Finding a Balance

I've been conflicted recently about where to show my artwork.

Part of me knows that I need to just get it out there and let people see it, regardless of the venue. But then I have this other part of me (I call it the art snob) that only wants my work to be in respectable places, like commercial galleries and art centers.

My friend Junanne says that she doesn't care where her art is - she says she'll hang it on a fence as long as people will see it.

So I guess I want to be somewhere in between. In the past I've shown my work in places that I wouldn't necessarily put on my resume, just to get it out there. I think I need to continue. You just never know who will see it.

How do you decide where to show your work?

Staying Positive

Despite the downturn in the economy, I've actually had my best year yet as an artist, so it's not too hard for me to stay positive.

But if you're overwhelmed with all the bad news on the financial front, watch Alyson's Stanfield's inspirational video:



Speaking of practicing gratitude - thanks Alyson, for all the support and encouragement that you give to artists!

De-Pinked

As you can see, I've changed my template back to it's original non-pink state. I enjoyed "going pink" and seeing all the other blogs and websites that went Pink for October.

My son and I walked in the Komen Dallas Race for the Cure on October 18.

the view from the starting line

us at the starting line

lots and lots of people! over 25,000!

It was such a positive atmosphere, with everyone there honoring loved ones who had been lost to breast cancer or celebrating those who were survivors. Very moving and inspiring.

We were on the Texas Woman's University team, Pioneers for the Cure, who raised $1785.

Thanks to everyone who supported me and helped me raise $291 for the cause!

• Myra Pralle (my mom)
• Ronald and Patricia Bradley (my dad and stepmom)
• Shirley Sisk
• Susan Yasi
• Jennifer Jensen
• Mary Richmond
  

You can donate until November 15 at my webpage on the team site. Or on the Komen site. Or the American Cancer Society.

Find out about risk factors and prevention on the Komen site.

Happy Halloween!

See more funny videos and Funny Videos at Today's Big Thing.

I've Gone Pink for October!

As you may know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are lots of ways that you can participate, contribute, and show your support.

First of all, if you'd like to "go pink" as well, visit Pink for October for lots of information, graphics you can download (like the one above), and you can link your site to them.

I also pinked up my website.

I'm going to participate in the 2008 Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas (I keep typing Race for the Cute!) on October 18. If you would like to join the race, visit the Komen Dallas website. If you would like to support me in the race, visit my Race for the Cure page. If you would like to find a race in your area or find out more about breast cancer, visit the Komen website.

Update: by "participate" I mean I'll be there. Not running. I might meander. Or stroll. As my friend Tracey says, I only run if someone is chasing me...

And then there's the Boobiethon. This is brilliant. Until October 7th, you can look at pictures of covered boobs and if you want to see them uncovered, you can donate money. The internet was invented for porn, might as well use it for good and not for evil, right? So, if you're an exhibitionist, you can submit your own photos. Or, if you're a voyeur, donate some money and see some boobies* for a good cause. *(this particular page is not safe for work, but the others are)

There are a ton of other ways you can participate, so please do so.

On a personal note, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. She's doing fine now, but there's always the risk that it will return. I would love it if she (and all the other breast cancer survivors) could live in a world where she wouldn't have to worry about that.