Love And Calamity!

What a week! Well, have been busy this week with many friends, all with problems with lovers. Some with husbands, others with boyfriends but all around a crazy week for love. It seems like some sent out the anti-cupid arrow and all who were struck are going through heated love battles this week. Now, it has been coming this way for a while, most of them were headed to disaster prior to this week, it is just funny how it all hit the fan this week! I feel lucky to have been missed by this arrow, because my tooth is in full flare up again, and I don't really want anything else to fret about.

Since Monday I have been getting calls and visits from all those scorned lovers, and it has been a rough week for them. My heart goes out to all those who are suffering love's big sting this week, or at all lately. It is very stressful and emotional, not to mention physically draining.With any luck, they will rise above it all, and find a solution to their problems. Love is a very powerful tool and like a sword it can cut both ways. It can cut in and heal and wound with deliberate and torturous pain. We must be careful how we use it.

Still working on the painting, but not enough to be done, between the advice line, I have unwittingly hooked up here at home, and the torment of this tooth. I am beyond distraction and finding it very difficult to work on the smallest of tasks right now. I bet you can guess what I would do if I had some money this week! Dentist! I don't even like going to one, but if I could summon the cash I would be begging to go, right now! Got a coupon in the mail for Jerry's Artorama this week, they are having a huge sale on paints, I think 70% off, which is a fabulous sale. If only I had a few dollars to rub together, this could be a great week, losing this painful tooth and gaining some much needed new paints, and art supplies!

Back to the love talk. I am more sad for the children who have to suffer while their parents duke it out, to fix the messes they are in. Been through two divorces in my life, and marriage no longer looks so romantically blissful to me. Not that I don't think it is possible, but I am thinking the odds aren't as good as I once thought. So, I have decided, that like craps, I am walking away from the table. I am not willing to chance another snake eyes roll! I personally think I have a better chance at winning the lottery than finding that heaven sent, dream man! My children are grown and no longer will be needing that father figure. I am also sure, they do not want to see me go through another sad break up. No one who loves you wants that for anyone! I do not want it for them! it is painful enough to watch friends go through it. The babies are the only ones who do not get a vote, there should be a camp, for kids to go to. When adults go through marital problems, or divorce, they should send their kids to camp until the fireworks are over. The shrapnel is reckless and painful. It can leave wounds for ever! So, I say lay down your weapons and work on a peace treaty, time to move forward.

Lots of love to you all, as always, love, diana

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Sleepless In Sevierville!

Wow, what a long night! Tired as I was, my nerves would not let me sleep. Today, I had to show up for my interview looking like the walking dead! Other than that I think it went well, but will have no word on it for about a week! I truly hope God has mercy on me, and I hear back sooner than that. I need to relax for a minute and breath, that is what Sherry recommends! She is very sweet, now if only I can convince my brain that it is in its best interest to just chill. I have a feeling that, it is easier said than done. I wish I had a cocktail, to sooth my nerves right now, and a bubble bath, that I can manage. I think also, that the Dali Lama will be joining me in the tube. Let my brain stay busy absorbing some good techniques on meditation and letting go. A brain work out to calm and peace. Hope it works, I need to calm down for sure, such an excitable girl today! The good news is I haven't lost my sens of humor. It could be worse. I need to absorb the fact that right now I have electricity, a bubble bath and a quiet place to enjoy it all.

Last night due to my frazzled nerves, I was unable to concentrate on artwork. It being my only release, it is mandatory that I manage some how today. So, after my relaxing bath, that will be my next goal for today. The group is awaiting butterfly pictures, and I am also waiting to see what I can create! I love them, and can only hope that I can do them justice! As I promised on the weekend, I am posting some pictures from Sherry and my adventure into the mountains over the weekend! Hope they do wonder and justice to the beauty we experienced there. It was a great day! Made even better by the company of a fellow artist, nature lover and genuinely wonderful human being. She is the newest of a small group of people who have been trying thier best to keep me sane, in a chaotic moment in my life! hank you to all of those wonderful people who really do value me and my heart. These are the real life, every day heroes, that do not get enough gratitude for their efforts in keeping love alive. They are the foundations to those who are in ground shaking moments, their love and patience, helps to keep those shaky constructions from toppling over! Sending you all my love, respect and heart felt thanks! Hope you are blessed today in great ways for your great deeds!

For those of you reading today, take a moment to thank those people who have been your strength when, you felt yourself collapsing under the pressures of life. They deserve it, just as you do for all the times you came to some one else's aide. For them, I will thank you myself today. Thank you for all your love and concern, your ability to recognize pain and suffering. Your willingness to put aside all your problems for a moment and help some one else steady their feet. Hoping God, karma, the universe recognizes you today with unlimited blessings, for you so deserve it! All my love to you all, and never forget your impact on the world. Those little things really do help, not just in small ways, like a ripple in a pond. The rings of love spread wider and farther than you can imagine. Love always, diana

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Searching For Wonderland!

Well, today is starting out rough. So much on my mind and I have to try to focus, and stay on point. Plus, I need to keep a close monitoring of my time and goals for today. I am sure, I have over scheduled myself, but if I stay focused, with any luck, I can accomplish a lot. Tomorrow, I need to do some job hunting before the art show, and schedule to have my car fixed (gas leek). It just seems that even after last night I am having a hard time shaking off bad habits. I have to let go of the junk. Some things I cannot change, therefore, it is a waste of time to give it any energy or thought. Relationship b.s. will have to be dropped at the roadside, so that I can enjoy a day in my own Wonderland.

It is so hard, especially when some one claims to want the friendship to continue, but you know they are lying about so many things. In my mind, friends don't have a need to lie about things. They respect each other enough to be honest and if they are not able to discuss something right away, they can easily ask to discuss it at another time. So, reality is hitting me, and I am realizing that friendship is not an option either. It appears things have gone to acquaintances, because, I can honestly say I do not know this person any more. Now I have to let go of that too. Been a strange week or so, letting go of so much and in return taking on so much. If feels like a whirlwind, hopefully it will drop me off in my Wonderland!

Today will be all about laundry, painting, and any other art I can get my hands on. I have tons of housework to do, just not sure how much I can squeeze into the day, especially since I need to get up early in the morning to go job hunting before work. Lots to keep focused on, and lots to release to Karma, just let the natural balances of things take are of the rest! Leave all negative stuff behind and slip through the door to my happy place, and enjoy the beauty around me and in me!

Got a question for you! Wondering for anyone willing to answer. How is your business doing? It doesn't matter to me if you work for some one else or if you own your own business. Just wondering how the market in your world is holding up. Is business still hard, or slow? Or is yours getting better, improving, a little or a lot? If you can take the time to let me know and the others who read this blog. I think that as a community we need to keep each other real, about how things are out there. The media, is too full of spin, real answers help to keep us focused on our goals. Love to hear from you, hoping your weekend has been and will continue today to be a blast! Sending you my love, as always, diana

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Stuff vs. People!

Today I had an epiphany, so many things going wrong in my life and not understanding the why and what of it all. In discussion with the latest dead relationship in my life (a person). I realized that everyone of the relationships I have lost, is primarily based on selfishness, but even more specifically stuff! I realize that people or humans are inherently selfish. I guess I just never realized how bad it was. When people don't get the stuff they want they throw people away like trash. It appears that bonds with people do not compare to bonds with stuff. I find this concept shocking. There has never been any kind of stuff that I value more than the love of a person dear to my heart. I give stuff away all the time, if some one touches my heart, especially if I am giving them something that, they love or find endearing. That is one of the reasons I love making things, it gives me great joy to bring a smile to some one's face. I am coming to the realization that apparently people like me are a dying breed. That saddens me. I am not saying that it isn't nice to have nice things, I am saying that if I had to choose between giving up things to be with some one I loved that the choice is not a choice, love would always win. I guess in my case, I am an artist and a hopeless romantic.

Today I will be working hard on some paintings, lots to do. I can only hope and pray, like every other day, that my work will be rewarded. Rewarded well and soon, is the hope. All these thoughts of greed and lovelessness, make me want to paint, and I think in some ways, make me more of a hermit. It isn't as though I could actually be a hermit, I love to meet people too much, but the walls get thicker with time. Scared of what kind of pain some one can cause in my life. That is also a sad thought, because I know I am capable of so much love, locking it away seems such a shame. For now, however that is the best bet, concentrating on work and healing. Maybe one day I will be able to share it again, maybe then it will be some one who really appreciates it.

Have you ever seen hoarders? That is what I am talking about in the most extreme. These people do not even care for the suffering of their families, friends, they don't even care about health issues, or the loss of connection with people. All they care about is their stuff! They slowly choke out the love of all those around them, and replace it with stuff. Like weeds gone wild in a beautiful rose garden. Eventually, the roses are long gone and even the weeds choke each other out. That is what I mean about sad, it is very sad. Some times I wish I could just shake sense into them. Unfortunately, we all have to come to these realizations on our own. No amount of talking, teaching, imploring will make some one understand the magnitude of those kinds of choices. They have to wake up alone and sad to realize what they have done to themselves and the pain they have inflicted on others. That is a bad day!

Okay, off the soap box for now. I did not win the lottery last night. Oh well, hopefully tonight will be better. Hoping sales will pick up online and in the craft show set up. This weekend will still be hot, but hopefully, with all the storms in the forecast, it will be more bearable and folks will be out shopping. I did two small paintings last night, but I am convinced they are lacking something, so no pictures of them today. An oldie but goodie will have to do for now. I am thinking sunshine to represent summer fun and a sunny heart, after such a dark winded blog. I think we all deserve to end on a happy note. The only heart I can change is my own, such it is, and always has,, and always will be! Grieving that loss and the birth of a new chapter, I am signing off for now. All my love to you all, diana

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Sleepless In The Mountains

Well, I made it awake all night. Took a short nap, about an hour today, so I am thinking tonight is going to be an early night. I did get a lot done however, and that is always good! I finally finished the drawing with the square on it, I made myself a couple of friendship bracelets and made about seven stylish friendship bracelets to sell. I need to make some more like the one I am wearing just to keep on me to sell, and maybe to add to my online stores. I also, was hoping to get at least one drawing started, with some new T-Shirt specific prints to put into my Zazzle account (store).

Hoping you have started the week out right, ready to go and ready to be done! I started with a bang for sure, all niter, what was I thinking? Actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I figured on being a train wreck today. I am still going strong, but I know that can only go on so long. Once that second wind, blows out, I will be lucky to make it to my bed. I wanted to get a couple more bracelets done and then I am thinking of doing at least one sun print for t-shirts, something brilliant, but with no background, so it has a nice effect on the t-shirts. Maybe a sea turtle, lizard, frog, fish, not sure but I would like to get humpin' and get several designs done. I think they will look great. I will be sure to post them so you can see for yourself. For today, I will post the drawing I was working on, and probably tomorrow, I will upload pictures of the bracelets, I made as well. We will have to see, there are quite a few pictures already. If you are completely impatient however, you can go to my shops, because they are listed there already. All except my ETSY account, it keeps malfunctioning, so only one is listed there for now. I will include my links at the bottom of this page so you can check them out!

So, I have started the week busy and plan on keeping up my momentum as long as possible. It has been so difficult trying to keep up with all the sites, that I haven't had as much time to work on my art. The last few days I have been focusing on the art, and so the stores have been neglected. Every week I am getting better at juggling my time and dividing my attentions to all that needs to be done. Now, all I really have to squeeze in is some kind of a workout and reading time. One thing at a time, first get this part on track and then I can incorporate more into this schedule of mine! Sending my love, got to go, still lots to do , before my body yells at me. Love, diana

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Dr. Phil And Relationship Advice

Well, I just just finished watching a rerun of Dr. Phil, it was about marriage advice. I agree with many of the things that he and his experts say, I just don't think they take it far enough. He said at one point that relationships are not always meant to last (specifically marriages), I agree. He said we shouldn't allow ourselves to leave emotionally bankrupt and I agree, but also disagree. I believe when you feel your self feeling like you aren't being treated fairly, and you are wounded, that is when you should toughen up and make your boundaries clear. Why do we wait till things are so ugly to acknowledge that there is a problem? My rule of thumb is simple, I expect to be treated the way I treat other people. In any relationship and more so in a dating or marriage relationship, I expect that for sure. Does that mean, one screw up and I am out the door, guess it depends on the error. If my man came in the door and said to be, get me a beer, I would laugh at him. That is the beginning of disrespect, I don't do orders. This is not a restaurant, and if it was he wouldn't talk to the waitress that way, he would ask politely. In my opinion, these are the beginnings of what you expect from each other in a relationship. If you tolerate that disrespect, then it moves on maybe tomorrow, you don't keep the house clean enough, or your friends are not good enough, or you don't dress properly.These guidelines need to be set early.

I think as a species, we are just so stupid and unrealistic. We expect so much from others and very little from ourselves. The rules should be clear from the beginning. I am not a cheater, I will not date a cheater. I am not jealous, I will not date some one who is jealous. I am not a control freak and I won't date one, etc... The best help we can give ourselves is to be real about who we are, if you are the type of person who cheats, than you should date some one who cheats, keeping it real and keeping it balanced. Truthfully, if you cheat or are jealous I feel you should counseling, being in a relationship is not a good idea. It can only be bigger problems later. Back to what I mean, be clear to yourself first, about who you are and then decided what kind of person you want to be with, then start looking. If you aren't in a healthy state of mind you have no business pretending to a good partner to any one. If you can't live alone with yourself, you will never be able to live with some one else. You have to be your own best friend first. That way you will know how to be treated, take yourself out to the kinds of places you like and get used to that. One day, you will find some one that fits in that life style.

People change I know and sometimes we do compromise for love. It is just that it shouldn't be the priority, changing a bad habit or two to be a better person is always a good thing. Changing to make some one else happy is never a good thing. Anyway, off the soap box for now, got to get some sleep. Sweet Dreams and happy mornings to you all, with love, diana

Therapy For Free And Other Commentaries!

Last night I received a call from a previous co-worker. She talked for a few the usual how are you, what have you been up to and that sort of thing. After a few minutes she started asking me about some issues she was having at work. Basically, money missing from the cash drawer sort of thing. So, we talked for a while and I gave her a few sound suggestions on how to deal with the issue, asked a few questions to find the range of possibilities, one being the computer system had been crashing a lot as of late. Based on the fact the there were several new hires, too many people working out of one drawer and the remote possibility that the computer may be having issues, I gave her this advice.

1. Isolate one person per drawer, and when a lead person goes into the drawer document the exact amount of money taken, detailing the exact bills received. When putting change in the drawer, also document the exact amount of singles, change rolls given.

2. Fro her purposes also document every sale, by the money received from the costumer and also the exact change given, by number of singles, fives ect…

3. Keep a careful eye on the new hires to make sure they know how to give change. Unfortunately, too many people are not able to count back change, their math skills seem to be nonexistent.

My thoughts being that first of all it could rule out any computer issues. Secondly, it would cover her butt by showing her cash counts thereby eliminating her as shorting the cash drawer,

I thought it was good advice, it would be what I would do in a similar situation. The funny part of the story is that while I am on the phone with her, my neighbor is sitting on my couch ( pun intended) waiting for me to be done with my girlfriend so he can ask my advice on his personal life. Then to beat all another friend of mine called in on my call waiting also wanting my advice on issues she is having at work. I find it incredibly amusing that so many people seek my advice, however it is extremely draining. The most amusing part is I feel like a shrink with out a salary! I am thinking something has to give there. All of my life people have sought my advice, and respected it. A wonderful gift and yet sometimes I feel under appreciated. It seems when I have problems, no one wants to hear it, and I understand that very well, this is no pity party. It is just so out of balance, I would love to either get paid for it, or have equally knowledgeable friends to be there for me when I need it. My joke of the day is to start a blog called Doktor Diane, because I am not a doctor, but feel like it sometimes! Any input good or bad on this topic or any other of my posts is most welcome, I read them and answer them.

As an update, I haven’t won the lottery just yet, but I am sure it is coming. I got a lead about a job, from one of my friends and I will be checking it out on Monday. Wish me luck, I need new art supplies! Speaking of art I finished another drawing and now have the pictures to share with you. More sunflowers as I promised, more lighthearted than the last set. Hope you enjoy it, as always, much love to you, diana