My Body is Tired but my Heart is Full

Well, I am finally through my back to back shows- two full weekends of shows, while being mom to three kids, wife, blogger, artist, friend.  I'm beat, but I loved every minute!

 

 

Saturday the weather looked a bit dismal, but the day turned out pretty good.  We did have about an hour of POURING rain, but I am so thankful there was no wind or lightning.  Just rain, I can do.

 

 

We all just put our walls up and rode it out.  I put on some tunes, cranked them up and enjoyed a glass of sangria while splashing my toes in the small river that ran by my tent.

 

Then the sun came back out, and so did some people.

 

 

The Bethlehem Fine Arts Festival gives awards out each year.  I never thought too much of it....until this year....when the judges came into my tent a couple of times, and began to ask the names of pieces and write stuff down.  I couldn't believe that I perhaps could be in the running for an award!  They give three prizes for best in show, second in show and third in show....like, the whole show!  Not by category.  They also do a purchase prize (to hang in the mayors office), and a prize for best display.

 

So Justin (my hubs and helper for the weekend) and my brother and his wife (he was also vending) went to the awards ceremony following the show.  Well, guess who got Third in Show?  Yep, I did!  And my brother got Best Display!

 

(that's my big bro Rich from Scavenger Designs....you can check his stuff out on facebook here)

 

I think I am still in shock....and happy, and then back in shock.  Here is my piece that won

 

Titled "All Knowing"

 

 

I have never won an award at an art show before.  Needless to say, I could have cried.  I was (and am) so happy, and thankful, to have my jewelry not only recognized as art, but awarded as such.  (it came with a check too, which was great, since Saturdays rain made for a slooooow sales day).

 

I went through a lot of emotions, but mostly it got me thinking.  I remember back when I started making jewelry, and I made what I thought people would buy.....and I didn't sell a lot, and I wasn't happy.  I remember when I took the plunge and made the jewelry that I wanted to wear, the crazy, big, bold, odd, jewelry........and it sold.  Well, lately, I feel like I am there again, holding back a little bit.  There are times, I have ideas I'd like to make, that may or may not be wearable, but they'd be art.  Receiving this award gave me the courage to take my pieces even further, and this year, I plan to add some fun pieces that are wearable, and sculptural at the same time. 

 

Here is a little tour of my booth from the weekend.  That cute guy is my hubs and show helper (he's the brawn).

 

 

Sunday the sun shined and the people came out, and it was wonderful. 

 

In the end though, even though it was a good show, and I won an award, Mothers Day Morning with my kids made me feel like the biggest winner of all. 

 

I got homemade Pokemon cards from the boys (in collector covers too) and a heart rock from Julia

 

 LOTS of homemade cards, and do dads, and paper with pompoms glued to it. I am pretty sure such things are reserved for celebrity moms ;) 

 

This however, this, made me cry.  Tears flowed, and I couldn't have felt more blessed.  My sweet Julia, came up with this on her own, and made a paper quilt, with the alphabet, and each letter was something about me and how awesome I am. 

 

 

I think my favorites are B- becoming an expert (cracks me up!!!) and K- kit that helps us feel better (I think she speaks of my first aid kits). 

 

My heart is full, my life is blessed.  This kids, they humble me in every way.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mothers Day.  Us moms deserve some props now and again.  It's a tough job.

  I know I also said prayers for those who don't always enjoy this holiday, whether they are missing their own moms, or missing their babies / children who are in heaven....or moms, who are moms in their heart, and haven't conceived that child they so long for yet.  To all of you, you too are in my heart.  You are in my thoughts, and my prayers.

 

Well- that's it, I am tired, but happy.  I am taking this week to catch up, answer emails, update things on LMAJ and unwind with my little ones.

 

Thanks to all who came out this weekend, to my new customers, as well as my return ones.  I am so happy each and every time one of my pieces goes home with someone who loves it.  A customer told me this weekend that I made the necklace they purchased just for them, I just didn't know it.  I think she's right.  I like to think of it that way.   Enjoy, and I hope to see you again soon!