Wednesday, June 4, 2008

THE LITTLE THINGS.......

Here are just a few random snapshots of a few little things in my studio that help keep things cheery for me. For most people, a lavender stapler would not float their boat, but it just makes me smile! It was marked down because few people like the colors I do, which makes me think of the adage,"one man's trash is another man's treasure"! (One of those instances when NOT being mainstream can be to your benefit!) I could be hired for focus groups to predict what the general public would NOT buy, because I usually like the opposite of what big-box retailers sell in volume.


I LOVE plants and flowers. I have a special affinity for miniature ficus trees and found this unique trellis-style ficus at IKEA at an amazing price!

My small-ish inspiration board with a few favorite photos, postcards, etc.

This quote poster is one I created to remember to be thankful, even on the days when things aren't going right. Along with it is a piece of coral brought back from the Florida Keys. I know people say coral is "so passe' ", but I have always loved it and always will. To me, it's underwater sculpture by God. There's also a carved wooden box I gold-leafed and a tole container I painted in stripes.

Me, at work in my studio!

I know some people love to collect things or to own expensive art or antiques. Now, that's not exactly an option for me, but I do enjoy being surrounded by a few objects that make me smile. I couldn't care less about something's provenance or name - I look for color, shape, design or sentimental value. Sometimes it's the colorful stapler I found on clearance for $5 or a photo of a vacation long ago that still brings back great memories. It's just the small things that somehow contribute to making your domain an expression of who you are. But things are only things, and oftentimes it's the least expensive object that may hold the most "cheer-power".

I was thinking about it, the same goes for my actions. I never know when a kind word, opening the door for a mom with a stroller or letting someone in my traffic lane may be just the little pick-me-up that someone needs in their life. We all have these opportunities that come to us every day - I know I am often just too preoccupied with what I am doing or caught up in my own interests to recognize them. Now, I am no Pollyanna. I won't even claim to be. I know the world is not full of goodness - I've lived long enough not to subscribe to that fairytale. I have encountered my share of caustic, small people who relish taking any opportunity to be mean. Who live to get ahead at any cost, to vent their frustration, anger and hurt on innocent people. Purely because those people have the misfortune to be in their path. My first inclination is to want to see these people harshly reprimanded or punished and NOW!! But before I get on my soapbox and try to instruct others on how to become better people, I need to think - what about me? What about my attitude toward these "mean" people? Wouldn't I be just like them if I wish them harm or heartbreak?
Sadly, these people are the losers. Somewhere along the line, they experienced life's inevitable pain and disappointments, got hardened and bitter, and allowed themselves to become "carriers" of evil. In "acting out" they are only compounding their own misery. When they lay their head on the pillow at night, they cannot escape who they really are. You can lie to other people, but you can't really lie to yourself, or it will end up destroying you. When I see this cruelty, this venom, the sheer hideousness of it just motivates me to be the exact opposite and not give place to any of the same in my life. To re-examine my own behavior and seek ways I can show kindness and bring a bit of cheer or hope to those people I encounter each day. Even the bad apples and sour grapes. To go the "extra-mile" with people who just really annoy me. The micro-managers, the nags, the liars.....it's like getting a shot in the arm. I don't know about you, but I want to be one of those people whom others are actually glad to see or hear from. Not a drain, not a source of dread, not someone who just transfers the angst from the wrong done to me to someone else. Even if it's just in the little things I do.......
We do have power - for good or evil, to add another link in the chain of hatred and abuse or to let it stop with us.....

I want to thank those in my life (including many of you who leave me comments and send me emails) who always have something encouraging to say. A smile, a kind word, a hug or kiss, an "atta girl" that lifts me up when I am feeling less than terrific. You know who you are!! Love you!

27 comments:

SimplyGrove said...

Such a lovely post by such a lovely person!!!

Anna Spiro said...

Here, here!! Great post Anne! Love seeing your pretty things! Your inspiration board is gorgeous as is the picture of you!! Sorry I haven't stopped by in ages...a bit busy over here in Aus!!
XX
Anna

pve design said...

Anne-
LOL - love that lavender staple!
You add sunshine to my day with your eye-candy, your fresh face, your colorful outlook and your inspiring and thoughtful words.
You are so right, it is better to be kind than right!
best,
Patricia

dee said...

"Underwater sculpture by God"...so poetic, I like that. And you should consider putting those posters in your Etsy store. Everyone could use a little inspiration and it is so pretty, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing your heart! have you seen Reclaiming Miss Havisham's post on "the little things in your house that are of little value (except to you)"... it's delightful - it starts here and there are a few posts before this one: http://reclaimingmisshavisham.typepad.com/reclaiming_miss_havisham/2008/05/things-we-save--erin.html

annechovie said...

Hello Kirsten! Thank you as always for stopping by and for your kind words!

Anna~ It's always a treat to hear from you! I know you are crazy busy and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your sweet comment! XO

Treeba~ Thanks for being a great friend and such a giving person. You are a source of sunshine as well to many!

LilBee~ Thanks for your comment-you are so sweet! Actually, I do sell that poster in my Etsy shop.

Erika~ So nice having you visit - thank you! Also, I will definitely stop by Miss Havisham's and read her post.

The Peak of Chic said...

Anne- We all love your blog, your paintings, and your positive attitude!

annechovie said...

Jennifer~
Thank you so much for your kindness and support, it means a great deal to me!

cotedetexas said...

Somehow you seem like the person who would always help to open a door. Your blog is always positive, never ever negative and that energy is very infectious. I hope everything is going good in your life these days!!!

JOni

annechovie said...

Thanks, Joni! You are such a sweetheart and I appreciate your support and kind comment.

Tara said...

Anne

When we were kids my Dad would always say it doesn't cost anything to be nice. It so annoyed me as a teenager! But can truer words be found? It doesn't take much to make anyone's life easier...and the benefit is to us, really!

annechovie said...

That is SO true, Tara! Thanks as always for stopping by - you are one of those people who is a real bright spot!

ALL THE BEST said...

Anne I LOVE this post!! You are so right, it's the little things that can inspire us and make us happy...how often we sometime forget.

annechovie said...

Thanks, Ronda! I need to remind myself to enjoy the little things and do the little things. You are one of those people who is always encouraging and positive - a kind soul!

Unknown said...

Hi Anne,

Yes I agree what a great post. I love seeing your studio and I would have bought the lavender stapler too. I love the colors against the white walls.... and I have to say that I absolutely love your hair! You are gorgeous! Congrats on all your recent successes...

annie

annechovie said...

Hi Annie! Hope you are well! Thanks for all your sweet words - I certainly appreciate them!

Teal Chic said...

That was so beautiful, and so true. I couldn't have said it better, well done! :)

annechovie said...

Hi Teal! Thanks for dropping by and for your kind comment! Have a super wknd.!

thelovelist said...

I love to see inspiration boards, they are suck a great peek into what makes a talented person tick. I just found you through style court and i love love love your work. i plan to do a post on it soon, i can't believe i didn't know about you until now! keep up the fabulous work and you have definitley got a spot on my blogroll

annechovie said...

Thank you so much, Jessica! I am adding you, also. Have a great weekend!

Courtney said...

One of the things I love most about your gorgeous artwork is this extra glimpse I get into who YOU are, and what the heart is behind the artist. I think blogs are fabulous for just that reason. I've always been inspired by your art, but have found myself surprisingly inspired by YOU quite often as well. Thanks Anne!

la la Lovely said...

Anne.. I couldn't agree with you more. It is the little things that can make a difference in the lives of others and you just never know what a smile or kind word might mean to someone....
And... I LOVE your little things..the lavender and pink are gorgeous!!!!!! As is the rest of your things! Thanks for sharing the inspiration and the cheery colors.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Trina xx

annechovie said...

Courtney ~
Thanks for making my day! That's the nicest thing anyone could say! You are so thoughtful. Have a wonderful weekend! ;>)

Hi Trina!
Glad you like my things - I know we have the same taste! I always love the stuff on your blog. You are right - life is made up of all the "little" things. Hope you have anoutstanding weekend also.

London Calling said...

Thank you for the moving post. It spoke to me today. Smiles,LC

annechovie said...

Thanks for taking the time to say that, LC! You made me smile!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Lovely post, I really enjoyed the peek into your happy places and at your lovely face too!

You are a dear!

blessings,
melissa

annechovie said...

Thanks, Melissa, I am glad you did! XO

 
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