Try the past week, where the temperatures have been hovering around the -20 degree mark.
And that’s just in Anchorage. In Fairbanks, it’s been hovering around the -40 and -50 degree mark.
It’s a whole different story working in that kind of cold.
Here’s episode 21 of our radio show - The Last Frontier Radio Show.
Subjects: Special Christmas show: Snowzilla, What Christmas is Like Here, Robert Service, Finding Your Own Voice
(Just press the start button on this player…Thanks for listening! (sometimes takes a few seconds to start, depending on your Internet connection)
To subscribe to this radio show on Itunes, just click the link to the right on this page that says “Subscribe To Radio Show on ITunes”
Don’t forget to Ride The Bus or with a friend, say “No” to plastic bags at the grocery store, and expect better days for oil prices. If enough of us do it, they’ll have to bring the prices down!
Having trouble with the player? Pressing the stop button, then the play button sometimes helps.
Can’t listen to this? Download the file to your computer and listen to it on your mp3 player or IPOD or locally on your computer. DOWNLOAD HERE
[Right-click, save Target As, then save to your computer someplace where you'll remember]
Santa really does live at the North Pole. Here’s a film we made about that:
I love to talk about development of your talents on this blog (along with my interest in Alaska), and I love to ask other people how they found their own song. The talents we either dig a hole and bury or use to their fullest extent. (or somewhere in between)
I have watched and admired Jane for about a year now. It has been amazing to go back to her blog and see what she has created this week.
She has to be the hardest working artist I’ve ever seen, and it shows in her work. She is always willing to learn from others and is always attending classes to learn more.
Now, that is my point of view of Jane. Let’s see what she says about herself.
I’ve embedded one of her beautiful videos here as well, so you can see Jane. She has this disarming smile and twinkle in her eye that tells you she is genuine.
Here are some questions I asked her last year, so you could read her answers here on this blog.
Here’s Jane!!!!
Hi Lynne,
I have kept your email in my Inbox for a year! Can you believe it? I just didn’t know how to answer the questions. I knew I wanted to get back to you on this but just wasn’t ready until now.
ONE YEAR LATER…
Hi Jane,
Thanks very much for answering them.
1. What was the one pivotal point in your life when you knew what you wanted to do and knew where you were headed?
This question is hard to answer. That is probably why it took me a year to get back to you. I have had many moments where I knew what I wanted to do…but I rarely know where I am headed.
I wanted to be a mother, to be a wife, to be a Christian, to be an artist. All these things have happened…this is who I am. Each with it’s own pivotal moment. About 15 years ago I began crying out to God and He heard me. He began a transformation that continues today.
Regarding art: One pivotal point was when I had the idea to sell paintings on ebay. Frankly, I was always brainstorming how to make money. By then I had two children and really wanted to be able to stay home and raise them. I had tried several things but nothing was really working. I saw others selling small paintings for $50 each on ebay and thought, “I could do that!”. I have always been an artist but focused mainly on music for years. I said a prayer that went something like this: Lord, I want to try painting and selling art on ebay. Will you please bless it?
I started painting small folk art paintings and was thrilled that most everything I painted sold…even if it was for only $15. I figured that if I at least made my art supplies money and ebay/pay pal fees back, I could keep at it for awhile. Every time I sold a painting it encouraged me to do more. People started writing me with encouraging emails. Soon, I started receiving more money for my work and actually made a profit.
I think I have painted or made art dolls, nearly daily, for about 3 years at this point. It just “fits” me so well. Still, I cannot say I know where I am going. Only He knows where I am going.
2. When you were working on finding your voice in your artwork, how did you overcome obstacles like lack of confidence or artist’s block or just not being sure what you wanted to do next?
I am not sure I have found my voice. I know it has developed and is beginning to get clearer, but I have only began to sing.
I overcome obstacles because I have to. This has been the story of my life. When an obstacle is presented, we only have two choices. We can sink and let it take us down, or we can find a way through it. My way through most situations is to call on God’s strength, listen to His direction, and take action. This is also how to make it through artist’s block or not being sure what to do next. Sometimes we just have to wait and not force it.
Really, I am rarely uninspired. My mind is usually overflowing with things I would like to create and there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day.
3. What has been the most successful and important move you’ve made that has helped you to become an artist whose work others seek?
I think people like to know a little about the artist. A personal connection is important for some art buyers. I try to be real and let myself be known. People know a fake when they see one…or shortly after. I try to be as genuine as possible. It is always a fine balance between wearing your heart on your sleeve and remaining professional.
At first, I did not understand why other artists would share so much about themselves. I was very withdrawn and only wanted to sell my paintings…not talk about myself. Then, buyers began asking me to do an “About Me” page. I didn’t understand why…but I decided to do one because they asked. Later, I saw that many artists had blogs and I thought maybe I’d better get up to date and have one too. That was very strange to me. I thought it was a bit narcissistic! Now, I don’t see it like that at all and I love blogging.
4. If you could change one thing you did, what might that be? In other words, would you have taken a different direction at first or do you believe that everything that happened to you was meant for growth and for a purpose?
(deep breath) I wish I had never copied anyone. When I first saw the little folk art paintings on ebay selling for $50 and had that “I could do that!” moment, I proceeded to try to do things similar to those artists. I did not reproduce their paintings, but it was obvious I was trying to be like them. Soon, my conscience kicked in and made it clear that was not a good idea. I am embarassed I did that. I have apologized and try to not step on any toes in that way now. I found my own style and have since been copied by many others and frankly, it sucks! (I know…that’s not a very godly word)
Still, I do believe that everything that has happened is meant for growth and has a purpose.
5. In this world of so much unhappiness, what message do you wish your artwork might tell the world?
Have faith! If you don’t have faith, ask for it…and keep asking for it. If you do have faith, nurture it. Keep your feet planted on the ground and your eyes heavenward.
6. Perhaps there was one person who influenced your abilities as an artist. Who was that person and what was the most critical lesson he/she taught you?
My father’s role in my life is deep. Who he is has shaped who I am in such a profound way…I cannot really put it into words. He is an artist and musician. He lives in a small house he built himself, has drove the same car for 20 years, and does not go to the doctor when he should. As crazy as he has been, I have always respected him and have tried to be like him in many ways.
He probably doesn’t remember this…But, one time we were talking about how to write a song and he said, “Keep it simple and from the heart”. I think that is great advice and have held on to those words for years.
Many blessings for the holidays,
Lynne
Thank you for asking me these questions. Merry Christmas Lynne.
Jane DesRosier
Here’s a free, downloadable mp3 file you can put on your IPOD or other player to listen to the story of how we traveled 4,000 miles in the dead of Winter through 3 provinces and 5 states to get to Alaska.
The story not only includes general information about goals and how to achieve them, but it also includes a lot of specific information about how to drive the Alaska Highway. You’ll learn a lot of tips and resources you can use for your vacation.
In the Secret, there’s a point in the narrative where one of the teachers is talking about how you’ll know when you are headed in the right direction.
He takes an example of someone who has been trying to manifest a person in their life whom they can fall in love with.
He says that if you “FEEL GOOD” [key to remember], you’re on the right track.
What does that mean? If you decide you want something, and you start to visualize yourself with it and doing it or whatever “it” is, when you feel good about whatever steps you’re taking to achieve “it” - you’re right on the money.
That is very different from someone who believes they want something, but does not leave the “how” to the Universe. We often try to micromanage our desires to make sure we get them. It doesn’t work that way. If what you’re doing leaves an empty spot in your insides, you’re going the wrong way!
When you find the way to that goal that feels good and feels right, keep doing that!
Does that sound like it’s too easy? It’s easy, but it is not easy to learn at first. Your goal should be to want something so bad, you feel in it your every cell. So strong, you can’t let go of it.
It is then that you’re getting there. There - where very few people go. Where the way is a Secret, in effect.
