Technology Today

Dear Ones -
It's difficult for me to realize that I have had a web site for four years. Who could have guessed that computer illiterate me would have taken on such a challenge. But here I am, still learning, growing, blogging, and plugging away at these computer skills that have become a part of my everyday life.

With the transformation in my art focus on the circular form (mandalas), the time now seems appropriate to give the site a new look as well. Something that will reflect the illuminated circular name designs that are spinning in my creative mind's eye. Perhaps using the 'Kasia' logo that now graces my brochure, notepad and business cards, creating a personal brand.
I'm also thinking of adding a shopping cart page where framed prints of my designs could be purchased. It has occurred to me on numerous occasions that I, alone, cannot possibly supply the demand for my designs. I do currently make limited editions of commissioned LoveLights(c) for family members when a special occasion demands duplicate pieces. These "prints" are done on fabric and then stitched to reflect the intention of the original. It's a great gift idea.
Today I will be meeting with my webmaster to discuss these changes and to hear Judy's suggestions for updating the site. I'll report my findings and hopefully you will be able to view them yourself in the near future.

Until next time ~ Live your Light.
Kasia

International Quilt Festival - Rosemont, IL.

Dear Ones ~
I spent last weekend in 'Heaven'. Traveling with my friend Casey, we ventured to the Douglas E. Stevens    Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois where we exhausted ourselves with 'eye candy' for the quilter. The 2010 International Quilt Festival is home to hundreds of quilts and art quilts on display along with an exhibitors floor that we walked for miles!
UNBELIEVABLE, AWESOME, EXQUISITE - are just some of the words that could describe the experience. There is just so much talent out there! It was exciting to see so many familiar names attached to the beautiful works. And of course, IQF is like a reunion when we get to reconnect with our peers and exchange stories, photos, postcards, and techniques. It's just the best time ever!
Equally thrilling for me is the exhibitors section. You must know what a gadget girl I am! Seeing all the latest notions and beautiful embellishments and threads are enough to make me weak in the knees. But I managed to stay on my feet and walk the miles of booths 'window shopping' for the perfect notions to use in my LoveLights. My first stop was to Laura Murray's booth where I purchased Paintstiks and more small
brushes. Next, I was on the hunt for the crystals that are a central focus feature of my art pieces. I found a source that will be able to supply me with the difficult to find larger crystals.

And then thrill of thrills, I rediscovered Hula Hoops hand dyed cotton fabrics by Stacy Michell of Shades Textiles. Years ago, I purchased some pieces from this artist that were the perfect foundations of my labyrinth series. I had lost the contact information, so am very pleased to have reconnected with her for future LoveLight foundations. Score!
Now it's time to roll up my sleeves and get into the studio to PLAY with my "finds". Yippee!

Until next time~
Live your Light.
Kasia

Clean Spice Cabinet - Check

Dear Ones,
This week I cleaned out the spice cabinet. All the outdated spices and empty jars were tossed in the garbage.  The activity was very freeing and it allowed me to check another task off the list. What does this have to do with ART? I am reporting this to you as a way of explaining how delicate the creative ego can be. When my "things" are in chaos, or there are too many details on my mind, I find that I become immobilized. I simply cannot go into the studio and be creative. Tasks become creative blockages. It's as simple as that. But I am happy to report that I found the answer to this problem and am now more productive than ever before.

I met Leslie Shreve on the internet nearly a year ago through my association with Alyson Stanfield's classes. Leslie offered a 'Productivity - Get in the Driver's Seat' workshop online that taught me how to use electronic task lists, otherwise known as the Outlook program on my computer. That class was a revelation to me. I have always been a "to do list" maker, but like Leslie predicted, my lists were scattered on the nightstand, in my purse, on the desk, etc. By using her methods of organizing and prioritizing the things that I must do in a day, I have learned to relax a little and to rely on the reminders that pop up on my pc. No matter what your occupation, I just can't help but believe that you will benefit from the stress free reliance on electronic lists. Trusting the system to keep you on track is very liberating. I am wondering how I managed all these years without it?
Let's see, 'Write Blog Post', check. Now I can go play in the studio. How do you manage your day?
Love & Light,
 Kasia

Flourish Studios Exhibit

Dear Ones,
The excitement is building. The dates have been set for the upcoming, 'Kasia's LoveLights' exhibit. Mark your calendars. Opening night gala is Friday, June 18th, 6-8pm. The Envision Gallery is located inside Flourish Studios,  3020 N. Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois 60657.  As I have explained in a previous post, the invitation to exhibit here was a bit of a 'Godwink' to me.  I am counting the blessings! Thank you.

                                                                                     'Hamsa' (c)  2009 Kasia

The  exhibit will be a retrospective taken from the past few years work.  This is the time period where the 'LoveLights' really found their form with the hidden names and words designs. These personalized mandalas are being collected from private collections for this exclusive exhibit. And I am busy working on creating new pieces that will be seen for the first time on opening night. 'Transformation' is the inspiration for some of these new works. Several pieces will be available for purchase. The exhibit will run from June 18th thru July 17th.


Spring is in the air. The birds are singing. Enjoy your day. I'm off to the studio to play with my fabrics.


Love & Light,
Kasia 

Meeting Alyson Stanfield

Dear Ones,

I first met Alyson in the pages of her book, "I'd rather be in the studio!"  The information that she so generously shared was invaluable to me in setting up my 'trusted systems' of organization and self-promotion.  I found it so interesting in fact, that I subscribed to her weekly newsletter and blog and began putting into practice as many of the principles that she suggested that my limited time would allow.  These baby steps have resulted in my website and this blog.  In time, I signed up for her online classes and met like-minded artists via the internet.  It's been an amazing journey.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet her in person.  She is a delight.  Very knowledgeable about her subject matter and very articulate at conveying the ideas and techniques that the members of PAQA came to Racine, WI. to learn and share.  We met at the Siena Center on the shores of Lake Michigan.  The two days were filled with information and could be overwhelming if I let it.  It has taken me several days to digest the information and begin to implement some of the action items into my own venues.  Hopefully you will notice an improvement in my technique and internet presence.  

Knowing me like you do, I'm sure that you realize what a thrill it was for me when Alyson asked to have her picture taken with me!!  And of course, I am over the top to have appeared in her newsletter this week!  I think that it's another 'Godwink'.  Until next time~

Love & Light,
Kasia

Amazing Grace

Dear Ones,
I'm ba a ck ~ with great news of a new focus for my art and energy.  An opportunity has presented itself.  It is a dream come true and a leap of faith all rolled together.  A solo exhibit in the Chicago area!  WOW!!  Pinch me. The miracle of this new venture is that it came to me from a referral by Cathy, one of my Dearest Ones.
The dates have been set for an opening on June 18th.  Now the work begins; creating new art, deciding which current pieces to include, finishing the new brochure that has been in the works for months, and keeping my efforts focused on the end goal; Showing and Sharing my LoveLights.

'Kasia I Am' (c) 2009 Kasia

This mandala  'Kasia, I Am', is my new logo.  I intend to use it on my business cards and notepads, etc.  If you'll look closely, you will find my name in purple around the center red/purple 'I AM'.  I used the green background color for it's healing energy and fresh spring-like appeal.  Embedding names and words into the LoveLights is the focus of my newest work.  What do you think?

Family Vacation

Dear Ones ~

The days (weeks) flew by since my last post.  The bonspiel at Alpine Curling Club with Jerry and Chris was a lot of fun.  We played our best and had some really great games, but in the end we came home without any trophies.  Sorry about that Skip, maybe next time.  One of the best features of bonspieling is the socializing with the friends that we have made through the years.  Chatting with my friend Darcie, who I only see once a year at this event, was a highlight.  The week after our curling weekend was spent in a frenzy of  last minute details in preparation for our family vacation.

Several years ago, Ron and I decided that instead of a party to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we would like to make a family memory by taking a vacation together.  At the time we first made this pledge, we did not have any grandchildren and were thinking of a European vacation with our adult children and their spouses.  As the years went by, our little ones arrived to fill out the family tree and changed our travel plans.  Now we were considering traveling with a 5, 3, and 2 year old and a 7 month old!  What could we possibly do that would accommodate everyone?  After a month of research, we decided on a Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Disney Magic!  We made the grand announcement of this plan at Christmas.  That gave everyone several weeks of happy anticipation.

 

Even though our anniversary is actually in August, the winter snows of Wisconsin made the thought of sunshine and beaches even more appealing in the month of February.  So it was decided that we set sail on Feb. 6th from Port Canaveral.  We then visited Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay with a couple of days at Sea thrown in for relaxation.  

The kids were enthralled with the Disney characters, the stage shows, and especially the Mickey Mouse Pool.  We agreed prior to leaving home that we wouldn't try to stay together every minute.  Each family could do their own thing,  but we were to meet at dinner to share our events of the day.  As it turned out, we usually found each other around the pool deck and spent a good deal of time together taking turns watching the children and running for snacks.  We shared a lot of laughs and made some memories for which we will have stories to last my lifetime.  It was GRAND!  The whole week exceeded my wildest expectations.

The children were very well behaved.  We are proud  not only of them, but of their parents as well.  The youngest, Gavin, was especially easy going and adapted to sleeping in his stroller in the middle of all the noise.  Precious!                                                   

One night, in the dining room, we were surprised with a cake to celebrate our special occasion.  Served shortly after we had finished our dessert, we took it back to our stateroom and ate it for breakfast the next day.  Mmmmm - - - yunmmy!

 We did incur a bit of an adventure on our return home.  I'll save those details for another post after I have an opportunity to upload more of my photos.  (Sometimes one look is worth a thousand words.)  Let me just say that DREAMS really DO come true if your heart is in your dream!  And for that fact, I am eternally grateful~

Until next time,

Love & Light ~

Kasia