Hello again lovelies! By now you are probably all familiar with the lovely Melissa who has been creating beautiful posts here on Fridays all about the things she loves - including interviews with some amazing artists. Isn't she great!
Well, Melissa and I have been putting our heads together and have decided that we want to bring you a new feature called Tea + Talk. Twice a month (possibly more) we will be introducing you to someone inspiring (artists, bloggers, designers, and readers just like you) through a q & a format. Then we hope you'll grab a cup of tea, sit down for a read and join in a discussion afterward. We are super excited and hope that you'll be a part of the fun!
So... to kick things off (go put the kettle on) I'm pleased to introduce you to: Melissa!
Q: Describe your life using 6 words maximum (for each time frame).
A: PAST: Confusing, dramatic (insert eye roll here), exciting, smaller, lovely, scarier.
PRESENT: exciting, happy, exuberant, warm, hopeful, lucky.
FUTURE: unknown, exciting, full, lovely, happy, larger.
Q: You are truly passionate about indie and handmade goods, tell us how that interest was formed:
A: Hmm...I guess when a friend started blogging I suddenly found myself in the midst of all these amazing artists and crafters that I hadn't known existed but, had been looking for forever. Like a lot of people, I was constantly looking for fresh and unique things that could express what I felt creatively in my home and on my person. Does that make sense? :) Also, I had been missing that link between artist and artist supporter and didn't even know it! I love that often you can talk with and get to know the people behind the beautiful creativity and creations.
Q: On top of being a wife, mother, friend (a great one at that), and contributor here on CC, you are also a jewelry designer and have your own etsy shop! How did that come to be and do you have any tips for etsy sellers that you'd like to share?
A: Well, thank you so much sweetie (you are an amazing friend as well!) Let's see....well, I guess that even though I have no design background, I have always been a lover of jewelry (my whole life) and beginning to design my own line came about because I was falling in love over and over again with pieces out there and feeling frustrated that so many of them were way out of reach for a regular gal like myself. I wanted unique, personal pieces created in gold and silver that were within reach of the average person trying to buy something precious without breaking the bank. Also, it was a huge part of me creatively and I guess, had just been waiting to be expressed.
Gosh, I don't think I am the best person to give advice about being an etsy seller except that I think it is such an amazing opportunity to be supportive and be supported!
I have been called an "encourager" by the lovely Heather Smith Jones and I take that role very seriously! :)
I have to agree with Heather 100% on that. I first got to know you through your thoughtful and encouraging comments here on Creature Comforts, and I'm always so happy when I come across one of your comments on another blog, because I know that you'd made them feel as warm and encouraged as you always make me feel.
Q: Something we've chatted about is our favorite books, films, and music... list 3 of your favorites in each category here:
A: *sigh* I love lists... like a lot of us I guess!
BOOKS:
- To kill a Mockingbird
- A Prayer for Owen Meany
- Memoirs of a Geisha
FILMS:
- Shawshank Redemption
- All about Eve
- Hannah and her Sisters
Music:
- The Black Eyed Peas
- Tom Waits
- Feist
Q: Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:
A: Ooh! Good one!
LOVE:
- darling
- mama
- ocean
I CAN'T STAND: I could only think of one!
- Horny - I think it is such a mood killer and so embarrassing that it is the only one I can think of! :)
Q: What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?
A: Hmm...I would love to go back to class and learn to be a metal smith, so I am the designer AND the craftsman. I would love to end up working again in my chosen field (acting) in something I felt really passionate about (my husband and I adore the show The Wire - it would be an awesome dream to work on a show like that) and most importantly to me... just to be a good mom, partner and friend and to hopefully keep growing as a person.
I am not sure how I plan on making #2 a reality : ) but, number #1- by finding a course and pursuing it and Number #3- just doing my best and keep my fingers crossed! : )
Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
A: Whew... wow, I guess "just be yourself", "just love them" (children, I mean) and "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
I love those!
Q: And finally, I know you are fond of quotes just like I am... what is your favorite one and why?
A: Well, there are so many... I take great comfort from other people's wisdom! : )
Is it ok if I say my top 3? Well, I know you love this one too and I would like to write the entire thing on one of the walls in my home... 1. The Desiderata - because I take great comfort in it and also think it is a very wise and loving way to try to live one's life. 2. " Everything is going to be okay" - this phrase is included in one of Jen Renninger's pieces and I adore it because I just feel we all need to hear that, often and repeatedly. I have Jen's piece up in my house and it constantly comforts me and my family. 3. " The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." -Buddha
Thank you so much for sharing so much about yourself with us Melissa! Readers, if you have a question for Melissa feel free to ask her in the comment section here. Don't forget to tell us what kind of tea you were drinking (real or virtual). And if you'd be interested in being interviewed here on CC please just drop me and email and we'll get in touch with you a.s.a.p.! Stay tuned tomorrow for Melissa's post, and a little something we've been cooking up. Until then...
