I don’t even know where to begin, as once again I realize it’s been a bit of time since I’ve updated my blog. This often happens when life takes over and I get blissfully and wickedly wrapped and caught up inside it. I have spent the past 3 weeks preparing for one of the biggest events in a long time… the Urban Arts Event. http://www.urbanarts-tc.com/ which I was chosen to participate in. 30 Local artists were selected, some had 10 pieces involved, some had one, I had submitted 4 pieces and they chose 3 of them. Pretty great odds, but still, I was blown away and a nervous wreck!!! I had some amazing support from family and friends and people I’ve never even met, until that evening.  I arrived there early and I had asked Joe (one of the coordinators) if I could help and he put my friend and I to work right away. I was more than happy to be helping, as it gave me a first hand look at most All of the art that would be on display. Major amounts of space were used and hundreds of art work hung from various pieces of wood. After about an hour I finally got to my 3 pieces and we set those up as well, directly adjacent to the Jazz Band…which was the best ear candy I’ve had in a long time! The event began at 7PM and went to 1PM. I had come with a friend who offered to join me, however she wanted to leave early and said she would gladly bring me back to her place, and give me directions back so I could just hop in my car. Well, I’m a big hot mess when it comes to driving in unfamiliar territory, so to my major disappointment,  my safest option was to call it a night. Unfortunately I really didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye or thank you to anyone….it was just ‘time to go’….I swallowed my disappointment and decided it’s time to get a GPS, because the only person one can truly count on, is oneself. Lesson 1 was gladly learned and it feels really great to just rely on my own self.

The weekend went by far too quick in the cities, my friend and I spent a lot of time near St. Anthony Main in the cities…she’s a huge history buff and enjoyed filling me in on all the spectacular sights I saw, my camera in hand as I snapped photos, ate amazing food, had some great beers, some great laughs, and really great people watching!!! Being near the water has always been where I feel the most at home, as I was raised in a city that was surrounded by water (Upper Michigan). On Sunday Morning I went to pick up my art, thanked Joe (he and April Erickson..both amazing artists, were the coordinators for the event along with a couple other talented souls who also displayed their art)….I couldn’t thank them enough, and explained to them in so many words my quick departure…gratitude is key in my life, and leaving people without thanking them is not my forte…it’s not what I do.

Coming home was an incredibly welcoming experience, my art in the back of my car, next to my guitar….I had run into my very talented friend MJ Kroll who has a House Party this weekend (see my calendar) and asked if I would like to be a part of it….OH HELL YEAH…this girl knows how to rock the best of them. So a gig on Saturday Aug. 21′st…I hope if you are local, you can make it!! Also on Sept. 16th I will be performing a show at BAR FLY… information here… https://tickets.aftonshows.com/SuzenJueL You may purchase your online tickets there.  And while I’m at it, here are a few BIG DEALS that fans can do … to support an artist. POST the event on your myspace/facebook/twitter. Give people flyers to the event, word of mouth is so necessary. When You purchase the tickets for the show….you will be given fliers to hand out…post one at your job, your apt.building…anywhere. It’s SO Easy and well, I can’t do it all by myself!

This is the time of year, my soul soars and my emotions run strong and steady. I’m so aware of every thing that I see, and the core of my soul, is NEVER wrong. However, I have learned, not everyone is ok with my observations,…sometimes I hit the nail on the head so hard it makes my own head spin, not to mention the head of those around me. Knowledge is power though, and those that truly know me, know my soul. I have sadly learned….not everyone has the compassion to deal with such realities and well, that’s ok, I just don’t have any room for the ignorant of the world…they drain me with their need for constant explanations of themselves and their constant need to for petty attentions. I have also learned…in the most amazing beautiful way, I am CRAZY about the world and even though the people I sometimes surround myself, are often large disappointments, there are so many beautiful things around me…how could I possibly allow the black tar attitude of some, to ever stain my view…No way.  So today, as I’m feeding the birds, a hummingbird lands on my finger….perches there and drinks the  nectar I just poured. The sun rose today and the earth turned golden, the sun is brilliant and warm on my skin, my mother loves me with no conditions, my husband is my best friend ever, and would defend my honor come hell or high water and as each day goes by, I adore him more and more.  NOpe…the world is far from perfect, but it’s perfectly normal to me.

I am still submitting my art to local art shows, and my music to local venue’s. If you are local (FRom the Twin Cities Metro) feel free to pass my links along. But More than ANYTHING ELSE….As a great musician once wrote.. “Don’t let nobody drag your spirit down!!!”  For every one bad egg in your life, there are 11 more that are good, and don’t you ever forget it!!! Sometimes birds can still fly with tattered wings, sometimes babies laugh when we cry, sometimes the sting of the bee is what cures you.

Spread your heart….be compassionate…be loving….and never criticize what you don’t understand, because under that buzzing mound of stingers and bees, is the sweetest honey…and only those that dare prepare themselves for it, will ever know it’s sweetness.

PS . for those wanting Pickles from me….Let me know, I’ve got quite a few jars made!!! Sorry,but it’s not free! All ingredients are from my garden. Dill pickles…garlic, fresh dill…sometimes tumeric and curry…..You pay the shipping and donate what you want to…I’ll mail them to you  (juelresistance@gmail.com  for paypal deposit…put in your note PICKLES)

Again, I’m intrigued at leaves, their textures, and colors…sharing more!  More on flickr

My Art work, photography can be found at my Shop!