Tales to Tell and Work to Share and Photos Near the End...

Warning, this could get long, hehe....

There's been sooooooo much going on in our little world here, I hardly know where to start. I suppose I'll just do as the King said to the White Rabbit: "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

For starters, I've been dividing time between painting and doctor and hospital visits...

If you read here regularly, you know my husband John has had two major heart surgeries in less than two years. Well, that kind of invasive procedure - twice no less - can apparently wreak havoc with the heart's rhythm, which is just what happened; his heart rate at rest was far higher than what most people experience with vigorous aerobic exercise - YIKES! So after trying several meds to no avail, they decided to shock his heart. Like you see on TV, with the paddles. Just like a clock, they re-set it.

Scary, but I'm happy to say it worked, and John is on his way back to work this week. The doctor's recommendation was early next month, but he does feel better, and after a letter from his employer (a large corporation) saying they would no longer hold his position, he decided to go back tout de suite. Aren't big corporations wonderful?! Don't even get me started....

I've also had my own issues with an old ankle injury - well, three old injuries actually - which have left tendons and ligaments destroyed, and the recommendation is either surgery (with about a 50% chance of making it worse) or wear a brace for the rest of my life. Big fun, yes? On hearing the news, I had a good cry for about five minutes, then snapped out of it (remembering how blessed I am to be mobile at all) and decided I needed to lose weight and find a really cool cane. Which I did. Find a cane, that is. One with butterflies. (The weight loss will take just a wee bit longer I'm afraid.)

Do you suppose they make Halloween canes? Someone should paint one, don't you think? ;)

On the painting front, things are just AMAZING, with (as usual) more ideas spinning around in my brain than I know what to do with. The question is never "What to paint?", but "What to paint FIRST?!"

This one is listed on the PFATT Marketplace now, up for grabs to the first person to email me. Painting it made me want to abandon all thoughts of a diet and bake a batch of cupcakes instead, hehe....*UPDATE* - SOLD

And this one is up for grabs on eBay this evening at 9PM (eastern). I credit my black cat Merlin with inspiring it - he always wants to "help" me knit, haha...

Speaking of knitting, I've made so many scarves and wraps lately - yummy purples and pinks, deep charcoals, soft ivory....

I can't show you more than a peek because they're post-holiday gifts and the recipients read my blog. I'll share complete photos on Ravelry later, after I've gifted them.So warm and cuddly, and just the thing to keep me busy when we have movie night around here. Which reminds me, have you seen Julie and Julia? Loved it. :)

Oh! And I have two VERY exciting things to share. First, there's a new Marketplace opening soon, where I'll be offering one very special piece on the 31st of the month.

You can imagine a fanfare now - trumpets and flags, confetti and lights - TA-DAAAA!:

The EHAG Emporium!

I've been a member of this incredible group of Halloween artists for several years now, but this is our first foray into the world of blog sales. Kind of exciting because it gives collectors a chance to snag a one of a kind original without having to go through the bidding process on eBay. So stay tuned, and check the blog for updates, sneak peeks, etc.

The NEXT exciting thing I have to share is the 2010 Ghoultide Gathering!!

The date is set - Saturday, October 2, in Northville, Michigan. I'll be there with bells on (um, OK I'll be there with a new brace on) and I'm already giddy thinking of all the Halloween art goodies, meeting the other artists again, and MOST of all, meeting collectors (always the best part of any show!) So if you're planning a weekend getaway this fall, and you're withing striking distance, please do think about attending. I was reading last year that this one is fast becoming the country's premiere Halloween art show, and trust me, if you go, you'll see why. Truly amazing work, and truly amazing, supportive, FUN people. As the time gets closer, I'll post info on details, reasonable accommodations, and so on, so mark your calendar!

That's about it for now...Are you still with me, or did you fall asleep ages ago, hehe? Sometimes there's a little news and sometimes there's LOTS of news, and this was one of those times.

I'm off to make our very late dinner now - an extra spicy curry with basmati rice - yummmmm. I'll be back very soon with a peek at yet another piece - "Wicked Stitches"....

In the meantime, have a *magical* and creative week!!

♥ Carolee

"Seasons of the Witch"

As winter takes hold here in the northeast, my thoughts turn as they do every season, to the natural cycle of things; from warm days to hot, from cooler days to cold, from long days to short, so it goes year after year...

And so go our lives. From young to old, from learning to wisdom (hopefully), from birth to death, we're constantly changing, and growing in the process.

Tying these changes together - the earth's cycles and the cycle of our lives - is the inspiration behind this latest piece. I've called it "Seasons for the Witch" because it depicts the four seasons we experience each year along with the triple goddess archetype of Maiden, Mother and Crone (preceded here by Child for the purpose of tying the paintings together - call it artistic licence, hehe).

Like the seasons, the piece turns, allowing any and all sides to be displayed easily depending on the time of year or just personal preference. There are more photos on the eBay auction if you'd like to take a peek. I'll be adding "buy it now" options on the next few listings so as to give the opportunity for immediate shipping, and arrival before Christmas and Yule.

In other news, it's busier than Santa's workshop around here, but in a good way; lots of fun new pieces (a tea chest is up next!) and lots of carols and cookie baking and present making. This is the third year in a row we've committed to a hand made Christmas, and while it's a lot of work, it's also a lot of fun, and makes the day truly special.

Speaking of which, I have some knitting to do. Pockets, to be precise. But before I go, I'll leave you with a photo of my 2009 yarn share from Juniper Moon Farm, which arrived a few days ago. I ordered it dyed in this yummy mustard color, and I'm thinking I'll knit up a shawl or wrap, or possibly a hat and scarf - something to be worn against my black cape....

Gorgeous,yes?

So I'm off to knit, but I'll be back very soon with photos of a wicked cool tea chest. In the meantime, have a happy and creative week!

♥ Carolee