tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58800198535374433522024-03-14T01:43:15.938-05:00Living Life as ArtFrancie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-57852827249343743642012-05-02T13:12:00.001-05:002012-05-02T13:12:33.667-05:00Magazines for sale! Somerset and moreI am downsizing my art room and trying to drum up some cash to reroof our family room. <br />
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I will gladly combine shipping and you have your choice of 1st class, flat rate priority, or parcel post. Please see http://www.usps.com to calculate postage to your area. Each magazine weighs 12-14 ounces.<br />
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I have the following magazines for sale.<br />
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New condition<br />
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Somerset Studio issues:<br />
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May/June 2011<br />
March/April 2011<br />
January/February 2011<br />
July/August 2010<br />
May/June 2010<br />
March/April 2009<br />
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Retail $7.99 <b>$4 each</b><br />
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Other Stampington magazines:<br />
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Belle Armoire July/August 2010 Retail $7.99 <b>$4</b><br />
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Somerset Life July/August 2010<br />
Somerset Workshop Autumn 2011<br />
Art Journaling Winter 2011<br />
Sew Somerset Summer 2010<br />
Somerset Holidays & Celebrations 2009<br />
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Retail $14.99 <b>$8 each</b><br />
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Other magazines:<br />
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Cloth Paper Scissors January/February 2001 retail $7.99 <b>$3.50</b><br />
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Quilting Arts February/March 2009 retail $7.99 <b>$3.50</b><br />
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Quilting Arts Stitch Spring 2010 retail $14.99 <b>$8</b><br />
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Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Holiday 2010 retail $14.99 <b>$8</b><br />
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Making Magazine June 2011 Retail $12.50 <b>$7</b><br />
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Martha Stewart Holiday Magazine 2009 Retail $6.95 <b>$5</b><br />
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Filati Handknitting Editions 42 & 44 Retail $9.95 <b>$6 each</b><br />
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Thanks!<br />
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Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-20588629330239772772012-04-08T10:56:00.001-05:002012-04-08T10:56:40.795-05:00SundayWhat does Sunday look like at your house?<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cj-7jaMoJ2Y/T4G1NjXPqyI/AAAAAAAACMQ/6zfzzvblGbU/s640/blogger-image--229059612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cj-7jaMoJ2Y/T4G1NjXPqyI/AAAAAAAACMQ/6zfzzvblGbU/s640/blogger-image--229059612.jpg" /></a></div>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-18218553593635135322012-03-21T14:22:00.001-05:002012-03-21T14:22:35.434-05:00Journaling and HealingI am currently working on a project involving visual journaling as a healing tool. I am looking for contributors, examples (both photos and anecdotes), journalers who would like to take part. If this fits you, give me a shout at burdgurl at gmail dot com.Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-42290150794747077522012-03-14T15:05:00.000-05:002012-03-14T15:05:28.009-05:00<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3qxmkBNxXk/T2D2XiLykpI/AAAAAAAACMA/Yt3bSbzoew4/s1600/artlab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3qxmkBNxXk/T2D2XiLykpI/AAAAAAAACMA/Yt3bSbzoew4/s400/artlab.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_66489520"><b>Art Lab for Kids </b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Lab-Kids-Adventures-Printmaking/dp/1592537650/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331754658&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><b>52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media – For Budding Artists of All Ages </b></a><br />
By Susan Schwake<br />
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Trim: 8.25 x 8.75 <br /> Page Count: 144 <br /> Illustrations: 275 <br /> Format: Flexibound <br /> SRP: $22.99US/$24.99CAN/ £15.99UK <br /> ISBN-13: 978-1-59253-765-5 <br /> ISBN-10: 1-59253-765-0 <br /> Pub Date: February 1, 2012<br />
From the Quarry press release:<br />
"Art Lab for Kids will bring out your own creative style and voice with 52 fun, refreshing, and creative art projects that are great for children and set into weekly lessons. The exercises include drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media. Such open-ended lessons as these can be explored over and over – with different results each time! Each lesson is inspired by the work of a contemporary artist, including: <br />
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Rebecca Emberley <br />
Lisa Congdon <br />
Megan Bogonovich <br />
Amy Rice <br />
Georgia O’Keefe <br />
Chuck Close <br />
And author, Susan Schwake <br />
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Colorful photographs illustrate the step-by-step process of how different people using the same lesson will yield different results, bringing out each artist’s personal style. Great for children and their parents who wish to explore their artistic sides! <br />
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This is the perfect book for creative families, friends, and community groups and works as lesson plans for both experienced and new art teachers. Children of all ages and experience levels will enjoy these engaging exercises!<br />
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Susan Schwake is an art instructor in her own art school, where she has created her own curriculum and offers workshops and retreats most every day of the year with her adjunct teaching staff of three. Her vision to teach and share art on her own terms has grown into artstream studios, which includes a contemporary gallery, and a full media design firm. Susan has curated over 70 shows in her gallery and 50 shows of children’s work in her local area. She lives in Rochester, NH. Visit her online at www.susanschwake.com and <a href="http://www.artstreamstudios.com/">www.artstreamstudios.com</a>."<br />
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Many of you may not know that I have an after-school art program for elementary age kids. We meet once a week to work in our visual journals, try new art and craft techniques and generally just have a an limit-free space to explore our creativity.<br />
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So when Quarry Books emailed me a press release for Art Lab for Kids and asked if I would like to review I jumped at the chance. After three years with a lot of the same students I’m always looking for new lessons to spark their inner artist. <br />
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Art Lab for Kids is the latest in Quarry’s Lab Series of books that include: <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Lab-Mixed-Media-Artists-ebook/dp/B004R1PVRA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1331752670&sr=8-8">Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists</a> by Carla Sonheim<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collage-Lab-Experiments-Investigations-Exploratory/dp/1592535658/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331752670&sr=8-2">Collage Lab</a> by Bee Shay<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Stamp-Lab-Handmade-Upcycled/dp/1592535984/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1331752670&sr=8-4">Print & Stamp Lab</a> by Traci Bunkers<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jewelry-Lab-Experiments-Investigations-Explorations/dp/1592537227/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331752820&sr=1-2">Jewelry Lab</a> by Melissa Manley<br />
And coming in December 2012:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Comics-Lab-Storytelling-Professional/dp/1592538126/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1331752670&sr=8-13">Drawing Comics Lab</a> by Robyn Chapman <br />
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The book is divided into 6 units: How to Use this Book and Make Art with Others, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media. The first unit covers how to set up a studio, a master list of supplies and tools, setting the stage for creativity and so on. Units 2 through 5 each then contain 10-11 “labs” that explore a project within a certain medium. Schwake says, “The Labs are set up loosely to build skills upon the previous ones; however, you may begin anywhere. Each Lab is a stand-alone project.” <br />
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Each lab starts with a “Think First” section explaining what you’ll get from that lesson and a helpful hint or two. A materials list is included as well as detailed instructions and clear photographs for each step. Then students are encouraged to “Go Further” with different ways to use the technique they learned. The lab concludes with a “Meet the Artist” section that highlights information about the artist who contributed that particular lesson. Most of them also include quotes from the artists about how and where they get inspiration, something I find endlessly fascinating. <br />
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As someone who has been making art for over 25 years I didn’t find any groundbreaking techniques. But (and this is a big one) the lessons are so nicely put together and illustrated that this book is a must for any creative kid. Many of them will be new to those just starting out and occasionally one of the labs puts an interesting spin on a classic standby. Once set up, most of them can be done without a lot of supervision. Also, there are times that I am just plain stuck for an idea and I know that this will be the book I pull off the shelf first to help me.<br />
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<br />Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-84524446519404503012012-02-29T14:49:00.001-06:002012-02-29T14:49:02.283-06:00PaintingWhat I'm working on lately. :)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1TpBl0la10/T06PO8p1BQI/AAAAAAAACLs/dAd6i10WuPI/s640/blogger-image-2130593131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1TpBl0la10/T06PO8p1BQI/AAAAAAAACLs/dAd6i10WuPI/s640/blogger-image-2130593131.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipcRvMLKdlA/T06PPaDzA4I/AAAAAAAACL0/BsIKqYCusT0/s640/blogger-image-570945075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipcRvMLKdlA/T06PPaDzA4I/AAAAAAAACL0/BsIKqYCusT0/s640/blogger-image-570945075.jpg" /></a></div>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-28065660900329436572012-02-06T20:35:00.001-06:002012-02-06T20:35:31.212-06:00Easy BloggingSo these aren't "picture perfect" and tweaked to within an inch of their life. I thought I might try just blogging from my iPhone to get back into the groove.<br />
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Since I like seeing what other artists buy at the bookstore, these are my recent acquisitions.<br />
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Several art books, a couple craft books, some mags and, of course, some new moleskins. Oh, see that Art Lab for Kids? That was a gift from my friends over at Rockport Publishing. Can't wait to dive into it and use it with my art class!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlkleUEQ95w/TzCN77PwawI/AAAAAAAACLA/6cZD3PXSVQc/s640/blogger-image-1810619484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlkleUEQ95w/TzCN77PwawI/AAAAAAAACLA/6cZD3PXSVQc/s640/blogger-image-1810619484.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B6pgvjtL0sM/TzCN8a6EDZI/AAAAAAAACLI/5r4lLDr4fC8/s640/blogger-image-1833918028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B6pgvjtL0sM/TzCN8a6EDZI/AAAAAAAACLI/5r4lLDr4fC8/s640/blogger-image-1833918028.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hr5owI-IVDs/TzCN8nt9QsI/AAAAAAAACLQ/AV6V61vSTJU/s640/blogger-image-1590299622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hr5owI-IVDs/TzCN8nt9QsI/AAAAAAAACLQ/AV6V61vSTJU/s640/blogger-image-1590299622.jpg" /></a></div>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-31247895603999358752012-01-27T10:33:00.000-06:002012-01-27T13:27:37.322-06:00People Ask the Darndest Things<b>Questions from the inbox:<p><p></b>
<b>If money wasn't a factor, would you get plastic surgery?</b> Probably, but I’m not telling what for. <p>
<b>I am just setting up a blog and I came upon yours. It is wonderful. Do you review books by individuals? </b>Only if it’s art-related. I have to set some boundaries or the next thing you know I’m writing a review for Clorox.<p>
<b>Hi Francie! In a nutshell, what is rough edge applique??</b> In regular appliqué, the edges are turned under for a neat finish. When I say rough edge appliqué I’m referring to the practice of sewing something down with the rough edges out and showing. They add texture and develop character as they fray.<p>
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Are there sites that critique handmade crafts?</b> Not that I know of. But then I’ve found that not many people really want an honest opinion of what they make.<p>
<b>Where can I get cute free mailing labels? Thanks!</b> Many of the sites that I link to on the gift tag page also have other printables available.<p>
<b>Any tags with cows? </b>Huh?!? Assuming you are referring to printable gift tags, then, no, not that I’m aware of.<p>
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Have you created an art journal that you would be willing to share?</b> Yes, several, and I hope to start sharing those here again soon.<p>
<b>hey francis..i've had the biggest crush on you for awhile! i don't go on here a lot but message me on www.******.com under the username "wishfulthinker".</b> Talk about “wishful thinking”.<br>
<b>I've had a crush on you for awhile.</b> …<br>
<b>Ok so I have a crush on U.</b> …<br>
<b><b>I'm INFATUATED with you.</b> …<br>
hiya cutie are you a member of any other social internet site?</b> I’m sensing a trend here. <p>
<b>Do you know about the website www.bit.ly/***?? I made 200 today. it's mad easy. </b>You made 200 what, though. That's the question.Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-73626777183335982772011-05-05T09:00:00.001-05:002011-05-05T09:00:08.319-05:00Title? I don't need no stinkin' title!In all honesty expect this post to be all over the place. It would be as hard to put a title on this as it is to choose which is my favorite child. (Don't tell the others but I'm partial to Chico the cat. He never sasses and always agrees when I think it might be time for a nap.)<br /><br />So as mentioned in a previous post (go ahead... I'll wait) I am trying to make my house look more like normal people's houses (and less like your grandma's garage sale) before class tomorrow. I do have a book review almost ready for you. But in the meantime I'll just cheat and share some links with you.<br /><br />*gathering inspiration from these two online mags<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag-digital.com/sweetpaulmag/spring2011#pg1">Sweet Paul's Spring 2011</a><br /><a href="http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c136531/LMNOP_issue_thirteen.pdf">LMNOP's Holiday Issue 13</a> Yes, I'm a little late.<br /><br />*loving these blogs<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/">Pia Jane Biajkerk</a><br /><a href="http://newspapertaxiblog.blogspot.com/">Newspaper Taxi</a><br /><br />*aching over these artists<br /><br /><a href="http://holy-smoke.co.uk/portfolio.html">Holy Smoke</a><br /><a href="http://www.tattersall-love.com/kristinperers/index.htm">Kristin Perers</a><br /><br />*loving these books<br /><a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandinavian-Stitches-Playful-Projects-Seasonal/dp/1607050072/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304519168&sr=8-1"><br />Scandinavian Stitches</a> <span class="ptBrand">by Kajsa Wikman</span><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandinavian-Needlecraft-Step---step-Projects/dp/1907030220/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1304519168&sr=8-2"> </a> <div class="data"> <div class="title"> <a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandinavian-Needlecraft-Step---step-Projects/dp/1907030220/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1304519168&sr=8-2">Scandinavian Needlecraft</a> <span class="ptBrand">by Clare Youngs and Sarah Hoggett</span> </div></div><br />*playing with the cool kids ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/francie/pins"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtNY8MvtXIs/TcFhDxQCfZI/AAAAAAAACKk/KpxgWxJDzDM/s400/pinterest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602866128813718930" border="0" /></a><br />I have to admit when I joined <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> a few months ago I knew it was cool, handy, all that, but I had no idea it would explode like it has. You can find almost anything and anyone there. So if you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for?!Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-26093561789801615712011-05-04T08:30:00.004-05:002011-05-04T08:54:38.985-05:00Difference of opinion<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVFt1vXrYI/TcFZ-2O2NwI/AAAAAAAACKU/9TBIz39NTRE/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVFt1vXrYI/TcFZ-2O2NwI/AAAAAAAACKU/9TBIz39NTRE/s320/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602858347670157058" border="0" /></a><br />I am on a one-woman mission to rescue what I call "vintage treasures" and what my husband calls "all that crap crowding the house." In fact, just yesterday, he threatened an intervention. But do you want to hear something so astounding, so unbelievable that you'll be up nights wondering at it? When people don't pay the property taxes on houses and buildings they own and those said places become so derelict as to be put on the city's demolition list, those buildings are razed to the ground without a thought for what might be in them. Yes, some of them are empty or contain nothing more exciting than possum poop. And others... well others belonged to somebody's mother who died and their children took what they thought was worth something and the rest just sat there. Tchotchkes collecting dust but otherwise aging quite well without anyone fiddling with them. Fabric doesn't age as well but the rest... Or the barns and outbuildings with doodads that nobody knows what the heck they are but they sure look cool on your wall. Anyway, I was shocked. Still haven't figured out what can be done about it.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AodtoWRcpU/TcFZ_JQDKWI/AAAAAAAACKc/6l4SfiY3ciY/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AodtoWRcpU/TcFZ_JQDKWI/AAAAAAAACKc/6l4SfiY3ciY/s320/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602858352775473506" border="0" /></a><br />And so I make myself feel better by going to church garage sales where other little old ladies are more than happy to send their stuff home with me. Where they are tickled when I say I love things "with character" or that I was born in the wrong generation. Or maybe they are just happy to have someone appreciate all the crap crowding their house.Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-56752296243710835022011-04-26T11:22:00.003-05:002011-04-26T11:28:26.957-05:0025 ways to wear a scarfHow cool is this?! And I am SO a scarf kinda girl. Weather here in west Texas is *almost* warm enough to have to pack them away. *pout*<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU&feature=youtu.be"><br /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOJFrJ08-6s/TbbyT2j8euI/AAAAAAAACKM/yCKfRt5pums/s1600/scarves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOJFrJ08-6s/TbbyT2j8euI/AAAAAAAACKM/yCKfRt5pums/s320/scarves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599929609559505634" border="0" /></a> Click on the pic to go to YouTube and see the whole video.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU&feature=youtu.be"><br /></a>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-81163377540298404842011-04-22T11:52:00.004-05:002011-04-22T12:00:00.604-05:00Earth Day 2011 and Billion Acts of Green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAsdIwsFuqs/TbG0ASxIRyI/AAAAAAAACKE/nWL3yRKHJnk/s1600/EDN_BAG_Marquee2.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAsdIwsFuqs/TbG0ASxIRyI/AAAAAAAACKE/nWL3yRKHJnk/s320/EDN_BAG_Marquee2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598453728929138466" border="0" /></a><br />Today is Earth Day and I encourage to do what we should be doing every single day - working to reduce your footprint on the planet. No, this doesn't diminish your legacy to your children any. In fact, it will likely increase it. It also won't save you money in most cases. Sometimes living green can be costly and inconvenient. After all, if it were easy, everybody would be doing it, right? But we now know the planet won't last forever. Shocker, right? So do whatever you can for today but more importantly make small changes that you can incorporate in everyday life. Earth Day Network encourages you to pledge your commitment on their<a href="http://act.earthday.org/"> Billion Acts of Green</a> site. Go share your act - it will keep you accountable. If you're stumped for ideas, check out acts posted by other members.<br /><br />And, for goodness' sake, go outside!Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-54044637599763039022011-04-22T11:31:00.003-05:002011-04-22T11:47:19.497-05:00But what do you DO?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSrka8BBdVQ/TbGw6eCXPAI/AAAAAAAACJ8/_CRUEn3Vy-0/s1600/canvasbook.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSrka8BBdVQ/TbGw6eCXPAI/AAAAAAAACJ8/_CRUEn3Vy-0/s320/canvasbook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598450330340113410" border="0" /></a><br />Do you ever get that question? Especially you stay-at-home types - moms and dads alike.<br /><br />"So where do you work?"<br />"Oh, I don't actually have a job outside the home. I write reviews for several book publishers for my blog as well as a large craft website.* I also create art for a major company using their new products that's shipped out to stores nationwide. Oh, and I teach an afterschool art class to elementary school kids. And every time somebody needs anything vaguely craft or art related done for school, church, or family I'm the first one they call on."<br />"You get to stay at home! That's so nice. I wouldn't be able to that. All that time on my hands would drive me crazy."<br /><br />Fortunately, starting this next week, I'll be working as a cake decorator / pastry chef at a local bakery. So I can finally say I DO something! :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* up til 6 months ago... which is a whole other story. That particular experience, while giving me a jumpstart on craft reviewing just left me with a bad, but not bitter ;), taste in my mouth there in the last year. A major reason I just kinda clammed up online.</span>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-54999836773466248392011-02-28T13:16:00.000-06:002011-02-28T13:17:23.162-06:00Local Families Lose Homes in Fires8 local families lost their homes in fires yesterday. Kait's DECA class is collecting things for them. Gently used clothing of all sizes, blankets, housewares, and new toiletries are high on their list. If you'd like to donate please let me know and I'll make sure it gets there. If you're local you can drop it by my house. If you're within 150 miles I can come pick it up. Further than that and I'll give you a mailing address. :) Thanks!Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-77518342645305065252011-02-28T10:04:00.003-06:002011-02-28T10:12:37.425-06:00Doodle for Google<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRFRL7LjpKM/TWvIagrHZSI/AAAAAAAACJs/vSNscF853fo/s1600/d4g11_logo-hires.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 115px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRFRL7LjpKM/TWvIagrHZSI/AAAAAAAACJs/vSNscF853fo/s320/d4g11_logo-hires.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578772921201419554" border="0" /></a><br />My after-school art class will be participating in <a href="http://www.google.com/doodle4google/">Doodle for Google</a>. For the first time Google is also allowing parents to register their kids instead of needing to be affiliated with a school or program. Perhaps you know a child who'd like a chance at having their doodle seen by millions? (Not to mention a college scholarship!)Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-28242155992346985162010-09-07T06:50:00.006-05:002010-09-07T08:20:43.141-05:00No pictures please! What about your dream space?I feel like such a tease. Always saying I'm going to post more often. Not following through. Let's see. What are my excuses... errr... reasons this time?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967710786/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4967710786_535dd505c9.jpg" width="300" height="183" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />The kids started school. I am now the proud parent of a senior and an eighth grader. Kaitlin will be graduating this year with her distinguished diploma. She goes to school until lunchtime and then has the afternoon off although technically it's called a "work period." She's in DECA and working at a local fast food place to pay off her motorcycle. Not mentioning the name but she makes the best ice cream treats ever. (insert long rant here about problems with temporary manager that we're trying to iron out. I took the kids to school and when I came back I realized it was just a bunch of griping. :P) Her DECA counselor has been so wonderful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967101877/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4967101877_7c69cd3b4d.jpg" width="300" height="300" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />Cameron is glad to be playing tennis again. That boy lives for the courts. He has some football guys on his back - all over a girl naturally. This, too, shall pass.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967707324/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4967707324_ee3edef121.jpg" width="300" height="198" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />Both of these remind me of the Elizabeth Stone quote <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body<em></em>.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967707070/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4967707070_abaf1bd6cd.jpg" width="300" height="206" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />And door number three, Bob? I'm glad you asked. Behind door number three today we have the shambles formerly known as our house. We live in a 50's bungalow type house. Standard 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath type thing. Over the years the owners added a garage then converted it to a bedroom. They added a laundry room. But what we're concerned with is the 400 square foot family room that they added onto the back of the house. Because I am currently in the process of converting it into class space.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967706796/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4967706796_2b8ee7250f.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />It has been my art space forever and ever, with Ken and the kids' computer desks here and there, a loveseat for reading and hanging out. But recently it became necessary (more convenient?) to move classes out of the store and to another space. So, in a moment of insanity, we thought "Why not?" Because who else has a big space like this plus a 6 foot table, 5 foot table, 8 pine chairs, classroom size chalkboard (for lessonplans/schedule and such), 5 giant desks, 2 small desks, towers for holding paper, 8 bookshelves, supply cabinets, file cabinets... I could go on but you get the idea. It's like I've been amassing the needed items before I even knew it. And we'll have all our supplies at our fingertips! No more frantically calling Ken because I forgot needles. hehe<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967706448/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4967706448_e2041858ac.jpg" width="300" height="199" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />It does require me texturing the ceiling, sealing the floor, moving furniture, and other things. You know how you come to live with things and don't notice them anymore? That is until you realize that the parents of more than a half dozen kids will be walking through your house weekly. ugh.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967706056/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4967706056_95bb924951.jpg" width="300" height="213" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />And so I have employed child labor for the last week and we are down to the wire. Two days to go and what doesn't get done - well, I'll just shrug and smile.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86279257@N00/4967100105/" title="photo by franciehorton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4967100105_98f2d991a5.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="photo" /></a><br /><br />I have no pretty pictures of my own to share. These are pilfered from various Japanese sources. If I could read the bloggers entries maybe I could tell you the sources but then again maybe not. These have the feel that I love. Right off I can't find my very favorite but as soon as I do I'll share it. What is your dream space? What would it include? Do you have certain places on the web that you go to over an over to look for inspiration for studio space?<br /></span></span>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-29350055659612553112010-08-25T09:12:00.003-05:002010-08-25T09:17:28.583-05:00The -ings that make up my dayThis morning I'm:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">working</span> on tomorrow's art/craft class</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">scanning</span> in pics of our cubist/Picasso class (y'all will love these!)</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">taking</span> pics of a giveaway</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">answering</span> ebay questions<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">ruminating</span> on that book I promised</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">wanting</span> to finish this paper theater</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">needing</span> to clean my art room</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">waiting</span> on the plumber</li></ul>Details to follow. :)Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-84495139447039581282010-08-11T07:30:00.005-05:002010-08-11T08:10:51.166-05:00Thank you for the love - past, present and future<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/TGKdKqQFJ1I/AAAAAAAACHQ/R-G7bdQkuMU/s1600/autographpage.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/TGKdKqQFJ1I/AAAAAAAACHQ/R-G7bdQkuMU/s320/autographpage.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504134501066155858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">autograph page from my personal collection for your journal/collage use<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">high quality png file</span><br /></div><br />I would just like to send a big thank you to all of the people who have sent so much encouragement and support in the past few months both online and off.<br /><br />Reviews and articles will be resuming on Monday with a fantastic new book I am terribly excited about. I will also begin sharing the kids' art classes that I teach on Thursdays.<br /><br />So here's to an exciting Fall of 2010 - my favorite season!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/TGKgJGnsJ5I/AAAAAAAACHo/nTCmadA6Ons/s1600/20081217135421.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/TGKgJGnsJ5I/AAAAAAAACHo/nTCmadA6Ons/s320/20081217135421.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504137772856518546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">inspiring room "clipped" from somewhere on the web long forgotten now<br /></span></div>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-13662190476659742922010-06-17T12:02:00.001-05:002010-06-17T12:03:51.480-05:00See ya soon!This blog is currently on hiatus for health reasons but I hope to be back soon! :)Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-43729812199375396862010-03-26T08:34:00.007-05:002010-08-12T02:13:17.418-05:0012 Steps for Artists plus a challenge!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S6zAaheR-pI/AAAAAAAACDQ/1nvH22HGgsY/s1600/abstract.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S6zAaheR-pI/AAAAAAAACDQ/1nvH22HGgsY/s400/abstract.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452944810733337234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Admit that you are powerless over your ARTmaking, and it is the only thing that makes your life manageable.</span><br /><br />Many artists describe the feelings they get from making art as an almost spiritual or sexual experience, feeling a complete and total sense of happiness and being at one with the world. Much like the feeling an athlete gets from hitting the ball in the sweet spot. But, instead of it being a fleeting moment, it is a lasting sense satisfaction and contentment. It is what keeps them the sane, wonderful people we love.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Believe that ART is a Power, greater than yourself, and can restore you to sanity.</span><br /><br />Making art is the way artists create order out of chaos. It is a personal order, that allows them to navigate their way through life. The most positive addiction. When you find yourself cranky or irritable, is it really just because you haven’t allowed yourself quiet time to work?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Made a decision to turn yourself and your life over to ART.</span><br /><br />The term “frustrated artist” didn’t come out of nowhere. Societal pressures, parental pressures, and sometimes our own need to succeed or fear of failure, keeps a lot of artists from ever realizing their dream. You can’t escape from it forever…eventually, the need to create will overpower whatever rational reasons you have developed to keep yourself from finding the time to make art. The sooner you accept it, the better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Made a searching and fearless inventory of your ART skills.</span><br /><br />There is nothing wrong with being a self taught artist. But, in the same way your vocabulary skills can improve communication skills, so can developing your technique as an artist. The beauty of creativity is it’s never ending quality. Making sure that you are constantly looking, learning and improving your skills as an artist (and that includes keeping up to date with technology) will ensure you are working up to your potential<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Admit to yourself and one other human being, the importance of ART in your life.</span><br /><br />Artists are not capable of “controlling” their work hours. When you are “in the zone” your friends and family accuse you of being preoccupied and/or distant. But, it’s like a switch you can’t turn off. It creeps up on you when you least expect it, and never, ever when you summons it. You need to communicate this to the people in your life that are important to you so they can understand the importance of ART in your life and not take it personally when you are not “present.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Were entirely ready to allow ART to be an important part of your life, but not your entire life.</span><br /><br />You may not always have the luxury to work on your art when you want to. Responsibilities of real life get in the way for most artists. But, you can learn to come up with tricks to ease back into a work schedule, when it is absolutely necessary. For example, working on 3-4 things simultaneously. When you get stuck on one, you can easily move into another. Other artists have described the technique of only leaving the studio for the day only when you know exactly what you next move on a particular painting will be when you comes back…something easy, that has already been planned and you won’t have to think about.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Humbly promise never to ask anyone “What do you think of my work?”</span><br /><br />Admit it. If you’re an artist, there is ALWAYS one question on your mind that you are dying to ask people…”what do you think of my work?” There is no doubt, that as an artist, getting feedback is important. If you’ve read my article Art is a Verb, not a Noun, you already know that I don’t believe any object an artist makes can be called ART until it is out in the real world and has real eyeballs looking at it. A painting that is stored in your garage or under your bed isn’t art until it has the experience of being seen. It is only logical then, to assume that once the work is out there, you want to know how people are reacting to it. But, artists need to be extremely careful how and when they submit to that urge of asking people about their work. Before you even contemplate asking the question, let’s take a moment to think about 3 things: Why are you asking this question? Of whom are you asking this question? How will the answer change your relationship to this person and/or your work?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Made a list of all persons affected by your ARTmaking, and be willing to make amends to them.</span><br /><br />There is no doubt that artists are wired differently than the rest of us. At times, living with an artist can be difficult. Learning to identify the strategies that will help you move seamlessly in and out of your “normal” life will benefit not only you, but all those around you. Send my article “If you are addicted…” to everyone you love.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Made direct amends to such people, whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.</span><br /><br />It is true, that to some artists, their work is the most important thing in their life…more important than parents, spouse or even kids. It’s not a crime, or something you should feel guilty about. It is a part of who you are as a person…would you ever feel guilty about having blue eyes? But, remember, the rest of the world doesn’t work that way. If you find this is true for you (and not ALL artists do) you must come to grips with that reality yourself, but never admit it to your significant others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Continue to take personal inventory and realize you and your ART are not the only important things in the world.</span><br /><br />Artists sometimes need to be forced to step outside their reality. Make sure you are able to separate the art making part of your life and the responsibilities of real life. As much as you may hate it, admit that you need a job, relationships, money, housing and the discipline to manage your art career so you can accomplish those things.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11. Sought through private time in your studio to improve your work, and devote the time necessary to just “look.”</span><br /><br />The impulse that fuels creativity is nourished by stillness, time alone. That’s why so many artists find their most productive hours are in the wee hours, when everyone else is asleep. The lack of distractions, is a must for artists to be productive. Resting, thinking, meditating, looking…this is when the creative juices are most actively percolating. And, this is one of the most difficult aspects for non artists to understand.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12. Having accomplished all of the above, tried to carry this message to other artists and those who love them.</span><br /><br />I saw this on Tricia Anders' <a href="http://www.artpropensity.com/">blog</a> and just had to share it. Tricia is one of those amazingly talented people. When I first met her back in, oh my gosh, something like 2001 0r 2002, she was making beautiful dolls that nobody hardly saw. But she has busted her ass for the past 10 years, not only promoting her work, being shown in galleries, mentoring others, but in continuing to grow as an artist. While I still love her 3-d work, I can't help but wonder why we don't see her paintings hanging next to Mark Ryden and the like. They are amazing.<br /><br />However, I digress. I meant to tell you that the wonderful piece written above can be found on Sylvia White's <a href="http://www.artadvice.com/">website</a> along with <a href="http://www.artadvice.com/blog/archive-2/">tons more educational advice</a> for artists. Go. Check it out.<br /><br />I'm thinking of working on one of each of the above steps every week for 12 weeks. Some weeks may only require introspection and journalwork. Others may need me to reach outside my own little artsy world. Sometimes we artists tend to be a self-centered (self-obsessed) lot. Or loners. Or psychotic. Or psychotic self-centered loners. ;)<br /><br />Wanna join me? I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to play. Send me links to your posts or pics of your work and I'll link them up here as well. Or just follow along with the at-home version of our game. ;) I'd still love to hear about your progress.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S6zAafTFa1I/AAAAAAAACDI/Mp8Vi4G_erE/s1600/2325644083_d28a36c3ce_o.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 351px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S6zAafTFa1I/AAAAAAAACDI/Mp8Vi4G_erE/s400/2325644083_d28a36c3ce_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452944810149505874" border="0" /></a>Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-64199529346627666402010-03-22T10:26:00.006-05:002010-03-22T11:01:35.064-05:00Health care bill the answer? Or, the view from my bedHealth care reform. A controversial topic indeed. Not one I usually address here but one of my New Year's "smack-downs", as my sister affectionately (or not!) termed resolutions this year, is to be more personal here. To be more me. Perhaps that explains my quiet the last couple months when I had so grandly announced blog changes.<br /><br />When dealing with health issues and the social networking world, there are a couple of different ways to go about it. Put it all out there to read - good, bad, ugly. Hint at it til someone drags it out of you. Or retreat. I have always retreated. This has caused many misunderstandings and lost online friendships because I have had my share of health issues over the past dozen years. I just don't want to be known as that girl who whines all the time or, worse, perhaps faking it as has been found out to be about online people who were just looking for... what exactly... money? Or, more likely, the attention. Trust me, I whine enough at home. Just ask my husband. Email me for his email address. He'll tell you all about it.<br /><br />And so I've been quiet. Everything has healed fine according to my doctor. I still have a persistent nagging backache - 24/7. And I weigh 99 pounds at 5'8". This was one of the issues to begin with and hasn't gone anywhere. But I'm tired of seeing doctors and being prodded. And finding out that one of my specialist referrals expired two years ago but nobody said anything so we've been throwing money away for two years paying out of network costs.<br /><br />And this past year I have dealt with doctors, hospitals, and insurance more than I care to. I look at the original bill for just my surgery - more than $27,000 - and I look not just at what the insurance pays but what they also call their contractual adjustment. In other words, the hospital can't charge me certain amounts just because I have insurance with Blue Cross. And my bill comes out to $481. How can uninsured people afford to have even small surgeries like my own? That's the cost of a small house for some people. And we're not even talking about the $9,000 that the surgeon wants in a separate bill! (Or the many tests, procedures, PCP and specialist visits before that.) I'm also fighting with my local hospital because they charged me 20% upfront at OUT OF NETWORK costs before they would even perform routine cat scans and labwork. Like a dummy I paid it and now I find that they charged 3 times too much. I'm trying to get a refund with my insurance company's help but the hospital (which also runs our local doctor office/clinic) keeps coming up with other charges (disallowed by my insurance) so they can keep every penny of it.<br /><br />I'm certainly not saying <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> health reform is the answer. But the system as we know it is definitely broken. Instead of blindly ignoring it, at least it's a step towards a solution.<br /><br />No, I'm not a Democrat. (What <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> I exactly? Concerned.) Yes, I get asked that by family members every time I disagree with the popular public opinion in our area - which is predominantly Republican white males. Like my dad. And my brother. And my sister.Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-50374211243095515492010-02-18T12:22:00.003-06:002010-02-18T12:32:53.580-06:00Q & A - Starting A Blogfrom a question at <a href="http://www.formspring.me/franciehorton">formspring.me - franciehorton</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What made you decide to start your blog and how has it evolved into what it is today? I am thinking of starting my own, but feel like I am all over the map and can't find my "focus" area. Thanks in advance! I love reading your blog!</span><br /><br />Oh, wow. If you read backwards you'll see that mine was all over the place as well. And in the very beginning, it was just images. Fortunately when you first start not that many people are watching/reading and you have time and space to find your groove. And just when I think I have a good groove going it never fails that something will come along and knock me off my tracks. LOL<br /><br />The important thing is to choose something you love because you are going to get tired of writing about it otherwise. :D And some days it may still feel like like pulling teeth. And invite people you trust to read it while it's in its infancy. Ask for their advice as far as how it looks, how your writing sounds, etc.<br /><br />A book I recommend is <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httphortonart-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1600595111&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr">Blogging for Bliss</a> by Tara Frey. It has info, not only on starting a blog, but on the different services available, basic HTML, and lots of lovely creative blogs to visit for ideas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S32HfXJU22I/AAAAAAAACA4/-H51hoBAql4/s1600-h/51Vu7KY4oWL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S32HfXJU22I/AAAAAAAACA4/-H51hoBAql4/s400/51Vu7KY4oWL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439652897792252770" border="0" /></a><br />And let it evolve. It may be that what you think you want to write about isn't it at all. :)Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-69626082462954061882010-02-12T19:27:00.001-06:002010-02-12T20:09:00.206-06:00Whaddaya wanna know?<p><center><iframe src="http://www.formspring.me/widget/view/franciehorton?&size=large&bgcolor=%23E0ffff&fgcolor=%23000000" style="border: medium none ;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="275" width="400">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.formspring.me/franciehorton"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;http://www.formspring.me/franciehorton&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe></center><br /><br />Ask me anything! I'll answer all questions unless they involve sex, politics, or religion. (which is *not* the same as spirituality, btw!) If a girl's smart she'll stay away from that particular trinity in polite conversation. ;)Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-82523928609430749972010-02-12T07:52:00.006-06:002010-02-12T08:38:38.717-06:00Artful Living: Living Green with Lovely Little Deer + Free Books?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3Vm8IgdwVI/AAAAAAAACAw/HbtEQT2H9Mw/s1600-h/DSC00105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3Vm8IgdwVI/AAAAAAAACAw/HbtEQT2H9Mw/s400/DSC00105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437365308381577554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm not sure which one is cuter! :D<br /></span></div><br />I recently discovered a wonderful blog named <a href="http://alovelylittledeer.blogspot.com/">lovely little deer</a> by Rebecca Nia. I also won a <a href="http://alovelylittledeer.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-giveaway-winner.html">wonderful Valentine painting</a> through her blog from <a href="http://pesky33.blogspot.com/">Chloe McGenn</a>, a lovely artist Rebeeca featured at the end of January.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VkQkktnCI/AAAAAAAACAo/jjuH6tD7uZM/s1600-h/60776204.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VkQkktnCI/AAAAAAAACAo/jjuH6tD7uZM/s400/60776204.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437362360978086946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Valentine Petit Four Painting by Chloe McGenn<br /></span></div><br />Rebecca's "about me" reads:<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I love to craft! All kinds of things, i'm very whimsical! I love to host giveaways, do reviews and feature awesome fellow crafters on my blog. I have three cats and two dogs and I'm crazy about them. I'm married and live in the U.K. I adore taking pictures. I'm a sci-fi nerd! I'm sensitive and shy. I live in my own dreamworld.</span>"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VkQYiF2tI/AAAAAAAACAg/uqn_dZlh0FI/s1600-h/4334999604_e6c6e652d2_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VkQYiF2tI/AAAAAAAACAg/uqn_dZlh0FI/s400/4334999604_e6c6e652d2_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437362357745867474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Rebecca and *one* of her babies<br /></span></div><br />In her most recent post she also states,<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I'm evolving into something more sophisticated and I am loving the change. I'm still cute, I'm still me only with a lady essence sprinkled on top, ha, whatever that means...</span>"<br /><br />hehe I love it!<br /><br />Rebecca just finished <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httphortonart-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0141038233&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr">The Thrift Book: Live Well and Spend Less</a><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httphortonart-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0141038233&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr"> by India Knight</a>. Looks like it was quite the inspiration because Rebecca has written a wonderful article chock full of eco-conscious and thrifty tricks and tips for beauty, fashion, home, gift-giving... all without looking or feeling cheap. After all, what's the point of saving your pennies if you're miserable all the time? <a href="http://alovelylittledeer.blogspot.com/2010/02/au-natural-and-thrifty-tips.html">Check it out here.</a><br /><br />In commenting on her post I realized that I had something to contribute to the conversation. So I thought I might post here to both bring attention to Rebecca's post and to gather my thoughts together on my own blog.<br /><br />Another thing you can do is take your green/thrifty consciousness into your craft room. Take a look at the book <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httphortonart-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1592535186&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr">Green Guide for Artists by Karen Michel</a>. It's full of awesome. Not only does it have lots of eco-conscious choices for art/craft but it's full of eye candy, too, so you're not gonna feel cheated there, either. :D Pretty visuals are always important to me. (I asked for this one from my mom for Christmas. :D My way of being thrifty.)<br /><br />If you're a big booklover, I have a couple suggestions for you.<br /><br />1. If you feel you just *have* to have a certain book, make a public wishlist at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> and make sure friends and relatives know that's what you want for gifts. (You can actually add other things to your list besides books but people love to buy books for the people they love. :P)<br /><br />2. There are also a few websites online where you can trade used books with other people, for example <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/">paperbackswap.com</a>. Be sure to check international swap rules.<br /><br />3. Join <a href="http://www.librarything.com/">librarything.com</a> and catalog your books and write reviews. They have an Early Reviewer list that you can sign up for as well as a list of books that members are giving away. There are different books for different countries.<br /><br />4. And last, but not least, if you have a blog with a good-size readership, contact the publisher of the book you're interested in (if it's a newish release) and tell them you're interested in receiving a review copy. Tell them your blog stats, your target audience and when you will publish the review. It's always good to ask if they have a reviewer list that you can be added to, as well. Just let them know the categories of books you are interested in. You don't have to "know somebody", either... just use the contact form on the main website. It'll get forwarded to the marketing person.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy getting to know Rebecca and that her post inspires you as much as it did me.Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-2592537264645842902010-02-12T07:12:00.005-06:002010-02-12T07:25:02.579-06:00I'm a big phony - emails, reviews, & apologies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VWmr9qDgI/AAAAAAAACAY/gEOcF5D2Tpo/s1600-h/valentine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3VWmr9qDgI/AAAAAAAACAY/gEOcF5D2Tpo/s400/valentine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437347347756092930" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, that's me. I'm one of those bloggers who pretends to have it all together, show only the rosy side. Then when all the eggs fly out the basket and splat everywhere I hide while I clean them up. I've even disappeared from the web for months at a time.<br /><br />So I'm going to 'fess up. I've been hiding. I've gotten way behind. Some of the recovery didn't go quite as well as projected and I had an additional week of recouping. And, yes, I could have been working on the blog but I kind of felt sorry for myself during that time. I also took care of my 13 year old with an upper respiratory infection, my 17 year old with a 24 hour stomach bug, and my husband with bronchitis. It's never just one thing, is it? LOL<br /><br />I have kept up with teaching my art/craft class and that's about it. I still have Christmas decorations up, for crying out loud! I'm not supposed to lift the tubs to pack them away and I haven't had the determination to make anybody help me. Come heck or high water, tho, they're coming down this weekend. (This sounds familiar....)<span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Also, emails 20 at a time with teeny tiny breaks between, all 750. If yours is extra important move it to the top of the list by sending it again, or if you just think it might have gotten lost or buried in spam.</span></span></span><br /><br />I have reviews that are overdue and for this I sincerely apologize. It is not very professional of me and certainly not a good start to the year and the new direction of the blog. All I can do from here is move forward and hope for your understanding.<br /><br />Back to our regularly scheduled programming!Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880019853537443352.post-13384812015962506822010-02-10T14:01:00.003-06:002010-02-10T14:53:43.381-06:00Freebies: Vintage Valentines and Free Fortunes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZunBa3I/AAAAAAAACAQ/EUDES9wVLtM/s1600-h/vintagevalentines.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZunBa3I/AAAAAAAACAQ/EUDES9wVLtM/s400/vintagevalentines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436711607407307634" border="0" /></a>Remember these cute little foldover valentines from elementary school? I can't help but scoop them up when I find them at thrift stores and estate sales. Just click on the image to make it larger and then save it to your computer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZdCusdI/AAAAAAAACAI/_p_1gAWekJ4/s1600-h/fortunes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZdCusdI/AAAAAAAACAI/_p_1gAWekJ4/s400/fortunes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436711602691682770" border="0" /></a>And who doesn't love silly little fortunes? If you're my naughty sister you always add the words "in bed" to the end of your fortune. ;) Try it next time you're out to dinner in a Chinese restaurant and see if that doesn't start some conversations. Again with the click and save.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZHJ_BiI/AAAAAAAACAA/4ueLh-k2nrM/s1600-h/amor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XNx-urF3wzE/S3MUZHJ_BiI/AAAAAAAACAA/4ueLh-k2nrM/s400/amor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436711596816533026" border="0" /></a>And finally these little love quotes come courtesy of chocolate truffles I received several years back. And the cute little valentine card? She winks! Here I've photoshopped out the text so you can add whatever you like.<br /><br />Enjoy!Francie Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05195385883938796982noreply@blogger.com2