Time is FLYIN'!

 As I sat here drinking my coffee this afternoon (yes...afternoon.  My sleep cycle is flip flopped...days are my nights and nights are my days..)...I realized today was January 10th.  Today marks 5 full months of being married to my amazing hubby...  and it also means that tomorrow is his birthday!  Nothing too extravagant planned.  The hubby just wants to hang out and have a chill day at home.  So that's what we're going to do.  After all...Football starts at 4:30 pm!  haha

As far as realizing I've been married to the most wonderful man in the world for five months...I
couldn't be happier.  You know you have a solid relationship when being married feels no different than it felt to be dating.  Nothing has changed.  The piece of paper and the rings are symbols of our love, not game changers.  And for that, I am truly thankful!  He supports me in my muddy musings, forever encouraging me to pursue my love of sculpting rather than just making stuff that will sell.  He reminds me to take it easy and not be so hard on myself when I'm having bad health days.  He is an amazing step-father to my son, caring for and loving him as his own.  Five months down and a lifetime to go!

Now...to figure out what to do for him for his birthday tomorrow...I know he doesn't want to do anything but watch football... But c'mon!  I can't let that fly..  :-D  Let the scheming begin..hehe

Mudita Monday - 9 Sept 2013 - Salty Dog Tactical

Good Monday morning to you all!  I hope you had a great weekend, and there weren't too many football widows out there.  

When a Soldier becomes a veteran, the transition may seem seamless and easy to the onlookers.  But in reality, the transition from military to civilian life is difficult at best.  I miss my army life, I won't lie.  There are MANY veterans who start their own business once getting out of the military.  You're in control, and you don't have to worry about fitting into the social norm that society dictates.  Our social norm isn't well understood by those who haven't served.  ANYWAY, I'm getting off topic..  Today I want to share with you a veteran owned business, Salty Dog Tac

tical. 

Salty Dog Tactical, LLC is a small disabled veteran owned business that is a retailer in medical supplies, out door & sportsman equipment and tactical gear.  They are based out of Pennsylvania.  You can find them on FACEBOOK.  They help fulfill a need for civilian service industries for people such as firefighters, paramedics, police, etc.  They post GREAT tips and information daily on their Facebook page, which really is helpful to know.  Please find them, tell them I sent ya, and support a small, veteran owned business.  I wish them all the best of luck, and sending positive vibes for success!!

Happy Mudita Monday!!

Sunday Musings

Happy Sunday!  Anyone else out in the cyber world, writing blogs and not watching football?  I'm sitting here in my chaise, in front of the fireplace, talking to you all while my fiance watches his football.  I love our Sundays...they work for us!  :)

A ceramic colleague friend of mine, Mark Campbell, started a contest on his Facebook page last week.  He asked us to submit our favorite photos, and a group of judges (not him) would judge on the best photo.  He would then take that photo and use it as a decal on a vase that he made and gift it to the winner.  You can see the contest HERE.  I entered a picture of me and my punkerhead.  <3  This photo was taken over Thanksgiving this year.  He is my pride and joy!!!  He lives with his father most of the time due to my health.  It sucks.  But, we make the best of it! Needless to say, I did not win the contest this time around.  The competition was steep!  There were lots of great photographs submitted. 

I get asked at times why I am so friendly with other ceramic artists and potters when they are my direct competition.  We each have our individual talents and pieces we enjoy making.  Mark is very talented and does some amazing decal work.  I, on the other hand, have no desire (nor the proper equipment) to begin doing decal work.  I like making my small, handmade pieces.  The detail is what I enjoy.  While I know I will probably never be able to make mass quantities due to this level of detail and personalization; it is what I enjoy.  AND I can do it even when my legs choose to hate me that day and hurt like hell!  heh  By speaking with and collaborating with a myriad of potters and ceramic artists, we all take what we can from one another's experiences.  We help one another to become the best we can be.  It is the camaraderie I miss now that I am no longer in the military.  We may never meet in person, but our virtual relationships are true and impacting. 

You can find Mark's Ceramic business on Facebook and Etsy.