Deer Mountain Wood Art

So much has been going on and I've been quite remiss in not keeping my poor blog up-to-date! But I'll give it a try to update ya'll on what's up here at Deer Mountain the best I can :0)

First of all, I've been working on this huge Elk (designed by Kathy Wise) for the Elk Foundation Dinner and Auction the 16th and that's kept me pretty busy! I'm really excited to get to donate such an item to the Elk Foundation as they are a great organization that helps preserve health and habitat for the elk and other wildlife. The elk are so beautiful and I feel the impact that we have on them with our ever increasing encroachment on their feeding and breeding grounds! If you're in the area contact

Mid-Arkansas Valley Big Game Banquet Erik Brekke 719-275-9401

08/16/08

for details and tickets!

I've also been trying out new items on Etsy to see if I can get business to pick up - doesn't seem to be happening which has me in the doldrums a bit since this is the only income I can provide for my boys.
My oldest told me a few days ago, "Mom, you make beautiful things. I really love what you do, but you're going to have to give it up and call it a 'hobby' because you'll never make anything doing this!" That was a real downer!
Maybe he's right, but it's hard to just "give it up" to a hobby status because being totally disabled doesn't give you much options and I love what I do soooo much! But, love and passion do not pay bills!! :0(
Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing, and then I get an email like this one; "Don't think Ron or I ever gave you feedback on the intarsia birthday/ Christmas gift - Diane was moved to tears. Seeing her favorite Schnauzer so beautifully re-created was moving for her and we were so thrilled that we were able to give her something she does not have - always a challenge...." and I think 'yeah, I'm doing the right thing for my life'.
It just feels strange to try to be in a place like Etsy where it's predominately college-aged people who create an entirely different style of 'art' than I. It's always been very clear that I don't quite fit in and that my work isn't totally valued there as it is in person. I'm in a quandary as to what to do with the online storefront...

Anyway, on a happier note - my DH and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary and will be attending a concert with Sammy Kershaw in Cripple Creek on the 17th - I've never been to any concert(I had a ticket to see Journey in Contra Costa when I was 20, but didn't get to go) and this is going to be so much fun! I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with Roger - he's been trying so hard to make up for what I'm not taking in and it's really telling on him that this has been a difficult year to say the least! He deserves so much, but he gets me - yay! lol

So I will close for now - consider yourself truly updated; at least until tomorrow!! :0)

Thanks for "stopping by the shop!"
Freida