today..i am 60 years old

60!

Holy buckets, I am 60 years old! I don't know how a person is suppose to "feel" or "look" at 60, but no worries here, since I only feel grateful to be alive and know that we all change in looks!

my 2nd grade pictue that my dad had on his desk  forever!

me, right after high school graduation

me as a young mom, with my son beau

today...60

Here is what I know....

I do have aches and pains that I did not have when I was younger. I get wisps of gray hair and some wrinkles.

I know that my energy level is not as high as it used to be, and I tell myself that is because ever since I had cancer and an on going thyroid issue, I have not worked out and have become addicted to sugar. ( I know, sugar feeds cancer).

I now know that it takes a lot, and I mean a lot for me to get angry or impatient. With this, comes a voice of saying anything I want, and often the word is "no."

Overall, I have had a fun life. I have a wonderful family and friends. I have gotten to travel to great and interesting places. I found, in my 50s, the person I was to suppose to find, (Steve), I love our home, our pup, Flora Adora, and that I get to do what I love for a job!

After reflecting on my life so far, I feel like I have many years ahead of me! So, it is time to start getting back into shape and being healthy! I want to spend many more years with Steve and the life we have made together, I will continue to hope that my son will find his person which would lead to the possibility of grand babies for us, and want to continue to work hard in my studio (my head is full of new ideas!).

I have big goals, big plans, and big dreams as I enter a new decade of my life!

ReadySetGo!

diana

Thank goodness tomorrow is election day!

Tomorrow is the day that we vote!

This has been the most excruciating year of campaign advertisements! I have not learned anything from the ads, that would be important to us...how to make our country better. I have witnessed a lot of meanness and am so tired of it.

I am an artist, self employed, and not a politician. I do not use the events I participate in as a platform for my political views. Often people pay to get into art shows and sales. They spend their money to get into the events to see art, meet artists and spend their money to buy art and support artists, not hear our political views.

This holds true for social media...I use social media to keep in touch with family and friends, other artists, share pictures of my work, and sometimes show silly pictures of my dog, Flora Adora, and not as a platform to spout my opinions on the candidates who, by the way are doing a great job of that!

I can promise that people saying nasty things, making fun of candidates or threatening to "unfriend" me if our views differ, will not alter how I will vote.

I feel strongly about this. I have left a concert when I have paid to be entertained, and that person decided to talk politics instead of singing.

My friends know how I feel about politics, the people running, and our country. If we talk and disagree, we are still friends. We will not waste time together trying to change what the other thinks, and we certainly don't argue about our differences.

As Americans, we have the privilege to vote and it is also our responsibility.

I will not vote for a woman, just because she is a woman. I will not vote for a man, because he is a man. I will not vote for someone, just because of their race.

I will stick to my simple core beliefs...
We need to be kind.
We all need to work hard and not expect to be given everything.
This starts at home, so we need to teach our children to be kind, and study hard!

I hope by tomorrow,  I will see something in a candidate that I can respect and honor as our next President. This might sound simpleton like to some, but after a year  of all of the commercials (or however long), I will be so happy when Tuesday is behind us, mostly so my eyes to have to see the meanness, read hateful things and hear about things that not one person can figure out if they are true or not.

Tuesday, after I vote, I will get back to work in my studio and hope that our new President surrounds her/him self with smart and honest people, and that we can all respond in peacefulness.

traveling to teach....

 I was invited to teach a class at the Hawthorne Hill Farm in New Berlin, Wisconsin. What an amazing venue!! Thank you Dani Sutliff and Bonnie Lynn Loduha!!!!

 bonnie, me, dani

Date settled, decision on what project to teach, and that was just the beginning!

                                             triptych sample of what we will be making!

For those who know me, know I am really not fond of driving (too easily distracted!), so that was at the fore front of my mind as I began the prep work for the class - had metal pieces cut, bent them (now I have 2 vices for metal bending..who knew that i would ever mutter the words, vice, mallet, and other tools that I cannot remember the names!!),  paints, papers, glues, embellishments, brushes and other necessities. Check, double checked, and triple checked!

Two days before I hit the road for my 332 mile drive to Wisconsin, I take my car in for an oil change, pick up last minute supplies, and print maps (as well as add directions to my phone).

Thursday morning...the day I leave...  load up car, have gas put in car, go to bank, and Starbucks...ready set go!

Barely out of Minneapolis, and a warning light comes on in the car...low tire pressure.  I made the decision that my car was confused, and kept going.

Easy directions, even for me, once on the freeway, straight drive until the exit to the hotel, then one turn!! The only crisis was when an elderly man was helping me put gas in the car and he pulled the hose out before it was ready and gasoline shot out all over me. Ick. 

Arrived almost 6 hours later, 3 cups of coffee, several bottles of water later. Dani and I finally met in person, after months of Facebook, and phone conversations!  (Now we can't stop talking!!) And the fun began!!

Dani and I met Vanessa "kiki" Johanning at a Mexican restaurant for yummy food and lively conversation! Tired, made plans for Friday, and back to the hotel for some sleep.

vanessa        dani











Friday morning, Dani picks me up, we get necessities (Starbucks and donuts), and go to Kikis' house to see her studios. yes, studios. All so colorful! We took off to do a bit of antiquing, more fun! Then plans for the evening..a Wisconsin fish fry!! Great company and yummy food.

Saturday... class day!!! Dani picks me up, and of we go to Hawthorne Hill Farm!!! Set the table with all of the  things we would need to make a triptych! The theme was Virgin Mary! I was giddy, I love images of Mary, and making shrines!! The woman started  arriving and it  was fun to meet them and watch their process of shrine making! They were all very talented. 

Midway through the class, it was time to have lunch! These women! They can create and cook!! Great potluck! 

We continued with the class, the talent in the room was amazing. Each person had a wonderful vision of what they wanted their shrine to be. The conversations were fun, and I enjoyed making new art friends!!!

 Class over, clean up and got to see more of Hawthorne Hill!

Then back in my car and headed home! I didn't get home until 9p.m., and was tired but happy to be back with my little family!

I have to say, for someone who usually just stays in the studio, and close to Steve and Flora, I am enjoying my new adventures in road trips for shows and to teach! I am looking forward to going back to see these woman and work on more projects with them! 

I am so happy for these opportunities that have come my way, even tho I am the "teacher," I am actually learning so much!

thank you for taking the time to read this...

diana

diana d darden: My Constant Quest.........I love being an artist...

diana d darden: My Constant Quest.........

I love being an artist...: My Constant Quest......... I love being an artist.  I love being in my studio with my studio mate, Flora Adora ( she is so helpful!) a...

My Constant Quest.........

I love being an artist.  I love being in my studio with my studio mate, Flora Adora ( she is so helpful!)

and all of my stuff. I have collected a lot of stuff... a lot, and most of it is small. Beads, charms, bits of this and that.

If you have read any of my other blogs, you know that I am easily distracted. My mind feels like it is in constant motion, and the feeling is amplified with all of the bits and pieces on my work table. Shiny. Old mushy papers. Pieces of chain. And on and on.

My constant quest has been to find the perfect thing to store all of my goods, and to have easy access to them.

EUREKA!!!

I saw a picture of a beautiful turquoise hardware store cabinet on the PORCH AND atelier Facebook page. 

This is a wonderful shop in Buffalo, Mn.  I started bombarding the owner, Teresa DeJarlais (I had not met her....yet!) with questions about the piece. I couldn't stop thinking about it. So, when Steve and I were on are vacation in July, we went to Buffalo, and went to meet Teresa.And now I wonder, how could I have gone so long without meeting her?? What a treat and a treasure to meet her. 
And then the beautiful piece , with close to 300 drawers !!
I was obsessed with it and it was there screaming to be mine. I had a feeling of giddiness that I hadn't felt for a long time. Now, pondering how to get this....

I rarely ask for or want anything, but I felt like I really needed this. Agreement made.

Then, how to get it home????

The most logical thing would have been to hire a mover to get it...oh no!! Logic went out the door when my friend, Anne who owns Mixed Up Designs (and understands) said that it would fit in her car.

Road trip.
Crown on dash.
Starbucks.
Drive.

We arrive and thankfully Teresa is there with help! Beautiful new possession loaded in the car, and I tried not to look at this huge heavy thing, and just kept telling myself that we could get it into the studio...no problem.

We were going to need nourishment to achieve this, and fortunately, we had spotted the happiest looking place on earth...PEPPERMINT TWIST in Delano. Pink and more pink. An old fashioned drive up restaurant !! 

We finally decided what to order after studying the menu. But then I saw the sign..NO CARDS.
  I had raised a teenager, and as we know, your role is an ATM. I learned not to carry cash, and now this. NO CARDS!! Anne starts digging because I only came up with one dollar, she managed to find what we needed, and then like our collage days, we were scouring for coins to tip our waitress!! We managed to find a respectable amount! Our lunch was yummy divine, and then it was time to continue our journey. The whole time, I was trying to shove the thought about getting my new treasure into the studio into the back of my mind.


Arrive..back in, and READYSETGO! We could not even push the thing an inch.

Determined.

I see our yard crew and wave them over and ask for help. Sure no problem, until they get to the entry and announce that is far as they are allowed to go. Rules. I go into super determination mode, while Anne who is the most logical of the two of us, is saying "this isn't going to happen."
I assure her that we can do it! So after an hour of pushing, pulling, balancing, making straps out of FLoras' leashes, it gets into place.

For some reason, during this process, I kept thinking I have super powers and could move that thing with nearly 300 drawers. I had multiple bruises, sore muscles, and am still tired and it has been a couple of weeks since we did this!!

I spent days painting labels, and sorting!

I have rearranged the studio and loving my work space. I can be at my table, and just spin my chair around, pull out a drawer to get what i need, and put the drawer back where it belongs. This is new and huge for me...to be organized. I still have more to do, things are far from perfect in my studio, but now it is busy time.

Shows booked, class to teach, Etsy shop to get ready for holiday season.. so much to do, but so gleefully giddy and happy when I get to sit at my work table and create! I am so inspired, while sorting and cleaning I was able to rediscover so many treasures that I had "put away"!!!!
So many things to make!!

back to work table now! thank you for taking the time to read this...

diana

diana d darden: all these people.....

diana d darden: all these people.....: They kept coming... The first two came from Richmond, Va on different days, then one from Chicago, four from Tennessee, three more from Ch...

all these people.....

They kept coming...

The first two came from Richmond, Va on different days, then one from Chicago, four from Tennessee, three more from Chicago, three from Texas, and the 5 of us who live in Minneapolis and St Paul. 

FAMILY

Some might call this a family reunion, it felt more like a perpetual food fest.

I have one sister and four brothers. Some of us hadn't seen each other in a long time. Only 2 of my nieces were not able to come to this gathering. There were spouses to meet (of nephews), and best of all... a new baby to squeeze!! 

Growing up in a military family, we are equipt to make important decisions, and since we have Italian roots, most of those decisions are based around food...where we will eat, what we will eat, and who will be prepping it. 

You need to have a good balance of diplomacy and patience figuring it out the logistics of where everyone is staying, who will eat what ( one vegan, one paleo, and a vegetarian), how people will get here and there, who wants to see this or that, and most importantly..who gets to hold the baby, and in our family, the baby is the youngest person, til a new one comes along, doesn't matter how old they are! (this finally happened for me when I nabbed him and took him in my room and we jumped on the bed.. the whole time telling him that I would be the auntie who could teach him shenanigans !).

This food fest went on for four days...Indian restaurant, cook out at Debs, bbq at our house (fortunately, Steve comes from a large family too, so he was not at all shaken by the commotion), back to Debs.. more food.

Day 3 at our house, 20 people here.  The house was in order, food prepped and then this ..."we want to see your studio." Studio, as usual, not in order. Oh well. If anyone made any comments about the mess, I did not hear them...diplomacy at its finest.

The people in my family are all very different, but we all seem to share the same sense of humor. Lots of laughs those few days! 

Last year, everyone from Steves' family was here, this year, my family, and like last year, when everyone went back to their own homes, Steve and I left town for a while. We went to a little lake house where it was blissfully calm and quiet. Steve fished, I slept, read, painted and slept and slept.

I had those quiet days to reflect (when i wasn't sleeping), about our family get together. The same thought kept reoccurring ...I was missing our dad, but knew that he was giddy in heaven, that we had all gotten together, and was laughing with us.

That was a lot of time for me to be away from my studio (the messy side of it), and just wanted to be back in it..working. My head is full of ideas and I have less than 2 months before shows start again. 

Designing, making...and still laughing about family, and still full.

And Flora Adora finally got worn out from all the activity!!

diana

diana d darden: Something or is it someone new in the studio...

diana d darden: Something or is it someone new in the studio...: Last week my goal was to blog once a day for the week.  I met my goal, really enjoyed writing, but was anxious to get back to my work table ...

Something or is it someone new in the studio...

Last week my goal was to blog once a day for the week.  I met my goal, really enjoyed writing, but was anxious to get back to my work table because my latest Floras Adoras design had arrived from my metal cutter.

hmmm..what is it?

 BUT...my weekend was booked with so many activities that i could barely sneak into my studio. ( I am usually one to stick close to home and my studio, but working hard on venturing out and playing...BALANCE).

Saturday, we celebrated my sisters' birthday by taking a Mississippi cruise. The temps were in the 90s, so it was a good day to be on the water. I have lived in Minneapolis for 40 years and actually learned more history about our beautiful city in the time we were on the river, than I had in the other years combined.

nonnie and deb 

After the cruise, we went to lunch at a yummy divine Indian restaurant, then to a bookstore, because Nonnie needed to restock her reading materials (she reads about 5 books a week, it is true!).

The day ended at Whole Foods.....cookies!

When Steve and I got home - sun kissed, tired and hot,  I thought that I could get into the studio for a few hours, but when I went up to change into studio clothes (a different blog someday),  I actually gave in to being exhausted. I am not one to give in, but was in bed by 8:30, asleep by 8:32.

Sunday, I got up and thought that I would have a few hours in the studio. I finished my computer stuff, was ready to take the 5 steps to my work table to begin.....Ohhhh..I better go up and get another cup of coffee before I get all painty and gluey. Immediately got distracted in the kitchen. Steve was cooking breakfast !!! Then Flora time!

By now, it is getting close to the time when my friend of a zillion years, Chris will be arriving. We are both so busy, we commit to seeing each other every few weeks or so and get a pedi. I do not require a lot of maintaince ( if you have seen any pics of me, you know that!!!), but this is our ritual! First we go thru the drive thru at Starbucks, get to the nail place, pick our color of polish, get settled in the big massage chairs...and the blabathon begins! No phone interruptions, no pets, noone else. This is usually, an hour of pure laughter and even when we have sad news to share, we manage to find a piece of silliness in that situation. Better than therapy!

Home...have a gathering at Rachel Awes. (but, I actually  managed to get in the studio, and paint the base of my newest design before getting ready to go out). Rachel happens to live very close to my sister, so back in my car, Saint Paul bound. I might as well stop and see my sister and nonnie. Deb was baking a cake, and that is always motivation to visit! Well, cake not done, but had a nice visit.

Time to go to Rachels! Rachel Awes has a new book out...THE GREAT GREEN OKAYNESS, and the gathering was to celebrate this! It was so much fun.

gathering!!!

Saw old friends, met new ones, great food, so much laughter, and a common thread that kept running thru the evening was art, color, and other joyful things. All of this art and color talk  made me think that I could get into the studo for a few hours when I got home, the new piece was calling to me!!!

But, once again, I was so tired..up to bed for me!

Monday morning arrives. I was excited, knowing  that I would spend the day in the studio...Steve off to work, Flora sleeping.

Readysetgo!!!!

I was giddy to be painting, layering papers, looking at the elements  that I would be adding...but, time to get Flora up, adore her for a bit, feed her...

flora adora

...... and get back to the studio....loving my job. Spent the day, trying to focus, not rushing the process, and holding needy Flora now and then..my toddler pup!

I worked through the day, with the normal interruptions and distractions - watching the rain, looking at my messy table that I really am still cleaning and organizing,  but had to take a slight detour in that plan to make something new!!

Ta Da.....she is finished and photographed.

LOVE ALL

Her opportunity to be so many different things are endless; angel, santo, or become anyone she tells me to make her be!!!

Onward....more to make!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Grateful always.

diana

p.s. this girl will be heading to Gallery 360, in Minneapolis this afternoon!

diana d darden: hooray...its friday!! and studio follow up!

diana d darden: hooray...its friday!! and studio follow up!: Ok...this is it for the daily blog...maybe! But when I post this, I will have met my goal of doing one a day this week! Today, I will shar...

hooray...its friday!! and studio follow up!

Ok...this is it for the daily blog...maybe! But when I post this, I will have met my goal of doing one a day this week!

Today, I will share my process and progress of cleaning the studio....

Started my day, the way I start everyday...coffee, checking email, Facebook, Etsy..this happens early in the morning. I like getting up before Steve and Flora to have some uninterrupted time.

I start looking around the studio...

Where to start..where to start...???

Oh..look, I need to pack some orders!  This means, I have to clean off the packing area, but first I see some some letter canvas's  I had made a while ago and meant to put in the other side of the studio. But this happens... I start seeing what words i can make with the letters I have.

Onward.

Back to cleaning off packing table and time for Flora to get up. This involves about 10 minutes of me rubbing her tummy and telling her how beautiful she is, and then give her breakfast.

Back to cleaning.

 Realized that I want another cup of coffee. Go upstairs. Out of coffee. Must go to Starbucks.

Now I really need to get busy. Focus. ohhh ding...got a message on ETsy, better check it. Flora decides that she is being neglected and I feel guilty and hold her for a few minutes. (we are both looking a bit on the scruffy side today!)

Clean off table, pack orders.

Back to cleaning the messy studio...better get some water first.

ohhhh...better refill the container with waters for visitors. (not that anyone is coming over today!)

Cleaned some of the mess on the floor, and then I thought, that I should just run the orders to the post office, instead of scheduling a pick up. Also, I had forgotten to get coffee beans when I was at Starbucks in the morning, so back to Starbucks.

Get home, and pick up more messes...Steve gets home early. Decide that I  need to hit my goal for today with the blog gig, so here I sit. 

My weekend is full, so I won't be cleaning very much  in the studio...Monday, I will REALLY try and finish! I will make a follow up video when the studio is in order.  I have to get back to my work table and make art!!

Thank you for reading these snippets this week!! 

diana

p.s. About 30 years ago, a doctor told me I would be a perfect canditate for Ritalin. I ignored him.

diana d darden: day 4..artist blog

diana d darden: day 4..artist blog: Today is the day, I will be sharing my studio....video and pics! This is round 2!!!! I had one all ready to share, and do not know what ha...

day 4..artist blog

Today is the day, I will be sharing my studio....video and pics!

This is round 2!!!! I had one all ready to share, and do not know what happened to it!

My studio is a small space, with many functions. It is presently a hard hat only area!!

 Even Floras' perch is full of my stuff. Thankfully, she has another rest-stop in the other part of the studio. That part being the place where people come in and shop and visit.

Half of my studio, is a designated space where gallery owners, and people come to view and shop. I keep this area tidy, except when I am packing for a show.

I have my "office" area, which is a table with my computer (that obviously out smarts me and taunts me, since I am always "misplacing" stuff). Generally, I try to keep this area tidy.  Right now, this area, like the rest of the studio is refered to as....Dysfunction Junction. Piles of papers, and I hope that there aren't any important ones, or bills in the stack, and various other important things....my bottles of waters (not safe to use a glass, because of "landslides.)"

On the same table, I have my packing area. This too is usually tidy, because when it is a mess, as it is now, I end up packing orders on my chair! Grateful that most of my work is small.

There is a section for my Etsy Store. I really keep that in order! It might not look like it to some, but I know what is where!!

Now...my work area. Right now i am working on a 2" space. Keep in mind that I have been busy with shows, recovering from surgery and running back and forth to my sisters and moms' helping them move...and visiting. I would never say that my work tables are neat and tidy. That would be a big fat lie, especially since I do not have my unpaid assistant any longer!! It is usually functional at least!


Today is the day it will become workable! And as I think about it, I think about my sisiter in law, Kelly ( one of my heroes). Kelly is the most organized person that i know! She is married to my brother, Mark, and they love to travel with their 2 children. Sometimes, I try and think of ways to convince Kelly that coming here and organizing my studio, would be more fun than going to Europe, taking a cruise and their other adventures. You will not see pics of Kelly organizing my studio, however, her travel pics are great. She is a motivator for me to get my place in order (they are part of the July 4th celebration!); I have seen "the look"  that Kelly can give, and thankfully, it has not been directed at me (that i am aware) and I do not want to experience it...other than seeing her give it to others!!! It is almost worth getting it, just to see it!

so..readyset go....studio!! I am brave, I am determined, and I make no promises...I get so distracted!

thank you for reading my blog this week. So far am staying true to writing daily this week!!

diana