keeping gratitude in my attitude.

Well, so much for writing every day.  Although I knew that would never happen.  When I get down or discouraged, I withdraw.  Horrible habit.  One I am trying to break, but it is a comfortable one.  I enjoy my time to myself.  New York gives you a unique opportunity to be completely alone, yet surrounded by millions of people.  In my opinion, it is a city of hermits.  The urban hermit.  A whole breed of their own.  Everything in NYC focuses on the individual.  I think that's what I love most about it.  That & the architecture. 
Trying to break out of my funk and stay focused.  The good news is, people want to buy my pots!!!  The bad news is, no where to make them.  Frustrating, yes, but there are worse case scenarios for sure!  I am trying to remember it can be fun to fly by the seat of your pants!!  It just makes you a little queasy sometimes.  The important thing is I have people who believe in me for those times when I'm not so sure.  Keeps the gratitude in my attitude.

horoscope

I love to read my horoscopes in the Village Voice and the New York Press.  I can choose which one I like best and go with that for the week.  Once in a while one or the other really hits the nail on the head for me.  This week both of them did.  I'm posting the one from the NY Press since it seems to relate to my studio struggle. 

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sometimes the “right” or “best” solution is simply out of reach, because of finances, or your situation. Be creative. If you lack health insurance, addressing health issues becomes a matter of finding alternative care.You can’t always afford the thing you need, especially during the recession, so you have to figure out something else.This is one of those times when your innate resourcefulness and creativity are invaluable tools—unfortunately, you may be a bit rusty in their applications.This week, however, should present several excellent opportunities to dust them off and try to put them to use.

I've got my feather duster & I'm ready to go! =)

today's mantra

Well things are at a bit of a standstill with finding a suitable studio space.  Suitable meaning one I can afford that will let me do production work.  I am finding that most of the spaces that are at my price level only want what they call "hobbyists".  This means I can't rely on getting my things fired on time which means I can't send things out on time.  So, for today, I am at a standstill.  It's frustrating, but no more frustrating than the NY job market.  My mantra for today;  breathe deeply, move forward, try not to look down.

Motivation through giving

I am surprised at how negative people can be to someone starting out on a new venture.  I have to admit, I can be knocked down pretty easily by certain people in my life.  I woke up a bit deflated and needing new motivation to take the risk of putting money into a studio space.  A motivating factor that would be outside of myself.  I have been a woman's rights activist for many years, volunteering at the Rape Crisis/Victims of Violence Program in Brooklyn for about ten years in total.  I ran into the creator of the program, Harriet Lessel, on the subway recently.  She now runs the New York Alliance Against Sexual Assault.  She told me that all of their funding had been cut.  All of it.  In addition, the Rape Crisis Program in Brooklyn is gone due to budget cuts.  Needless to say, I was pretty upset.  I mention all of this because this is what I have decided to do, I have decided to donate 10% of my earnings to The New York Alliance Against Sexual Assault.  I know it won't change the world, but it will motivate me and give me a purpose to get to the studio! 

Here is a link to their website for those interested.  Harriet Lessel is an amazing woman and has done much for our community. http://www.svfreenyc.org/

Looking for a studio space.

Just starting out on my own.  First step, find an affordable studio space in either Manhattan or Brooklyn.  Scary!  Terrible economy.  New Target stores opening everywhere.  But everyone's got to eat, and the small things are more important than ever.  Like drinking from a favorite cup or eating from a favorite bowl.  And I couldn't be happier to make them.