Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Hols fr the Flatlands!

I am writing you from the little teeny town of Millet, Alberta (just outside Edmonton). We have been in the deep freeze (-30 C) since I got here but finally it has gone back up to -1 C...BRRRRR!!! Luckily the friends I am staying with, Sue and Garry, keep it warm and cozy no matter what the temp is!

No lack of Xmas Cheer here!

I have been taking myself on some BRISK walks for the first time in several weeks! Being an avid walker, I try to get one in each day but my Nov/Dec Schedule just wasn't allowing it. If there was an errand I needed to run within walking distance, THAT was my exercise for the day! So this going for a walk just to go for one has been awesome...despite not being able to feel my legs by the time I got back! 

A Sub-zero Jaunt 
Much of my time here has been spent attempting the art of...doing nothing! I was feeling myself getting pretty overwhelmed several times the last couple months and it scared me a little. Each day flew by so quickly because I was constantly in a rush and feeling behind, filling up every minute of the day with productiveness. Time passed so quickly and there were so many days that turned into a blur with no human contact! Not how I want to live my life. 

So far, I have laid on the couch and watched movies (sans iPhone, laptop and day timer), walked with no destination, hung out with friends for several hours in a row and taken a long, hot bath. This has not been an easy task for my Type A personality! Whenever I feel that panic that I should be doing something more productive, I tell it to SOD off and get back to enjoying it, while it lasts:) Next on the list...reading a book!
“Keep your best wishes, close to your heart and watch what happens.”    
- Tony DeLiso 
Had to bring my oceans with me!
Two of the reasons why I have always wanted to run my own business was to have freedom and independence but I feel like I don't have either mainly because I don't know when to just call it a day (passion!). This means I am not taking my camera out to shoot for the hell of it like I used to or making enough time to see friends, take road trips, volunteer and do yoga! 

I find myself seeking security and balance...dare I say, structure? Think there's some changes comin' round the bend!
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." 
Albert Einstein 
Fave Bridge, Millet, AB

Would love to hear what some of your new year's resolutions are. What changes do you want to see in your life? Are you nurturing your soul? And if not now...then WHEN?! What a perfect time to get the ball rolling. 2014 for me IS the year of BALANCE! 

I leave you with a wee video interview from the RAW Artists Showcase I did a few weeks ago. No comment except that I need to expand my repertoire of adjectives beyond "GREAT"! 


As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read my ramblings and all your support and feedback this past year. Means MUCHO! I hope you are surrounded by love and warmth and this is your happiest holiday ever! No matter what this season brings us, we always have something and someone to be grateful for. 
“We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.”   
- C. JoyBell C. 

Monday, December 2, 2013

25% off Metal and Wood Prints!

I know it's short notice BUT have been selling my wares at a market (Make It!) for the last 4 days and unable to even fathom a sitting at my computer during this time!

ALAS, my metal and wood printers are having sales so I am extending the savings onto you!

Any image that you find on either my Etsy site (www.huggerofseas.com) or my Portfolio site (www.traceytomtene.com) can be printed on metal or wood.

In case you haven't seen what they look like yet, here are a few photos from images I have printed so far!









It is hard to convey in a photo what they look like in person but to describe the metal printing would be to say that the image looks like it is printed on glass. The depth is magnified and the colour pops making it a very bold piece of art. 

The wood warms up the image and where there is lighter areas, you can see the grain of the wood coming through. No print ever looks the same as the grain is different on every one.

If you would like to take advantage of this sale, click here for metal prints and here for wood prints! Then at checkout, enter 'CYBERMONDAY' to get 25% off!

This probably won't happen anytime soon again (or ever)! Offer expires midnight tonight Pacific Standard Time!

Thanks to all those who came out to Make It this past weekend and for supporting handmade, local artisans.

My last holiday market is at Portobello West at the Creekside Community Centre (Olympic Village) 11-5 Sat and Sun! See you there:)


Much-o gratitude,

Tracey


“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” 
― Thích Nhất Hạnh