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!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Art Stuff I Can't Live Without Part 1
** 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!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Fun Ride To Look At Lights...
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
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
Friday, December 11, 2009
TGIF and the working world...
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
It's Cupcake Day!!
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!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Giving thanks...better late than never!
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.
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.
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