goodbye, beautiful october

 
friendly little jack-o-lantern by my potter friend Julie Whitmore

i can't believe it is the last day of october.  what an incredibly beautiful month this one has been; the colors were more intense, and longer lasting (still, they linger) than i recall for years and years.  there is one tree that is glowing out in the late afternoon light; it is the color of mr. jack o lantern above, but ruffly like an amber petticoat laced up around the trunk of a stubborn tree.  i could try to show you the tree, but at this point - after i've spent 9o minutes writing a post that mysteriously again disappeared with a single slip of my little finger, i don't have the time to walk outside and try to capture that tree in its fading glory.  i've written to you of the upheaval of my studio, i've posted photos and words and now it has all gone away.  and i know what some of you will say - i know damned well that i should have hit the save button every now and then, but who thinks of that enough to stop and save?!  nevertheless - what i had was this photo below:   (and here i click on save)  and this one (click, save) because i wanted to share with you what i've got here in my hands after trading all of these boxes that you see stacked here in the house with a duct-taped box that my mailman pulled out of his car after loading all of my cartons into his car.  (insert here, "dear typepad, right now i do not like you".  right now i want to kick the computer and then i want to tell you again that i do not like you right now, typepad.  i do not like you at all".)  save.  when i opened that duct-taped box (what is it with boys and duct tape?), out fell dozens of wadded up newspaper insert pages, then an ecuador t shirt-wrapped long rectangle, which was this:  you'll have to click on the photograph to more fully appreciate the detail of his artwork, his attention to detail and authenticity to place.  i remember that tree.  i remember those bald faced mountains, one of which we ascended and descended again, in the course of a single day ("little green" is the central mountain in the distance, past a forest of pines through which we hiked in twilight to get back to our car).  with the artwork was a letter, and of course it made me cry (save, save, save):  "dear mom, i hope your birthday was as great as you deserve.  although we couldn't celebrate with you, i am so glad you, robin, and i had the time together that we did.  it was really good to be home in the fresh mountain air.  this picture was drawn as a memento to our trip to panthertown, and as a testament to all the mountains you have conquered in life.  if you look closely, you can see the arduous path that we took from salt gap (the vantage point), over little green, and through the valley.  here's to you, mom.  love, roy".  well.  i've done two things with beauty and grace in this life of which i am most assuredly aware, and they are called robin and roy.  in the midst of all this studio upheaval, i've managed to eek out some moments of grace and loveliness here and there, as you can see.  friday, alllll day long and into the night, it rained and blew and rained some more; when i woke saturday morning to sunlight that was just beginning to peek up over the eastern mountain ridge, walter and i walked out to find dozens of upturned leaves that had been dressed overnight with momentary jewels.  they shimmered and they glistened, and i had to turn right back around from sleepily stumbling out the door to go back in and grab my camera.  sometimes these photographs will work, and the light will shine and reflect as i want it to; most times the moment is lost.  i look at these smooth round orbs of morning light and wonder what goes on in each of those drops, before the sun comes to take them all away.  that blasted studio just continues to spew forth flotsam and jetsam from every drawer and shelf and corner of the place, no matter how much time i spend in there (all day, every day, for the past six days); how can one person gather so much of everything, then misplace it for years, thanks to a complete lack of organization?  i can't yet tell that anything has been removed - how is that possible?!  walter has not been happy in the least during this current undertaking; he walks around with a worried expression on that furry face of his, thinking - i guess - that i'm packing up to walk out and leave him behind once again.  note how little walking space there is in there, right now; note how much space that pup takes up, just to get his mother's attention. 
 i'm continuing to take orders for the things that i do not have the space to save anymore; the work table has yet to be sorted through, and there are drawers upon drawers of little trinkets and fripperies that wander through my world.  if any of you are still interested, please do contact me and let me know.  i'm going to continue shipping both larger sizes (medium, 30.00 plus 11.00 priority shipping, or large, 40.00 plus 15.00 shipping) and will also be packing quite a few of the small flat rate boxes (hardback book sized, roughly) with the smaller goodies - beads, findings, things like that - and selling them for 25.00 plus 5.50 shipping.  just let me know if you are still interested.  here's what one gal who ordered a box had to say:  "your package arrived today and I am pretty tickled at the goods you sent my way!  I hope that you were able to clean out your studio succcessfully! I know we are all very happy to have a little piece of you in our studios.  I love love love it. Thanks again Nina. You are always an inspiration."  i extend an enormous thank you to those of you who've placed orders, to those who have offered your warm encouragement.  it does mean a great deal, and the fact that i am both funding my bills with studio overflow, as well as recycling art supplies, makes me feel much better about my state of things, indeed.  that, and the love of my boys.  enough said.  xo 

Comments

[Tina in McLeansville]

"Oh, don't make me cry. I am smiling here, through watery eyes"....I know. Me too. Beautiful. Whatever I choose to write doesn't do justice...you are doing so well! hugs to you...xoxo

[minnie]

for once i am first to post know i can still get a piece of your studio...so i am putting me on it, and i will send you a ck because pay pal sends me over the edge. so package me a box before your studio gets so skinny and nothing will be left. funny you are getting ride of things a i just sent you a gift of more fodder.......oh well...but it does look like your making progress.....and for typepad, omg is there a better blog system ?????

[Rebecca Anderson]

Dear Nina, oh yes, I know all about those annoying disappearing blog posts/photos/documents...! Do you think you might ship one of those little boxes over to the UK? Don't worry if you think it will be a pain....just thought I'd ask. I guessed the first lot would be too impractical to get over here but a hardback book....I thought it worth asking you :-) So many beautiful shots here. Those leaves.....they make rain look beautiful. And I truly dislike rain....!

[Hazel]

Nina, I'm glad to see you tackling your studio head-on! It just takes 'starting' and then you're away! Spring cleaning in the fall is always a thing with me, something about getting my nest tidy for winter hibernation. (Oh...I'm so happy to see photos of Walter back in your life even if he is worrying about you. ;-))

[SusanS]

OK, goober-I just googled "does typepad have an automatic save feature" and found that it does. Next time you come up for air, google that shit.
and send me Walter.
xo S

[Denise S.]

I would like a medium box and a little box and you are going to be so proud of all your work that will be reflected in new jewels I'm sure.
Thanks for posting pictures of Walter and of course your precious sons. It was a beautiful day here and the little ones so sweet in their costumes tonight.

[Dinahsoar]

I was in Blowing Rock a couple of weeks ago and it was magnificent.

When blogger used to eat my posts (before they introduced auto save, which means it automatically saves your work as you go, plus you can save as well) I'd do them in Works (I don't have Word), then paste them into my post. If it disappeared no problem, I'd just repaste it. It saved a lot of frustration and wasted time.

[Hol]

Nina babe, I so admire your courageous journey of studio-cleansing! A large task and so very generous to offer your goodies to us. And YES, sign me up for a 30.00 box.
I might be sorry when I tell you, I have goodies to send to you, but the exchange is all part of your life, Yes?
Your camera seems to be working beautifully, your photos are breathtaking! Your eye captures, photo projects, we receive, ..Book in sight.?! XOXO, Hol

[Jacky Mcfarlane]

Nina, I have my hand up for the $40 box. And you said you need a new camera, why, you take such wonderful ones with this one. Just magical. Paypal will have Jo's address so when you send invoice will provide mine if you have forgotten it.
Aussie friend

[Sue]

Like Rebecca, I would also like one of the hardback-book sized boxes if it is possible for you to post to the UK without too much trouble please.

Love your post and photos today - as always! xo

[Brenda Johnson]

I would like to purchase one of the small boxes with small items. I'm a jewelry maker so that will be perfect for me. I'm SO excited to receive some bits from your studio as you are such an inspiration to me.
Thanks, Brenda

[Lorri Scott]

"i've done two things with beauty and grace in this life of which i am most assuredly aware, and they are called robin and roy." Brought sweet tears to my eyes. Carry on dear Nina and best wishes always. xo

[Chris Oliveira]

Hi Nina - I would love a $40 box!

[Trinka]

Hello Nina
I would like to purchase a $40 box
Thanks
Trinka

[Kim White]

Hello Nina!
I would love a $25 box please!! Thanks for sharing those jeweled leaves and this post!
Kim (Texas)
ps I will send with paypal-do you send an invoice?

[Candice]

Nina, as an avid reader of your blog, my thoughts have been with you this past year. Your writing is so heartfelt, bringing your readers into your life with grace and compassion. Please put me down for 1 small $25 box, we all are so lucky to have a piece of your inspiration for our jewelry making. Thank you for sharing you.

[Jeanne Elmer]

I would be interested in a small hardback size box please! Thanks Jeanne

[sandra]

Your sons are something else. What love...poor Walter he just knows that this move is going to be a big one...bless his heart.

I so enjoyed the pictures. Made my day.

[Sophie]

Hi Nina,

Thank you for being such an inspiration. I live in France but if it is feasible to send a hardback size box over, I'd love to have one.

Take care

Sophie

[Jill M.]

I would love to have a medium box sent to me. Thanks for sharing your treasures!

Jill

[jan]

I, too, am trying to de-stash. But oh, how can I NOT grab such a tempting carrot that you now dangle before me?! A $25 box please. Shhh ... don't tell my sis, please!;)

[Christina]

So I am back again, just picked up my first box and LOVE LOVE LOVE all the little goodies inside. Can't wait to get creating! I would love to have another smaller box, the $25 one.

Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures of the fall foliage. Our leaves are just starting to turn and not yet in their full glory. The picture that Roy drew was beautiful and the note even more so, what wonderful sons you have. I am hopeful that I am raising my son that he too will think of his mamma when he is older and out on his own.

Best wishes on cleaning out the clutter. It can be so liberating sometimes, but how do we let ourselves get it to that point anyway. My studio looks pretty similar to your's and all I can say is yikes! I had better start cleaning mine.

Christina

[Monica]

WOO HOO to YOO Nina for your amazing accomplishment of cleaning out your studio space!! It has truly inspired me to "begin again" on cleaning and clearing my own space =-)

I would ABSOLUTELY love love LOVE one of the smaller boxes since I can not afford a larger one, nor should I bring in too many more goods into my creative space ;), but I know that ANYTHING from your amazing studio would have me dancing with creative inspiration =-)

BTW: I know it feels like you have not made headway, but from the looks of those piles of boxes, I can see that you REALLY have - good for you!!

[Katrina]

Dear Nina, What a lovely post, the raindrops on leaves, the photos of Walter. It will get better by and by, and you will find a better system or organization. I keep many things in boxes due to space restrictions but take photos of the box contents and stick the photos on the boxes and a copy of the photo in a folder, which I look through regularly to remind me what I've got stashed away. This really helps. Good luck and my warmest wishes for a joyful November. Katrina

[Alice]

A lovely post. What a wonderful gift from your son, and a great momento from the time you spent with him.

Your photos of the water droplets are just gorgeous-and all the others too.

I'm happy to see you are making some headway in your studio. It has to be a good feeling. I'm sure you will become fast friends with the mailman.

I'd love a small box if you have any left. I make jewelry and this would be perfect.

Stay the course, you'll get there eventually. And what a wonderful feeling that will be!

[Heather]

Dear Nina,

I would love a small box of your beads and findings if still available? I can pay through Paypal the minute I receive your invoice.

Such an amazing gift from your son! I feel for Walter as my furry BFF does the same thing every time I reorganize at home (which my OCD requires me to do often).

Thank you and best wishes for a wonderful, organized studio for you.

[kim]

I'm new here. I found you through Di Mackay and really -- such beautiful words and works! The both of you.

[cheryl]

dear-thank you so much for the box you have already sent (it gives me so many ideas ;)
if you have any boxes left i will take one of each, or 2 small ones.
xoxoxoxo

[Marion]

Dear Nina,

Such a rich perfect mix of treasures in the box I received today. Thank you.

This blog post is wonderful and much appreciated. Love the words, images and wisdom.

If there are still some available, I would like one large and two small boxes.

Blessings

[Mia Howard]

Nina - please send me a $40 box. My email is mia63howard@yahoo.com!

[Beth]

I wish I could take a week off of work to come and help :) Looks like devilish good fun to clean and purge!!! Maybe you could sell that on Etsy, hee hee.... a working vacation! Beth

[Julie Tooley]

Hi Nina, If you have a small and a large box and would like one of each. I hope people share what they make with your treasures.

[sharon payne bolton]

I WANT A BIG BOX! Send me an invoice? Miss you.

[Jennifer]

Hi Nina, May I order a large box from you? Or small. Whatever you have left since I haven't been on line in a while. Thank you!!! I love grab bags!! Jennifer

[ilene harris]

ohmygoshohmygoshomygosh...

I haven't checked in with you in a long while, Nina, but so glad I did today. If there are any boxes left, I would like one of the small ones. As my mother told me whenever I complained about always being the smallest in the class..."Good things come in small packages". Kudos to you for listening to your inner voice (and Lesley's outer one - she is a treasure, that's for sure). I do believe you have my email: ileneharris@gmail.com

[crescent rodgers]

Dear Nina,
If you have any boxes left I would like to participate in your studio renewal project. i would like a medium one if possible.

Please know that I have always admired, enjoyed, and been overwhelmed by your writing. The openness that you have is amazing. Please never stop, keep sharing, and know that I will always have faith in and for you. crescent