Patti Edmon Artist

Thanks to Lani for sharing this amazing take on the muse, the daemon that visited ancient Greeks on their quested for creative enlightenment. Or not. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, One Woman's Search for Everything... across Italy, India and Indonesia , examines her skyrocket journey to unexpected publishing success - over 5 million copies in print, NYT best seller list, etc. etc. and whether or not that is a good thing, a frightening thing or just frightening.  That most of us have a smidge of fear, whether of failure or success is a given; but on her site (click on the book/link) the 10 most asked questions of the award-winning fiction writer mention of fear only in the context of traveling alone safely and then, returning to the daily grind after such an amazing journey. People want to know where she found the pizza in Italy and how they might meet the healer, the medicine man, find the Ashram. Nothing about whether her heart clenches as she tightens up the final...

I've enjoyed chatting with friends who were kind enough to share their true Valentine's Day sentiments - the hoopla, extravaganza - romantic and thrilling,  for some. Me? I stood at the door, waving. My daughter and her buds helped chaperone a ballet babysitting fundraiser/party; my husband took my son to a concert deemed by the music critic as ideal for those inclined to wear their heart - and/or spleen on their valentine sleeve, music befitting the original ancient Roman Lupercalia festival, a raucous affair involving goat-skin whips and fertility chants. Ahem. I ate red licorice and watched Sweet Home Alabama. Again. I love when Reese Witherspoon decks Candice Bergen. Anyway, about 30 minutes in, unable to prop open my eyes, I went to bed with a good book and promptly fell asleep. But I was honored!  I felt loved! My daughter made a poster-sized card wishing me a Happy Day and my son made me a Rice Krispie... treat. (I tinted it pink for visibility of the detail). Did he use...

Certainly not like I do... by receiving not one, but three blog awards!!, all in the month of December and then not acknowledging a single one. I think that instead of posting them and writing things about myself, I'll mention the lovely artists who were kind enough to bestow them and provide links to their sites. That way you can explore the art and wisdom and warmth and devotion that these women share regularly. Denise at Couture de' Papier awarded me a Butterfly Award, for having a cool blog. Check out her yummy, delightful creations. Earlier in the month, she posted one of my favorites, about the need for making Christmas real by sharing ourselves and using a fraction of the billions of dollars spent on gifts to help the many who are going to die from lack of clean drinking water. Lani, Leader of the 14 Secrets of a Happy Artist, a group I'm fortunate enough to belong to, an art therapist and extraordinary mixed media artist. When you visit  Lani's blog , you'l...