ARTwalk coming up next weekend! Save the Date: August 5th!

God has truly blessed me...

I can not believe how busy I have gotten since we got back from our cruise. I've been really paniced about bills and money. One going to college and two going into braces. Yikes! All of a sudden I have three huge murals going on and two really major design/marketing jobs going on, PLUS I'm trying to get an interview for a graphic design job. WOW! Can I possibly take on anymore? Probably....You see, I'm a JESUS Freak! That's right. I LOVE being busy. And God knows it. Yes, I'm tired. But the Lord has been so good to me - getting me all this work.
I was telling a friend of one of my clients today. I probably don't charge enough for my murals and I know I donate a lot of my services as a designer away too often, but IF I don't feel that I'm being taken advantage of, this is not mine to charge..this is God's gift to me. He has blessed me with beautiful children and a good roof over my head. My marriage has had it's challenges...but I do have a husband that has provided us with MORE than what we need. Yes I would love to have a 9-5 job and not all the little jobs that sometimes take up more time than what kind of pay I receive and YES the Lord wants me to be smart about my gift...everything I do is a life lesson. I have been doing more in marketing than I ever thought I would do. PLUS I've been asked to do some painting parties. YEAH!!!! Those are fun. An adventure that I would love to make more full-time if possible. Here are some of the projects I've been working on. If you like what you see - please pass my name onto anyone that you think would need my services. I'm always eager to take on new challenges and new clients. I love painting murals, I love designing logos and I love that God has given me this gift.

God Is Good!

July is here already? Summer? What Summer?

I know I feel like I'm repeating myself but wow this summer is flying by. Just got back from the Bahamas with my kids and wow...how awesome was that. I feel so blessed to be able to have had the chance to do this with my kids. They loved it! Alos, I'm actually swamped with major work. Not big buckes, but keeping busy. A couple murals and logo developments going on.And who would have thought I would be doing so much marketing. Although I don't have a degree in marketing I truly feel that with my experience with all the fundraising I've done and community projects I've got going on...yeah, I'm a great marketing/PR person. I LOVE people (for the most part) HA. But I do especially the hard working small business people - trying so hard to make a better life for themselves and for the their family. I met a new business owner this week. Gigi is her nickname and she has to be the most beautiful woman I've had the pleasure of meeting ever! She is originally from Egypt which I think is soooooo coooool. Those that have such a culture is so fasinating and I feel so fortunate to meeting and learn from. What an experience and opportunity. As I told Gigi..."Life is short - live it to the fullest" I NEVER want to look back and say, boy I wish I would have met her. OR I wish I would have talked to them or moved on that opportunity. So I fall on my face...I'll do it many more times in my life and so what. I tried. I made the jump and I at least can say...I took the chance...DID YOU?

First Painting Party and it went GREAT!!!

First of all a BIG THANK YOU to all that came to the first Painting Party, "Corks & Brushes". You guys rocked! Only a couple of people in the class of 10 had painting experience, so I was overwhelmed how well everyone did for not painting before. The subject I choose for the first painting party was extremely hard (what was I thinking) so I realized now with the patience of everyone that I need to lighten up the load. I may conduct classes for those more serious painters later in the fall - but for now I really want to concentrate on just having FUN! The next class has not been determined as I'm in the works of working something out with The Loft on 14th in Concord on a permanent basis. But I do know the next subject will be a very easy piece, called "Landscaped".

This piece will be even simplified some more at the party.
The soul purpose of the class is to build new friendships and unite with others that love to have a good glass on wine great food and paint just for fun with new friends, old friends and family. As soon as my discussion and details are finalized with The Loft, I will then post a calendar with party dates. I'm telling you this is something for everyone! Couples, Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Family Get-Togethers, Girls' Night Out!, Birthday Parites for ANY age, and TEAM building for any sized company. I can't explain how much fun this is. Parties are to last two hours - our first party we had so much fun we ended up staying 3 hrs. Ooops! I was worn out to tell you the truth but apart of that was because the subject was a bit too detailed. Lesson learned. Still I got a lot of positive feedback which was great! Well until next time. I wish everyone a safe and blessed weekend. Next week we will be on vacation...hoping to post photos while we are aways but not sure if I will get to. I've been told it's a vacation and no internet is allowed ;) we'll see...

New Sketches for a Safari Themed Room

Just a couple of sketch of a mural I'm bidding on for a young family. Large playroom with small budget. But that is what I love about this job. Helping families that are true, out.

They are also wanting to do a dinning room mural. Here are the ideas I gave them on that.

Adding SIMPLE Receipts from KRaFt

If your kids are like mine. They are picky, picky, picky. It can drive a busy mother crazy. But with my blog i've decided to look up some easy receipts for us moms that like simple. Enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 to 1-1/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-1/2 to 2-inch pieces
1 pkt. SHAKE 'N BAKE Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix
2 cups KRAFT Cheddar Cheese Cubes
1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks
12 (9-inch) wooden skewers

Still Can't Breath...but I'm trying.

So graduation has come and gone, then we had awards to attend, family to send on their way. And even though this is the first day of nothing to do. I feel like I'm so behind on my artwork and getting ready for the painting party this Friday called "Corks & Brushes". I'm excited but feel very unprepared. But yet the show must go on. So tomorrow I have a ton of painting to do and trying to get some new cards up and running to submit to some card companies. One "to do" check offs that I desperately need to do. And yet I can't stop thinking about my daughter off to celebrate with friends before they all go off to college. I'm a reck worrying about her and I thought I would be fine. I guess once a parent always a parent no matter what your age. NOW, I know what my mom was talking about. Thank goodness we talk everyday since she left, but still. You worry. Hopefully working like crazy to get caught up will help me forget about my nerves...ok this typing these thoughts is not helping at all so I truly need to get off this subject right aways.
Well I'm going to emphasis that again this Friday night, June 17th I will be conducting my first Painting Party called "Corks & Brushes" and I'm very excited. 7:00 p.m. til 9:00 p.m. The cost is $25/person and includes 2 hours of fun instructional time, a completed canvas to take home 11 x 14, one glass of wine/or other beverage and appetizers for 12. You can't find anything like that around this Cabarrus County that will offer anything less. So come out. You MUST REGISTER thought before the party date, but do not have to pay until the day of class. So no excuses get a sitter and come out with the hubby, friend or relative...or even a co-worker. You will not be disappointed.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY:
"The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of yor hands, and your joy will e complete"
- Deuteronomy 16:15

It's FINALLY HERE! JUNE....oh my! Now what?

I just can't believe it my daughter is graduating high school where did the time go? We've been cleaning for weeks and planning for months this party this Saturday and what happens? We are all sick. Can you believe it? Crazy. But through it all, I find myself just in awh of what my daughter has accomplished through the years. Been putting together a book. When I find my camera (ha) I will take some pictures of it and show you. I just can't believe how much she has grown through the last few years. We are of course so proud that she will be attending Appalachian State University with a track scholarship. It's amazing. She has already started her schedule of running. She only got two weeks off from high school track and now into college cross country.

Mind you, she is only on the B team for cross country because she was signed on for track but still the schedule is grueling. An eye opener for her of what is expected and self control is needed for college. But I'm not too worried about her. Give me time now to focus on her little younger brothers. There is five years between her and the next one then the boys are 13 months apart. That I tell you is another adventure of it's self. They have a love/hate relationship but boys are more physical with each other. So I usually have to get the ref shirt out and a whistle to separate them then they are fine. Can be exhausting at times and yet hilarious. Well enough about that.

FEATURED ARTIST:

PICTURE4HOME

Every month I will be posting about a new ARTIST that I have found on etsy.com. I love this photographer. She is new to etsy and so I want to welcome her to our community. I love the warmth she delivers in her photography. And who can not decorate with flowers. Flowers are a very simple and versitile way of decorating any wall, self, or simply place the card in a frame and give it as a gift. Stop by her shop and tell her Decorative Decisions sent you. Networking right now is really important to us artists going in business for ourselves. So show your support. Oh and I want to leave you with this passage:

WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER REQUEST TODAY?
"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -JESUS in Mark 11:24

UPDATE ON THE JUNE GIVE-A-WAY!

Fill out the form and you can be a lucky winner of a beautiful Personalized Family Tree OR A Scripture Tree your choice when you win. Each one is created on high quality photo enhanced paper for bright colors and details. These are prints valued at $15.00 each. The size is 8 x 10. Here is a sample.

(NOTE: Click on the Heading to receive the form)
I've decided to simplify. All you have to do is fill out the very short form. Name, email that's about it. And you can win one FREE print, you can choose which one you want. The FIRST person that registers will win and then another one will be announced at the end of June. So submit your info TODAY! You could win!

Summer is right around the corner....what are your plans?

There are some many things I had planned for my blog this year that I didn't get to do. So once again I'm going to try again this summer to get it together and work on getting information out to my readers and new and upcoming ideas. I truly want to get better at showcasing other blogs and other websites - since networking is really the key to any business growth. So to start off early before June is even here. Here is my first featured artist.

FEATURED ARTIST:
I'd like to share my first find. Her name is Laura and she has a wonderful blog. Laura also has a etsy.com shop so go check her out! Great stuff and reasonable prices. Tell her Teresa says "HI".
Doodle Boop Designs

Also check out this next week as I'm doing a June Contest. A FREE Personalized Family Tree Print or a FREE Scripture Tree Print. (Valued at $15.00- your choice) The winner will be choosen of two ways. One winner will be the 100th registered online submission and the second winner will from a written contest. "What is Your Purpose In Life" Just three to five sentences is all you need. And there is no age restrictions. Any age or gender can enter. I really want this written contest to be a reflection on ourselves and hopefully help us to conquer that purpose more forcefully.

I'll be posting this contest on my blog, facebook, website (still in the works) and my etsy shop too! So make sure you check in at least weekly to see where you might be at.

"Corks & Brushes" Registration Form

CORKS & BRUSHES!

CORKS & BRUSHES:A painting party for anyone who wants to have fun. I supply the easels, canvas, paint & brushes. You just come and have a good time with friends and/or family. NOW ONLY $25/person for a two hr. party. For our first one Frankie & Louie's will supply the appetizers for a group of 12. One glass of wine or other beverage of your choice and of course the whole reason for the party is to be able to take your masterpiece home that night. You don't have to know how to paint, just an open mind to have fun! Sign up TODAY!

Welcome to My Design Center!

Well painting has really come to a stand still which is fine. I'm not a stranger to re-inventing myself. I realize now how I need to organize my time to dedicate to not only etsy items but to my blog as a designer/artist with creative ways to get my work out there.
Just recently I created a logo sheet that I dropped off at the local coffee shop and some of my other frequent visited businesses. I'm in the works of creating a brochure for Wedding Invitations for a local bake shop that does a lot of wedding cakes.
I notice as an artist and a mom, I just can't quite. It's not fair to myself nor my family.
Here are some recent logos I've been working on.

This design actually won for a t-shirt contest for the run in PA. I was really excited and not that I win any money (which Lord knows I need) but I will get a free t-shirt. I can always use a FREE t-shirt. So I'm still happy. :)
Here are some other designs I"m working on...

And finally this design is being placed in a contest for a Convenience Store in another state.

Happy Mother's Day!

This May what would be more perfect than to give someone you love (yes this means mom, grandma, or your favorite aunt) a personalized tree illustration. This 8 1/2" x 11" painting is so beautiful you will not regret purchasing it. All bases of trees are brown. WIth the choice of up to 8 names plus the last name. You can list your pets if you want too. Other options is to have a favorite quote or scripture placed in the bark instead of names. This way it can be used anywhere in the house. You get up to three color to choose from for the leaves or if you prefer I will paint graphic flowers for you instead of the leaves. Go to my etsy shop so you can see some samples.

www.decorativedecisions.etsy.com

Thank you so much for all the support I've recieved this year. I look forward to building the business not only with my murals but decor ideas for your home.

Blessings-
Teresa

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