Meld(t)ing Business

I've always enjoyed plays on words, and the idea for this entry hit me after I spoke with my business partner. I have been concerned about my lampwork jewelry business, and have been trying to stir up new accounts and ways to sell my art. One of the reasons I got out of the heat this summer was to be able to create new work in the hopes that it might increase my business. Once summer is over and I return to Phoenix, my other job will be busy, and I don't know that I will have the time to play and be creative, so I am "stockpiling" new designs now.
The approach I take to my business is different from most, however. Milissa reminded me that most of my business comes from the non-profit sector. I sell on a website called www.biddingforgood.com. This website is a clearing house for non-profits, and a buyer or contributor can go to that website and search for the non-profit of choice; or search for items to buy at auction, like jewelry, vacations, purses, etc. The profits go to the various charities running the auctions.
This conversation reminded me that though I love to make my beads, and really love to sell them, its all part of a bigger picture. I am trying to put myself out there, and let Karma do its work. I truly believe that what you give is returned to you. I am merely laying the groundwork for the rest of my life, and trusting that whatever positive energy I give will sometime be returned. Or, to put it another way, my whole life, love, work, business, is a "Pay It Forward" venture.
Even if the profit is not tangible, it is "banked". The interest compounding will benefit all.

Who knew I was tribal?

I knew that a change in my environment would have a profound effect not only on my outlook, health and life, but my art as well? I am making beads that I never would have imagined before coming here. I am a Pisces, a water sign, beach babe (well, sorta), fish - you get the picture. Now I am making beads in shades of green, orange, even burnt sienna! What happened to all the blues and teals and aquas and waves? I don't know where they went, maybe those colors felt out of their element and have been replaced by the colors and the history of the mountains.

Before I came here, I almost always gravitated towards beads with a water theme. My sand and surf beads have been my trademark, and my work had a very organic feel to it. Lately, however, I am making beads with a tribal theme and feel, deep greens and browns and reds, lots of dots and stripes, still organic but with a more ancient feel.

I like this new style, it is very mesmerizing working this way. The dots must be placed carefully, and all of my concentration is focused on the bead at hand. This method is good for the soul, like yoga. Focusing my concentration on one thing lets much of the emotional stuff I tend to carry around with me dissipate and fall away, leaving a more authentic self appear. I hope I can maintain this peace.

Flagstaff is

a lot like Florida in the summer. How so, you say? It has rained almost every afternoon at 3PM, just like Orlando. It's sometimes a hard, teeming rain, othertimes it just seems to "spit". It is a great way to break up the day, as in what should I do before the rain, or after.
Today I decided to make beads after the rain. I was a little tired, we hiked yesterday and "kinda-sorta" missed a turn-off, and that turned our hike into a little longer than we had planned, so I have been tired and achy since then, which really isn't a good combination when working with fire. I will be interested to find out what will come out of the kiln in the morning.
I was experimenting with form and shape, inspired by Heather's new career as a "Doula". What is a Doula? She assists during labor and delivery to try to make it as drug free as possible. It is a special calling, and I am sure Heather will be one of the best!