Getting back out there...

I have been shooting. Anything and everything. I recently bought the Fujifilm X20, a lovely little camera. I bought it specifically to catch all those precious moments that occur once our baby arrives... But it is so compact and powerful I carry it everywhere NOW. It is super cute, and its a fantastic camera. I usually don't use in-camera filters but this one has filters that mimics Fuji film, and I was a fan of Velvia so I use that one. A lot. The ISO is impressive, as well as the 2.5 lens. Its the fastest lens I own!

With my D60, I shot whales during a whale watch and got some fantastic pics. Heading out again over Memorial Day weekend, I think.  Also got some pics of Peoples State Park in CT, where my husband was fishing. My friend Christine, snapped a pic of me with TEMPLE GRANDIN, with the X20. I had the ISO set high so the flash would not bother Temple. It came out great.

Its good to be shooting on a regular basis, I know it (the photos) may not be "artsy", just the everyday. Its not avant garde and borderlines on kitsch, which I remember my college prof. telling me was the worse thing to be. But you know what? It makes me damn happy. And that is what art is supposed to do. Bring you pleasure, enjoyment and happiness. So while I (we) sit and wait for our baby to come, I will snap pictures of living life. And while I am at, be happy.

A view from the parking lot, with

the Velvia filter on. X20 camera

The lake across the street from us, in the parking lot

at Bickford's. X20.

Me, meeting Temple Grandin, and her book that she

signed. X20, ISO at 1000.

Along the river by the Ovation Guitar Company, CT.

X20

Humpback whales, bubble net feeding.

D60.

Humpback fluke. 

D60.

Fishing along the river, Peoples State Forest, CT.

D60

Mike and Kelly fishing.

D60

Back to creating and back to reality

Its good to be back. I am back at work, teaching students with Autism. Which, is my passion and my life! I am so glad to be back at work, even the 5:30am wake up isn't that bad.

Artist. Teacher. Wife. Sister. Daughter. Friend. I can add Cancer Survivor to that list now. Its something that I never wanted to do or even tackle, but I am so glad to be a survivor. 

Through it all I had to create...something. I tried painting and while I loved it, the chemo made me a little shaky, too shaky to paint.

So I tried making necklaces but my hands didn't want to work. As an artist, as a creative person that was hard to deal with. But oddly enough, I could make those trendy wrap bracelets that is EVERYWHERE now. For some reason, I could hold the bead and stitch it. Not sure why I couldn't string beads, or do a clasp, but I could use Fireline thread and make a bracelet. Kids, I made TONS of these bracelets:) And proudly, they are selling like hotcakes on Etsy!

Take a look!

African Turquoise Wrap Bracelet

Autism Awareness Wrap Bracelet in Black Leather

Sienna Crackle Agate Wrap Bracelet

Ovarian Cancer Wrap Bracelet

 I was on a roll! Then once the shakes went away, I really got into hand stamping metal. I just love it and its highly addicting. I have had tons of sales, ok for me 1 sale a week is a ton (and I have had about 1-2 sales a week since August), and am really happy with the results! So if you checked out my blog in the last few months, thank you :) If you are stumbling upon it now for the first time. Thank you:) Its just good to be here. Alive. Creating. Loving life and friends and family.

Dream

My Sun and Stars, Moon of My Life

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

"You love me. Real or not real." I tell him "Real."

Autism Awareness

Another gallery and news...

During the month of February I was proud to be part of a juried show at Seven Gallery in Maynard, MA. It was an exhibition of all media types featuring the night. My "Red Pipes" photo was in the show and it was the first gallery reception that I have been able to attend! It was a lot of fun!

My jewelry making and photography, for now, is being put on hold due to my battle with Ovarian Cancer. So far, I am winning! It was stage 1-c and after the fertility saving surgery, they found no more cancer! I just got my port placed and will begin chemo in a few weeks.

I have learned alot during this time, more medical information that I ever thought I would need to know.

I know having a 1-c cancer is a GOOD thing. But its still cancer, and will have chemo and will loose my hair. I think the most frustrating thing is that when people hear its level 1, it means its NOT cancer, NOT a big deal, NOT real. But it is.

But I WILL finish this battle and win. Then more art.