In reverse

 
Coming home after a hard day's work creating worldwide chaos...

via

My presence here at my blog will be scarce for a little while longer.

Along with the amount of clay work I’m doing in preparation for Christmas markets I'll attend throughout Nov-Dec, some personal life stuff has arisen – some of it negative and very distracting.
So, trying to focus on my tight market schedule has been, well… trying.

I’m feeling more than a little scattered. And working to deadlines requires focus – as most of you will agree.
Add to that, factors that are out of one’s hands, there’s not a lot one can do.

So, this is how I’m feeling right now...

Also, I look to the skies for - at least part of - the cause.

If I had even the tiniest shred of doubt about the adverse effects of Mercury in retrograde before… I have absolutely none now.

Its “reversed” influence can, and will, touch many people during these periods. Some (lucky beggars) have nothing to report, and will sail through. Others have major ramifications.
All lessons to be learned, I’m sure. But an absolute pain when dealing with the issues at hand at the time.
In hindsight - upon reflection - things can, and will, be clearer.
When the mud settles.

Mercury the planet rules the sectors of communication, commerce and transport.
We’ve copped the trifecta.

Virgo and Gemini are deeply influenced by planet Mercury’s cycles.
Seeing as hubby is Virgo and I am Gemini, tension has heightened - to top everything off.

If I have to say one more time, “it’s not the menopause, it’s fucking Mercury!”.....


I will try to catch up with your blogs when I can. I’ve missed them.
And, I hope to be back here very soon.

♥

Energies abound!

First, I say farewell to autumn - until next year x



A lot of unusual energy is flowing right now.

I think many of you are feeling it. A little prickle or sensation of... something in the air?

You betcha!

The heightened energies of today's solstice are huge, especially as they are combined with those of the oncoming full moon and, wait for it...

Mercury, as he prepares to go retrograde on Wednesday.

Uh huh. Here we go.

So, the intense atmosphere is palpable.

And, I've a month of markets starting tomorrow. Panic has set in that I don't/won't have enough for the next four weeks, arrrgh!

Oh well. Go with the flow :)

 Happy

Winter/Summer Solstice

everyone!

Here's hoping all energies align well for us all.

♥

This little piggy went to market...

... then another and another.

Sorry folks, yet again another regrettably long pause between posts. I haven’t abandoned you all! Life has crept in and stolen me away from blogland for too long.

I’ve been clay-making, glazing, preparing and then marketing on weekends.
As I’ve mentioned to the lovely jaihn recently, revolving this around family and my sick puppy-dog (Jack’s eleven, but still my pup), leaves me with little time to even clean the now very grubby windows that I look out of.

And, as it is summer, it’s been hot.
I’m not a hot weather girl. I’m an autumn/winter lover - I guess that's because I was born in autumn, maybe. When that cool, crisp-ness in the morning air tells me that soon, the mountain will be painted with a palette of russet, gold and red, my heart skips a beat.
I am content then to wait.
In the meantime, I muster up the energy and try to ignore the listless-ness that goes with walking through the days enveloped in warm, sometimes stifling, air.

Having an art/craft market stall is cyclical and dependent on so many variables. Throughout the year, we marketeers always hope for a “successful day”, but know that we are at the mercy of the seasons (holidays), the economy, customers' needs and predilections, trends - if what we do isn't "hot", then we may be passed by. The dilemma for some is whether to create what you love and be confident there will be others who'll love it too, or chase one's tail trying to keep abreast of the current craze in the art/craft world, which can often reflect current decor & fashion trends.
I tend to follow my heart and make what I like. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Trying to find a balance.
 
And, the weather can be a big influence on potential customers.
Too hot and it can send people to the beach for the day, or, they stay close to air-conditioning. Usually that means the large shopping malls – ughh, my least favourite places.
Too cold/rainy and people snuggle up inside at home or dash for the cafés, cinema or other sheltered interiors.
If we are lucky enough to snag an indoor set-up on a wet day, the chances of a steady stream of customers improve.

So, we all hope/wish/pray for a Goldilocks Day… not too hot, not too cold, juuuust right. Not too much to ask for, is it? Haha!

One of the good things about markets is that there is always a great selection of quality, delicious food stalls that entice people to venture out and be tempted to taste and buy a wide variety of fresh, home-made gourmet goodness. 
Those that come for food and drink, will usually browse the art & craft stalls.

Fortunately, the Abbotsford Convent Markets have a fabulous café, restaurant, bar and bakery in the grounds… bonus!

The temperature last Sunday was predicted to be 37°C (98.6°F). So, hubby and I were extremely grateful to be inside in the relatively cooler old convent building. And, we were placed next to a large open window that delivered, every so often, a gentle breeze. Bliss.

 

As the day progressed, we greeted ever increasingly red-flushed faces, seeking temporary respite from the sun’s bite. People stayed long enough to stop and chat, peruse and happily, buy.

It’s difficult to predict what my “best sellers” will be on the day.
Seeing as we move around far and wide. Each area has a different demographic and with that, a varied dynamic.
What sells well at one market, may not even be acknowledged at the next, over an hours drive away. And if I stop making something that hasn’t sold well for over six months, I will be asked randomly if I have any of that “discontinued” item. Go figure.
If I had the formula for what the most popular items at every market would be, well…

This time, the best sellers for me were mostly pendants, clocks, incense holders and brooches.

These cute little guys, were a favourite with most people and sold out early.

It seemed many people either had Scotties, or have very fond memories of one in their childhood. They make perfect gifts for dog lovers too.

And, my little natural leaf pendants were also snapped up. I love leaves and am ever inspired by the forest environment I live in.

  

This particular pendant is in my Etsy shop* here

*I'm still trialling my Etsy shop and have kept mostly small, light items on there as I've found the international postage prices from Australia expensive and, I imagine, off-putting to international customers.
So, I'm still undecided as to whether or not I keep the shop open. Any suggestions from seasoned Etsy sellers?


I do like attending markets. I love people watching and meeting others in person. And markets are one of the best places to do just that. I meet some of the loveliest people. And repeat customers are the sweetest!
Although, I’ve had my fair share of some incredible odd-bods that just love to cruise the markets and visit every stall. Some of their comments/antics can be quite alarming/disturbing/intriguing/mind-boggling. But, they are mostly harmless characters and are just having fun. I think they add to the almost carnival atmosphere of some markets.

All in all, it’s not a bad way to spend the day – as long as I can cover my market fee (and then a little extra) in the quiet times. Mostly, I’ve been lucky enough to do that.

My experience has shown that July to September (winter in the southern hemisphere) are the most quiet months. Many outdoor markets close-down for the winter.

Last July, I attended an indoor market. My stall was well-stocked with a selection of goodies. But there were almost more stall holders than customers that day. And the people that came through held tight to their purses/wallets.
I was very glad to make enough to cover my stall and some expenses, but others didn’t fare so well. So, it can be very disheartening.

From now on, the winter months will be spent cleaning my studio and kiln room, trying out new ideas, re-stocking supplies and creating anew for the spring season.
Then, our corner of the world begins to awaken and people are on the move, shaking off the warm woolies and craving the coming festival season. Pockets are full and spending abounds, again.

Uh oh...

This Saturday, I'll be at another market. And, it just so happens to be the day that our old friend, Mister Trickster himself, Mercury slows down for his backwards shuffle-cycle! Proceed with caution indeed.
If you need a refresher on the mayhem of Mercury Retrograde, check out my post here

Now, I know to be aware, and there are plenty of "don'ts" associated with this time. 
But, frustrating as it might be, it’s not always possible to take time out. Life happens and things that need tending to, sometimes fall during retrograde cycles. And since I’ll be attending more markets this year, there are online applications (and subsequent email communications) due within this coming retrograde cycle.
So, there might be a bit of cosmic argy-bargy between the Universal Jester and I, as I need to be moving forward while he moves backwards. Oh well, should be interesting - I hope he’ll be kind :)
My fingers are crossed that the next few weeks are smooth-going and the computer behaves - if there’s another long absence from me... consider it may be Mercury’s fault, haha!

Saturday's market will be a part of the eagerly anticipated Buskers Festival, which will be held in the wonderfully arty town of Belgrave, Victoria.

Hosting the markets and graciously opening their grounds to provide a venue for some of the competition stages are the good folk at Earthly Pleasures café. One of our very favourite places to go for coffee or a meal. The staff are always friendly, the coffee superb and the food is heavenly. We are very partial to the berry crumble, mmmm. Delish.

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I fell in love with this place the moment I saw it.

When you walk through the old stables gateway, at the rear of the building, you leave the 21st century behind and enter a world-gone-by… or so it feels. The cloistered courtyard, gardens and beautiful stone manor (built in 1931) retain the charm and atmosphere of yesteryear, yet are infused with a funky vibe that comes from being situated in a bohemian community.

The following pics were taken on a morning not too long ago. We arrived as they opened the doors for the day, so it was nice and quiet - a rarity for this bustling establishment.

I’m very excited to be a part of this community festival. It’ll be a wonderful opportunity to see and hear a variety of home-grown talent performing in venues and on street corners throughout the town.
So, for anyone in Melbourne who's interested in a great day out this Saturday, take a drive up to the mountain. Spend a few hours checking out Belgrave, gateway to the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, and charming little villages just beyond. Then, end the afternoon/evening with a bite to eat at Earthly Pleasures.

The 

☆*¤°.¸¸.·´¯`★ ° ☾ °☆ twilight market ☆ ° ☾ ° ★´¯`·.¸¸.°¤*☆ 

will be on from 4pm to 8pm

Come and browse the market stalls, be sure to say hello - I'd love to meet you, and be entertained by modern-day minstrels, troubadours, and bards.

I’ll have info and photos of the day in my next post. Til then, bye for now. Take care everyone!

♥

 

Hurry up and slow down

The past two weeks have found me feeling as though I’d been wading through mud uphill and then sliding down the other side, desperately trying to catch a hold of anything that will anchor me long enough to gain composure - to no avail.

Tears on Memorial Day and thoughts tumbling randomly through my mind, distracted me when I really needed to concentrate on the task at hand - preparing for the up-coming three biggest art & craft markets of the year. 
All I wanted was to disappear into a cave like a hermit. No one and nothing seemed agreeable to me. 

I began to wonder why my usually focussed self was playing tricks on me. 

Then, I remembered - the trickster has a name. And, a reputation.

Grasping and shredding my mental notes and throwing them to the emotional winds like confetti, was...

 mischievous Mercury...

perhaps he should be depicted with his middle finger up instead  ;)

... planetary ruler of the mind, communication, travel and technology. 

And, right now, he is reeling backwards and wreaking havoc on our lives - if we let him. 

Most of us are affected to some extent during periods of Mercury retrograde, which happen usually three times a year and last for approximately three weeks. 

A topsy-turvy time of feeling the need to move forward, yet also feeling lethargic, as though we are in a fog or, off-kilter and unsure of how to proceed. 

And even though technically the planet isn’t really moving backwards (it’s an optical illusion), the effect it has on our lives is very real.

It is preferably not the time to undertake new ventures, sign important paperwork or generally make big decisions.
Verbal and written communications/negotiations can be affected and/or mis-leading, so pay attention to what is being said. 

Travelling could result in delays or long queues. Beware of road rages.

Electronic gadgets may 'play up' and the possibility of internet and computer glitches are more likely at these times - back up your data people!

More than ever, we need to mind what we say, and in turn, don’t take off-hand comments from those around us too personally...

Mercury has a way of influencing the tongue :) 

If it’s possible, try to leave the purchase of “big ticket” items until the end of these periods. If that can't be avoided, perhaps consider a good warranty.
And, carefully read all legal documentation.

This is the astrological period of Murphy’s law. And not the easiest of times, especially in a household where a Gemini and Virgo live, since both are ruled by Mercury. I can attest to this personally! 

It’s best to think of Mercury during his backward flowing periods as a cosmic jester - he’ll have a laugh at your expense if you give him the chance.

Generally, retrograde cycles aren’t as bad as some people make out (although some major world events have happened during these times). They can be valuable periods to review and assess areas in our lives which require contemplation and communication with others.
A time to think upon whatever needs improving. So, introspection and revision is required. A deeper perspective.
It’s a good time for solitude and quiet reflection.

Knowing that Mercury is in retrograde can be frustrating at times, but it also helps to understand why things sometimes happen when they do.
These necessary down-times, can lead to huge breakthroughs which could benefit mind, body and soul, if we are open to them. The call is for patience.

We are more than halfway through this cycle, which started November 6^th.

I find it interesting that I was feeling at my lowest ebb a week into this phase - on the 13^th, the day I published my last post and… on the day of a total solar eclipse!

No wonder I felt the way I did.

It’s also very interesting that this retrograde is focussed on ethics and values - something I felt strongly about and grappled with early in this period. So it makes sense.

With minor (thankfully) electric kiln set backs, mis-communications with market organisers and a general blocking of forward momentum recently, coupled with misunderstandings and last minute application hiccoughs, it is no wonder that the Universe was tapping me on the shoulder and asking me to hurry up and slow down. Listen. It had something to say.

I did a bit of research and found that I was born during a retrograde period. Gasp!
So, it made sense to tap into the backward flow and see what I could learn. Take the time to breathe and, be still.

Bam!  The moment I did, the strongest urge to act on a spur of the moment decision led me to a specific place at the very moment I was meant to be for what looks like a positive future outcome for my creative interests, starting late January 2013.

If I hadn’t gone to that very place, at that very time, on that very day, I may have missed out on the opportunity presented to me. If I hadn’t stopped and listened.

An important lesson for a mercurial Gemini.

The rest of this phase will be dedicated to my (pre-retrograde) planned markets, tying up loose ends and thinking upon projects for the new year.

And a reminder to not lose sight of my creative vision and purpose.

If there is no other lesson to be learned for me but this one, it is that, whether the flow be direct and forward, or retrograde and backward, it is still energy and flow… go with it. 


May the remaining cycle be kind to you, dear readers. And, get ready for a powerful lunar eclipse on November 28^th!

 ♥