tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63942403226541388962024-03-19T16:00:38.225-04:00AYDesignWelcome to the AYDesign Blog on current AYDesign events, new artworks, and general musings. AYDesign is a purveyor of original visual art created by Cincinnati native, and contemporary abstract artist Amy Yosmali. Amy Yosmali's studio and gallery are located in Cincinnati (St Bernard) OHThe studio is open to the public monthly every third Friday or by appointment. Please visit www.aydzn.com for more information.AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-64215864611115403472018-07-10T07:45:00.000-04:002018-07-10T08:24:52.567-04:00Fireflies, castles, cheese coneys oh my!After a wonderful evening at the Blink Artist Showcase
reception, I returned the next morning to the <a href="https://adcfineart.com/pages/about" target="_blank">Art Design Consultant (ADC)</a>
gallery for a brunch that was held for just the Artists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The brunch looked and smelled lovely
(unfortunately I couldn’t eat anything, I rarely do at events/venues away from
home due to my food allergies), the weather was gorgeous outside, and the view
from the windows was fabulous.<br />
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The brunch was an excellent opportunity for us as artists to
get to know and talk with the staff at ADC, and that was nice as more often than
not, unless you’re a local artists you primarily work with them over the phone –
and it’s always great to put a name to the face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s also an opportunity for the artists to get to know one
another alongside of their works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
always an advocate for artists getting to know each other, but I’ll save that
for another post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I want to talk
about fireflies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I’m at the ADC gallery, everyone is having a lovely time,
and I decided I needed to give my poor flat feet a rest, and sat down in a
chair next to a lady in a beautiful red dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had to compliment her on the dress, it was such a flattering color on
her, and next thing we knew were having a lovely conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her husband (who was an artist in the
exhibit) had traveled from Colorado and were having a lovely time on their
visit, but she had one goal that she wanted to accomplish on her visit to
Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to see a firefly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was intrigued as to why and was immediately
thinking of ways to help her get that mission accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were having a lovely time on their visit
to Cincinnati, they walked along the banks, had popped in on one of the
festivals going on, and like most visitors to the city had been told they must
eat at Skyline. It was during our conversation that I learned about her
personal mission, <a href="https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/fireflies-12-things-you-didnt-know-about-lightning-bugs" target="_blank">fireflies</a>, the flashing kind that we all know and love here
in the Midwest simply don’t exist out west, and she, having hailed from
Loveland, Colorado had never seen one and was determined to see one before she
left Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(record scratch)</i> YOUR FROM LOVELAND
COLORADO!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her husband were from Loveland,
CO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That immediately caught my attention
because I grew up in Loveland, Ohio a suburb of Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was destiny, I HAD to help her out!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://cincinnatiusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/loveland-castle" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="770" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAdrIwyRrad1a72Qq8pmwntTJ_qq9QQ-CPLJroYqWDesXX7Z4ZKf3Q3S9SWHKHMUhLa9GV55A5VXwolva6PDSoPUugOFS1-fc2NFheac5G8j4YEyQ9Rt2Et67bOURwkkhCDTYyHLHM3oJ/s200/LovelandCastle_photofromcincinnatiusawebsite062618.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cincinnatiusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/loveland-castle" target="_blank">Photo from cincinnatiusa.com</a></td></tr>
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I told her that she can’t come all the way out from Loveland,
CO and NOT visit Loveland, OH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Especially since Loveland Ohio has a castle, <a href="http://www.lovelandcastle.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Laroche</a>, something truly unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be so close
to Loveland, OH and not visit would be a shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was however in luck, she had meet me, and I immediately knew how she
could check off a few items on her list, most importantly fireflies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I immediately took out my cell phone, looked up and texted
her the links to where they needed to go and in what order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First stop, Loveland Castle, they would be
closing at 5pm and it was the furthest away, if they got out there by 3 or 4
they would have plenty of time to explore the site and afterwards they could go
to old historic Loveland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I gave
them the address to the Skyline Chili on Loveland Maderia Rd., and told them
that they should go there after exploring the castle and the City of Loveland,
as it would likely be approaching dinner time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last, I gave them the address to Lake Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This park would be the perfect place to see
<a href="https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/fireflies-12-things-you-didnt-know-about-lightning-bugs" target="_blank">fireflies</a>, located in Loveland, shady, next to the river, and open past dusk (because they do night
fishing at the lake). And near the expressway, so they could easily point their
car back to Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her to
text me and let me know if she ended up seeing a firefly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We continued our conversation for awhile more, and
then broke away to mingle and meet others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a pleasant morning, and I truly enjoyed getting to meet so many
talented individuals. I had a wonderful time and am thankful and appreciative
of our host ADC for having put the brunch together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYVWwFplkYdENPazvIeDC57zwQSOKRp94sq_TasSrXGnqEjDO5v5WNmkajYFfcNM8NBQM7m3n7hf3J6AdxPk2WbJkziZVLpDYWRiR9bu5vopJ3TjQnImlED9-IhhPojJX4nhd6i3di4dV/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1085" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYVWwFplkYdENPazvIeDC57zwQSOKRp94sq_TasSrXGnqEjDO5v5WNmkajYFfcNM8NBQM7m3n7hf3J6AdxPk2WbJkziZVLpDYWRiR9bu5vopJ3TjQnImlED9-IhhPojJX4nhd6i3di4dV/s320/IMG_2592.JPG" width="217" /></a></div>
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But the best moment of the day came hours later when I received
a text….. from the lady in the red dress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her mission had been accomplished – she got to see fire flies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better yet, they had on my suggestion made
the trip out to Loveland Castle, ate at the skyline, relaxed on the dock at
Lake Isabella and saw fireflies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I smiled so hard when I read that text I’m pretty sure my
eyes got a little watery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-75554463163557664702018-07-05T08:22:00.001-04:002018-07-05T08:31:24.916-04:00Blink!<a href="https://aydzn.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-different-kind-of-busy.html">May was a chaotic blur</a>, and June had finally arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was </span>June 8<sup>th</sup> and I was anxiously
looking forward to a kid free night with my husband and attending the opening
reception for the “Blink Artist Showcase”.<br />
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Despite May having been for the most part bitter cold (I’m
pretty sure I saw snow while at my son’s baseball game only a few weeks before)
mother nature had decided to turn on the heat, in full blast in Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for me I had a comfortable, weather
appropriate outfit, and a fabulous pair of Dansko dress shoes to keep my freshly
pedicured feet comfy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The City of Cincinnati looked lovely on our short drive to downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think one of the prettiest views is when
you approach the city going south on Reading Road, between 5pm and dusk on a beautiful
sunny day… the city just glows and has this warmth to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we arrived my dashing husband escorted me inside the building
where we were greeted by the friendly staff of <a href="https://adcfineart.com/pages/about" target="_blank">Art Design Consultants (ADC)</a> at
the check-in table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After checking in we
rode the elevator up to the 5<sup>th</sup> floor and walked into the gallery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14UvJgslJLEPeEOmvUtVy07e_KZHLhjsOZj2Zmhyphenhyphent-SXnNlHxxLv8x7HYCwk1aFQAg1Cbm6EVy3XmsYLma_O8pnBfS7M-qdZsNQt0h5KgR22WWwoKa-5yvLUFLHMa0TDP-Rr-ZzMEl7TE/s1600/PinkChampagneBlinkExhibitOpening_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14UvJgslJLEPeEOmvUtVy07e_KZHLhjsOZj2Zmhyphenhyphent-SXnNlHxxLv8x7HYCwk1aFQAg1Cbm6EVy3XmsYLma_O8pnBfS7M-qdZsNQt0h5KgR22WWwoKa-5yvLUFLHMa0TDP-Rr-ZzMEl7TE/s320/PinkChampagneBlinkExhibitOpening_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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“Pink Champagne” (the large yellow and pink work) <br />
at the Blink Artist Showcase Exhibit Opening Reception.</td></tr>
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If you haven’t been to a reception at ADC, you need to go
sometime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful art, wine, lite
bites, and most importantly friendly, knowledgeable staff and inviting atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and great views of the city (which one
can easily miss, because you will be too busy looking at the art to remember
there are windows to look out of!). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to say that I really enjoy my job as an artist, as it
allows for me to have the opportunity to meet incredible people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do I get to meet other artists at
events like this, I meet art collectors and enthusiasts and learn more about
them and what connects them to art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
makes for an enjoyable time and this reception did not disappoint as it was
well attended with art enthusiasts and artists from around the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more about that in my next post…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-81374247488486260352018-06-26T16:13:00.000-04:002018-07-05T08:24:52.035-04:00A different kind of busy.One would think that with summer in full swing that things
would be slow. Quite the contrary,
things have been exceptionally busy.<br />
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First and foremost, I’m a mom to an amazing soon-to-be 8yr
old and 6.5 yr old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love them tremendously
and try to spend as much time with them while I can (and while they still want
to!). I am also a sole proprietor and have a brick-and-mortar
gallery/studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What that means is not
only do I have the full mommy workload, but I also am a one man show when it comes
to my business – I’m not only the artist, I’m the marketing, IT, sales, maintenance
and accounting departments all wrapped up into one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there are my philanthropic commitments… Sometimes
my life can be a bit crazy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I chose to take 2018 off in terms of outdoor shows, they make
for long, brutal days away from my kids, and instead decided to turn my focus
in new and different directions in terms of promoting and showing my work, and
hopefully reaching a wider, national audience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIYUKHhrSqtM0CN1UMxYhdhba1lcvZ5AxPW4f6xHPy8zFuzzWxJCCqYSKDg__gMSd9OEg6pFsWXQW2O3R3cMXLQBvnqYrQgXwTRxQbk2k9rJes4DoFacAIZDDyKbovtYQH9_EfjzRgwTg/s1600/BlinkCover_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIYUKHhrSqtM0CN1UMxYhdhba1lcvZ5AxPW4f6xHPy8zFuzzWxJCCqYSKDg__gMSd9OEg6pFsWXQW2O3R3cMXLQBvnqYrQgXwTRxQbk2k9rJes4DoFacAIZDDyKbovtYQH9_EfjzRgwTg/s200/BlinkCover_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
One of the things I decided to do was participate in the Art Design Consultants (ADC) <a href="https://blink.adcfineart.com/collections/amy-yosmali" target="_blank">Blink 2018 print publication and online resource</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ADC, located in Cincinnati, OH is a reputable gallery with clients across the nation. </span>The publication
in which my works are featured is now out, and it looks great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a copy at the gallery – so be sure to
check it out during your next visit!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDu3Q-bAeU7EFMJaVEQi5D-ZjL2lMROqDnH7ICnWXqfCTtLOvRdFPnPRIC3H8t-YPY_c-JzK296PugI-bcgq3jwHPvgfRAIl1GRn8hRHqQyJ29oz-NpOjkSLz2zDmi5hihpxYL8yTvTS3/s1600/BlinkOpenPage2AYDesign_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDu3Q-bAeU7EFMJaVEQi5D-ZjL2lMROqDnH7ICnWXqfCTtLOvRdFPnPRIC3H8t-YPY_c-JzK296PugI-bcgq3jwHPvgfRAIl1GRn8hRHqQyJ29oz-NpOjkSLz2zDmi5hihpxYL8yTvTS3/s200/BlinkOpenPage2AYDesign_CPRAmyYosmaliARR2018.jpg" width="150" /></a>Being a “Blink” artist, I was invited to submit a work for
their “Blink Artist Showcase”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
just finished “Pink Champagne” literally, the paint was still wet when I
submitted my initial images that I had snapped with my iPhone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my talented friend and amazing photographer,
Gary Kessler (Gary Kessler Photography) professionally image the work along
with several new works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When ADC said
they would accept “Pink Champagne” I was thrilled… as I am biased and happen to think it’s gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t read the story behind the
painting, you need to check out my blog post “Pink Champagne” <a href="https://aydzn.blogspot.com/2018/04/pink-champagne.html">https://aydzn.blogspot.com/2018/04/pink-champagne.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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As most parents of young children know – May is an insane month,
the only other month that is equally as crazy… August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say I was looking forward to the opening reception
for the “Blink Artist Showcase” in June would be an understatement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in need of a well deserved night away
from the kids (even though I would still be “working”) and dying of curiosity
as to where my piece was located and partnered up with in the gallery……<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
but you will just have to wait for my <a href="https://aydzn.blogspot.com/2018/07/blink.html">next post</a> to learn more about that!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-43584568549623392902018-04-24T17:34:00.000-04:002018-04-24T17:35:14.958-04:00Pink Champagne<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-Y4N89fS9qEP2OgvQsG9ZOWFdPsMI3npMKsQYxbcbtmQMg4gvuQZmJ6xsEwNqXxBw1XLM0BXGRoZOpbQH9YfzFh-F_zK9h0LrIapsRzPy3qIuGYagoWXSDOeEwR73rmwkhh4tEEiWrBk/s1600/PinkChampagne_CloseUp_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-Y4N89fS9qEP2OgvQsG9ZOWFdPsMI3npMKsQYxbcbtmQMg4gvuQZmJ6xsEwNqXxBw1XLM0BXGRoZOpbQH9YfzFh-F_zK9h0LrIapsRzPy3qIuGYagoWXSDOeEwR73rmwkhh4tEEiWrBk/s320/PinkChampagne_CloseUp_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pink Champagne" Original Artwork by Amy Yosmali</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Do you ever wake up and think to yourself, this is going to
be a great day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing to stress over,
no appointments, meetings, or potential for unexpected time sucks to pop up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a good start to the day to a low-key day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was one of those days, the only thing
that could make it any better would have been if the sun had managed to come
out from behind the clouds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love when the day starts off just right, coincidently on a
day that I had blocked off as “paint time” at the studio. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I had even got out of bed, I knew that
I wanted to paint a large canvas painting today, and that the colors speaking
to me were pink, yellow, and green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Miraculously,
my young children somehow managed to get dressed and out the door for school
without the need for me to go into “mommy drill sergeant” mode, amazing – I know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, having managed to keep my great mood in
tact I got myself out the door and straight to the studio before anything else
could come up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it was time to prep for doing the large
painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I like to paint flat, and usually work on a large
workbench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with large canvases, I
will lay down drop cloths on the floor of my gallery and work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work all in one painting session, so I need
to have everything laid out and easily accessible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I start painting, the clock starts
ticking, and I’ve got to work fast enough to complete the work in the time that
I have allotted for that session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
working I’m constantly moving all around the paintings, reaching, bending, stretching
along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes for a very, very
long but rewarding day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFpdJF_4fUcKOEYwdS_0DQGIeJHv1iyQReQq3eHW0wRehy0R-IpXyWYlmK7oOzQNc-Wzs_S0YVOYzvSPUYgkeCh4DZO617h4RlI0Tdp5t_5gi8oU9TMxMmtNXEEEplVBfgFpzMUjo7A1H/s1600/PinkChampagne_InProgress_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFpdJF_4fUcKOEYwdS_0DQGIeJHv1iyQReQq3eHW0wRehy0R-IpXyWYlmK7oOzQNc-Wzs_S0YVOYzvSPUYgkeCh4DZO617h4RlI0Tdp5t_5gi8oU9TMxMmtNXEEEplVBfgFpzMUjo7A1H/s200/PinkChampagne_InProgress_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pink Champagne" in progress,<br />
Artwork by Amy Yosmali</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today, like all the others in which I complete a large
canvas painting, I take a few minutes to focus and cue up a song (or sometimes
songs) that I will listen to repeatedly to help amplify and sustain the mood
that I am in while painting, since I paint emotionaly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
great day, but nothing that I normally listen to was speaking to my emotions,
so I decided to switch over to my Pandora station and see if it offered anything that
would catch my ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pandora did not disappoint,
and sure enough it offered up the song <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/pink-champagne/1231839429?i=1231839915&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">“Pink Champagne” by Venus Hum </a>which seemed to be a perfect
fit for me in that moment and my color palate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I really like the funky, happy vibe of the song.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To me it feels as though time is suspended yet at the same
time it flies while I’m painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
next thing I know the painting has come together and is completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often I don’t take pictures or video
of the works in progress, as I either forget, or don’t want to break from being
in my “zone” so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today I
did manage to get a couple of in progress shots that I hope you will enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was a wonderfully fun piece to create and I hope that
you will love it as much as I do!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX-TyDk_HZCLNYUzQfE6pY6AuYALYE1_iACRNoGmNeBwNLQtPnS3bkZO5r-bE_PzyGGbhEfUkGS5AiynNZ3jxna93_ssRpRyMDP0fNjRb8KPfDNqW_h-WGhHqVWNCx4MRDH1E8hJmcemE/s1600/PinkChampagne_SnapShot_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX-TyDk_HZCLNYUzQfE6pY6AuYALYE1_iACRNoGmNeBwNLQtPnS3bkZO5r-bE_PzyGGbhEfUkGS5AiynNZ3jxna93_ssRpRyMDP0fNjRb8KPfDNqW_h-WGhHqVWNCx4MRDH1E8hJmcemE/s320/PinkChampagne_SnapShot_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pink Champagne" Original Artwork by Amy Yosmali</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>“Pink Champagne”</b></div>
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<b><i>Original Art by Amy Yosmali</i></b></div>
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48”x48”x1.5” </div>
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acrylic on canvas (gallery
wrap) </div>
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Retail: $4645<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><a href="https://aydzn.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html" target="_blank">Contact Us to Purchase</a></i></div>
<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-36214297512354779302018-04-16T17:52:00.000-04:002018-04-16T18:13:25.054-04:00Sunshine, Snow, and Inspiration!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8r2DsJl5TOg5Ny0B-aBqPZ5o8pbUhceAHKpJJsIvkNaSxjx8J7GYpv3Jh0pSRmKJ9qgDUmNLQiFCyCCOhrmQ0HrceqrjXqxuAuWChFoRKlP9F8FYTOCjy-vaB4JriZfLw_BcRjbVJ2IS/s1600/SnowInAprilAYDZN_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8r2DsJl5TOg5Ny0B-aBqPZ5o8pbUhceAHKpJJsIvkNaSxjx8J7GYpv3Jh0pSRmKJ9qgDUmNLQiFCyCCOhrmQ0HrceqrjXqxuAuWChFoRKlP9F8FYTOCjy-vaB4JriZfLw_BcRjbVJ2IS/s200/SnowInAprilAYDZN_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="150" /></a>A slow start to Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The good news – I managed to get to the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad news, I missed my water aerobics
class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, I at least got to the gym
that was a challenge considering that its cold and snowing here in Cincinnati
in the middle of April – it was extremely difficult to fight off the urge to
stay in bed and hibernate this morning! Apparently Mother Nature is a hot mess like I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fight it off I did, and I’ve been spending my time getting
ready for this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have somehow managed to double book myself for this Friday, as I have both an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/155559338576394/" target="_blank">Open Gallery Night</a>, and will be participating as an art vendor at <a href="http://www.aultparkac.org/event/spring-wine-tasting-2/?event_date=2018-04-20" target="_blank">Ault Vines Fine Wines fundraising event at Ault park</a>. Luckily for me, my husband
Tim will be taking over my duties at the Gallery and showing everyone my works
as well as my talented friend <a href="https://www.kesslerphotography.com/" target="_blank">Gary Kessler’s photography</a> while I will be at
Ault Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWmixsuTu2AyowVxJLuxGE4CJT7iTk3fE9y1CwczD_G5OmOYM3orJTDuHlqoYtf21BgLAuFYobUBGxfB3B3ZzD72LzgcJo1hJ6Mmk6OArykXy_DvCbvLq8-IF06ZIOfOecTsw0YsyLxds/s1600/NewWorks041318_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWmixsuTu2AyowVxJLuxGE4CJT7iTk3fE9y1CwczD_G5OmOYM3orJTDuHlqoYtf21BgLAuFYobUBGxfB3B3ZzD72LzgcJo1hJ6Mmk6OArykXy_DvCbvLq8-IF06ZIOfOecTsw0YsyLxds/s200/NewWorks041318_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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While at the gallery today, I was prepping some new works I
created last week to bring with me to the Ault Park event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment I don’t have titles for any of
them (I’m always open to suggestions). The three smaller works are 3”x3” in
size, are mounted in a 5”x5” mat (which will fit a 5”x5” frame).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The larger work is 9”x11” in size, mounted in
a 16x20 mat (which will fit a standard readymade 16x20 frame).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pallet I used consisted of Prussian Blue,
Kings Blue, Gold Ochre, Silver, Warm Grey, Burnt Sienna, Rose Quinacridone, Venetian
Rose and Turquoise Green, and iridescent white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://aydzn.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html" target="_blank">Contact me</a></span> if you are interested in purchasing (or come see them
in person at <a href="http://www.aultparkac.org/event/spring-wine-tasting-2/?event_date=2018-04-20" target="_blank">Ault Vines</a> this Friday!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UeiBTDuh_K7KqBAt4vAAbaJfUBlArOR6mgbhXeOiaysNxYTZEFethPdMG87UeTsLTFB0lkOoLSDd00la-6Y97jIK-PEyJfeOurVxrykfnVRdG9TlCcRigdU2qExtpbSehJrPPW3LkPS2/s1600/NewWorkA041318_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UeiBTDuh_K7KqBAt4vAAbaJfUBlArOR6mgbhXeOiaysNxYTZEFethPdMG87UeTsLTFB0lkOoLSDd00la-6Y97jIK-PEyJfeOurVxrykfnVRdG9TlCcRigdU2qExtpbSehJrPPW3LkPS2/s320/NewWorkA041318_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a>I paint very emotionally, and last week I was in a very unusual
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just resigned from an
organization I had been part of for just shy of 6yrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very difficult thing to do as I have
several good friends in the group and I really enjoyed seeing them at our
meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one hand, I was sad for the
loss of seeing my friends, but on the other, I was relieved, and strangely
looking forward to exploring new options with my time and interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather in the latter half of last week
was also beautiful, and I found the time I spent with my kids at the park after
school and during their sports practices to be greatly rewarding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I paint, I almost always paint while listening to
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a great Pandora station
that I created in 2012 called “Amy’sSpring2012Creativity” that somehow always
serves up tunes that perfectly fit my emotions – like a jukebox with ESP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get asked all the time if music inspires me
– it most certainly does considering that many, many, many moons ago I was a Music
Ed Major in College and am a college level musician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s because of my love for music that I paint
– and I paint like a musician performs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
one day I will share more about that journey from musician to painter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then I’ve listed below a few of the ecclectic mix of songs
that Pandora kindly served up while I was painting that I emotionally connected
to while painting last week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/perfect-situation/1136791383?i=1136792325&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Perfect Situation - Weezer</a></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/sweet-disposition/334253590?i=334253637&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-scientist/1122775993?i=1122776155&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">The Scientist – Cold Play</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-born/992088658?i=992088659&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">New Born – Muse</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/everlong/334450811?i=334450910&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Everlong – Foo Fighters</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-the-waiting-line/2582275?i=2582215&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">In the Waiting Line – Zero 7</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/embarcadero/304783942?i=304783959&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Embarcadero – Paul Desmond</a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/desafinado/879241444?i=879241446&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Desafinado – Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/o-grande-amor/485540980?i=485540988&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">O Grande Amor – Stan Getz</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/wonderful-copenhagen/192667954?i=192668917&mt=1&app=music&at=1001lL2q" target="_blank">Wonderful Copenhagen – Dave Brubeck</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve shared with you my inspirations – feel free to share in
the comments below the music or colors that inspire you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-13042525488262579202018-04-06T12:52:00.000-04:002018-04-06T12:52:25.382-04:00My DIY Reusable Custom Planner & Organizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRg6T7Gq7SYnIfkvVh9UETeUO-igwJFXkfLLBQB7Yn5DbzUffqUvZyY4x0RKNg8bNMpsZrX6JAOnWc69wHWqdCFCDCs6rAfp8Mx4jypWFixYJm2zNrw1kvszsWfYSgNvdjeK3LOPr8Gxf/s1600/RBPINTRSTdwm_CPRAYDESIGN2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRg6T7Gq7SYnIfkvVh9UETeUO-igwJFXkfLLBQB7Yn5DbzUffqUvZyY4x0RKNg8bNMpsZrX6JAOnWc69wHWqdCFCDCs6rAfp8Mx4jypWFixYJm2zNrw1kvszsWfYSgNvdjeK3LOPr8Gxf/s320/RBPINTRSTdwm_CPRAYDESIGN2018.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Things have been busy lately, and as I’m sure many of you can relate, it can be difficult at times in terms of time management. I have always been one to write “lists” to keep myself organized. Often, I would grab any piece of paper I could find, lose or in a notebook and scribble down my list of things “To Do” for that day. I’m surrounded by notebooks full of my lists, or the backs of envelopes with lists written on them tucked away in my purse.<br />
<br />
As a business owner, who is engaged in the community, and a mother of 2 kids, I need more than a list, I need to plan and be organized. I have over the years used many different sorts of “planners”. Often, I find that there are components that I like and use, but that entire sections go unused as they don’t fit my purposes. It’s not just time management I need to focus on, but projects that I am working on for my business, personal/family and community.<br />
<br />
This past year I did find three great planners that I really enjoyed. <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B013KSVI54" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="7ad5405e473a6072357ca6500fba0bf0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="rituals for living dreambook and planner" href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreambook-Planner-Life-Journal-2018-Version-Dragontree/dp/B013KSVI54/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=7ad5405e473a6072357ca6500fba0bf0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6410851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rituals for Living Dreambook and Planner by The Dragon Tree</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6410851" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=7ad5405e473a6072357ca6500fba0bf0&_cb=1523029776984" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, and the <a href="http://www.productiveflourishing.com/products/" target="_blank">Productive Flourishing Momentum Planner by Productive Flourishing</a>. What I liked most was that they help to define and direct focus on long term goals (12 mos) and breaking them down into quarterly objectives, and then into reasonable actions in months and weeks. The Dreambook is ideal for creatives, and really encourages you to think in terms of not just work but life as well. The Productive Flourishing Momentum Planner is excellent from a business and time management prospective. I also found several aspects of the SELF Journal by BestSelf Co to be very beneficial in terms of project management, especially in breaking down project goals.<br />
<br />
I decided in the last half of the year that I liked many aspects from all three planners, as well as some from others I have used over the years, and bought a 3 ring binder and cobbled together a “planner” consisting of the pages I chose to use from the Dreambook, SEFL Journal, and Momentum Planners, and a page or two from other sources. All of the sources were available as digital downloads, so I was able to print off the pages I needed and cobbled together what I referred to as my “Frankenstein Planner”. It worked, and I was productive and organized. It was particularly helpful in a time when I was unusually busy with unexpected obligations that I somehow got sucked into. But there were several “cons”. Namely it was bulky, it used a LOT of paper and ink (the same “blank sheets/templates” being printed off over and over), and it was a pain to remember to print more pages off every month. After several months the inconveniences become too much and once again I abandoned yet another “planner”.<br />
<br />
It infuriated me that I had come so close, I did really like what I had cobbled together. But I needed something that would be more efficient. My first thought was to find an app for my iPhone. Unfortunately, I didn’t find one that fit my needs. Then I remembered having come across some time back a “smart notebook” that acted much like a dry erase board, but in a spiral notebook form!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL8yaCgpXIQ_nLzkbU7II21jM5RZuVniaIgfANKoX_CM3PolD2DVVLI7GifhOp9wOgOpXw_WoV8iIWwEMhLcmUCR-kHREOsen-Ts4rQaNidw5mkRahUI2bkObpCNEkxQYFy46hGP3rLy5/s1600/RBPLNR1_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL8yaCgpXIQ_nLzkbU7II21jM5RZuVniaIgfANKoX_CM3PolD2DVVLI7GifhOp9wOgOpXw_WoV8iIWwEMhLcmUCR-kHREOsen-Ts4rQaNidw5mkRahUI2bkObpCNEkxQYFy46hGP3rLy5/s320/RBPLNR1_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Enter the <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B06ZXWVZ3X" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="404631c246b6b44df351eddecab713df" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Everlast executive notebook by Rocketbook" href="http://www.amazon.com/Rocketbook-Everlast-Reusable-Notebook-Executive/dp/B06ZXWVZ3X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=404631c246b6b44df351eddecab713df&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3589165" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Everlast” executive notebook by Rocketbook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3589165" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=404631c246b6b44df351eddecab713df&_cb=1523029999448" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />.<br />
<br />
The notebook is pretty cool, it is spiral bound – so it is easy to open flat or fold over pages. You can only use Pilot FriXion pens and markers on them, and that’s ok as they are easy to find in stores and come in a rainbow of colors. They (the pens) write smoothly on the pages and can be erased (suing the eraser on the pen), and they dry quickly (within 15 seconds) onto the surface. When your done taking notes, you can use the notebook app on your phone and it will scan the page and send it to whatever drive (google, dropbox ect.) or email address you have directed the app to send it as indicated by the symbol you mark at the bottom of the page. Pretty cool. But wait, it gets even better when you are finished you can use a slightly damp cloth and wipe it all clean.<br />
<br />
The manufacture is adamant that you can only use the <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B009QYH40U" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="09373d3690dbc4c623f0cadb5136b9fb" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="FriXion pens blue black red" href="http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-FriXion-Retractable-Erasable-31467/dp/B009QYH40U/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=09373d3690dbc4c623f0cadb5136b9fb&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9280794" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FriXion pens</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9280794" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=09373d3690dbc4c623f0cadb5136b9fb&_cb=1523030063037" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> and <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00F9MYPCS" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c272d9ea9f0fbf70893f262e90a17104" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="markers frixion" href="http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Frixion-Colors-Erasable-Marker/dp/B00F9MYPCS/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=c272d9ea9f0fbf70893f262e90a17104&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3643713" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">markers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3643713" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c272d9ea9f0fbf70893f262e90a17104&_cb=1523030079570" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, and that using anything else will be permanent on the page. And that got me thinking…. What if drew, with a permanent marker a “template” for each custom page I wanted in my planner into this notebook????<br />
I posed the question on Amazon, and fortunately the manufacturer replied that yes, indeed people have used a permanent marker to create templates and that they have been used quite successfully that way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Eureka!!!!! That was exactly what I had wanted to hear!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvmJyJHxfJX7UviUABuiNaWC4fu_VPeKH4go2X0Ppq7QS7d6ksgJ-Bbn8MlqAqUL7n-OUjtS8hxnpTsShfTCG73nc8dlCnKO1kZaq2y1VxqOwP-sEWubse186yjwUlUr14eyFlB-LO0o8/s1600/RBCALNR1_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvmJyJHxfJX7UviUABuiNaWC4fu_VPeKH4go2X0Ppq7QS7d6ksgJ-Bbn8MlqAqUL7n-OUjtS8hxnpTsShfTCG73nc8dlCnKO1kZaq2y1VxqOwP-sEWubse186yjwUlUr14eyFlB-LO0o8/s200/RBCALNR1_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My calendar "Template"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I purchased a notebook, and after consulting with my local art store, decided to purchase and <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B0141MLTJI" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="b2a42e76da7a942a1a9163a789f43cdc" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sakura IDenti Pen" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-America-Identi-Pen-Extra-Fine-Waterproof/dp/B0141MLTJI/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=b2a42e76da7a942a1a9163a789f43cdc&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8785500" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sakura IDenti Pen</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8785500" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=b2a42e76da7a942a1a9163a789f43cdc&_cb=1523030114735" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> (permanent marker), a ruler (my kids had managed to lose mine), and created my own light box (I was about to order a cheap <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B01JPD6QZK" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c6d68ff8fbae5143ad4fd7143baefaef" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="LED light box tracer" href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-thin-Portable-Artcraft-Sketching-Animation-DO/dp/B01JPD6QZK/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=aydesign-20&linkId=c6d68ff8fbae5143ad4fd7143baefaef&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8645179" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LED light box tracer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8645179" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c6d68ff8fbae5143ad4fd7143baefaef&_cb=1523030235439" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> bec<img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2163990" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=aydesign-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4e995238e031ca19acb5f3a2a9008b15&_cb=1523030173277" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />ause it was cheap, but had managed to find everything I needed to create my own light box: a clear plastic storage box I had lying around, that I threw a few battery operated LED lights I had into, and then placed a clear frosted clipboard I had on top as a writing surface).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
When the notebook arrived, I printed the pages off, and used them along with my DIY “light box” and traced out my templates. <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
It took some time, and I did make a few mistakes, but in all I am <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FwoMnbx1tQkyY9LqP2RScuo8FHMAUg98YSxHt-0Ns-xCrhOsYQQz8t8e4FhpULerYWgKUd4TuyUsZ33lAdbFGoU_qmLlPgFB4UF8dBG7XDQG-dU6EMP35lnejkTR6KooiPRdGdQSUluI/s1600/RBCALNR2_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FwoMnbx1tQkyY9LqP2RScuo8FHMAUg98YSxHt-0Ns-xCrhOsYQQz8t8e4FhpULerYWgKUd4TuyUsZ33lAdbFGoU_qmLlPgFB4UF8dBG7XDQG-dU6EMP35lnejkTR6KooiPRdGdQSUluI/s200/RBCALNR2_CPRAmyYosmali2018ARR.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to erase!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
extremely pleased with the <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
results!<br />
<br />
The note books are a bit pricy, but you can reuse them a thousand times, and the cost is about the equivalent if not less than a ream of paper and ink to print off a years’ worth of one paper planner let alone multiple paper planners! The thirty-Six page, 6”x9” executive notebook is also more convenient in comparison to my overstuffed 1” three ring binder that served the same purpose. The pens are a little pricier, but you can buy them in bulk and get refills to reduce that expense. What is truly <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
priceless is that they are completely customizable and you can use the Everlast Rocketbook to create not just your own planner/organizer, but templates for your classroom (journals, writing projects…) , or frequently used forms – the possibilities are endless!<br />
<br />
So get out there – get creative, get organized, be efficient!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-44889437052593848472018-02-25T21:29:00.001-05:002018-02-25T21:29:52.116-05:00It's all about the shoes!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I’ve gotten older, my feet have gotten to the point where
cheap shoes won’t cut it, and if I want to stand a chance of being able to
stand on my feet years from now I need good shoes with good support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like Goldilocks over the years trying
the many different brands of shoes recommended by others for their orthopedic qualities,
but in the end I have pretty much determined that when it comes to flip flops I’m
an OluKai girl, and that when it comes to all other shoes (except gym shoes) it’s
nothing but Dansko’s for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know, I know, most people think Dansko’s are just for work,
and when you mention the brand name all that comes to mind are the traditional
Dansko clogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they actually have
some pretty cute sandals, boots, heels, and dress shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dansko’s can’t be that bad, Vogue just had an
article out this past September about how they were the current fashion
darlings (<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/ugly-chic-shoe-trend-dansko-clogs-bonnie-young-jonathan-cohen" target="_blank">Dansko Clogs Are Fashion's New Ugly-Chic Shoe Trend – Vogue</a>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew that frumpy ‘ole me and my
collection of Danskp’s would be on trend for once!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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When I started buying Dansko’s I quickly learned that there
are some that are highly coveted and collectable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I was surprised too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a little over a year, but I finally
managed to procure a pair of the “Paint Splatter” Dansko’s in excellent
condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why the paint splatter clogs – Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hello, I’m an artist!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are brightly colored, much like my art
and best of all they are comfortable to wear. They are sooooooo me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I LOVE these shoes – I can’t wait to wear them all around
town, and to events related to my art business!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They are fun to look at, and inspire me to dream about how perhaps one day
maybe I could design a colorful “art” clog for Dansko – wouldn’t that be fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dream, but you never know – perhaps just
putting it out into the universe, maybe someone reading this may know someone who
could make that happen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of smiles – I would love to know what shoes make
you smile when you put them on and why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be sure to share your stories in your comments below.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dream big, wear comfortable shoes that make you smile as you
journey through life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUT1q_qryuASPAGnV8Lbgn4y2Ov0XwykJ9XmsHrndwvph_V0er2WskgBLeJuW5e3DjHrf2QAS2JiERCqyoLOw2HhD5flUHR9O1fd2IOxJJjjRTx9TPHbVFbvFrt666EpjQCj_oR2wN7kU/s1600/Shoes_CPRAmyYosmaliARR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUT1q_qryuASPAGnV8Lbgn4y2Ov0XwykJ9XmsHrndwvph_V0er2WskgBLeJuW5e3DjHrf2QAS2JiERCqyoLOw2HhD5flUHR9O1fd2IOxJJjjRTx9TPHbVFbvFrt666EpjQCj_oR2wN7kU/s320/Shoes_CPRAmyYosmaliARR.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-3502262147102382382018-02-21T19:06:00.000-05:002018-02-21T19:06:32.503-05:00Worth the risk...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I arrived at my studio today with the intent to get caught
up on my paperwork, but as I was checking my email, and later after a phone conversation
with a colleague I decided what I really needed to do was to take a moment to
pause and reflect upon my feelings about issues that were of concern to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://aydzn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WorthThe-Risk_CPRAmyYosmali2018AR.jpg" title=""Worth The Risk" (c) Amy Yosmali, 2018 All Rights Reserved." width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Worth The Risk" (c) Amy Yosmali, 2018 All Rights Reserved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago, a friend had made a post on social media
that were essentially along the lines of the famous quote “No Good Deed Goes
Unpunished”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can most certainly feel
as though this is a true statement, as many times I have gone far and above
what others would even consider doing in supporting a person or cause in which
I believe in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think that it’s important to point out that there is always
a risk of putting oneself out there for another, or for a cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the risk that, if I may quote Luke
Skywalker “This is not going to go the way you think”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is because of this risk, that
people are often too afraid to step up and do what’s right, and support whom
and what you believe in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know what, Luke is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often it does not go the way you think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, you are successful to some degree in
helping, but in the process, it may alter your belief in others or the cause.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s what
drives passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the strength that
allows me to overcome the fear of risk. For me, I need to “Believe” in the
person(s) or cause in which I am of support of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been many times in my life where I have helped
where others would not have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And on
occasion, although I may have been successful on many accounts on assisting
where there was a need, I may walk away from the experience having lost belief
in who/what I have supported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s
because by being involved, it gives me a front row seat and access to information
that makes me more aware of the entire breadth of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly has often provided me a unique
perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never questioned “why” I help others, and if I asked
would I do it again the answer will always answer “yes”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that’s not to say that my opinion, or respect for the
people who I was in contact may not have changed because of my helping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In most cases, it has elevated my respect for
others, but on rare occasion, it has lowered it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disappointment in others – it happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loosing respect for someone, hurts and certainly gives pause
to helping others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I feel like I
want to give up on helping others, I always “test” myself…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just to see, “Do I still have it in me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most often it’s a small act of kindness for a
stranger or a friend, but it is always effective in giving my soul the fuel it
needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But for every disappointment I have ever experienced in
helping, I can point to how my relationships are flourishing, appreciation and
respect in others has deepened, knowledge was gained, and new relationships
gained continue to blossom, and for that I am grateful for having offered to
help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The risk is ALWAYS worth it if it is something that is in
line with your values! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://aydzn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WorthThe-Risk_CPRAmyYosmali2018AR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://aydzn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WorthThe-Risk_CPRAmyYosmali2018AR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>"Worth the Risk"</b><br />
<i>by Amy Yosmali</i><br />
<i>(c) Amy Yosmali, 2018. All Rights Reserved</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
Acrylic on Yupo<br />
Painting: 11x14 Mat: 16x20 <i>(not pictured)</i><br />
$270<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://aydzn.com/contact/" target="_blank">Click here to inquire about purchsing!</a></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<br />AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394240322654138896.post-46620040380561256812018-02-21T17:53:00.000-05:002018-02-21T17:53:05.299-05:00Dusting things off!It's been awhile.... bloging that is!<div>
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Many of you have indicated that you would like to know more about what inspires me. So, I've decided to blow the dust off of my old blog, crack my fingers and give it a whirl again. I invite you to join me in my adventures, and take a peak into what inspires me. </div>
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I can't make any promisses in terms of frequency so I'm going to take is slow and see how it goes. Audience participation can be both a motivator and a sorce of inspiration as well so please feel free to share your thoughts as well!</div>
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~ Amy Yosmali, Artist</div>
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AYDesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02020526514670074329noreply@blogger.com1