Moving the Blog

Onwards and upwards....a blogging we will go. I discovered blogging and started my blog here. But, after some searching and learning a bit more about blogging, I have decided to move my Blog.

My new website is: Ashley Long Fine Art and within it , the new Blog. I also have one at MSN spaces - http://msn.spaces.com/members/ajlfineart

Come on over, I'll see you there!!

Inner Depths

Inner Depths

Postcards From A Summer Girl

Postcards From A Summer Girl

Believing.....

Presently, I'm in Ohio. Its cold, gray and icy outside. This is a mini vacation with my kids to visit my sister and her family.
It has been a nice diversion from the routine I had been in of 'go to work, come home and continue getting ready for the holidays'.
It has also allowed me to think more about what I want for myself this year. And how I wish for my art to continue to grow.
One of the things that has stood out for me the most recently is how 'what other people think' can sabatoge our dreams.
I read 'The Artists Way' by Julie Cameron years ago. That book is what freed me to begin writing and I learned how to not allow those who were unsupportive to affect my writing.
I have been amazed over the years at how people who also call themselves artists like to keep others from succeeding.
I know for me that what transpired to help me fly out of the starting blocks with my art was to finally start ignoring those who were in the field who I thought would actually be the ones to help me get going.
I learned to listen to my own voice and know that if something inspired me, it would also inspire someone else...but it didn't have to be something that everyone loved.
I learned another very important thing...the whole line that 98% of artists don't make it...is pure bullshit.
It's the belief in that line that has created the hardships of this work. Choose not to believe in that line of thinking and you change your reality.
Remember that their reality does not have to be your reality!
Believe in yourself, surround yourself with those who allow you to be you and watch what happens!
Your passions and desires are for a reason, don't let anyone tell you that it can't work out for you!
Onward we go...those of us who love the creative world. Its what evolution is all about. Our desires and need to keep creating transforms our world and makes it a better place for those after us!
Here is to : More passion, more belief in it happening and to a life w/o the naysayers ;)

Welcome 2005......

Yes, it has been several months since my last posting on here! My life took a little detour. I went from full time work in the studio to part time there and full time helping a business get back on track.
Life has indeed been a bit crazy lately!
But, this post is about bidding farewell to 2004, and embacing 2005.
2004 was a very challenging year. I stood in front of the door of death and contemplated if I wanted to go on. That in itself makes one grow and change.
I jumped across many stones on the path to where I am now and I have to say that I am very grateful for each and every stone. I found my passion and with each venture to getting here I learned more about myself and was able to tweak things until I found that cozy warm spot to settle into.
As I sit here now with 2005 a few hours away, I feel very happy and content. I am indeed grateful for all that transpired this year to allow me to be me.
I am thankful to a wonderful husband that gave me the space to heal, to regain strength and to pursue a life long dream.
I am thankful and appreciative to a loving sister who allowed me to bounce ideas off of her, to be a positive sounding board and to keep me in constant laughter over life's little mishaps.
I am thankful to my very talented and creative Father, who has truly inspired me to keep doing the things that make me happy and to 'just believe'. This is a man who took up fiddling as a hobby and is now a songwriter and soon to be published poet.
I am thankful to my three amazing children who also inspire me. Time spent with them is a walk through paradise!
I am also thankful to my friend Sherry who came a long way to spend time with me this summer and who is a fan of my art. Thanks for your support my friend!
Thanks to those who purchased my work and supported me this year as I took that leap into the ever so fickle world of Art!!

So, here I sit...tummy full from a superb dinner lovingly created by my husband, champagne in hand, and a heart full of appreciation, joy and the thrill of the coming year!

CHEERS!!!

Coffee Anyone?

It's another day of limited activity due to the flooding and water shut off. So, I have been tweeking my Blog.
I am putting up one of my decoratve art pieces that is themed around that 'oh so wonderful' elixer called coffee!

I have another one regarding espresso, which I should have done soon.

I could really use a cup of coffee right now, but have to wait for water again. It's amazing how much we take for granted, and also how such little things can affect our day.
All I want right now is a shower and a hot cup of coffee!!
So, if you love coffee and would like to experience the freshest coffee on the market today, shipped directly to your front door, click on the title above. Enjoy!!

Coffee Anyone? 24x24 Mixed Media/Collage 

Made it through the Opening!

Whew! The opening went well, my son's band played and as always were great. We served Sangria's and yummies that hubby fixed. We danced, ate, talked and got goffy near the end. :)
I am still waiting on some pics from it to post here.
We stayed up partying till 3am afterwards, and I was up till 3am on Sunday night. So, needless to say, I crashed big time come Monday and Tuesday.
A HUGE THANK YOU to those who helped, came by and wished me well!
Then....Hurricane Frances decided to make a big show and cruise on up to WNC and pour her fury on us. We have had major flooding and outages.
I am SO grateful that we live on the side of the mountain!
Without water today, makes painting a bit hard. As well as cleaning....I think being without water is harder than any other utility we take for granted.
But, the rain has simmered down and the sun is even peeking through now and then. It's nice and cool and I've enjoyed just chillin today.

"Daydreams" 24x36" Acrylic Mixed media 

"Passage of Time" 24"x36" Acrylic / Mixed Media