I love the color orange.

One day while visiting my mom, we decided to go on a "Yarn Crawl." If ya'll don't know what that is, then you obviously aren't a fiber artist! Anyway, a region or area will have deals at all the specialty yarn stores. You can go from store to store gathering new projects, drinking wine, chatting with others, and generally having a fine time. I'm not much of a knitter or crocheter, but I do love a good yarn project over the holidays -- something about the colder weather and having the warm yarn draped over your lap while you watch some good movies and drink hot tea...but, I digress.

Much to my delight, as we approached this little shop in Dripping Springs, TX (yep, that's right - Dripping Springs), I came upon this beauty of an orange flowering plant growing prolifically in a parking lot planter in front of the store. I must have spent 10 minutes taking pictures with my cell phone! Not only were the flowers beautiful -- and ORANGE! -- but there were literally hundreds of bees walking all over each other to get the best pollen from each blossom. It was quite a site, and I got some interesting shots (much to the annoyance of my poor mom who gave up on me long before I was done taking shots and went on into the yarn store).

I did get a yarn project after all, and maybe, just maybe, it will be finished next year.

Here are a few parting thoughts:

Knitters know how to have fun.

Bees are awesome, and really, not to be feared (just don't sit on one -- and, yes, that is the voice of experience).

If you've never been to Dripping Springs, maybe you should check it out someday!

You never know when a project inspiration will strike -- thank heavens for cell phone cameras!

I achieved one of my New Year's goals in record time! Artist website -- done, box checked, and on the 4th day of January to boot! I am feeling very smug and quite accomplished.

Now on to the next step: I need to get a handle on the marketing strategies to direct more people to my new website (part and parcel to the goal of establishing sales through a strong website).

Arriving at this point in 2018, working to become a successful artist, has been quite a journey. In 2013, I decided to retire from the US Air Force, leaving me in my early 40's with no idea what I wanted to do with my life! I tried corporate America for a year, and was chewed up and spit out like so many other retired military professionals (too many years of irrelevant experience, too much or too little education, maybe the right experience/wrong degree, or vice versa). Nonetheless, I found it to be far too cutthroat. 

After some deep thought, and some talks with experienced relatives, I decided to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. It required downsizing the house, and making some serious financial sacrifices. After 2 semesters, I knew without a doubt that I was headed down the wrong path. However, with no other plans, I trudged forward. I had enrolled in my third semester, and one of the required classes was Drawing 1. Much to my surprise, I thrived in the class. Who knew after all these years that I could actually draw?! With the patient guidance, and open encouragement of my drawing professor, I grew rapidly in my skill set, and exponentially in my desire to keep learning. 

I am completely blown away at how fast 2 years have passed, with classes in drawing, painting, design, and now art metals to keep my active mind and creative spirit busy and occupied.

I will write out my goals for my art business, put them where I can see them every day and track my progress.

I hope you all have strong goals for 2018 -- I can't wait to see what we can all do with our talent, hard work, and determination.