I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I thought I wanted to be a painter, and I’ve done some painting, but I’ve done a multitude of other art forms as well. I’ve been a dyer, spinner, weaver, felter, musician, print maker, photographer, gourd artist and writer. Currently residing in Texas after a 40 year stay in New England.
My Life So Far
by Ragtimelil
A short article about the hopes and dreams of Lana Pettey, aka Ragtimelil.
A Sample of Work
by Lana Pettey
 Ragtime Cowboy Joe |  Alex the Cockatoo |  Green Man Gourd Art by Lana Pettey |  Huck Lace Mats in L... |
Art is for Everyone
Give Art a Try
 | The Marquis Artists Desk Easel by Art Alternatives Both portable and compact this desk easel features a folding easel that adjusts to four positions. The Marquis can accommodate a canvas or drawing board up to 14 inches wide. Cl... |
 | Reeves Acrylic Paint Sets set of 24 Acrylic Art paints provide qualities such as quick drying time and a tough finish that makes them ideal for use on almost any surface such as canvas, wood, paper, fabric, metal,... |
 | Sculpey Super Sculpturing Compound 1 lb. box This semi-translucent clay models well and bakes to a ceramic-like finish. |
 | 48 Jumbo Size OIL Pastels for Drawing & Art Don't pay more money for similar quality art supplies. These Oil Pastels are formulated with rich intense color pigments just like the higher priced ones, only you pay half the ... Only $13.99 |
The Music Life
I learned to play guitar in high school. There were too many guitar players around who were so much better than I was so I took up the washtub bass as a joke. I quickly discovered I could actually play the thing. When I got a chance to buy a real upright bass, I took it. I played bass with a blues band, led by my then husband. After we went our separate ways, I bought a Fender fretless electric bass. I played in folk groups, jazz bands and wedding bands. I also took up some other instruments, recorder, dulcimer, autoharp, and bodhran. I had to sell my fender, and my Gibson to pay the mortgage during the bad years. I tried to get my upright bass repaired, but had to leave it behind when I moved back to Texas in a camper.
The only thing I have left now is my dulcimer. It’s a beauty, made by a friend. I’ll keep it always.
My Dulcimer
 My Dulcimer My dulcimer photo by Lana Pettey |  Carved Head |
Learn to Play the Dulcimer
 | Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Dulcimer In this book master dulcimer player Madeline MacNeil teaches beginning players tuning, scales, strumming, fingering, chord studies, alternate tunings, use of the capo, and how t... |
 | Mel Bay Dulcimer Chord Book Over 500 mountain dulcimer chords for the five widely used modes-- Mixolydian, Ionian, Lydian, Dorian, and Aeolian--plus jazz and four-string chromatic tunings. Includes an expl... |
 | Mel Bay First Lessons Dulcimer This instruction book for beginning lap dulcimer in DAD tuning is unique in two ways. First, it instructs the beginning student in the increasingly popular DAD tuning. Secondly,... |
 | The Dulcimer Book A clear, basic instruction method on how to tune and play the dulcimer. Includes the words and music of 16 traditional songs, including Go Tell Aunt Rhodie, Old Joe Clark, Prett... |
 | Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions (American Folk Music and Musicians Series) The Appalachian dulcimer is one of America's major contributions to world music and folk art. Homemade and handmade, played by people with no formal knowledge of music, this bea... |
More about Dulcimers
 | Mountain Dulcimer Celtic French-Canadian American CD Time left: 1 week, 1 day Fixed price: $12.50 |
 | Mountain Dulcimer Celtic Fr-Can American Tab Tune Book Time left: 3 weeks, 5 days Fixed price: $12.50 |
 | THE DULCIMER SHOPPE "MOUNTAIN DULCIMER TUNES" EP / PS Time left: 3 weeks, 3 days Current bid: $6.75 |
The Animal Life
I’ve always had a love for animals. I wanted to train horses, but became a dog trainer, obedience instructor and competitor. My dogs and I have competed in obedience trials, lure coursing, dog sledding and herding trials. I can’t imagine life without dogs.
I grew up with a Chihuahua, and have lived with a dachshund, pointer, golden retriever, American Eskimo, Rottweiler, Dobermans, greyhounds, mini poodle, Shelties and assorted mixed breeds before, falling in love with Border collies.
Pictures from a herding demo by Deb McTigue used by permission.
I've kept horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, lamas, ducks, guinea pigs, chickens and a parrot or two.
Some Dog Stuff
 | Dog Treat Bag Plus from OllyDog Magnetic with Waist Belt The OllyDog Treat Bag Plus magnetic dog training pouch keeps your dog's treats handy for dog training sessions or dog walks and it looks great! A Magnetic closure makes is easy ... |
 | American Kennel Junior Series Dog Agility Weave Poles * 8' Overall Assembled Length, * Includes 6, 24" Tall Weave Poles All PVC Hardware Necessary to Set-up * Dog Agility American Kennel Club Junior Series * Everything needed to se... |
 | English Bulldog Frisbee Peace Pin Badge No 3 This is a wonderful brand new extra large 3 inch (7.5 cms) diameter metal pin badge featuring this adorable breed. It is printed to a very high quality gloss finish on a sturdy ... Only $3.99 |
 | Dog Behavior Decoded Discover what your dog's behavior really means as top Applied Animal Behaviorists, Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. and Dr. Dan Estep, Ph.D.Decode what your dog's behavior is trying to ... Only $19.95 |
Life Now
Back in Texas
I've just moved back to Texas after 40 years in New England. I'm still adjusting to the heat after learning how to survive northern winters.I've written about my travels here.
I have a streak of hermit in me. I can spend days alone. My dream is to have a little homestead again where I can have goats and sheep and a big garden.I have some things I've made for sale on Etsy.
Writing at home is perfect for me. I’ve written some articles on Constant Content, Squidoo, and now Wizzley. I have yet to make any money, but I’ve found the community here very supportive and interesting as well!
Some Things I've Done
More Articles
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Is It the End for the Scottish Wildcat?22 days ago
The Dogs of Zazzleon 04/13/2013
Review of the Sony PRS300 eReaderon 04/15/2013
My Seventh Summeron 04/09/2013
Feel Free to Say Hello.
I don't have any functions to play at and no way to get there. It does take the fun out of practicing if you don't have someone to play for or with. I do miss that. I did post a link to a clip on my dulcimer wizz.
Are you still playing the dulcimer at functions? And, by the way, could you play something and upload an audio clip on Wizzley?:)
Organization is my big problem, too. For a memoir, probably the easiest way to get going it to lay it out chronologically. Some of your articles would make a good basis for building some chapters.
I have thought about it. I've even started a few times. It's the organization of it that overwhelms me.
On the forum thread about how many hours people write each day, you said you've about given up writing for income. Have you given any thought to writing your memoir? You've led a fascinating life, and as many setbacks as you've had, you just keep going. I'm sure a lot of people would love to read about the things you've done. Publishing doesn't have to cost anything these days, depending how much of DIYer you are, so your main investment would be time.
Well, thank you very much for the compliment!
Wow! You sure have had an interesting life. Super that you are sharing it with us! TYVM.
Thank you Yes, things aren't so bad. Could be worse.
You've got an interesting life, Lana! Rich in the important things.
Well, thank your. You're too kind. I feel rather scattered sometimes. I like the phrase, "well-rounded." Ha.