2016-Bring it On!

I am writing this today with a whole lot of love, joy and excitement in my heart. 2016 is almost here and I just can't wait for all it has in store! Just like a kid on Christmas Even excited! I am usually a pretty positive person, no matter what...but something about this new year has me pretty excited! I think I may know why. Given everything that we have gone through in the past few years, I finally feel like this coming year is my year! The possibilities are endless. I feel like I am standing on the edge of a bridge, waiting to bungee jump off it and for the first time ever...I wont scream, jump back or startle at the sight of the edge in view. I am just going to open my arms wide and free fall and laugh when I bounce back up!

So, what has brought about this change you may ask? Well, I am not sure if most of you will remember the kind of year that we had last year or not. Let me tell you, it was scary and hard and I cried a whole lot. There were so many decisions to be made that totally stressed us all out. Things to worry about that I didn't think I would ever have to to worry about. (Like making sure my will is all in order and my daughter was safe.) And from that, something wonderful happened. I know what's important now and most of all, who is important. I learned not to sweat the small stuff and to just try and go with the flow more. I learned that living life is more important than making plans to live it. Seize the day...seems so corny to say, but it is so very true. So this year, I am doing me, and our family and our life. I am going to try new things, see new sights and meet new people. I am going to do all of those things that I want to do and not worry about whether or not its a good idea. There will be no list making. There will just be jumping off the edge to see what happens. I learned a very valuable lesson. Life is a precious gift and I am done being scared and unhappy to any extent. So, let's get it started.

I will be taking steps to open my store again. It got derailed the first time, but this is the year. I will be booking more shoots this year. I am going to start taking my prints to craft fairs and building a real business. I will be spending my time with my loved ones the way I want. (Lori, we are going to take a page out of your book!) Adventure awaits!!! It awaits us all!

So, what more can I share my friends? If I had any piece of advice, it is to live in the moment. Be present. Put your phone down and open your eyes. Have a conversation with someone. Do something that terrifies you and will exhilarate you all at the same time. Love your family and be there for the friends that are there for you. Forget all of that bullshit that is the past! It will serve you no good now. Be kind to those you meet, for you never know what their path has been like. And finally, find joy! Be joyful! I wish you a very happy and healthy 2016 my friends!

Happy-Happy
Joy-Joy
Anna
Artfully Odd

Store is Coming Along Nicely

Well hello there :) I hope this finds you all doing well today. Are you surviving the heat? I wont complain about it because we did survive winter apocalypse. It would just be wrong, lol and I do love summer time so, but this humidity has to go!!!! I want to open my windows again and be able to dry off when I get out of the shower. Had  a great week so far. My Aunt and Uncle were up from Florida for a visit and we had such a good time! Even though we got caught in the middle of a downpour on a metal boat while out on Lake George! It was sort of Titanic-esq, lol! It was so nice to get spend one on one time with them and it was also nice to show them around Upstate. They are our first visitors here, so it was special.

On other news fronts, the store is coming along nicely. I got some of my greeting cards done today as well as some more prints framed. Placed a new post card order this morning, fingers crossed that they arrive in time for opening on the 15th. All that's left is painting the wall, building a half wall, ordering a ton of prints and getting set up! It's going to be great, and as my Mother pointed  out the other night, the first thing I have done for myself in some time. I am super excited, so be sure to check back with me for updates. Posting some photos below of the work in progress. Should have some of the space soon too.

Have a great day and happy 4th!
Anna
Artfully Odd Photos

 Greeting Cards

 Post Cards

Prints framed

Victorian Post Cards

Hello and happy Spring my friends!!! It looks like the summer weather is on its way up north and I have to say, thank goodness!!! You all know what this winter has been like! As I write this, I am actually in a tank top! A tank top my friends!!! My shoulders have not seen day light in so long that they were shy today, lol!

Anyway, on to artist things. I have been working on a series of post cards for a bit and the first set is done. I am so loving the Victorian feel to them. Super cute and whimsical and I will be placing an order for them this coming week. In this first printing, I will have 8 sets and I will be offering them for sale for 15.00 a set. That price includes shipping and handling. If you would like to place a pre-order, email me at annapattenphoto1@gmail.com to get the details or hit me up on Facebook. (You can also order individual prints of each image as well and they will be added to the website soon. Keep your eyes peeled.)

As always, I want to thank you for your support! I could not do what I do without it! Enjoy this weather my friends :) and let your bare shoulders run free! Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful Mother's out there!
Anna