Namaste Y'all

Hating Yoga was something I felt very passionately about for a long long time. I had tried to take classes in the past and I don't know if it was my past as a dancer or sub-par instructors, but I always found them to be incredibly boring. Not only that but I don't like being upside-down for long periods of time. I always got dizzy and then had to sit down. SIT DOWN IN A YOGA CLASS! I am not even out of shape, I just hate downward facing dog!

My inner hippie seemed to judge my hatred harshly. It seemed like the world is crawling with fit little yogis talking of nothing but how yoga had changed their lives. I swear, if I had a dollar for every time I have heard the sentence "Yoga changed my life." I could buy an island and sit on the beach and....you know...not do yoga. People are so emphatic about their life changing discovery of yoga that to say you hate it, is to say your hate puppies and trees and recycling. And again my inner hippie was sporting her disapproving expression and about to get preachy just as all the yogis I had pissed off by my proclamation.

I went so far as to create a necklace that states simply "I hate yoga" as a means to ward off those "yoga changed my life" conversations. To the dismay of yoga enthusiasts everywhere I have sold quite a few. It seems there is not middle ground on this subject. You hate it, or you love it and it was clear to me what side I was on and I was not alone.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/88218941/i-hate-yoga-necklace

I then turned 30 and began to realize things like, I can not actually remember when my neck did not hurt, you can only sleep funny for so many nights in a row, and the most troublesome, I can no longer turn my head in all directions with out a shooting pain radiating throughout my body. This was the moment I knew, I need to start yoga to save my poor body from itself. It was the week I had this self proclamation that I woke up and discovered I had thrown my neck out. I didn't honestly know one could do that. A back yes, but a neck....well this was a new one for me. After being unable to move for about a week, I bought a yoga mat, and begin doing yoga once, sometimes twice a day and fuck if I didn't feel better. My neck began to loosen up, I rediscovered flexibility and I just felt good. All those preachy crazy people were right all along. Damnit.

So I have been playing with different kinds of Yoga. I found I enjoy Rodney Yee DVDs and even thought for one second about doing hot yoga, but realized quickly I would sooner put needles in my eye than voluntarily put myself in a crazy hot room for an hour and a half. Cleansing or no. Not gonna do it. I bought a package of Air Yoga classes at Canton Club in lovely downtown Baltimore and just recently began taking them.

 Air Yoga, if you are not familiar, is done with the use of swing like silks that hang from the ceiling. You do your normal yoga poses but you are either holding onto them or suspended from them. Either way getting a deeper stretch. AMAZING! This is one class I did not mind in the slightest being upside-down for! 

The very best part of yoga for me is the relaxation at the end. I am not a good sleeper so I value these moment of feeling truly relaxed. I would pay for the air yoga relaxation alone. The silks are wide enough for the entire length of your body. So you pull it over your head, stick your feet in the other edge and stretch out. You are then encased in fabric suspended from the ceiling. You feel like you are in a cocoon. Once we got used to our space in the silk, our instructor Brandie, turned off the lights, guided us though a relaxation and walked around the room giving everyone a gentle push. So you lay there, swinging though the air, wrapped in fabric. It was heaven.

I am going back tonight and I just can not wait. I refuse to go so far as to say that yoga has changed my life. I am not preaching yoga to anyone. I'm just saying that I have flip flopped on an issue I once felt very strongly about. I'd make a terrible (or typical) politician. But if I can turn my head one day with out pain shooting down through my toes then the flip flop was totally worth it. I will gladly eat my words with some granola and yogi tea or what ever the hell die hards consume.




https://www.etsy.com/listing/155111439/namaste-yall-hand-stamped-yoga-loving

Go O's

For the last 10 or 15 years Camden Yards has just not been the same. Half the time the fans of the visiting team far outweigh those in orange. This lackluster attitude has been unfortunate, but it is finally turning around. We have our beloved Orioles back again and you can feel it all over Baltimore. I have been lucky enough to attend several home games and it is like being transported back to when I would go to games as a kid. There is something in the air, and it is exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. Hell I just spent $75 on new Orioles flare and I am not even sorry about it.

By the way, if you have not been to the yard lately, perhaps you have been as in the dark as I was about the new "IT" thing to eat. Stuggy's, which is right at the main gate sells hot dogs, topped with crab mac and cheese and sprinkled with old bay. You just read all of that correctly. It is amazing. Period.

 

Yeah, you want that.

 

I'm Still Here!

It has been a way to long since I have sent my voice out into the great void that is cyber space. I have been in a bit of a funk for the entire summer. Sometimes life just doesn't go how you want or expect it to. They say roll with the punches but sometimes the punches are easier to deal with than the constant bitch slaps life delivers on a daily basis. But I have decided to hit back as long as I am still in the ring and since then things have been much more chipper!!!

Not only that but the weather has been in the low 80's during the day and the mid 60's at night! MY FAVORITE. I have slept with the windows open, worn boots and scarves. I am happiest in the fall! I just want to go buy pumpkins and drink apple cider.

I have had a ton of very exciting custom orders rolling that I will be sharing with you all soon! On top of that I have an upcoming show that you all should come visit. I will be participating in the very last First Sunday Arts Festival for the season in downtown Annapolis. This will be on Sunday Ocotober7th! You can get more info here http://firstsundayarts.com/ 

I will have some new fun things to write about soon but let me just leave you with a little Baltimore Pride. The Orioles are in 1st! This is the first time this city has really experienced O's magic since Cal Ripkin still wore a number 8.

GO O'S!!!!!

 

My Heart Really Likes You

A couple weeks ago, I had not left my house for 2 days choosing to watch movies that make me cry. It had been raining off and on and I looked like I had gotten punched in face a couple times so I figured I needed to find something to do with myself. I ended up joining a couple friends to go down to ArtScape, which if you are not from Baltimore, is a huge art festival with tons of music, food, music, art cars and of course local artists.

I hadn't been down to the festival in a couple years, choosing not to fight the crazy crowds and ridiculous heat. But that day was perfect. It was in the 60's and pouring down rain so I did not have to battle with either. I threw on some boots, grabbed my umbrella and set off with my friends.

We had a great day! So often rainy days can be depressing, hence the movies I was watching, but we turned it into a perfectly cheerful day!

I am on a savings spree currently, and I have a very strict no mug buying policy, as I simply have no place to put them. But sometimes you fall in love and something by Nelle Design spoke to me. This mug has anatomical renderings of hearts on the outside and one inside. Along the top it says "I hope you stay a while because my heart really likes you". This in particular, really spoke to me but all of her work is great! Be sure you check it all out at www.nelledesign.4ormat.com , www.etsy.com/shop/nelledesign and make friends on facebook www.facebook.com/nelledesign .

It is amazing how something so simple can make you so happy!

I Got Mail

I am usually the one doing the shipping but today I got a present in the mail from my dear friend and one time college roommate, Amber. It is an infinity scarf with bits from Pride and Prejudice printed on it. I LOVE it! I put it on immediately and am not really sure when I will take it off.

It is from a talented etsy seller Storiarts by Tori Iannarino. She has a few different books to choose from. Check her store out! www.etsy.com/shop/storiarts I am a happy girl! Thanks Amber!

Hey There Sailor

On Wednesday, tall ships from all over the world began arriving to Baltimore's Inner Harbor for this weekends Star-Spangled Sailabration. The Blue Angels have been flying around downtown for days now in preparation for their shows this weekend along with tents being constructed all over that are bound to be filled with delicious and unhealthy foods. Fireworks are planned, because after all this is America. And to top it all off there are nearly 40 tall ships and navy vessels filling the Inner Harbor.

I got the best view of it all last night as I was lucky enough to take Ryleigh's Oyster Cruise aboard "Sigsbee", an Historic Skipjack built in 1906 and run by Living Classrooms (http://www.livingclassrooms.org/). The weather was perfect, time of day was beautiful and that night I seriously fell in love with Baltimore all over again. Not because of its quirks, which is usually what gets me enamored with this crazy place, but because of its beauty. Plain and Simple. This city was stunning.

When our harbor cruise ended and we docked, a girlfriend and I drove around to the other side of the city and were simply in awe of how lively it all was. The tall ships were lit up and people were out and about. Have I gone this far and not mentioned the sailors? Throngs of sailors everywhere! I personally am not a girl that goes slack jawed for sailors but I have to say it is quite a fun sight. It so reminds me of the old black and white homecoming photos of the 1950's. I do however know many a girl who cant seem to get a grip when men in those white uniforms are about. It was these ladies I had in mind when I made this necklace which is now available in my shop!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/102217188/hey-there-sailor-hand-stamped-sterling

I am sure no cities are celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner the way we are here if at all, but if you are around Baltimore this weekend, it really is something to see.


If you need more information on the Star-Spangled Sailabration go to http://www.starspangled200.com/index.php

To catch word of Ryleigh's next Oyster Cruise like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RyleighsOyster

To learn more about Living Classrooms or to donate to this fantastic organization visit http://www.livingclassrooms.org/
 As always my website is www.heavenstobessie.com but you can also see what I am up to on Facebook (Heavens to Bessie Jewelry) and on both Twitter and Instagram (@heavenstobessie)

It's So Much Fun To Be A Hon

Hon: 1) a term of endearment derived from the word honey.

2) your friendly Baltimore woman from the late 1950's to early 1960's who is devoted to Elvis, loves leopard print, and has a pink flamingo or two in her front yard. She lives with one simple motto : "The Higher the Hair the Closer to God"

She is our Grandmother, our Mother, our neighbor, the friend you run into at Giant. She is our heritage. She is Bawlmer Hon!  

Every Year in June, for one weekend, one little street in downtown Baltimore erupts into a plume of pink feather boas, leopard print spandex and cat eye glasses. Hon Fest. The 2 day celebration that pays homage to the HON and everything Baltimore. A few years ago my cousins and I started getting dressed up to go to Hon Fest just for something fun. It has now become a holiday for us and every year more and more ladies join our hon pack.

The hours leading up to the group of us caravan down to Hampden is just a haze of hairspray, jewelry, and red lipstick (no wonder the husband has never accompanied me). Nothing is "too much" no hair can be "too big" and one can of aquanet will just not do.

Once we arrive, we manage to make a stir, that thing about strength in numbers proves true. We smack our gum and blow kisses and shout some "Hey Hons" for videographers and pose for photographers, both professional and not. People have even handed us their kids wanting to take pictures of us all adoring their clearly terrified children. And of course we do it. I mean why wouldn't we?

One of my cousins and myself ready to Hon.

My annual photo with Elvis

Between the craziness, we get the opportunity to really take in the festival. Sampling the food, grabbing a beer, and visiting the awesome stores along the Avenue. For me, the best part is perusing the super fun vendors that come out for Hon Fest year after year. I always find Baltimore crafters that I recognise and adore and each year I manage to discover new ones!

Some of the beautiful hair clips by one of my favorite
Baltimore Crafters, Kolleen Kilduff of
Design By Night
Check out her shop at www.designbynight.etsy.com

After admiring their work online for so long, I finally got
to meet the lovely ladies of Charms City Company
I am obsessed with these initial necklaces. Check
them out at
www.CharmCityCompany.com  

The bright, colorful baltimore inspired works of
Ramon Matheu. See his super fun work at
www.ramonmatheu.com

Be sure you check out Hon Fest's website at http://www.honfest.net/index.html and be sure you watch the adorable movie they have posted on their pagehttp://www.honfest.net/whatis.html . If you need your reminder for Hon Fest for next year, give the facebook page a like 

               http://www.facebook.com/pages/HONFEST/127828540567469                                        

To say that going down to Hon Fest is fun is an understatement to be sure. It is truly a celebration of Baltimore. All that it was and all that it is. Get it on your calendar for next year and come down and get your Hon on!

A Day At The Races

This past weekend was a whirlwind of, horse racing, out of town visitors, too much food and new strappy Kate Spade heels. The Yettie came home on Wednesday and managed to de-yettie before his family all came in from Indiana the following day. I happily slipped into tour guide mode and by Saturday we were off to Pimlico Race track for Preakness Day. A joyous day for the drunken idiots from all over baltimore as well as the facy folk in fantastic hats.

It started raining very early this morning drawing and end to a beautiful and fun filled weekend. Now it is time for all the seriousness Monday's require. I am listening to Fun. in the studio trying desperately to keep frivolity alive!

Random Baltimore Photo

Nothing says Baltimore like Crabs and Crushes. Last night I went to Ryleigh's in Federal Hill for $2.00 crab night. Needless to say I got my Baltimore on and it was glorious.

Charm City

I saw something beautiful in Baltimore as I was headed out of town. Today I left my house, bags packed, bus ticket in hand, ready for my week long trip to New York City. It was sort of a grey day and it started drizzling a bit just as I was leaving my house. By the time I got to the bus stop it was RAINING, and if you have ever ridden Bolt bus you know it is not so much a bus stop with a shelter as it is just a corner on St. Paul Street. So I stood there, waiting for the bus, watching my bag become more and more saturated thinking to myself "great, I will be damp for the 3 and a half hour ride and then some". Right at that moment a girl came up to me and asked me of I was waiting for the bus to NYC. "Yes" I said, noticing immediately she was DRENCHED! I invited her to share my umbrella which she was very excited to do. Making small talk, I asked her if she had taken the Bolt bus before. Not only had she not, she had never been to the US before. Right as we started talking about where she was from an older gentleman got out of his car and handed this girl an umbrella and told her to keep it. As he got back into his car, she said to me "Everyone here is so nice" to which I replied "well that is not an everyday occurrence here". She told me that that sort of thing had happened a lot over the past week. Needless to say I was a little surprised but I was super proud of my city in that moment. Baltimore truly lived up to its Charm City name, at least to this girl. 


This proved very well just how much small kindnesses mean to people! On a rainy crap day like today it would have been so easy to be grumpy and this girl was just so happy. It rubbed off on me with out a doubt. It's going to be a great week rain or shine!

Bazaart Fun!

This blog is a bit longer than usual but think of it, not as a blog, but as a helpful guide to finishing your holiday shopping!

This past weekend the American Visionary Art Museum held their annual Bazaart Holiday Marketplace and my friend and fellow Etsian Melinda Byrd ( www.etsy.com/shop/Byrdcall )was one of the vendors. When she asked if I could give her a hand I was all in. Not only would I be spending the day with Melinda but I would get to see the show I had heard so much about but never had been to before. I arrived early. Earlier than a lot of the vendors so I had the opportunity to peruse a little bit and chat with a couple of the artists as they started filtering in. I fell in love over and over again that morning with the many amazing things the 50 some vendors created.


One of the first artists I had the opportunity to chat with was a woman named Patti Backer (www.etsy.com/shop/PattiBacker). Her work is awesome! It  became clear to me in that moment how wrong I was to start my holiday shopping early because I saw several of her pieces that I could have purchased for more than one person on my shopping list. On the back of her post card that I picked up it says simply, "whimsical art" and I can't think of a better word to describe her work. From owls to octopus Ms. Backer has covered it all but in her work its like these animals are in their own little dream worlds. One bird has little white teeth and long almost human like legs, the octopus is floating above a bird nest filled with eggs and a rabbit sits with a tiny owl on its head while carrots with wings fly by at night. But almost all of the animals have these very human like eyes, which makes you connect with them I think. Just do yourself a favor and go visit her shop!


Greenstar Studio's booth, which will be relaunching as MIGHT in January 2012 (www.mightMIGHT.etsy.com), looked as warm and colorful as always! Danamarie Hosler is the artist behind these colorful, fun pieces. I had the pleasure of meeting Danamarie briefly at the Columbia Arts Festival this past summer and she is so sweet. Just like her work. She makes the most huggable little plush creatures and coloring books for kids (OK yes, I want them for myself) along with things like bobby pins, coffee collars and prints. I made a purchase for a friends child but I purchased one of the prints for myself. I love it! If you still have some shopping to do for a child or a big child give her store a visit for sure!


Art Head Studio creates amazing figurative sculptures from vintage tins and cans as well as other salvaged items. Each one has it's own personality, and being a person who gives emotions to inanimate objects, this was easy for me to spot!  They are super awesome and I can't wait to have one in my home. Visit www.artheadstudio.com or www.artheadstudio.etsy.com to check them out for yourself. Her work is really special!


Diane Koss who makes a whole collection of monsters. Plush cupcake monsters, monsters on mugs, onesies and t-shirts. But my favorite thing was her monster hoodies. Cutest thing ever! See and shop her work at www.dkoss2.etsy.com


Fuzzy Mug!! Graphic designer Brooke Behnken has created so many items with beautiful items of beloved fuzzy faces. Digital images are printed onto shirts, towels, note cards and notebooks among other things in bright beautiful solid colors. My favorite item of Fuzzy Mug's is the doggie calling cards. Check out this great store! Fuzzy Mug does custom work too so you pet owners out there, keep that in mind! www.etsy.com/shop/FuzzyMug


The Littlest Bean was there with super fun colorful items. Jen Menkhaus is the artist behind The Littlest Bean. She works mainly in felt and yarn. I love, love, love her barrettes and headbands but she has so much more than that. Wreathes, necklaces, business card holders and pin cushions! She has something for anyone who loves color! Check her out at www.etsy.com/shop/jenmenkhaus


All in all Bazaart was an incredible event. It was super busy from the time the show opened at 10am to 2 or 3 pm. The vendors were amazing but the shoppers were crazy cool. They were so much fun and so eager to hear about the artists' processes and to SHOP! I can say, a lot of folks out there will be getting some great hand crafted items this Christmas. There was an over all energy to this show, unlike any show I have been to. I have my fingers, toes, legs....everything crossed that next year I will be participating as a vendor.


I wish I could write about each and every talented vendor here but there were simply too many. But please, do yourself a favor and visit these stores' links. Especially if you didn't make it out for this crazy event. If you are still working on your holiday shopping, try keeping it local. I am sure I can speak on behalf of all the artists mentioned above when I saw we all appreciate it!


Now you've got my two cents on Bazaart, but read on for a brief interview I did with Melinda Byrd of Byrdcall Studio www.etsy.com/shop/Byrdcall to hear the perspective of one of is outstanding vendors!