Finally into April, and it's almost over...this has got to be one of the shorter months! Wow!

March seems so long and this month has just flown. Wow- where as the year gone? As I'm home this week with my kids for spring break it gives me a chance to breath. Which is so nice. I felt like I've been just going and going like millions of other families.
One graduating in June, and two still in middle school but for not long. One getting braces and one wanting to get really active in sports. Yikes.
My daughter being a super athlete I was kind of hoping to get a break with my boys...they like their Playstation 3 games and they are not much for going outside. But just this past week my younger son has been suffering from some major anxiety. Found out he really is putting the pressure on himself. He wants to get those good grades, be popular, and be that super athlete. But wow in order NOW to be good in sports these parents are starting their kids out when they are 2 years. old for crying out loud. My poor kid is 12.
I really think we as a society expect way to much (makes me wonder if some parents are trying to live their lives through their kids...hum) getting good grades, extra activities and clubs within the schools, sports, special clubs outside of school and more (to even be consider for a college). We all want our children to do their best there is no doubt about that. But when is too much enough?
I'm glad I pushed my daughter into cross country in the charter school during her middle school years. They didn't have much many sports offered then and I liked to run as a kid I wanted to find out if she did too - came to be she liked it and was great at it. Now this beautiful child of mine is going to be running for Appalachian State University. We are very proud of her.
But school was hard. With all these mult-tasking they expect from our kids these days - wow, no wonder these poor kids are having anxiety attackes or getting sick too, they are worn down. Grades do need to come first. But you want your children to enjoy being a kid too. Our society pushes our kids to think and adults for that matter. Doing everything measures who you are. Being the best at everything measures who you are...

...This Easter Sunday at UC Fellowship, David showed us through scripture that Jesus failed many times. And because of those failures he is who he is. It is all in God's plan.
We are not meant to be perfect. That is God and God only. But through Christ we can be who we are...and know no matter what, whether we win or loose...that Christ still accepts us as we are. To me that is more important than my child winning a race or getting all A's and being the top of his class.
I love my children and as long as they are trying to work hard at somthing. That's all I care about. So they don't play sports...no big whoop. As I tell my kids. You either be a nerd and own your own company or you be nice to the nerds because you will one day be working for them.

Blessings-

March has got to be the Longest Month ever!

Well, it's been a while since I've written anything. Trying so hard to get into a routine here at the house, but I find with this crazy weather it can be very difficult for me. I keep telling myself I will paint one painting every day. That hasn't worked out too well. I find that if I'm not trying to find a part-time job online I'm doing laundry, straightening up the living room, cleaning a closet, or even trying to organize a mess in every corner of this house.

So I now know that I HAVE to make myself a "To Do" list. If I can treat my house as a business and my working on paintings is from 9-1 then I have plenty of time to do laundry and so forth.
Today is not the day it is happening as Im writing here on my blog and feeling very guilty that I did not get what I wanted accomplished...like many days. Maybe my husband is right maybe I do have ADD. No, I know it's AAADD. If I can find that youtube video I will post it. This video is so much me it's not funny. Actually it's not - makes me kind of depressed.

So I went to an interview yesturday with a recruiting office to help me find a job. Don't get me wrong I will always want to paint murals first, but the business is so up and down still with the economy. I figure if I can find something with more consistancy then I can still paint on canvas like I still enjoy. The reality of it is that I have a college bound daughter and things are not getting cheaper. With gas and groceries, it's not wonder we are not all living in boxes. It's very scarey.

But it wasn't until I meet with the very young lady asking me questions in regards to what kind of job I wanted to find. Wow. Am I a lost soul. I don't even know what I"m good at. I've been out of the workforce for so long I have no experience for marketing, even sales you name it which doesn't leave you much available when it comes to wanting a so called career.

Then there is the guilt I have about my boys in middle school. They are not doing so well and so I have to keep up on them once a week. My youngest gets sick a lot due to stress, which is very frustrated and a helpless feeling I don't like at all. With my crohn's it makes me wonder if he has it too, then I feel guilty for not taking him into a specialist...but going in for something your not sure about now with one income - hurts the pocketbook and then puts added stress on everyone as a whole.

Oh - I pray for that little guy. He really gets stressed out but holds it in. Not good. Can't get him to talk with anyone either. So of course I keep wanting to get into the school system in hopes that I would be able to be near him if he needs help or not. I'm such a mother...wow what do I tell others...oh yeah, cut the cord lady, cut the cord. I need to take my advise. :)

Hate to change the subject but WOW- we need to go in a more positive direction here.So as I change the subject here hang in there. April 8th I'm conducting Harrisburg's first Art Walk, from 6-9 p.m. with live music and great artists from the area. Hope you can come out and enjoy it with us. My plan is to have these Art Walks the first and last Friday of every month.
I was hoping for at least 20 artists but we only have around 10 right now. Not great, but not bad. I keep telling myself it's the first one girl...hang in there.

Here is more information about it, which reminds me I need to notify more folks in regards to the show. So for now hope you enjoy the rest of your week and stay safe.

Blessings,
T

Castles & Gardens

My client just emailed me these photos they took before they left for Japan. Yep, they are in Japan of all places. But they are all right and all safe. Apparently they were 500 miles from the distruction and didn't feel a thing.

On a more positive note: I can not express the joy I had painting these two murals. This family was so precious. Far and few do I find clients that are very humble in their surroundings and for that I'm so thankful. Katie Tracy my client has the most precious and may I say precious again little girls! Here are some photos. Thank you again Tracy Family for giving me the honor to paint in your beautiful home.

Every day seems to have it's challenges...

So thought the weekend was going to be fun. But thought wrong. Got hit was some bad news Friday and even though I knew deep down it was coming, some of my actions caused a reaction to cause the news I knew was coming to be final.
So...what next? Just live day to day as I always do and deal with the day as it happens and comes at me. Wow re-reading this, and to a total stranger I'm sure this makes no sense. For those of me that know what I'm going or as some would say, blabbling about. If that is the correct word. Anywho...this whole topic is kind of bumming me so I'm going to try to think of something more positive.

Yes...I have an Art Walk coming up in April. April 8th/Friday Night at 6-9p.m. at the Town Center. Very excited. Got entertainment for the night thanks to Rocky River Coffee Company. And have several businesses participating in it. So far only 8 artists. But I have this coming week off from painting any murals because I needed to go to schools and advertise the Walk. Going to high schools and inviting inspiring artists to join us professionals.

Oh, my client that I just finished the castle and garden mural for left for Japan last week (mon.) and then that earthquake hit them. Thank the Lord, she posted on her facebook that they were safe and 500 miles from the incident and wanted us to pray for everyone - well of course. It is such a mess over there. And even though I'm going through what I am going through right now. I will survive. But there are some there that haven't and won't and are really struggling to try to get their life back let alone see everything they ever owned or even loved destroyed. It's so sad. So please take a moment today to pray for those that are over there in Japan.

Well my lovelies, it's late and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Be thankful for every day you and I are given.

Blessings-Teresa

Stronger by Mandisa (From the Upcoming Album "What If We Were Real")

Please support me in the walk for a cure!

Good morning, today being Monday and a new day to a new week I wanted to throw out there the support that I need to help us find a cure for crohn's. I've been suffering from crohn's for over six year. Been in remission for a year until a month ago, when I not only had a flair up, but a set back. My crohn's is getting more aggressive, hitting me faster and more severely. Not only to I suffer from the good ole' standard diahreaha but also I throw up. I get so dhydrated that they can't even get fluids in me fast enough. They had a hard time find a good vein and ended up giving two bags of fluids. When I do get a flare up I take Remicade. It's an IV I have to take for three hours. It basically shuts down my immune system since that is what is making me sick. My immune system thinks there is something wrong with my body so it attacks it. That is crohn's it's an auto immune disease and it is very serious. Many folks including my own family don't understand it since they don't physically see anything wrong with me. It's a lot like your faith. If you don't see Him, you don't bellieve it. Very sad if you think about it.

For me it's been my faith that carries me through this difficult life we all live. Last week was the most depressing week for some reason. I can't even explain it. I'm painting which I love and the jobs are coming in which I"M SO THANKFUL for, and even though I thank our Saviour, I'm still unfortantley human and get frustrated and discourage with the daily challenges that Satin will put in front of me wanting me to break my trust and love for Christ.
And like always he is like a monkey on your back that won't give up. I've noticed, that when I get frustrated I sight the Lord's Prayer. It seems to give me peace and clear the air for me. I've felt like a weight on me...and I need our Lord more than ever now.

Lately our family is being challenged by our faith. You see my boys and I we believe and even though my daughter and husband say they believe the don't really. They keep trying to live their lives they want to not how God wants them too, and it breaks my heart. I keep praying that they will trust in God...but I haven't seen it yet. They sometimes even make comments about, "oh, you think you are so perfect because you think you are a better Christian than everyone else"...that my friends is Satin covering their hearts wanting to break me down. I just walk away and say...you know with Christ I am a better person, not better than anyone else, but a better person for trusting in Him"...you should try it.

It's so hard when Satin finds a loop hole in a family to tear it apart. And that is what he is doing to my husband and me. See my husband measures your life by money. Although I try hard to balance it all, I fall a lot. But I try hard not to be careless with the finanaces...but to my husband it is never good enough. Even when I was working in the cafeteria...it wasn't thank you for doing that, it was "you don't contribute to the family" - again Satin. And they don't see it.

Please pray for our family. While Satin is attaching hearts everywhere we need to say the "Lord's Prayers" and trust in Christ. Because with Christ we can smack down Satin and get rid of him. Withouth Christ our struggles will get bigger and more difficult.

"Nothing is impossible with Christ" - Luke 37:1

First of Four Murals This Month...

Trying to get caught up...

I'm so happy to say I finished one of four murals this month. It came out so colorful, and the little girl loved it. She is so precious. This little joy of red hair said she wanted to be a painter when she grows up. Awhhhh! What a sweety! I'll be painter her little sister's room next! Garden theme. Photo below. As soon as I get photos I will post them. I'm hoping to get some photos back on another room I painter two months ago. Oh and I realized I never posted photos of the mural I did for The Goddard School in Waxhaw. (I'm never shure what the correct spelling is on that down)
Trying to get back to running, but it's been a struggle. Just don't have the energy. When I went to the eye doctor they said my white cells are getting more and more aggressive, which is not exactly what I wanted to hear. They are recommending I get Remicade treatments every four weeks instead of six weeks. So I've decided to look into other methods of treatment. First going back on MoniVie and then looking into herbal treatments too. Keep me in your prayers...along with many other folks that are suffering from Crohn's disease. It has been attacking more of our children more and more every years.
Trying to go to the walk this year, but haven't confirmed it yeat. Taryn has Nationals Indoor Track in March and trying to get all caught up with murals...just need more hours in the day.
I've noticed I'm getting a bit more behind on my magnet lids and chalk jars so I'm needing to get them done today if possible. Working on some new ideas of the magnet lids and still trying to get the note cards and calendars printed. Yikes!

What a rough past two weeks! Crohn's kicked my hiney!

First I want to thank all my clients for being soooooo patient. My crohn's flaired up after a year in remission. It was unbelievable, how fast it hit me this time. The doctor said it will happen like that. Every time I get a flair up, it will hit faster and faster each time. This time last week I was bed ridden for four days. Received my Remicade treatment on a Wed. by Sunday/Monday I was feeling a bit better. They had a hard time find a vain this time too. That hurt. Ouch! Then gave me two bags of fluids cuz I was dry to say the least. Remicade is an IV that I receive every six weeks. Crohn's is an auto-immune disease and basically by white cells attack my body making me sick with the treatment, similar to chemo- it shuts down my immune system so my white cells will stop attacking me making me so ill. This time I was not only throwing up water...yes I could not even drink water. I had diahreaha. WOW! Let me say if you ever want to loose a lot a weight in a short period of time and can handle the pain (which is close to having someone stab you) then go for Crohn's. This disease has literally landed many in the hospital and some have died. It's very serious and yet four days being in bed...my husband says, "So, are you sick or what?" Gotta love 'em otherwise I think we would kill them. Well at least take a pillow to the face.

So my latest work for a client in Waxhaw...Waxsaw? Not sure how to spell that one, should look it up shouldn't it. Well anyways I'm very excited about it. Castle & Horse Theme and Garden Theme. Can't wait to start next week. Also for the big town of Harrisburg, NC I'm conducting it's first ARTwalk in April to help showcase us artsist that the county doesn't even know is around. I'm hoping it will be a huge success so we can have them twice a month. The businesses around here is awesome and very willing to do this. Can't wail. Well lots on my plate. Murals and finishing canvas artwork plus trying to get my notecards and calendars set up on my etsy shop. Which is kind of on the back burner right now until April.

Well hope everyone is doing great and check out my facebook page...just type in Decorative Decisions or my name Teresa Stern and check out my portfolio on there. And you can always email me with questions...questions are FREE!

Blessings-
Teresa

Dr. Seuss Mural finished photos

Well the week came and went. This weekend I had so much planned to get done but with my crohn's acting up it's been a rough week and this weekend the pain pills are starting to knock me out. But I wanted to take a moment to show my finished murals that had a Dr. Seuss theme. I truly feel blessed for all the work that is coming my way...just was wishing I felt better, but I get treatment on this Wednesday so hopefully that will knock the crohn's down a bit so I can continue to paint. Don't get me wrong, I am truly thankful still. I love painting murals! So here she is...

Praying that Sunday will be a bit easier so that I can finish a ton of notecards I have designed up and finish the calendars that I am still working on, not quite happy with the designs I have for those, so still working on ideas. Plus just met with another client and I'm really excited about starting on sketch ideas for the two kids' rooms for that project. WOW...not enough hours in the day? Now wishing I was more of a morning person. Oh and trying to clean my studio area, aka the dinning room. My husband is a bit frustrated on how it looks so I really should clean that up and move the studio upstairs.
Looked into a building/room to rent for a studio to make me more dedicated. It's really easy to get distracted when you work out of your home. Just not sure I can swing the rent. Without the steady income...it's really a chance to take and with the economy still bad I know my husband would not approve. :(
Valentine Designs I'm working on...

Dr. Seuss Mural in the Making this Week!

So last week and this week seems to have blended together, with sick children, jobs ahead of me and my crohn's in start-up I feel more disorganized than ever. And today Wed, 1/26/11, is raining here in the Carolinas and I think I'm bi-polor cuz this rain is making me want to get my pjs on and crawl back in bed. However my life is in disarray, life goes on and you we manage to survive another day. This week I started a mural...Dr. Seuss. I normally don't do known characters but the kids are so young they will have so much time to grow into this and another side it's very modern with bright colors and very loose art.

I bought some really nice brushes for the first time and WOW, what a difference. These brushes have given a whole nothing state of confidence when it comes to outlining my artwork. I'm able to get nice clean lines and I LOVE IT! The bad thing I've used more acrylic paints and not latex so I'm going to have to put in two extra hours just coating all the artwork so the little ones don't try to take a wash cloth and erase the artwork. (I've had that happen on my first mural...nightmare)

Kid are taking SAT, I'm finishing my mural today and hoping to get Remicade by the end of the week. Then next week I have a faux painting job, and on to another mural with a former Goddard School I had done before five years ago.

I'm going to post some of the drawings I did for some of my clients so you can see what I present to them and then I will show the final pieces to you so you can see how it turned out.

I praise God even through my pain this week because I love painting in homes...there is nothing I'd rather do. Last year there were no jobs coming my way and so I found myself working in a cafeteria as the washroom attendant. Don't get me wrong the hours were perfect for a mom and the pay wasn't as bad if you could make it the first six month. But for a creative person, I just felt so drained when I came home. God gave me two huge jobs and I though, yes...my prayers have been answered. Then one of the jobs canceled and let's say Christmas was a struggle. Then after a lot of job applications, a lot of rejections and a lot of crying at night...these jobs came in. But I found I have been trying to get the family to go to church again and my praying for the little things...praising him, thank him directly on something, and asking for help it seems to bring good things in the end. Also realizing that God has the ultimate plan. I'm not the one that is in total control... he has the big map not me.

Well here are a few of the sketches...Let me know what you think would love to hear from you.
www.facebook.com/decorativedecisions
www.decorativedecisions.yolasite.com
tstern1@carolina.rr.com

Oh- and working on a give-a-way...I think this might help with promoting my stuff. Can't wait to get all of this together, just not at a 100% yet. So some days are a bit slower than others. But keep posted and thank you so much for following my blog.

Trying So Hard.

This week has been very challenging. One child sick, another just called today and the nurse even said I might want to schedule an appointment for this child. I have four sketches to do, plus a personalized family tree - iye,yi! And here I am blogging with so much to do. Not making a lot of sense am I. That's the ADD kicking in.

So the notecards and calendars might not happen until this weekend. Yep, not getting organized this week has really killed me.

So again very short and just want to leave some thought for the day with some scripture. Hope it helps someone get through the week better than I am doing right now.


"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" - Proverbs 19:21

Wow, another snow day...this wouldn't be happening if we were still in Iowa.

I can't believe Cabarrus County cancelled again? Wow, if we were still in Iowa our kids would be walking in this stuff to school. Our society has become so lazy. Sorry - just speaking the truth.

The good news, I'm going to be selling my items to a shop in town down Charlotte. I'll list their site here as soon as I can find it again. Needing to go out today to do some card stock finds. Been working on notecard designs and calendar designs. Hoping to put together some really neat stuff. Also needing to finish up some of my recycled items. Magnets and jars. I over 30 jars waiting for me to do something with. I did save some wine jars,...have ideas just haven't gotten to them yet.

I tell you these snow days are kind of getting me all out of wack. sleeping in is not good for us "all over the place" artists.

Also going to try to get a 3 mile run in today so I can get the blood flowing to the brain again. Been four days since I ran. Last run was 5 miles. Trying to get to 12 miles so I can do a 1/2 marathon in May. (Keep me in your prayers) LOL!

Well this is going to be very short today...need to workout, get working and cleaning on top of it all. Whoohoo! I'm excited!!!

Have a wonderful day and be safe all.


Blessings,
Teresa

Snow, snow...go away, it was great but you really don't need to stay!

Wow...who would believe we got so much snow here in the carolinas...called family in Iowa and they have 16". Hubby back there snowmobiling with family...on vacation even after Xmas vacation for another week...poor guy, he has it so rough.
My boys didn't even go outside to enjoy it cuz it was too cold they said. It was pretty cold. My daughter although did go out and enjoy it with her boyfriend...came back with some war scares though, from falling off the sled that was being dragged behind a four wheeler. Probably not too safe, but hey they had fun and no serious injuries.
And again we are getting sleet yet tonight at 10:00 p.m. and forecast for freezing temps. Soooo...yes, the county called and no school again Tuesday. Please pray for the mama. I have a ton of stuff I wanted to do this week and haven't gotten anything done. Been more of a referee more than anything. Ei-yi-yi.
Wow...just listening to the sleet hitting the window right now. Going to be a yucky day tomorrow.
Well, I know a ton of folks have been hit with this winter storm, hopefully everyone is staying safe and warm and cozy with family or friends.

Until tomorrow...I'm kind of stuff with what else to say, since I wasn't able to research any projects for Valentines on the computer and I'm actually exhausted right now from keeping the boys from killing each other I'll have to get up early and work on it tomorrow. Wish me luck?

:)Blessings

Friday is Finally Here!

Thank God it's Friday...I don't know about you, but this was a very long week and yet I didn't accomplish a thing. Been very torn between creating paintings and finding a part-time job. Of course I would love if the painting business picked up and I could do this full time, but the economy is still not cooperating and although the jobs are coming in very slowly...I have a teenager on her way to college and major medical bills from my remicade treatments. Over $2,000.00 to be exact. Ouch!

You see last year I was working as a cafeteria washroom attendant for a year at a high school part-time. Hours were great 9:30 - 1:30 so I still had my afternoon free to do housework, grocery shopping and occasionally painting. But working in the washroom was very physical and so I became very very tired after work and so the truth be known I didn't get a whole lot accomplished after work.

For those that don't know my history I have Crohn's disease.

What is crohn's...I'm glad you asked. :) Crohn's is an autoimmune disease. Our white cells help fight diseases in our body...mine attacks my body. For a reason unknown until I see Christ, my white cells attack my vision and my lower intestines. The cell activity attack each other causing scare tissue in my vision. I've had two cataracts removed already and I'm only in my 40's. I have a detached retina in my right eye. I can only see 20% through my right eye, so when the cells act up causing scaring or a haze in my vision it is very difficult to drive, read and forget about getting around at night. I'm blind.

When the cells attack my colon, I become very ill. throwing up, diarrhea or constipation, extreme pain (like someone is taking a knife to my guts and just going from one end to the other) After an attack - I'm weak and usually have to rest for an hour or so. Straining with my vision makes me tired too. I've been fighting this battle for over 6 years now. Been on remicade for over 2 years and so far it's been putting my crohn's in remission. But lately with surgery for my right eye (taking the second cateract out) and not being able to get my remicade due to insurance issues I've been in a lot of pain.

Oh, and two years ago I had such a drastic attack that I developed rumatory arthritis...and so that flairs up when my crohn's is getting active. Meaning, I have joint pain.

In 2010 I decided I needed to start running again, hoping that I would just get healthier and wouldn't have to rely on the treatments. Some days are good, some days are bad. Usually when I get a good run in I have to rest two days. I would love to get to the stage of being able to run everyday.

When my oldest was in middle school I was an assistant coach in cross country and track. I loved it. It helped me take the focus off of my issues and focused on the kids. I love helping kids fine tune their running skills. Cross Country is a little family and many kids turn to that support that may not do well in other sports that are more competitive. It doesn't matter if you fast or not, EVERYONE supports you in cross country and I have such admiration for those kids that run in 90 degree weather. You won't see a football playing doing that. It's a sport that goes unrecognized in this country and so does track another sport very dear to my heart.

My daughter is a state champion and I'm so proud of her accomplishments. State! WOW...she's amazing to watch. Everyone can hear me I'll cheer for anyone if they play fair...you don't play fair then I'll yell at you too! When coaching they use to call me the bad cop. LOL. But I love those kids and they knew I would cheer for them anytime!

Now my daughter being a senior in high school she has many colleges looking at her which is awesome. But many of the athletes have asked me to come back to cheer them on. I have a spot on the trail...around the last 1/2 mile to encourage them to continue and pull through. They say they need it, and they love it. So I'll probably still be out there.

See...I was a runner too in high school and because of an injury I wasn't able to run my senior year. It stunk, cuz I was good. So I totally respect the sport in all aspects. Physically, mentally and emotionally.

My goal: 1/2 marathon before I'm 50. But for now...I have to call my doctor to get a steroid shot in my eye to help with the vision problem...rest and then call for an appointment for my remicade, cuz the pain is bad today. Insurance payment or not.
As the saying goes, "If the mama ain't happy, no one is happy"

Blessings

Updated Listings on my Etsy Shop

Check it Out!
I just got done listing some new original watercolor paintings on my etsy shop. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts. I'm going to try to start posting great gift ideas. I use to do this a LONG time ago when the kids were young and I've gotten out of the hang of it. After going to Hobby Lobby this morning, trying to get organized, I realized how much I missed it. What I truly want to do is create a listing of different shops on etsy, combining different products to create ONE GREAT PRODUCT for a gift ideas.

I know I'm sounding a bit confused, but truly hang in there with me for a sec. and you will see.

I have a ton of ideas for February/Valentine's Day. Simple decor ideas that I used to do with my kids and gifts. I'm working on one right now, but I'm fighting the urge to finish the project and do the dishes...well, yeah I want to do the project instead of dishes but the kids will be home soon and the house is a wreck. Yikes! Thank the Lord for Fabreeze!

As soon as I get the project done I will post it, until then, keep reaching for those stars! And know that God has the plan for you, not you alone. :)

Blessings

Can't believe it's 2011 already...

Where in the world did November go?

Wow - this year flew. Not sure if you feel the same as I do, but wow again. I look at my kids and think this is flying by way to fast for me. It never hit me until Monday, today. Like a train. I slept til 12:00 after getting the boys off to school. Not because of the holidays...my crohn's. My joints have been killing me all night and this morning. I want to run so bad cuz that gives me energy, but I've truly felt like a train has hit me.

Been fighting with the insurance since Dec. on the bill they sent us. Over $6,000. they say we owe on remicade (the formula that helps put my crohn's in remission) Now without knowing if we are going to owe that or not I can't get the treatment until this bill is figured out.

I started running in hopes that I would feel pain in other places and forget about the pain from my crohn's. Oh, I'll feel great after I run, but usually I pay for it the next day in the morning trying to get out of bed. But I try and run every other day if possible. I have to. As a mom you find you put up with so much more than you would not a mom. Why? For our kids. If we didn't get them off, get them something to eat, help with homework, be their voice in school (if they have issues/problems), help them prepare for adulthood? Who would?...some maybe saying their father?...yeah right, you hang on to that thought.

Well - the pain is killing me too much to type...sorry folks so today's blog is going to be short and sweet. Wish me luck I'm going to change and try to accomplish running, laundry, cleaning and dinner.

:)
Blessings

Count down 'til the New Year...

The time is coming up, where we will be going over to friends houses or family and celebrate the New Year. I hope that everyone of course will be responsible and not drink and drive, I know it can be tempting, but honestly it's not worth it. Please if you have to call a friend or call a cab. Better safe than sorry. Believe me around 10 years ago I lost my brother due to the gentleman that was driving their truck that night decided to drive and my brother being a passenger should have been driving instead...but he didn't have his license. Well needless to say. He passed away in November and there is nothing anyone can do to bring him back.
But I'm not blogging tonight to morn my brother's death. I'm hear to reflect on the year passing.

Live your life to the fullest, live life with no regrets. I maybe not bring in the big bucks, but I love what I do. Yes, I do wish I was busy 24/7 sometimes. But my children are really important to me right now and I thank God everyday that I can be there for my kids. One day God will let me live my life, it's just not right now. Don't get me wrong. God is good to us all, but I'm not a patient person and working on God's schedule is sometimes testing for me. But one day...even if I'm 80, I know I will be making my dreams come true...or will at least see what God had planned for me more clearly. LOL!

Blessings and I wish everyone to be Safe :)

Bring in the New Year!

Can you believe that 2011 is here already. Where did November go for crying out loud? I love fall - whoosh there it went. Here in the Carolinas like a lot of us, we have snow!!!! My kids were so excited CHRISTmas morning. It was really a perfect day. Besides some mishaps on misunderstood Xmas lists...it really was a beautiful morning and I truly to hope everyone around the world had a blessed time with friends and family. I know we did. It has been very low eye around here which is nice for a change. The kids don't have to go back to school until the 3rd - so we are loving the late nights together and and I'm loving the early mornings without having to hussle and bussle out the door and enjoy blogging again and getting back to what I love to do. Paint.

My New Year's resolution is to get ORGANIZED. I know...its a bad word but someone has to do it. And I know I need it. My main focus is not only getting my home organized for myself but for my family. I am notorious for placing items in a hurry somewhere and not remembering where I put it...the family hates it. Of course I think it's funny cuz everyone complains that the house is a mess but when I clean then everyone complains that they can't find anything. Ironic wouldn't you think?

It's ok though. I really need to get organized. Also my other focus is to dedicate more time to my Etsy Shop. To truly build my business as an artist and to get my work recognized...I need to reach out to other artists and get more involved in Art Shows. So I'm going to dedicate an hour to my shop every morning to send out e-mails to introduce folks to visit it, keep stuff updated. Adding new items to the shop and creating more useful products with my art to the shop.

I'm hoping also to do more door-to-door recognition. Posting my artwork in coffee shops and hoping this year or in February to have an Art Show. I'd like to work with the Middle School and the High School to now only show my work but that of the students. This now only will gain recognition of the programs that needs our help as a community but to also gain recognition as an artist. Community work...it's needed out there. Just wish I could get paid for it. :)

Well, got to get going on some chalk jars and new magnet lids. Be safe and enjoy every minute with each other. It goes fast.

Blessings!

Trying to Keep My Head Above The Economy...

Did you realize that if you support our small businesses that a large sum of that money spent goes back to the town that the small business is in. If you buy into a chain...a very small percentage goes back to the town...if you buy online nothing goes back to the town. So those of us that live in the little small town of Harrisburg we need to remember that. We alone can make a difference.

I find that even though I offer a great price for my services...it's just not needed right now in this tough economy still. I love what I do, and I will continue to re-invent my self until I can hit the market just right.

Looking into grants for a studio...and thinking about changing the name to something different. Getting with high schools and middle schools to offer a gallery crawl. To give back to the schools....my brain is going at it again.

I'm in the process of updating my etsy.com shop. Hoping I can get it in time before everyone is done with their holiday shopping. Who knows what this year is going to bring with the economy still in troubling times.

Well until next time. Save those pennies and remember that a personalized gift is the best gift this holiday season.