Too Twisted For Color TV

Gimme A Break

2012-02-16T14:45:00.004-05:00

That's all I'm saying....gimme a break!! I know I am a bad, bad blogger, but what can I say...no time to sit on me arse and blog (although I am doing it right now) but I am also working the real estate thing at the same time...when you're your own boss someone has to do the work, eh?!! So, I am uploading pictures at the moment, and that won't take long, so this post will be short and sweet. Just wanted to send loves to all my peeps!! I won't even say I will try to be a better blogger...who the heck has time?! I would rather be home painting and creating, but someone has to work, and Bobby and I are usually going at full speed, 24/7!! Hey, no complaints though, it pays the bills :o) Love and peace to all xoxo!!

FOUR MONTHS...REALLY?!!

2011-07-14T09:43:00.004-04:00

I will eat my words of promising to try and do better at blogging. It has been 4 months since I last posted....really?!! Has 4 months flown by that fast?!! I wish I could say it is because I have been busy creating art and doing fun things, but it is life yet again, "real life" that has gotten me bogged down and not able to post. The Spring & Summer real estate market has kept me on the run, as well as the usual taking care of my Mom stuff, running a business, dealing with the day to day chores and tasks of everyday life....you all know how it goes.

I am going to be having some fun though when I get to take a new class online by artist Wyanne...I have mentioned in past posts an artist that I really admire and have taken several online classes through, Wyanne Thompson, see http://www.wyanne.com/ to learn about this truly amazing artist, lady, and cherished friend. I have taken her "Paint Free" class twice, her "Mixed Media Resin" class, and will be taking her upcoming class "Layers, Passages, and Hideaways" very soon. Wyanne is amazing, awesome, kind, caring, full of the best karma....well, just go check her out for yourself. You will absolutely fall in love with her...and take a class! Her classes are fantastic!

I am off now to do more mundane chores, work, run errands, emails, phone calls, etc., for my "real world" ...BUT... I wanted to take a few minutes to post on my blog to send love to all my family and friends!!

Not much new...but yet there is....

2011-03-08T11:48:00.006-05:00

Okay, so it is now about 2 weeks since I last posted, so I will pat myself on the back and say YAY FOR ME! I AM trying, but as always, work and life seem to get in the way...but no boring details of work for now. We
finally finished our move and I am thrilled to be "HOME" once again. I must say I do not see how some people, that for whatever reason, have to move so much, and I give you all props for moving around the block, to another state, or to another country. I have moved only a few times in my life, and all within about a 2 mile radius of the home I was born and raised in. I know most people aren't like me and can say they truly live within about 2 miles of where they lived their entire life...but I am one of those that have done that very thing. I love Raleigh, and I SO love my neighborhood. When Bobby and I got married, my one request was to buy a house close to home...and so we did. I have the worlds best husband for making my wish come true, and I have the worlds best parents and could not even think about being away from them when I married....that was 20 years ago. The wonderful thing was that my Dad, who was battling cancer when Bobby and I bought our first house in 1989, helped Bobby work on the house, as it was a 1940's home and needed some work. There are wonderful memories made from that experience. I am so blessed that Bobby and my Dad had that time to spend with one another. My Pops, as we call him, loved Bobby as his own son, and treated him as such. I know Pops knew that I would be well watched after and cared for by Bobby after Pops was gone. One day I will have to find some old photos and scan them and add them to a post about that home. Bobby and I stayed in that home for 12 years, and then one day we had to compromise...Bobby had gotten into Real Estate at that time, and seeing all these wonderful homes, he kept wanting me to go look at some. So, we tore down our little 1940's home and built a bungalow style home on that same spot, again my love of our neighborhood kept me close to home and to Mom. Then many years after Pops became my angel in heaven, Mom had her stroke and our lives changed once again. To keep Mom comfortable and happy, we sold our home, we tore down yet another home, my childhood home, and rebuilt a home made for Bobby and I, and Mom as well. After Mom's health deteriorated and we could no longer care for her in home, Bobby and I stayed a full 2 years to avoid the government taking all our hard earned money when we sold :o) --but I won't go there and start griping about government! hee hee

So, here we were once again beginning a renovation one more time. We sold our big house that we had designed and built from bottom up...we certainly did not need the 4000 square feet, for 2 people and our 2 labs was just plain ridiculous and very much "not us"...so we found a wonderful 1920's bungalow in our same neighborhood, bought it, and began the renovations once again. For the first time in my life I was RENTING during the reno process of the latest home reno project!! How lucky I am to have never rented, ever, until later in life. We made quite a change in the home and enjoyed every moment. Bobby and I always have a vision when it comes to houses. We can look past some faults within a home, brainstorm, then take it and run with it....and our results on our 1920's house are the last project I feel we will do....(never say never I guess though) We've reached that perfect balance of everything we want in our sweet bungalow, and of course, still remain in my lifelong neighborhood.

Now the Spring and Summer markets in Real Estate are getting ready to pick up, so I feel like I will be lucky to blog much at all in the upcoming months. I know LuLu will keep everyone entertained...not that many peeps stop by to check in on me, but I do have a legit excuse...NO SPARE TIME!! Seriously, between running a business, taking care of everything that has to do with looking after my Mom, and just typical every day stuff cropping up....well....I just hope to be able to create some art and post every now and again.

I do understand that people want to come to a blog and read fun and exciting news, and one day I hope to be able to do that very thing, but until then, I will keep a few updates rolling in and try to post when I can. Love and peace to all!! Lisa

Already 2011 & I am SO behind...

2011-02-19T10:28:00.008-05:00

It seems quite unreal that the last post I made was back in November 2010, but nonetheless 'tis true. Life has been hectic, to say the least, and I have been remiss in keeping up with news from "this sister" of Coastal Sisters. While I have been absent I have had my plate full...explanation:

My husband and I decided to downsize, and being there is only 2 of us, we decided to sell our home. To make a long story short, we built the house back in 2007 and moved in in 2008. My Mom had been living with us since 2006 when she had a stroke (that is the reason we built the house, so we'd have 2 master bedrooms on the first floor) but Mom's health declined after we moved into our new home and she had to go to a facility where they could care for her, as I was not able to be with her 24/7 anymore due to having to run our company, trying to handle the routine of daily life, and not having any help from other sources with Moms care. Mom started wanting to wander away from the house and it became more difficult to handle her. With us being in Real Estate we knew what we must build that would appeal to buyers, and quite frankly it was WAY more house than the 2 of us needed, coming in at over 4000 square feet. With life happening the way it did, and Mom's decline in health happening much sooner than expected, we stayed in the house for the obligatory 2 years, put it on the market, and it sold in a few days! This home was "our baby", completely custom built by us from top to bottom, with everything picked by myself and Bobby. I shopped online for light fixtures, the front door, and many other items as well. I designed my window grids, drew out on paper what I wanted in the design of the wainscoting, worked with the architect to make the house to suit us, so it was truly a labor of love that we poured our hearts and souls into. We sold that house last Fall and bought in the same neighborhood, which I have lived in my entire life. What can I say....I adore my neighborhood and have lived within a mile of where I was born and raised my entire life. For those of you familiar with Raleigh, we live in the Five Points area, one of the older areas of Raleigh where charm and great living go hand in hand (of course I am biased!!) We bought a 1920's house, a real charmer, and have been remodeling it since October. It has been a labor of love and is turning out to be completely awesome! Legacy Custom Homes is our builder and they totally ROCK!! We are now getting down to the wire, with last minute items being completed this week, so we will be moving very soon. We got SO fortunate and found a house to rent on the SAME street as the home we bought, so it has been great to go by the remodel daily to watch the progress! Everything fell right into place and we are blessed it has gone as well as it has. SO, this is why I have been MIA for some time now, but I do have high hopes to make it to my blog more often this year. As I have mentioned before, we own and run our own Real Estate firm, I take care of my Mom's needs and visit her often, plus the everyday things life throws at us often keeps me extremely busy. I do have the very best intentions to post on my blog, but somehow I find my "must do" list takes precedence over my "want to do" list. Such is life!! Love and peace to all and I shall be in touch again....pinkie swear :o) !!

We Made It .... HEAVEN & Catching Up

2010-11-14T12:35:00.006-05:00

We made it to the beach and I am working hard to catch up on my classes. I actually finished everything for week 2...YAY me!! I say that because I feel I am super behind. Wyanne has got to be the most understanding person, she knows how "life" gets in the way and is always willing to work with us...love you Wyanne!

I talked to Lu a few minutes ago...I am REALLY missing out on being there with her and Shell http://shellinsnohomish.blogspot.com/ ...they are crazy and having so much fun. It was so good to hear the laughter and antics going on between them... SHUT UP!!! PS...that's for you Shell, I am going to be saying it all day now, in "your way" of saying it that is, which is hysterical ya'll...I mean side splitting laughter to hear her say it :o) ...and I mean that in the BEST way!! Love you girls and have fun today xoxo!

I am off now to work on some assignments now. Oh yeah, the HEAVEN part of my title was getting here to the beach...geeeesh, how could I forget that part! I have GOT to get Lu to help me learn how to add pictures so I can share here...or I need to get off my duff and learn on my own! Loves and peace to all....ME!!

I Need To Do My Homework

2010-11-12T17:19:00.003-05:00

OK, so here I go again talking about Wyanne's class (for a GREAT reason) http://www.wyartjewels.blogspot.com/ which brings me to the homework part of my title...I have homework to do and I am seriously dying to get to it!! Well, I take that back, because I am not sure "homework" is a good word...it's really assignments, and they are in no way mandatory, but SO great to do. I didn't feel this way in school??!! I can hardly wait to get to the beach and dive into my art supplies and get creative! YAY...thanks again and again Wyanne! You are one awesome, and I know THE coolest, teacher I've ever had!

So, to change the subject, I heard from Lu today, and she's having a grand ol' time at Silver Bella...I only wish I was there to share in the fun. Well, maybe one day...a girl can dream.... Talking to her made me miss her so bad, but I know they'll be moving here sooner or later, and that gives me SOME comfort. I just wish it were tomorrow ...for their move that is! I know I can't rush time. Lu and I have far too much to do once she gets back in the South, where she belongs...nothing wrong with living up North, or out West, it's just that I happen to be in the Southeast, so that is where she needs to be, or I need her to be...well, you get my drift. Plus, we're waiting on her sweet hubbie too...Bobby and Norwood will have another giggin' buddy! ...not frogs, flounder...for those of you who wonder, not that you will, but explanation done just in case :o)

That's it for me right now. I have to get back out for some more work, "real work" that is...not "homework", not yet at least. OH....how I miss my art supplies and I reeeeeeeally miss the beach! Loves & peace xo! Lisa

A Theme of Wings...

2010-11-09T11:44:00.011-05:00

I do believe that this month has grown some wings and is flying right on past me without regard to the time I need to accomplish all I would really like to get done. As I mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I am taking an online class with Wyanne Thompson ...see http://www.wyartjewels.blogspot.com/ for details ... in fact, I am taking two of her classes at the same time (WHAT was I thinking?!!) and I am having a grand time! I am taking her Mixed Media Resin class and the Paint Free class as well. Now, let me just tell you, if you ever have those nasty little voices in your head yelling at you, you know, that little gremlin art critic poking at you....GO TAKE WYANNE'S CLASS!! I can't begin to tell you now WONDERFUL her Paint Free class is!! If anyone asks what you want for a gift, let them give you the gift of this class. There are wonderful things to learn and Wyanne is incredible. If I could put into to words how awesome she is, I would!! I can't comment on what we're learning because it is not fair to Wyanne, and she has my utmost respect for what she's doing for us all, the ones that take her class. This Paint Free class is her baby and she's worked for 2 years to accomplish putting together this most wonderful class. I am having so much fun and learning so many things about myself as an artist. Wyanne is giving us all WINGS....she's a great teacher, so kind & caring, so full of inspiration that helps us all find our wings! I've run into a lot of artist's that do not want to share their "knowledge" or "secrets", they act as if they're better than everyone else...I can't stand an art bully or an art snob! Who's to say what is or is not good. I believe beauty is all around us, in different forms, and how boring would this world be if we all created the same thing? Wyanne shares her knowledge, what she's learned throughout her career and life, she's the real deal, an inspiration to many! I am off to work on the class for a bit right now, between some "real world" work (yuck, but a necessity) and some art fun, YAY!! Love & peace to all!! Lisa

Lots Of Goings On...

2010-10-24T13:48:00.004-04:00

Hey, this will be the third post for me within the same month! I'm proud of myself....YAY ME!!

I am posting to say a quick hello and blog about Wyanne and her classes...which I am loving. I am taking the Mixed Media Resin Class right now. I know I've blogged about her classes already, but I can't say enough about how wonderful she is and how awesome her classes are. You really should treat yourself and sign up :o)

I'm off for now, but please check Wyanne out at www.wyartjewels.blogspot.com and see what she has to offer. You will love how she inspires!!

Love & peace....Lisa

Excited about RESIN CLASS...

2010-10-13T18:25:00.010-04:00

I must pass along a jewel of a goody today...an artist by the name of Wyanne is offering online classes that are just too fabs!! Wyanne is an exceptional artist and person! You really need to treat yourself and visit her blog to read more about the online classes she offers. You can read all about her by going to http://www.wyartjewels.blogspot.com/ She is truly amazing and so much fun. I think she really summarizes what a lot of us as artists feels from time to time...when those little voices start saying "you can't do this, you can't do that, is my art good enough, etc..." Check out her blog to see the different classes she offers and sign up!! You will LOVE her, trust me, she is awesome...she's all about good karma...simply put, she's fabulous!! I'm off to check in with what we've got going on in class. Check it out everyone, sign up and take a class, you will not regret it!! You will LOVE her!! Love and peace all :o) xoxo!! Lisa

Trying a bit harder...no matter what!

2010-10-08T20:13:00.010-04:00

I am going to try a bit harder to do more posts, even if they have to be short and sweet. Lu does such a great job with her blog, so I feel like the black sheep of Coastal Sisters, as I hide my head in shame :oP ...and hope to live up to LuLu's example (NOT gonna happen, she's TOO fabs) !! I have been very busy with Lu's recent visit, working my "real" job...as always... and now am preparing to move... NOT something I planned or expected at this time in my life, but it IS time to move on from a house that is WAY too big for just me, Bobby, and our 2 sweet boys, Angus & Oscar...our labs of course :o) !!

I have been trying to work on some art but have not done a whole lot. I have a mixed media Halloween mermaid ready to ship to Lu for display on her table for her big soiree with Spooky Time Jingles. I am SO proud of her!! She is working really hard to be ready for the show next weekend, Saturday October 16th. She's all nerves and wicked excitement, all rolled into one sweet, talented, wonderful sister....my LuLu!! If you are in the area please go by and visit all the artists. I know you'll LOVE everything those wonderful artisans have to offer up :o) Go to their site for info at http://www.stjsoiree.blogspot.com/ to get all the details!! It will REALLY be worth the trip!

So, with a quick post done, I am off to work some more, and maybe even try to relax just a bit! I might even try to paint a little (fingers crossed, hoping & wishing hard) and I leave sending you all hopes for a wonderful weekend filled with joy and happiness!

Wee Hours Of The Morning

2010-07-17T01:28:00.011-04:00

OKAY, so it takes me forever to post.... well, it shows the right day I wrote it, but I actually posted this on 7/21 because I forgot to on 7/17...oh well!!

OK, so Thursday night we worked in the office until 11:45pm....WHEW!! The day started at 6:00am, so needless to say we were pooped when we got home! Then it was more computer work once home, tried to get to bed, couldn't fall asleep...too wired...then woke up and realized it was 6:00am Friday already?!!?! Really! So, after maybe a few hours (if that) of sleep, we were back at it once more. Bobby had a listing to set up and I had to do the usual work, plus I was waiting on my mechanic to call & let me know my car was ready. I LOVE my older SUV, 229,000k miles and all!! After so many miles the usual stuff has occurred with a car that has that many miles, like needing a new fan for AC, new catalytic converter, but other than that, honestly nothing major! I change my oil routinely every 3000k miles and have the car checked every time I go in for a visit of any kind. We have the BEST service station, hands down, anywhere! FIVE POINTS SERVICE CENTER.....so if you have a repair need, use them!! They are as honest as the days are long, fair on prices, and will give you a reliable, honest opinion. LOVE those guys...HATS OFF TO THE ENTIRE STAFF at FIVE POINTS SERVICE CENTER!!

As for the title about the wee hours of the morning....I was up until 5:00am this morning, went to bed, got back up at 7:30am, so I am running totally on the caffeine in my Coca-Cola!! We have company this weekend at the beach, so we're prepping for a nice boat ride, then I have to get back and work on a bracelet that a friend of Jane's wants. Remember Jane? She's the one that I blogged about when she broke her heel after she fell off a stool because she just HAD to hang a squirrel, whom we named Walter, from her ceiling fan, stool slipped out from under her, then she had to crawl to the phone to call someone, then crawl to the door when help arrived. Poor thing, her hubby was out of town, and of course it just HAD to happen then. She lives in Charlotte (I miss her SO much) and so she called her friend to come to the house so she could get to the orthopaedic ER.

So, after all work was complete, car picked up, we loaded up the dogs and headed East towards the gorgeous NC coast, later than we expected, but we had AC in the 95 degree heat & were very thankful! We could not be happier that we were able to get the work done so quickly! I'm just saying....FIVE POINTS SERVICE CENTER....remember that name! You will be so happy!!

So, now it's about 2:15am, the wee hours of a Saturday morning, and I really need to get to bed. I am almost ready to fall asleep at the keyboard, so I think someone is telling me to just give up! Hope everyone is well and I wish everyone a fantastic weekend! LOVES to all xoxo! Lisa

Happy Happy LOVES Lu & Rick

2010-06-25T19:21:00.003-04:00

Okay, this will probably be my one blog for June...and it is the BEST reason I can think to blog....my sister and her wonderful husband celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary today. I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH....TO INFINITY & BEYOND!!! Or, to quote Lu, I PINK PUFFY HEART YOU BOTH :o)

What a day it's been around here. We got a call this morning that someone took out our fence and ruined our newly sodded front yard at the beach....the yard that poor Bobby has worked so hard to keep alive during this massive dry heat spell we've been having. With a water bill that probably hit $200 for last month the news really stunk....hey, wonder if the insurance company will pay the water bill?! HA!! I think not. Oh well, it could have been much worse, so guess I will make light of it. Our philosophy is now "fences in Sneads Ferry have a snowballs chance in hell of making it" ... case in point, we've seen other fences "taken out" around there, never to return :o( Our fence has quoted the terminator though "I'll be back"

I'm bowing out of blogland for now. I have some "real world" work to do now. It's been a long day, and it ain't over yet, but I did want to take a moment to wish my sissy and her hubby a HAPPY LOVES DAY!! Loves loves loves to you both....and we're waiting for your move to the beach! Here's hoping each day draws my loved ones a bit closer to home xoxo!!

Happy Memorial Day & Honoring The Brave...

2010-05-31T08:39:00.011-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to all our brave military men and women that are currently serving, have served, and to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. I honor my brother-in-law that serves in the Army division of our armed forces, a man that is kind and loving, honorable and brave, a man that takes his commitments straight to heart and lives a life that is so admirable, all of us could take a lesson from such a great human being! I love and honor you Rick!!

I want to take this time to truly honor & thank all our brave military men & women that currently serve, have served, and to those that have lost their lives so that we might continue to live in a free country. I honor and send love to the families that are living without their loved ones as well. Thank you for enduring your lives without your sons & daughters, Fathers & Mothers, husbands & wives, sisters & brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends! Thank you, with all sincerity and love I can send to each of you from this wonderful world of the Internet. I can honor and thank you all, even if I can't give you each a hug, please know my hugs come to you all just the same. A simple thank you seems so minuscule, but it comes from my very soul, and I offer you all my very sincerest thanks and send love & hugs to you all.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, happy, and safe Memorial Day! Thanks again to my wonderful brother-in-law who has given over 30 years of his life to serve our country, a man who loves so thoroughly and unconditionally, the special person that is so very important to me, my sister that is my heart and soul, my best friend, who is simply....my everything. I love you too my sissy!

xoxo Lisa

Good Intentions = not blogging enough :o)

2010-02-20T12:50:00.007-05:00

That title just sums up that my intentions are always good, but somehow I never get to blog as much as I would love to. As I have mentioned many times before, Lu is wonderful and keeps everyone posted on Coastal Sisters and keeps us all entertained with all the antics and tomfoolery that goes on in Casa de Chaos (her home) and I rarely mention what I am up to...not because I don't wish to share, but because I am always acutely aware that people want to visit your blog to be entertained and uplifted. I realize that sometimes I am always seeming to ask for help for others, then I start to over think my blog post, thinking to keep it light, etc. But I have to say, I am who I am, and asking visitors when they visit my blog to please help others is innately instilled in who I truly am and that will never change. Feeling so fortunate and blessed stays with me daily and is, I guess, part of the reason I ask people to please pay it forward. Me having a husband that is always there for me is amazing and such a gift. Having a sister that supports me completely from hundreds of miles away...another amazing gift. Having 2 dogs that have unconditional love & it spills out every fiber of their being, yet another gift. My close friends that are always there for me no matter what....completely amazing & wonderful gifts in my life. Having all the bloggers that visit Lu's blog is another amazing gift. Friends who we have come to love and appreciate with all our hearts, although we may not visit face to face, blog hopping to keep up with everyone is one of those things that the wonderful world of technology has given to us all...an amazing gift! Also, as I have mentioned before, I work full time and take care of my & Lu's aging Mom, who had a stroke back in 2006. I have been gifted the support of, as always, my wonderful husband, in the care of Mom, not an easy task, as many people know who have aging parents that are not in good health...and don't even get me started on health care and the rising cost of everything to do with health, especially in the elderly. All I can say is I hope no one has to go thru what we have been thru for the past 4 years...but again, I have been given the gift of being able to care for Mom via the hardest working husband & not to mention, best friend I could ever hope to have! My Lu, my sweet wonderful sister (the tears are dropping now) supports me thru some really tough times via the phone, just when I think one more day is gonna send me over the edge....everyone & everything I am so blessed to have in my life grabs hold & pulls me back....thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart for always being there.

And good intentions roll on....this post was started on 2/20 I believe and I am just now posting it..... really!!! Well, at least I am going to post it and not delete it....I don't think I will add to it either, just maybe start a new one later and publish it in a year or two....HA HA HA!! Love to all xoxo!

I know life continues but...

2010-01-18T19:37:00.002-05:00

I am having a hard time concentrating on much of anything while there is so much suffering in Haiti. I know I typically don't speak out about much, but I have friends directly involved with the lovely Haitian people...and especially the children. To make a long story short I have a good friend, her name is Wendy Prentice, and her son has devoted his life to helping make the world a better place. He has spent endless hours de-worming the children of Haiti, and this is only one tiny spot in his huge heart. I've never had the honor to meet Aaron personally, but I feel like I know him to some degree. His Mom, Wendy, has become a very dear person in my life. She is my muse, my inspiration, and though she'd more than likely say she's not a hero....well, I beg to differ. She is extremely proud of her son, and I can see why. While others are fleeing Haiti, her son Aaron chooses to run back to the people he loves so dearly to help. I will make this post short as I would like to keep the focus on donating to Aaron's organization, Planting Peace. As you can see at the top of my blog the Planting Peace logo is there and you can click on it and donate any amount you feel comfortable with. They accept PayPal so that should make it very easy for most. Again, the web site is www.plantingpeace.org and any amount is sincerely appreciated by the selfless people that run this organization. Peace & love to all! Lisa

Happy New Year & HELP

2010-01-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

Hello blog friends and HAPPY NEW YEAR! My wish is for everyone that knows us and visits us, whether daily or only once in a while. please go to http://www.plantingpeace.org/ and donate to help the people of Haiti. This is an organization near and dear to my heart because of a close friend. Wendy, of whom I have spoken often, is the wonderful Mom to this selfless young man that has devoted his life to helping deworm the children of Haiti. I ask you donate anything, even a mere $5.00 is such a help! Skip something you'd spend that $5.00 on and help those who are truly in need right now. I ask you give in the name of just being kind. Thank you everyone that donates. I truly have nothing to lose by asking for your help....to help this organization continue to do the wonderful things they've been doing for years...they just need a little extra help right now, so let us one & all do the right thing and pay it forward....thanks for listening...thanks for the help! With all my love to you all that donate and pray for Aaron, and for all that help the people of Haiti right now....thank you from the bottom of my heart & soul....again that web site is http://www.plantingpeace.org/

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-31T20:06:00.002-05:00

2009 is on the way out the door. It is 8:07pm on the East Coast and we are enjoying a lovely coastal Carolina night with a full moon/blue moon tonight....and enjoying peace and quiet. Boring to some maybe, but heaven to me.....the only thing that would make it better is having Lu and Rick home...moved home that is :o) LOVE YOU TWO!!!!!!!!

In closing out the year I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support throughout this past year. As always there is Bobby to thank first...my rock, my constant, my all!! Also I want to mention Jane, Michele, and Bart....these 3 wonderful friends keep me grounded, entertained, and most of all, well loved....I love you all so much!! I thank those that have supported me thru this tough time in my life while I've been taking care of my Mom...you know who you are and no words will ever let you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you for your beautiful hearts and souls. I am also so thankful for all the wonderful friends we have made online...thru blogs and our web site and our Etsy shop. You all inspire LuLu and me in many ways. Your hearts are big, your spirits are so beautiful, and you inspire us each and every day. Thank you wonderful friends....we may not see each other face to face but you are all so special and we love you mucho!!

In closing this last post for 2009 I must admit I don't do resolutions. I resolved years ago to never make another one....perhaps I am one of the few in the world that actually have stuck to a New Years Resolution! HA HA HA teeheehee....you know me, you get it. I only ask that you love each other and be kind to your fellow human being. I truly and sincerely, from the bottom of my heart and soul, wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year and wish for you many blessings of your choosing, good health, and more happiness than can fit in this wide wonderful universe. Try to do good for others, be good to yourself, and remember just a simple smile or one kind word can change a persons life forever. Don't judge unless you've walked in others shoes....and even then don't judge. Be good, be kind, be respectful...it doesn't cost you a penny. Much love to everyone in my life...and those that are now gone from my life...and those yet to enter my world....PEACE!!

Art Stuff I Can't Live Without Part 1

2009-12-18T12:49:00.011-05:00

** TWINKLING H2O's!!!** OK, let's just say that I feel like if anything is an art supply, in ANY form, I can't live without it....pretty much just because I love to create. So this wonderful product, the Twinkling H2O's, is the first item of one of many (MANY) things I feel I can't live without...and many have been discovered this year as I got more and more involved in my "art life" ...as I feel like I've been MIA for too long. Of course, as I've stated before, the MIA from my art life, and from life in general really, comes from working full time and caring for an aging parent, which of course is my privilege to take care of my Mom.

Twinkling H2O's can be found at http://www.luminarteinc.com/ and let me just tell you one thing....these little pots of color are just AWESOME!! They are little containers of the utmost juiciest twinkling colors, and you will wonder as I have ever since my first purchase, HOW DID I LIVE WITHOUT THESE?!!! Just add water and paint til your heart's content. I have used these on everything from canvas, to watercolor paper, to wood, to directly on a stamp, to...well, EVERYTHING!! This wonderful company announced they were going to have to close earlier this year...but do NOT fear, as everyone stepped up to the plate to save this wonderful company. They have been overrun with orders and this amazing "banding together" by consumers and other companies, made it possible for LuminArte to keep their doors open. I had to wait for a few months for a large order I placed, which was during the time they said they were closing, so I ordered right and left, worried I would never again have these wonderful little pots of juiciness to create with...but behold, miracle of miracles...they are staying open....WOO HOO!!

So, this is one product I discovered once I started painting again, and now can't believe I ever lived without it. I love the versatility and many uses I have for these wonderful Twinkling H2O's! I hope if you discover them you will love them too, or if you already use them I would love to hear your thoughts! Hope everyone has a great day! Go Create!! LOVES!!

A Fun Ride To Look At Lights...

2009-12-14T08:43:00.015-05:00

The temps yesterday on the NC coast in our area were in the 60's and it was great! The rain came in and the temps dropped and the fog started. Bobby & I, along with our neighbors Bertha & Norwood, rode to Surf City to enjoy the sights & sounds provided by 2 very giving people, Sterling Bryson and Glen Pierce, who decorate their lovely home with tons of lights that flash to the sounds of Christmas. These two generous gentlemen share this wonderful event with people that live in and around the greater Topsail area, and everyone else that travels to our lovely island. We had a great time on the ride over, parked right in front of the house and enjoyed the show. Thank you Sterling and Glen, for your kind & generous nature and for bringing joy to many people that sure can use a boost! Although we've never met these 2 fine people, they obviously embody what this time of year is all about, bringing happiness to others....as it should be! Many thanks to Bertha for providing a yummy supper prior to our little jaunt...Bertha feeds Bobby and I often when we're at the coast and treats us just like we were her own children. Some of our favorite times are spent with those two. I call Norwood "Bobby's partner in crime" and he is responsible for turning Bobby into a fishing nut! I must say that when we all go out together we usually draw attention to ourselves, not by choice though, but because we laugh so hard & so loud people can't help but cast wondering glances our way...it's just life we're enjoying and having fun while doing so! We are SO fortunate and blessed in the neighbors we have on both sides of our home. They certainly don't come any better than Liz on the one side and Norwood & Bertha on the other. I hope the rest of the world is as lucky as we are!!

This morning began with fog hanging low and heavy, and as I took the dogs outside you could hear the engines of the shrimp boats humming, but not a boat could be seen. As the fog began to lift you could see one boat, then another, then another, until the sun finally wrapped its rays around the clouds and shoved them aside....bringing forth that blue sky dotted with puffy gray & white clouds. As this day has progressed it's now about in the mid 50's and the sun is coming and going as it pleases. Yesterday the inlet was a gorgeous green with all the ocean water that was pushed in via the winds we had, and we've recently seen the porpoises playing and feeding out back more than we've seen all summer. I have to say, we live in two very different, yet both wonderful, places. The city is rush, rush, rush as usual, yet I love my hometown and always will, but here at the coast it's a whole different world. Slower pace, definite scenery change, where we are so fortunate to be able to walk out onto our back porch or deck, or out onto the pier, and watch the porpoises play, so close you can hear them splash and breathe. It is an awesome sight each and every time I see those magnificent creatures. They always amaze me! When we take the boat out and see porpoises we always cut the engine and just sit and enjoy. We are about 5 minutes by water to the Intracoastal Waterway and then another 5 minutes and you're in the Atlantic. There is always something going on in the waters behind our house...always entertaining and awesome! I remember the first time Oscar, our black lab, saw a porpoise...it was all we could do to keep him from "jumping ship" to swim with them! We saw the porpoises as we were headed back to the house, so we sat there to enjoy watching them and when they got about 10 to 12 feet from us, one came up and blew out of its blow hole and Oscar just about leapt from the boat. What a hoot...that dog!! He is fearless when it comes to jumping headlong into water...point in case, we were out in the ocean (not far out cause I don't go far) and as I sat on the front of the boat, out of the corner of my eye I noticed Oscar tense up and crouch, so my instincts kicked in and I grabbed his collar, only to look over the side of the boat to see what he was thinking about going for....a big ol' jellyfish went cruising on by....OSCAR!! BAD DOG!! funny though now :o)

Well, I hate to run, so in closing I'd like to bid all a wonderful day...make sure you do a little something artistic today...create a little something. I plan to organize a bit, work some more as well....thank you my lucky stars...I can work from here!! ....I will say it over and over....thanks to my wonderful hubby, I live the life I lead, broken free from the chains of working for someone else, to this wonderful self employed life I lead now. I love you my love! Everyone have a wonderful day! xoxo

TGIF and the working world...

2009-12-11T09:32:00.010-05:00

Well hallelu-yer (in honor of Madea) it is Friday....for most folks, but in the world of Real Estate we work 24/7 and no day is ever Friday, but I am thankful for my job, and for my hubby for having the gumption 10 years ago to open our own company. Wieland Properties (our Real Estate firm) will be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2010, and each day I thank my lucky stars, and mainly our clients, for the opportunity to work this job. The hours are long, the pay is nothing (for me that is) but I am always thankful for each day. I no longer have to toil in the world of pharmacy anymore....I used to count pills in my sleep!! ...and I would have panic attacks worrying that the medications did not get down to the nursing home in time, except those attacks would come in the middle of the night after a dream/nightmare...but no more! I have been out of that business for almost 6 years now and I give thanks each and every day I am now self employed.

Now, of course my dream job is to be an artist full time, but like most artists you have to do something to supplement the income. While the vast majority of us (artists) are doing it because we love to create, because we must create, we all know there is not a lot of money in what we do. The great thing about us (artists) is that we all support one another...well MOST do. Some think they are high and mighty, or as we say "hoity toity" and don't appreciate others art, but if you just support a person in their dream, you've done a good deed and have paid it forward. Be supportive! If you find someone that is not supportive, tries to tear you down as an artist, just don't listen! It's usually either ignorance or jealousy, or a combination of both....or maybe just poor upbringing (in the South you'd hear someone say THEY JUST AIN'T HAD NO "RAISINS" -- AKA poor upbringing) so ignore "those" people who can't help themselves....and DO YOUR THING!! Have fun, enjoy, create....LOVE your art, be enthusiastic about what you have made, share it with others...don't be scared. Wendy Prentice, my mentor and dear friend, says this "To those of you who aspire to be an artist, just be one. To those of you who are an artist, be a friend." Need I say more! She's a true gem that Wendy is...visit her at http://www.wendyprentice.com/ for some fun & funky art.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I am getting ready to leave the office. It only took me a mere 8 hours to write this post today, and I think I did well to make this one #3 in ONE MONTH already! I have been at work in the office today, sshhhhh don't tell....while working on this post, so 8 hours is pretty good for a few paragraphs don't ya think?!! Take care all...TTFN!!

It's Cupcake Day!!

2009-12-09T09:32:00.003-05:00

Explanation...my good friend Michele has her "weekends" during the week, so every chance we get when she's off we go to Carolina Cafe & Bakery for their cupcakes....which we call crackcakes....they are totally addicting due to yumminess....so I am off for a bit. Michele is here now and she's going to be SO nice and go with me to our office meeting (the "real world" job) then we're off to lunch, cupcakes, and ART & CRAFT shopping!! It does not get much better....being self employed is a lot of work but the perks are awesome!! I am a fortunate girl :o) LOVES to all!!

Giving thanks...better late than never!

2009-12-05T10:41:00.006-05:00

Well, I am late as usual, and I may have missed Thanksgiving AND the month of November completely, but I am thankful for all I have. I am thankful for my family...my wonderful and loving husband I give so much thanks for, as he has seen to my every need since we've been married (we just celebrated 19 years in November!!) and I thank him for the help in caring for my Mom over these past years. Many of you know, and some don't, that my Mom had a stroke back in early 2006 and she lost her ability to speak, she's suffered so many other setbacks over the years, and without Bobby I would not have made it through it all. I am so thankful for my dogs, as they are my constant source of joy and love. I am thankful for my friends...they keep my going when I think I have nothing left in me...I am so thankful for my sister...she is my sounding board, my touchstone, my heart, and never fails to support me during all my highs and my lows, she knows without a doubt that she IS who I need more than life itself. I am thankful for her husband Rick, who has given her the life and love she deserves, and he sacrifices his time and part of his life to serve this country via the Army, which brings me to thank all the men and women of our armed services...those that have fallen, those that have been injured, those that remain overseas, those here on their own soil and that have to fear the enemy right here in our own country, and then the families of these brave souls....THANK YOU all as well...our unconditional love goes to you all for what you give us each day, our continued freedom, which is something I think most people take for granted, as it is easy to do as we all go about our daily lives. I also give thanks for who I am and what I have, for I am so blessed in so many ways, and for that I am truly thankful and grateful, and always try to pay it forward so that someone else may benefit from something I may do or say or give....which brings me to my next item....giving of yourself! see next paragraph...

My dear friend Wendy Prentice, my mentor from afar, my inspiration, my mermaid sister, my sweet sweet friend....who is a Mom to 3 wonderful young men, all special in their own way. Her eldest son Aaron has given his own life to others via his organization PLANTING PEACE, please visit http://www.plantingpeace.org/ to learn more, moreover, to help this selfless man and his cause to help the world beyond us all...Aaron needs your help, his worldwide family deserves anything you can give. Believe me everyone, even $5.00 can help so many! Please help!! please

It seems as if more and more time gets away from me these days and, while a blog was a great idea and well intended on my part, I seem to not be able to even manage one post a month....well, life sometimes just gets in the way...but maybe one day I will have time to do ALL those things I really want to get around to doing....in the meantime, many thanks goes to Lu for taking care of Coastal Sisters with all her love and care...she is the backbone of us both....I LOVES MY SISSY!!!!!

In closing, there really are so many things I am thankful for, there are things I wish I had (not material stuff) and more I wish I could do for others, but while I continue to care for my family and my Mom, I am just thankful for what I DO have and only try to push forward to be a good person, kind towards others, treating them as I would have them treat me, and I try to "pay it forward" in any small way I can, each day, to make a difference to someone, somewhere, at all times. Thank you all that are a part of my life...I love you all, each and every one of you, and you all hold a special place within my heart and my soul.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LU!!!!

2009-10-01T09:21:00.004-04:00

Wishing the worlds most wonderful sister a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, complete with lots of treats, love, candles, prezzies, cuppiecakes, more love, balloons (it's balloon day it's balloon day, remember that?!?!?!!) some more love, AND.... I am anxiously awaiting your visit home! I can't stand myself I am so e'sited!! LOVES!!!!

September?!!!?!!!!!

2009-09-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

Well, I just knew I'd do a post in August...and today is September...ALREADY?!?!! There's goes me trying to at least blog monthly :o) -- although, I do have a great excuse....I live in the "real world" **insert pitiful moaning and groaning here** and just can't seem to catch a break. Thanks to Lu for being such a great blogger!! Love ya sissy poo and thanks for all your hard work! So, here's love, hugs, kisses to all and maybe I will be back before you know it. In the meantime, I am keeping up with some family and friends on Facebook, so you can find me there. Just search for Lisa Wieland, the picture will be of one of my mermaid paintings, then request me for a friend, let me know how you found me, like tell me you read me and Lu's blog (LuLu's really....mine is sad....more moaning & self pity here) and then maybe you can get to know me a bit better. Laters peeps!!

HA...again

2009-07-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

That about sums it up! HA! LuLu is putting me to shame on these blogs!! Wish I did not have to live in the "real" world, but wish I could stay with Peter Pan, The Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy in a place called "in yo dreams baby!!" but alas....oh whoooooa is me.....poor thing, gotta put on my big girl panties and deal with it I guess....maybe one day!

At least I had a few days with my sis though...fond memories of those days swirl in my head right now...she only left a little over 2 days ago, yet it seems like forever. I know I should not wish my life away, but I want her and my fave B-I-L to get home sooooooooooon!!!!! I can't wait to craft together and shop together and go to the beach collecting shells and feathers and all kinds of great stuff!! I await that day with much anticipation of the fun we'll have....xoxo to all!!

Ha!

2009-06-09T18:35:00.000-04:00

OK, OK, OOOOOO, KAAAAYYYYYYY!! I know it, slack, slack, and slack....pointing finger at me, myself, and I....oh, and ME!!!! I am just too slack, or can we just chalk it up to working ALL the time (in the "real" world!!) and never having time for BLOGLAND!! Whimper, sniffle, pout, pout, fall on floor like a screaming toddler and flail my arms, stand up, stomp my feet, act like a brat...then return to normal self.....oh yeah, that IS my normal self!! HA HA!! Love to all and I shall "TRY" to blog again real soon....ya'll come back, ya hear? LOVES!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

2009-05-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day To All Our American Heroes!! We appreciate your service to our country so that we may rest our heads upon our pillows at night, and wake in the morning light to live another day. Lest we forget to thank the families as well of all our Heroes, the service men and women of all our armed services. Families have suffered great losses of which we will never understand or comprehend. We remain safe while those brave souls are protecting our great country and other countries around the Earth. While you may or may not agree with war, please at least support our troops, please remember to thank any of the armed service people, man or woman, for the job they do daily, to lay their life on the line for your safety!! What greater gift can there be!! So say THANK YOU....you may be surprised at just how gracious these brave people are, just how surprised they may be to hear it come from your lips, a simple thank you and a smile is a very small gift you could pass to them for the gift they give to us all, daily, day in and day out, 24/7, all year long. We send our love to each and every member of the armed services this day, and please know that we thank you and pray for you each day. Please know there are many of us that know in our hearts, daily, the reasons we remain free are because of you, OUR HEROES!! Much love and peace to all!!!!

Before It's Too Late.....

2009-04-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

Haaaa-aaaaaaay everyone!! Just wanted to blog before the month of April was gone...just gettin' in under the wire :o) Oh well, started this one about 5 hours ago....shhhhh, I'm at work, don't tell on me =:O) .....so I guess I'd better go now....this is the story of my life!! xoxo Lisa

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

2009-03-24T13:48:00.001-04:00

Time is getting closer for an early drive to the airport on Thursday morning!! Can we all just say e'sitement just does NOT quite cover what I am feeling!!!!! Elation, jubilation, glee, happiness, joyful, CRAZY HAPPY, delight, cheerful, FEELINGS OF UTTER AND COMPLETE JOY!!!!--that's me about now...and I will only get crazier as time draws nigh too!! OKAY...gotta work a while. I am in the "real world" today...but NOT FOR LONG!!!!!!!!!! Loves xoxoxox

E'SITEMENT

2009-03-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

LAWDY LAWDY MISS CLAUDIE!!!! I am just waaaaaaaaay too e'sited (our way of saying excited) because the Queen is coming for a visit!! I am just sooooo happy I could just have a fit! I am SO E'SITED!!!!!! :O) I am SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Can't wait to drive to the airport, and normally I would avoid that area like the plague!! Ooooooo, this is gonna be SO great! I LOVES ME SISSY!!!! I must run for now because I am here at the beach getting ready for the Royal visit!! Gotta get some "stuff" done before Lu gets here!! I AM SO HAPPY and E'SITED and HAPPY and CRAZY WITH E'SITEMENT!!!! Can you tell I am looking forward to this?!?!?!! LOVE!!!! xoxoxo

Happy Lucky Charms Day!!

2009-03-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Top 'O' The Mornin To All My Irish Friends...and ALL my friends! I am still alive and kicking. No time for frivolity as Lu says....living too much in the "real" world lately! Oh well, such is life. Someone has to bring home the kibble for the lads! Love to all....gotta run and get some work done :O) xoxo Lisa

I just HAD to laugh & cry...

2009-02-19T14:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I just compared my blog to Lu's and it is truly sad :( She is 100, yep, that's ONE ZERO ZERO, 100, ONE DOUBLE NAUGHT, ONE HUNDRED, blogs ahead of me....and this seemed like SUCH a good idea when I started it all.....(shaking my head) --->now shrugging my shoulders......Oh well, guess it just goes to show that I am working very hard these days at my "real" job (rolling my eyes) & not being creative (very depressing) and waiting for Lu to COME HOME!! I can't wait to CREATE with my sissy!!!!!!!!!! Me loves me sissy! Bart is taking a photography class this weekend so I get to pick his brain afterwards...how lucky am I?!?!!! Jane is coming to visit this weekend...double lucky!! I am blessed ;) with such great friends!

PS....loves to Bart & Jane for all the support (mentally and emotionally) lately...Jane, I am so e'sited for your visit home this weekend....WOO HOO!!! AND...to my sweet friend AMY :O) hey there in sunny FLORIDA sweets!! Love you and miss you tons!

Still here...

2009-01-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well, hi everyone!! I am still here and still plodding along. I have time for a very short entry (can we all say feelings of GUILT?!?!!) but I wanted to say I am working on explaining about Raoul and Mrs. Beasely. These are topics too good not to 'splain!! Please note I have been remiss in blogging due to a lack, uuum, make that extreme lack of time. Real Estate/real job :P is taking all my time right now....FUN FUN!! Love to all and I will be forthcoming with more soon.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year to all my dear family and friends. I wish for you all a prosperous 2009, a healthy year, a very happy year, and wish that all your dreams come true for each and every person that has touched my life so dearly, so richly, so deeply. I am so thankful for each and every one of you in my life and thankful for the ways each of you has touched my life with your outpouring of love and friendship over the years...some of you are old friends...some are new friends that LuLu and I have been so blessed to become a part of your wonderful lives!! You have allowed us to insert ourselves in your lives and we are so grateful for you all...the wonderful people, the incredibly talented people we have been so blessed to become involved with via Etsy, or our web site, or this wonderful world of blog!! Thank you all for being so accepting of 2 more artists you have taken under your wings and raised us to higher clouds we never knew were there for us to reach....our arms are outstretched to climb higher and we thank you all for your support. I wish for Peace throughout our Planet, for each of us to pay it forward in some way, whether great or small, even a smile to someone you pass may brighten their day in ways you never knew were possible just by being kind. Here is a huge hug to all my family and friends, wishing you all the happiest year yet to come in 2009. Also, please let me just say, thank you Bobby, my husband, my best friend, the love of my life, who makes the life I live each day all the more wonderful just by the presence of him in my life...you are so wonderful and you are loved so very much!! Thank you for all you have given to me and continue to give xoxox Lisa

Please give!!!!

2008-12-24T13:56:00.000-05:00

For my dear friend, Wendy Prentice, who has raised a giving and selfless son...please give in any way you can at http://www.plantingpeace.org any amount, even $5.00 can make a difference!! So please, please, please, let us band together and help the less fortunate than we are. With great love and gratitude from me to you....my friends that give.....Lisa

The one that really deserves thanks though is Aaron Jackson....a good man, a wonderful human, and selfless humanitarian!!

A love for much...a wish for PEACE

2008-12-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

Okay....a few thoughts for right now. Being a mermaid artist and having a love of the coast and spending some time walking the beach alongside the ocean for a few days prior to yesterday (before we began to freeze these past 2 days....brrrrrrr) I am SO thankful for this life I lead. I am so lucky and fortunate and blessed to live in a place where I am SO in love with my surroundings and the beauty of it all. Sometimes when Bobby and I take the boys (our labs Angus & Oscar) to the North end of the island, where most of the time it is very peaceful, even during the height of the beach season, I am always struck by the beauty of everything our wonderful ocean has to offer us....the lovely shells that wash up, the bright green seaweeds, the "mermaids pocketbooks" (a.k.a. skate egg cases) that wash ashore, the seagulls, known lovingly by me as the "jesters of the beach" ....the porpoises that we are SO SO lucky to have site of and be a part of their lives....they allow us to be with them, not the other way around, as they surface and give us a show from time to time, sometimes allowing us our own private "Seaworld Show" right in our own back yard!! We love our community, and while we are a quiet and very hard working fishing village, we feel very "rich" in this place, and there is such a sense of community here in Sneads Ferry, and we just love it all the more for the way people respond to one another. No one will ever pass you by and not look right at you when you speak and return the favor, and we all wave as we pass each other in our cars while on the go, and lest we forget our military, our brave men and women that lay their lives on the line for us each and every day, not asking for our thanks in return, but who truly believe in their duty to serve our country. I ask each one of you that visits our blogs, the Coastal Sisters blogs, if you see a man or woman in uniform, please do not be afraid nor hesitate to approach them and thank them from the bottom of your heart for all they do to keep you safe and free. Many of these brave souls are not home for the holidays and will spend time with their fellow servicemen and women. Please visit the numerous sites, and this one takes a brief moment from your life, to send holiday wishes and notes of love and support to these brave souls. The military is always prominent in our community, as we are right near a base and an air station, and while sometimes it may be very loud around here, we live with the wonderful sound of FREEDOM daily, which most people would find distracting and a nuisance, yet we applaud the sounds we hear, helicopters and jets and many more aircraft of which I can't even name......We pray for a speedy and safe return to the USA for our troops serving in Iraq and throughout the World, as these brave souls have put their lives on the line for each and every one of us, and many of us don't even know or understand why, yet they all deserve our thanks and respect. We share a wish to bring our troops home where they can reunite with their family and friends. May God bless and keep you all. I speak for many, and there are some that will not share my thoughts and wishes, but please respect my thoughts, and wish for Peace for all our World....this is the only one we have my fellow human beings, whether or not we all share the same Faith or beliefs, we all need Peace for this, OUR PLANET, we need kindness, so BE KIND to your fellow men & women. Please send out a wish for PEACE and be kind, it doesn't cost a thing folks.....what more can a person ask for?!!! A FREEBIE...how great is that! I think this all is coming from a feeling I had rush over me this morning as I was doing a favor for a neighbor, I felt if we all could do just one small kindness for another how great life would be!! Keep an open heart because an open heart will never be a lonely heart. xoxo Lisa

NO TIME FOR ANYTHING...

2008-12-17T23:51:00.000-05:00

LuLu has no time for frivolity....and I have no time for anything!! I have been trying and trying to get to my blog to post...but to no avail, no time for anything at the moment :( Hopefully once I get a few moments of peace and quiet (yeah, right!) I can post an update of the past **GULP** month?!?!! Well, almost a whole month now! WHERE DOES ALL THAT TIME MANAGE TO SLIP AWAY TO? Maybe Mrs. Beasely is swooping in and taking it all....and I would just about bet Raoul is in cahoots with her on this matter....I'll just have to take it up with someone, but the question is WHO?!?!!! Does anyone care, does it matter at all? Well, at least my sense of humor remains and I am trying to laugh at the world right now...when all I want to do is crawl in bed and pull the covers over my head and sleep til after the New Year .... can anyone say "TIRED" ?!?!! Love to all....must run to bed as it is after midnight and I have to be at the office bright and early in the morning to get loose ends tightened up so we can scoot to the North Pole for a bit :)

OOOOOOh yeah, welcome home to our good friend Adam. Bobby and I had lunch with Adam today. He has just returned to the USA from being abroad with the Peace Corps...what a selfless human being this wonderful young man is. Welcome Home Adam :) We have missed you!

Glitter Shells, Raoul, and the elusive Mrs. Beasely

2008-11-22T22:01:00.000-05:00

Good evening everyone! Glitter shells and freezing weather have been the "order of the day" here at the coast. The wind has been WICKED and cold, cold, cold, FREEZING COLD, (did I even mention it was COLD?!?!!) and that's about all I have to say about the weather....although our night skies have been incredible, very clear and stars galore!!! -- but, the Glitter Shells portion of my subject titIe has to do with my friends sweet little gift shop here in Sneads Ferry --THE SHOP ACROSS THE STREET-- where I spent probably a couple of hours shopping (mostly talking if you must know the truth) for some of Kelly's beautiful glittered shell ornaments!! This is the same shop where I sell my mermaid paintings...thanks to Kelly and Andy prodding me along. So, now that I have those fabulous glitter shells, I can't WAIT to get the tree put up and put my glitter shells on there and I will TRY to post a picture (once I, the techno dipstick, learns how!!) but to let you know, if you need ornaments, GORGEOUS ornaments, unbelievable ornaments, just contact Kelly via their web site at http://www.glittershells.com/ BUT, I must tell you, the photos do NOT do these gorgeous shells justice!! They are truly fantastic. I just read Lu's blog, put my 2 cents worth in (otherwise known as posting my own comments) and of course received a phone call from LuLu immediately after posting my thoughts, and as usual we could barely speak during our fits of laughter, although we have our own understanding of what the other is saying during said fits :) I really MUST fill you in on Raoul (my monkey friend, who is somewhat like Mrs. Beasley, a figment of my imagination, dare I say my "out there" imagination?!?!!) Anyway, I had to let Lu know that Raoul was busy on the phone with Mrs. Beasely discussing Thanksgiving Day menu plans, and in turn, Mrs. Beasely had to go and discuss with Apricot, being that Apricot "claims" she is the "alpha dog" of their fur baby brood (or so poor little "Miss Thang" thinks she is the Alpha Dog....little does she know Mrs. Beasley is fabulous at mind control and is completely and utterly in control of EVERYTHING!!) Well, Raoul needed to put his 2 cents worth in, borrowed (more like swiped) my cell phone, rang Mrs. Beasley and began to cover the menu for the big Turkey Day events and so I do believe all is moving forward at LuLu's household thanks to Raoul and Mrs. Beasley taking command of all the details....I do believe I smell "party planning" in the works for these 2 magnificent creatures...perhaps a partnership can be formed from their 2 heads coming together as one, and I can see it in lights now "THE MONKEY & ME" -- party planning at it's best...now please bear in mind, you yourself will need a great imagination, you must be able to keep an open mind, you will need to hope for the best and plan for the worst (in case you decide to "hire" Raoul & Mrs. Beasely) dare I say a back-up plan would be in order....actually, a back up plan would be a necessity and basically you might as well go ahead and do the whole party yourself, because needless to say, I doubt the 2 of those characters would show up, unless of course you might be on pain killers, had a bottle or two (or ten) of wine, maybe several good strong alcoholic drinks (umbrellas in the glass optional) and maybe a small dose of perhaps, an hallucinogenic to make Raoul and Mrs. Beasely appear, on time, dressed to the 9's, ready to take control and make said party actually happen. By the way, IF you pull this one off, please fill me in as to the whereabouts of Raoul, as I would LOVE my cell phone back any day now, so please drop it off, mail it, send it by carrier pigeon even....just get the thing back to me ASAP Raoul :) and please keep the chit chat with Mrs. Beasely to a minimum my sweet little monkey (you crazy little twit!!) or was that ME I was thinking about?!?!!! Crazy twit actually might fit the bill when it comes to describing myself...just ask anyone that remotely knows me, or perhaps even knows me all too well :P

Well, at this point I find myself having to bid you all a fond adieu and wish you all a very good night....I find myself getting to go to bed later and later these days (what the heck is that all about?!!!) so I had better run, as it is headed to the 1:00am hour before too long!! Love to all...xoxo Lisa

YA YA's & Shrimp Boats

2008-11-15T12:26:00.000-05:00

Guess you must be wondering what the title of this blog is all about! Well, the movie version of Ya Ya Sisterhood is playing right now....and guess what.....to be followed by none other than STEEL MAGNOLIAS....which I JUST referred to in my last blog....how serendipitous is that may I ask? :)

Now for the next part....the shrimp boat portion....well, as I sit here and type I am looking out at some of the shrimp boats make their way back to their home ports, mooring for the rest of the day. Many of these intrepid fishermen are out way before day breaks and get the job done and head back in before some people even rise out of bed on weekend mornings. Again, how blessed I feel to be able to be a part of all this wonderful life here in our little fishing village....sometimes I ask myself "Did you ever think you could love a place so much in your whole life?" -- and of course I now know the answer.....a resounding YES, YES, YES!! I (we) just LOVE our beach community!! OH MY GOODNESS!! As my good friend Wendy Prentice says...."the secret to living a good life is living it along the coast" -- I could not have said it better myself Wendy Lu ;)

So, now back out to the great outdoors and soak in some more of that fantastic salt air!! Can't you just imagine yourself, taking a deep breath, catching the aroma of the ocean, the local fresh seafood market, the smell of burning leaves, which many folks know is a very common practice here in the Fall, and is a smell that brings back so many memories and an smell I just LOOOOOVE :) I will be back for more later....no tea and crumpets for now...just make yourself at home and I'll return later!! xoxo to all :) Lisa

Lordy, Don't My Blog Look Pure Uncouth Compared To LuLu's ;)

2008-11-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I just visited our "REAL" Coastal Sisters blog....and don't I feel like a "PURE-T-HAINT"!! Now, for those of you from the South you know what I'm talkin'bout....the haint part, that is. You go to LuLu's blog and you hear angelic voices and music sent from the heavens....then you visit the TOO TWISTED FOR COLOR TV portion...and you feel like you have just arrived on Miss Truvy's tacky a** front porch after she and Annelle have decorated for Christmas, looking like they just vomited up every Christmas knick knack from the dollar store all over the front porch.....GEESH!! (after visiting LuLu's portion of Coastal Sisters I felt I needed to do some work on my portion of the blog) ..... only THIS **sweeping motion opening arms** is what you get :) Don'tcha just luuuuuuuve it when you feel right at home in my messy ol' spot here?!?!! This is the "come on in, knock off the sand, kick off the flip flops, and plop on down anywheres" portion of Coastal Sisters. LuLu is just too much!! She sure has a way with making things all glittery and wonderful and sparkling and festive.....with me you just get sand, flip flops, the occasional flounder...gratis Bobby and Norwood of course...and that "help yourself to whatever's in the fridge" attitude we possess :)

Anyway, the coast has been a bit gloomy today...weather wise that is. Now, let's just clarify that in my book, there is never any gloom when you are at the beach, don'tcha know!! Once I learn how to do all that great stuff Lu does, i.e. photos, music, food, beverages, etc....then I too can be the "hostess with the mostest"....until then you'll have to settle for sand in your nooks and crannies, flip flops on your feet, the smell of the coast, the salty air surrounding you, and the sound of seagulls calling out for all that stale bread you're hoarding!! So pull up a rocking chair or sun chaise, pour yourself some coconut rum, come and cop a squat at the TOO TWISTED FOR COLOR TV blog for a bit. You are welcome all the time....then you can head back to LuLu for some tea and crumpets :) Love you sissy poo!!

Oh yea, update for Jane today is that she started her physical therapy and she made it through...albeit everyone was looking at her scar and saying "that looks really bad" .... and of course she almost fainted, had tears come to her eyes, but being the trooper she is, she stuck it out, made it through, and now has another SIX WEEKS of looking forward to that crap!! Sorry Squirrely Girl :)

Also, on the Bart home front, he is all moved in to his new place and still trying to sort everything out...he's gonna get there ... just keep stuffin' the closets full baby!!

Love to all and thanks for stopping by and sorry I didn't have all that hoity toity frou frou stuff Miss Lu has to offer....how about some peanuts and coke (mixed IN the bottle together of course...another thing you get if from the South!!) or just BYOB, we're easy....love to all!! :) Lisa

Gorgeous Morning & The Flounder

2008-11-09T05:51:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone!! I have been up since 4:00AM and sitting out back watching the shrimp boats leave the inlet. I've listened to the motors come to life, watched the lights all start to shine their glow upon the decks of those lovely old vessels, and have watched what I have come to call "the parade of boats" leave our fair inlet to head out to the big blue to see what the catch of the day will be. Although this time of year becomes colder, and a little more difficult to take while standing right there "on the water", I still love to put on something just warm enough to keep me comfortable and head down to our pier, camera in hand, sweet Oscar (our black lab) at my side, and see what lovely shots I come up with as that bold beautiful sun starts to rise over the water, breaking up that night sky sprinkled with stars, and turning into all sorts of oranges and pinks and reds and yellows and purples....well, just about the most gorgeous site you've ever seen :) Angus (our yellow lab) typically decides my morning hours are just too much for him and his choice is to remain snuggled up close to Bobby, buried down in the warmth of the bed, and only if Bobby decides to get up early with me, does Angus even venture out to the end of the pier, where much of the photography takes place. I know, I know...I am so biased when it comes to our fair haven at the coast, but honestly, I can't help it. I always say if one only knew the splendor I am so privileged to witness on a daily basis!! OH MY GOODNESS :)

More news to share is that Bobby and Norwood, one of our wonderful neighbors AND Bobby's "partner in crime", went out flounder gigging during the night Friday night, and Bobby proudly came home with a 6 pound flounder to fry up for a fresh seafood supper shared with Bertha and Norwood last night. Unfortunately I am allergic to all seafood, fish included, but the rest of the gang had a great meal. Bertha is one heck of a cook (real Southern cookin') and always the best part are the conversations we all share after our meal. Time certainly gets away from us all and we tend to remain deep into many talks for hours on end....again for those that know me, you well know this is highly possible and not uncommon!!

Well, as I see out my bank of floor to ceiling windows (another item we made sure we did when we remodeled this old home) I am viewing the sky begin to lighten, so now is the time to wake Oscar (even though his snoring is resonating throughout the bedroom), grab the camera and head down to the pier to see what shots I can capture from the sunrise about to ensue and brighten the day that will soon be upon us. Once that gorgeous ball of fire starts to rise over the waters out back, it certainly takes NO time to light the day ahead. Love to all and more later!! Lisa :) PS--looks like my computer clock is stuck on Pacific Coast time?!?! As in the West Coast? Does that actually exist? Just kidding for all my West Coast friends :) xoxox

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WENDY LU!!

2008-11-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I may be a day late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to Wendy Prentice, one of my bestest girlfriends and such a huge part of my inspiration for getting out there and making the art thing happen!! Who knew that 3 years ago this sweet and wonderful "mermaid sista" would come into my life by chance and would turn into such an inspiration in my life!! WHAT AN AWESOME HUMAN BEING WENDY IS!!!! She is completely all heart and so giving. She just celebrated her birthday yesterday, so please, everyone go to her web site and send her some wonderful birthday wishes....she is totally AWESOME and she truly has no idea how completely inspirational she is to many of us! Her web site is http://www.wendyprentice.com/ and you will SO enjoy her mermaid art....Wendy, you are SOOOOOOOOO loved :) Happy Birthday Sweet Sweet Friend :) Much love...Lisa

Happy Halloween & Best Friends Update

2008-10-31T09:24:00.000-04:00

Well, Happy Halloween everyone!! Just a brief entry for now. My agenda for today is to get my goodie bags made for the trick'o'treaters tonight (I know, I know...I was to already have this task finished...go figure!!) and I need to prepare for our Pack Rat unit to show up tomorrow to unpack the rest of our "stuff" (yucky chore) and go thru it to decide what stays and what goes! Also I need to get out and vote early to avoid the crowds on Tuesday, although I don't think that will be the case, avoidance that is, because Bobby TRIED yesterday and the line was wrapped around the building!

The "Jane update" is that she actually went out to eat supper the other night (YAY JANE) and she is managing fine. She is finding ways to get things done (things she probably should NOT be doing) but she is getting a bit of cabin fever and sick of being off her feet. I try to keep her entertained by phone daily...we can spend HOURS on end too.... and although this situation really stinks for her, it has been GREAT for me because I have been afforded the gift and luxury of being able to talk to my best friend every single day!!! It's great :) OH YES....JANE IS A NEW AUNT AGAIN....CONGRATS!!! IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!

The "Bart update" (my other best friend) is that TODAY IS MOVING DAY!!! (another yuck chore!) Good luck sweets and we'll be singing "well we're moving on up!!" in your honor :)

So, time for me to run and get some "things" accomplished. Hope everyone has a great Halloween and love to all!! Lisa

Another GLORIOUS day at the beach...

2008-10-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

We have had gorgeous weather at the coast...although Mother Nature took her time on delivering "said weather" over the span of the weekend, but today is phenomenal & just another one of those days when you walk out onto the white sugary sands of our beach, not wanting the day to end...hoping the clocks will stop and time will stand still so you can just soak it in forever!! Yesterday was overcast, windy as all get out, and the water was choppy and rough most of the day. As we headed out for a boat ride we encountered a group of dolphins yet again. We are so blessed with the visits we receive from these magnificent creatures. When we spot them we always stop the engine and just sit to watch them, as they provide lots of entertainment when they are having play time, or we just sit and remain in awe of their grace as they swim through the waters, breaking the surface so close to us we can hear them blow air out of their blow holes. They come into our inlet to feed sometimes and we can just walk right out to the end of our pier to watch them, or simply sit on the back porch and enjoy the view of them from our rocking chairs...talk about relaxing!! Yesterday they were surfacing only about a foot away from the boat....so how lucky are we, as human beings, having these graceful animals trust us enough to come alongside the boat, especially when Angus & Oscar, our 2 very sweet but very loud labs, stand there barking like 2 crazed dogs, acting like they'd give anything to jump in and play with the dolphins. I can only imagine what these creatures must be thinking when they see or hear Angus & Oscar.....oh look, it's a couple of those 4 legged hairy land animals...so sad they can't join us :) na ne na ne boo boo :P Magical encounters like those with the doplins make us so grateful for the life we live along the coast :)

Soooooo, too bad reality will set back in soon and we will return to the "real world" for more work, work, work.....YUCK!!! Yet, we are so blessed to be self employed....so, HOORAY!!!!! Life is great & wonderful, all kidding aside, all complaints aside, and we are just so fortunate to be living this wonderful life we are so priviledged to lead...especially when it's at the coast :) --as if you can't tell how much we LOOOOOOOOVE the beach!! :)

PS -- for those of you that have been emailing to ask about Jane, she is doing fine, suffering from a bit of cabin fever....darn that squirrel!!! .....but thanks for asking and I will continue my "job" of entertaining her by phone as much as I can while she's off her feet...and speaking of that, she got quite the lovely cast recently....it is HOT PINK no less!!!...but she continues to improve and thanks for asking about her! Love to all!! Lisa

Complaints About Time...or the lack thereof...

2008-10-24T15:05:00.000-04:00

It seems that time manages to slip past me too quickly these days (same thing I complain about ALL the time!!) and I find Halloween is quickly approaching and I need to get my little goodie bags made for the kids in the neighborhood...both of my neighborhoods actually, my old and new!! The one thing I made my neighbors promise was not to forget me on Halloween (we only moved about a mile away) so I said they must all load up in the car and come by our new home. On the street which I lived for quite some time, I am honored to say that my home has always been one of the highlights of our neighborhood. I always tried to carve as many pumpkins as possible, sometimes we might have 15 or 20, each one different, and then there were times where I only had enough time to carve one, depending on how hectic life may or may not have been at the time. It has always been great watching the kids in our neighborhood grow over the years. Seeing new families become a part of our community and watching the new kids grow from toddlers to younger age children, right on up to being teenagers and become adults. There are many that are now in college or getting married...also, some new faces are seen too. As in life, ever changing and growing and moving in different directions, our neighborhood has done just that, both the old & new, so and I guess it all really dates me a bit :) but hey, I'd rather still be here to live, love, and laugh as much as I possibly can. So, I MUST get busy trying to prepare the treat bags for the kids that will pay us a visit next Friday...TRICK OR TREAT!! :)

Now, some great news is that I sold another black and white print from the web site (thank you Scott) ...it is always so gratifying and humbling to know your artwork will be displayed in someones home or given with love to maybe someone else as a gift. Even more great news is I sold more prints at THE SHOP ACROSS THE STREET last week. I can't say too much because it might spoil a surprise for someone, but there is a very sweet girl that bought the prints, and I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure to meet her in person when I stopped in the shop to say hi to Kelly, the shop owner. The young lady bought 2 of my 20x30 prints for Christmas presents this year...so, I am over the moon that someone has given me the gift of purchasing my artwork!! I can't tell you how much it means to me knowing something I created is loved by someone else...I sent a text message to my dear friend Bart when I got the order and he sent a message back that "I was an income producing artist" which made me feel so very WONDERFUL! Thanks my "BB" for always being my biggest support :) and now it is time for you to COME HOME! (inside joke...but NOT a joke) !!!!!! Bart is SOOOOOOO talented in his own right, yet he always makes me feel like I am the one with the talent, but you should see how truly talented HE is :)

LuLu has been pushing me to paint a holiday mermaid....I have sketched out Valentine mermaids and Christmas mermaids and Halloween mermaids and St. Patrick's Day mermaids and July 4th mermaids (and on and on)....I just have not painted any yet, again here I go complaining "NOT ENOUGH TIME"!! Every time I am at the beach I promise myself to get some painting done (yeah, right!!) but it WILL happen one day. We've been very fortunate and blessed in the world of Real Estate, even with the market the way it is right now, so I have been busy helping Bobby with that. Our office manager Ronnie just welcomed a new granddaughter, (cutest little girl with this incredible head of hair) so I have been working at the office a bit more so Ronnie could be with her daughter, right where she should be, with her lovely family!! Congratulations Ronnie and family for your newest addition to your family, that sweet little angel!! Even when we are at the coast we are lucky to be able to work from there, given fax machines and computers and all that stuff. I have book work that needs doing....again, where is all that TIME that I need to do everything that I WANT to do, and the things I NEED to do (complaints complaints complaints!!) but, I could not ask for a more lovely view than the one out in my back yard when I am sitting and working on the computer, when at the coast, but it also can be distracting as well. Watching those fishing boats and shrimp boats, watching the pelicans glide over the water in all their grace, seeing the guys that are out in the water, literally IN the water, digging for clams....well, if I get started I won't EVER shut up!! With my love for this place....let's just say I could go on forever and ever and ever....blah blah blah :)

So, getting back to complaints about time and the lack thereof....this weekend is getting by me and again I have not touched a paint brush, not even a made a sketch of a new mermaid, nor even been out with the camera, but my mind has been spinning with ideas...and the weekend is not over.....YET!!!! SO, I vow I will try to get something creative accomplished before Monday rolls back around...which will be any moment with the way time is flying (more complaining!!) but for now I am at least getting another blog added (major accomplishment) before we head out to dinner with neighbors...seafood of course, what else?!?!! -- it's the BEACH for crying out loud :) The annual Sea Turtle Hospital's Lobster Dinner is tonight to help our wonderful flippered friends, with a silent and live auction and more, all to benefit our wonderful sea turtle hospital on Topsail Island, NC!! You really should visit the hospital at some point if you are ever in the area. The work they do is wonderful and amazing and so greatly appreciated by those of us that love our little turtles. We are so fortunate that these wonderful creatures return to our island every year to make their nests and lay their eggs before heading back out to the big blue!! You will be so glad you went if you have the opportunity to visit :) So, with that said I reluctantly leave the keyboard to get ready to head out for the evening. Sending love to you all :) Lisa

Pure Happiness Via A Day At The Coast...

2008-10-14T15:31:00.000-04:00

Well, today has been an absolutely GORGEOUS day here on the NC coast!! It's been the type of day that makes you want to just go out on the beach, never leave, and never go inside again :) The water seemed so blue, the sun splashing it's rays on the ocean making it look like diamonds sparkling in the distance, the waves crashing & seagulls crying out to anyone that will listen, providing the perfect soundtrack to life at the coast...and you just know that life is great in our wonderful little beach haven, and that feeling creeps in, the one that just surrounds and envelops you and you know in your heart that everything is great & wonderful, AND...Heaven is right here on Earth I tell you!! The temperature is perfect this time of year. Windows and doors WIDE OPEN, breezes carrying inside the sounds of the shrimp and fishing boats cranking up their engines, whether it be in the wee hours of the morning, late at night, or sometime during the day....the sounds of those mighty vessels heading out to sea to bring back all that wonderful NC seafood!! (unfortunately I am allergic...go figure!!) The winds have been perfect today, not too strong, just enough breeze to wash over your skin making you KNOW this is as great as life can get. Perfect temps, perfect breezes, a perfect mixture of sun and white puffy clouds in a perfect blue sky....well, let's just say my love of the coast is as vast and wide and deep as our lovely Atlantic Ocean and the wonderful waters that lie beyond. What a treat of a day for me!! It was so great, wonderful, and fantastic (no words to truly describe what is in my heart about the feelings I have) knowing I am so blessed and fortunate to be able to work from my "office space" here at my desk, looking out through the wall of floor to ceiling windows/doors at that perfectly gorgeous site I am so lucky to call my back yard....working, doing my "real job" of Real Estate, all the while seeing the boat traffic, hearing the gulls, watching those magnificent pelicans glide across the surface of the waters of the inlet, so close to the water you could swear they must be touching the surface, yet your eyes let you know they are just above the surface and never even break the waters. It has always been a miracle to me to watch these creatures skim across the waters without even the tips of their wings touching the water surface. I love the beauty of that site, those pelicans gliding, having a calmness rush over me as I watch those wonderful birds just glide with little to no effort whatsoever :) ... and now this lovely day is coming to an end. With Fall on our hands the sun has now moved from over the trees where the mouth of one of the marina entrances opens to the waters beyond, spilling out into our inlet, and is now more due West over the treetops on more inland and over the top of the seafood market down the road. It is always something to watch those gorgeous sunrises & sunsets ever changing throughout the year. Living in the city I do appreciate and love a gorgeous sunset, now more than ever with our growth, but when at the coast, well.....let's say words don't even begin to describe what we are fortunate enough to watch occur daily in our beloved little fishing village. How did we ever get so lucky I often wonder.....and I look towards the Heavens and give my thanks, and then thank my lucky stars and my guardian angel I know that is always with me, and then I thank the love of my life, my loving hubby (my soul mate and best friend and my world) for this awesome gift!! Life IS good....xoxo Lisa

Never Enough Time...

2008-10-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

Well, there is never enough time to do all you want to do. More days have flown past me and we have been working hard, just not working on any art, which is a bummer....but we've been fortunate to be busy otherwise in my "other life" of Real Estate. I did sell another painting at The Shop Across The Street . A husband bought it for his wife for an anniversary gift, which made me feel wonderful it went to such a loving home!! Back to Real Estate though, we are truly blessed people and we are thankful for our clients, and I for my wonderful, hard working husband....smooches Bobby xoxoxo!! My best friend Jane took a tumble, my little "squirrely girl" herself, and now will be on her back for 6 to 8 weeks....way to go Squirrel Head!! I will have to keep her entertained by phone, not hard for me, for those of you who know me all too well, this is something I excel at, the art of talking!! My other best friend Bart has an exciting move coming up...just hate I won't be there to "help" -- yeah, I would help keep him entertained whilst the movers do the moving :) Oh well, hang in there Bart and we'll be singing "Well we're moving on up" in no time my sweets!! Not much other news to report. Been doing more photography than painting lately but any creation is good!! Went for an incredible long weekend to the beach....OH MY GOSH, PERFECT WEATHER!! Can't wait to go back as soon as possible!!
We had a great first weekend at THE PARADE OF HOMES so visit our community at http://www.johnsonslandinginfo.com/ and go out there if you have time, such gorgeous Victorian homes in Johnson's Landing!! Very exciting first weekend we had!! Thanks to Chris Q for all the hard work! Well, gotta run for now.....the Real Estate world is calling for some of my time! Love to you all, and thanks as always for all your support for me and Lu!! Keep the emails coming as I love to hear from you all!! Lisa

Another Month Passes Me By.....

2008-09-20T13:31:00.000-04:00

Well, yet another month flown by and not a word from yours truly. I know most everyone is keeping up through Lu's blog. I still have not had time to work on much art. I have sold another painting at THE SHOP ACROSS THE STREET (thank you sweet Kelly!!!) and taken a couple more down there to add to the one I had left. Although the end of the season has come and gone, we still get folks that love the area, love Topsail Island, so one never knows what will and won't sell (just ask Kelly) and it's always just nice to have my art out there for people to see, to buy if they wish, to comment on (I love to hear what folks have to say) Some people can be "art snobs" but for the most part people are kind and I enjoy hearing the feedback I get. I got lucky recently and spoke to Wendy (you all know how we LOVE Wendy Prentice) on the phone. It was when one of the numerous hurricanes was either comeing or going (I have lost track we've had them back to back so much lately) but I called her to check on her and all was well (at that time) and she's been blogging so I know she is okay still. She is a sweetie....she was such a big part of me putting my art out there and she will never know what she has meant to me and LuLu!! Wendy, you are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I must run and get some "real" work done. I would love to drop it all and just go paint, but the doggies need their kibble, so gotta do what I gotta do!! Love to all, thanks for supporting Lu and I as artists. We love and appreciate you all :) Lisa

Where have I been you ask.....

2008-08-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

Well, 3 months have passed since my last entry....and I said to myself "WHAT?!!! REALLY?!!!!" It was brought to my attention by a friend and I could not believe it had been that long, but alas 'tis true! Things have been hectic and crazy since my last post, but as always, I can count on LuLu to keep all informed and moreover, entertained :) I probably get as much, if not more, enjoyement out of her tales of life. I have been busy with work and taking care of my Mom. Unfortunately (and I am sad to say) art and photography have been put on the back, way back, almost unreachable, back burner as of late. We've also been in the midst of building a new home and moving, along with everything else we've been doing. Tearing down older homes and rebuilding in their place have been commonplace in our area and this is exactly what we did. We tore down in September last year, 2007, and finished and moved in June of this year, 2008. So, life seems to be settling down just a wee bit, but I have more to tell but only had a moment to write this much. I promise to return later and fill you all in on more. Love to all that have been in touch and keeping me and Mom in their thoughts and prayers!!
xoxox from me!!

Amy The Angel :)

2008-05-18T15:15:00.000-04:00

Something very exciting happened this past week for me in my "art world" --- I sold 3 black & white prints that are going to be used for an interior design project!! My friend Amy called me last week to tell me her boss is doing the interior design work at the St. Regis Resort on Topsail Island and was interested in 3 of my prints!! ME....MY PRINTS....will be hanging in the lobby of the St. Regis....Amy is an angel and deserves as much of the credit for this wonderful thing happening to me as anyone! So, with very little time to complete this project, I had to work with items that were readily available and I got the photos printed up and shipped to me next day air, bought what I could find at Michaels, and got everything framed and got the order delivered on Saturday. Only one small detail caused a moment of panic, but that was taken care of, and now I have some of my work that will be able to be seen at the St. Regis Resort!! Exciting and THANK YOU AMY YOU SWEET ANGEL!!! Oh yea, the one little blip in this whole thing was when I went to pull the framed pieces out, the glass was shattered in one frame and I was literally ready to pull out of the driveway to deliver the prints to the interior designer....OH $#!& is what I thought, but luckily enough I had an extra frame at the beach with the size glass I needed and I quickly exchanged the glass and all was well. Oscar, with his big ol' carcass, stepped on the frame and broke the glass...and here I was worried the whole time he would chew up the corner of the frame during the ride to the beach. On a recent trip to the beach Oscar decided to chew up the corners of a new art book I had in the back of the car....now, what possessed him to do that I will never know. Oscar is not one for chewing anything up, but sure enough, I had a brand new art book I had received as a "thank you for shopping with us" type gift from a place I had purchased some art from and so I thought I'd just carry the book to the beach and use on the coffee table there....yeah, right, not if the Oscar had anything to do with it! Like I say, a book was completely off the chart for him. Now, had it been an entire pizza or a foot long sandwich from a sub shop, then maybe I would get it, but a book.....completely out of character for Oscar. If it isn't food, typically I have no worries when it comes to Oscar, but once I was behind the wheel of the car, and Angus was in his usual spot in the car, which is standing at my shoulder wanting to get in the front seat, the worries started to creep in and start picking at me, and those worries kept right under the surface until we reached the halfway point and I exited to get gas and opened up the back doors of the vehicle, only to see everything was okay. Well, at least okay at that time. I am just guessing that after we let Oscar out at the rest area and he jumped back up in the rear of the car he must have stepped on the pictures as he was getting himself resituated for the rest of the ride to the beach and that's probably when the glass shattered. But, all's well that ends well and all that jazz!

What In The World...

2008-05-16T17:11:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wonder what in the world is wrong with you?!?!! Me, I wonder that very thing more often than not. I signed up to create a blog for Coastal Sisters, only to get delayed and sidetracked, then LuLu beat me to the punch and came up with our Coastal Sisters Diary blog....so enjoy that, she's a riot that one! As for me, I will keep this blog and add to LuLu's tales and adventures. I will post here as often as possible but my time is usually extremely limited. LuLu will keep you posted on all our "goings on" and I will try to write from time to time. Much love to all of my friends for their love and support through this whole new adventure for me and Lu...we love you all and appreciate your support. For those of you that are "too twisted for color TV" ......and you know who you are :) .....I love you each and every one of you, more than words can say! With love from the beach....Lisa