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Monday, April 11, 2011

Choosing a Career at the Ripe Ol' Age of 46

Eww, don't like the descriptor 'ripe' but it is all rather true.
My good friend Glynnis said a few years ago that she finally realized what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Could I please have the same light bulb illuminate above me?
The list of jobs I have held are numerous and varied.  The list of volunteer positions I have held are even more numerous and also varied.  The listing will be included in the postscript below.  I am not making this up people.
Unfortunately I have been unable to distill down the skills learned below into a viable career.  By viable I of course mean a paycheck.  I would also appreciate a position that I could enjoy for the long haul.
I have had another good friend assist me in a life plan and was still unable to settle on anything.
Light bulb please!
I love my warehouse job.  The same with most of my other jobs.  I have decided though that I need a grown up job, with grown up wages, and it needs to have a personal meaning for me.
So where is my light bulb?
Night guys, lights out.
-Trish

P.S.  Lifetime Responsibility List

Babysitting
Cleaned offices
Factory assembly line
Clerk in Small Claims Court
Casa de la Paloma Busboy
BJ’s Cashier/Cook
Secretary for heir location
Queen’s Way Clothes Sales
Carpet cleaning telemarketer
Wife
Mother
Wendy’s-ProCo, cook, cashier
Tiara Representative
Dental Assistant
Amway-x4
Artistry Colorist
Sunday School teacher-x2
Tupperware Consultant-x2
Headstart Board representative
Girl Scout leader-x2
KM Matol Representative
School Bus Driver
Dessert sales at Renaissance Fair
Frontier Floozy stuntwoman at Goldfield Ghost town
Freelance Writer
VitaMist-Spray Vitamin Representative
Homeschool Teacher for 14 years
VBS Curriculum creator
Mustard Seed Newsletter Editor
CHE Support Group Board member
Lionshare Co-op Facilitator
FEHE Newsletter Editor
Worship Leader
Pastor
Theology Student-x3 schools
Women’s Ministry Committee Leader
Retreat/Event Coordinator & Speaker
Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Lunch On the Spot Caterer/Owner
Jewelry Designer
Life Coach
Grandmother
Mixed-Media Artist
Blogger
Medical Biller
Warehouse staff








Sunday, April 10, 2011

Quiche of the week - Chicken Broccoli Especial

Quiche is still considered one of my favorite perfect meals.  Throw in whatever is left in the fridge.  A new version of the all important hotdish I grew up with.  
Remember my definition of a hotdish:  5 identifiable ingredients; and yes Cream of Mushroom soup is one of those identifiable ingredients.
Since I usually make 1 or 2 quiche on a weekend I  will share a version with you.
One of my new favorite blends.


Chicken Broccoli Especial
1 pie crust in ungreased 9" cake pan ( I stink at crust so I cheat & use the Pillsbury rolls-buy them after the holidays and stick the boxes in the freezer), prick all over with fork.
2 Tablespoons of yellow prepared mustard over crust
3-4 cups of frozen broccoli sprinkled in crust
1 cup of manchego cheese shredded over broccoli
2 large grilled chicken breasts cut into chunks over cheese
1 Tablespoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper, and 2 teaspoons dried oregano sprinkled over chicken.
5 eggs whisked adding 
3 Tablespoons of minced fresh garlic and
2 cups of milk/half and half/cream or whatever into the eggs and pour over everything
shred a little more cheese on top and place in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.  It will rise a bit more in the oven to cover the ingredients.
If the crust is brown and the quiche does not jiggle then it is finished.
Cool and enjoy!  Quiche truly is a fool-proof dish.  Use less eggs and more milk or more eggs and less milk to make it custardy.  Use what you have.
The chicken tastes so awesome a second time around in this dish.
Nighty-nite,
-Trish

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Swap Stress = necessary evil or self-inflicted torture?

Let me 1st clarify swap; to swap artwork with other neurotic artistic types, with a certain theme and within a certain format, with imposed deadlines that may or may not be adhered to by the member(s) or the group.  Glad I could simplify that...sarcasm intended.
******
You could Google card swap or chunky book swap or search on Flickr for plenty of examples...or you can take a gander at my few pitiful pics-below.  Be kind there is some early work in there.  Trust me people I am going to have a miniature light studio box in a short while.  Hope I can learn a few tricks from my photog daughter Kim to take better pictures.
******
And back to our original question; necessary evil or self-inflicted torture?
Necessary evil:  if there was never a deadline would an artist complete anything?  Hmm, almost a tree falls in the forest type of question.
So the stress literally forces me to make creative decisions, just do it, and get the work finished ...even if I am not completely content with it.   
Self-inflicted torture:  these swaps are not a government mandated experience.  I signed up for these.  I chose to join a group of artists in creative (dis)-harmony.  I have no one to blame but myself for getting into the swap.  Also, my own tendency to procrastinate-my creative process-is a natural foil to the essential deadline.  Hence self-inflicted.
So the answer is yes.  Necessary evil and self-inflicted torture.
All of this to keep myself from going into my studio and start/finish my Chunky Book Swap page for this month.  It's even on my favorite game-Scrabble.  Yet all the ideas swirling thru the grey matter have not coalesced into a design decision.  Yep, I will just have to DO IT!
Oh, and I have 2 challenges for the CIA - Collaborative of Inspired Artists - meeting this week as well.  A metal pear and a wooden egg cup.  Sigh....I know.  Just DO IT!
Can I just repeat that procrastination is my creative process?  Umm, can't get away with it can I?  Deadline looms and studio awaits.  Ask me for pics so I will get it done this weekend instead of Tues at midnight.
I can hear the lyrics of the procrastination song my girls created years ago going thru my mind.... pro cras ti nation its the name of the game, pro cras ti nation I'll just do it another day.  Procrastination is more fun, I'd rather dread it than get it done...  You get the point.  Obviously a family trait/tragedy.
Enjoying the 55 degree drop with hot coffee and a chunk of chocolate with pecans and fruit.
-Trishalish






Friday, April 8, 2011

2nd Friday in Mesa

Tonight from 6-10 PM is 2nd Friday in Mesa.  This month it is Sci-fi month with a secondary Steampunk theme.  As stated before not my fave, but last time in Oct they had the Zombie/Steampunk theme and it was so fun to watch.
I will not have a space this month but Kim does and her friend Stephanie.  Come see their art/photos and buy it now before they become famous and you can't afford it.
Also, stores and restaurants are open and during this.
Come downtown to see what your local artisans are doing!
See ya there,
=Trish the Mom in the background

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Tasty Technique Thursday Success and a short rant on creative tool purchases.

Well it was great.  Had an opportunity to break out the alcohol ink applicators that Bob made for me years ago.  We pounced our way across aluminum tape and some paper and acetate.  Added them to a technique tag to show off at home.
Paula made some great peanut butter and chocolate bars...easy peasy she said.  Bag of PB cookie mix with egg and water, mixed and pressed into pan, baked and then melt milk choc chips over that and cut into bars.  Yum.  Sounds like a potluck favorite, huh?
************
I am thinking next of teaching the basics on types of inks and their uses.
Also, I want to research the differences between die cut machines.  Non motorized, such as Sizzix Big Shot or the Spellbinders Grand Caliber.  Or what sets the electronic machines apart such as the Cricut family or even the Pazzle. Even the owners of said machines debate the whys and wherefores. I plan on setting my mind to research this very important territory and report back to you.
*Now you may be asking yourself why would someone really need one of these?  It does not seem to be a necessity but a luxury.  But I disagree.  In working thru my 'emotional stuff' over the years it wasn't the few professionals that helped the most.  It was my Saviour 1st of all that pointed the way, but also my chance to express myself creatively.  I have grown over 4 decades to accept who I am and what I am capable of when I allow my Artist to shine.  For me it is necessary therapy and I love it!
So off to sleepy bye,
-Trish the Artiste




Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Oregon for my baby?

Yep, it seems so.
Kim has her acceptance and a partial scholarship to Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
We are so proud of her and so happy for her as well.
Wow!  A child leaving the state for college.  Do you hear the silent chirps of an empty nest?
Kim is working on her website and I will post it when finished.
This Friday is 2nd Friday Night in Mesa and Kim and her friend Stephanie will be selling their photography out there.  Come and see us!
Well, I am off to create a setup for our 1st ever Tasty Technique Thursday at work tomorrow.  I am combining Sizzix Embossing Folders and Adirondack Alcohol Inks to make a dual technique.  Paula said she was bringing the tasty part.  Next week I believe it is Christine's turn. 
WooHoo!
Toodles,
-Trish the light fantastic

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Oops...I was sure I posted yesterday

Well, I didn't make it a week and I forgot to post yesterday.
Sorry Lorri.
That said, our swap at work went great I have some awesomely cute cards to share.
I will attempt to take photos tonight and share them.
Remember...a puzzle a day keeps dementia away.
Ciao for now,
-Trish

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Paper or EBook

Read a great explanation from Connie Brockway on her decision to go ebook next time.  She also gave some insight to the work an author has with a publishing house.  They are all encouraged to market themselves regularily; ie Facebook &Twitter.  Here is her post. 
So to the issue of paper vs ebook.  I say no issue when a reader.  Either is great and has its place.  I love turning pages and like my good friend Lorri love the scent of well-made pages bound into a book.  On the other hand the ease of purchasing an ebook and reading in the dark are benefits as well.
But for authors I now see the incredible benefits of ebooks.  Even Barnes and Noble offer a self-publishing side that they carry.  Pubit!
So...what have you tried?  As an author and as a reader?  
Tra la la,
-Trishalicious

Saturday, April 2, 2011

1st Card Swap at Work-Time For Guys

This is my 1st official card swap at my workplace.  We could choose either birthday, get well, baby, or thank you for our theme.  12 signed up, including the owner-no pressure there- and we agreed to swap on Monday the 4th.
I love swaps.  This is an opportunity for the beginner to the advanced card maker to share ideas, techniques, tips, etc..
I decided that since guy cards are always in short supply that I would hit that up as my specific theme for a birthday card.
I began with the Tim Holtz Timeworks Mask.  Mixing  Walnut Stain Reinker with water from my Aqua Painter that has water in the reservoir handle 
I pounced a segment of my  Yellow Cheesewheel Sponge into the dye mixture and over the mask as I placed it over the top portion of my Very Vanilla Cardstock front (4.25"x5.5")  from Stampin' Up!.
Then I repositioned the mask again and lightly spritzed a mixture of water and Super Russet Pearl Ex Powder from my Mini Mister over the top.
I let it dry while I cut a 2"x4.25" strip of striped cardstock from my new Rustic Paper Pad I picked up at Joann's for the bottom portion of my card front.  I then pounced some Walnut Stain Ink Pad around the edges.
Using  Aluminum Tape I embossed this great new Sizzix Stitch Embossing Folder onto the aluminum tape thru my Big Shot and then used Adirondack Alcohol Inks in Copper Mixatives and Espresso to make it look like bronzy metal.  And another piece of the tape in the Squared Lattice Folder from Sizzix.
Also, to carry my clock theme I used cheapo bronze embossing powder and Clear UTEE in my Melting Pot and poured the hot liquid into my favorite Clock Face Mold -AM297.  Let set and pop out.  So clear and detailed.  I then pushed an interesting little nailhead that I got with my Purple Monster into the centers.  Here's a good review of it.
I layered the large gear shape from the SU Gear Punch from Espresso Cardstock and stippled some Sparkle Gold Pearl Ex Powder on it.
But this was not enough for me.  I have to see layers, something transparent, some tactile objects.  So I stamped the SU large clock on scrap pieces of acetate (I always save the scraps from packaging) with my StazOn Timber Brown pad and trimmed around the edge.
I added a blob of Burgandy Stickles to the center of the clock and adhered it to the card front with Crystal Effects
I used the Timber Brown StazOn to stamp part of the sentiment from the  SU Smarty Pants set onto the striped paper.
At the bottom of the card front I layered the striped paper then the aluminum tape stitch-just pull off the backing, the gear punch out and then the clock from UTEE adhered with glue dots.  I tucked a small strip of the lattice aluminum tape under the very edge of the striped paper and adhered it all to the card front and the card front to a Very Vanilla folded card blank.  I added the rest of the sentiment inside the card along with the small gear stamp.
Don't forget to stamp your personalized stamp on the back of the card.
Awesome possum!
-Trish
P.S. Here's a quick pic of the card from my computer-the mirrored image. Hence the words are reversed...yes I said hence.  It fit the time period of the card. I know it has a Steampunk feel to it tho I am not a huge Steampunk fan.  Enjoy!





Friday, April 1, 2011

Stallone Movies

Okay, only one Stallone movie-Get Carter.  Great movie!  Watched it instead of blogging so now I head to bed.
Nighty-nite,
-Trishy