Packing for the Art Nest

I'm very tired and still packing! Hopefully the plane ride will allow for a nap. At least I took care of these first before I became totally wiped out, these are trades for The Art Nest. I hope everyone likes them.



I tried to convince Rolland to act as stunt blogger but no go. So no updates while I'm in the wilds of Utah! I'll be back Sunday and should be back online. I'm really hoping my trip can sort of be a soul detox. No phones, no TV, no long commute. Just art, great company and snow... how can that not cleanse the soul?! Well, unless there's an unfortunate sledding accident but why dwell? You guys didn't read that clumsy post right? Seriously, I should be fine. I have snow boots from Colorado that I've already taken for a test run. :)

Inspiration

The lovely and talented Cindy Dean mentioned me as a blog that inspires her, and let me tell you how shocked I was to provide inspiration, but I'm also all atwitter. :) So, now I get to list those blogs that inspire me (she already mentioned Kelly Snelling or she would be on my list in a heartbeat!), anyway, here's my list:

Jane Wynn: She has such an incredible vision for her art that's truly inspiring.
Sally Jean: She has such a sense of whimsy and makes me feel ok about my love of pink!
Debbie Overton: She has to be one of the most generous people on the planet!
Bo: My pal Bo shares a love of food, and a relatively similar worldview, plus his photos are unbelievable and his eye for the perfect picture is enviable.
Kris Carr: She is truly an inspiration!
Maija Lepore: My soul sister in the love of all things girly! She's such a generous artist who never holds back on her sources, inspiration or good ideas!
Ree aka Pioneer Woman: Her perspective on the world is definitely unique and her photos are breathtaking!
Lelainia Lloyd: Another generous soul who truly loves to bring everyone together and share their creative spirit!
Clotilde Dusoulier aka Chocolate & Zucchini: In my house, there is no art without a little chocolate!
Anahata Katkin: Her work is gorgeous!

That's it, my list of inspiration for this morning. Now I have to go before Rolland explodes from waiting!

When Collages Grow Up...

They become these awesome charms! I really love how they turned out and, according to my husband, they are very well soldered! Seriously, you have no idea how hard I had to work for that compliment. It's only been a year and a half of practice. :) If he likes them, they pass the gift test. Although these little babies are all mine. I need to work on my sharing. Maybe tomorrow.



Today was a pretty nice day, especially given that I had the day off. I did eeekk out a little work and finished most of my list for the retreat this week. I'm really excited to finally meet some people that I've only known through blogland. It should be a lovely getaway and I can't wait to learn some new tricks!

Last night we caught up with the rest of the world and watched Hustle & Flow . It's really good, although I did run out of the room at one point and demanded to be told when it was safe to return but I'm a big chicken and hate anything that looks like it might have a bad ending. Also, I can't remember if I told you guys or not but you have to watch Deadliest Catch , that is if you're like me and haven't caught up with America on that one either. We've finally watched all that's out on DVD and are waiting for Season 3 to ship to us. Rolland and I both loved it, especially this crew. Let me know if you love it too.

Lady in glitter?

This is one of my favorite vintage images but she needed a little bling, as does every girl! I think she looks very pretty in pink.

Note: The grungy background was made with my new all time favorite thing (to quote Oprah) which is Micaceous Iron Oxide by Golden. It adds a gray film that I love plus it's got a rough sandy texture to add depth. It's awesome!

Valentine's Goodies

I participated in a Valentine's exchange hosted by the lovely Lelainia but it was an exchange with a twist. We sent some of our favorite things to our partner so we could get to know each other better and share what we love. It was an amazing idea and I had a blast putting all of my goodies together for my partner Linda. Linda does amazing things with fiber and fabric so it was wonderful to receive goodies from her! She also sent a bag of art goodies in a terrific palette of colors. There are blues, golds, yellows, cream - a wide spectrum of colors that I don't normally use but these are amazing and I can't wait to dig in! It was a lovely way to start the day.

From the hubby, I got the Dresden Files DVD, which is exactly what I wanted, and it's nice to have a husband who surprises you with something you love, even when he really doesn't! We're also going to dinner tonight, easier to get reservations and much less crowded, it's going to be a lovely weekend - I'm staying positive even if we woke to a hail storm and 35 degree weather!

Only a few more days until I head out for the Art Nest retreat! I can't wait to be surrounded by other artists who can love to talk about glue and paper all day - Rolland has big plans to that involve me not being home to veto his tv selections!

Ugly Bat gets girl!

Maija has worn me down until I could stand it no longer and I had to get some goodies from Everyday is a Holiday. Finally, these two lovelies are all mine! The bats always like company and are willing to share the bed. :) The painting is now above my art supply dresser and the ornament is hanging up at work to remind to be "arty" in all things. And that if I want to continue to buy art and art supplies I must keep working hard!

Happy Valentine's Eve!

2nd place collage

I've had this collage in mind ever since I had a really horrible day about a month ago. I finally finished it up and it's destined for a necklace with the phrase on the back having to do with 2nd place feels better than first. The story here is that I spent a lot of time with some people who were very concerned with getting ahead, being first, being the best, blah, blah, blah and they weren't the best people to be around. It felt negative and mean, nothing I wanted to be a part of so I decided then and there that 2nd would be more than good enough for me! It's just a reminder that being exactly who you are and happy, is always the best place to be.

Art Fun!

Today was our North Texas Art Group meeting and we met in Ft. Worth this time. I've only been to Ft. Worth a couple of times and it's a little over an hour drive for me but with GPS, I managed not to get lost! I call her my husband's girlfriend since he loves her that much, but I have to say she came in pretty handy today!  These pics are of my contributions to Livia's "Recycled Relatives" book and I had a blast making them. I'm thinking of doing an entire book with made up relatives - filled with the eccentric types that make the best relatives (and stories!).

On the way back home, I stopped to do a little shopping and couldn't resist stopping at Sprout's since I was sans husband. He hates that store in a way that's not quite right, and I picked up this clearly, packaging works! But, I love all things Burt's Bees so this will be a refreshing treat after washing my face at night.

Also, I couldn't resist this. It did not come from Sprout's. :)

Yep, art filled day all around!

What was that bright light!?

That's what Maya's thinking in this picture. She's too cute to resist so we had to torture her with the camera, unlike her sister Abby who comes running when she thinks she might get her picture taken! They're both adorable and it was Maya's turn after the last Abby post (ignore Mommy looking bad). 

I finally caved and went to the doctor where I had to wait for two hours to be told I had bronchitis. Of course, blood and x-rays had to be taken before I could find that out. I now get to take antibiotics and yummy steroids but I feel better. I'm also convinced this is the best thing ever! I highly recommend the echinacea immune support. My neighbor at work introduced me and I'm hooked, clearly not in time to off set above, but I'm on the right track now. I may have to start slipping it as a mickey to my husband, he's hoarse and coughing now. In between coughing bouts, he stops to glare at me!

I'm hoping to feel tip top by Saturday which is art day! I'm meeting my North Texas art ladies in Ft. Worth for fun and a gallery visit. I'll be bummed if I'm still feeling bad. I'm thinking good thoughts and want to get back to playing in the studio. 

It's almost that time of the year!

Yep, Valentine's day is quickly approaching and I'm thrilled to say I'm participating in a Valentine's Exchange hosted by the lovely Lelainia Lloyd. This year was super cool since we are giving a few gifts that say something about us, things we like, create, etc so our partner really gets to know us. Maybe more than they would've liked! :)

Here are my goodies, the bats thought it was their birthday!

We also made our Valentine's day dinner reservations, for the Sat following, so we could actually have a romantic dinner for two instead of 200 hundred! Just a reminder not to wait to the last minute, or to remind your husband now. :)

Vail pics plus a follow up since Vail!

Here are a few pics of Vail, including Rolland and I with our favorite statues.

And me kissing a frog 'cause someone had to!

Photo Rolland took of me at the conference. Healthy, happy and smiling.

And this is me now, after having been sick for a week with some respiratory thing that shows no signs of going away. I'm not happy! I hope to have more pics, and better health soon!

Please note: Abby is not sick, just tired and in need of a Mommy pillow!