I wanted to share with everyone a little more about what I do and what I love. I have been selling my art for over 30 years now. These are a few of my favorite things~.The Graphics will all be available soon as notepads. Drawing is my very first love of all the arts.I also love very old tintypes and enlarge them. This is Francine, one of my favorite paper people that surround me as I work at the Goode Comfort Cottage. The chalk ware is from various sculptings that I did for Netty. She is always kind enough to share a piece with me. I didn't have any of my chalk ware with me to photograph, but I will do that for you soon. And finally, a bit of what I do here in the evenings to relax right before the stars appear. Knit! There are so many wonderful yarns and ribbons, and I decided to try making a simple scarf from a beautiful ribbon I found. As the sun sets here, we light the candles outside and enjoy the beauty of the flower gardens. There are areas strung with fairy lights and little candle lanterns so that perhaps if we are very, very quiet... we will spot the fairies coming out to dance. I am very blessed to have so much Goode!
Monday, August 6, 2007
All Goode Things
I wanted to share with everyone a little more about what I do and what I love. I have been selling my art for over 30 years now. These are a few of my favorite things~.The Graphics will all be available soon as notepads. Drawing is my very first love of all the arts.I also love very old tintypes and enlarge them. This is Francine, one of my favorite paper people that surround me as I work at the Goode Comfort Cottage. The chalk ware is from various sculptings that I did for Netty. She is always kind enough to share a piece with me. I didn't have any of my chalk ware with me to photograph, but I will do that for you soon. And finally, a bit of what I do here in the evenings to relax right before the stars appear. Knit! There are so many wonderful yarns and ribbons, and I decided to try making a simple scarf from a beautiful ribbon I found. As the sun sets here, we light the candles outside and enjoy the beauty of the flower gardens. There are areas strung with fairy lights and little candle lanterns so that perhaps if we are very, very quiet... we will spot the fairies coming out to dance. I am very blessed to have so much Goode!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Berry Booty!


1C margarine, 1/3 C Milk room temp
1C sugar, 2 C berries
1 C water, 1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 C flour, 2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
melt 1/2 cup margarine in baking dish. heat sugar & water until sugar melts, set aside. mix flour, salt and baking powder in bowl, cut 1/2 cup margarine into flour mixture, add milk. turn out onto floured surface knead slightly. roll out to 11" x 9" size, 1/4 " thick. spread berries onto dough, sprinkle cinnamon on top of berries roll and slice. place in pan on top of melted butter and pour sugar syrup around slices, crust will absorb syrup. bake 45 minutes at 350F sprinkle 2 Tbsp of sugar on top bake an additional 15 minutes, will thicken as it cools.
Peggy Sue Got Married
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
A Word of Thanks~

Saturday, July 28, 2007
Meet the New Duncan!

On Being Sane In Insane Places
In the Art world as you stick your neck and your heart out, there are people ready to swipe with cat claws. Those that know me well, know I value honesty a great deal and I put it forth. There are those people out there that swipe at all you do and you wonder...am I dreaming this? Friends , family and wonderful customers have validated my art journey. What does one do with malicious attacks? I've never run. never had anything to hide. I've been honest and told those that have come across such people, " never stop doing what YOU love for them". Time puts a stamp on your work and it tells the truth as to what came first and what was copied. Now... I want to make it very clear here, that I LOVE to inspire people, and people have been inspired with different concepts, techniques and design elements. This is not about that. These people usually state that they are so inspired, either publicly or personally and I say.. go for it!. But others are just very mean spirited people.
I've run into this only twice.. and twice is enough. Honesty and truth continue to work so well for me. Pam Gracia, of Soft in the Head put a very mean spirited piece on her blog about me. While a blog is certainly no place to post ones unexplained bitterness, it does allow the truth to come out for all to see. She posted a drawing that I had done for her a few years ago. She wanted to do some bat wings and was having difficulty as was stated in her blog. As a friend, I drew them out for her. I told her that she could use the body, if she wished to make finished pieces at shows. I'm now accused of taking her bat and making it a pattern. The truth shows for anyone wishing to see. If you compare her drawing with my Bob the bat on my website, you will see that the wings are CLEARLY different in size and SHAPE. Bob even has some quilting done inside the wings if you have the pattern to see. She has her wings as she asked.. free of charge. What is the problem? I used my bat body design for one of my patterns?
I purposely did not put up pictures of each, but they are easily found if anyone is curious. I need not feed into such negative energy. My patterns go on Crow Soup every month on the 15th. That is a time stamp. The Internet can very much be honesty's advocate if you let it. It is so here. It has been noticed by many that watch Pam and I that she occasionally seems to put a pattern out that is somewhat similar to one I have already put up.. generally within a few weeks. Is it riding on my coat tails, or that I simply inspire her? I hope that it is inspiration. I very much hope that Pam goes on and continues to make wonderful designs. She certainly is a very talented woman. I would only advise that she keep honesty and truth beside her in her work and her living.. they really are the best partners you can have in life.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Suitcase O' Help

Now it's one thing to have a portable sewing machine and a box of stuffing.. but what about everything else I need to do my work? Needles, beads, paint , string, wire? So many things, not to mention thread, scissors and needle. How does one do it all? I had, at one time bought a wonderful sea grass basket at a show and dumped all that I needed to take with me at shows into it. It wasn't the best thing, but it worked. As Netty and I packed for our first Trade Show there were so many things to bring and we both brought a lot of finish work to do in our room at night. I bought myself an old suitcase from Goodwill. I absolutely love it and it goes nearly everyplace I do. I feel like Mary Poppins a bit, but I couldn't get by without my sturdy "Suitcase O'Help" as we affectionately call it. It could have been worse I keep telling myself....at least it's not my handbag.....
Friday, July 20, 2007
Good News!

And if that isn't exciting enough, I received a call today from Kathy, from Primitives by Kathy. I had sent some graphic work in to be used as notepads. They have all been accepted and she would like me to do more so that the Spring Catalog will have a good amount from me. I love that the notepads are all made in America! It's back to the drawing board, literally. I have a few more soft pieces to give detail to and the samples for next year are all set. She seems quite excited with the descriptions. I hope you will be too.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Charlotte Slaughter Scott
When Did THAT Happen??
As a child I took oil painting lessons while my friends sold Girl Scout Cookies. As a teen I apprenticed and worked my weekends beside a China painter. For no payment mind you.. to learn about the media and techniques. Then I was off to Art School and then College. Even with degree in hand.. to me I wasn't an artist yet. Art was a side thing for me, a love, a drive... a calling. I knew in my head that I would have to work for a living if I wanted to live Upstate and the chances of making a living off from my art would be difficult at most. I made Art to feed my spirit ( I was still practicing mind you), I worked other jobs to feed me. I did work several jobs that had nothing to do with my degree and somehow that seemed to be part of the times. As I taught decorative painting, I still didn't feel it. When my life changed through Netty, I was apprenticing again.. it was still the journey and I was still practicing.
I'm a single Mom now and have been for several years. It took all of three years to weigh the pros and cons of licensing and I'm comfortable with knowing that I am making a living for my daughters and I. I used to think my work was too whimsical to be art, but whimsy has a place too. I found myself looking back and realizing that Arts really do dance with so much of what was a part of our schooling, whether we chose to continue our education beyond High School or not. To continue education was well worth my time and effort. We all start out as "self taught" but I wanted more and I was fortunate to attend college. I have learned many things from my professors. It doesn't change your gift, it is knowledge gained and can enhance it. History, sciences and math do touch the arts without us realizing. We look back and realize that they have danced beside all along. We reach towards what inspires us and naturally delve into much the time period of the inspiration, the science of technique and the measurement of math if we pay attention to our steps. It is similar in all the Arts. You don't have to search for it, it dances beside you while to follow your heart. Art isn't forced, it happens. We make art to please ourselves. I have been fortunate that my work is not only a self expression of me, but so many others enjoy it also.
I know now that I am an Artist. It didn't come with a degree or just giving myself a title... it came on the heels of time and thirst for knowledge, starting with the media. It hasn't been with the journey of a year, but with many. It comes with an open mind that knows that you can learn many things if you just listen to those around you. It's not letting an ego get in the way and not taking it all for granted. I came to this place with a wonderful gift and yes... I can now say I've reached THAT part of the journey... but it's way not over yet! I will do it to the day I die. It is nothing that one retires from. It's who you are if it's truly a gift.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Trombone Reading....

Ok, ok, I admit it. I've joined in the ranks of, "The Trombone Readers". You've seen them or are a part of that club. Over 40 and suddenly, you can't read fine print. You hold it closer, pull it back in little intervals to big. Sometimes just going for the "all the way" at arms length. We do it at restaurants and stores. We even borrow glasses in hopes that it's just a momentary thing. Finally we admit it, another coming of age.
What to do? A sign of the times. One either goes for it and goes to the eye Dr. or like me; not wanting to take the time, hoping it's just temporary... we go for "The Cheaters". Off to the Dollar Stores to try on a pair to get us by. My "Cheaters" are a lovely shade of dark turquiose. I was hoping that they would be easily found where ever I set them. Sadly it's not so. What to do? Back to the Dollar Store for a couple more pairs because not only can I not see close up, but apparently I'm going blind altogether and can't find the darned things.
Now I'm resorting to one of those nifty neck chains to keep them on me while I work. I feel like the blue haired lunch lady of my youth. Argh... I began a search, If I was going to have to wear these things on my neck, I was going to do it in a funkier way. After searching several stores I rejoiced in finding a lovely turquoise beaded neck chain. Thoughts of my Arizona trip and and all it's beauty were held in this neck chain. Where did I find it? The Dollar Store of course. Right next to the rack of "Cheaters".
Thursday, July 12, 2007
You Touch My Heart....

I want to thank everyone of you for stopping by. Some of you visit quite a bit, some have found me quite by accident. I found this little Neocounter on a kindred friend's blog. Thank you, it gives us all a chance to see that it is a small world after all! I would have never in my wildest dreams have guessed that I would have touched so many of you with my writing...but then again, it is because of you that I am sharing my journey. Please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email. If this is your first time, grab something to drink and enjoy. You are most welcome here and I hope to call you friend. For all of my friends here.. thank you for being there for me.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Better Is One's Own Path~
A couple of days ago, Netty stopped by my house with a bag of fabrics that she could no longer use. We were chatting away , each sharing projects ahead and the joy that we both share designing for Halloween.
We were looking back to our very beginnings when she asked me to draw for her. I loved it and also loved the sculpting. I have just started my journey this Spring, sculpting and casting Chalkware. I first met Netty in the Craft Dept. of a store that I had worked in for years. I didn't know who she was, but I always looked forward to seeing her and chatting with her. One particular day I was talking with her about an article that I had read in a magazine about Chalkware. I had spent time on the Internet and in the library trying to find how the process was done. It seemed to be quite a secret. I had spent a few years as a young teen apprenticing to learn how to pour ceramics and we later owned a shop for many years. I didn't mind pouring molds, but I wanted to cast things that I had made. Chalkware could give me that. Netty shared with me a few things, that the molds were made of rubber and yes, it was a very tight-lipped media, not many would pass on their secrets. Imagine the joy to be able to eventually work for Netty and sculpt for her! She has followed her path along the years and explored Chalkware and wax casting. Her love of paper remains a great love also. It is all a journey, a path that an artist will explore blending history, science and willingness to learn from others.
When I first saw Netty's dolls, that was where my heart went. I didn't know how to sew though.. a great obstacle? Even if I could sew, I'd need a pattern. That was "The Rule". I had watched my Mom sew Barbie clothes to earn extra money here and there. Many of my school clothes and summer shorts were made by my Mom. It was quite a process to lay the fabric out, pin on the patterns, cut and then follow the rules to put together something in the right order..... I REALLY loved the dolls though...enough that just maybe, I could follow what my Mom had done so painstakingly and lovingly and what I thought was ....torture.
I asked Netty about it one day.. How do you make these dolls? Is there a pattern? She laughed at me and her eyes twinkled. She told me.."draw it out on muslin and sew on the line. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't." "You'll get the hang of it." In that moment, she gave me the world. It dawned on me~ as artists we are rule breakers, we don't need patterns , we just need to understand the process. Netty has been beside me now for about 10 years. She has been my mentor and my friend. She has shared so much with me and has inspired my work greatly. Like a Mother, she has always encouraged my journey and has always had confidence that I would find my way, just fine. Just like Mom, she has always been right about that. When Netty and I do a show together, many are surprised to learn that neither one of us knows what the other has made. We load all of our work in the van and set up our things. It always works out great, like it was ment to be. We don't need to know what the other has made, we each enjoy our very own journey and love what we do. It all comes together. We also enjoy the journey of the other and appreciate the gift that each of us has. We constantly inspire each other. There are no egos, no jealousy of another's gift. We simply enjoy the gifts that each has and watch the other's journey with smiling eyes. You don't need a license for the journey but sometimes you just need to be reminded that there are no rules. You will find your own way.
"Better is one's own path, though imperfect than the path of another well made".
author unknown
This was my quote in my Senior yearbook.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Summer That She Was...DELORES...

Funny how things stick! These are forever her "Delores Glasses" And she played the whole persona off. She loved denim and I found the cutest snap up pleated denim skirt for her. Most young ladies would wear it fully snapped as a skirt... not Delores! Delores wore hers with only the top snapped and shorts underneath. I asked her why."It's for when I run , Mommy, look!". The skirt peeled back as she ran, thus giving her a more, "super hero" appearance, she later explained in her 4 year old language. It became her daily outfit that summer.
Jess is nearly 12 now. We have to find a bathing suit that doesn't show her stomach and tank tops are too low cut. She still dresses her own way. We still hold dear the glasses... and I'm quite sure that she WILL be a super hero someday.
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Summer Begins....

It's official, Summer has begun for us. The girls are now out of school. Jess had her Moving Up ceremony on Wednesday night. It was moving alright! There is a sadness as your youngest child moves through different phases of life. Jess will be going to the Jr. Sr. High School in the Fall. The mornings will be very busy as two young ladies now share a bathroom before school....til then, it's a bliss full summer ahead at The Goode Comfort Cottage.
Tim and I sat in Church last week and listened to the message of all that God gives us. One of the things was , "good comfort". Tim has just gone through a very difficult year with no real work, or unemployment check to fall back on. Somehow he made it and is back to work. It looks like there will be a lot of work coming up for the Union Electricians. It was difficult and scary, but hand in hand, we both kept Faith. Going to Church last week was special, because we wanted to go and say "Thank You". In it I was drawn to the words "Good Comfort". Such a simple thing that can be difficult when you look farther than you have to. Good Comfort is the simple things that surround us.
We decided that it was a fitting name to Tim's small Cape in the village of Rotterdam. While the front of the house faces a lot more traffic than I am used to after living in Granville for most of the past 31 years, the back yard has become a sanctuary. There is a small but humble little garden, a pool, a patio area and a area that we have small "camp fires" to roast marshmallows and watch the stars. Along the fencing areas are solar lanterns hanging and candles here and there. Along stumps, there are little candle lanterns and greenery for the Fairy's to play. We have indeed found a Fairy Ring (a ring of mushrooms) every summer. We have faith that the cottage will host one this year as well.
I will be traveling back and forth this summer, but the days spent at each place, I hope will be balanced. As always it depends on the health of my parent's. The Goode Comfort Cottage brings us much peace within the home and backyard. Living simply and keeping the Faith.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Live Your Spirit~
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Do you ever wonder....

Do you ever wonder just why we are here and now? Placed in this time and not where our hearts draw us?Lovers of the past, a time that is not ours but pulls us close? Are we drawn upon so that we may sing it to the future.....
The pull has always been there for as long as I can remember. Caught in the fondness of old cemetaries and early tombstones for me... visions of history as passed on by my family of our own family heros. Drawn to images of horsedrawn carriages and button up shoes.. or yes.. a love of old gloves, that once perhaps held the hand of a true love? A mix of time periods at least one hundred years prior.
As lives touch others I see that I am not the only one.. and kindred hearts do share. .. but I wonder do we share because perhaps we were all once there???
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Glory of Spring
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Golly~ I've been Tagged!!!

And it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.. well, except I have to find 3 others to do a hit and run on. I am still quite new here so I hope I can find someone not already tagged. Till then~
- I was born in California~everyone else in my family was born in NY or Ct....nanner.
- I was real good at twirling a baton and did some quite large parades before having to retire at 12 for medical reasons.
- I'm a good Italian cook, as taught by my Grandmother. I also know the secret to her family famous meatballs. She taught me so much about unstaggering Faith, the strength of family and fidelity~ all while teaching me to cook with simplicity.
- I knit the Continental way.
- I'm deathly afraid of bridges and now I have everyone in the car with me yelling "AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" the whole length of any bridge that we go over.
- I was able to fulfill a childhood dream and pet "Little Joe's" horse from "Bananza". I spent the rest of the day hoping to find little Joe on the set.. I was 9 and he was CUTE.
- My HEROS are my 2 daughters. Bailey who is 14 and just had scoliosis surgery. She also has Asperger's Syndrome and is the most forgiving person I have ever met. People that don't understand can be very cruel, and she' still there for them. Also, my daughter Jesslyn age 9. She's the little sister that has to be the big sister. She is also the family comedienne and the reason I will need to wear "Depends" .
Now, tis time to have an internet tea with 3 fond Ladye friends, with whom I hope will find pleasure in this as much as I~
Christe'
Katie
Deena