Joy Hall

On The Boardwalk

  Atlantic City proved to be an exciting place for someone who rarely leaves their studio.  I got overwhelmed with the abundance of sites and sounds.  We stayed in a fabulous room on the 44th level at Caesars's Palace that had a wonderful view down the boardwalk and into the ocean. 

We spent our days in the casinos, eating in the private casino clubs, and shopping in the many outlet stores that are just blocks from the hotels.  At night my cousin had arranged for us to see a few shows.  We had great seats and it was a very nice change of pace for me.

Patti Labelle and Kenny Loggins

I really enjoyed my weekend but found myself ready to return to my studio.  I came home with so many new ideas.  I think spending time out of your comfort zone can do a lot for your creative side.  I plan to do it more often!

Atlantic City

I'm headed for Atlantic City this weekend to celebrate my cousin's birthday.  I have never been there, even though it is just a short trip away.

When I think of Atlantic City my mind conjures up images of the 30's and 40's. I think of the boardwalk and salt water taffy.  I also think of the old swimsuits that covered most of your body, that I wish were still popular today. Ha! I have a feeling that is NOT what I will find, but I know I will enjoy the weekend, anyway. 

I have decided to go on the train (suitcase and all) instead of making the drive.  I use to love, love, love traveling on the train when I was a kid.  We lived in Texas and would take the train to visit relatives in NYC.  It would take us 2 1/2 days.  My mom would pack a sack of non-perishable foods we could eat while on the train.  I especially remember the Velveeta Cheese and crackers.  Eating in the restaurant car was far to expensive but we would have breakfast there at least once.

This ride won't be that long and I won't need a snack sack...but I am taking inspiring magazines to read and a spanking-new journal to jot down all the creative ideas that pop into my head as we rattle down the tracks.

New from Magnet Works

I'm so pleased that Magnet Works chose two of my designs to make flags, MailWraps and yard signs with.  The first one is for all you golfers. I don't play golf but you can bet this one's going in my front yard!

Here's one to celebrate July 4th with or to proudly fly year around.

My Beautiful Little Tree

Look What I Got!

My good friend Diane Knott and her lovely daughter Holly have combined their talents to create wonderful handmade items and have decided to offer them for all of us to enjoy.  They have opened an Etsy shop. 

I have worked hard to keep myself under control, but when I saw this tote made by Diane and using my friend, Sue Zipkin's delightful fabrics, I couldn't resist.  Now, I am the proud owner of this tote.

When I opened the package, pulled out the tote and began to examine the exquisite workmanship, I discovered a sweet, little surprise tucked away in the front pocket...a tiny, beaded pin handmade by Diane. (Does this woman's talent never end?)  The tote had the perfect place for the little pin to live, so now the two of them can be together.

I have my eye on a tote Holly made as a gift for someone and have placed my order.  I'll be watching...

Spring is in the air

Spring is in the air, but the air is still cold up here.  People are beginning to work in their yards on the weekends.  I'm looking forward to reviving our flower gardens and to see what survived the winter.

Blessings!

In Search of "College Joy"

Just jumped over to Diane Knott’s blog and was forced to relive a multitude of bad experiences.  I too went clothes shopping yesterday!

I use to love going clothes shopping.  What happened?  Well, I’ll tell you what happened! When I look in the mirror I want to see “college Joy” but instead I see…

wife to one,
mother to two,
caregiver of 2 cute but bossy dogs,
maid to "a much too big" house,
car line waiter,
hockey mom,
grocery buyer,
toilet scrubber
laundry lady
and on and on and on

AND LORD IT SHOWS!

So, thank you very much, Diane.

Thank You

I get so excited when I receive product samples with my art on them.I just don’t think I will ever get passed that place.

Saturday Morning

In an interview I saw with Chris Gardner (author of "Pursuit of Happiness") he made a statement regarding becoming successful.  He said to find something that you enjoy so much that at night you just can hardly wait till morning so that you can do it again.  I was watching this while perched up on pillows in bed.  Funny thing, I had just had that same thought!

I love what I do and long to be in my studio.  As soon as the sun comes up, I crawl out of bed, do the necessaries (make coffee of course) and head for my bright and cheerful studio.  However, on Saturday morning I do things a little differently.  I still get up before anyone else in the house....still make coffee....but this time I take that cup of coffee into the sun room and snuggle up in my comfy chair.  IT'S MAGAZINE TIME!

I do eventually end up in my studio, but now with fresh ideas.  Unless I'm facing a strict deadline, I use Saturday mornings as a time to create and work on something totally different than I have been all week.  I try to get out of my comfort zone.  It's a time to design for me, and only me.  It feels good!

Yippee, tomorrow is Saturday!