The "Corner" is where I open my home to y'all and share my life, friends, pets, what I'm up to, or into, and whatever else I happen to toss in the mix. I'll just keep adding as I go, kind of like a journal of sorts.

Welcome Spring!

Out with the Old - In with the New!

A bit of news on the staffing side of things: you might remember when I started By Way of Salem way back when that I had a partner. Not anymore...As these things sometimes happen in business, friendships, etc., I'm sorry to say it just didn't work out. Guess I was too controlling, and I had my own vision of how I wanted BWOS to be and look. Well entrepreneurs are like that! We're drivers, we're motivated, we push, we dream, we shove, we strive! That's how things get done! Our minds are constantly going, and ideas flow like a broken water main. You just can't help it! And we expect our partner to carry the load as well. To have the same enthusiasm, focus and vision. And when they don't? Well now, there's a problem. In fact, I started a group on Martha Stewart's Dreamers and Doers website just on that subject: Can Partners Work? All I can say is, I wish her well and much success in the future. So you're stuck with just me now. The ORIGINAL Ol' Bag! Hopefully I can continue to entertain you on my own!

What's Really Original Anymore?

Seems that the Queen of Hearts caused quite a stir on the internet scene awhile back. Why you ask? Well another Halloween artist said I "copied" her hands. The skinny fingered hands she makes on her own sculptures. Gee, I didn't think there was a patent on hands? And you know what? There isn't! And did I copy? No, I didn't. In fact, if you look on so many other artists sites in the Halloween genre, you will probably see the same type of fingers and hands. I think the reason for that is because witches have long skinny fingers, so do many other Halloween creatures for that matter. It's not like you set out to copy or emulate, but you do make hands, etc., that are consistent with the character, right?
I mean what really is original? Of course no one sets out to copy someone else's art - well I hope not intentionally anyway, but there are elements that can only be created so many ways. Take eyes for instance. How many ways are there to paint eyes? Get my point?
Now I, like many others that I know, have looked at something, say at a store, and said to each other, ourselves, or whatever; Hey! I can make that! And we try. Having said that, it probably will not come out as well as the original, and more than likely you gave it your own spin anyway subconsciously. Now, is that copying? I'm not sure. In some regards, yes. But what if you are using the "concept"? Let's use another example: let's say painting on a wooden block. When I was in Tennessee several months ago, my ex-partner and I were in a darling store in downtown Franklin. Displayed were some wooden blocks that were painted with various sayings. I did say to her - Hey! We can make those! So we went back home, I got some wood, and voila! I made two of them. Did they look like the original? Not at all! We're they off the original concept? Yes they were. But if you looked at them side by side, they were completely different. So I don't know. It's a hot topic out there right now. I'm laying low on this one.
Besides, if you copy someone, then you're not being true to yourself or your art. And isn't art an expression of who you are?

My True Love

This is the love of my life; my beautiful Arabian horse, Simba. He's now 13. I can't believe how quick the time flies. I bought him about 6 years ago now, and it was love at first sight. For you Arabian lovers out there: Sired by WA Mashallah out of Aulrab. His grandsire was Aulrab x Aura Magic. In his pedigree is Aurab, Alarieha, Lewisfield Magic, Aulani, etc.. on the top, and double Fadjur on the bottom, as well as Abu Farwa. A great lineage of champions! People say a lot of negative things about Arabians; how crazy, psycho, spooky, they are. Any horse can be! Everyone forgets they truly are wild animals, and it's only due to their kind spirit and trust in humans, that they even allow you on their backs. We should be grateful for the privilege. Oh sorry...back to my beauty. He whinnies when I come to the barn, comes running across 10 acres when he sees me approach the pasture. He's steady and trustworthy, and is my partner on the trail. When he looks at you, you'd swear he could read your mind. He's a very special creature indeed. I love him...sigh.

And Then There's Toby

By far, Toby is the sweetest dog I've ever owned, but he's also the NEEDIEST dog I've ever owned! And how can you resist that face when he looks at you just begging for love, pets, hugs, kisses, or any kind of attention? He's a 100 lb. lap dog, or wannabe lap dog. Not!

Have You Read This Book?

This isn't a new book, but it's a great book! Actually part of a trilogy by Nora Roberts. The Three Sisters trilogy. If you haven't read them, it's a must read for our dear sisters!

It's the story about a wayward abused woman who never really felt the sense of home until she took a ferry to an island off the coast of New England, partly to get away from her creepy husband who presumed she was dead. There she meets up with 2 other very "special" ladies, and discovers...well, I can't tell you now can I? That'd be giving it away! If you haven't read them, take it from the Bags - it's a must-read-can't-put-down type of book. Dance Upon The Air is the first in the series. Get it!!!

The Gourd Patch Festival, Mayfield, Kentucky

Aren't these amazing? I've seen them painted so amazingly by a variety of Halloween artists, and always wanted to try it myself. Apparently you have to let them dry out on the vine until they are "craft worthy." For a very Fall display, I like to display them in my window boxes, along with small terracotta pots filled with birdseed, indian corn, dried maple leaves, and small pumpkins.

Fall Scenery in Washington State

Fall in Washington is one of my favorite times of year. The sky is blue with big puffy clouds, there's a snap to the air, the leaves all turn gold and orange, and Halloween draws ever closer!! I've even started to decorate my front porch a bit with some Fall decor.