There is Rapture at the Lonely Shore

There is Rapture at the Lonely Shore
digtial/photo art

I have been working really really hard on completely revamping my website, Nine Acres Designs, LLC. It had to be done. I had not given it an overhaul in a million years...ok, maybe 2 years, but it felt like a million. It no longer reflected who I am as an artist. I've rewritten my bio, changed up the navigation and landing page, added new artwork, and am still working on a function where you will be able to buy prints directly from me. I will let you know when that is up and running. I have created a guestbook there so if you are so inclined, please visit the site, then click on the guestbook and tell me what you think! I would love to hear from you.

There is no place quite like a lonely shore. Being on the water's edge, listening to the sounds of nature, and having no other human in sight is a special healing experience for me. Being a homeschool mom of my two youngest, a mom of two teens, and battling a chronic illness, I need quite the refueling and I am not ashamed to say it. Alone time is incredibly important for my well being and sanity. In this image, I love the "No Trespassing" sign on the pier because to me it symbolizes for all others to stay out during my meditation time. No one is allowed to trespass into my thoughts or time when I am alone.

Of course, that is easier said than done, as all mother's and wives know. But, I have this beautiful image to remind me that I am totally worth a portion of my day all to myself. And so are you.

What situation or place brings you peace and clarity? Where does your soul get reenergized and refueled? Tell me your secrets to keeping your sanity...

Have a wonderful start to the week.

xo

Working, Working, Working

As seen on a recent trip to New York City

I was happy to be able to take a quick trip to Lynchburg this past weekend to visit my mom. I hate that she lives so far away, especially now that she is alone after my father passed away in June of 2014. I keep trying to convince her to move back north near me, my brother, and her sister, but so far she seems content to stay put. It was good to leave work and homeschooling behind for a while and just relax and spend quality time with her.

I took advantage of the long 5 hour ride home yesterday to type out the article I had to write for my feature in Artful Blogging. I was nervous that the theme of my article wouldn't be what they were looking for. The editor was pretty open as far as topics on which I could write in her initial letter to me, so it really was wide open. I ended up with 848 words (in an 850 word limit). To me it wasn't difficult because as I have been told by my family and others, I can be wordy. :) I sent the article off to the editor yesterday and I received notification today that it was received and approved! I previously sent them 15 high resolution images of my work and that was approved as well. I am so glad I finished way before the August 3 deadline. The magazine hits newsstands on November 1, so be sure to check it out!

Now that I am finished with that opportunity, I need to focus on my featured artist show coming up in the month of October and get some work printed and framed for that. I am currently working on getting model releases and deciding which work I will be putting out there. I am hoping to pair up with a local Lyme support group to raise money for Lyme awareness and Lyme support. I want to give back to the community a portion of the proceeds I make from this art exhibition.

In addition to preparing for the show, I have to get ready to teach Photography to 18 middle and high school Homeschool students. Starting in September I will be teaching a class once a week until May. I am very much looking forward to it, however, I need to get the syllabus and class material list completed before too awful long here!

That about sums up the craziness going on here. I hope your life is filled with things that make you happy and fulfill your soul's desires! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo