Snow days

How busy we get and leave out important things, like keeping up on our blog!! Sorry!
The neighborhood is covered with a beautiful Christmas snow that puts us in the spirit of Christmas........... after we've plowed out!!!

This is a time of anticipation and hope as we prepare for Christmas! And sometimes the preparation
gets out of control in the effort to shop and bake and paint and wrap and clean and .......... all that part of Christmas!

So........ it's good to slow down and reflect on the 'why' of Christmas and be able to share our
love with family and friends.

I wish all of you the blessings of Christmas.

Till later.......
Marge

Combining Seasons!

And now we've come to that time of year when all the seasons overlap, and we working artists must be creating pieces for the next season. Though I have been making this year's Santas since August! And oddly, I have only been out for driftwood 'hunts' only two times this year!! (This is because of my earlier back problems.) I have been storing up a very adequate driftwood stock, obviously! I still have my eye on a couple of large pieces I saw out there earlier, and you never know what other special shaped piece of wood could be found to make an exceptional Santa!

As of last week, I have been having the roof re-done, and so there's a little change of schedule with that, and the big--huge!!--dumpster sitting in the driveway! And in the midst of one of our rainest days, I discovered the battery on my main car was dead, so I've been grateful to have the little convertable to drive around. It's just that with the top up, I can't see very well, and it's just a sunny day car, usually! I got a battery on the way home from church today, and think Dave's going to find time to install it. I kind of identified with the reading from Job this morning in church.

This space isn't for complaints! So..... the good news is that soon some Christmas open houses will be coming up, beginning Nov.13th at June Wildash's, then, one of several that Betsy is having in Perry, starting on Sat. Nov 21st. I'll have santas at each of those. Plus! SISTER'S at 202 5th Street in Valley Junction has invited some of my santas to be part of their Christmas celebration!
It will be fun to have a Valley Junction presence again, and I hope we'll have to re-stock from time to time!

Of course my driftwood folkart site on trAloola has plenty of santas, and more variety than I'll get to the shows, so take a peak there--on and off. Pieces will leave, and others will be added.

Have some santa painting to do now, so......

till later.........
Marge

A couple of things......

For those of you in the Des Moines area, Tomorrow morning on Channel 8 (KCCI) at 8:40 AM, Kellie Markey will be telling the story of the "art show site" she has developed. She will be pointing out how to access our sites (booths), and more about some of the local work that is available through trAloola.com.

I have been working on a few Fallish pieces,(a couple of driftwood pumpkins and witches--) and have a pretty good start on the 2009 santa collection, as pictured.

I'll see you here soon to let you know where I'll be showing locally, as the season unfolds.

So, till later...........

Marge

Winter Atmosphere

It'way too long since posting here! It's a combination of ways I'm learning to let go of the last 28 years of having the shop. The snow today is an inspiration, and is a fitting compliment to my day of painting driftwood Santas, with a fire crackling in the fireplace. A cozy day!

The boat is on dry land in its spot by the driveway. We took it out early, but I'm grateful it's home and the stress of weather-worry is over. I still must cover it for the winter, but I'm sure there will be sunny October days ahead when I can do it.

Yesterday, I guess I sensed what today would bring. After a trip to the library for a couple of books and a movie, I came home to set up the trailer on the mower and the chain saw, and cut up some logs in the woodpile....some of which are now burning nicely in the fireplace, and some are dry in the woodbox, and some are by the door, covered with snow.

There are several outlets for my santas, including Valley Junction, Perry, and of course my website, which can be accessed by clicking on the trAloola icon here. (I'm working on getting better photos posted!)

Note the turkeys and pilgrims that are pictured on my "booth"

Sorry for those of you, especially Jackie and Russ at Covered Bridge, Dave and Dee biking at Honey Creek, and friend June showing in Galena today. I hope you're having a good day and finding the snow improving the mood of all.

Hopefully, I'm going to be up-dating here again --sooner than this last delay. So, back to the paint,another log on the fire, and a good afternoon.

Thanks to so many of you who have shown support and encouragement.........

And.....Till later.......
Marge

A Sunny Fall Day!

Summer's winding down

The last few rainy days have encouraged inside projects rather than care-free summer type activity.The good thing is, that I've been enjoying painting in my work space at home, which seems to be working out quite well.

I'm so glad that my trAlool 'driftwood-folkart' website has had some recent activity. I seem to thrive on having a definite project to work through. It's fun, though, to be able to choose my creative projects. I can't tell which produces the better final result. I guess that comparison isn't a valid one.

Today I re-wrote the profile to my website on trAloola, to acknowledge the closing of our FOLKART Shop at the end of July. A number of folks have contacted me to say how shocked and disappointed they were to walk in the door and discover we'd moved on and closed our Valley Junction location. It's really good to be online, tho' because several have found how to get in touch.

I guess this is the point where I admit that I left part of my heart there in the ways we became friends and colleges with so many of the people who came in to "get a folkart fix". The shop atmosphere was physically cozy as our 'wares' were the 'decor'. Because our work reflects who we are, the shop couldn't help but tell the public who we are! I've had some sleepless and restless nights, and have made an effort to create and organize my home work space.

The picture above, is of the shop floor that we painted after reconstructing the shop from the damage of the 1993 flood. It held up well and we had a crazy-fun time painting it. Lots of stories to be told! In fact, the paper did a full page cover picture and story about how we did it!

I'm grateful for all of the really good friends we've made because of our FOLKART Shop. Closing the door at 333 Fifth Street won't change that.

We've been offered several outlets to carry our work. I'll be sure to post that news here as soon as a decision has been reached. Having work in Valley Junction is a wonderful possibility!

Maybe I'll find more time to keep in touch with you now that I have more access to the computer at home
.
Thanks for hanging-in-there with us... then and now...... and in the days to come!

And start thinking about what size or color you want this year's santa to be!

Till Later.......

Trying to catch up a little

It's been too long since I've brought you up to date, and I just finished writing a quite detailed poting.......... and guess what!! It got eaten up!! I can't seem to rescue it and will now have to wait till I have more time to fill you in.

A little frustrated, but I'll be back when I calm down!!

So, till later.........
Marge

A little more about the shop......

It's been so long since I've written that I have tons to write, but won't try to bite off the whole thing!

Jackie, Betsy and I are closing the shop doors as of August 1. The timing is actually by choice, because the building is up for sale, and we wanted to choose the time for leaving, and be able to plan better. We're not closing our business, but branching out, with separate limbs for each of us. We'll still take orders online,( this blog will take you to my website), or by phone or by mail.

My e mail is < mwmfolkart@raccoon.com >, and some of you know my phone #'s.

We've been working toward this date for the last month....... happily interrupted by Jesse and Sarah's wedding in June, and Skip, Katie and Kourtney's June/July visit. Now we've really rolled up our sleeves and are trying to empty things from the shop.

It's "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" there with 20% off most things, and some really big bargains on some of the furniture. (I'm going to have to get really busy on making Santas for '09!) I've been a real 'painterly' mood lately, and the timing for that's not quite right. So I'm running around doing odd things at odd times trying to accomplish all I can so we'll be ready to close the shop door.

I hope some of you will become 'followers'of my blog, and will give me input and suggestions on what you would like to have me work on, or feel free to order something you'd like me to make just for you.

I'll be back soon, but have some medical proceedures ahead that I've mixed feelings about. (Katie Couric would be happy about one of them!!) And Im looking forward to having an epidural on my 'aching back' early next week!

Till later, then........
Marge

Catch-up time

It's been 2 busy months since I've had the time, inpiration and message to share.

I have a bunch of new additions and will share them shortly... maybe tomorrow.

Till then........

Marge

Busy days!

Does life go faster every year? Are we busier and have more demands on our time?? Sometimes it seems there isn't time to do all the things you want to.
.
Last night there was a wonderful graduation celebration for Sven. Lots of fun with friends and family. Memories made! Good ones!
One of my sons is taking a few days with his maturing family and going to the shore for the week. They're having beautiful weather and it sounds as if they're truly relaxing. I'm keeping in touch, so that it almost seems we're together!

The family is preparing for grandson Jesse's marriage to Sarah in early June! Lots of planning and joy connected with that. The bride and groom are well organized-- the rest of us are still wardrobe-hunting, and such other mundane details, along with planning rehearsal dinner, etc.

The shop has been up-staged by several Saturday Valley Junction events that block all traffic to the shop. Very disconcerting and seems thoughtless to cut us off from doing any business on those days. Sooo yesterday I left the shop early, came home and got the lawn mowed before going to the graduation party.

I've mentioned that we're setting up a booth at Valley Junction's Farmer's Market on Thursday evenings, and that is going well. Lots of people are discovering that we have a shop, and lots of long-time friends and customers of the shop are re-connecting.

Traloola.com continues to get new artists signing up. We all want to see it succeed. The folks that started it are so easy to work with, and I've had to test their patience a number of times! They're very patient and are there to help when I send out the cry for help.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. A day to remember the people who have gone before us who've left their legacy of freedom. I am very anti-war in these days of terrifying weapons and terror itself, but grateful that we still have an America of freedoms. For me Memorial Day, is a time to remember my parents and brother who have left this life. I am so thankful for all the ways they loved me and helped form me with their selfless and generous love. I owe them my loyal love-filled memories and thanks.

I remain hopeful with all the challenging times ahead, and trust that with faith, we'll see better days.

Till later...
Marge

Just a quick note

A quickie tonight.........

Maytime

Maytime!

Maytime

Back at last! I've just finished mowing the lawn, and it looks so nice and neat!
It's been a busy time of graduations, birthdays, wedding showers, doctor visits, etc. I've had cataract surgery and am amazed at how vivid everything is!

I've been doing quit a bit of painting lately, and am trying to set up a tralooa painting site as well as my driftwood site, but I'm running into some road bumps........ so stay tuned!

Last night Jackie, Betsy and I were set up at the Valley Junction Farmer's Market, as we'll be doing every Thursday, 4-8 till September--. We're set up right by the community center, and it's a good spot. We'll learn as we go along, but think it'll be fun. There was a big crowd for the first market.

I wish each of you moms a very happy Mother's Day, and I look forward to seeing my family, and remembering some of the special times I shared with my own loving Mother!

Till later,
Marge

Spring is truly here

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
......and I've just finished mowing the lawn........ guess I've had my workout for the day!!
It's been a busy time with graduations, wedding showers, birthdays, doctors visits ....... etc.
I've had cataract surgery on both eyes, and I'm amazed at the clarity that eveyone told me
would be the result. I need only "drug store" reading glasses, and can see everything so vividly!

I've been having fun painting, too. I have done a series if 8"x8*' acrylic barn-roof simple paintings. They go together well as a grouping, but each one shows well on its own.
I've been trying to set up another trAloola booth for just my paintings, but I keep hitting road bumps.
I'm not sure it's going to work, but if it does, it will be: .

Yesterday Jackie, Betsy and I had our first experience at the Valley Junction Farmer's Market.
Lots and lots of people we there. It was a fun time, and good exposure for our Folk Art shop. The weather was ideal for our first try. We'll be doing it (almost) every Thursday night 3-5 in front of the Community Center (where the restrooms are!). We're on a learning curve that I'm sure it will be a worthwhile adventure.

I wish each of you moms a happy Mother's day! And I look forward to sharing the day with my family, as well as remembering some very happy times with my own special Mother.

Till later,
Marge

Definitely Spring!

We're at the very edge of Spring. Maybe there's even a little 'Spring fever' in the air! As I write, I'm at home, having left the shop early, since the only one to darken the door was the mailman! The"guys"suggested that they could watch our folkart shop, so I decided there were lots of things I could do at home today..... this, being one of them!

I've been enjoying doing some small paintings, and am waiting for my banner to be finished, so I can set up that website. It will be called < m wedge m paintings >. I hope to get it started in the next few weeks. It's the "Wedge" genes in me that make me want to paint, so I wanted to honor that. Those genes have been especially obvious in the generation of my children and neices and nephews, and on down to their children: Graphic artists, painters, movie makers, architects, fabric artists, carvers, potters, writers ......... ad infinitum!

It's been almost a month since I've touched base here, but wanted to let you know the driftwood folkart site is always being up-dated, and since joining facebook, a whole new world has opened up with fun and interesting connections. I've signed up on twitter, too, but haven't spent enough time on it to know how to navigate.

Hope to be in touch soon, as we welcome Spring's new life!

Marge

Thinking Spring!

March has started!! And Spring officially arrives this month! Guess we all know that, but it's good to be reminded.

The shop was a busy fun spot yesterday. The sun brought folks out and groups of us thought it would have been fun, through the years to have set up a corner for socializing. That gets done, even tho' we're not really set up for it. Good things happen!

The shop,"Folkart", by the way, is located at 333 Fifth Street, in Valley Junction (West Des Moines) Iowa, 50265. I know lots of people pass through this area to spots north and south...... even east and west. So if you're anywhere near, come and check us out. We've been at the same spot (across from the 'pink house') for almost 28 years. The shop, gratefully, has brought many new friends into our lives.
A young couple came in the shop recently, and after they'd been there looking around awhile, her parents came in after their 3 hour drive. They made Folkart their meeting place! It's close enough to the interstate to be a good spot to meet.
If you're not going out, and are spending some time at the computer, check the website noted at the side. I'll soon be adding pieces to make it look "Springier".

Till later,
Marge

Sun on snow

The sun is casting long blue shadows on the snow as I write. I guess it's still winter, tho' we've had a few Spring-like days to remind us that it's coming!
There have been some good painting days, inspired by the snow and trees. I think some nostalgia is part of my loving to paint in the winter. Growing up in Upstate New York gave lots of exposure to snowy fun and so, good feelings about snowy days.
I recently had a fun email from a stranger in Texas, who had googled, and dug till she found my address. She posted a small, signed painting of mine that I had done in 1993, and which she had bought at an estate sale! We've had fun corresponding , and have found many uncanny connections. I did get her permission to write about this, but it's been great fun to know that my paintings have traveled to places I've never been!
Yesterday I was given the gift of a table made beautifully from 2 big walnut scraps I'd given the maker. It was a great surprise, and is a cherished piece of art. It was made by the maker of the beautiful Windsor chairs we have in our Folk Art shop.
There was a mention in the sermon today about Kansas, and when I inquired more about it, the person mentioned probably teaches at the same university as a distant cousin of mine!
Seems each step we take brings something new and unexpected. That reminds me of a customer who came in the shop a few years ago. Squire Rushnell, who had written the book, WHEN GOD WINKS. It talks at length about how many times coincidence comes into our lives, as a wink from God! I've had a number of good winks recently, and hope you become aware of some of the winks you're getting.
Thanks for taking time to visit, and I hope you'll check out the new rabbits and Liberties and Uncle Sams on my website, Driftwood Folkart. I'd be glad to talk with you about special orders if you have something specific in mind.
Till later.......

New Patriotic Valentine thoughts.....

New hope has come to our country as of January 20th! It feels good to combine a heart and a flag in a loving visual Valentine message.

I'm really proud of the opportunities we have in this country
to follow our hearts in pursuit of our dreams. The economy
has put up some roadblocks, but hasn't changed our ability to
follow dreams----sometimes in new directions than we'd thought.

With the power of our faith, we can keep working to reach out to each other with whatever gifts we have been given. I hope to bring hope and - to have hope-in what the future holds.

To see more hearts on my website, click on the upper right of this page.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Mid Winter? Not quite!!

Here it is the middle of January, and the ground is all covered with a fresh coat of snow! As I shoveled the end of the driveway, the piles of snow reminded me of the path made on top of similar snow piles, as we walked to and from our Burlington, VT. "primary"school--quite a few years ago!

This is the time of year I yearn to paint 'real' paintings. And yesterday I got started on the backgrounds of a couple of winter paintings. It felt so good that I'm going back to the studio area today and work on them. I'm looking into ways of posting paintings for sale, because I have a whole room filled with paintings I've done through the years, and something in me wants to share them. Maybe even to sell them. It will take time, discipline and know-how to get them on a site that will accomplish that, but I have "people" who might find time to help.

Now--- Maybe a bite of lunch, then down to the paint to release my "inner artist". (A college art professor once told the class that we became artists the moment we picked up a paint brush and laid down paint.)

My driftwood folkart website is overly heavy with Santas now, but I have de-activated a number of them, and have added some new driftwood pieces. You may want to check it out. I've also added a few of the many wooden heart-Valentines I've been making recently. It's getting time to order those, and to get ready for the "driftwood bunny invasion" that's already begun.

Enjoy the snow, at least the visual beauty........ And take time to feed the birds, too.
Marge

2009 today!!
It's 2009!! Welcome to this promising year!
With all the changes anticipated for the year
I feel good about the possibilities ahead.

To welcome this year, I was treated to a delightful
dinner with good friends, who are as close as family.
We then progressed to the Civic Center to enjoy
the Des Moines Symphony's "cirque de la symphonie",
a soul-filling evening of rich music and amazing acts
by cirque artist-acrobats.

What a positive way to start the year: growing good
friendships and being among people who are
appreciative of the arts!

I feel hopeful for what the year holds. It will involve
big changes and being "clever" about dealing with
these changes, but mostly having the faith that "no
doubt things are unfolding as they should".

May we all "keep on keeping on" and trusting in a year
that will see steps toward peace and stability.

Hope to meet you here soon again.
Marge