Forcing the Issue Update

A few weeks ago, I decided to force the issue with some Paper Whites and Hyacinth bulbs and here are my results. The Hyacinth bulbs are blooming but are not growing very tall, most likely this is due to the fact that my kitchen window faces NW and does not get much light this time of year. Even though they are vertically challenged, they still smell great. As soon as I walk into the house, it smells just like Spring.

The Paper Whites are not making much progress, maybe by Easter.

Although my bulbs would not win any ribbons at a flower show, it is so nice to look at them all growing in my little window garden. I will definitely force the issue next January, too.

Someone to Lean On

Tonight, I came up stairs from my studio to this sweet scene and just had to share. My pug Jesse, who will turn 15 next month, had fallen asleep on one of the many stuffed animals on the floor. (And there are always many on the floor to choose from - however that's a topic for a different post.) Today has been a very cold day but Jesse found a way to make the best of it by choosing to lean on someone.


We all need to lean on someone now and then. Actually, it is something I am trying to do more. One way I can accomplish this is to pray more often. Another way is to say "yes" when someone offers to help. So when my sister offered to help organize my studio's storage space for raw materials and shipping supplies, I said YES. Tomorrow is the big day for the studio clean-up and I can hardly wait. It is nice to have someone to lean on.

A Working January

January 2010 is off to a new and fresh start. As I reminisce to previous years, January brings memories of the end of holiday hustle and bustle, chilly days, and time for me to plop down and take a breather. I use this down time to get inspired as I anticipate Spring and look forward to the upcoming shows to display my new creations.

However this January is different than previous years; my time to plop down and take a breather has all but disappeared! I have been overwhelmed (in a good way!) with custom pieces for clients, new and faithful collectors alike. My artwork will be available in two new stores this year, one in Utah and California. Though this is normally down time for me I am excited that the new year is off to such an exhilarating start!

Forcing the Issue

Yes, I am forcing the issue. The issue of Spring that is. Last week's bitter cold temperatures had me longing for warmer days of Spring. To help get me through the next few months, I decided to force a few Paper Whites and Hyacinth bulbs in my kitchen window. They are planted in pretty vintage glass bowls and vases. Now the snow covered ground is nothing but a backdrop to my little window garden. Hopefully, buy forcing the issue, Spring will come a little bit sooner.