When did that happen?

So I am a self admitted Internet junkie. Facebook is my crack .... along with maple syrup and sharpies ... but back to the Internet. It is a wonderful wonderful tool. The information is mind blowing. The world is really at our fingertips and that is, well, amazing. I have found friends, made friends, been inspired, been challenged, learned about myself and others and shared my work which has allowed me to partake in opportunities that would not have been possible just a few short years ago...again... AMAZING!

So here is my problem. The Internet has also been something else to me. Something very very different and actually the opposite of amazing. It has made me realize that we all have become very opinionated (NOT excluding myself at all!) and kind of mean when it comes to others. I try very hard to only post positive messages and share things that I feel really strongly about but I find myself being more and more bombarded with messages of negativity from friends who I don't want to think of that way.

I don't want to be seen that way. I don't want to put down others to pick myself up. I don't want to label a whole group of people to make myself feel better about my position on issues. I want to be able to talk without everyone taking it personally and I want to be able to do the same...because like everyone I do take things personally. I wonder if when I post my thoughts if there are people out there who thing that I am negative when really I try to always come from a place of understanding.
I want to not care and care all at the same time.

Do you get it?

So how do you get over this age of wayyyyy too much information? What have you done to speak your mind but still be kind? Is it possible to love each other and disagree completely? Some of my favorite friends have different opinions than I but we can talk about it and still respect each other.
Is there a way to do that online or do we just have to become numb to the negativity and like everything else in life just choose to see the good?

Share your thoughts please!

So inspired.

When you get an email that instantly prompts you to create something....that is a friend worth keeping. This piece was just that. The fabulous Sallianne sent me an email that made me so happy to be a part of the fabulousness that she and Ellen put together at retreats all around the world called Art Is You. It is so amazing. I've been to a few different venues and none compare to these. There is a complete sense of family and being embraced like no place else ever. If you get a chance to take part in any of these fine events do not pass it up! It will change your life. Check the link for locations and dates....oh and see that fabulous artwork....it's mine. :)

Speaking of great events join me this Saturday from 9-3 for my wonderful friend Jaimie Danes country show.... Art in the Hollow. Jaimie makes amazingly colorful garden art and my other good friend Geri will be selling her equally amazing clothing from her company Gadjettes. Another artist Lisa will be selling her paintings. I will have jewelry...featuring my bird pendants on a linen cord for $10!!!!!!! I made 40 and once they are gone they are gone. I will also have leather cuffs, treasure necklaces and a mish mash of all sorts of goodies. The show is at Hidden Hallow Garden Art in New Holstein WI.... N1851 Orchard Road. Come .... I promise a good time. :) and if it rains I will dance in the rain with you. :)