Helluva Year

As I look back on the last year, I can say that part of my disdain for the holidays this year results from the fact that I had a hell of a year. Normally I am not so Negative, but this year bought me a lot of suprises, and ugliness. Things seemed like they started out allright with me and dave both working and Had me settling back into my career in home health, My art business was chugging along nicely, and Dave was working at least part time. Then in April the bottom Fell out. Dave Lost his Job, and was Diagnosed with Parkinsons in the span of a couple of weeks, My Best Friend and I had a horrible fight that has left us both in a rift ever since. I struggled to make sense of it all, and since I was only working part time, we struggled financially as well. The summer Bought more bad news with the news that my oldest and dearest friend Lisa was Back on Chemo, and that her Cancer had spread to her brain and liver. It seemed my world was crashing down around me as few people in the world know JUST how much my dear friends Mean to me.  I managed a trip in September to Be by My friend's Side. She had become Frail in a lot of pain, but still her indominatble spirit was All I could really see. We enjoyed a great girlfriend's day out, but the day took it's toll on her as she was very tired afterwards. I Was determined not to give up hope, and we spent that evening togeather making pink ribbon jewelry to hand out to all the people who had made her journey with breast cancer less painful. It is my hope that the folks who recieved this jewelry remember Lisa when they wear it, and all the incredible women who are battling this dreadful disease. In October as many who read my blog know, Lisa Passed Away. So for the last several Months I have found myself depressed and often tearing up trying to cope with this loss. She was like a sister to me, I diddnt' talk about her all the time, but our history was our bond. In September Dave and I opened a shop downtown, I wanted have a place to sell all the art and unique things we both like to create. Dave needed something to keep him busy in his year of transition, I wanted him to feel productive, and knew that the store would help him feel like he was making a contribution to the future security of our family. It all looked so good on paper, but we made the difficult decision before christmas to close up shop. See previous Blog Entry. There were a number of other smaller calamities that left me feeling just a little bit shell shocked this year.  
So yeah I have been a little blue this christmas, not feeling like putting on a fake smile to celebrate and honoring the fact that my feelings about this past year are not so rosy. I diddnt want to send out cards, I diddn't even want to put up the tree, and I made a half hearted attempt at making christmas cookies with the kids. I Sometimes I wonder why we are expected to white wash our feelings around the holidays? It is what it is, I honor the fact that I am not really happy right now. I know that this too will pass, and I hope that all my real friends know that I will soon be back to my old happy self. Here's hoping that 2010 is better, that the sun shines a little more, that work and family life move along a little more smoothly. Good Bye 2009 and All your Drama. This year I am hoping for a perfect 10. 

end of an era

Due to lagging sales and lack of a nest egg, Dave and I Have decided to close wilddyes indeffinately. we appologize for any inconvenience this may have caused any of you. We will honor any special orders that have been placed already. We intend to liquidate our inventory so if you are interested in wholesale wild dyes drop us a line.
I will probably also drop the web site, but maintain this blog as a means of sharing my creative persuits.
Thanks to all of you who have purchased wilddyes and given us your continued patronage.
God Bless
Kris and Dave

Raffle Update

Ok here's an update, I have decided to pospone the first raffle. I may decide to offer the basket at auction, currently it is on sale at the store for 200.00. The proceeds will still go to Lisa's family. We haven't sold any tickets since first announcing it, and I will not see a 240.00 basket go for just one or two tickets sold. So it's back to the drawing board. Foot traffic has been slow this month downtown maybe things will pick up as Christmas approaches. We may Close the store for the Month of January. There are lots of cool things in stock at wilddyes so come down for last minuite gifts. All Tie Dyes are 50% off till the end of the month. That's 50% off my already low prices. Ridiculous! I KNOW!
So take advantage. Also the Store will be open every day for the rest of the month except Christmas Day. We open Noon-6pm, and will stay open late if people are downtown shopping.
Peace Love, Health And Happiness-
Kris

Raffle Basket is Ready!

Ok guys It's Official, The raffle Basket is Ready, I have Tickets Printed out and ready to add your name to the basket drawing. So Come on everyone lets rally and do something to help someone who really needs it right now. Lets show our love and support for Mike and the Boys, Ken and Joyce and let them Know how much we care and understand the loss of our Precious Lisa.
Tickets are only 3.00 each the basket has a value of 230.00, I can Mail the contents minus the basket if you wish, anywhere.
go check out the raffle page on my website to see the pictures. Lets do this thing!
website address: http://www.wilddyes.com/   Check out the Raffle Page.

Frommers top 10!

Wow I just read that we made Frommer's Top Ten Travel Destinations for 2010. We were the only ones in the USA besides the Big Island of Hawaii to make it this year! How exciting. Like I always said our gulf coast beaches are a best kept secret, I guess the rest of the world is starting to figure out that we are a world class destination. (sigh)
This is very good news for small funky boutique/gallery Owners.
Bring it on!
http://www.frommers.com/trip_ideas/arts_and_culture/article.cfm?ideaID=ARTCULTURE&articleID=6469&t=Frommer%27s%20Top%20Destinations%202010

I LOVE BUMBO

I love Bumbo, Just sayin' I watch em over and over!
http://www.ready-set-bumbo.com/

If I had my Own Cruise Ship

I was checking out the new Royal Carribean 'oasis of the seas' Ship on line today wistfully dreaming of a vacation on this floating theme park. It has everything that a person could want......well just about anything....And then I thought what it would be like if there was a Cruise Ship designed by me? and here's what I came up with.
all the cabins would have beds with tie dye sheets and curtains and they would smell like patchouli.
The bathrooms would feature hand made artisan soap and lotions, like the kind we sell at wilddyes.
The gym would have Yoga and Bellydancing classes, and Tai Chi, and hip hop, and interpretive dance lessons.
There would be an ice rink.(because I like to ice skate)
Instead of a huge brodway production there would be Rock Concerts with Known and Unknown bands to include Reggae, Jazz, Folk,Trip,Indie and Blues. A recording studio would be available to passengers who just wanted to jam and get creative with the numerous talented musicians on board, who would offer lessons and workshops when they werent giving live performances.
Entertainment would also inclue intereactive dinner theatre, a planetarium with lazer light shows, an Imax, Independent and Forign Film Festivals, and a nightly drum circle on the lido deck..
Activities would include arts, crafts, pottery, jewelry making, a fully stocked and complete huge art studio would replace the casino.
Special guests would be, speakers, healers, shamens, psychics,
and workshops would be offered on meditation, rebirthing, Dolphins (with cyndi lepori) chakras, yoga, organic gardening, sustainable living, and general enlightenment.
the spa would offer mind blowing world class pampering and I would be sure it included real reiki practicioners, and holistic nutrition experts.
The Food would be mostly organic, with a complete selection of vegan foods, Cuisine from around the world, and of course Sushi, Sushi bar on every deck!
The bars would be stocked with the best micro brewery beers, from around the world, and focus on wines from small vinyard operations.
Instead of a basketball court and skee shooting, we would have an earth ball court, and a giant fire pit for the nightly bonfire/ marshmellow roast. There would be optional on deck camping for those that diddn't want to fork over the big bucks for a cabin.
Instead of one big pool, I would have Hot tubs up and down the deck so we could just trip out on the stars.
All the crew members would have dreadlocks.
(I don't have dreadlocks, but I love to see them on others remember this is my fantasy right?)
A giant Peace sign would adorn the smoke stack. And prayer Flags would hang happily flapping in the wind.
I would name the ship Nirvana.
want to book a reservation?

I'll be at the shop today

Hi Folks, I am heading down to the Gallery today and Boy am I in a festive mood. I am offering TODAY and TODAY only a 25% discount to anyone who buys anything in person at wilddyes in fountain square! So here's your chance, If you have been eyeing one of Dave's fabulous Desks, Or the Choctawhatchee bay bag, or one of Dave's paintings.....come in today and mention that you read it in my blog. Don't miss this chance ladies and gentlemen, It's a rare once in blue moon opportunity!

Ok Here's a quote I thought I'd share with you my Friend Palma Cooper gave this to me and I LOVE this quote from Nelson Mandella:
Our Deepest Fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
YOU are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightenend about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us: It's in everyone.
As we let our own light shine, we conciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

I invite you all to Let your own light shine, Shine to your fullest Capacity! Take a huge bite out of life and savor the flavor. What have you been holding back on? What talent have you been repressing? What Gift have you been afraid to Give?
Let this be your time to unleash all the brightness you have to give to the world.
Love Kris

Piper's Birthday Party Pictures

Angela Poked by on her way to the Salty Duck to say Hi.......

Piper Opens her gifts! She got a movie projector so we can have movies in the square...There is talk of a Monty Python-athon, and Rocky Horror Picture Show....

There were so many people, The Gallery Couldn't Hold them all, and they spilled out into the square where A Jazz Trio Entertained us all. Fabulous!

Steve Waves at me from his 'Kitchen' Which is what we have nicknamed his live demonstration Studio at Stellas. And Billy Stopped in to Wild Dyes and gave us an Impressive Sale! She picked Up Lisas psychedelic Mushroom painting, and Lisa was so excited to hear the the Illustrious Billy took it home.....There are more pictures of the event on Piper Gaffrey's Facebook Page. Even a few Pictures of me, Although not flattering ones as I am not photogenic......Like Billy ;)

some lovely Medium TieDyes

Here are some lovely things that would Fit Someone who wears a size Medium.....;) There are many Lovelies down at wilddyes. see http://www.wilddyes.com/ for directions.

Marie Carter!

I am excited to Share with you that we are carrying a limited line of greeting cards in our store wilddyes created by local artist. Marie Carter! Marie's pen, ink and water color style is whimiscal and unique. Dave has Commisioned her to create the art on his motorcycle dash board. I can't wait to see how it turns out. She is down at St. Simons today with Dr. Meow for their annual craft fair. She also creates fabulous art dolls, sorry no picture available. I hope to talk her into showing them at our store, or at least have her come display her work at art walk. The cards are 6.00 a piece.

They are printed on acid free card stock and are suitable for framing. Marie is available via e-mail

flspilledpaint@yahoo.com

Breast Thermography!

I spoke with Lisa's Mom by Phone this morning. One ot the things she wants everyone to know is that there is a test that can detect breast cancer up to 10 years earlier. It is called Breast Thermography. I started reading about it on line this morning after talking to Joyce.
It uses thermal imaging to detect increased vascularity that would feed a tumor in the breast. Had our Dear Lisa had this test when she was younger, she would still be with us today. This is an emerging technology and not available in all areas yet, but with public demand, this could save a staggering amount of lives and suffering.
Please check out www.iact-org.org
And google breast thermography and find out for yourselves!

A very Special Bag

As promised here are the pictures of my Pink Passion Bag, aka the bag of a thousand tears. My Dear Friend Lisa was alive when I started it, and succumbed to her year and half long battle with breast cancer before it was complete. The yarn is a fabulously soft hand spun art yarn, with lots of flash. It is a combination of pink yarns with high and low lights. The wool was hand dyed by Holly of http://www.hollyeqq.com/ Then Spun by me and hand knit. The bag is Lined with Hand Dyed Kona Cotton. The loop and button closure features a large gold toned Lion. Lisa told me in her last few months, that she had visions of Lord Jesus Coming to her in the form of a lion and Carrying her on his back. She took Great comfort in this. This bag would Retail in my shop for 170.00. I will be offering it soon as a raffle Item to raise money for Lisa's Family she leaves behind three wonderful boys, a Husband, Her Loving Parents and Sister. Lisa was the main Breadwinner for her family and They are struggleing now to cover expenses. We will also be putting togeather some fabulous gift baskets to be raffled off. Stay tuned for More info as I get the raffle items togeather. I can ship out of state, and will diligently add all internet raffle tickets to the drawings.

any special requests?

This is a friendly shout out and '3 minuite warning' to wilddyes fans. I will be placing an order for blanks this week sometime. Are there any special requests? Does anyone need something special dyed up for winter, or for christmas presents?
Do you have a hard to buy for teen that needs a tie dye on your list?
Remember all you out of staters, I accept paypal, and can process your credit card over the phone.
If you need some ideas for outfits I buy blanks often times through Dharma Trading. www.dharmatrading.com
Going once...Going Twice....

Thrift Shop Finds!

I scored these two books at the goodwill in niceville this afternoon! I had gone up there to have lunch with my friend Tina. we stopped at the chinese buffet next to Kelly's and man all I can say is the sushi in there is sooo good and for the pirce? seriously we both ate for 14.00 and change. And the food is clean and attractivily presented. Great spot! So I went by the Bargain Box behind Bank of America and scored some white stuff to dye including two linnen table cloths, and some nice pants for myself. I also went by the Good will and Found these great craft books for a mere pittance. I picked up Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic treasure Hunting and decorating guide. There is a beautiful quote on one of the pages although it doesnt say who originally penned it, but it seemed so apropriate as I have been contemplating the Subject of humility lately a lot and how it pertains to my life. This quote says it all for me......words to aspire to:

Humility

Humility is perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. IT is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my father in secret and be at peace, as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and about is trouble.

ZOMBIE walk!

Last Night was Zombie Walk in Down Town Fort Walton Beach Sponsored by the Jaycees. We had a good 1000 people or so in a very festive and undead mood in front of our store. The whole event kicked off in our courtyard next to Fokkers Pizza. The jaycees were on hand doing zombie makup and collecting canned food. This was my Zombie Look, Which was fitting since after 3 hours of sleep from the night before partying with the cool art girls, I looked about like I felt!

The View from above as people start to arrive to have their faces painted, the kids were doing a down town trick or treat.

The whole family got in on the act. My little Mad Scientist Zombie. And his Candy ;-)

Even Dave donned a little face makeup but alice cooper eyes were as far as he'd Go............

Unfortunately my camera crapped out before the real action started but I Have to say we had a much larger turn out than I anticipated. The store diddn't have a lot of sales, but zombies don't typically walk around with their pocket books. So we had a LOT of people who saw the store and said they would Be Back! Hopefully before the Next Zombie Walk!

More Shrimp Fest Fun

Check it out, I traded some tie dyes for these COOL coin Jewelry pieces. The earrings are mercury dimes, I picked them out and diddn't even realize it was mercury, (my ruling zodiacal Planet) also the cool 100 years of quarters bracelet! isn't it awesome? I just LOVE IT. It will be a premanent piece of my wardrobe. Check their website out at www.getcoinjewelry.com

Also I have to mention this friday night is ART walk in Down Town Fort Walton. we are still looking for artists to come and set up, contact piper gaffrey at www.stellala.com Don't miss out on your chance to sell art to this enthusiastic clientelle. It's free for artists. Merchants will be hosting artists and serving free refreshments to the public.

I have a whole slew of long sleeved shirts and hoodies that I have just hung out, in the store.

See you Friday Night!

Shrimp Fest Peeps!

This is a shout out to all the shrimp festival people who have taken the time to look me up on line. Thankyou all so very much for seeking me out again this year. If there is anything I can custom dye for you please do not hesitate to contact me. I dye first, and collect payment later, that has always been my policy. You only pay me if you are happy with the results.
I hope to see you all at shrimp fest next year!
Kris

Mom and Dave Collaborate

Mom, aka Smila Stopped by this morning on her way to bingo. She has some of her paintings in our store wilddyes. Dave was working on one of his paintings, and asked mom to step in and help with the backround. Her Fine art backround and Keen colorsense were hard at work. I snuck in and captured the moment. Dave the diligent student sitting at his mother's side. Talent deffinately runs in the family. On both sides!

Peshi Paintings!

Peshi has decided to Join our Artistic Efforts At Wilddyes. Her paintings join Her Sister Lisa's on our kids rack at the store. She has already been commisioned to paint two more! I like her use of color and creative sense of humor. It will be fun watching her artist style unfold over the years to come. She is a sweet and funny little girl. We love her very much!

Makong Thai

Hey I am sitting down here at the store right now, we have had a few people come in and register to win a 30.00 gift certificate from wilddyes in celebration of our grand opening. So about half way through the day I get hungry and man I have to tell you i have been craving some Tom-kha-gai coconut thai soup like you wouldn't believe. So I went upstairs to makong thai and ordered a bowl. Words can not describe how good it is! for my peeps that are out of state, next time you come down you will have to eat at makong thai. See the picture included here of one of their signature dishes. This is a real problem since the restaurant is right across from my store. HEHEHE

I could be spending a small fortune in thai food in the months to come. Check them out at www.makongthai.com

Store Pictures

OOPs these diddn't upload with the last post for some reason.

More in Store!

Well, I suppose it's part store part gallery, but so far we are off to a good start. OUr Grand Opening is September 12th. We have New incense, New Soaps and body care products, New Candles, and of course lots of great art, Jewelry, and TIE DYE! See Pics of how the store is coming along! I am encouraged by all the positive comments people have been making when seeing our store for the first time! I am extremely optomistic at this point. David is learning to be a shop guy. It's cute and a little annoying at the same time. I love him, but yes David the Lights do need to be turned on inside the store when we are open! LOL

I'm Opening A Store!

I Love it when a plan comes togeather. This photo is a sneak preview of the store I am opening at 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy Behind Tattoo Zoo, and Next to Fokkers Pizza.

The store needed a lot of work and Dave, the Kids and I have been working hard to get it clean and presentable.

Our 'soft' opening is Friday the 21st. Just in Time for Art Walk. We will be hosting a local artist along with other merchants down town and serving refreshments. Yea!

The store features the art of 3 generations. David's Mom, David, and I, and our children. Its a team effort but Offically the store is mine. I will have my tie dyes, and my fabulous polymer clay jewelry, we will have an assortment of incense, candles and soap, and Of course David's great paintings and furniture. WE are all so excited we can hardly wait. Such good fortune! Just plain ol' Good Karma I guess. We have Piper Gaffrey to thank for getting us motivated. Thanks Piper!

I know Dave and I belong Down Town, and I am excited about all the cool things that are happening there. coincidentally, the store I am renting is the SAME property that housed Mother Earths, my VERY first Job in Fort Walton beach c. 1984! Hows that for poetic justice?

BATIKS!

I am batiking again! These are pillows for my friend Lisa in Venice Fl. I am hand delivering them this weekend. Lisa and I have been friends since the 10th grade. We are family, she is like a sister to me. The godmother of my kids, and she doesn't have a mean bone in her body.
If it werent for Lisa, I wouldnt have gone into nursing. She helped me to see when I was growing up that my problems were small in comarison to what a lot of other people were suffering. Sadly, Lisa has been suffering with cancer. She is fighting a tough battle, but I am certain she will win.

David is Painting!

Check out David's New Paintings! He has used every available canvas I have in the house! Today he is building wood frames that will have his distinctive distressed finish. These Paintings will debut at the Thrird Friday Art Walk in August! I am so excited for him! He is ferverently working on an entire collection and plans to show them at local festivals this fall.

Yea David! He is a man of many talents and I am so happy to be his wife.

My Watercolors

Here are a couple watercolors I recently completed. The first one is called Windward Dream I am not 100% happy with it, but it is a good exercise in helping me find my style as a watercolorist. Albeit a novice watercolorist. The second is called Stepping Stones. And once again show my love for geometric form and bright color. I can't wait to paint more, Water color is like tie dyeing on paper. Funny how one art media can relate to another. I like experimenting and finding those connections in my art.

I find Watercolor supremely satisfying since the results are almost instantanious, not like Tie Dye which takes days to complete. With the water color you can draw it in a morning and by evening have a dry painting to admire.

Hot off the press

Oh my gosh! I am having such fun with my crafts these days, some may wonder if i will ever return to the dye table.....soon I say Soon. So first off check out the two new sexy yarns I just spun up. The blue and green yarn is my Choctawhatchee Bay yarn inspired by the colors of our beautiful bay. The second is a yarn I call 'Mama Mia' I was watching the movie while I spun it up and it totally reminds me of the happy disco colors in the movie. esp the part during the credits. Pierce Brosnan in 70's disco spandex....I was laughing so hard...that one part alone makes the movie worth seeing. I imagined while watching the film that all the actors must have had a GREAT time filming this flick. And man I love Meryl Streep's singing voice. Happy Place! The First Picture above are of some cute bobby pins I have been having fun making. Inspired by my Girlfriend Holly's fun sense of style. She complaied to me that her favorite hair pin broke. That was about two years ago. I promised I would try to make her some. I have never attempted these before but the cute buttons at the store reminded me of Holly, Bright and Cheerful. So she will be getting a suprise in the mail soon. Unless she reads my blog first!