New Year.....Resolve?

Since it is January and I've been surrounded by movement and large changes for six weeks, I've had many occasions (while being away from this computer and the work I love to do..) to ponder the word resolve.  A word with many subtle variations of meaning, I do find.  I'm going slowly with picking up the strings in the new year, and there seem to be many of them hanging loose, some requiring massive repairs and others dangling in front of me pointing in different exciting directions.  To the point where I have been overwhelmed.  But...a small creative task per day slipped in with the others that must be done is the right path.

Since I am surrounded by music every day (both kids play in various groups and orchestras, bassoon and violin) I took particular note of the musical meaning of resolve:
      
'to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.'

Dissonance:  A simultaneous combination of tones conventionally accepted as being in a state of unrest and needing completion.  Incongruous, lacking harmony of parts.

Consonance:  a simultaneous combination of tones conventionally accepted as being in a state of repose.  Accord, agreement, harmony.

 

I want to progress from one state to the other - knowing full well that in life, as in music, it is a continuous process.  After all, that's what makes the tension and contrast in life and keeps it interesting!  But oh, I could use some completion...and harmony!

Practically speaking,in my home life and creative life this means:  Make sure the family has what it needs. Take one half hour each morning to consider.....(a big one that) Take small steps, each one completed before the next one is started.  Write down the process,  so things may be repeated.  Get sleep and take care of myself.  Less computer time.

Sorry to be away so long, it's been a long haul.  Can't leave without pictures...

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas ornaments from the Art Bead Scene Blog hop

Here's the list for the Art Bead Scene ornament hop:

Humblebeads

Suburban Girl Studio

Spirited Earth

Garden Path Beads

Life in the Lyon's Den

Blog by Salla

It's Been a While 

Sue Beads

Artist At Work

Modern Nature Studio

WireWorked

Too Aquarius

Artfully Ornamental

Gem Rose Designs

Jewels by Ine

BeeTree by M.E.

Islandgirl's Insights

Angela Lund-Logan

Gem's PC Corner

Summers Studio

Sandy Volpe

The Next Bend

Skye Jewels

Janina Grigore

Elysian Studios

Art Bead Scene

Jeannie's blog 

Art Bead Scene Blog

I've been making lots of pendants these days (or experimenting anyway...), and somehow along the way they became ornaments for my tree!  There are 4 pointed and 5 pointed stars, discs, a tree and a slightly spirally leaf.  All of these have textures from my own texture plates and color from alcohol inks and metallic rubs.  They are really quite simple, but I love the glowing colors.  Guess I'm trying to reproduce in these the wonderful glowy Christmas tree light colors I remember from my youth...I think that the ecologically correct LED lights just aren't the same.  Sigh.

Excuse the  overabundance of pictures, no time to make a mosaic today!  Enjoy the hop!

Going to get my tree soon, the kids have been asking....

Virtual Craft Fair and a giveaway for someone!

Just in time for the Holidays!

I'm participating in a really interesting virtual craft fair sponsored by the amazing Lori Anderson of  Pretty Things.  This is actually Day 6 of a showcase featuring lots of incredible artists.  The drawing will be done next week for all the lucky winners.  If you are coming to this show for the first day, don't forget to look at all the other days (1-5) so you can comment for a chance to win there too!

This is my giveaway - 1 set of patchwork  beads
                                 1 Christmas star
                                 1 hollow double-sided pendant

The lucky winner will get all this.  But, in order to get your name in the draw, you must comment on Lori's blog - not on this one!  (Well, comment here too, cause I love to hear what you have to say....)

So, go on over to Lori's wonderful blog and put your name in.  Be sure to read the 'how to' at the top of the page to see how to score extra points by using your blog, Facebook and Twitter!

Just some close-ups so you can see what you'll be getting!  Can't wait to read your comments!