Cathy Spivey Mendola

The above title is the title of my tag from yesterday which is posted below.
That's what I'm attempting to do, let my dreams take flight. I haven't read Kelly Rae Roberts book, "Taking Flight". But I do have Sheri Gaynor's book, "Creative Awakenings". I also have "Make Your Creative Dreams Real" by SARK and I have "Celebrate Your Creative Self" by Mary Todd Beam. All are excellent books with the same theme-let your dreams become reality. Unleash the artist within and allow your imagination to soar. I love reading the books and I'm even attempting some of the exercises in them. All with the intention of encouraging my inner voice to let loose and trying desperately to keep my inner critic QUIET! I'm really my own worst enemy when it comes to critiquing my work. Many projects get tossed by the wayside because I let that little devil critic have her way. She doesn't think some of my work is worth it, she keeps leading me …

I would have to agree with Georgia O'Keefe on that! The days that I'm working in my studio at home or at the pottery studio are indeed delightful. Although, I have to
say that my husband and I ran errands and went shrub shopping on Saturday, not accomplishing much at all and it was also a perfectly wonderful day! I'm so easily satisfied. And so easily entertained.
Today I've been busy with my camera taking photos of a saddle to sell on ebay
and items to list on my etsy.
I have finally decided to start parting with some of my tags that I started making in
2007! My collection is overtaking my studio and I thought it was time to send them off to a new home. I also have some ceramic pieces that I will be listing later.
Below is yesterday's tag, today's is still unfinished for posting tomorrow.
The title of the tag is- 'She dreamed of Buffalo Bill'.
All my tags have a title written on the back along with the date stamped.

Life your life creatively~

P.S. I decided that…

25 yrs ago today, my husband and I had our first date! Sometimes it seems like yesterday and then other times when I think back on our life together it feels like we've been together always. Our life together has been VERY full, lots of twists and turns with not one moment of boredom or regret involved! We have weathered the years together quite well.Some folks think we're a little silly because we celebrate our dating anniversary every year just as we celebrate our wedding anniversary.But our first date is very significant, otherwise there would be no wedding! Am I right?
So we celebrate and this year being our 'silver' anniversary (of dating) we're pretty excited about going out and having a very romantic dinner. Our 25th wedding anniversary is still 3 years away, so I'm thinking something REALLY BIG for that one.
In the meantime, dinner at an Italian restaurant tonight. After reading Eat, Pray, Love I'm very much in the mood for a great Italian meal. I'…

My plan for today was to spend at least 4 hours in my studio, more would have been better but I was willing to settle for 4. Guess what? Didn't happen...
Had major issues with my damn computer! I think that is one of the MOST frustrating things. Love technology as long as it is working properly! Anyway, that's another whole post. Won't bore your with the details.
I was able to get a little time in my studio and create my FIRST tag in many months. I took a little break from them in the spring and now it's really good to get back. They really get my creative juices flowing. Actually just going into my studio and pulling out papers, pens, ink, paint, etc, etc, etc beckons my muse and I have a hard time pulling myself away from her and my studio. Although today didn't go as originally planned, it was so very good to be in there.
Here is my tag. Click on the tag to get a better view.
I plan to start adding some to my etsy next week. I have many things to photograph and put …

I can't believe I'm posting again so soon! I decided to try and post at least a photo a day of something I made or just a pretty picture.
Today you get both.
First up, the new pieces I just got out of the kiln today. These are my first coffee mugs. Not too bad. I'll try them out tomorrow and see if I like them. There's also a bowlful of heads/faces. I plan to post some on etsy to see how they do. They're great little pieces for mixed media dolls and also for beading projects. I have also used some in mixed media quilts. Very versatile!



Next photo is my little shadow. Her name is Emmy and she follows me around like a dog. She will not allow me to drink my coffee and read the paper without getting right in the middle of it.




These last two are the gorgeous sunset last night. My husband called me out to the deck to look at it. I ran in immediately and got my camera. I have about 10 photos in all. I will post the rest on my flickr if you're interested in viewing more.

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I just wanted to let you know I'm still alive and kicking as they say! It's been a fun-filled summer and although it isn't over, I feel like it is in a sense because my daughter is back at college. It's a bittersweet time...I'm sad that she's gone- we had a great summer. I didn't do much in the way of art this summer but I did manage to get to the pottery studio once a week. Will show you some pieces when I pick up the finished products and I'm even going to post some for sale on etsy.

Now that my daughter is gone I'm ready to go back to work in my studio. Ready to finish all the projects that I put on hold for the summer. Ready to finish the art that I promised to Marsha, Terri and Becky when they were the winners of my giveaway
several months ago. Ready to get back to my exercise/diet plan. Ready to get serious about selling my art on etsy and at a few galleries around here. I'm just plain ready to start a new phase of my life! Period!

I'm…

This award was presented to me last week from the wonderfully talented and sweet Alberta over at amusing muses. Please take the time to go visit her blog if you don't already know her. She's a sweetheart and her art is such a joy to look at.
She was extremely thoughtful in her post about this award and actually took the time to find just the right quote to go with each recipient. When I read her post I thought I would do the same. Then I got busy trying to get my breast cancer project completed and posted by the deadline with a promise to blog about the award. WELL, it seems the hurrier I go, the behinder I get! Or something like that...
First of all we are on the countdown to moving back to college for my daughter and these last few weeks are being spent picking up all the necessaries for back-to-school and obviously spending as much time as possible with my kid!
Last Saturday morning was intended for posting about the award BUT I was running about in a frenzy trying to get the …