How To Feel MISERABLE As An Artist

1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists.
2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.
3. Base your success of your entire career on one project.
4. Stick with what you know.
5. Undervalue your expertise.
6. Let money dictate what you do.
7. Bow to societal pressures.
8. Only do work that your family would love.
9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks.
10. Set unachievable overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow.


Ok, I admit it, I stole this post.  There now it's out.  This is NOT Original. Haha. But I needed to post this because I need the reminder.  So thank you Promise Tangeman for this post.  If you haven't heard of her shame on you and go check out her stuff @ promisetangemanblog.com.

I am all to guilty of DEFINITELY 1, 3, 4, 5, and 10.  Gez I feel like that's a lot?  Please do share yours and don't leave me hangin' :)

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WOW Jo! Where have you been??

You know I would like to know the answer to that too!  It's been a CRAZY couple of months!  As with all posts I think pictures just make it that much better so here are some visual aids to help me share...

Taken with my ipod touch: See that itty bitty bridge in the background??  That's the Golden Gate. Yes, My hubby and I went to San Francisco to visit my brother and sister-in-law. The wind was blowing in the pic so that's why my bangs look all weird.  We ate, we saw Alcatraz, we ate, we went hiking, we ate, did a little shopping, we ate... see a pattern forming here?  Oh and did I mention it was 60 degrees and sunny in mid January?!  It was a good vacation :)

I've been doing some business planning, re-branding myself, and working on my website!! That's my Chai kitty (AKA Chai-ster) and her beloved rope that she carries all around the house.  She's completely obsessed with it  for some reason and thinks it's a MUST HAVE to be included right in the middle of my inspiration board.  {{{SIGH}}} So be sure to check back soon for the official launch of my website 'cause I am REALLY EXCITED about it!! Hopefully it will be soon :)

  

I was sick a couple weekends ago and it was not fun! When I started to feel a little better I met my friend Maggie at Yoga Pearl in downtown Portland (which also has this fabulous cafe with vegan food) NOTE: Im not vegan but I enjoy pretending sometimes ;)  and ordered a wellness toddy (the non-alcohol kind) cause, well, it said wellness and I thought that should help.  Oh man did it help!  I will spare you details, but it irritated whatever icky, slimmy, goey gunk that decided to set up house in my head so much so that it decided it was time to move on out. So while there were some not so great few moments, there was much rejoicing when it was all over with and I could breathe again.  I hate being sick.

I've been enjoying some much needed down time!! I've been catching up on Bones and am really enjoying it.  It helps to have something to watch while I wait for the next episode of Fringe each week.  Isn't Netflix the BEST?!

All that to say: the plan is to  catch up on some blogging, add some fun new topics, and to blog at least once a week. So check back soon, and you guys should help hold me accountable ;) And since I missed all the holidays Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Valentines Day  :)  Be Blessed!

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Happy NEW YEAR!

Another year, another day, another hour, another chance to start anew and make some changes!  So in light  of that my blog will be under construction for a bit while I am changing things around and ultimately making it bigger and better! So thanks to everyone for being patient and I hope to finally get the rest of my 2009 posts up soon!

Here's a little preview... ;)

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Spring Time

It’s been quite the change moving from California back up to Washington.  I’ve run into a few surprises and culture shock moments that I didn’t expect.  Like remembering why you can’t wear high heels all the time, or having to plan extra time in your morning routine to scrap the ice off your car.  My ultimate favorite though, is how SLOW everyone drives!  I guess I’ve grown accustomed to LA drivers.  So much so that I miss them ;)

 But I’ve also realized that the Northwest has something that LA definitely doesn’t. Seasons!  I find myself getting giddy seeing the trees come to life again and waking up to find the yard filled with daffodils.  This magical change just doesn’t happen every day so this morning I woke up and decided that it needed some documentation. That way I can remember the moment that I feel in love with the Northwest all over again. 

Of course Spring just wouldn't be Spring without Cherry Blossoms.

I had the privilege of taking Jessica and Doug’s Engagement photos last Sunday and we had a blast! We got some awesome shots and I hope to get them up here in the next couple of days.  So check back soon!

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

This will be my first thanksgiving as a married woman!! But that doesn't mean that I am cooking...oh no... I don't know think I am at the point yet that I want to try to cook a thanksgiving dinner when  I still burn the cookies!  LOL But I am so thankful that there are people on this earth that God has blessed with a cooking talent.  Because of them many people in America (including me!) will be stuffing themselves senseless today.  Yes, I am proud to be an American!  So my husband and I will be having Thanksgiving at our friend's, Justin and Beth's home who have so graciously invited us over and even told us we didn't have to bring anything!  Except I am bringing apple pie and ice cream for dessert! YUM!  So to everyone out there enjoying a beautiful meal today, HAPPY Thanksgiving!  

PS I am so thankful to have such good friends, and a wonderful husband!

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The Joy of Marriage

The nice thing about marriage is that when you get the sudden urge to take pictures of someone, your spouse is always there.  Now they may fight you on it, scream and pull out the claws, but in the end, as most women know, we get our way ;)  Honestly though, my husband was gracious and kind enough to let me drag him around San Dimas Canyon Park to get some photos.  He is such a good sport!

I am proud to introduce to you my lovely husband, of four months, Ladies and Gentlemen... Mr. Kevin Perales!!

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It's Starting!

This is my very first post! I am greatly excited about starting up my new business and I hope this will be a great avenue for people to see my work, become inspired themselves, and get to know who Johanna Perales is! It's the start of a great adventure that I am excited embark upon!

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