artfulabilities

Starting a project is hard

2009-08-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

This picture is of part my stash. It is part of a much, much larger stash...How do you decide what to do with your stash? Or should I say, how do you destash your craft materials?

Sometime I think creative types have a hard time choosing a project to get started on; I do. I a many ideas, tons of yarn, needles, buttons, fabric, even time. How do you know you will bring all the creative elements together? Do these colors really work well together or are they a bit off? Perhaps I need a second opinion?

I can get so preoccupied dreaming about my projects that I fail to get them started. Does this ever happen to you? That is what happened to me today. Nothing got accomplished. No writings were written; no crocheting or knitting were done. And the speech for the conference in October went by the wayside as I dreamed away the hours.

Tomorrow is a new day. A chance at a fresh start, a new beginning. I vow to get something done, even if the only thing I get accomplished is straighten my office so that crafting can begin no matter what form it takes.

Associated Content and a camera

2009-08-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Associated Content is an online publisher and distributor of people's writings. It allows authors to publish their content on virtually any topic. It places the content and on those of its content partners.

It is not a scam; it does pay you for your work. The amount is based on the number of pages viewed (PVs) that you have written. For certain content, you can get paid for both PVs and a small amount “upfront” for the article. The amounts are small, but when you are a disabled artist or shy on cash, every penny counts.

At times, Associated Content runs contests for its authors. These contests often revolve around producing content about a certain subject. Frankly, I never paid attention to these contests.

I've never considered myself a lucky person. So, why bother with a contest, right? WRONG! Imagine winning a contest you didn't even know you had entered. At first, I thought it was a friend playing a prank on me. Next I was skeptical; was this a ploy to get personal information on me. I had no intention of becoming a victim of identity fraud, again.

Then I began to wonder, could I have won a Sony digital camera with 10 mega pixels. I checked out the Associated Content website and found I won. I'm now the proud owner of a new camera.

I gave my old camera (the one I could never figure out) to my daughter. Her camera broke while she was in Europe. Now I have a bright, shiny, new camera. It is already to take pictures for this site and articles I write for Associated Content.

I finally figured out if I take a picture holding the camera with it pointed at a mirror, you will get to see the camera. How is that for thinking outside the box? Now, there is only one more obstacle to overcome. How do I work the darn camera?

Eat, drink, and be merry for...

2009-08-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

I jotted off a e-mail to a friend today. He had sent me a note apologizing for not making more progress on the website for ArtfulAbilities.com; he is spending time with his girlfriend. He is young and in love.

I wish there were progress being made on the site; however, with life experience you garner perspective on such things. Life is short. Health is fleeting. Love is a gift to be enjoyed to its fullest. Drink in all the life, love and happiness you can.

Things can wait; people can not. In the end, no one will say, "I wished I spent my life working more". Yet many will sadly say, "I wish I could live my life over to spend more time to be with the ones I love".

Kyle, aka "Frig" will soon make progress on the website, of this I am certain. In the meantime, may he eat, drink, and be merry... And for me, I remembered what young love felt like when I read his words.

Computers: A Love/Hate Relationship

2009-08-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

My computer and I have a love/hate relationship. I love the connections it allows me to make with others across the internet. I love being able to reach out and communicate with friends and family. It allows me to make friends across international boundaries without ever leaving home (not that I wouldn't rather make friends with them in person but...). My computer gives me access to knowledge that I'd otherwise not be able to have access. In many ways, my computer is a blessing.

In many ways, my computer is a curse. It is a curse when the evil interwebs fail, when routers fail to route, and virus invade. It is a complicated thing. I admit it; in some ways, I am a dinosaur when it comes to techie equipment. When something goes wrong, I'm am totally flustered as I've been for the past two weeks.

We have a new router. Or is it that a new router has us? I'm not sure. It is a finicky beast that works when it is bright and sunny. It sleeps when it storms and someone must roust it from its slumber. Alas, that someone is not I. I don't pretend to know how to make it work. All I can do is wait for my son to return and hopefully show me how to make the cursed thing behave.

Diversification

2009-08-27T17:27:00.002-07:00

Definition: A risk-reduction strategy that involves adding product, services... and markets to your company's portfolio.

According to Entrepreneur Magazine, "Diversifying in this way can help your business weather tough times by providing alternate sources of revenue". I tend to think that diversification is not only key to helping a business weather tough times, but also to help weather life situations. This is especially true when there are obstacles in your life that you must surmount, like disabilities and well, just life.

Getting the website of www.artfulabilities.com off the ground continues to progress at a snails pace, so it is time to get on with things with or without the website. No, I'm not abandoning the goal of having a shop for those who want to be a part of the Artful Abilities endeavor; however, I can only move as fast as my web designer does. As I am working with a new college grad, as web designer and paying him "on the shoestring", delays should have been expected on my part. Therefore, it is time to diversify.

Prior to becoming disabled, I use to speak at various venues and conferences. It was something I vastly enjoyed doing. So in October, I will be diversifying from the crafting of items with my hands to the crafting of words. I will be speaking at a ladies conference in the Chicago area.

More about that later.

Etsy Shop

2009-08-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Etsy.com is a source to purchase handmade objects. It is a much larger site than what I hope our Artful Abilities site will be. I'm hoping the atmosphere will be large enough to support growth but small enough so we get to know each other.

Because Etsy has a strong presence on the web, I have put up a banner for a shop there. Once the PA Renaissance Faire is over (end of Oct.), I will have some hand knitted items there. Hopefully, it will drive people over to our shop at Artful Abilities (cross your fingers).

Until then, browse around Etsy and see how things are set up. I'm open to suggestions. Now is the time to do it, before the web designer disappears into the mist from whence he came.

Bracken Hicks Contractions

2009-08-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Close to the end of pregnancy, a woman will experience bracken hicks contractions. These are harmless but a type of false labor pains. The woman will often think delivery is close when it may still be weeks away.

Sunday, when I went over the website with the web designer, I felt like I was having bracken hicks contractions. It will be a while until the site is ready. I'm disappointed. I can load pictures of product to the site, pick headings and sub-heading, but I was counting on having a great Christmas season.

With the late start in the year, and upcoming surgery, it is time to be realistic. The store will open and the store opens. Until then, my items will continue to sell at the PA Renn Faire. At the end of that time, my items will be available on Etsy (of course the book is available at Amazon.

At this point, I wish Etsy would allow a co-op store for our disabled artists group but they won't allow one of the size I envisioned. They will allow a small group to co-own a store. This may be a temporary option. I will explore this.

The Artful Abilities store is coming

2009-08-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

Starting a business is like giving birth to a baby; it seems to take forever. The official start of this business, according to government records, was January 1, 2009. In August, this business will be on the books for 9 months. But in reality, this business has been in my thoughts and dreams for years. Tomorrow I will be one step closer to its formal birth.

On Sunday, August 2, 2009, I will be reviewing the new website Artful Abilities store with "Frig", the web designer.

Inspiration

2009-07-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Inspiration. Inspiration, perhaps that is what I am lacking these days. I don't know. I seem to be mindlessly dreaming away the hours.

Most disabled persons see one kind of therapist or other; we see occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist, psychologists, recreational therapists, but we see them...lots of them...therapists. One of my therapists, tells me that I am having issues with task completion. This means that I can start things, but have difficulty finishing them. *sigh*

Well, if task completion is my problem and issue for the disabled, then I think some very important people must be disabled. Politician in Washington D.C. must have cornered the market, on disability. They seem to know how to get started on health care reform; however, unless it is an election year, they don't know how to get a bill passed.

Anyway, as for my task completion problem...I think it is more of a creative block...a knitters' block. The best way to cure writers block, is to write. So, I guess the best way to cure knitters block is to knit. I best get knitting. On my needles is a pumpkin hat. What's on your needles?

Letter to Pete King

2009-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me, you will understand how different my actions of the day were. I seek to avoid controversy. I delight in staying out of the limelight. I normally avoid the subject of politics. I'm not really a Republican or a Democrat. Unfortunately, they don't have a group called the normal human being (ah... but what is normal, but a setting on a dryer... but I digress). Yet, I know my actions may draw attention to myself, & the issues of sexual abuse. I also know that some in the community here, may not agree with my actions, others may not choose to join because of them.

Today, Congressman Peter King [NY] spoke out against the media circus surrounding Michael Jackson's career, life and death. Although, there is no mistaking he was a gifted musician; in my opinion, his song entitled, "I'm Bad" title speaks for his life. As certain as most of the world was about the fact that OJ Simpson committed murder, I am equally convinced this man, Michael Jackson was a pedophile. I am glad Peter King had the guts to speak out.

Which is why I wrote him the following letter:

Dear Congressman Pete King,

In a former job, I had routine contact once or twice a year with various governmental representatives; however, the focus was primarily on garnering support for the non-radical, nonjudgmental side of the pro-life ministry. Ours was a ministry of peace; we kept in our hearts and minds the phrase, 'there but for the grace of God go I'. Outside of my work life, I did not write letters or seek contact with government officials. This letter for me is out of the ordinary. For me, this letter should be considered extraordinary. I contact you today as the founder of a newly formed community of disabled artists and abuse survivors, Artful Abilities. Our goal is to self-sufficiency through the sale of our arts and crafts. This contact is in regards to your recent speech, in front of the fire house on July, 5, 2009.

Thank you for giving voice to what needed to be voiced. By speaking out and acknowledging who should be considered this nations true heroes, such as those fighting for our freedoms, teachers, and the other unsung heroes may it start a ripple effect. It was time for someone to give honor to the 'the good men and women of our country who have dedicated their lives to helping others and serving our country not Michael Jackson'. Watching him be placed on a pedestal, while those among us are left reeling from the aftermath of sexual abuse, is like daily getting slapped in the face. It saddens us that our nation values a man's talent more than a child's innocence...

The Economy and Disabled Artists

2009-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

It is scary starting a business any business in this new economic era. It is an additional hurdle for the disabled artist to surmount, but it is not impossible.

In the past decade or so, many American’s have lived beyond their means using borrowed money for luxuries. Now many are robbing Peter to pay Paul, just to buy living expenses. But what does this mean for the new art business? What does it mean to disabled artists, like you and me? What does this mean for the Artful Abilities Community?

According to Alan Bamberger, of Art Business.Com, “Yes, from this point forward, anyone who spends money on anything from eggs to art...will be looking for value in what they spend it on... Your art will have to fight for survival. You'll have to... demonstrate why it's worth owning by offering tangible, intangible, theoretical, philosophical and related forms of proof (not the least of which is visual) that it embodies concepts, ideals, inspirations, and aspirations potential buyers can identify with...”

Artists need to be asking themselves tough questions about their art and handcrafts. According to Bamberger, those questions include...“Why does your art deserve a place in someone's home or business? How will it enrich or enhance another person's life? In short, what's in it for the buyer... as a [disabled] artist, [you] have to dedicate yourself to creating the absolute best ... think... about what you want to communicate and about how you.”

From the works we choose to make, to the items we use to make them, each work of art needs to be constructed we care, with thought. We must remain true to our hearts as artists and not sell out. We must learn to work within this tension if we are to be able to sell what we make, to survive.

In other words for new art businesses and disabled, such as and those here at Artful Abilities, we need to work smarter not harder. As a community of disabled artists and crafts persons, we have already been using this concept to achieve what we have already achieved. This means that the disabled artist, for once, is a step ahead of the artist without impairments.”

As I think about the birth of our nation, I think about what it takes to birth a successful art business. It takes smarts, it takes savvy, and it takes skills and talent. I’m certain the disabled artists reading this have these things within them. I look forward to working with you all, in this community of disabled artists, in the days ahead.

Alan Bamberger, at ArtBusiness.com has generously allowed Artful Abilities to use quotes from his article, “Art in the New Economy”. He has been a pleasure to work with and has a heart for the disabled artist.

I became familiar with him and his business through his affiliation with VSA Arts (formerly Very Special Arts). His business is helpful, informative, and has useful articles on it. I am learning much from him and his work. Thanks, Alan!

Artisans Without Borders

2009-06-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as I was water-walking across Lititz Springs Pool, I began to talk to a woman about Artful Abilities. I explained that Artful Abilities is for the disabled artist or craftsperson, as it is a virtual market place, I am hoping that persons across the globe become involved. I've tried to find other bodies of disabled artists with whom we can work. I want Artful Abilities to be about mutual growth and support for the disabled artist community. After I described our mission statement to her, she sighed and said,"Sounds like you are artisans without borders. What a unique vision for the world".

I was so excited that someone understood what we are striving for here at Artful Abilities. Are goal is to break down walls and barriers that stop disabled artists and craftspeople from marketing their works. As one person at Ten Thousand Villages Stated, "Disability is not Inability". Our artwork and crafts are items of beauty. Just wait until you get to see the diversity that will be here.

Basic Crochet Hat: How to make one

2009-06-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today my take was simple; my goal was to make an easy basic crochet hat. This time I was going to make it (drum roll please), an apple hat. Black or brown stem, red body of the hat for the fruit, and one green leaf. I want the basic hat to be made with a single crochet stitch.

For the stem, I crocheted an I-cord. The instructions I found for you are perfect for demonstration purposes. My hat builds off of 7 stitches (after the initial chained ring and increases, until you get up to 7 stitches) and that is the number that is used in making this particular I-cord.

I have a easy basic formula that I use when I make the body of a crocheted hat. The pattern I found on line (rather then re-invent the wheel, is similar pattern to what I use). Now as I said, my hat builds off of seven stitches at the completion of the stem. I put my notes in orange, Raquel Montoya Dane basic hat pattern is below and copied verbatim, in coral. Thanks, Raquel for your generous gift to the internet community. Here is her pattern:

Basic Hat Pattern for Any Size

Hi there. I made up this pattern one day when I got frustrated by not having the “right” yarn for the “right” pattern for just a basic baby hat. The result is this pattern, which can be used to make any hat, any size. Many thanks to Shari and Kathy Senior of Crochetville for testing the pattern! This pattern is free and you may post it or distribute it wherever you like as long as this note and my name remain attached.

—Raquel Montoya Dane

MATERIALS:

YARN: any kind; you can do this all in one color or switch yarns at the end of rounds to make stripes. You could also make the main part of the hat one color and the cuff another color. One average skein of yarn can usually make one hat (even adult size!).

HOOK: any size—you should decide how tight or loose you want the tension to be. You will need one hook for the main hat and one size larger hook for the cuff (e.g. E and F, or J and K).

MEASURING TAPE: Use the flexible kind used for sewing.

GAUGE & NOTES:

GAUGE: the gauge will vary and is not as important as circumference, which I will discuss in a second.

BASIC IDEA: You will start from the top of the hat and make a circle until the circumference of the circle generally matches the circumference of the person’s head. Then you will continue in basic rows without increasing, switching to a larger hook for the cuff of the hat so that it is not too tight around the forehead.

CIRCUMFERENCE GUIDELINES: For preemies, 12 inches. For babies, 14 inches. For toddlers, 16 inches. For children, 18 inches. For women, 20 inches. For men, 22 inches. These measurements make for a snug hat. If you want the hat looser to accommodate lots of hair, a slightly larger head, or to leave room to grow, add an inch to these numbers.

DIRECTIONS:

You can use single crochet, half-double crochet, or double crochet as long as you pay attention to circumference; these directions assume single crochet. To make the circle you are systematically increasing each round by six stitches until you reach the desired circumference. For each increasing round you are adding one more single crochet in between increases. Your stitch count for each round should ALWAYS be a multiple of six [seven]. I use markers to keep my place as I go.

ŸChain 3. Join with slip stitch to form ring.

ŸRound 1: 6 [7]sc in ring. Slip stitch into first sc to join round; It is here that I do a Russian join and change from the black/brown stem portion of the hat to the red body of the hat. This way I don't have the annoying task of sewing the stem on later; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 [14] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 3: *sc in first stitch then 2 sc in next stitch* repeat all the way around (18 [21] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 4: *sc in each of the first two stitches, then 2 sc in next stitch* repeat all the way around (24 [28] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 5: *sc in each of the first three stitches, then 2 sc in next stitch* repeat all the way around (30 [35] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 6: *sc in each of the first four stitches, then 2 sc in next stitch* repeat all the way around (36 [42] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRound 7: *sc in each of the first five stitches, then 2 sc in next stitch* repeat all the way around (42 [49] stitches). Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

For a newborn, I usually do an 8th round [56 stitches] then start the body (14 circumference) for a small size I do a 9th round [63 stitches], medium is a 10th round at [70 stitches], large is an 11th round at [77 stitches], and 12th round is as big as I go [84 stitches]

Continue increasing in this manner until you reach the appropriate circumference. (For example, if you use sportweight yarn and you are making an adult hat, it make take you as many as fourteen of these rounds to achieve the right circumference.) Use a measuring tape (the flexible kind used for sewing) to measure around the edge of the circle. Once you have the right circumference, continue as follows:

ŸRound X: sc in each stitch all around. Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRepeat Round X as needed to achieve the right length; for preemies, work rounds until about 5 inches from the beginning; for babies, 6 inches; for toddlers, 7 inches, for children, 9 inches; for women and men, 10 inches. These measurements are approximate—I often find that a little bit shorter works better; it just depends on how far down on the head you want the hat to go and how large a cuff you want.

ŸOnce you reach a length you like, switch to one size larger hook and continue as follows to make the cuff:

ŸRound Y: sc in each stitch all around. Slip stitch into first sc to join round; chain 1, turn.

ŸRepeat Round Y until you reach desired cuff length. Join round but do not chain 1 or turn.

ŸFasten off. Weave in ends.

If you want a rolled edge decrease your hook by one size for the last round (it will make the hat curl up). The alternative, if you are using my numbers is to decrease by 7 stitches evenly around the hat.

EMBELLISHMENT IDEAS: Once you have the basic idea under control, there is no end to the variations! For the part after the circle is made you can do any stitch you like as long as the stitch count and the circumference remain the same. You could do your last row of the cuff in a decorative stitch, such as basic shells. You could add a pom-pom on top. You could stop at the edge before the cuff and add earflaps instead of a cuff. You could do a ribbing on the cuff by using front and back post crochet. You get the idea!

Well, folks.. the hat did not get finished in one day. I stopped to give these directions to you and it took longer than expected. My hat is 8 inches from the bottom of the stem to the end of the hat. I've a short way to go. I also didn't get around to making the leaf and I'm considering making an I-cord worm. I think if I do that I will do a knitted I cord. You'll just have to wait for the next installment on my free easy crochet apple hat design for all ages.

I selected Sugar n' Cream 100% cotton yarn (120 yds to the skein) for the basic easy apple hat. It took less than one skein of the red yarn for the body of the hat. The size hook that I used was a "J". I crochet tightly and I will go up in size next time.

Website Update

2009-06-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

Kyle Pennington called last night. This is good news, people. He wanted to update me on news concerning the Artful Abilities website. The countdown is on!!!

He has sent for certificate that guarantees secure financial transactions online. As soon as the certificate is received then the merchandise can be loaded onto the site. This certificate is of the utmost importance and a feature you want to make certain a website business has. This means your business offers secure transactions. We don't want to risk any identities being stolen.

I had that happen to me once and that was a mess. I'm doing my utmost as is Kyle (who incidentally helps protect our Federal Governments Computers) to make sure our online transactions will be safe. So although there have been delays in the site opening they are delays for all the right reasons.

Once we get the certificate, the site at that point would be opened for business. Shortly thereafter, I will be adding artisans that want to take part in this free trade cooperative endeavor. Prices for listings will be competitive with Etsy (hopefully, lower). A lot depends on what Kyle was able to find for us in the way of an "Internet store" or Internet home", which ever you want to call it.

I hope you all are getting as excited about this as I am. This project has been a long time in the making. It is nice to see it finally coming to fruition.

As I've said before this will be an all female site. The only exception to this will be founding members who have helped with Artful Abilities from its inception.

Speaking of one of our founders, the art of this famous painter will have a prominent place of honor at our website. As such, they will be one of our first to be interviewed and featured here. You'll just have to watch and wait. I don't want to ruin the fun. And as I've said members could be of either gender you'll have to guess on whether or not this is a gender bender. Have fun guessing.

Health Benefits of Knitting

2009-06-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

I bet you've always suspected that there are health benefits to knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Well, according to a recent study performed by the Mayo Clinic there are. Take a look:
Watch CBS Videos Online

A Shell

2009-06-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

My favorite place on earth is the ocean. The smell of the sea, the sound of the waves as they crash on the shore, the sounds of the gulls, the sand between my toes, these things beckon me. Naturally, when I think of shells, I think of seashells.

“Shells are lovely natural objects, equals in beauty to any flower or butterfly, they are more than just pretty baubles found on beaches. They are the exterior skeletons (exoskeletons) of a group of animals called mollusks. The word "mollusk" means "soft-bodied;" an exterior skeleton is very important to these creatures, providing them with shape and rigidity, and also with protection, and sometimes camouflage, from predators”. Shells are not only the homes of theses creatures, but in some cases, part of these creatures. From the time I’ve been small, I’ve been intrigued by shells.

Over the years, my fascination with seashells has not waned. It has grown; perhaps, it is fueled by having read, Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea. Today, I was introduced to a new type of shell. This type of shell has nothing to do with seashells. It is the shell of a website. The shell I met today is to be the new home of Artful Abilities.

The website designer, Kyle Pennington, phoned today; he provided me with the URL address for Artful Abilities. Our address will be simple; it is: artfulabilities.com. There is nothing much to see at the site of artfulabilities.com. It is a shell; it is waiting for Artful Abilities to move in and make it home. By the end of June, it hopefully sales of handmade objects will take place there, that is the goal.

Source:
http://www.all-about-seashells.com/article/

Website Update

2009-05-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

I spoke with the web designer tonight. He has been swamped with his graduation and move to D.C. I was certain he would be a bit delayed in getting the site up for Artful Abilities. Thanks ok; I have some final things that need done too.

The key to a small business is organization. So that will be one of the buzz words of the weekend. With the arrival of the new 'green machine' printer/fax/copier/scanner things needed to be shifted in the office. The second-hand 4-in 1 is going off to the company where I got my 'green machine' and will be given new life. It will be refurbished and given a new home either in this country or in a third world nation. This keeps things in line with this company's mission statement, helping others across the globe. Maybe it will get a home among disabled artists; we can hope.

Once the office is organized, there are three priority articles that need completed for web consumption and then the new articles for this site. All needs to be in readiness for the new website and my next operation (which will occur sometime in June or July).

Get your seatbelts on...we'll be moving at the speed of light soon.

The Saga of the New Web Site

2009-05-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Frieman Stoltzfus and I will go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It will be a business trip for inspiration for new designs for the textile line. We will have the honor of looking at the works of Cezanne and may also make the Matisse exhibits. I'm certain their works will be a new source of enrichment for our work.

I must admit, I am nervous about being out of the house. It has been more than two years since I have taken a trip like this. I will have to have Frieman push me in a wheel chair. I'm certain to feel like a turnip by early afternoon. But living a life inside four walls isn't really living...

I had delayed writing this entry in hopes the new website would be ready. This is not what I wanted to be writing today. Stories of designers and artists are waiting in the wings to be posted. I wanted to have an excellent start to what is certain to be an outstanding artful endeavor. But here at Artful Abilities, we wait. We wait impatiently for our web designer to finish with his design. Then the next leg of our journey will start.

When the journey begins sales, hopefully, will be possible through the website. There will be links to others artists that are like minded. I am anxious. I am excited. And I wait.

Artisttia

Update

2009-04-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Between being hospitalized, coming home, settling back into a routine I feel like I've been ignoring this blog. In truth it has not been intentionally. What has been occurring is that Artful Abilities is preparing to launch its official website.

Meetings on the phone, in person and through e-mail have occurred with the most fabulous web designer on earth, FRIG! Frig, I hope you are reading this because I'm here singing your praises.

I've spoke with a world renowned artist. A great work of art will be on the opening page. But I'm not going to ruin the surprise. You will love the art; I guarantee it. There are other surprises in store and a host of great interviews lined up. May will prove to be our most exciting month yet.

A Short Sample of Works by Artful Abilities

2009-04-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun video of some of the projects here at Artful Abilities. Enjoy!

Pictures were taken by the family in our Garden. Music is by Carla Bruni, check her out!

I am Woman...I am Tired Quote of the Week

2009-04-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

People tell me that starting a business is exhausting. It is filled with longer than 40 hour work weeks and never ending work. Well, for me even getting close to a 10-14 hr work week is impossible and I'm exhausted, I'm not invincible, and I'm tired...oh, so very, very tired. However, work on the business moves forward at a snails pace and connections with other disabled people continue to be made.

To get me out of the house which hasn't happened for months, other than doctor appointments, my husband took me to a breakfast and a bookstore, afterwords. I couldn't help but snap this photo of a gift book I saw there. It is by Peter Pauper Press. It is with great illustrations guaranteed to lift the spirits but not your fatigue. After my outing due to Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, I went home and slept for 6 hrs. Such is life.

Thursdays Tip, A Day Late But Not a Dollar Short

2009-04-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

When you are disabled it is hard to find ways to make money when your time and energy permit.
I heard of writing articles for money on the net. First, I wasn't certain if it was a scam or not. Second, with my cognitive problems I wasn't sure I could do it. I know it would not be possible without the voice recognition program I currently have available to me. But for now, that equipment is a God send.

I know that some of the site out there may be scams. However, I also know that in my first month at Associated Content ( www.associatedcontent.com ) I earned over $50.00. That might not sound like much to you. But you'd be surprised what a difference $50 dollars makes, especially when you are disability. I have a friend that has been on the site for four years. If she'd stop writing tomorrow, she'd still be making about $45.oo a month from continued hits on the articles she's already written. So for those of you that are gifted in this area, this might be the way for you to go.

Go sharpen up that pencil now and get writing. What do you have to lose. It is another way for you to use your artful ability.

You are No Bunny Till Some Bunny Loves You

2009-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

An intriguing title don't you think? Well, as a textile artist I a need a cheap, renewable source of textile material available to be made into yarn. So in light of this, the business has expanded. Unfortunately, zoning ordinances and energy prevent the adoption of an alpaca or a sheep. So what was some bunny like me going to do? Certainly you've picked up on all the hints I've dropped so far; I got a bunny. I got an angora bunny. Skittles, my angora bunny, will provide hours of spinning fun for beautiful and unique yarn. Hopefully, my camera will cooperate later this weekend and I will have pictures to show you all.

Of course, I have a strict policy in adopting pets. Pets must be adopted from Human or Animal Rescue Societies. I planned on only adopting one bunny but these two were a bonded pair. Snickers, the male rabbit, certainly can't help the fact that he isn't an angora any more than his wife Skittles can help that she is. So the loving couple came home Thursday.

They are gradually getting use to the dogs once the dogs decided they were not fast food. The one dog is doing better with them than the other. The dog we call the "gentle giant" has been less than gentle. I do believe she thinks that they are puppies and she wished to cart them around as such. This was much to the dismay of the bunnies. It is adorable to watch the hus-bun protect his wife as he steps in front of her to protect her from this huge giant. I'm sure things will settle down soon. But it is making life interesting around here.

Banking for Your Business, Thursdays Tip

2009-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the account for Artful Abilities was opened. In order to open a bank account as a small business you will need to take the following with you if you are a sole proprietorship: your driver's license, "doing business as form", Tax ID Number (that is unless your state said you don't need one; some states do that), money to open the account.

If you tend to be in the hospital many times in a year, you will want to order two stamps from your bank when you open your account. The first will be a stamp that says, "for deposit only". The second will be a signature stamp so you can designate with the bank who will be your power of attorney (POA) for your business when you get sick. As a sole proprietor, in most states this must be someone in your immediate family. Most commonly this would be your spouse; however, and adult child can also fill this bill for you. When the signature stamp arrives at the bank, they will add the stamp to the signature page you used when you opened your account. It is a good idea to place that signature stamp in a safety deposit box, and give your POA the key. You never know when you might get sick. In that box make sure there is a list of all your business passwords for your computer so your business doesn't suffer while you are suffering in the hospital.

Another Way to Make Money at Home

2009-03-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Back on January 18, I explained that I got involved in a research study using voice recognition software for those with upper body mobility issues. If you remember, I had had recent surgery on my neck and right shoulder with the need for additional surgery on my left surgery and possibly more on my neck in the future. Anyway, I've been getting more comfortable in being able to use the voice recognition program. But nice as it is for those with upper body mobility issues to be able to use this type of program to be able to use e-mail or the net for personal use, it would be even better if there was a way to make money from home using this program.

As I liked to write prior to my stroke, I thought I'd at least try to find something. A friend of mine that is also disabled, has earned money from a website called Associated Content. It is a site for freelance writers. I was a bit concerned to try freelancing there being as all my work here is edited by a family member. However, I thought I'd give it a try. Besides a wanted to try to work without a net so to speak.

So I joined Associated Content using the byline, Artisttia. To my surprise I have gotten somethings published. Blogging for money has been difficult for me. First, I couldn't do it without the voice recognition program. Second, I couldn't do it if my physician had doubled my antidepressant med. Unfortunately, you can't stay on this dose forever as it isn't recommended or other health issues pop up. Without this dose I don't think I would be able to give the writings the positive slant needed to get accepted by the public. Third, for me to get an article up is an arduous process. I write it on the voice recognition program and do a correction. I have to come back to it periodically (and remember to do so) through out the day to recheck it for errors once I've pasted it in their template. It doesn't matter how hard I work. No matter, how many times I check there is always some kind of error in the finished work. I say finished work because after you have been published for three times. You just hit the button publish and you put the article on the web.

Blogging for money is not the way to get rich quick by any means. You get paid a penny or so (I do literally mean a penny or so) for the number of times somebody views your page. Now in Associated Contents defense they do have a plan in place to get more money as you publish more articles and if your articles become popular. However, you'd have to be turning out several articles a day to make even a part time living. I have trouble doing 400 words in a day or two. The minimum word requirement is 400 words on most articles.

If you don't have cognitive issues, can write well, yes Associated Content & another site Helium are great places to earn money. You could even get popular enough in time or find enough other sites to write for to earn enough to work part or full time. But it isn't going to happen for me. Oh, I'll continue to write there. It is a good exercise for my mind. I might earn $10 here or there. Right now I'm still having trouble knitting, crocheting, or doing any form of textile art with my arms for any length of time, so in the meantime I'll do this. It is better than nothing. As my neck and arm continue to improve (I'm told it will take up to a year to get there), I'll do the textiles when I can. When I can't I will blog for dollars.

edited by Lionheart

Sorry about the Blogging Break

2009-03-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I'm very sorry about the blogging break. I haven't been feeling well. I was too tired and sick to keep on blogging. It was especially hard knowing I'd have to e-mail my pre-posted blogs to Chrissie, (who is currently in Germany), to do the editing. Being especially sensitive to the fact that Chrissie is in Germany for five long months (sniff, sniff). it was a little too much to face. I promise to try to do a bit better in the future.

Progress

2009-02-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Pausing and reflecting on a new endeavor helps to focus me; perhaps it does for you as well. As I think about this new business endeavor I have completed the following tasks:
1) Chosen the company name
2) Decided on the company's legal structure
3) Discovered in my township I don't need a business license
4) Discovered the zoning is correct for my business
5) Application for a fictitious business name has been made and approved
6) Commandeered the cell phone for future business purposes
7) Obtained a federal tax identification number
8) Obtained IRS publications for small businesses (those pesky taxes)

However, the following remains to be done:
1) Open a business bank account
2) Discuss home and business liability and insurance with an insurance agent
3) Apply for a sellers permit (at this point it doesn't matter as I'm selling clothing which in PA is non-taxable but I don' want to be limited so...)
4) Last but not least get my WEB SITE created. It is coming very, very, soon.

I hope the compass I used in setting up my business and including the steps that remain can assist you if you are setting up your own business. At least having a list such as this, keeps me on the right path and headed to the ultimate goal of setting up shop!

edited by Chrissie Elore

Quote of the Week

2009-02-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

There is a logic of colors, & it is with this alone, & not with the logic of the brain, that the painter should conform.

~Paul Cezanne~

From XKCD

2009-02-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

I know I've often wished for more time with family and friends. Sometimes more time would be nice so we'd have more time to create. My daughter leaves for Germany in just a few days. How I wish I could turn back time to spend more time with her. If you are like me and have someone special you want to spend more time with, perhaps you'll enjoy this comic (published with permission from XKCD)

Tool time Thursday

2009-02-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

While in its tool time Thursday, no Tim-the-Toolman-Taylor will not be visiting with us today. But that doesn't mean it's not time to review the latest tool in my knitting arsenal. My Swallow Knitting Needles arrived; to refresh your memory, these are the needles that are made from casein a biodegradable milk protein. Casein is sometimes referred to as "artificial horn" due to the resemblance to tortoiseshell or ivory. Production of casein needles began in the early 1900's; not to be with confused with Bakelite, which not only began production later in the century, but contains a high amount of formaldehyde.

The Swallow Needles were touted to have a smooth slide, warm to the touch and not to build up static which happens at times with certain fibers. They were everything I hoped for and more. The tip of these needles do not split your yarn as some other needles do. They are flexible, have a short taper, and a medium tip. I got mine needles in a tortoise shell color but there are other fun colors that you can choose. I really didn't think I'd like them needles as much as I do as I tend to prefer wood. I was pleasantly surprised as these prove delightful to use. I think I'll be adding more Swallow Needles in the future to my ever growing collection. The only downside with the needles and they are measured in metric sizes but if that isn't off putting to you, I'm sure you'll enjoy a Swallow Needles.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Quote of the Day from Wikipedia

2009-02-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

The Queen of Hearts' White Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland and Chrissie Elore

The history of Valentines Day according to one legend:

"Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,^[14] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,^[15] or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."

Tipful Tuesday

2009-02-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

For anyone who is trying to start a business, it is hard to keep on keeping on. But for those with disabilities or active lives whether it's being a full-time job or a full-time mom, it is hard to find the time and energy to start or grow your own business. This doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. So make easy reachable goals for yourself, something achievable. An example of this would be to do something 3 or 4 days out o the week. It could be as easy as writing a short blog entry like this one or making a phone call.

Yawn... one doctor appointment and I'm done in for the day. Back to resting and petting my pooches.

Edited by Lion Heart

Quote of the Week from Artist Way of Knowing

2009-02-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Affirmations

I am a talented person.
I have the right to be an artist.
I am a good person and a good artist.
Creativity is a blessing I accept.
My creativity blesses others.
My creativity is appreciated.
I now treat myself and my creativity more gently.
I now treat myself and my creativity more generously.
I now share my creativity more openly.
I now accept hope.
I now act affirmatively.
I now accept creative recovery.
I now allow myself to heal.
I now accept God's help unfolding my life.
I now believe God loves artists.

~Julia Cameron~

Tools or Tips Tuesday or Thursday

2009-02-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Noel, aka Junk Yard Dog, she eats anything that doesn't eat her first!

I just ordered a pair of Swallow Casein knitting needles. I tried these years ago but I don't know whatever became of those needles, nor did I have arthritis at the time. I'm told these light weight needles are good for those with arthritic hands, as they feel warm as you are using them. I tend to prefer wood needles, but maybe I'll find a new love. The needles are the right mix between being flexible and rigid. The advertisement for these state that yarn slides the length of the needle minus static, which tends to build up with some of my favorites such as angora and mohair. I wouldn't know as back then I was around the age of eight and barely affording Red Heart Yarn. Therefore, I decided to see if the praise for the the casein knitting needle is warranted.

These needles have the plus of being organic and biodegradable, as they are made from the milk protein found in skim milk. They have the minus of tasting horrid: yes, I have tasted them. YUK! If you're the type that needs a third hand when knitting and sometimes pop a needle in your mouth to hold it, this might not be the needle for you. However, I' m told the taste may appeal to pets. Hopefully, my dogs won't find them tasty when they arrive. I'll let you know howI like them. Later, I plan to check out square needles, Options Needles from Knit Picks and some other unique needles that may feel better on arthritic hands. There is always something new and fun to try with knitting and crochet. In any case, I hope these needles show soon and I'll give you a review of my new needles or any other products when I get them.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Dancing Digits Flying Phalanges

2009-02-01T17:20:00.001-08:00

Are there times when your digits don't dance? Do your phalanges refuse to fly? Has using knitting needles literally become a pain in the neck, or the wrists for ya?..Well, you get the idea. Long before people started to knit on sticks, it is my belief the Creator of the Universe came up with the idea of fingers, so that knitting could and would occur on them. This method is brilliantly called Finger Knitting. It is a simple method using the fingers of your hand to knit on. Yarn is woven around fingers on one hand in a particular way; you end up with two loops of yarn on each finger. The loop on the bottom is pulled over the top.The hand that originally held the loops is re-wrapped again. That's the general idea anyway. Still as clear as mud, huh? Well, a picture is worth a thousand words.So off to,
a short video on utube
or perhaps to never, never land if you'd rather not look, listen and learn. If that doesn't do it for you there is a good book on the subject entitled Finger Knitting Suzuki Katsino. If you need to park you precious knitting use a friends hand, a mannequin hand that you have laying about (yes, I have one of those to use for sketching purposes) or lay it down oh, so carefully. Maybe this will keep you occupied until your phalanges fly once again.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Quote of the Week

2009-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

"The best gifts are the people in our
lives and the moments we share" ~unknown~

Knit Princess Do Not Anger the Goddess

2009-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

(DOUBLE CLICK ON THE CARTOON TO ENLARGE IF NEEDED)
When I was looking at "Lime and Violet" I came across the most incredible cartoon by Allison Sarnoff. I was so excited I thought that those here might enjoy her cartoon as much as I did. She graciously acquiesced to my request and sent the following new cartoon to me.

Allison calls her cartoon the Knit Princess. It is the adventure of a knitting obsessed, movie loving, unemployed girl. I can't wait to see how she deals with unemployment, power outages, cat drama, and her long suffering roommate. If you want to follow her incredible talent and fun cartoons like I plan to go to the URL which is http://www.knitprincess.com/. If you loved the book, It Itches:A Stash of Knitting Cartoons you will adore the highly original cartoons by Allison. She is also the co-owner of Dye-namics Yarn along with her business partner is Melody Moore. Their lovely yarn can be found at the following URL http://www.dyenamicsyarn.com/.

The Riddle of the Sphinx

2009-01-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the evening? The answer is as old as time itself: a man who cross on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult, and walks with a cane in old age. But somehow I think that the sphinx, at least in my case, got it wrong. Because I'm no longer are walking with a cane in middle age; I'm walking with six legs. The Dr. prescribed a walker yesterday. I would've thought that there was very little difference between assistive devices. It's just the difference between the cane and walker isn't it, or is it? I don't think I was prepared for this whirlwind of emotions. But then neither was I expecting to be prescribed walker.

Usually when I have major life changes I talked to my therapist and he refrains which better allows me to incorporate things into my life story. But I'm not quite sure how he's going to be able to do this in this case. While the walker helps me in preserving the function that I do have, it exists in the shadow of loss of function. It is those in beginning and an ending. Not that I've been dancing recently but I could have at least slow danced with my husband if I want to; now that is an impossible dream. These changes in mobility have so many layers of psychological and physiological meaning. It is one more area in my life where I feel a loss of ability but also loss of control.

I'm angry, frustrated, and sad, and I want to live in de-NILE. I'm told it's beautiful this time of year. I guess when I look of that list of anger, frustration, sadness, denial what becomes evident is that I'm grieving. And it's going to take a while to reach acceptance. Someday I hope to be able to accept my body as it is; that day isn't today. And when I look back on the pictures of when I was young, carefree, healthy, at a healthy weight,and happy I miss my former self (you can see what I looked like then for it is the picture shown in the upper right corner of my blog).

Edited by Chrissie Elore

Empty Nest

2009-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

It's that time of life. No, not that time of life (as I roll my eyes skyward)! It's for the birds if you ask me. It is the time of my life that my grown children are busy establishing themselves as independent adults; therefore, they are working for chicken feed. I'm about to be an empty nester. My son is happily or not so and happily ensconced on the mistake by the lake, A.K.A Cleveland. My youngest, Chrissie, we'll be having to edit the blog via the Internet while she's in Germany studying for six months; my oldest daughter moved out today.

For the past several springs, as I have watched the birds build their nests. I have watched them carefully feather their nests with feathers, string, and of coarse pieces of yarn. Around here, Chrissie swears it grows on trees, but I digress. I have watched the birds intently hoping to learn some wisdom from the wild. The adult birds send their young out on their own when they have taught them what they need to survive and have taught them how to fly. This spring one youngster kept coming back to the nest. However, the mother bird seemed glad to see the bird but you should of heard that male squawk. Eventual that loud mouth bird squawked enough that youngster left the nest.

Each time my adult kids left for college, it was a kind of preparation for the these moments when they would fly out of here to be on their own. I have mixed about them leaving as I see my ready-to-fly-bird fly down the road. I wonder if they are truly ready. I wonder if I'll ever be ready for their leaving. Perhaps this is why women seek help during this major life transition; as for me...I'm seeking Valium.

Edited by Chrissie Elore

Live the Life You Were Meant to Live

2009-01-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

"In this place

in this time

in this space

you can be

anything.

BE YOU!"

~Artisttia~

Sunday January 18 2009

2009-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

As promised, I would explain more about how I got involved using the voice recognition software for my computer so here goes. As I was assisting my daughter in looking for employment, I came across an opportunity for myself. It wasn’t something that I was looking for. It wasn’t something I would normally consider. But there it was, staring me in the face. There was a notice that a research team was developing a speech-based application that could potentially help disabled users improve keyboard and mouse skills on their computers. Specifically, they were looking for people who had trouble due to upper body mobility issues. Having had two recent surgeries affecting this, I thought I’d look into.

The participants of the study are given a computer and the voice recognition program for six months to use on the computer. They can use it for whatever wanted for any use. In return, the participant would use speech to compose weekly diary of what they use the computer for. They would also give feedback on what would make the software more user friendly.

I thought this would be an easier way for me to be able to blog. It would also be a chance to help improve voice recognition programs for those with physical impairments. Therefore, I decided to participate. So for the next six months, I will be a Guinea pig. Hmmm. I wonder what a Guinea Pig sounds like.

PS. The delay in posting this had to do with problems with the internet connection of this computer.

Edited by Saraphim

Speech Recognition

2009-01-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is the first day that I'm using the speech recognition program on my computer on my computer on my own. I'll tell you more about how I got the program at another time. It should be interesting for me as I explore this new method of communication.

I am certain in the beginning that the learning curve will feel like I am climbing Mt Olympus without the gods to help with my assent. However, I'm certain my assent will be more fun then the usual hurdles I must traverse in typing on the computer such as sore hands, shoulders, or back, and the worst being the debilitating headaches that keep me from functioning.

Onward towards Mount Olympus; may the crazy gods go with me.

~ edited by Chrissie Elore~

PS. Happy B'day oh, son of mine!!!

Under the Weather

2009-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

It has been a quiet week here. The days have drifted by as easily as the snowflakes that have fallen by our window. Both Chrissie and I are still under the weather. We have spent our days watching the flakes fall and sleeping the week away. Therefore we have neglected blogging. Although we fell behind in this area, we did get our T. I. N. #. Not all has been lost in progress in the business of Artful Abilities.

There are some exciting developments in our computer usage . So you will have to stay tuned. Since you are on the edge of your seat, I will give you a hint. This was typed using a new technology.

addendum: Chrissie found no mistakes in this post to have to edit. YEAH! Thanks to the new technology

Quote of the Week

2009-01-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

"The more I think,
the more I feel that there
is nothing more truly artistic
than to love people."

~Vincent van Gogh~

Asked and Answered

2009-01-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

The other day when Saraiphim walked me through the Pennsylvania Open for Business website. The question that we had in filing out the forms was should I list Artful Abilities as the so called "fictitious name" for this business endeavor on the forms, or should I list my nom de plume, Artisttia. I only received a partial answer to my question. Since I am not entitling the business in any derivative of my name, I need to use Artful Abilities as a "fictitious name" since I will be doing business under that name. They stated that they are not the ones to determine anything in regards to my nom de plume.

Thank heaven for Chrissie and Saraiphim (and possibly her budding legal eagle friend) for being able to sift through the legal mumbo jumbo of starting a business. For me it is about as clear as mud on a car window! Hopefully, as we obtain answers and any of you who are trying to start a business will find answers for yourselves as well.

edited by Saraiphim

Congrats Jon and Chrissie

2009-01-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

I'm surprised that I didn't note this momentous occasion on January 1. Jon and Chrissie officially got engaged New Years Eve. I think the reason I didn't note this occasion prior is I have thought of Chrissie and Jon as engaged for the past couple years. Jon has been so much a part of all of our lives, I can't imagine him not being a part of the family.

PS. He his a great handyman and I have a great new kitchen faucet to prove it.

The Business of Business

2009-01-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I have slacked since the surgery on working on getting Artful Abilities up and running. The surgery and depression that followed caused a delay in this endeavor. However, with the new year upon us and my desire to keep my self imposed deadline; I continue to forge ahead with the business.

Yesterday, Saraiphim walked me through Pennsylvania Open for Business website. It is a site for those who need to register their business with the state of PA. Thank heaven for her insight and mental capabilities, for filling out that form felt almost as bad as filling out the application to file for Social Security Disability. In my opinion, the main difference was this form was shorter! Even with her help, we ran into one question neither one of us was certain of so we sent them an e-mail for clarification. As soon as we get answer, pay our fee, we will be state registered. Hooray! The next step will be to apply for a TIN # (Tax identification number). Cross your fingers and toes.

edited by Saraiphim

Quote of the Week Lyrics New Years Day

2009-01-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

I buy a lot of diaries, fill them full of good intentions
Each and every new years eve, I make myself a list
All the things I'm gonna change, until January Second
So this time I'm making one promise
Yeah, This will be my resolution, Every day is new years day
Oh, this will be my resolution, Every day is new years, day.
Well I believe it's possible, I believe in new beginnings
I believe in Christmas Day, and Easter Morning too

On the list it's doable, cuz I believe in second chances
Just the way that I, believe in you
Yeah, this will be my resolution, Every day is new years day
Oh, this could start a, revolution,
every day is one more chance to start all over
One more chance to change and grow-oh,
one more chance to grab a hold of, grace and never let it go
This will be my resolution, every day is new years day,
oh, this could start a revolution, every day is--
this will be my resolution, ... is New,Years,Day...
--New years day

~Carolyn Arends

Reflections A Wedding 26 years after the fact

2008-12-31T15:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the comedic wedding shows where everything goes wrong? Well, mine would rival the best of them. We’ll start the night before the wedding with the rehearsal and the ensuing rehearsal dinner. It was a Thursday evening and we were to have the church all to ourselves; as it was between Christmas and New Years. The sour faced required wedding planner was there to make sure our nuptial went off without a hitch. She failed.

We counted on the church keeping up all the beauty Christmas flowers and decorations. The wedding planner promised to make sure of this, however she didn’t inform the church sexton. So he had decided to get ahead on his weekly cleanly and removed all the decorations. The next sign that things were going wrong was at the rehearsal which turned out to be the same time as the church choir. We had our rehearsal with the choir watch and making negative cracks and comments on marriage such as, “run while you still have a chance”. So we went rapidly through the rehearsal and return to my mother’s for dinner. The dinner resembled the Hatfield and McCoys getting together and pretending to get along. After dinner, the fellows tried on their tuxes, which of coarse didn’t fit. Image the fun we had trying to find matching tuxes on the 30th of December, with New Years just around the corner.

On the day of the wedding, my sister was in a sour mood because she was older, single, living with my mother, and still asking such questions as “When you kiss, where do the noses go?”Her resembled a lion’s main that required much primping and curling. So she primped and curled in the bathroom while I tired to get my gown zipped and my veil on. The photographer had of coarse caught these memorable moments on film, just as my sister walked into the room. She promptly broke into sobs and wails causing mascara to run and hid herself away in the bathroom. My mother then screamed “Apologize immediately to your sister! Or I will not be attending your wedding!.” At this point, I should have taken the divine hint from God and eloped. However, I then made one of the biggest mistakes of my life, and apologized to my sister.

Two of my soloists had laryngitis and wouldn’t be attending the wedding was the next surprise in this gala event. I also discover that my father would not be attending the wedding either, as he and my mother couldn’t put their differences aside for one day. The rest of wedding went off without a hitch. Well, that was until we got home and decoded to open a few gifts and my new husband discovered.,...ooops! he had left the marriage certificate back on the table at the reception hall at the church. So as our first act as a newly wed couple we got to shift threw trash;
talk about bonding.

Well, that is the story of my wedding on New Year’s Eve. Don’t even ask about the honeymoon and the almost missed plane, lost luggage, etc... or the last 26 years.

By Artisttia

Edited by Saraiphim

Dysfuntional Holiday Letter Humor

2008-12-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

It's been auspicious year at our home this year. We started out the year with an extra two thousand dollars; it came from the insurance company from a double accident in which Chrissie was first hit going straight through a green light by a driver making a left hand turn, then a few minutes later hit again by a drunk hit-and-run-driver. Her little green car was toast. Rather than use the money frivolously we spent it on Suzy's growing medical bills. We maxed out our family deductible by the end of February. This year's resolution will to max it out by January, with Suzy and Chrissie down with the flu; we just might make it! Suzy applied to the insurance company to obtained the 10,000 dollars from her two strokes, but was told strokes from migraines just don't count. She wishes her brain would get the same memo.

April showers not only brought spring time flowers, but spring time allergies and life-giving storms to our drought stricken area. We only lost three singles, half of the siding on the side of the house and the winds pushed opened the cracks in our windows. Our dear little puppies had cracked them the year before; we haven't gotten around to replacing them since it's the closest thing we'll get to stained glass windows, especially with the blood stains from someone who tried to use them to brake into our home. Shortly after this incident, Suzy made the decision to order Life-line. Last year, she had to call 911 to say, “Help I've fallen and can't get up” a nice officer helped her to her feet, but she had locked her keys in her running car. Good thing he could pick the lock.

Sarai finally finished five long years of college with an Anthropology Degree. She celebrated by going on her honeymoon cruise with her friend, Renzy in the Mediterranean because her engagement to Austin had been broken. She returned to her full-time career as a Night-shift Manager at the local CVS. She had worked there since her junior year of high school, we're so proud of the progress she's made. Her degree will come in handy working with the diverse population of both Amish and Mennonites.

Josh is busy winging his way through the not so friendly sky bouncing back and forth between the mistake on the lake, Cleveland, still struggling for life Pittsburgh and our home. His mail has never seemed to quite caught up with him, lucky for him neither did the warrant for his arrest for the unpaid traffic violation caused when he crashed the van. Like the warrant the ticket never reached him either, the same for the bills for his student loan. Funny thing about those student loans, they really do come after you. They threaten to garnish the wages of the co-signer if the ex-student can't pay. With Rick paying Josh's student loan and Suzy's surgery the following year the bankruptcy sail right on through the courts! But not before the slightly bumpy ride in which Chrissie experienced issues with her fiances. Suzy's name was attached to her bank account and so when Rick and Suzy went to file for bankruptcy, the one company froze the account and took all the money in addition to the 75 dollar fee. Turned out it was the perfect semester savings plan, once the courts decided the money was hers. It only took about 1,000 dollars to recover about 2,000 dollars.

Suzy is still recovery from neck surgery, one more surgery down, three more to go! That's all we have here at our home for this year, but you can watch the blog for news of Suzy's recoveries, Chrissie's trip to Germany, Sarai's launch into the work force, Josh's continuing struggles in the wild blue yonder and Rick's adventures and mis-adventures in the nursing home.

Happy Holidays to All,

Chrissie Elore

Bah Humbug

2008-12-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Instrumental Christmas music normally plays in our home from July until the end of March. The official Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving with the trimming of the tree, no Black Friday shopping for us. It is a time for family, drop in company (which we love) & fellowship.

The 'normal' Christmas is festive but that wasn't the predominant spirit at our home this year. Perhaps it was due to the state of both the world's economy as well as our own fiscal instability. Or perhaps, it was the stories of people fighting over items in stores on Black Friday and others being trampled to death that day that darken spirist. Perhaps it was chronic illnesses in the family that were affecting our moods.

Christmas for us has never been about presents, Santa Claus, or Christmas pageants. Not that there is anything wrong with those things.Whatever the reason, this season felt more like, “Bah Humbug” than, “Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace, Good Will to Men”. Sadly, the Christmas spirit which we try to maintain in our heart of hearts year round was closed to us this year.

The site was to be an upbeat and positive site; a place of inspiration for artisans. It was not to be a place of gloom and doom. But that was a naïve goal, for life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. The older you get the more you see the world for what it is. If you watch the news. you see pain and suffering nightly across the world. If you are disabled you understand pain and suffering on an intimate level that no others can fully appreciate, included in this group are those suffering from depression and other conditions spelled out in the DSM IV- TR (the bible for psychologists). Others are experiencing the death of loved ones or that may be dieing. You may even know of children that have died before their parents which is against the natural order of things. Life may not feel fair or just. Foreclosures are on the rise as are bankruptcies, colleges want their next semester's payments, and quarterly taxes are due. Where is the Christmas spirit and hope in those thing?

"Yet, God gave a gift to the world. Even in the worst of all situations, illnesses, accidents, and despair, God's love still is available to us. That gift, his son the baby Jesus who grew up to share peace and love with all and finally die on a cross, makes any gift you have ever excitedly given or received a pale shadow of the lasting gift God gives. To give and receive God's love makes every moment (at least down underneath) a "run-down-the-stairs-tear-into-the-gifts" moment. And that can give us a true, lasting and glowing feeling inside, no matter what happens on the outside”. ~ Melodie Davis

Perhaps what is missing this year isn't the Christmas spirit. It is hope; hope for a brighter tomorrow; it is faith, faith in people's charity and kindness to each other. It is our prayer for you and for ourselves that we all re-discover hope and faith this year.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Holidays Aren't the Holidays

2008-12-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

The family had a quiet Christmas celebration and I’m still burning my candles. (Night 6 tonight! I am Jewish BTW and the rest of the family is Christian.) It really doesn’t feel much like the holidays this year. I suppose that there has just been to much stress in my life within the past year and for my parents as well. (Engagement breaking last year in Nov, depression, changing after graduation plans, bankruptcy, surgery for mom, brother not up to date on student loans and more . . .) We didn’t decorate as much as usual, no holiday music all through the house and only watched one Christmas movie. In reality I think we’re glad the holidays are almost over. Hopefully next year they can be more enjoyable.

Below are the girls. One (Dixie) is the exited kid at Christmas with her new toy. The other (Noel) looks much closer to how the rest of us feel this holiday season.

Welcome Christmas

2008-12-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

"Welcome Christmas
Bring your cheer
Cheer to all...far and near
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp
Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we."
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ~Dr Seuss

Quote of the Week

2008-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~Maya Angelou

Home Again, Home Again

2008-12-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

One week ago, I had surgery to my c-spine, everything went well. I was discharged from Ephrata Hospital on Thursday. The hospital is a unique hospital. It still has the feel and warmth of a community hospital; however, it remains on the cutting edge of technology. I prefer this hospital to the others in the area because of its terrific staff. If you are admitted often enough, they learn to know you and welcome you the minute they see you. Hmm, come to think of it, I wonder if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Guess it depends on how you look at it...

Usually I have no complaints about my treatment; however, this time I felt if I was rushed to discharge. They sent me home on oxygen; I normally only use oxygen while sleeping. The second thing that clued me, in that this was too early of a discharge, was I was still struggling to swallow water and applesauce without choking. This made for a great weight loss program; Lord, knows I could lose some weight, but I don't think this is what they had in mind. This tells me that I had a compromised airway. To my RN's mindset this did not make for a safe discharge. Although I tried to argue the point prior to being kicked out; I didn't have the voice for it. I could only speak in a whisper. The voice I had fell on deaf ears. It didn't help that the doctors that saw me in the hospital didn't know me as they were not the ones that usually saw me in the office.

Now if you knew me you'd understand the irony of this situation. I was asking to stay in the hospital! I avoid hospitals as if the black plague is alive and well and lives within its walls. Hospitals are great places to be if you are sick and I'M THE NURSE. Hospitals are not great places to be if I'm the patient, taking meds, with the invasion of privacy and personal space, tethered to some machine or other. That is not for me. So asking to stay in the hospital longer, shows I really needed to stay in longer.

Since the disabled use hospital's more then the Temporarily Able-bodied (TAB) persons, being pushed out of hospitals too soon, happens far too often to the disabled. There is protocol to use when being pushed out of the hospital door prior to feeling ready to leave. I promise when I feel up to it, I will dig it out from my files so this situation doesn't happen to you or to me again.

For now, time for more pain meds, muscle relaxers and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Edited by Chrissie Elore

Aspen Collar and Cerivical Neck Surgery

2008-12-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

I was trying to prepare to be off-line for a while due to an upcoming surgery later today. The idea of having to be in an Aspen Collar (a hard high rigid collar that doesn’t allow neck movement) again, isn’t my idea of a good time. I’m trying to make “friends” with this idea. In the process, I was sent the following in an e-mail. I thought I’d pass it on. Any who have had to be in this contraption, or know someone who has been, may appreciate it.

My Aspen Collar is my friend
It helps me not to turn or bend
I wear it when I am in pain
or when my neck, predicts the rain

I wear my collar proudly now,
Surviving 5 surgeries, I don’t know how
Some may think my collar looks odd
I think it is a gift from God.

Peace and serenity for all!

By Metalneck
www.spine-health.com/forum/neck-pain-cervical/a-goofy-poem

A note on Degenerative Disc Disease was placed on the sister site Flying Phalanges
on Dec. 5, '08.

http://flyingphalanges.blogspot.com/

editted by Chrissie Elore

Quote of the Week

2008-12-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

My Life is but a Weaving

My life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not 'til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares,
nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
who leave the choice with Him.
~Author Unknown

Alaskan Rose

2008-12-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

During the recent election, I realized that this would be an election that for once seems to have energized the American people. For this reason, I wanted to capture the memory. Some capture it with pictures, or political buttons, but for me I wanted to capture it with yarn. I had ordered election yarn earlier, then I found Castle Fibers Yarn.

Rita, of Castle Fibers Yarn, had the most glorious Alaskan Rose yarn. Not only did it feel soft, the colors were beautiful, but more important it reminded me of Alaska. Living in Alaska, as a summer missionary between high school and college, was the happiest time in my life. The colors of the wild flowers or of the almost but never seen sunset come through the yarn. Good memories! Memories can be found in beautiful yarn. Memories found by touching and feeling a skein Castle Fibers Yarn.

If you are like me, you are also a fan of great literature, as is Rita from Castle Fiber Yarns. She is starting a limited Jane Austen Literary Yarn club. There are a limited number of memberships.

So you may want to join the fun. If so go to Esty:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18128321

edited by Chrissie Elore

Quote of the Week

2008-12-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. -- Isak Dinesen

Love Hate Relationship with My Computer

2008-12-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

(This image came from www.parkercomputer.com/duck.gif Someone I know used this companies services in the past and they were fantastic. So here is there info for Repair and Network Services Bellingham, MA: 508-966-4516 info@parkercomputer.com

I love my computer. I hate my computer. I loves me precious; I hates me precious. Of late, the hate side of me precious computer is winning. Although my computer is my window to the world, despite the fact if I'm on too long I get a migraine, or the fact that I get pain in my shoulders and neck from its use, it is truly my connection to friends and family. When I get that horrible black screen of death, I know the grim reaper is not far behind.

My daughter has a computer guru, nicknamed Frig. I had a sinking feeling as I spoke with him on the phone. Frig delivered the news as if delivering a message from a doctor and you know what he is going to say, but if he says it, it will be real and your world will change forever.
The conversation went something like this, "Well, your battery life no longer exists (life support is gone), you don't have enough RAM (not enough sheep, hmmm must be guru language), you type in letters and they don't appear on the screen (tell me something I don't know), some letters stick and you get something like rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr across a page. There's no hope; it is time. Time to replace your laptop." I respond, "But it is so young." Frig's response, "It is old for a laptop. I'm surprised it lasted so long." NO, I want to scream at the top of my lungs. It is my precious. It just has Alzheimers. So it is forgetful at times (which is annoying). But everyone has their quirks.

After Frig delivered the devastating news, my daughter tenderly put her arm around me. "It's ok, Mutti (german name for Mom). I just ordered a new Dell, before I go to Germany for the spring semester. Frig thought it was time for me to update since mine was having its own quirks but I was taxing it with my gaming on WOW. It should be ok for you."

It was a sweet gesture. I've taken her up on her offer. But here I sit, typing away on my precious. It's a love hate relationship.

edited by Saraiphim

Fire & Creativity

2008-12-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening, I watched flames at a first floor window. I saw smoke pour from the roof of the 19 unit apartment complex, creating a striking contrast against the night sky. This historic building has weathered the test of time, for in a former life it was the town's local high school, and later made into an elementary school prior to being made into an apartment building. From my second story window, I viewed the dramatic rescue of a person by a fire fighter. Fire out of control is dangerous.

Although uncontrolled fire is dangerous, not all fires are necessarily bad. Fire like rain and sunshine have played an import part in shaping our world since the beginning of time. In the past I frequently visited Assoteaque Island; there I heard the Forester's yearly talk as he explained that fire rids the forest of the dead-wood and decaying leaves on the forest floor. It also allows sunlight to reach the ground to stimulate new growth. Certain plants and animals have adapted to fire. Woodpeckers feast on the insects that colonize on the newly burned trees. Certain pines need the fires to open their cones in order to scatter their seeds.

Some refer to the emotion of anger or rage as having a fire inside. Out of control, emotional fire usually ends with someone getting hurt; out of control it is dangerous. But when that emotion fire is controlled, many refer to one type of fire as passion. Passion is a motivator. Passion is, well perhaps this poem says it better than I.

Be passionate.
When one is passionate there is a deep desire,
A fire inside. And the will to approach life's circumstances
and challenges, in a real way both to yourself and others.

To explore your creative side, express yourself,
in depth and knowledge.
There is no need to be quiet.
There is no need to hold back.

Run free and explore your life.
With perseverance, consistency.
Always listening.
The inner ability to strive on,
to proceed in power, love and a sound mind.

Be willing, be able to strive on with passion,
but let wisdom be your guide,
let understanding build character in you,
appreciate beauty, sincerity, purity.
Keep it close, never exchange it.
For it is like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

-- Author Unknown

Stoke that passionate fire in your artistic soul today.

Headlines-Continued Black Friday

2008-11-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

I found the following after I wrote "Black Friday". Not to belabor the point but:

Headline: Wal-Mart Employee Dies In Wild Black Friday Shopocalypse Stampede

“LONG ISLAND, NY - The Valley Stream Wal-Mart store in Long Island, NY delivered shock to the waking world early on Black Friday when a 34-year-old temporary employee Jdimytai Damour of Queens, was knocked to the ground and trampled to death after hundreds of shoppers smashed through the doors of the store on Friday morning”

To read more go to http://www.iphonesavior.com/. The photos are mind-blowing; the lust, greed, and evil on these peoples faces in a crowd gone wild is horrific. Pray for the family of the dead man, please.

Headline: Black Friday fatality: Wal-Mart staffer trampled in Long Island

“I was hoping we’d make it through this Black Friday without one of these incidents, but unfortunately it’s happened again: If you haven’t heard already, a worker at a Long Island Wal-Mart was crushed underneath the feet of hundreds of shoppers while trying to hold back the crowd. Shopping events are notoriously dangerous in this way, but I’d hoped people would have learned by now to be more careful, or at least help the poor man up. Instead, they thronged over and around him and he was pronounced dead at the hospital this morning. Shocking.

Our condolences to the man’s family and friends.”

To read more go to http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/11/28/black-friday-fatality-wal-mart-staffer-trampled-in-long-island/

The above states “I was hoping we’d make it through this Black Friday without one of these incidents, but unfortunately it’s happened again”. Again...Again... What the heck...Why wasn't this stopped before it happened again? So a man dies so others can get a cheap DVD player. Was it worth it people? I don't think so.

This just sickens me.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Black Friday & Quote of the Week

2008-11-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

The smell of turkey roasting, the laugher of family and friends, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen as food is prepared, these are some of my early memories of Thanksgiving. Decorations on the table of a cornucopia represent the year’s blessings. At the conclusion of dinner, the oldest to the youngest at the table each would participate in stating something of which they were thankful. Cleaning up after dinner was a family affair, as were the games that followed. Relatives and friends would tell stories and a peaceful day would pass for all the stores were closed; most churches held services the night before thanking God for His blessings, even most travel was stopped by mid-day.

One Thanksgiving stands out in my memory; it didn’t seem particularly memorable at the time, but it shines as a beacon as I survey my past. You’d think it would be the first year after my father abandoned our family. That isn’t it. What happened on that fateful year? Movie theaters began to be open in the afternoon on Thanksgiving.

Theaters open on Thanksgiving. It seems like an innocuous, insipid event. At the time I thought, what a pleasant respite for those who abhorred nine tedious hours of the Mummers Parade or endless football games. But right or wrong, in my mind from that time forward things changed on Thanksgiving. Black Friday began to slowly insidiously encroach on this “sacred” time for family and friend.

Sorry, but shopping as a family just isn’t the same as sitting around a table talking, feasting on family fun, and fellowship. On Black Friday stores are stalked for the best buys. People shop for the latest and greatest things to put under the artificial tree, to be opened in front people with whom they have artificial relationships. What a child and/or family member wants and deserves isn’t the latest thing gizmo from Stuff Mart, it is time–time with family members, time with friends. If you don’t like your family, fine. Go out choose a family (remember friends are the family you choose). Trust me, I have a family of choice. These are the ones I spend my holidays with today. The memories of these precious times together are gifts that last for a lifetime.

Perhaps Dr Seuss says it best "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"...
“Christmas Day
Is in our grasp,
So long as we,
Have hands to clasp!"

edited by Chrissie Elore

Wishes

2008-11-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

There is shelf in my house. Upon the shelf sits a box that is precious to me. It wasn't expensive. The materials utilized in making the box were readily available. It was a cardboard box that is covered in paint and decorative decoupaged collage. It is my "Wish Box".

My Wish Box is a safe place. It contains a silver heart, the top of a metronome, other assorted and tangible items which can be held and touched; it also contains slips of paper that have recorded on them my hopes and dreams. It is where my dreams begin to gestate.

If I never took the items out of my box, my dreams would never see the light of day. But the thing in my box don't just sit there. I take them down and look at them. I plan goals in order to make my dreams come true. I work on my dreams; I save to make my dreams come true. Today, I've placed my business card for Artful Abilities in my "Wish Box".

What dreams do you have? What is your fantasy,is it to own your own business or retire early? Perhaps you dream of travel, or to be published, or you fill in the blank. Start today, make your wish, dream your dream, take a chance, start your journey, take the first step. Maybe your first step will be making your own wish box.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston
for the Walt Disney film Cinderella (1950)

A dream is a wish your heart makes,
When you're fast asleep,
In dreams you lose your heartaches,
Whatever you wish for, you keep.

Have faith in your dreams and someday,
Your rainbow will come smiling through,
No matter how your heart is grieving,
If you keep on believing,
The dream that you wish will come true.

A dream is a wish your heart makes,
When you're feeling small,
Alone, In the night you whisper,
Thinking no one can hear you at all.

You wake with the morning sunlight,
To find fortune that is smiling on you,
Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow,
For all you know tomorrow,
The dream that you wish will come true.

Quote of the Week

2008-11-14T19:15:00.001-08:00

One of my dear friends experienced the death of family member. I wish Frieman & his family & loved ones -Peace-

"Death can be so inconvenient.
You try to live and love.
It comes and interrupts.
And what do I know? What do I know?
Well,I don't know that there are harps in heaven,
Or the process for earning your wings.
And I don't know of bright lights at the ends of tunnels,
Or any of these things.
But I know to be absent from this body
is to be present with the Lord,
and from what I know of Him,
that must be pretty good. "
~Sara Groves~

Schaeffer Yarn-Sarah yarn

2008-11-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Schaeffer Yarn is one of the nicest companies with whom I have ever dealt. Not only did they send the pattern (for a toe up sock on ONE CIRCULAR NEEDLE) which I forgot to request;but when I requested a picture of Sarah (Palin) yarn they were more than gracious. I no sooner made the request
than I got an immediate answer. Talk about customer service.

So as promised to the right is the beautiful and well photographed Sarah yarn. Maybe if I'm lucky they will still have some Cindy (McCain) or Hilary (Clinton) yarn when I get paid later in the month. To some it is an election collectible; regardless these yarns are yummy colorways and luxurious sock yarn.

Edited by Chrissie Elore

Sock the Vote

2008-11-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Regardless of your political views or party affiliations, a historic event of unprecedented implications occurred when Barack Obama became our President-elect. Because of the meaning of this event, I wanted to commemorate it. Therefore I manage to get the perfect election memento. Can you guess what I got? No, it isn't the personal fan that I have that looks like a tube of lipstick, although some might thing it is. Nor is it the Pez candy dispenser that resembles a democratic donkey, well technically it is but to me it looks like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh (which is why my daughter got it for me). I got two skeins of Schaeffer Yarn in the collection called Sock the Vote. I got two of the four colorway. I got the Michelle (Obama) and Sarah(Palin) colorways. It also comes in Hilary (Clinton) and Cindy (Mc Cain)too. The Sock the Vote line was base on the colors of clothing that the women involved in the campaign were wearing.

(The yarn pictured above is the Michelle colorway. My camera isn't the best so the Sarah colorway picture hasn't turned out well. I promise to have a picture later, taken with my
daughter's camera)

According to Cheryl at Schaeffer Yarn they have been:

dyeing the Memorable Women collections for many years now.
The original idea came ...after days and days of thinking about
the colors we were doing, which had numbers and not names, and
that was boring. I knew I wanted something sustainable, something
we could become known for, but it didn't come to me until one batch
of yarn looked like Lucille Ball's hair and another was truly regal:
purple, navy, red and gold. The latter became Elizabeth I, and the
rest is history.

Well, that’s the scoop on the Sock Your Vote yarn. Now that I have the yarn, I’m not certain if I will preserve it in the original hanks for posterity, as it is technically a “collectible”. But then again, I’ve always felt things shouldn’t just be for show. If you have things in your home the things should be beautiful, functional or decorative. What’s the point in having something if it isn’t used and is not seen even by your family. And yes, I do use my good china for everyday. My immediate family is the most group of people in my life: they deserve the best. This is one way for me to show it.

There is enough on these hanks to make a pair of socks or a small shawl. I forgot to ask for the free sock pattern from Schaeffer Yarn offered when I ordered the Sock the Vote yarn; I e-mailed them with a request tonight in case I choose to make the socks. We will have to wait to see what will happens when Obama officially takes office; you’ll have to wait to see what I decide to do with my Sock the Vote yarn. That is unless you want to vote on it!

edited by Chrissie Elore

A Step In the Right Direction

2008-11-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

I was following an internet knitting ring (makes me feel breaking into a spy ring), and I came across a delightful blog called Moth Heaven. The web site is http://scrubberbum.typepad.com/moth_heaven/
In her blog, the knitter was able to articulate my feelings about doing things well. Here's what she has to say:

Here's the thing. I realized something that for me, is pretty big:
I need to separate my spinning -- and my knitting for that matter
-- from my self- esteem. At the heart of my heart, I believe that
knitting and spinning makes me a good person, and good knitting
and spinning makes me even better. So when my results are less
than decent, I feel like crap about myself. How's that, Mr. Freud?
Obvious and enlightened as dirt, perhaps, but true in the difficult
kind of way that has taken me this long to figure out. I long ago
lost touch with the enjoyment and the experimental nature of it all.
I'm not even sure that I ever did it merely for fun.

For me, I know I have always knitted for fun, but I will admit that if this perfectionist makes a mistake and heaven forbid finishes the project, I want to rip the thing to shreds. Then much of the joy of knitting the project vanishes. After I have frogged the offensive project it becomes something I must conquer.

I have always been this way: perhaps, it is the saying my mother used to repeat ad nauseam "all that you do, do, do with your might, things done by halves are never done right" that affected me so deeply. However, I must learn that my self-esteem does not come my accomplishments. I am of value just because I am.

So my exercise for this week is to leave the error in my future son n' laws Christmas stocking. I made the foot too long as I got the number of repeats for the foot confused with the number of repeats for the leg. Only I (and now you) will know of the error as I will adjust the rest of the stocking accordingly. It may not be a huge error to let it be. But for me it is a huge step forward; I am even having fun with the idea of how to fix the stocking. How's that for progress?

edited by Chrissie Elore

MIgraines

2008-11-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

A new message on Migraines was placed on the sister site Flying Phalanges on Nov. 6, '08.

http://flyingphalanges.blogspot.com/

Introduction

2008-11-03T16:56:00.001-08:00

I was informed that my self introduction is past due. I suppose that I have put off writing it in part because I have been busy and partly because I tend to think that writing with excellence is not my forte. That is not say that I can not write, it is just that there are other things I prefer to spend my time doing.

I am Sarai, the eldest daughter of Artisttia. I will be the treasure keeper and mistress of the web site for Artful Abilities. This means that I will be handling the technology side (i.e. the web) and perhaps some of the designs. These are accurate descriptions of my work; mostly, I will do the accounting, taxes and any other paper work as required. Of course I have taken charge of record keeping, and I am the historian for the company..

I am an artist. I feel my skills vary depending on what type of art I'm doing. I draw, paint, knit, sew, make collages, scrap book, make origami, write poetry, write music and am willing to try almost any art form. Thus far I've worked on two icon ideas for Artful Abilities. We have hope that eventually we will be able to have different sections of the company represented by the sundry icons.

I have rather extensive knowledge of computer programming because I had originally started as a computer science major in college. After much stress and discovering I had more interests than were contained within the world of computer science, I dropped the major and became an Anthropology major instead which seemed to be a better fit for my gifts, abilities, and interests.. I am exploring the many options that my major as opened up for me and open to a wide whelm of possibilities and challenges. There is work to be done in the museum world, or perhaps I could improve on my research skills learned in my Ethnographic Research Methods class or there are applications I would enjoy using in the business world and thus my involvement with this company and hopeful various indigenous peoples throughout the world.

At present, I am taking classes at H & R Block. (Tax preparation.) I suppose I am just one of those odd people who get excited over learning all about schedule A's and C's that the IRS will scrutinize. I enjoy seeing how the figures are crunched and what can be manipulated within the tax code to produce the greatest savings yet fully comply with the law. I can't wait until April 15th when I'll have done my taxes!

~Sarai

Knitting Stripes

2008-11-02T06:41:00.001-08:00

A bouquet of crimson mums with golden centers adorn the table in the room were I craft. Should I have desired it, I could have brought in pumpkins from our garden of abundance to make the room feel autumnal. Yet, I already have my sights on Christmas.

The air outside is crisp and cold. Snow flurries have fallen several days ago. Soft Christmas music plays as I work on a striped Christmas stocking which as I’ve said previously is for a gift.

One of the issues that I have with stripes when knitting in the round is that when you knit you knit in a spiral formation. Many have suggested ways to cope with this issue and as early parts of the stocking suggest I haven’t made peace with this as yet. In an attempt to find a better way I did a web search this morning and landed on a phenomenal blog called TECHknitting™. The site explains in detail how to get your stripes to line up or in knitease how to keep them from jogging. How I previously missed this gem of a blog I will never know; but Saints be praised I’ve found it now!

The following is a quote from her site the post was dated Saturday, January 27, 2007:

JOGLESS STRIPE HOW-TO
(a new way)

* On color change rounds, change colors by knitting the first stitch of the new color as you usually would. Then, knit the rest of the stitches to the end of the round.
* On the next round, slip the first stitch of the new color, then knit the rest of the stitches.
* On every following round, knit every stitch as usual

She goes on in her post to explain some other issues with stripes, and it is definitely worth frequenting her site for answers to knitting questions. I know I have found a very valuable resource as her methodology for the stripes are working like a charm.

In case you are wondering if I will be frogging (ripping) out the few rows of stripes, I did the other way. No, I think I shall keep them. Both in the Amish and Oriental cultures a flaw is purposefully placed in an object because the only way something is perfect is if God has made it or things are valued because the flaw makes it unique. My stocking is unique there will be none other like it. It is record of my knitting history; the recipient of this gift will appreciate the research I did for him and the love that went into each stitch even if several rows jog ever so slightly. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to get over my perfectionistic attitude.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Halloween and Christmas

2008-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

October 31st to many people is a time to celebrate Halloween. To others it is a time to celebrate much older and darker traditions, one of these was called Samhain. It was celebrated by the early Celts and contained aspects of the Festival of the Dead. It was the beginning of their new year and a start of the season of darkness and magic. The night of Samhain for the Celts was a time to honor the ancestors by telling tales about them. It was the time of harvest. Cattle would be slaughtered for the feast. Bonfires (originally known as bone fires) would be built and bones of the cattle were thrown back into the fire; for from the dust they came and to dust they must return.Rituals of purification often take place betwixt to fires. Sacrifices would be required to be made to the Gods for the harvest of the year. The participants would dress up as in various costumes and pretend to be the Gods that required honor and would frolic about the countryside.

I’ve always associated Halloween with my Birthday because on the calendar they are so close together. For me Halloween has always meant fright night. As a girl, I remember two masked “trick or treaters” coming to the house and trying to convince my mother to allow them to take me with them. It was almost midnight when they came to the house. They were serious about taking me. It wasn’t a joke; although, it crossed my mother’s mind to call the police for some strange reason she never did. Several nights later someone tried to break into our home and pull me out a window. I shutter to think what would have happened to me had I not been rescued.

Since this time I have not celebrated Halloween. It gives me the creeps. Just seeing the decorations for the event sends chills up my spine. I’m tired of living my life in fear; it is paralyzing . This is the year I decided to begin to reclaim this part of my past. For one event, I even dressed up as a cat. I felt both fear and excitement as I dressed. The host of the event was aware of my past and very pleased with my progress at being able to wear the costume to his place.

Although I will continue to attempt to reclaim this holiday for myself, I will continue to celebrate Halloween as I have in the past. As of October 1st instrumental Christmas music will be played. I can’t get enough of Christmas music. Shopping for Christmas presents will be completed by the 31st. I will have all the yarn and other goodies to make to make gifts for my family and friends.I’m still not able to wish you all happy Halloween but for me I will wish you Merry Christmas, early.

edited by Chrissie Elore

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

2008-10-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that the progress of Artful Abilities continues to move forward but ever, ever so slowly.

On the roller coaster of life, I have yet hit a bump in the track in bringing this site to a place where artisans can sell their wares. Hopefully, prayerfully the delay will be short and the shopping will commence in the new year.

The snag is this,it appears that I may need one if not two surgeries prior to years' end. They say, "Good things come to those who wait". So I'm counting on that truism and trusting that 2009 will bring the artisans, carefully crafted works of arts, shopping carts and customers to this site.

I order to hold onto this hope I need peace in my life. I have always found peace in my gardens. In my garden you will find flora and fauna, birds of the air and fish in the pond. My favorite visitors are the doves and the hummingbirds that frequent the gardens surrounding the house.

Pictured above is the sundial that sits in my kitchen/herb garden. My sundial reminds me there is a season for all things. Presently, for Artful Abilities I must content myself with the planning stage, the dreaming stage, and the designing stage (I can't believe it; I just designed my first knitted reversible dress, stay tuned).

The is a season to be savored. It is as if I am watching a dream take wings and soar like a dove from hand and take flight. So for now I dream. Winter will come upon me as I recover from surgery. Just as plants gather their strength for the season to come so shall I. Then the next season will come...in the proper time...for there is a season for all good things to come to fruition.

Remember: They also serve,those who sit and wait (for Artful Abilities to be ready for members and shoppers).

edited by Chrissie Elore

Eating Disorders

2008-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

There is currently some educational helps listed on eating disorders and a personal experience on eating disorders written about on the Flying Phalanges site. Please remember to stop by. Your comments there are welcome too.

http://flyingphalanges.blogspot.com/

Anniversary of Sorts

2008-10-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Seasons change, flowers bloom, leaves or snow falls but other than looking out my window and seeing the view, I often forget about the passage of time. Time moves so swiftly. Today I noticed the date, October 6, 2008. It is two years since my first stroke, my life altering stroke.

It is difficult to look retrospectively at everything that has happened, in the course of the last two years, and cognitively re-frame it with a positive spin. Many in this world have it better than I and so many others have it so much worse. Remember Darfur.

Yes, good has come out of the bad. In my wish box is a slip of paper describing the dream of "Artful Abilities". This dream is slowly becoming a reality. This dream has been in my mind and slowly expanding almost since I realized life wasn't going to be the same after the stroke. Artful Abilities is and will be "a good thing".

But today, today I will mourn the loss of what once was. Today I have shed tears over what never will be. It is appropriate to grieve your losses to allow them to be incorporated into your life story. It is important. If you need to grieve it is appropriate to do so. Today I'm allowed to mourn the many losses I've had. Today, I am in mourning but tomorrow is another day...

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”

One of Nietzsche’s most memorable quotes

edited by Chrissie Elore

Announcing an Orginial Poem on Flying Phalanges

2008-10-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

There is a celebratory poem over on the Flying Phalanges site. Don't forget to drop in and see it. Remember to double click the painting it is on so you can read it easier.

Flying Phalanges

2008-10-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

The sister site of Artful Abilities is now open. It is called Flying Phalanges; phalanges means digits. The purpose of Flying Phalanges is to maintain information on various health conditions. It will be organized in rather an unorthodox way. In other words, I will alter dates so that new information on Migraines, for example, will stay near the first post on migraines. This is to make it easier to follow the different medical conditions.

When there is a new post over there,it will be announced here. Currently there is an intro to Flying Phalanges currently on that site.

Tortoise and the Hare

2008-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

The business of Artful Abilities continues to take baby-steps forward. Saraiphim has been helping me work through the book Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco. IMHO it is the best book out there to guide you through crafting your own business (Pardon the pun but I just couldn’t resist). Her checklist takes you step by step through the process. I’m one of those types that takes perverse pleasure out of checking things off. Thus far, obviously we named the company; we have also chosen our legal structure, discovered we don’t need a business license in our township, checked zoning regs. and plan to use my cell phone for business purposes. I had to laugh when it said to quit your day job. I guess I jumped ahead on this step by leaving work on disability, certainly not the planned way to go but it’s a way to go.Saraiphim and I are ready to apply for a fictitious business name statement and apply for a federal tax id (EIN #).

Saraiphim is busy taking a tax course from H&R Block and busy learning tax law for her own purposes and for that of the business. My state also has a great website on how to start your own business so check your state that may be a resource for you if you are starting your own business. Although the link to my Etsy Shop isn’t up yet and I feel like the tortoise and not the hare my family and I are making progress in this endeavor.

Leaving you on a positive note for the evening: Slow and steady wins the race.

Edited by Chrissie Elore

Miracles - the closing act

2008-09-28T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of me at the Up Your Kilt shoppe. I was bundled up on a cold fall day in one of my angora and mohair knitted wraps at the PA Renaissance Faire.

(Continued from Miracles...)
I wanted my moebius shawl with its beautiful autumnal tones finished for the weekend so being how should I delicately put this ...ah... rather well endowed in the top I thought the larger needle would compensate for my need to increase the girth of the pattern of the shawl. Oh, it would have alright. I used size 15 needles instead of size 8 (impatient aren’t I ). I also thought a nice edging would look pretty so when I cast on I also started with a matching deep pumpkin wool worsted yarn totally forgetting the beauty of a moebius shawl lies in the look that it is one continuous piece of fabric; my way was going to result in a STRIPE up my back (like I'd been skunked!). Well, now I’ve gotten ahead in my story. So I merrily knitted for 12 inches and then it happened. The muscle relaxer I had taken for spasms kicked in. By the time I got to 20 inches and looked over my lovely project. But what was this? I no longer had 49 stitches and somewhere over the needle a YO stitch had been dropped and there was a hole in the fabric you could drive a truck through. The stitch instead of being in nice neat rows looked like a drunkard had wandered around making his own path. To my surprise, I liked the randomness, could have even embraced it, but not the hole.But it was a good thing I stopped when I did; the shawl could have been worn by Andre the Giant. I might be ...a bit big but no one is usually that BIG. Can you say F.R.O.G? Sure, I knew you could.

Well, no use crying over the “frog”, just rip it out and be done with it. As for the randomness I embrace as part of creativity, I have dubbed my new stitch the Drunken Faggot. It is made by sometimes varying the placement of the first YO (see what is written at the top of the page) or placing it anywhere you please within the first 4 stitches of the pattern or for that matter the last four. Mix the rows, randomly embrace creativity and abandon perfectionism. After deciding to start over with my shawl, I cast on 35 stitches complete with edging. It wasn't until I was 10 inches into it I realized I would end up with a stripe down my back due to the edging. Daunted by frogging and starting over yet again, I decided at regular intervals to knit double the number of rows as I had put in the edging except when I bind off. In that row, I would knit the same number of rows as the original edging so when they are joined they appear sorta like a continuous piece of fabric. So it will be a mock moebius shawl. If I had it to do all over again, I would have put the edging on last.

Well, if you followed my logic you learned 2 stitches and got a free pattern out of it to boot.The moral of the story, friends don’t let friends knit when they are under the influence.

PS. I just can't live with myself. I shall frog again. I will use my Drunken Faggot stitch (it truly looks cool) but I just can't live with the stripe effect. I had my heart set on a moebius shawl but I shall do it another day when I am clear headed. Please Lord, can a miracle strike again?

Miracles

2008-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

(This is a picture of mutlucks that I knitted for my son, Joshua, and my dog, Noel)

Each culture has its own language, be it a country, a career or a work
environment. Knitting has its own language as well. For those who
aren't fluent in knit-ese let me assist you with the following terms:

K= Knit K2= Knit 2 K2tog=Knit 2 together K3tog =Knit 3 together etc...get the picture

YO= yarn over (It produces an intentional hole in the fabric yielding a lace effect. It is
most definitely not a symbol for YAWN- Y for yawn and O for the gapping mouth people make when they yawn.
This must be an ugly rumor started by a non-knitter).

FROG= Rip out all your hard work. It gets its name from the sound that yarn supposedly
makes as it is torn apart from the fabric that you spent hours hours making.
Personally, I think it is called this as it resembles the sound your throat makes
trying desperately to stifle a cry.

FROGGING=the actual unspeakable act of tearing your stitches and your heart out.

Sniff, sniff ... I'll continue my saga after I dry my eyes over the very thought of frogging my work ...

As I perused the pages of One Ball Knits Accessories by Fatema, Khadija, and Hajera Habibur-Rahman, a familiar pattern caught my eye. It is one that I remember being taught as I child but I didn't know the name of the stitch which I now discover is called the Faggoting Stitch. The stitch is a simple repetitious pattern of K2 *yo, k2tog: repeat from * to last st, k1 (a multiple of 2 sts plus 3 extra). As I was planning on making something for myself for a change I thought I'd make a shawl using this time old lace pattern which resembles a bunch of crossed sticks..

Normally I stick with jewel tones; I love any shade of green, purple, blue, or Merlot (not red, UGH). But this time I choose Ella Rae Kasbah yarn for the moebius shawl . It had rich dark shades of pumpkin and yellow-gold with a hint olive thread running through the yarn. I cast on my 49 stitches; I double checked and surprise, surprise I actually had 49 stitches and didn’t need to recount. The stars must have aligned themselves as if they did when the Christ child was born for this miracle to occur. But, alas that was the end of the miracle. (to be continued)

Procrastination

2008-08-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

Procrastination has never been an issue for me. I tend to worry things the way Dixie, my dog in the picture, worries her rope and refuses to let it go until she is done with it. I was the kid at college who had her term paper done a full two weeks prior to the due date so I could proof read it at my leisure and correct as needed. I was never the one pulling the all nighters to get papers done. Correction, I never pulled all nighters to get my papers done; I pulled plenty to type my one-finger-typist of a future-husband’s papers many a night. Each to their own coping mechanism I guess; I to my perfectionism and he to his procrastination. Alas, it is true opposites do attract; but I digress.

Procrastination, the gentle art of putting off ‘til tomorrow what you should do today. Having has a recent bout of procrastination myself, I looked up procrastination on Wikipedia to discern reasons for it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procrastination). Although the article was excellent, the psychological reasons sound, they didn’t address my issue. The issue of simple forgetfulness of how to get back into this blog to post entries and failure to remember to ask my daughters how to do this when they were actually home. By the time they returned, I had forgotten that I needed to ask them how to get back into the blog. So for any who have wondered why the dates of earlier postings don’t match the days I wrote the entry. I hope your curiosity has been satiated.

Hopefully, I will put entries up more often. Well, that is if I remember how.

Artisttia

Edited by Chrissie Elore

The Insanity of it All

2008-08-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

This is a cartoon version picture of my daughter, Chrissie. Oh, the insanity of it all!
July ?, 2008

Some may think I am insane to start a business at this time, especially when this business involves the use of the hands and I just had rotator cuff surgery. My right arm is in a sling; it will be this way for at least a month followed by rehab for several months. I type this note with one figure on my left hand, a hand that has had prior injuries; therefore I drop things without warning, a hand that trembles when I go to use it. My left shoulder needs work as well and sometimes I can’t even feel some of my fingers on my left hand. I have two bad knees that will need replaced so going out and getting supplies at the store can be difficult. The place where I can sell my wares is currently outdoors in the heat summer and I’m an asthmatic which means I can’t stay out long. Instead I must rely on my friend to do the selling for me. And because of medical bills my husband and I can barely meet ends meat and often that doesn’t even happen. Sometimes it’s a choice between food or meds. I don’t have a real work room. With the stroke it’s hard to stay on task, where did I put that last knitting project? What was I even making with it? What stitch was I on? Which way I going? What day is this? What was I writing about....Oh yes, why I’m nuts. But if I don’t start this business now, won’t there always be a reason not to start? “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” So arm in sling, left hand with cane I will continue to take my journey towards the goal even if I take but a single step a day.

Artisttia

Edited by: Chrissie Elore

Bio

2008-08-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2008
In September of ‘06 my life started to unravel. The world receded before my eyes due to tunnel vision, I was smelling a smell that wasn’t there, part of tongue was numb, I had difficulty speaking, and I had one of the worst migraines of my life. At that time I was a RN working at my Lancaster city job;I was on the line with a patient who had survived a stroke. She joked that I was starting to sound like her. It began to dawn on me what was happening and I rushed off the phone. I looked in the mirror and my mouth was drooping on the one side. I was by ambulance from work to the hospital and diagnosed with a migraine variant/complicated migraine. A week later, I had another complicated migraine (there are recommendations now to change the name of this condition to migrainous infarction or a stroke caused by a migraine). Since this time I have been unable to work.

Before the stroke, I had an active life. According to the bio on the book cover that I wrote in ‘04 the publisher described me in the following way “Suzy Raffensperger is a career nurse and an experienced counselor in Christian ministry. Much of her work has focused on abused women, women who inspired her to pen Mimi s Tale: A Story of Transformation. Raffensperger enjoys singing, writing, and reading when she is not busy two-stepping with her husband or spending quality time with her three loving children.” I was on the board of directors for the Lancaster Garden of Hope, a place to remember children who have died prior to birth by natural causes or an abortion But this isn’t who I am; perhaps, I never was but that’s a subject for another time.

Currently, I am literally knitting my life back together stitch by stitch. After the stroke, it was suggested to me that I begin to knit again. Although I had knitted most of my life, I felt like a kid climbing on a bike for the first time yet it felt different somehow. So with shaking hands, from side effects from medications, I picked up the needles and yarn. If I thought about the stitches I couldn’t do them but my hands had memory of their own. Keeping track of more than six stitches was an arduous task, I have mercifully moved on to more complicated projects. As I find it to challenging to follow patterns most of the time, I have become more creative in coming up with my own patterns. Most of the time I am able to keep things in perspective as I rip out the mistakes I’ve made even if it means redoing hours of work. As a former perfectionist, I’m learning to laugh at my mistakes and at times even embraces them. So for now, I knit for enjoyment, for pleasure, to increase my memory and to keep my sanity.

Suzy Raffensperger (aka Artisttia)

Edited by: Chrissie Elore

Mission & Vission Statement

2008-07-01T11:24:00.001-07:00

Mission/Vision Statement

To empower and create opportunities for disabled women within the local community, who have become economically disadvantaged, whether by physical, mental illness, or are living with the after affects of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault, and to market these artisans' works utilizing the principles of Fair Trade.

To insure a living wage for persons associated with Artful Abilities to procure safety, housing, food, medication and education.

To teach necessary skills to achieve the goals of Artful Abilities or connect the person with a like minded organization to teach them the necessary skills to succeed.

To create a network of support for disabled and abused women within Artful Abilities.

Artisans associated with Artful Abilities are encouraged to utilize products such as yarn, fabric or paper (not limited to these items) made through Fair Trade in the creations produced by the artisans. This is to encourage co-operation with women in the larger global community and to empower not only those associated with Artful Abilities but also those in the third world.

Edited by: Chrissie Elore (Rebekah L. Raffensperger)