creativity, right? 
   These are wreaths that were made by two of my daughters.

Who said decorating had to be expensive?!?

To Brighten Your Day a Little

After making thousands of Santa's (or at least it feels like thousands), I took a little break and painted some beautiful flowers!  These will definitely brighten your day.  I have had several inquiries about these windows as Christmas gifts (men:  listen up).  If you mentioned you saw them on my blog you can have your choice for $89.00.

Something about this window makes me smile.  You just look at it and feel happy! 

This window would be beautiful in a Southern-Country style home. 

The colors are very calming.

 

It's Time to Start Decorating for Christmas

   I have been spending a lot of my time working on Christmas items.  My up-cycled, vintage Santa's are made from old quilts, curtains, tablecloths, and other fabrics.  They're then accessorized with vintage pins, broaches, ornaments, and other treasures.
   They can also be custom ordered using your choice of fabrics or colors.

Upcoming show

I'll be in downtown Gainesville, FL this weekend for an art show. 

Come out and see all the great art and enjoy the weekend!

There will be a free blues concert on Friday night at 7 p.m. 

at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza.

For more information:  www.gvlculturalaffairs.org

River Art

What I've Been Working On Lately