Open and Closed Doors

This is not about the drawing of the door, but I always like to use a visual. So, I decided to use my "Mysterious Door" in colored pencil drawing.

It's funny how doors (to change and opportunities) open and close and you don't understand why they close. Or if you should even take the open door. I truly believe that God has a plan for everyone and those doors open and close according to that plan. And even though I believe that, it is still hard to know which way to go and wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

I've had a lot of changes in my life over the last several years. Those changes have been, at times, a little scary too. I've had a lot of successes and a lot of disappointments, as does everyone. All of which I believe were part of 'the plan'.  I retired from teaching, two years ago, to pursue my art career. That has been a blessing for sure. Being able to work, at home, is perfect for me.  But being self-employed is a little scary too.

Recently the opportunity to move across the state came along.  We had been hoping to make that move for a couple of years now, but did not know if we would be able to. The door opened.  Every thing fell into place. So we moved. Even though it is what I/we wanted, I still wondered if it was the right thing to do. Was this in the plan?  I have to believe it is. But it is still scary.

Recently I applied for an Art Teaching job that is close by. I thought that maybe the plan was for me to teach for a year. So I applied. But the door closed and I didn't even get a call for an interview. Disappointed? Yes, but I'm sure that the door closed for a reason.  If I were teaching, I would be spread too thin. I would not be able to do what I love...work on my own art.

Then today, I saw a video made by a very successful person. He was talking about why he is so successful. Although this video was created over 2 years ago, it spoke to me.  He said "he was successful Only by the Grace of God." Because of his faith, he worked hard at that 'one' thing that made him successful.  He said not to spread yourself thin.

"Focus on one thing, make it your priority and stick with it no matter what."

Yes, I am quoting Tyler Perry. (See the video below) I really don't know much about Tyler Perry, except that he created the character Madea. He is funny, famous, successful. But I found these words spoke to me and what I've been struggling with. I found him to be an inspiration. I need to water the seeds that I have. Not keep planting more. Yes, it is scary, but I have to have faith and believe. 

Gotta go water my seeds.

Beth♥

Here is the video. Enjoy.

Preparations for an Art Festival

My Art Festival booth has evolved quite a bit since the first event we participated in. The first show that we went to (see it here), our booth was pretty sad looking, looking back, it's pretty embarrassing. It was our first show and didn't really know if it was something we wanted to invest a lot of money in. I had no clue how my things would sell.
By the fourth show we did (see it here), I think the booth looked much better.  But it is still evolving. Our next show is going to be inside a large tent. So far, all of the shows that we have participated in were outdoor shows, in our own individual tent.  This fall we will be going to a new (to us) show, that is outdoors, but we will be under a large tent with other vendors.

We are reworking our booth some to fit in the space and changing up some of our display furniture. We are going with white and turquoise on the furniture displays, which matches the table cloths and curtains.  The tall cabinet was just a stained wood cabinet when my husband found it on Craigslist.  He painted it white and added the blue door knob.  It is perfect for my little bowls and houses to display, both in my art festival booth and in my art studio. It is doing double duty!

Thanks to my Assistant, Sam...my new sign is turquoise with the black chalkboard. This is an old classroom/child's chalkboard easel that we found at a vintage store in Fayetteville. It was also just plain wood before my Assistant (hubby) took it apart and repainted it to match my color scheme.  I wanted one side of it to be a magnetic white board, but we haven't found a magnetic white board to fit. We painted it with a magnetic paint, but that did not work. (Save your money, don't use the magnetic paint!)  So, for now, it is going to be a chalkboard on both sides. I will draw or paint my sign on it for the show.

We are still trying to figure out a new way to hang our backdrop (curtains).  My trusty assistant (my hubby) has been working hard getting these new pieces ready for the show. I think when we get it all together, it will look good and hopefully be a good showcase to display all of my art...both clay and paintings.

More updates to come!

Beth♥