Art: My Taste

I love finding art objects that speak to me.

I don't care how about the price, but it has to be quirky, unique or have a story behind it. There are figurines on my shelf that look ugly as sin, but because they were my grandma's, I will claw out someone's eyes if they try to take them down.

In my house you will find comic figurines, movie memorabilia, African art, family photos, muppets, and a random mish-mash of furniture. I have no style and I don't care. I'm comfortable and surrounded by memories. I hate to throw pictures on a wall that don't serve a purpose. If I wanted that, I'd just go to Wal-mart and buy those classic art frames or inspiration posters. Or maybe a "Hang In There" kitty picture - those are unique, right?

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

This hand-carved, wooden figurine was purchased on a cruise stop in Ensenada, Mexico. It's very small and light weight. All details are also hand-painted. I love the contrast of beauty against the skeletal figure.

My husband surprised me with this picture after taking a trip on the ferry from Vancouver Island. There is a local gentleman that makes these art pieces by cutting a single sheet of paper. You can visit his website at http://www.amazingislandart.com/.

I love Strange Brew. I thought it was only fitting that I have Bob and Doug in my house as well. This figurine set was designed by Todd McFarlane. You can view the website at http://www.spawn.com/toys/series.aspx?series=7.

Experiences and Life Challenges

We define who we are. Our lives change in a split second, constantly rotating around the choices we make daily. These stories and life experiences should be shared with one another. In that effort, here is a simple little story of one of my personal acheivements.

Let's call it "Going Against The Grain"

I was up for a job. It wasn't awesome and I had a perfectly good job, but I desparately wanted a change. The trouble was that I was transitioning from a computer/tech job to a more 'personable' job. Anyway, I was everything they were looking for EXCEPT they had doubts I wouldn't be 'enthusiastic' enough coming from a technical background. Hmmm...okay. I was scheduled for a second interview anyway - they wanted to talk to me again and see if they felt a bit different.

Being me, I took it as a personal insult. Me? Not personable? Well, of course I knew that I wasn't bubbly or 'flaky' but I didn't think I was terribly unapproachable. I turned that insult into a challenge. They'll end up stuffing that comment before the end of my second interview. Maybe I was insane. Regardless, I crossed a personal boundary and it was terrifying, but a very healthy thing to do.

What did I do? Well, I rented a full dog costume and performed a choreographed dance number. They didn't know it was me until I took off the head. I landed the job that moment. Insane, but really effective. Which is saying a lot because I can't dance to save my life.

Moral: Break your boundaries. Challenge yourself. Convert obstacles into opportunities.

Epilogue: That job sucked. Like really sucked. Integrity? Non-existent, which meant I didn't stay long. Do I regret the costume dancing? Nope, I have an awesome story. And pictures.

KATIE THE "DANCING DOG"