NO REGRETS

Make a Decision...


I pride myself on having no regrets in life.


I have made decisions in my life time that I do NOT consider the best. However, those decisions have molded me into the person I am as well as the ones that I DO consider the best.


In my last post, ( Make IT Happen), I had one regret following my encounter with the pleasant and talented Mr. Santino Rice. My regret was that I did not give him one of my necklaces.


That regret pricked my brain over night and into the next day. Fearful of being viewed as over the top and possibly as a stalker, I tried to quiet my regret. To no avail... it gnawed at me.

Friday morning I was sharing with a good friend about my regret. She, being the " make it happen" person that I love, matter-of-factly asked, " What's the problem?". Then boldly stated," Make it happen!". I made a decision.

I knew where the "On The Road..." dynamic duo was staying. I knew that they would be in town until Saturday. I knew that I could figure out a classy non-invasive way to present my gift to Mr. Rice.


Before I finished the short chat with my girlfriend I was fashioning a package to drop off at the front desk of the bed and breakfast. I had NO intention to try to see Mr. Rice or Mr. Scarlett. Praying for courage all the while... I included a necklace, a hand written thank you card, a post card with photos of one of my pieces and contact info as well as a business card. I tied the box with a simple black double faced satin ribbon. I placed it all in a gift bag donning a reproduction one of my faces from 'The Village', took a deep breath and started out the door on yet another FRAN.MACK adventure.

Again with kids in tow, I parked and we entered a side door at the lovely and serene Rockwood Manor in Dublin, Va.. Just inside the entrance there was a woman sitting in a side room at a desk. She was very pleasant and greeted my kids with warmth. Being told that THAT was the "front desk", I asked if I could leave a gift for Santino Rice. " Oh, you can give it to him yourself. They are right over there working."She said. I was mortified. I didn't expect access AGAIN. I objected, however, she assured me that it was okay.

As the kids and I approached the work room, I stood in the doorway, looked directly at Mr. Rice, held up my hands in surrender and said, " I swear I'm not stalking you!". He smiled and started towards us as the others in the room laughed. I felt relieved. Again, He greeted the children with warmth and playfulness. I presented him with my package then thanked him again for his kindness and appreciation. I suddenly remembered I was holding my phone in my hand and asked if we could take a picture. " Of course" resounded that distinctive, booming bass. In a flutter of hot pink fabric being set aside, and crew members adjusting position I looked across the room and choked out a "hello, ummm, Austin", ( Sorry Mr. Scarlett. My multi tasking abilities failed me in the moment). He was diligently working on what I'm sure will be another FAB collaboration. Finally, camera function ready, me holding ( the shy) Jamison and Santino holding Mason, we get a photo. In a muddle of thank yous and goodbyes I usher the kids out. We get in the car, I take a deep breath and thank God for being so good.

Meeting Mr. Santino Rice in Radford on Thursday AND hearing him admire my work was enough. I thought it doesn't get better than that... and then it did!

Mr. Santino Rice is an incredibly talented designer. He has an eye for what is beautiful. That's why he made it to the finals on Project Runway. That's why he's On the Road with Austin spreading visual bliss in small towns across America.


I am honored that such a talented being possesses one of my works.

I would be even more honored to work with such a visionary.

Success happens when preparation meets opportunity...

Make IT Happen!

MAKE A DECISION... and the universe will conspire to make it come true.

This has been my mantra for the past year. It has helped me turn from... I wish I had, could, was... to ... my decision IS_____ .

My decision is... I am a successful artist.

Last year , early July, I decided that I would exhibit in NYC in August. It was an opportunity that I learned about through an email. It was first come first served and artist were sleeping on the street to secure a spot. The gallery location is in Chelsea. THE place to be as an artist. Also , next to impossible to book if you're not on the artist IT list. When I told some of my friends about my intended venture, with support, almost everyone said, " but you don't know if you're going to get in?". My response? ... Oh I AM getting in! A twelve hour drive one way, almost 24 hours camped out at the gallery and two whirl wind days... Today my resume reads group exhibit @ The Lyons Wier Gallery, NYC. It doesn't matter that I sold nothing. The experience is PRICELESS!!! I met incredibly talented artist who I can now call friends. Through emails and facebook I am updated on their projects, interests, and inspirations. I give and get cyber pats on the back regularly and it is lovely. I am fueled by their drive as I hope they are by mine.


I AM a successful artist!


One of my goals for this year was to participate in three exhibits. At this time, I have two group,( one juried), and three solo exhibits under my belt. I am prepping for yet another that will open September 10th in Atlanta ,Ga. . I also set a monetary goal to reach with only the sale of my artwork. I am so close to meeting this that I believe I will exceed it.

I am a SUCCESSFUL artist!

Last week I was reviewing my goals for my career as a successful artist. I want magazine coverage and I realized that I need a press kit. What I didn't know was that I need it NOW!

Yesterday, Wednesday August 25th, I learned that the new Lifetime show, On the Road With Austin & Santino, was coming to town. YES! HERE! Radford, Va. . Austin Scarlet and Santino Rice of Project Runway fame were rumored to be hitting this small town USA neck of the woods. My decision? I HAD to get them to see my work. It was a MUST do. I don't sleep much these days, however, I surrendered to the fact that it would probably be an all nighter. All I could think was press kit, press kit, press kit. I have been watching the show and I knew they needed a fabric store. Radford has ONE. I hit up my few intheknow contacts around town. Although it's very secretive, I did get confirmation on a couple of locations but no times. My snooping continued... and payed off. In person I approached the owner of the fabric store. Marianne is familiar with me and my work. She gave me nothing concrete except sometime Thursday morning Austin & Santino would be at her shop. She did NOT invite me to the taping. She DID invite me to set up a display of jewelry near the entrance and assured me that she would put my press kit in the hands of the dynamic duo. I set up the display but felt I needed a package to go with it. Press kit, press kit, press kit...

Two weeks ago my hard drive failed. I lost EVERYTHING. Every photo. every work in progress. My computer , with new unfamiliar programs was returned to me just a few days ago. I spent the majority of time last night figuring out how to navigate my new software. Press kit, press kit, press kit. With two hours of sleep and a mountain of frustration, I was up and at it again before the sun came up.

I did NOT complete a press kit. I did eek out a mini info package... but I felt I needed something very short and sweet. I figured I would have about 30 seconds to make my point. I was determined to have a postcard WITH a picture. By 7:30am I had pushed enough buttons and made enough mistakes to figure out how to make a postcard with two photos. Obviously I am NOT tech savvy at ALL!

Without notice and two small kids in tow, I headed over to the fabric store. I had no idea what to expect from anyone there. From myself I expected to MAKE CONTACT... period.

As I drove up I saw a small camera crew across from the entrance. I unloaded the kids and started walking to the front door. I didn't see anyone inside. I opened the door and let the kids enter.( PHEW! no one tackled us, shouted for us to stop or pushed us back outside). The other crew members were inside crouched on the floor. They were prepping a shot and wanted to make sure to be out of the way. They were the most pleasant group of people I have ever come across. Every single person spoke to me AND my kids. I went straight to my work and added my cards to the display. The shop owner, Marianne, appeared briefly and asked if I needed anything then was whisked away to be miked. I thought, I'm in and I'm not leaving until I meet Santino and/or Austin. Now, how am I going to do that? I'm familiar with the shop and decided that we needed to go upstairs and check out some yarns. I asked the owner if that was okay. With a sly side glance and half smile she said it was fine. However I knew my time was limited.

Stalling for time is a very uncomfortable feeling. Doing it with two talkative youngsters is insane.

A few minutes felt like hours. Finally, the chime from the front door echoes followed by a booming , unmistakable tone and accent.

Santino: That's GORGE!

Marianne: The artist who made those is here.

Then a muttle of voices and directions. I pull out two business cards and usher the kids downstairs. As I round the corner heading to the front, Marianne approaches and politely says it's time to go. As she moves away I see Mr. Rice sitting on a chair in our path. It doesn't get much better than this folks!

As soon as Santino sees the kids, he stands and greets each one. He is a towering massive yet slim figure. My guess is that he's about 6'7" and much more handsome and polished in person. As with the rest of the crew, his energy is all inviting, very sincere and warm. With his hand extended, he asks Mason her name. As she shakes his hand he tells her how pretty she is. Jamison is now playing shy and gliding his hand up under my dress. A practice that I hope he discontinues VERY soon. Santino exchanges a few more words with Mason as I try to comfort and pry Jamison off my leg while not exposing myself. Mr Rice then extends his hand to me.

Santino: Very nice to meet you. Are you the one who makes this beautiful work? (as he motions to the necklace that I'm wearing).

Me: Nice to meet you and yes I am.

Santino: It's really amazing.

Me : Thank you. (I hand him my card.)

I would really appreciate it if you would consider possibly showing my work with one of your collections. If your interested, please contact me.

Santino: Okay, sure.

Me: It was nice meeting you.

Santino: It was very nice meeting you.

Me: I hope you're enjoying your time in our little town.

Santino: I am. It's very cute here.

My only regret is that I did not take off my necklace and give it to him.
I don't know what will come out of this encounter. I believe this is only the beginning.

God is truly amazing!


I AM A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST!

Press kit...
If you STAY ready, you don't have to GET ready...

It's a new dawn... it's a new day

Hello 2010!

2009 was full of creating work that I didn't know was in me. Many late nights. Three gallery showings. Tons of positive feedback. And... realizations.

I realized that... YES I am an artist... yeah... really, REALLY. I thrive on creating. Seems like a no brainer, but it took me 46 years to sit comfortably with this FACT. In light of this...
this part of me, I will NEVER deny, put on hold or halt again... NEVER! ... ONLY FORWARD MOVEMENT.

I realized that... I can be a good Mom and an artist too. Maybe another no brainer, but... this is where I am. I love that I can share such joy with my kids. Allowing them to see Mom as a complete and content being. Seeing those little faces light up at openings is priceless.

I realized that I allowed myself to be distracted by fear... or many fears. Funny thing about fear... it can stop you in your tracks... even when you CAN see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have barreled thru MANY fears this past year... I'm sure many await me in this New Year. The difference? I am all to aware of the possibility of distraction. I am not willing to partticipate in the distraction of fear. ONLY FOWARD MOVEMENT.

Quoting Marianne Williamson:
" Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

I have been granted talents by Gods grace...

I am brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous...

This year, 2010, is about letting my light shine to the fullest.
Fear will not be void over the next 12 months...

Courage is the focal point.

Who are you not to BE?