Happy New Year

May 2011 bring you and your loved ones all that you wish for and so much more.

Happy New Year

Kathryn x

Gift {#reverb10}

Prompt: Gift

This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

 
The greatest gift I received this year was having my family all together for Christmas.  My husband was the one who made it possible so I'd like to give a shout out to the man I love, my husband, my friend.  He's a keeper for sure.
 

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Defining Moment {#reverb10}

Prompt: Defining Moment

Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

My most defining moment came when I made the leap from creating artwork for my own home to putting new creations up for sale in my shop.

It was a tentative leap but I've received such a wonderful response to my work which has proven to be a huge source of encouragement.  I've been amazed at the feelings some of my pieces have invoked in others and love that something I've created is providing pleasure to someone as it hangs in their home.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Achieve {#reverb10}

Prompt: Achieve

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down.

This isn't meant to sound narcissistic but one of the things I'd love to achieve next year is recognition, let me explain . . . . . .

This year my focus was on launching my artwork online.  As we move into 2011 I'd love to find other avenues for getting my work 'out there'.  This would include participating in some local craft shows, finding a gallery to display my work or even getting published in a magazine.

They may be pipe dreams right now but they're goals to work towards as I continue my artistic journey.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Red Sky At Night

Red Sky At Night

by Kathryn  Dyche Dechairo

Ordinary Joy

Prompt: Ordinary Joy
Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

I've been fortunate to experience so much joyfulness in ordinary moments this year that it's hard to narrow it down to just one.

It's in the way my cats snuggle together nearby while I paint.

It's the beauty that can be found in imperfection.

. . . . . and mother nature provides an abundance of ordinary joy.

What was your most ordinary joyful moment this year?

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Soul Food {#reverb10}

Prompt: Soul Food

What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

This year I discovered 'Bliss' (white chocolate yumminess by Hershey).  You can read a post I wrote about them here.

They are so addictive that it's so hard to just have one . . . . . next thing you know the whole bag is gone and you're wondering how on earth that happened!

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Photo {#reverb10}

Prompt: Photo

A present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

This was one of my favorite shots from 2010 for it represents the past present and future.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Merry Christmas

Photography by Chris Dyche

Wishing you all a truly magical Christmas.  May the best of 2010 be the worst of 2011.

Kathryn x

Everything's OK

Prompt: Everything's OK

What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

The best moment came late last night when it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, miracles are possible.

We've all been on an emotional rollercoaster this week as we waited to hear if the rest of my family could make it out to us for Christmas. Flights were scheduled then cancelled, scheduled again and cancelled leaving us feeling stressed out and emotionally drained.  Tears were shed and sadness set in when we realized that their flight was definitely cancelled and the family Christmas we'd planned for so long just wasn't going to happen.

Then . . . . . . last night (at the eleventh hour) my brother got the news that Virgin had put on an additional flight for this afternoon and that they could still make it out to us in time for Christmas.  They'll be landing at a different airport, over five and a half hours away, but that's not going to stop us!

My poor husband is going to brave the roads to collect them while mum and I finish running around like headless chicken.  I still can't believe that after all the high's and low's of this past week we may actually get to have a Christmas all together.

One of the words I've loved this year is 'Believe' so that's what I'm going to hold on to going into 2011, for when you believe great things are possible!

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

New Name [#reverb10}

Prompt: New Name

Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

This was a funny and thought provoking prompt for sure . . . . . it made me think of our two cats.

 

Tristan our tabby has a couple of nicknames like heffa lump, hansom and mommy's boy.  Then there's Connor (our white cat) who seems to have multiple personalities and a whole host of nicknames to go with them such as lovebug, doodlebug, curious george, cockles, butt mutt, muppet, cyriad and twinkle toes to name but a few.

As a kid I used to have nicknames too like 'Stiletto Head' because people thought the chicken pox scars on my forehead looked like someone had walked over it in stiletto's.  Then there was 'Letter Rack' because I used to slather gel on the side of my hair and run a comb through it creating ridges that did look like an actual letter rack (he, he, he, it was the 80's).

I've also been called 'Mini Ha, Ha', 'Dishmop' and 'Dychie' but go by 'Nipster' to close friends and family these days. 

If I had to choose a new name for just one day though,  hhhmmmm, I think I would have to go with 'Rhiannon' because it's Welsh and I've always thought it sounded so beautiful.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Travel {#reverb10}

Prompt: Travel

How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

It is interesting that today's prompt focuses on travel for this evening I found out that my sister, brother and sister-in-law's flights have all been cancelled because of the snow in the UK.

My family haven't had a Christmas together in such a long time so preparing to have them with us for the holidays was a pretty big deal.  There's some comfort in the fact that my mum made it out to us but we're devastated that we can't all be together for Christmas.

Maybe in 2011 we'll find another opportunity to all be together.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Future Self {#reverb10}

Prompt: Future Self

Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

If I was five years older and had to give my current self some advice it would be:

Believe in yourself.

If you don't try you'll never know.

Put yourself out there.

Love deeply.

Laugh often.

Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Don't hold back.

Be open.

Grow.

Writing to my younger self I would include many of the same things but would also choose to say:

You will experience pain but find relief in art and crafts.

You are beautiful, even though you may not think so.

Live fully.

Experience as much as you can.

Be confident.

Cherish moments with loved ones for they'll be gone all too soon.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Beyond Avoidance {#reverb10}

Prompt: Beyond Avoidance What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

I really should have participated in some craft fairs this year but I found one reason after another why I couldn't (I didn't know the venue, they were juried, I needed photos that I didn't have, they were out of state, and a million other excuses).  Next thing I knew another year had gone by.

I did eventually end up participating in a small open house event which has given me the courage to get my act together and seriously consider what events I'd like to consider for 2011.

I even enlisted my husbands help to set up my booth display just so I could have some photos to submit.  I now have an application in for a March Craft Show and am waiting to hear back if I'll be able to participate.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Healing {#reverb10}

Prompt: Healing

What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?

Hands down healing for me comes in the form of water . . . . . .

There's something so powerful about it's movement, it's flow, it's energy, yet it's also soothing, calming and restorative.  Just being near it leaves me feeling transformed and I walk away temporarily revived.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Try {#reverb10}

Prompt: Try
What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did/didn't go for it?

As someone who loves to journal (admittedly on and off) I have always wanted to try my hand at bookbinding.

I would also love to learn how to work with leather.  There's something so intoxicating about the smell and feel of it and I'd love to know how to create items such as leather journals and cuffs.

I have searched for classes on both of these but there just doesn't appear to be anything suitable in the area, I'll keep looking.

One other thing I'm hoping to try next year is creating more sculptural artwork.  Those of you familiar with my current work will know that I love to create texture and dimension in my pieces but I'm trying to come up with ways where I can create more visible depth.  I'll need to experiment with different mediums to see what will work, but that's where the fun comes in.

What is it that you'd love to try?

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Lesson Learned {#reverb10}

Prompt: Lesson Learned

What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?

I've learnt that when I believe in myself great things are possible, that the only limitations are the ones we put upon ourselves.  As I continue to work on my self confidence I'm hoping to blow more of those limitations right out of the water and grow in ways I can't even imagine.

What was the best thing you learned about yourself this year?
 

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Friendship {#reverb10}

Prompt: Friendship

How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

2010 has been a year of new friendships for me (both online and off).  Considering I'm a quiet, shy person and quite the loner, this was big for me.

. . . . . there are those in the blogging community who's art is their words and I've been blown away, moved and even drawn to tears by some of the most beautiful and sincere writing I have ever seen.

. . . . . there are those who have left the most wonderful comments on my blog, who have been some of my biggest champions and a huge source of encouragement.

. . . . . there are those who I have never met and have no idea what they look like but who have brought great joy through handwritten letters.

. . . . . and then there are those that I have been fortunate to meet in person.  It is with them that I've been able to talk about the issues that online shop owners face, for they get it, they understand.  They've listened to me, given me advice, opened up opportunities and lifted me up when I've needed it most.

Each one of these people is unique and different yet they all have one thing in common.  They've encouraged me in ways they may not even know and have helped me navigate the journey I find myself on.

So I would just like to take the time to thank each and every one of these wonderful people, my friends.

I'm participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

5 Minutes {#reverb10}

Prompt: 5 Minutes
Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.

Family & Friends, The Love, The Laughter

Sunrises

Moonlit Nights

Swimming In The Ocean

My Artistic Journey

Snuggling With My Cats

The Sights, Sounds & Smells Of Everyday

Hot Bubble Baths

Bicycle Rides

Moments Captured Through The Lens Of A Camera

. . . . . I'm sure there are plenty more but I guess I've run out of time. 

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Is This Love

Is This Love

Mixed Media Wood Canvas

Appreciate {#reverb10}

Prompt: Appreciate

What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

Photography by Nic Dyche

It's all about the 'Little Moments' and as time speeds by I've come to appreciate them more and more for it's in those moments that I find the most joy . . . . . the touch of a loved one, time spent with friends and family, nose nuzzles from my cats, the colors that a sunrise paints across the sky, a moonlit night, the changing of the seasons, paint on my fingertips, white chocolate candy . . . . . . I could go on and on but I don't want to bore you.

I express my gratitude for all of these by taking the time to stop, to recognize them and breathe them in.

What have you come to most appreciate this past year?

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Seahorse

It would seem as though others love seahorses just as much as I do.  My last two sold so I ended up creating a new one.

Seahorse

Mixed Media Art Canvas

I love how each one comes out quite different.

Action {#reverb10}

Prompt: Action

When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?

I have never voiced this publicly but I would love to be featured in one of the Stampington Company Magazines.

  

I've been putting obstacles in my way . . . . . my posts aren't good enough, my writing isn't good enough, my photographs aren't good enough . . . . you know how it goes.

One of these days I hope to pluck up the courage and submit my application for if you don't try you'll always be left wondering 'what if'.

I would also love to have my work appear in a local gallery and plan to research opportunities for making that happen after the holidays.

What are your aspirations for 2011.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Body Integration {#reverb10}

Prompt: Body Integration

This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?

I find myself drawn time and time again to the sea.  There is something about the movement of the water, the crashing of the waves, the smell of the sea air, rock pools, sanderlings, the cries of a seagull,  that make me feel so alive, so present and truly in the moment.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Twiggers

Today I wanted you to introduce you to my younger sister (Twig).  She has always had the most amazing imagination which translated into fun creative projects and artistic forms as we grew up.

She has always danced to the tune of of her own beat and it's one of the things I love most about her.  It took me a long time to find my artistic voice but she was the one who started me on my journey and continues to inspire me today.

We couldn't be more different but one of the things we do have in common is our love for a wide variety of mediums.

Over the years Twig has immersed herself in drawing with ink, charcoal and pastels, painted with acrylics and oils, done silversmithing, stained glass, sewing, writing and photography (to name but a few).

 

Over the last couple of years she has found herself drawn to the world of blogging and a couple of weeks ago was inspired to create her own.  It may be early days but she has already written some of the most beautiful posts.  Won't you join me in welcoming her to the blogging community and stop by her blog 'Twiggers' to say "Hi".

 

She also has a Flickr account where you can view her latest photographs and artwork TwigArt.

11 Things {#reverb10)

Prompt: 11 Things

What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

1.   Stress - People say they can always tell when I'm stressed because my shoulders get higher and higher until they're practically touching my ears.  I need to get better at recognizing the signs, to breathe through it and just let it go.

2.   Sugar - "Hi, my name is Kathryn and I'm an addict".  Addicted to sugar that is.  I have an insane sweet tooth that really is the undoing of me. I don't think I could ever eliminate sugar from my diet but I do really need to cut back (and hopefully lose some weight in the process).

3.   Backache - I've suffered with backache since I slipped a disc over a decade ago.  Bad posture and the way I create probably don't help matters.  My husband keeps trying to cajole me into doing yoga or at the very least some stretching exercises, maybe in 2011 I'll start listening to him.

4.   Clutter - Isn't it amazing the amount of clutter we accumulate and hang on to over the years.  Every so often I feel the walls closing in on me and have a major purge but if truth be told there's probably a lot more that could go.  Goodwill here I come.

5.   Self Doubt - I wrote a post about self doubt earlier this year.  It makes me question whether I'm smart enough, talented enough, creative enough, good enough.  I need to get better at predicting it's visits and start running when I hear it coming.

6.   Insecurities - While self doubt focuses more on my artistic and creative abilities, insecurities take on a much more personal form and are often directed towards my body.  Whilst there are things I can do to improve the way I look or feel, ultimately I need to look at that image in the mirror and be able to love the person I see reflected there.

7.   Insomnia - All too often I find my tiredness dancing in the shadows, toying with me, playing with me.  Sleep is an allusive state that I instinctively reach out for but all too often find myself unable to grasp.  I'd love to be able to eliminate it but it's proving impossible.

8.   Fear - What can I tell you, fear holds me back, I often feel embarrassed, or scared to put myself out there, to embrace change and experience the new.  I love the quote 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' that will have to become my motto for 2011.

9.   Unhappiness - Since moving to Virginia two years ago I have to admit I haven't been the happiest of souls.  No offense to the locals but I really hate it here and miss Connecticut terribly.  This past year I have been doing my best to like it more through meeting people and getting out into the local area but it's a work in progress.

10.  Grumpy Cashiers - I don't know what it is about this area but the people around here tend to be really grumpy (maybe they don't like Virginia either).  The worst are some of the cashiers.  I often find myself being overly nice to them, trying to inject a little cheer to their day but find myself greeted with nothing but a solemn stare.  Maybe their unhappy, maybe they have problems that I'm unaware of, but I'll keep trying my best to draw a smile.

11.  Death - Over the last several years I've lost my father, three grandparents and several other family members.   My wish for 2011 would be for those that I love to remain firmly with us.

What are the 11 things in your life that you don't need?

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

Widsom {#reverb10}

Prompt:  Wisdom
What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

Wisdom for me comes from mistakes made, roads travelled (or not), choices and decisions, actions and interactions . . . . . it's a journey, a sense of learning, it's life experience.

Do I feel wise . . . . . . no.  Do I feel a growing wisdom with each passing year . . . . . . that would be a resounding yes.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.

New This Week

Bumps In Life

12"x12" Mixed Media Art Canvas

Seahorse

10"x8" Mixed Media Art Canvas

The Big Bang

8"x8" Mixed Media Art Canvas

Enjoy!

Party {#reverb10}

Prompt:  Party

What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

This was another tough prompt for me because as you may have read in yesterdays post I'm a bit of a loner and am not too big on social gatherings.  There was, however, one particular event this year that stood out . . . . .

Sadly in March my husband's grandfather lost his battle with bone cancer after beating the odds for an amazing length of time.  Jim would have baulked at a traditional funeral so the family marked his passing with a Life Celebration.

It was such an emotional, touching, heartfelt event held in the home of one of his children.  The sun was shining as we sat around reminiscing and sharing stories of Jim. 

One of his grandchildren had also put together a DVD of his life and a book containig photos, letters and messages from all his friends and family.  Those that were able watched the DVD while others spent time reading to one another from the book . . . . tears flowed freely.

They definitely broke the mold when they made Jim, he was one of those rare people whose presence left a lasting impression on all that met him.  He was a strong character, knew his own mind and spoke openly and honestly (whether you liked it or not).  He didn't suffer fools gladly and whilst some thought he was tough he was really a softy at heart.

He was so many things to so many people, not least a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, surgeon, pilot, wine maker, master gardener and potter. 

My husband and I have several pieces of his pottery in our home and each time I look at one, I am reminded of what a remarkable man Jim was.

As I write this I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face.  He was an exceptional man who lived an incredible life.  An inspiration, a role model, truly one-of-a-kind.

Christmas Scarf Sale

For the month of December you will find 30% OFF ALL WINTER SCARVES.  

 

 

Scarf Sale

They make wonderful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.