I forgot to laugh... and it's been Hell!

I'm in the kitchen, cooking dinner tonight (nothing really good and fresh, gourmet and full of herbs like I so often used to make) but... at least I'm cooking! For myself!! This is the really impressive part (Jhon's working tonight and I almost never cook for myself lately-- takes too much time from work, and I'm always behind it seems). All of a sudden, our normally quiet little neighborhood is transformed by, not one, but two cars revving until the engine nearly screams, squealing tires, screeching brakes, ya know... agressive sounds. I start to think of bad things like them hitting my car, or my neighbor, or doing something malicious, or... "Stop it," I think to myself. "Think of what you want, not what you don't want. Think of something good."

So... I did, I thought about what I want. Though I've half-heartedly talked about what I want lately, I've not settled down and really just thought about what I want. I haven't really visualized it, and felt the good feelings of it. Looking back over some of my blog posts, especially the last, my feelings of being overwhelmed, as opposed to excited are obvious. I know the problem, and, in theory, the solution. Yet somehow, I've been unable to implement the solution lately.

But tonight, I did visualize something good while cooking, and it made me come up with a great idea. As I sat at the table eating, it occurred to me that I haven't had very many of those lately either... I've just kinda muddled along, working hard on the ideas I was having before I started working so hard. That's when I remembered the importance of balancing "doing" with "just thinking." How could I so easily have forgotten that that's when all my good ideas come?

Fast forward to after dinner...
I took tomorrow off (well, "off" of travel to get home/internet work done), so I give myself permission to relax and enjoy tonight. I scan our bookshelf, looking for a bit of something to fit my mood tonight, something uplifting... I need to get back on track here... something I can just kind of read a chapter or 2 of, and then get to bed at a reasonable hour...

My eyes stop on "Life's Greatest Lessons, 20 Things That Matter," by Hal Urban. Using a bookmark placed years ago, perhaps shortly after college since it was a graduation gift, I surmise that I've read Chapter One (SUCCESS IS MORE THAN MAKING MONEY) and Two (LIFE IS HARD... AND NOT ALWAYS FAIR). Really?? That's all of "Life's Greatest Lessons" I read?? It seems unlike me, and not very encouraging. "Hopefully I've learned more than that on my own," I think.

Commence, Chapter 3 (LIFE IS ALSO FUN... AND INCREDIBLY FUNNY). How ironic... I've had so little time for play, fun, or laughter lately. Now, I won't spoil the best quotes and gems of the chapter for those who love a good read, but it talks of the author's pursuit of serious disciplines and cultural movements that left him too serious and unsatisfied. It discusses scientific proof of the powerful health benefits & healing properties of laughter, as well as giving examples (Edison, Einstein) of the necessity of rest, play, and laughter in accomplishing large, arduous undertakings. Apparently, "Both discovered early that to work too hard or to think too intently for an extended period does more harm than good." Edison kept a cot and many notebooks of humor in his lab, enabling him to endure all the frustrations and long hours he passed through in his work. Another gentleman, Norman Cousins, designed his own healing program involving delving daily into all positive emotions (faith, love, hope, laughter), after being given a 1: 500 chance of surviving more than a few months. What he went on to accomplish after that is quite a story. Basically, the chapter discusses the importance of laughter, play, and rest to our health, head, work productivity, and relationships. Thinking back on the last year, and especially the last few months, I realize that I have figured out more than chapters 1 and 2... I knew the importance of all these things, and the balance of them... I just forgot. Forgot to balance work and seriousness with laughter and play. Both are good... but not to the exclusion of the other.

And I think of the good ideas I haven't yet accomplished, and those I have. I realize the importance of trying something thoroughly, but also the importance of allowing yourself to give up on a good idea that isn't working as well as you had hoped. That's the only way you have time to pursue (and create) more good ideas. And for the first time in a while, I stop feeling so overwhelmed. I'm ok. Better than ok, I'm proud of my accomplishments, grateful for my good luck and the kindness of others, and I'm excited... excited to sleep well and wake to begin a new Chapter tomorrow. The book chapter is WE LIVE BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE. And we shall see what the life chapter brings...

And then, as I close the book, reflecting on all these thoughts, I hear the screech of tires, skidding around the corner, the engine whiiiIIINING to accelerate our short block, then tires squealing to meet the STOP sign, starting the cycle all over again.

And I think, "Thank you..."

What NOT to Do??

So... here's my schedule for this week (which I'm supposed to have been posting more regularly for folks I've met at Art Fairs but haven't had much time for). Why? Well, back to the "here's my schedule this week" part...

Monday- Fill/Ship orders, restock, *try* (unsuccessfully) to finish building website, and generally play catch-up with all things home and internet.
Tuesday- up at 4am to go to South Lake Tahoe to sell my work for my "Tahoe Tuesdays." Gone all day. And repeat at...
Wednesday- Sell work at market in Cameron Park.
Thursday- Switch hats (work Whitewater raft guiding in Coloma).
Friday- head south for Stockton Art Walk.
Saturday- midtown Sacramento for "Second Saturday" showing.
Sunday- sell work in El Dorado hills for market/event there.

(Mind you, many of the places listed are approx. 1-2 hours drive).


Now, I don't mean to sound ungrateful or unappreciative-- I'm VERY grateful for the warm reception I'm finding out here and all the opportunities being presented. I think that actually is what makes this so tough. I'm finding myself unable to keep my energy up and I'm falling behind on activities/priorities/obligations/etc... I know some people do a fantastic job of keeping a schedule more chaotic than that and big kudos to them (and envy) but I am coming to realize that for me...

Something's Gotta GO!

This routine of getting to bed at midnight and up early, then driving all over (to events that sometimes are productive and other times leave somewhat to be desired) is taking too much toll on my health, sanity, time spent actually doing photography and with loved ones... ya know, the stuff that makes life rich.

It's a tough decision for me to make (I tend to want to take advantage of all opportunities offered to me) but, I have to face facts and facts is... I'm losing steam. So, as I have for the last couple of posts, I'm going to assure you that I HAVE NOT forgotten you and am working to make changes to allow me to catch up soon... just not sure what all those changes will be yet. But they will be, and they will be soon! :) Stay tuned next week...

And, as ever, warm wishes for a wonderful week filled with laughs, beauty, and all things joyous!

Visit Me at the Sacramento Music Awards!

OooooOOoops! Here I am supposed to be keeping my blog up to date on where I'll be and, I almost forgot to post Tonight's Big Event~~

A great bit of good luck kicked in-- I am fortunate to have a booth at the SAMMIES (2009 Sacramento Music Awards), so if you're in the area come by for a visit! The event is free and promises LOTS of entertainment (14 bands on 2 stages, art & fashion vendors, beer & wine garden, etc... )! The fest goes from 3-9pm at Cesar Chavez Park!

All the official info here--> http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/2009_sammies/event

A Quickie and more Exciting News!

**Before I begin, in case an extra special reader comes for a blog visit...

HAPPY DAD'S DAY DAD!!!

Now that I have gotten that important bit covered, on to the post...
Re: the title--Get your mind outta the gutter--I meant a quick post!
And, once more, this is me... still swearing that, very soon I *AM* going to come visit blogs where a comment from me is now long-overdue! I promise, I really am thinking of you... individually... by name and sending positive, happy thoughts! And I *AM* going to visit lovely new followers too! Just as soon as I'm home and able to be online for more than a day (or part of a day, as the case may be).

And why IS summer soooo chaotic anyway? Do you notice this too or is it just me? Does summer fly by while you were busy doing something time-consuming like... ya know... blinking?? Once?! I've barely gotten to taste the sweet air of summer and already I can see fall approaching on my calendar as I book events! Crazy. So, anyway, I'm off-and-gone yet again (poor Jhon, I've been gone so much lately)... this time I'm headed up to the river to wear my "Whitewater Raft Guide" hat for a 2-Day trip. It's funny, I'll be working but I think it is very much going to feel like a vacation! I'll be "off the technology map" and will fall asleep in my tent listening to the river... after long days of hard physical work. Can't wait!

The exciting news? I'm the monthy Featured Artist on the website for Downtown Stockton Alliance! You can read the feature here (scroll down just a bit on the page when you get there):
http://www.downtownstockton.org/stockton_events_art_walk.php

A HUGE Thank You to the Downtown Stockton Alliance folks for being SO wonderful, helpful, and for so warmly embracing this lil' Sacramentan!

A couple "photo-teasers" of posts to come... (bet you can guess where these are).




















Ok, off to tie up some loose ends & pack! Sending warm thoughts, a smile, & heartfelt wishes for a wonderful weekend!
~Kenna

Tahoe Tuesdays & A COVER Shot!

Just an ever-so-brief little update post for y'all (that's the year I spent in Texas coming out there- haha). I *WILL* come visit new followers and catch up on returning comments, etc... once this crazy "run" of events finishes and my sister's time visiting me is over! She's been keeping my crazy schedule with me and a huge help too! We've been working hard, and having a blast doing it!

The Art Fiesta weekend went very well! Some of the other artists actually said this was a slow year, so I can't wait to see a good one! At any rate, I finished the weekend feeling exhausted... and very fortunate & grateful for the way the *whole thing* turned out. I met so many wonderful new folks too.

And now, it's 11:30pm, I've just finished re-stocking & getting my work ready for the first of what I'm going to call my "Tahoe Tuesdays." I'll be on the road to Tahoe by 4:30am, should hit the summit right about sunrise-- can't wait to see that alone! I'll be selling my work tomorrow (& every Tuesday) at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe (on hwy 50, across from Meeks) from 8am-1pm. Swing by if you're in the area!

Last, but definitely not least, one more bit of good news... I was contacted on Etsy today by a regional CA nonprofit organization requesting permission to use my "American River Fall" photo for the cover of their quarterly publication! It will take a bit of cropping and reworking, but I think I can provide them a usable cover shot, so I'm excited about that too! Wish me luck... many exciting opportunities & "irons in the fire" to juggle right now.



As ever, sending many warm thoughts and wishes for days filled with beauty and laughter!

Where am I?? 51st Annual Town & Country Art Fiesta!

Hello beautiful blog-friends! I hope you're having a *lovely* weekend! I got so busy getting ready for this big, juried show (one of the oldest art shows this side of the Mississippi!) and catching up with my sister that I 1/2 forgot to let you in on the fun! For those around Sacramento area, I can tell you from today-- this is an amazing show full of LOTS of beautiful arts & crafts I'd love to give a home! It has been just a great event for me so far-- I would love to have you come visit as well!

The Event: 51st Annual Town & Country Art Fiesta-- www.townandcountryartfiesta.org. 150+ artisans of various genres!
Days/Time: Saturday, Sunday (June 6,7) 10 am 5pm.
Location: Town & Country Village @ Fulton & Marconi- Sacramento

And, of course, some recent photos to send you off... My lucky star was shining bright on Wednesday night-- just as the photography workshop I was teaching wrapped up, this gorgeous (and very rare for our area) lightning storm erupted!

















Hope your weekend is filled with beauty and laughter.

And the winners of the RideTheWave Giveaway ARE...

to be announced tomorrow!

(POST EDIT: Do read this fun little story, but winners have now been chosen and are listed at the bottom of this post)! :)

Here's why. Betty and her family are in bed, (& Jhon was coerced into picking the winner last time). And I can't very well do this alone... there would be no one to verify that I didn't cheat! Besides, that's no fun.

So... what about Betty?? Betty is my *wonderful* neighbor who knows everyone, and always seems to be there for... whatever (like when you move in during fall & don't have a leaf rake yet, or when you're expecting a photo delivery from UPS but will be away working on the river... you know... neighbor stuff). She's always happy to help, and has some good advice too. Betty is going to help us find out who won the photos (unbeknownst to Betty at present time).

It'll go a little something like this... I'll take all the "Saturday people" and assign them a number starting with the first comment=1, and so forth. I'll compile a list, knock on Betty's door, and simply say, "Hi Betty! Pick a number between 1 and ______." She'll either smile & pick a number, or she'll stare at me _______ly. In the latter case, I'll explain the Giveaway and the whole story and then ask again. She would save herself time to just spout a random number with no concern as to why, but... she'll enjoy the story behind my latest antics. Always does.

At this point, I will flip over to the "Sunday people" page on back. All the Sunday people will have been assigned a letter... but we'll have to start after "B" (obvious possible problem).

"Ok Betty, pick a letter between C and ____."

TaaaDaaa! Winners determined, neighborhood & general life updates accomplished (they're in there somewhere, rest assured), and I'll come post the results.

But, as you can see, this must be done tomorrow. The fate of all this is in the hands of Betty, and I would hate to wake her-- she might not be so friendly about picking your entry then. Besides, that would just be... very unneighborly. And I like Betty.


And now... random and completely unrelated "Cute puppy pictures!" Who doesn't love puppy pics? This adorable little sweetheart belongs to one of the guides I worked with on the river last summer... and I was happy to be a sit-in Mom for "Munchie" at any time. The only thing as cute as her face, was watching her bound and bumble about, learning about our big world!











Now... good night and Good Luck! And THANK YOU for taking part in my giveaway and for all your wonderful comments! This was definitely a great addition to the weekend and a catalyst for wonderful things! I appreciate you.



Betty wasn't HOME this morning so I had to wait! Can you believe it? She's always home. Well, when I went over again, I DID get that update I said I would! A BIG one! She had to go to court to testify b/c a few days ago she was walking about town and happened to see a whole big episode of some guy resisting arrest and getting tazed! Betty sees everything. Anyway, I took the list, she was more than happy to participate (got a good laugh out of it). I had the list so she couldn't see names, and had my system (even had in mind to pick alternates in case those w/no profile info won and didn't come claim their pics). As it turned out, that was unnecessary-- she debated her numbers for just a second, had no hesitation with choice of letter, and... voilá! I circled the winners and took a couple quick pics on the step!

And the winners ARE...













Saturday: Marg Hamilton

Sunday: Kathy M.

Congratulations ladies!! Marg, you've won "After the Rain" and Kathy, you have won... well, you tell me what you've won. Go choose any 8x12 or smaller, and let me know! And please email me (link under my profile) or Etsy convo me with the addresses you would like your photographs mailed to.

Again, thank you ALL so much for participating! I really do wish I could give photos to all of you, just for being so wonderful!! I will do this again.