lOokIng fOR SoMe inSpiration... hOw aBOut ZNE

April 29-May 3, 2009 - Pleasanton, CA
ZNE is presenting their second annual ZNE ConvenZioNE event later this month. It takes place over the course of 5-6 days at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. They have an agenda filled with workshops taught by extraordinary art instructors from all over the country, incredible shared meals, evening programs and much, much more! This is an amazing opportunity for mixed media artisans to connect, share and celebrate. I'll be there to deliver a keynote on Friday, May 1 along with another presentation by Jill Badonsky. It promises to be an evening of coaching, courage and creating. If you are going to be in the San Francisco area later this month, stop by and check out what truly is an amazing community of artisans. There is still room to join in on the fun, so what are you waiting for!!!
To become part of this extraordinary community or to join in on any of the ZNE festivities, visit them here. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

coLoR HimSelF 'pRETTy'

So, Zach our self-proclaimed 'ruggedly handsome editor' comes to work now and then and just isn't feelin' it with his wardrobe ensembles. So, what does he do? He usually makes a trip down to the studio, pulls out some paint and douses himself with a bit of color here and there. Another pair of shoes got it the other day. Well done on the steppers, Zach. Walk proud, sir. Walk proud!




Cheers to when you're not feelin' it and creatively doing something about it!!
michele.

tOdaY On rAchAeL Ray

Good times DIY'n on Rachael Ray today. Grab hold of some old single pane windows and do up a quick and easy shelf for yourself,


OR if that doesn't tickle your fancy, turn them into doors for a one of a kind cabinet.
The full deets on how to get the job done are here.



Do you have an old Jewelry Armoire that's just not doin' it for ya in the bedroom? Then, move it on out to the kitchen or the garage and feel your love for this piece of furniture heat back up again!
Click here to make this idea your own!



Cheers to the Rachael Ray Show and the courage to create NeW uses for oLD things!
michele

sToP anD EnJoY tHe ViEW

It was one of those crazy, hectic days where there was more work than time and the hours were ticking by faster than their allotted speed when I noticed a new family of ducks that must have just recently moved into our pond. The pond had just thawed and the sky was a flawless shade of brilliant blue. I really didn't have the time (or so I thought), but the scene was too inviting to not just drop everything and give our new friends a proper greeting. I grabbed Maddie and a pair of binoculars and off we went. They were a different species of duck that I hadn't seen before...lots of white...some sort of merganser I believe...(still need to do a little research on that) but it got me thinking about all of the amazing things that go unnoticed in a day because we're TOO BUSY to look up, out or over! Now granted, we can't just sit and gaze longingly at things all day, but it's a nice reminder for us to take a break from our 'busy-ness' every now and then. To look up, out, and over..... and simply enjoy!

I'm definitely glad I did and for some reason, the day didn't seem quite as crazy and hectic after that and everything still got done!


Cheers to taking a break!
michele.

shAriNg StOriEs Of GrEatNeSs

A quick reminder that there are only three more weeks to submit YOUR story of greatness! (Deadline is April 25) Our friends at Nature Made® are currently seeking stories of everyday, individual greatness for their upcoming documentary: Fuel Your Greatness™. The Documentary. I am serving as one of the expert panelists along with fitness expert, Denise Austin; heart and emotion expert, Karen Salmansohn; and cognition and memory expert, Chester Santos to help select five finalists who will appear in the documentary. I know every one of you have stories of greatness to share and I invite you to do so today. Visit www.NatureMade.com by April 25 to submit your greatness!
Participants have a chance to win $1,000 (and who can't use a little extra cash these days?!) and to be featured in Fuel Your Greatness™. The Documentary.
Greatness is a GREAT thing to celebrate so take action on yours and spread it around, my friends

Cheers!
michele.