Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Don't Worry...Be Happy

Over the past month i had a life changing, mind altering experience. Two weeks of being wrought with anxiety and existing in a state of complete misery.

Against my better judgment, i took a new job at a place which was pure hell. I will not go into the gory details, as i am in the process of writing about that adventure in another blog post. I may never finish it or make it public. But it was a valuable lesson for me to always trust my first impression- which was RUN Forest RUN, after my interview!



But noooooo... i didn't run away, instead lured by five extra dollars an hour, i entered Dante's Inferno run by a crew of the nastiest people i have ever met contained in one office. I am sure there were pitchforks in the back. Ironically this was a Wellness Center! I consider myself a pretty tough cookie. Worked several odd jobs when i was younger and the scariest of them was at a Steel Mill. However this time i was kicked in the butt by a force i completely forgot about. Pure Nastiness! 

After coming home every night crying, with pounding heart palps and a painful stabbing in my solar plexus- i gave notice. What a relief to be out of the viper pit. Though i must say it took another two weeks to recover. Never have i had such a violent reaction working someplace that it not only effected my physical being, but my mental. Now i understand what panic attacks are. No amount of Rescue Remedy, Calms Forte, Valerian could quell the feeling i had every day driving to work.

I am grateful to have had the epiphany that the most important thing in life is to be happy. It sounds corny, cliche and oh so Bob Marley. But the reality is- if we are not happy - why bother? As i watch my father deteriorate and my God-parents as well i realize that life is way to short to be in a state of perpetual anxiety. Don't worry. Be Happy. I rather make way less money, work with people i love and come home to make art.



As my husband said "The________ Wellness Center is the Jack Bauer of the career decision world. It basically tortured you into making a career decison." Oh yeah-i forgot- i am an artist that wanted a job that allowed me to come home and create. (And eventually jump through all the hoops to procure another acupuncture license!)

And so now i am on my Be Happy World Tour of Life. Realizing that the Universe is happy to provide a few weeks of pure hell to make me appreciate that all along i was in heaven. It makes me wonder if God is really Woody Allen directing the movie of our lives? Oh Aunty Em.. there is no place like home. Home is where the Art is. No more snarky 20 year old flying monkeys, evil witches hovering over my shoulder or bad wizards hiding behind an X-ray curtain.

This past Memorial Day weekend i played and allowed my inner child to create!
 Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

All Be Happy t-shirts, buttons and bumper stickers are available at http://www.zazzle.com/planetcalamari  20% off through Tuesday 5/29/12 with code MEMORIAL2012.

And now please stand for the national anthem of the Be Happy World Tour. Click below to sing with the Prophet of Happiness, Bob Marley!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Towel Day!



For all of those who have no idea what holiday today is or think that i made this one up too...

Towel Day is an annual celebration on the 25th of May, as a tribute to the late author Douglas Adams (1952-2001). On that day, fans around the universe proudly carry a towel in his honour.
More info at http://towelday.org/

If you have not read any of Douglas Adams' books, you have been deprived. Of course, if you are not into absurd science fiction with several plots, romance, politics and environmental issues, his genius would be wasted on you.

So long Douglas.. and thanks for all the fish. You are missed!

"
  • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has a few things to say on the subject of towels.
    A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitch hiker can have.
    Partly it has great practical value — you can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble‐sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapours; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a mini raft down the slow heavy river Moth; wet it for use in hand‐to‐hand‐combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or to avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (a mindbogglingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you — daft as a bush, but very ravenous); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.
  •  
  • More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: nonhitchhiker) discovers that a hitchhiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, washcloth, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet-weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitchhiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitchhiker might have accidentally "lost.". What the strag will think is that any man that can hitch the length and breadth of the Galaxy, ruff it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through and still know where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with. "


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Towel Day
.
Official name Towel Day
Observed by fans of the author Douglas Adams
Type International
Date May 25
Observances carrying a towel around with you for the entire day
Towel Day is celebrated every May 25 as a tribute by fans of the late author Douglas Adams.[1] On this day, fans carry a towel with them to demonstrate their love for the books and the author. The commemoration was first held in 2001, two weeks after Adams' death on May 11, 2001.[2] The towel is a reference to Adams's popular science fiction comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
towelDaywiki

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Save Abby Sciuto Goth Black Wire Wrist Cuff with Skulls

What would Abby Sciuto have worn to Jimmy Palmers's wedding? If only CBS would have allowed that scene to play out! TV can be so cruel.





This bracelet was created while watching the season finale of NCIS. Inspired by the genius goth mistress Abby Scuito and my love for the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, with a touch of Pirates of the Caribbean. We can only hope that Abby and the crew of NCIS survived that explosion. .. and would someone please go help Dr. Mallard!

I created this bracelet by crocheting black colored non-tarnish copper wire strands then weaving and plaiting them. Faceted clear glass beads, recycled frosted beads were weaved on to the strands. Four plastic skull beads with a milk glass skull bead were added.

Measures about 7.75 inches long and about 1.5 inches wide. Please note this is a wrist sculpture and has an organic feel. Can be made smaller by 'scrunching" the wire delicately. Closes with a silver plated S hook.

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Studio.
See more art to wear, other crocheted wire jewelry and art to wear at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop
Click Here!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Nuits Bleus of France...


One of the most magical experiences of my life was to walk through the medieval French city Bourges during its Nuits Bleus festival. My husband and i were on our honeymoon and landed in Bourge by a serendipitous accident. We were supposed to be on our way to Sardinia. That is an entirely different topic for another blog post one day!

The Blue Light Festival is a special event held every night in the summer. The  city of Bourge is bathed in blue lights and twinkle lights. The entire visit (which is free- how cool is that!) lasts an hour and a half and allows visitors to wander just over two kilometres through the town’s historic centre while renaissance music plays in the background. Words cannot describe the beauty or the sense of awe of this French city. Nor will i ever look at the color blue again in the same way.

 Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges
 
From Wikipedia
"The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne, begun at the end of the twelfth century, is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is considered the earliest example of the high gothic style of the thirteenth century.
During the Middle Ages, Bourges was the capital of a Viscounty until the fourteenth century. The future king, Charles VII, sought refuge there. His son, Louis XI, was born there in 1423. In 1438, Charles decreed the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges. During this period, Bourges was also a major capital of alchemy." Aha... magic!
 

See more stunning images at Click Here! 






Inspired by the Blue Nights in Bourges, this bracelet was created by crocheting midnight black copper silver plated non-tarnish wire while weaving glass beads in various hues of blues. Light sky blue, rich royal blue, French blues and vibrant blues. Against the black wire they shimmer like stars in the night... or as the mystical blue lights of Bourges. click here for more info about this one of a kind wrist cuff.

What is the sound of one uterus voting...

As the war on women's rights, gay marriage and basic freedoms continue in the USA i was inspired to create this latest bumper sticker. Just a reminder to the pasty old white men in Congress that women still have the right to vote them out of power!





What is the sound of one uterus voting?
What is the sound of one uterus voting? by planetcalamari
Create custom made stickers at Zazzle.

Click to see this design on a Button

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Make Art Not War Bumper Sticker

 What would Leonardo DaVinci say about spending more time and money on the war in Afghanistan? Make art... not war!  

Time to stop the madness.



See this bumper sticker and more art inspired by peace at the Planet Calamari Zazzle shop

Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday's Thought...

"I know up on the top you are seeing great sights, but down at the bottom we, too, should have rights." -- Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, Dr. Seuss

Friday, May 11, 2012

Purple Haze Is In My Head....

The color purple is the Kahuna of all colors in the spectrum. Ok... maybe that is just my opinion.. and Jimi Hendrix's .  


It is the color worn by magicians and royalty. It has the highest vibration on the color spectrum. The amethyst stone is often used for healing and transmutation. Well known to absorb and dissolve negativity which helps against stress and nightmares. Works at all levels, mind, body and spirit.


It is immortalized in the poem, "When I Am An Old Lady I Shall Wear Purple" and the uniform of the crazy ladies of the Red Hat Society.


Purple Haze Is On My Wrist Crocheted Wire Bracelet

Jimi Hendrix brought more fame to the color purple at Woodstock. 


I am sure if DaVinci went to Woodstock the

Mona Lisa would have purple hair

 

Glass artist Dale Chihuly uses the color purple in some of his classic pieces.


Purple Baltimore Ravens Bird Nest Pendant

It is also the chosen color of the football team the Baltimore Ravens. In Baltimore every Friday is Purple Friday!

 

 

It is also the perfect color to annoy your bridesmaids.

 

But if you are forced to wear that dress these would be the perfect earrings!

Monday, May 07, 2012

Romancing the Tree

Celtic Healing Tree of Love Pendant

This piece was inspired by the magic of Avalon, the dreams of wandering through green rolling hills in Ireland and dancing with hobbits in the Shire.

This one of a kind pendant was created by sculpting a vibrant shade of purple non-tarnish copper silver plated wire into a heart. Using bronze wire tree branches and roots were shaped. Seed beads in various hues of greens, blue greens and chartreuse were added as leaves . A turquoise glass round bead with gold flecks resembling the planet earth holds the heart.



 Romantic Pink Heart Tree of Love Pendant

Put on your lace gloves, a flowing flower dress and a feminine straw hat. This piece is the essence of femininity. Its girlie!

This one of a kind pendant was created by sculpting a lovely shade of gold pink non-tarnish copper silver plated wire into a heart. Using bronze wire tree branches and roots were shaped. Delicate pink and clear faceted glass seed beads were added as blossoms and leaves. A pink glass bead sits on top of the pendant.




Healing Tree of Life Purple Heart Pink Flowers

Have you ever stopped an hugged a tree? No really- don't mock me. I dare you. Try it. You can feel a healing pulsating energy around you. Its magic. Those Druids were on to a good thing!

This one of a kind pendant was created by sculpting vibrant purple non-tarnish copper silver plated wire into a heart. Using bronze wire tree branches and roots were shaped. Delicate pink and teal glass seed beads were added as blossoms and leaves. A pink glass bead sits on top of the pendant.
See more art to wear at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Tree of Life Symbolism
"The symbol of Tree of Life represents different qualities and virtues like wisdom, strength, protection, beauty, bounty and redemption. It is also considered to be the symbol of 'Creator'. This tree is associated with the creator because it provides protection, supports abundant fruit production and thereby, regeneration. This analogy can also be used to describe the life of humans. We as humans develop 'roots' of our beliefs, 'branch out' by means of wisdom and the 'trunk' (mind & body) keeps them connected." read more at www.buzzle.com/articles/tree-of-life-meaning.

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!


Our CEO at Planet Calamari, Senorita Zevo hussein Calamari and her bodyguard Senor Nubi Juan Kenobi invite you to their Cinco de Mayo fiesta today. 

For more details visit their blog at http://wwwzevocalamari.blogspot.com

Friday, May 04, 2012

If You Believe in Fairies Clap Your Hands!

 Flower Fairy earrings inspired by nature

In the immortal words of Peter Pan  “I do believe in fairies…I do, I do, I do!” These are the very words that brought Tinkerbell back to life!

See more magical jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari




To learn more about fairies i recommend reading Doreen Virtue's article on Louise Hay's Heal Your Life Site. Click here!

Check out Fae Magazine for more fairy articles and events.



Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Time for the Birds, Hon!


I grew up going to Oriole baseball games in the good old days when Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell, and Frank Robinson were heros. The 7th inning stretch had the crowd singing and dancing to John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" (click on the bold typeface to sing along!)

  Wild Bill Hagy led the famous O-R-I-O-L-E-S chants in section 34 at Memorial Stadium. A Dundalk Cab driver who lived in the same apartment complex as me... Oh...those were the days, Hon!

!

This one of a kind pendant was created with non-tarnish midnight black wire weaved into a Orioles bird nest. Eggs of stunning orange with an iridescent aurora borealis finish glass beads are nestled inside. The photos do not show the brilliance of the orange beads.

This delicate nest is about an inch diameter. It comes with a gorgeous midnight black organza ribbon chain 16-18 inches long which can be adjusted to the length you desire. Or Grab a Natty Boh and put on your favorite chain or silk cord. Please note hon, that every nest is unique and handmade.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio.
See more art to wear and other bird nests and Baltimore Ravens nest at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari"> planetcalamari.com


                                                               Baltimore Oriole