Friday Nights at the Plaza:: week one

Our town has a summer event called Friday Nights at the Plaza. Sort of a farmer's market, with live music, food vendors and various sellers from the community and beyond. Last year, when we'd only lived here for a few months, we attended a couple of times, and this year I decided to apply to be a vendor.

Friday Nights at the Plaza started last night and will continue through the end of July. I brought my boy Zeke (10) last night for some good one on one time (and for an extra set of helping hands). There were not a lot of people who came out last night, and I had zero sales, but I still had a really good night over all and am hopeful about better sales success in the coming weeks.

A few bright sides from last night's experience:

1. I had a great time with Zeke. He was an awesome helper and really fun to have with me.

2. I won't have to be super busy making things this week to replace what I sold.

3. People who came in kept saying things like, "You're so creative." "You're very talented!" "What a good idea!" "Your work is really lovely and unique." (I don't mind spending a Friday night hearing those things!)

4. I love our community and it was fun being out there meeting people/ talking with friends.

5. New things in the works for next week!

dreads!

Ever since going to college in Santa Cruz, CA and seeing all the dreaded loveliness around town I've had this desire to have my own dreadlocks. It was something I thought about and then dismissed for a while. Then the movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe came out and I LOVED the white witch's hair. SO much!

I love love love this up-do. Beautiful.

And I thought about it some more and last year sometime I decided that I'd get dreads for my 40th birthday. My friend Denise blogged about a year ago about getting dreads and found out that there was someone in Portland who does them at a salon. I told Joe about it and said I'd like to get them done there... they'll still go through a wild stage, but it will be a little more tame than if I tried to do them myself or just let them dread naturally (which, with my hair, a few windy days at the beach with no brush would be all it'd take!)...

Fast forward to last week. Joe told me one day to pack a bag and not ask any questions. I was very curious, but I love surprises so I didn't want to ask too much and ruin it, so I just asked enough to know how much to bring and what kinds of temperatures I needed to plan for. My bag was ready, and I made a list of last minute items that would need to be included in case he was planning to whisk me away before I had a chance.

This morning I woke up at 5am with a text message from a friend. It said, "Have fun! I love you!" I figured she must know something I didn't and went to ask Joe if I should be getting ready for some reason. He didn't really wake up, but said, "Just be ready by 6:30."

I got ready and blew kisses to the sleeping children. Brooklyn was the only one awake. She said she knew about it and assured me that they would be fine. I said goodbye and "I'll see you tomorrow!"... knowing that I was scheduled to work on Friday morning. We got in the car and there was an envelope with my name on it (not in Joe's handwriting)... it was a note from my boss saying, "Joe and I have arranged for you to be off on Friday. Enjoy your trip!" At that point, I was a little freaked out... as in nervous, excited, and mommy mode kicked in... "When will we be back? What about the kids?" Joe let me in on all the deets of where they'd be each day (three days, three friends watching them!).

We arrived at the Oakland airport and as soon as I found out we were going to Portland, I said, "Joe, am I getting dreads this weekend???" (which I later realized this is the middle of the week, not the weekend, but that's neither here nor there...)

So we went through security and sat down at our gate, and he filled me in. We were to arrive in Portland and get a taxi to the salon. What a whirlwind! I guess instead of getting dreads for my 40th birthday (still over two years away!) I'll have nicely formed dreads by then! =)

Here we are on the plane:

When we arrived in Portland I took this last "before dreads" photo in the bathroom mirror!

Akemi Salon

I'm such a nerd... my first dread! We had to stop and take a picture!

They're coming along! It's such a cool process... she back combed the hair and used a teeny crochet hook to get them to dread together... kind of like needle felting my hair!

Stephanie was great! We had a great time talking with her and we even got to meet her little girl and her parents! Awesome family for reals.

All done! Stephanie rocks. If you ever want dreads in a day, go see her. Thanks Denise for letting me know about her!

This was taken right outside... I love it! She recommends leaving some of the front out.. you can always decide later to dread it, but it's more versatile (and dreamy) to leave some softness in the front.

Joe took this as we were walking down the street:

Now we're in our room at the Kennedy School. Joe is sleeping (all that secret keeping wore him out!).. I used my phone to get a few more shots. Dorky, I know, but I wanted to have several shots of my first day with dreads. It's a journey and they're going to go through lots of changes, so I want to capture it along the way.

It's a lot shorter all dreaded!

Thanks for putting up with my silly self portraits! I'm a (dreadfully) happy girl! =)

featured Artist Friday:: Trent Hultgren

Today we have a very special interview for our Featured Artist Friday! This season's Design Star hopeful Trent Hultgren! Trent and I were friends in college and recently reconnected on facebook. He joined facebook and reconnected with a lot of friends and then disappeared for a while... he then came back and revealed the reason for his absence... he'd been cast on HGTV's Design Star! I'm so proud of him, inspired by him, and excited to see him on the show! I was thrilled that he'd be willing to answer some questions about following his dreams and tell us about his journey to this point. I just know there are many more great things in his future.

Trent, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview! I know things are busy and very exciting for you right now, with the new season of Design Star starting this Sunday! My 12 year old daughter, Brooklyn and I have been reviewing past seasons online and can’t wait to watch you on the show!

I’ve been so inspired by your creative journey lately. When we were college friends, we both had majors and interests that were quite different from what we are pursuing today. When did you first realize that interior design was your real passion? I have always been interested in design. I would have to say that design (interior/landscape/events and weddings), travel, and motivational speaking are all a deep passion of mine. I would often buy things for my own home, while I was a pastor, and would daydream about opening up my own store…so, it started early. As a kid I would rearrange the house whenever my parents were away, so it was something I had a passion for early on.

I’ve come across many other creative souls who started out on a different path and are now making a shift and listening to those creative whispers that have been calling to them. What was it like when you decided to give yourself permission to get involved in interior design and pursue it as a career? It was equally awesome and challenging. I have always been a risk taker and gone after what was in my heart. Life is way too short to live on the sidelines of your dreams!!!

I admire your courage in following your passion. It can be really scary taking the leap into a new business. What were some of the fears and obstacles that you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them? I started at Bloomingdales and jumped in knowing that I had to give everything for what I was asking of them. Later, I moved on to the J.Peterman Co. (seen on Seinfeld), and began merchandising. When I opened my own store there were many obstacles and fears…”will I make rent?”, “how will I get customers?”, “will I be able to eat?”…lol. It was the unknown and not easy but nothing we really want is…so we have to give it all up and just jump in. I think a lot of times we think there will be some magical equation but there isn’t, you just have to do and give it all you got!

What has been the reaction of friends and loved ones who have seen you make this leap? Early on it was very difficult because I was relentless in not living the “normal” life. I have traveled for about 3 months a year for the last 10 years. When times were rough and I had to make great sacrifices, friends and family often said “just get a real, normal job”. You really have to dig deep and let go of approval to get to where you are often meant to be. I wish I could say the road is easy but it isn’t , it is however, adventurous, beautiful, full, and exciting.

Do you have any advice for someone who is on the fence about making the change from safe but uninspiring job to pursuing their creative business dreams? Yes. Put yourself on your deathbed (I know it sounds morbid, but trust me) and ask yourself “what do I wish I would have done with my life?” The thing is – it’s not a bigger house, more money, awards…its living with passion, seeing the world, say “I love you”, doing what is right. I can live on very little but I cannot live the mundane.

What is the best advice you’ve received about getting started? I can’t say there was particular advice but the support of my best friend, Brian Moats, and my family was huge!

What’s the best part about spending your days doing something you’re truly passionate about? Are there days that you feel like it would be easier to go back to something more “secure”? There is nothing in comparison when you are in the stride and doing what is in your soul! You feel alive! Yes, there are many days (especially when you live in an area like I do where there is a lot of wealth), where I think – “ya, a regular job with a salary and benefits would be great”.

You have done a lot of traveling all over the world. Is this where your design inspiration comes from? Absolutely! Every country has so much to offer. You are often looking at design that’s been around for a couple hundred years. The colors, people, oceans, resorts, style, architecture ,etc… I also use a lot of travel magazines for inspiration as well.

Can you share a little more about your creative path and how you’ve come to this point, being a designer on this season’s Design Star? I started in sales at Bloomingdales, moved to do merchandising for the J.Peterman Co., then opened my own store in Newport Beach and from there began designing homes, weddings, and events. My passion is to take existing homes and create an incredible oasis for the client.

I really cannot wait to watch you this season on the show! You are obviously very gifted at what you do, and I’m sure you’re having a blast doing something you’re so passionate about. You’ve always been sincerely friendly and a joy to be with. I’m excited to see your interactions with the other designers. Your personality will surely shine through to everyone who watches. I’ll be celebrating you and cheering you on! Thanks for the opportunity to share my passions and heart. Be sure to catch Design Star this Sunday at 10pm on HGTV. Cheers! Trent

Some other places you can find Trent:

I listened to this interview a few days ago and you should give it a listen too... you'll fall in love with Trent immediately and join me in rooting for him on the show! I especially love the bit on what he says about fear and facing them head on.

Here's a sneak peak for the first episode THIS Sunday night!

Trent also has a beautiful website: tweakitout.com, his blog: http://www.tweekitout.com/, you can follow him on twitter, and of course you should "like" his Design Star facebook page!

 

 

sometimes I feel brave.

A little while ago there was a knock at the front door. There was a priority mail package addressed to me, and I was curious because I didn't recognize the writing or the sender's name. I didn't remember ordering anything from etsy that I hadn't received yet, so there was a little thrill in opening the package. About half way through untying a ribbon that was wrapped around a tissue paper covered box, I remembered. The necklace project. I'd signed up for this months ago in a moment of bravery. I got an email from Mindy earlier this week, letting me know the package was on its way to me. I have been excited and a teensy bit intimidated to be a part of this project. No matter who you are and what you do, you most likely have moments (sometimes days) of questioning yourself: Who do I think I am to contribute to this? What will I make that will be good enough to be on such a lovely piece? But the day I emailed Mindy that I was interested in participating, I was feeling brave. Stay tuned for my addition to the necklace...

I was visiting Mindy's lovely site, recently totally redone and made even more beautiful. I saw this blog post by Carmen and thought I'd participate. I love getting to know other artists/ bloggers and find out more about their behind the scenes selves. If you'd like to do it too, go to this post on the wish studio blog and link to your blog post with the answers. Maybe you'll make a new friend! Maybe you and I will be new friends! =)

Before I get to the questions and answers, I have to tell you that I am super excited about my blog post for tomorrow. I'm (finally) starting my weekly blog feature: Friday's Featured Artist. I'm starting off with SUCH a good one! The new season of HGTV's Design Star starts this Sunday night, and one of the designers on the show is a friend of mine from college! I emailed him earlier this week to see if he'd be interested in an interview, and then went through the HGTV screening process, and got his answers back yesterday... you're going to love him. Be sure to come back tomorrow to get a preview of the heart behind the talent of my pick to win this season's Design Star!

Inspiring Minds Want to Know questions:

1. You’ve got some amazing things happening and I can’t wait to hear more about it! Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do? I'm a girl who likes to make things. I'm a wife and mom, plus part time barista. I had a great grandmother who was very nurturing in my early years, and I think that my love of making things came from her. Her name was Ruby Hart, and I've named my business "jenuine ruby" in her memory. I was a consultant for Creative Memories and an avid scrapbooker for years, but I really like the freedom of having my own business and playing with all sorts of crafts. (Plus when you have your own business, you get to make the rules!) I like to do mixed media paintings, sew, experiment in the kitchen with recipes, and I'm wanting to learn some needle crafting. I don't like to commit to one certain medium or product... I like to keep trying new things and keep the passion to create things fresh.

2. We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world? The beauty of nature. The colors, the sounds, the smells, the rhthyms, the One who created it all.

3. What is your big dream? Yes, the BIG one! The really, super big, pee your pants when make it happen dream. The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud. Yep, that one! I love to travel, and would love love love to take my wares on the road to different craft fairs all over the place. I have a dream to live in an RV (at least for like a year). My husband is a tattoo artist, and he could tattoo at different shops on our journey and I'd participate in craft fairs (selling my handmade items and art, and making new friends!). We have four children who would get a great on-the-road education as we learn from life and the world as we experience it.

4. Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen! (I love that you phrased that "when (not if) you make it happen!) SO full of gratitude and excitement. Of course there will be trials and challenges along the way... but how amazing that would be for our family! And the opportunity to show our children the power of pursuing to realizing a dream... priceless! (Although... I have to say, we're in the thick of this right now too. My husband is pursuing his dream currently and it's been a hard/ amazing process. We aren't at the end of the hard part yet, but I believe we're getting there!)

5. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist? I've never been one to put my heart on my sleeve, so putting my work (and even my blogging) out there is kind of a stretch for me sometimes. But I would put it all out there with reckless abandon in hopes that I might bring encouragement/ inspiration/ blessing to someone.

6. What’s next for you? I'm most likely participating in our town's farmer's market- type even this summer. It's six weeks long, and it will be my first time putting my stuff out in the public arena locally. I'm busy making things for this right now and will show you when I have new things available!

7. What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on? I've been blogging for a couple of years now, but I'm just now making efforts to build an "online presence". If you'd like to grab my blog button (there are a few options to choose from in my sidebar), that would be super fantastic! And there are links in my left sidebar to follow me on twitter and "like" me on facebook! =) I look forward to getting to know you too!

8. What advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in? Don't wait until you feel like you're "good enough"... just start where you are and if the passion is there, it will show in your work. And don't ever feel like you have to be as good as someone else. Just be who you are, because you are amazing and that's totally enough. I was just listening to a Jonatha Brooke song in the car (the song was "Be True"). The line that really resounded with me was, "Be true to yourself and you'll be magic."

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Just that I have been so encouraged by the love and support amongst bloggers and artists in the online world, and from friends and family. We are truly better together and I'm so thankful for the connections in real life and on the web.

10. Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you? I love blog comments, so that's a great way. I'm also on twitter, facebook and flickr. And of course, my etsy shop.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to come back tomorrow for my interview with Design Star finalist Trent Hultgren!

flying lessons and a new summer schedule

I am so LOVING Kelly Rae Robert's Flying Lessons e-course. So full of great info and so much generosity going around from Kelly plus all the participants like crazy. This is my second online business class in the last few months, so I'm absorbing so much and loving it all. It's not too late to sign up! I just checked, and she's still accepting registrations. It's very very rich in content and a lot to take in, but you can work at your own pace. She's having a baby in a few months, so this is probably the only time she'll be offering the course this year. If you need a boost for your biz or are still trying to figure out how to get started, this might be just the right opportunity for you!

I've cut my hours back at work, only working about half the hours I had been, and I'm only there two days a week now. This is my second week on the new schedule and to be honest, it's a little strange. When I started working last summer (remember, this is my first job outside the home since having kids over 12 years ago!), I was sad to have to go to work and really missed my mornings at home. It's great to be home more (and to not get up at 3am five days a week!) but I actually kind of miss it on the days that I'm not there. I love my coworkers and our regular customers. I miss seeing them every morning!

I was telling one of my sisters the other day... This is the second time in the last couple of years that I've done something I really didn't want to do but ended up loving it and it was hard to let it go. (The other major event was moving to Minnesota. Didn't want to go, went anyway and fell in love, then it was hard to leave when we came back to CA.)

It will be great to have the flexibility this summer to do more things with the family and be able to venture out a little farther from home during the week. AND to not be so tired every afternoon when we're doing activities. Last summer we were at a big pool with some friends. This pool had a huge regular swimming pool, a couple of areas with waterslides, a big kiddie pool play area, and a regular playground (dry). My older kids were off swimming and sliding with friends, and I had Mercy and Judah (then ages 3 and 1) at the playground. I had sort of squatted down and was leaning against a pole while they were playing. Next thing I knew, I woke up because Judah had wandered about 30 feet away, out from under the shade cover that was above the playground equipment, and was screaming because his feet were hot on the sidewalk! That was a scary literal wake up call! Poor little guy... I was sorry his feet hurt, but so glad that stopped him from going any further or falling into a pool!

This is (finally) our last week of school.. seems like my our kids are the last ones out this year! We don't have any big plans, but are hoping for lots of day trips and some camping here and there. What are your plans?

June goals

Oops... sneaking in a bit late here. I can't believe it's already JUNE!!!

First, we'll check in on how I did with my May goals:

1. finish logo (done. well it's kind of cheating, but I decided I liked the look of this image that I drew in my sketch book a while back. So I'm going with it. For now at least!)

2. shop update (done. to see what's been added, head on over to my shop!)

3. make more coffee sleeves, baby blankets and headbands (I'm going to have a table at a women's tea at our church in a few weeks) (done! and it was a success. I'm still making more, more, more!)

4. 4 new paintings (nope. backgrounds near finished, but the paintings are not complete. oops.)

5. new business cards (also nope. I was waiting to have a new logo figured out before I ordered any, but I like the hand-drawn look of the one above, so I'll incorporate that and order asap!)

6. apply to more local craft fairs (yes! I applied to a local one, now I'm just waiting to hear back. I also need to apply for a seller's permit. I think I'll feel so official with that! =) Yay!)

7. start weekly blog feature (ummm... no. but coming soon! as in this Friday... I'm starting a "featured artist Friday" spot, where I'll interview and feature an artist that inspires me. If you'd like to be considered, email me!)

8. blog at least 4-5 times per week (still not quite there. I know you understand.)

Now for my goals for June:

1. begin weekly "featured artist Friday" on my blog

2. finish up a tutorial I've been working on and post it. (hint: summery top with help from vintage linens... major part of my summer wardrobe!)

3. make more bags! (by popular request.... and by the way, I LOVE popular requests!)

4. upload more photos to my jenuine ruby facebook page (do you "like" me yet???)

5. finish writing my "about" page.

6. send out a newsletter. (you can sign up to receive it in my left sidebar!)

I need glasses! 8 )

I had my first eye exam in over 10 years today. Maybe even over 15 years. I honestly can't remember the last time I had an eye exam... but my eyesight as always been fine. Until recently. I started noticing that I have to hold things at (almost) arm's length to be able to read smaller print. And sometimes I get headaches and feel like I'm straining my eyes after reading for a while. So today's appointment confirmed what I expected. I need glasses. Mostly just for reading and computer time.

So now the hunt for the right pair of specs is on. (The ones in the picture above are some that my kids found... I think I'll go for something a little smaller, and with lenses!)