Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Are you plain or printed?


Every time I walk through the paper towel isle, to of course purchase paper towels, I pause. Not in awe, or even to compare prices. Okay that's a lie, I do compare prices. I stop and spend too much time there because I search through all the designs to pick out the best one I can find. Usually, they are not too great and I think if only I could draw out my own designs and have Sparkle or whoever print mine up, I'd be delighted in their ability to make my kitchen cohesive. But sadly, Sparkle isn't knocking on my door. However, I have been buying one designer set I rather like with cute little coffee cups and also little chefs and plants, etc. I'm afraid I can't remember the artist but I still feel a little gypped cause they only have about 2 or 3 different designs in the pack of 8. This year I got such a thrill out of seeing the really old paper towels that my grandma's Christmas ornaments had been wrapped up in. They were all yellowed and kinda brittle. They had to be from around the late 70's or early 80's.

I'm just not a plain white paper towel kinda girl. The cheesey little designs make me happy. I have a bit of a paper towel phobia of sorts, too. No, I'm not afraid of them, but I'm afraid to use them up. I like to see a new full and plump roll on my black rod iron scroll like paper towel holder. I can't believe I'm telling you this, but I've even been known to re-use paper towels. There I said it. I actually use regular kitchen towels to dry off my hands. But in the case of no clean towel present, I do occasionally reach for a paper towel. I dry my hands and then carefully unfold it and lay it across the dish drainer to be happily used again after it dries. Now my husband on the other hand uses paper towels with wild abandon... to my horror. He knows this too, and looks at me as he pulls off 2 or even 3 paper towels to dry off his mitts all the while with a wicked little smile as he tosses them in the trash while I stand helplessly unable to stop him. He gets way too much satisfaction out of that, too.

Even if I don't think it's clean enough to dry my hands again, I'll still fold it and keep in on the counter to wipe up a spill or mess on the floor. Something that my son can make no problemo. I even have come up with what I think is very clever and good use of a whole paper towel. I cut them in 4's to use to spread grease or to wipe up grease, as to not waste a whole towel. There's a tip for ya. Here's a better tip: snag all the napkins you can from McDonald's and such while you're there eating and bring them home to use for this purpose and keep your pretty ones full and happy on the roll! I have gads of these in my car, purse, etc. (and home). One time I had so many in my glove box that one somehow got sucked up into the venting system and made a horrible noise for a long time until hubby found it. Saving too many may some drawbacks.

I know, I know. I admit... I may have an itsy bitsy qwirk and maybe as my husband says a "fetish" for paper. I do have to save all my newspapers as well. Oh, and then there's the cardboard thing I got going. You just never know when they may come in handy! I wonder if TLC has any openings for the Hoarders show?

Flowers for Mom


Today it was two months and nine days since my mom died. I went to her grave and left her some silk flowers and watered them real well, too. I talked to her and asked her to follow me home, if she could. That I wanted her around me, and I wouldn't be scared, I promise. Please come. The thought was nice, but I know she could never leave the beauty she now knows, nor should I ask.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

So the "big one" is passed



I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and remembered what the day actually stands for. I haven't felt chatty lately and I can't seem to come up with anything particularly interesting to post. I am glad though, that Christmas is over and hope next year's will be a little easier. I have to say that I'm amazed at the swing of emotion one can go through in one day. It was a little staggering.

So I just have to leave you with my crazy kid, who is my little jester, always trying to make me laugh... even when I don't feel like it.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Fantasy Montage



















Today I created this montage with various photos I've taken and some Photoshop magic. I categorize this as a "fantasy montage". I call this one Death Angel. I seem to be a little better at this than painting, it must be my graphics background. But I'm not giving up on the painting thing, so watch out for your eyes, it may still be painful.

For those of you waiting for snow from this big storm hitting the east coast tonight... stay warm and safe. It's just supposed to rain mostly here.

Friday, December 11, 2009

new listings
























I've listed these on my Etsy shop last night. I know, I know... it's a little late but they can be mailed and received within 3 days or so, so maybe... plus I wanted to look like I was still alive. I haven't listed much in a long time.

I've posted these before while I was working on them, but here is the finished piece. I've just started making these little ACEO's and I think I'm getting addicted. So fun!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Christmas Tree is up!

Asher and I put up the tree today and decorated it. Well, sort of. Asher thinks all the ornaments that he puts on should be on the same branch. But it tickled him to death when he found out that's what we were going to do this evening. I drug it all down from the attic and put together the tree and we broke for super. Watched a little Charlie Brown Christmas and the new Disney cartoon and went at it. I had to put all my good ornaments at the top and I'm praying he doesn't knock them off. Last year I had a few casualties. I'm also praying he doesn't electrocute himself since he thinks it's the greatest thing ever to be able to reach the electric strip to turn it all on and off, repeatedly. At least I don't have to bend down. A true test in my patience my friends. A true test in my patience. I'm exhausted, the tree is kinda lop-sided and drooping where the branches probably weigh 10 times more than they should and I'll be shocked if he doesn't knock the whole thing down before tomorrow evening. Ah.. Christmas. Is it January yet?

Monday, December 7, 2009

First Mammogram Day

No, we didn't get this snow today, but there was a dusting of snow to my sons delight.

Let me tell you my happy news... today I received my Little Red Bird felt ornament from Ellen Crimi-Trent! It is every bit as adorable as I expected it to be. I just love getting packages in the mail. It just brightens my day! I think I shall buy more goodies for myself more often... it puts me in the bestest of best moods. It even lighten my mood of having to have my new crown put on. My face felt numb for half the day and have you tried to put lipstick on while having numb lips? Not easy let me tell you. Plus I felt like the Elephant Man.


Why, getting my little package brightened my spirits so much that I didn't even mind my very fist MAMMOGRAM. Ok, that's a lie, but it did make me forget about it for the 2 seconds that it took me to open my package :) I am happy to report though, that the tech mushed and pushed and squished and squashed these puppies and really other than mildly, ok moderately discomforting flatness for the 10 seconds or so of scanning each boob, it wasn't the horror story I was expecting. I am actually in more shock that I'm old enough now to have to have it done. I can also tell you that it has been about 9 hours since that was done and I am not sore either. Not to say that when I wake up, the girls may be purple or blue but I'll worry about that tomorrow.


I also opened my email box to a heart felt sweet letter from a new friend, Sandra. She has a beautiful blog called Under The Sun With Me. She also lifted my spirits. I so love making new friends. Now take care of yourself and have a blissful evening...


"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: elated! and also smooshed

I'm grateful for: crowns... instead of having a hole where a tooth belongs

I thought about today: making my own Gypsy Wagon (thanks A fanciful Twist!)

I miss: the carefree world of my youth

Best thing I did today: open my mailboxes!

Today I lingered at: Mammabellarte

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Glove the Ever Lounging Feline

I named Glove from a character in the great Beatles Cartoon Movie "The Yellow Submarine". If you've never seen the movie, Glove is the affectionate but devilish pet glove of the head "Blue Meanie'. I often call her name like the blue meanie did with a sing song voice Glllloooooovvve. I highly suggest the movie if you can find it. Very creative and entertaining and features many songs from the Beatles.







Let Glove show you how to properly lounge on a tweed-like covered couch:

First... stretch all limbs out in the warm sunshine

Second... test for comfortableness

Third... flash the annoying human snapping pictures a dirty look.

Fourth... "You're still here? Yes, this is the life."

Missing Mom

I so miss Mom. I can't seem to look at anything and not think of her. Every song I hear, clothes I wear, so many things in my home from her, even my cell phone. My dad is now using her phone and she had a special ring to it that sounded to me like angels. Today he called me and for the most brief moment I thought "oh! Mommy!" talk about your heart feeling like it was just yanked from your chest and squeezed! My dad has been in Florida the last week and I called him today to check on his driving progress and it went to her voicemail. It still has her voice on it and while it makes me smile to hear her... tears just pour. I can't even go to church without just balling through the whole thing because I always took her and now it's just me there. Nothing like walking around all day Sunday looking like a washed out blowfish from my makeup rubbing off and face swelling from crying. It isn't pretty. Not to mention the day long headache from sobbing.

I promise not to have many of these sad posts... but I had to write this and get it out.

Friday, December 4, 2009

A little bird told me...



Late last night I treated myself to just the cutest little ornament by Ellen Crimi-Trent. She posted them on her blog earlier that day and said they were the last ones she was going to make, she even included the template to make your own. But I don't much interest in that, at least right now, so I bought her Silly Red Bird. I can't wait to get it.


I seem to get like this around Christmas. A time when I should be buying up gifts for everybody else I find all kinds of goodies for myself! Oh well a splurge every once in a while is good for my soul. At least that's what I plan to tell the hubs when he sees it.


I made a couple more ACEO's today. The Blue Santa is still in progress. I wanted to get some better photos before I put them on Etsy, but I may just get them on there and then change them later since it is so close to Christmas. They are all a whim anyway. These are my first attempts at the little cards, so I hope they are well received. I just love working with glitter and metallic ink. I'm like that crazy bird that hordes all the shiny stuff in their nest.


Notice the new 2 pictures I have on my blog? (the shark and the caution sign). I got them from a new blog I'm following, Shark Bite, and just hee-hawwed when I saw them and had to swipe them. Matter of fact, she is who I'm featuring today on my...



"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: cold!

I'm grateful for: spurts of creativity

I thought about today: subscribing to an art mag, got any suggestions?

I miss: the feeling of holidays as a child

Best thing I did today: let my kid have his toys back

Today I lingered at: Shark Bait

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Karma is good


Karma is good and I'm talking about the kind of karma that I think karma is. That being if you do something nice for someone it will eventually roll back around your way, you know like when you let someone in front of you at the supermarket or in traffic, or hey! mention someone in your blog! (Thanks Kathryn at SassmowthDesigns!) she is having a fabulous week by the way... see... karma again!

I don't want to confuse karma for blessed. Blessed, I think is something that we receive from God by no doings of our own. I think karma is just nice things rolling around being nice to people that have done something nice. Now, I do believe karma has lost my address a few times (ok, maybe a few hundred times) but none the less... she has visited me when I needed a lift. Just like this week. I've gotten off to a rotten week and then I get an email from Etsy telling me I made a sale (Thanks Ana at I'm aHodge Podge!). That made my day! of course then, while I was online my kid ran off to hide and I found him in his room with an empty Gold Bond powder bottle. Yep, white powder all over him, the carpet and the bed. Not to mention that strong mediciney smell. ugh...

You know I'd like to say that I have good karma all the time, but some of the time I'm the person that says (and I loosely quote from Steel Magnolias) "Honey, if you don't have anything nice to say... come sit next to me". Yeah, I know. Character flaw.

So, if you're nosey like me here's where you can see what Ana bought from me ;)

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: hopeful

I'm grateful for: Michael's coupons

I am wearing: my jammies, still :)

I thought about today: it would be great to telepathically write my blog

I miss: 10 minute grocery trips

Best thing I did today: can't say yet


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Hello December!



Ever have one of those days where you just wanted to stay in bed and skip the day? Well, today that's what I wanted to do. I knew it was going to be bad when Asher, my son, yelled at me about 2 hours before he should've woken up and then proceeded to waller me for the next 2 hours as I tried in vain to get a little more sleep in his bed. Didn't work, and quite frankly, just set the tone for my whole day. Must be the moon.

On a happy note though I did manage to do a little drawing and painting. Also, I got a FREE Christmas song from itunes that was pretty nice, so maybe it wasn't all that bad.

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: defeated

I'm grateful for: my husband

I am wearing: frown lines from yelling at my kid

I thought about today: how many people cancer affects

I miss: control

Best thing I did today: painted :)

Today I visited: ArtAfterDark's Etsy Shop

Monday, November 30, 2009

Goodbye November...


Today is the last day of November and good riddance I say. Well, maybe I'm being too harsh. Actually November turned out to be pretty warm and uneventful except for the fact that I had 4 medical like appointments all in November. The first was a trip to the dentist for check up and to hear the dreaded and expected news that I needed another stinkin crown on my tooth. Apparently it just can't hold any more filler. Bummer. There goes another $500+. So the second trip was of course to have that baby ground down while I smell and see smoke coming out of my mouth! Then the dentist replaces my nub of a tooth with a temporary crown, also known as a QUARTER! this thing feels gigantic!

So my then on to my 3rd trip which was a routine check up including fasting and bloodwork to the family doctor. Ugh. I must have him worried because he asked if I thought that I needed any medication (!? what???! Shoot yeah!) ... and also wants another appointment to see him (read: pay for his condo in Kaui) in December.

Then the final appointment and the most dreaded was my annual and ladies, we all know what that term means. Double ugh. Now add insult to injury... I am now at that age that I must be flattened like a pancake! Yes, the awful mammogram is just a phone call and yet another appointment away. Did I mention that I was seemingly out of my mind today when I made dinner before my "annual"? I didn't? well I was, because I somehow thought that today would be a great day for no other fine stew like substance... CHILI! with beans. Need I say more?

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: poked and prodded

I'm grateful for: leftover pumpkin pie

I am wearing: mismatched clothing

I thought about today: getting older and all the darn dr appointments!

I miss: my son falling asleep in my arms as a baby

Best thing I did today: Not lose my mind in Sears while son knocked down all clothing while hiding in racks.

Today I visited: Sassmowth Designs

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Did I buy enough turkey?


Today I have just been plain cold. It's not even that bad out, it's like 50 something, but man the wind is blowing. I took Asher out and retreated to the garage (to read Martha Stewart) where I could get out of the wind a bit and still see Asher dig to China. I'm taking advantage of nap time to catch up on my blog before I go upstairs to draw some. The picture is part of my messy desk that I see at my computer, but I like to think it is "warm and cozy" looking.

I have been reading some just fabulous blogs lately. My newest thing here is to give a little nod to some of the places I visit. Some on a regular basis, some by chance. There are funny ones, serious ones, creative ones, complaining ones, some just flat out brag and others quietly show their creativity and wit.

I bought just a Turkey breast this year and will be cooking it at my dad's this year, so I let it thaw in his fridge. I got home and then freaked out because I just figured out how long that is going to take! I think this turkey is going to have to take the plunge, into the sink that is. My grandma used to always thaw out meat in the sink. Long before all of us turned into germ-a-phobes. I read that the sink, espcially the drain, is the germiest area in the kitchen. It was nothing to walk by her sink, in search of something to eat or drink and pause to look at the skin and headless squirrel carcasses floating in luke warm water.

I won't just leave you with that thought, so here is...

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: cold on the outside, but warm inside :)

I'm grateful for: optimistic people

I am wearing: Royal Blue

I thought about today: is my turkey thawing out?

I miss: warm summer afternoons

Best thing I did today: took my kid outside even though it was blustery

Today I visited:
http://designsbyck.blogspot.com/2009/11/vamp-jack-haunted-sno-cap-hallomas.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DesignsbyckBlog+%28Designs+By+CK+%7E+Blog%29

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Button Sketchin Saturday


"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: irritated

I'm grateful for: forgiveness

I am wearing: teal

I thought about today: things I can't do

I miss: going to arts & crafts shows

Best thing I did today: sketched a little

Friday, November 20, 2009

Pizza Yum Yums


I thought I'd share with you my girlfriends concoction I am gonna call Pizza Yum Yums. They are nothing more than french bread cut into about 2" slices with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (I used turkey pepperoni) on top. Pop them under the broiler and voila! Pizza Yum Yums!

I have been revamping my art studio these past few days. I've got myself a nice U-shaped work area going and hope I can make it up there more often and get back to creating some things. I'm even including a place for my son (3 1/2 year old) to color and hopefully allow me to continue working!

I love to find new art blogs and I've found quite a few good ones lately. See them under my "Inspiration" list. I learn blogging techniques from them and get stimulated to create which is really helpful lately. I do more creating in my head these days than anything else and I'd like to change that.

I'm hoping to see the Central High School craft show tomorrow to see what kind of handmade goodies made by the local folks I can find. I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet and maybe this will spur me on.

Now to start something new that I saw on one of the great new art blogs I was telling you about (L. Gruger), I give you my version:

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: hopeful

I'm grateful for: pre-made cookie dough

I am wearing: purple and blue

I thought about today: my mom

I miss: Wink (a sparkling drink) and my mom, of course

Best thing I did today: Play frisbee with Asher

Monday, November 16, 2009

What is your Reason for the Season?


I thought this poem was outstanding. Please allow me to share it with you. Jesus is the reason for my season... and everything else.

"Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda..*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

Not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and

Wish everyone you meet during the

Holidays a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is ¡The Reason¢ for the Christ-mas Season!

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