New Year...Already or Finally?!!!

This year has been up and down for so many of us. Financial fears, layoffs, bailouts, home foreclosures...not to mention those experiencing, theft, medical issues (and by issues I do meant treatment AND insurance companies & HMO's...), as well as the myriad complications between people and nations...

For me, it was a year of chronic pain, surgeries, medications, therapy (of all kinds!), relationship building and collapses. Each year my nieces and nephews grow is a year I've had to love them more.

My artistic creations have slowed as my body adjusts to the new symptoms and limitations. Sometimes I feel trapped inside myself and sometimes I feel like I can't wait to get the artistic images out of my head and create the reality...every day is different.

I do wish all of you reading this, health, and joy - because if you don't have your health, you'd better keep a great sense of humor.

I wish better for your lives and the lives of people you love. That attaining dreams is a firm belief no matter if you did have to take a temp job in the meantime.

When the blizzard is over, the sky is new, and the ground is covered in soft snow and possibilities. Never believe there are no options...and give as many hugs as you can, human touch is truly underrated!

Have a wonderful 2009 and every day afterwards!

He Must Be Premenstrual

...because, I can't think of anything else. He's been moody, grumpy, hot and cold, and annoying as all get out. Yes...I love him - which is why he's been allowed to throw his tantrums. But, we're both adults and it's getting old.

I happened to be talking to my sister, venting about the obnoxious behavior when she asked, "Is he premenstrual?" After we had a good laugh, I was able to get an Etsy Treasury and dedicate it solely to my DH and the many moods of the minute!


I you miss this treasury, these artists can be found by clicking their names below!

Little Bugs Boutique
Classy Castle
The Bunny's Hiccup
Studio Tau
Pockets & Patches
Phat Benetar

Maidenhand Felted Fibers

Sappy Moose Tree
Nina Gibson Designs
Mina's

One-Eyed Collie Jewelry Designs by Lori Bugaj

Moody Girl Aromatherapy

TLS Design

Paintings Galore

Nifty Stuff Made by Voz

Pretty Girl Things

Customer Care Counts

It's a lost art. In a world where people relate to each other through computer screens and never see someone's facial expressions or hear someone's vocal tones, relationships can be confusing and awkward. Customer care gets thrown out the window far too often which can create a frustrating experience that turns people off...but not before they tell fifty of their friends!

I was lucky enough to create my own Etsy Treasury recently and dedicate it to some of the talented artists that I've had the absolute pleasure to meet and deal with. You can view by clicking below until Friday, May 30th.

Just in case you miss this treasury,
you can view each artist at their Etsy shops!

JUMA Jewelry

Alysa Merle Handcrafts

Simply Raevyn

La Beana

Torrie Smiley Original Works of Art

atelier marie mella - original and unique oil paintings

Anam Cara Candles

Zbella

Abbily Babbily

Tag's Cats

Art Mind

Heide Hibbard

By Allison

Into the Blystic - Elis Cooke Original Art

The Crafty Wino

Donna Gill Colestock

Hug Nation

I have been so happily overwhelmed with the OWOH Event that I didn't realize how much I needed a hug until I visited Suzi Blu's Divine Journaling Ballerina Princess blog.

She fabulously shared this video - I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

You can find out more about Caleb and his grandson Halcyon by clicking the image!

I LOVE Women!

Autumn

I have special relationships with my women friends - they are deep and boundless and silly. They make me strong and let me strengthen others.

Julie - Amazon

Denial

I love to paint their curves and attitudes, their imperfect bodies and emotions. The implications of a look, the colors that surround their personalities - that are their state of mind.

Blue

A fellow blogger reminded me of a fabulous piece on YouTube I'd like to share with you. Simply click on the image below to view this clip. It will only take a few minutes and I hope you will find it as enjoyable as I did!

Very special thanks to Tah Groen! Simply click on the banner to view her blog: