Oh baby, baby it's a wild world....

It would not be such a bad thing to be remembered as a child; full of wonder, hope, possibilities and a bright future... don't you think?
As we mature it's easy to lose that childlike quality due to the circumstances that life throws in our paths. As the Cat Stevens lyrics point out, there's a lot of bad and beware... you've seen a lot of what the world can do and it can break your heart in two.
But the world can do a lot of good as well...
I have been on a most interesting journey during the last seven years. Initially 2002 was not the most inspiring year in my life; the death of my mother from colon cancer (three years earlier my father died of lung cancer), followed by a major relationship break-up that facilitated the need for an immediate move and legal protection, and a couple of months later I "suffered" the subsequent loss of my job (due to the closing of the family-owned newspaper where I had worked for six years). Through it all I had the support of my closest cousin and her family (I'm an only child) and co-workers and friends.
Throughout, and because of, my many personal losses in that four-month timespan in 2002 I conjured up a steely strength and independence that I always knew that I had; the time was ripe and I didn't really have a choice, heh - I'm not a quitter and not really a whiner (even though I bitch a lot). I rented my own stylin' digs and started a new job where I eventually met the love of my life who became my husband. Once again I moved, from an urban area to a place that was much like where I grew up - rural farm country, this time on a gravel road (hence the name "Lonesome Road Studio," don't worry though, I'm not really lonesome, LOL). Green Acres became the place for me; I am Lisa Douglas (but I can actually make pancakes.).
Fast forward to 2008: Artistic juices stirring + increasing ennui with traditional employment = exploring other avenues of creative expression. I simultaneously signed up to sell my work online and network with local art groups. Probably one of the top ten best things I've ever done.
Another fast forward, to 2009: Ready for another change (What a surprise. I'm a Gemini, mutable air sign. And in Chinese astrology I'm a double Fire Horse. Not excuses, just observations.).
I have created the Lonesome Road Studio blog to not only take a walk on the wild side with friends old and new, but to explore things I've put on the back burner for one reason or another. And I'm inviting all willing participants to share in the journey. This blog is not about reminiscing about the good old days, or "finding myself." I know who I am and I want to see how much more I can be. This blog will truly be a long strange trip of things that catch my eye and will be shared with all who dare to put on their walkin' boots and walk the wild side with Lonesome Road Studio.
In addition, I plan to shine a bright spotlight on things that I adore (including artistic and culinary endeavors, two of my favorite pasttimes). You might re-connect with old friends and meet new ones; I hope you will be inspired to channel your inner creative self and learn with me or offer your own sage advice through constructive commentary. Lonesome Road Studio is now open, and open to anything. Get ready for the ride!