A story to be told….

“I know a lady who used to be full of smiles, spunk and energy. She had hopes, dreams, and ambitions. She was educated and family oriented, and her goals were within reach…..
(to be continued)



October is Domestic Violence Awareness….I urge you to wear your purple ribbon!

Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. But it does - and when it does, there is help. October is Domestic Violence awareness month. I am writing today to help inform or to aid in the awareness of abused women. This is an area that is too often overlooked, dismissed, or too difficult to comprehend. Domestic Violence can happen in any home, lifestyle, or education level.

The abuse may be physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial/economical, or a mixing of all. The abuser and/or victim can also be someone who is college educated, makes a six figure income, lives in a more upscale neighborhood and considered upper middle class or even upper class. This particular segment is often found to be much harder to comprehend or find help from in society.

An upscale abused woman typically has not had prior exposure or experience with domestic abuse and is often shamed when it occurs in her life. Buying into the myth that it doesn't happen “to someone like her," she shuts down and keeps the secret of her abuse. Her shame leads to an isolation, which increases as her efforts to help her abusive partner fail. Ironically when the upscale abused woman does come forth, she is frequently disbelieved and is met with many obstacles in trying to get the help she needs and deserves. Too many times, she is met with the bias that she has so much advantage that she should be able to help herself. This form of violence is also met by the fact that the upscale batterer has the means and power to carry out any threats he makes toward his partner. Too many women have lost custody of their children due to the well-financed type of legal suits their wealthy partners were able to win.

I am hoping all my readers, friends, family will help make a difference this month. I am dedicating 50% of my sales this month, to a local shelter, Barren River Area Safe Space. Facilities such as these are needed to give shelter, legal advice, and information to any abused woman. With the aid of the advocates they provide, many women find the strength to continue the battle. This is a system that focuses on the victim and her family. Confidentiality and safety is their top priority. Too many women would not make it through the battle if it were not for the support, encouragement and belief these workers give.

I bring back an encore presentation of “Violets” for my debut of this month. Violets was designed with my Grandmother in mind, a lady of peace, harmony and someone who knew how rough life could be. She lived in day and time where no spoke openly of Domestic Violence. We now live in a society filled with knowledge, support and strength. We can change old ways, habits and help systems work better! Purple ribbons will be passed along this month, a color of royalty, wisdom, dignity, and independence. Too many women have lost their dignity, feel no independence and no power. We must unite and give back this strength to those in need.

Violets…55” x 76” $90

The story will continue throughout the month along with many new items.
For information on how you can help by making a purchase of Marsch Inspiration contact:

www.melissamarschwalblay.com
www.deborahgall.com
www.thegalleryat916.com
www.mesh_boutique.com

For making donations please contact Barren River Area Safe Space, 270-781-9334 or lalcott@barrenriverareasafespace.com

“You’re my piece of mind, in this crazy world
You’re every thing I've tried to find
Your love is a pearl
You’re my Mona Lisa
You’re my rainbow skies
And my only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes…”


19 today….
Born on a beautiful sunny day….
Captured all of our hearts….
Giggles and kisses to give…
Ellie in your hand, Chi Chi following behind…
Singing this song….


“The world will turn
And the seasons will change
And all the lessons we will learn
Will be beautiful and strange
We'll have our fill of tears
Our share of sight
My only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes…”



Strength, wisdom, courage growing everyday…
Independent, strong-willed and kind hearted…
Loving, funny and goofy along the way….
Daughter, sister, friend to all….
Dreams and visions of greater things to be….



And there are lines upon my face
From a life time of smiles
When the time comes to embrace
For one long last wine
We can laugh about how time really flies
We won’t say goodbye
Cause true love never dies
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes...

I see the brilliant sunset in your spirit…
Power…strength…passion…desire….love….romance…
You bring a rage and energy that is strong but taming…
You are a love in my soul incomparable….

Happy Birthday Holland Elizabeth!



“You will always be beautiful in my eyes
And the passing is the show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes….” Joshua Kadison

“A livelier emerald twinkles in the grass,
A purer sapphire melts into the sea”
Tennyson

Everyday is a blessing, and a challenge. I watch those around me try and find peace, harmony or balance in some form of relationship. Perhaps it is in a connectedness between parent and child, or co-workers, or two mates, it really doesn't matter, but all require a form of trust, respect and harmony. When trust is broken, respect betrayed, relationships dwindle.

When I was teaching, the creation of the color wheel was a wonderful way to exhibit how a perfect union or blend could result in a wonderful harmony. This same theory could be applied to any form of relationship, but work or confidence is needed.

Color can be a beautiful motivator to the soul. I find color to bring out strong emotions, reflect moods, give strength, and build confidence.

With September upon us, I have been playing a lot with the more fall or autumn palette. This week I decided to venture down a different path and delve into the color represented by the September Birthstone… named, Sapphire.

Sapphire is often found in a blue hue that draws my thoughts to the sea, a tranquil and soothing color. To keep my palette even more soothing, a touch of another stone, emerald is added. Emeralds are generally found in brilliant greens, and together the two bring an array of emotions.

Sapphire is defined as the symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness. This could be a reason so many choose this stone as a symbol of love and eternity. Emerald is thought to aid in the success in love, bring security, promote domestic bliss and bring out truth and honesty. This stone is another popular choice for symbolizing marriage for the “beliefs” it carries.

I began this project with a light weight crepe, something airy, non-confining, and open like the need we all desire in our daily relationships. I selected a style that has become popular due to its versatility, the open front jacket/wrap. Mixing my two very powerful colors noted for successful relationships, this jacket/wrap is a beautiful vision of an analogous harmony. The subtle, neighboring, vertical waves of the mingling hues gives strength, confidence and an elegant design. Now, if only human relationships could be created this easily with this much sincerity!

Sapphires and Emeralds……domestic bliss around you

I saw you standing with the wind and the rain in your face
And you were thinking 'bout the wisdom of the leaves and their grace
When the leaves come falling down
In September when the leaves, come falling down

And at night the moon is shining on a clear, cloudless sky
And when the evening shadows fall I'll be there by your side
When the leaves come falling down
In September when the leaves, come falling down ....
Van Morrison


I am dedicating this design to all my "daughters". When I began this design, I had a certain concept in mind, but like life, things changed through the process. As I changed directions, tried a different method to make my "mistake" more tolerable I realized the design was no more a mistake than it was perfect. With every twist I made to "smudge" out imperfections, the more it resembled crumpled leaves....falling down...
My wish to all my "daughters", and you know who you are, is to love yourself, your life, and most importantly, all your mistakes. Often it is the mistakes that give us our growth, and sometimes it is the best thing we did.
Girls, I dedicate this cape-like jacket in a very soft crepe to you....in colors of autumn leaves, and remember, just as my favorite artist sings...."I'll be there by your side...."

Leaves Come Falling Down.....

"You see, when weaving a blanket, an Indian woman leaves a flaw in the weaving of that blanket to let the soul out.” ...Martha Graham

As Fall is approaching, I find myself thinking of my paternal grandmother. A name like Pearl would conjurer one to think pale ivory, or a soft white….but this spiritual vision was in a vibrant Marigold. Her aura was one of mystique, caught somewhere between a sunshine filled energy to a deep wisdom, almost regal-like intellect. She held a firm position within the family. Even a child could see she was more boss than servant.

This woman believed children should be doing chores, helping in the kitchen or stay out of the way. Her powerful knowledge to farming was displayed heavily through her cooking. Never did I visit and not see pots simmering on the old farm stove. When she was not farming or cooking, she was steadily pumping her old loom, turning out the “rag” rugs. The colorful weaving added a hint of sunlight to the old house. She would show me relentless, time and again, how the warp yarns were strung and the reed weaved the strips of cloth back through. She then would pull the beater down to pack it tightly. I found it mesmerizing.

I truly believe my love for "creating" began while watching her foot gently tap the treadle pump and her hands slip the balls of torn rags through the yarns. The end product was always a beautiful new rug, made of mingled colors to adorn one of the families' floors. This time of year she would be working hard at the loom, crops almost finished, more time at hand and cooler temperatures pushed her inside more.

She did have a love of flowers, the chrysanthemum was a favorite. I often wondered if she loved mums more because during the cooler days of fall she had time to actually enjoy the bloom itself.

I worked this week on a piece of chiffon. Rather than stretching the silk, I hung it and allowed the paint to drench it more deeply. The colors selected tended to be in the fall scenery, or to me, a memory of Grandma pumping the treadle and producing those colorful rugs or a more serene moment by her mum bushes.


Garden Mums..... 14" x 66"

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and the autumn a mosaic of them all.” …Stanley Horowitz


Autumn is rapidly approaching and today the season is waving her hand hello. I just delivered the above piece to be auctioned at the annual fundraiser coming up, and the crisp blue sky, delightfully cool air, and that ever-so-slight change of color in the trees were a perfect match for the mood. Loving colors as I do, Autumn is my favorite season of beauty. I have always had an interest in science and the whole process of photosynthesis. I am intrigued by the "hiding" color beneath the green blanket of summer plenty in the leaves. As Fall approaches, and the tree begins preparing for winter, her beauty edges out in the most vibrant shades of golds, rust, coppers and rich browns.

As a child, Sunday drives were a wonderful source of entertainment. In the Fall, the drive became so much more colorful and exciting. I still love going for drives and seeing the "hills" of color. The time is limited but cherished.

Capturing those shades is even more fun, and watching them transform into their own beauty when I paint is wonderful. The two pieces I have completed here for PTK Fundraiser brought to life this early period of the season...a little introduction of "Indian Summer".

My first piece is the scarf, a lovely, draping scarf in 100% Jacquard silk. I hand-painted and dyed the piece in a rich, vivid capture of September’s coppers with flickers of the coming gold and yesterday’s green. This scarf is so easy to care for, and meant to be worn, just rinse in dawn dish soap, hang dry, and a light iron is all it takes!

The second piece is an extra long, 100% Charmeuse silk tie. This too is hand-painted in early fall hues much like the colors on my dogwood tree with a shimmer comparable to an Indian Summer day!

I hope you try and make it to the auction! The Public Theatre of Kentucky (PTK) is having their annual fundraiser on Sunday, September 13th 2009, at 440 Restaurant, 440 E. Main Ave., Bowling Green. The PTK non-profit organization is a friend of ArtWorks. Not only has PTK given ArtWorks permission to curate their lobby gallery for the past year, they have also contributed to our organization’s annual member’s exhibition.

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
-Danny Kaye


August is drawing to a close and it is time for me to get back on track! I have lingered and enjoyed the days of summer long enough. It occurred to me that so many have never had a glimpse of Carpenter's Lake. My photo is a bit old, but this was truly my "front" yard! A mesmerizing vision of wonder that I had at my daily breath each day. This photo was taken about thirty years ago almost to the date. Like my summer visitors were contemplating a flight south for winter, I see my new season adventure as well, as summer begins her departure.

As most are aware, I have many designs featured in the lovely Abide Studio in Franklin, TN. Deborah, the owner, and an inspirational, vibrant, talented and amazing artist herself, runs this very peaceful and tranquil gallery. Thankfully, I have at least spent some of my lazy days of summer refreshing my part of her inventory!! I know I have urged you before, but truly, try and get to Abide Studio for a visit. She has beautiful pieces to see, not to mention the entire set-up of The Factory! I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Today, I discovered a new little spot of promise! Mesh Boutique in Murfreesboro, TN is one of the most awesome little boutiques I have seen in quite awhile. It is located about a block from the square, but believe me, it is popping with enthusiasm! I met both of the owners, Heather and Jenny, and this little shop is going places. A very eclectic style, almost completely filled with hand-made items even down to one of their staple products, home-made soap the girls make their selves, this boutique offers a wonderful unique range of gifts for any shopper! Mesh Boutique is celebrating their One-Year Birthday this Saturday. I know they will do fantastic, the entire place illuminates a halo of warmth! I am lucky to say that shoppers will find Marsch Inspiration pieces inside too as well as other delightful textile designers!

Yes, my lazy days are coming to an end, and my brushes are being cleaned....silk being cut...inspirations turning to concepts. A new season is emerging.


www.melissamarschwalblay.com
www.deborahgall.com
www.mesh-boutique.com

...you can also find me on facebook.com/Melissa Marsch-Walblay, and twitter.com/MelissaMarsch....

“Have I Told You Lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”


You turn 16 today, it seems like yesterday you were born.
Memories fill my head

Zo-Zo always at your side
Oreos and Milk at bedtime
Pink cars and Witches on the porch
Daisy in the stroller
Spaghetti Night
Leotards and Tutus
Uniforms and Books
Sacraments and Graduations
First dates and Test drives

“For the morning sun in all it's glory,
Meets the day with hope and comfort too,
You fill my life with laughter, somehow you make it better,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”

I was blessed with an Angel…
as beautiful inside as out,
a heart pure as spring water,
spirit strong as the scent of t he rose,
a gentleness soft and forgiving as the willow tree sways.

“There's a love less defined,
And it's yours and it's mine,
Like the sun.
And at the end of the day,
We should give thanks and pray,
To The One, to The One."

If you were a color, it would be the vibrant shades of sunlight,
flowing colors of joy, happiness , intellect and energy…
You are the sunshine of my days….
Happy 16th Birthday Fielder….



"Have I Told You Lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”…..Van Morrison