Army Art

It isn't often that my world and my husband's world collide. I'm an Artist. He's in the Army. I'm a Painter. He's a Pilot.

I think Paula Abdul said it best.

And because my husband's lifestyle affords me my lifestyle; I'm on the team.

Recently I completed a commission painting. It was designed as a gift for a Commander, as he will be changing command soon. Because he is leaving this particular Company for another gifts are in order.

What better gift than a commemorative painting?

Here's the Work of Art from start to finish. 

 

Thanksgiving...

This is looking back on a Thanksgiving past; just last year as a matter of fact. It is my husband Phil's tradition to grill the turkey. He loves it because it is an excuse for us to invite our friends over early; thus extending the festivities.

The holiday season is a time for family. If you are not living around the family you've always known, then I believe it is customary to build one. When we lived in Alabama we did just that. We had a six person family. (only the men appear in the photo) We were relatively inseparable for about a year, then the Army split us up. Two of us went to Germany, two to Alaska, and two to Japan. At the moment there is only one of us in Germany and I miss the other five like the Dickens.

Relationships that Army families build with one another is truly impressive. Just last week I taught a class called Expectations and the Impact of the Army on Family Life. (It is a class in the Army's AFTB program) It's quite an interesting and in-depth topic, one that could be covered for far longer than the 60 minutes I had. None the less, in the lesson traits of a successful Army family are covered. Words like Patriotic, Adaptable, and Sense of Humor are highlighted. At the end of this portion of the class we share some of our own words. Mine changes every time. I mention this because today I change my word again. It is now Helpful. It's not a groundbreaking word, but it means a lot. Everyone that I have met in the Army, so far, is incredibly helpful and supportive. I think we all know what it's like to need something whether it be advice, a ride, a tissue, a meal, a dog walked, a beer; the list is endless. I find that my community is never at a loss for people with helping hands. We have all needed assistance, and we are all happy to pay it forward.

More specifically, recently I needed a Christmas tree. Without boring you with the details I'll say it was an emergency situation and leave it at that. Guess how long it took me to get a tree. Less than five minutes; no kidding. I had a friend donate her tree to my cause, deployed soldiers, and asked for nothing in return. Describing it as plainly as I have; it may seem inconsequential. I however, was saved by it . I am still impressed with how quickly my situation turned from being a problem, to being a blessing.

I'm sure there are a lot of communities out there that are like mine. From the bottom of my heart; I hope you've got one. I see lots of people posting things on the FB that they are thankful for. As cliché as it sounds; I am thankful for my Army community.

That being said, I will (obviously) not be spending this holiday season with typical loved ones. I have been invited to celebrate with a new family of friends; who I am sure will be just as wonderful as my last. I am looking forward to experiencing their new traditions and sharing one (or two) of my own. Yes Sarah Jackson, I will be bringing your Bourbon Balls tomorrow. I am sad to report however, that I do not see any Hand Pies in my future.

For some reason this particular holiday has me reflecting more on my life, and friends and family, and being American, than any has before it. I have been finding it equally as rejuvenating to look back on how I've gotten to my current position in life, and remember to use it as a tool to enjoy now. If you are interested in a few amusing anecdotes from the now, click here.

Whose Side Are You On?

As I continue to straddle the line between Army wife and new citizen of Germany it seems like the two sides will not combine. I was hoping my life would just start to flow, and black and white would mix together and create gray. It hasn't. At it's very best I can manage to turn a day into a zebra stripe, but never gray. This is true of my life and my career. I look at my schedule. As of recently, I am not so much at a loss for ways to contribute to my Army community. But, if I don't see any new adventures in Europe penciled in, then I make it so. My brain does a lot to assist in this divide also. When I need to shop I always think, “What do I need, and who has a better version of it?” I try to buy everything I can in Germany, as I will only have the opportunity for the next three years. Sometimes it's impossible though. Why are there no pinatas in Germany? I was forced to order them online. Also, the other thing that is challenging about shopping in Germany is parking. Their parking spots can be so tiny. If parking between me and my fellow consumers goes awry I can find myself climbing into my car from the passenger seat. I love American parking spots, and they abound on post at the PX. That being said, I have found a new, really fun, store recently. It's called ROFU, and it's a toy store combo'd with a craft supply store. Genius; I'd think so even more if I had kids. I'd liken it to Michael's, but less craft and more toy.

This weekend the families from my husband's Company are getting together to hand make Christmas decorations for a tree we are sending to the deployed soldiers. In it's balance I will also be attending a piano Jazz concert at a local gallery. This is just one example of my Yin-Ynag practice, but I hope to encourage it more for myself. I do enjoy however, the times when the two “zebra stripe” like when we (Army wives) went to the winery in Wurzburg and Katharina (German, not Army) and Melanie (German, not Army) came. The juxtapose only gets difficult when Army law, or German law, prevent the interaction.

This is no where more prevalent than with my work. As you well know I make things and sell them. As I have been finding German law sees me quite differently than American law. Getting legitimate can take a second. Selling is tough too. Many people in my position stick to only selling to Americans on base. Up until this point, that is what I have been doing. It has been very satisfying. My peers love my work and are very supportive. What I'm afraid of happening is the exhaustion of this sales outlet. I could travel to other posts and only sell to other soldier's families, and that would open me up to a larger market....but I want Germany. And as I've said earlier; I'm about to get it. I have my first local bazaar next weekend. The thought of selling in Germany, to Germans, definitely raise my blood pressure and makes my armpits sweaty. How much German am I really going to have to speak? Probably a lot. Are they going to enjoy my styles as much as the American girls? Who knows? Will they not want to buy stuff because I am not really a local artisan? Maybe. For support, both morally and culturally, I am bringing Katharina. I'm so thankful she wanted to accompany me. I think I'm even going to need her to help me figure out where I'm going on that day, how to park cheaply, and sign in to the event. The little details are as intimidating as the obvious ones. What ever the outcome I am happy for the opportunity; even if I'm too chicken to ever do it again.

The bazaar is 11/24, from 10:00- 16:00, at the Volkshochschule in Fürth, Hirschenstrasse 27/29, 90762. It's called the KreativMarkt. Anyone is invited to come and shop.

Just yesterday I had my final shopping event for the season on base. I went to our sister post, Illesheim, and sold my scarves at their Spouse's Club event. It was a fun afternoon. It's a warm, and welcoming community.I'm starting to recognize many faces and build a friendship with the other local vendors. I'm glad for this, since I will be here for a few seasons to come. I also met a new trio of vendors. They call themselves Sugar and Spice. They knit and crochet a barrage of accessories. I was impressed with their craftsmanship and creativity.I made a purchase from them. I enjoying supporting spouses as much as I enjoy being supported myself. It's an added bonus that these girls make their wares themselves. 
If you are interested Sugar and Spice has an FB page.

Obligations and Invitations

This hood is currently For Sale!

I think most of us feel like we are incredibly busy. I also think that when you enjoy life and make the most of it, you're going to have a lot to do. I tend to wear two hats; and recently it seems that no matter which hat I have donned, I am swamped...in a good way.

My life is quite full of opportunity. I am constantly finding new ways to impact my world. For me, it's exciting and I can feel myself growing. For the Army, and for Germany; it could be a blessing or a curse. I appreciate both of these entities for all the opportunities they afford me, for all the things they teach me, and for all the mistakes they allow me to make.  

Get your details here.

Spring at Florida Scarf

Two weeks ago I introduced Florida Scarf to it's new community, US Army Europe's Katterbach Kaserne and it's Spring Bazaar. It was a great time. The event was three days, with vendors coming from all over. There were many interesting vendors and great entertainment. More importantly, I met so many people in my new community. I sold a lot of scarves, which is a bit rare in the month of March. I think this is a good sign for the business. The weather here is different than any place I've recently lived. Plus, the scarves are really fun to wear no matter the climate.

The Bazaar was held in the hangars on post. This was a fun location to sell at, for me. It was a novelty to work, for one weekend, in the same place where Phil normally works. He and his work buddies don't really share my sentiment, as they had to clear out for the event, and then clear back in when it was all over. But their effort is worth the trouble for the community.

I gave everyone that made a purchase a thank-you gift. It was a coupon for use at a later date. It will be interesting to see how many of those coupons come back. This will be the first major time I am tracking customer sales and word-of-mouth. Actually I have had two of the coupons come back already. So, maybe it is working :)

My sales ranged from young girls, to older woman. I am happy to see the broad customer range. This means I can keep producing garments in all fashions.

I also met a few people in a few different crafting/sewing circles. I hope to get together with them and start sharing ideas and tips.

Another aspect of this bazaar that found great was the entertainment. They had cheerleaders, a folk singer, and a local marching band. The town mayor even came out. My particular favorite was the Ansbach High School Jazz Band. As you know, I love Jazz. They were super. Their little-kid bodies made the instruments look so big. My booth was directly in front of the stage. It was glowing blue-black, like a real jazz lounge, and they were all dressed in black. The feet of the musicians were at my eye level. It is mesmorizing to watch everyone's right shoe tap in unison to the beat. It was groovy. My foot tapped too. I took their picture:

The event was hosted by The Ansbach and llesheim Spouses and Civilians Club. These organizations do an amazing amount of community service, both on-post and off-post. I am proud to be a member. I am glad I got to Germany early enough to make the Bazaar. I hope to participate in a few more like this, next Christmas Season.

In addition to this event, Florida Scarf has been busy with some special orders. As I mentioned last week, I did a scarf for a girl to wear with her soccer uniform. I also recently completed a hoodie for a dude in Hong Kong...

And a mother-daughter set for an Army Wife currently based in Hawaii, but moving to Maryland...

My First Military Holiday

As stated a few days ago, my holidays are over. Boy, am I relieved. As I sit and reflect on this past season I've become more aware of the impact being in the military had on the business. Initially I thought it was going to be a miracle to sell even one scarf out of Alabama. What actually happened is completely different.

My husband and I have a combined average age of 30. We have been in the Army exactly one year now. It's definitely a bit old to be starting this style of life, but we're always up for an adventure. My husband is going to fly helicopters. In order to do that one must first complete training at Ft. Rucker in Alabama. Everyone thought we were crazy. Most specifically, they thought I was crazy. "What are you going to do down there?", everyone asked.

I'd had Florida Scarf for three years already, and had moved three times previously. I thought running the business from (practically) the middle of nowhere would be an interesting challenge. What I found was that it was no challenge at all. At best, the challenge was keeping shipping cost effective.

Being a part of any military is being a part of the most supportive community on the planet. I made more army-friends with Florida Scarf than anything else. Some of these "new friends" live near post, but many of them are supporters from around the globe. My experience this season has shown me that not only active duty members, but their spouses, and distant family as well, do what they can to be supportive.

It isn't easy for spouses of active duty members to find jobs, or be creative, or work toward personal goals. One's life really has to revolve around the soldier. Because of this, when a spouse can be creative and/or work out of the house the community really gets behind it. Customers that have bought my scarves have been my best marketers. I'm excited for it to continue.

I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to not only Ft. Rucker, but to the Army as well. I look forward to more of 'Florida Scarf, Chapter 2:The Amry'. I hope the experience brings new adventures, friendships, materials, and tools.

http://www.floridascarf.com/