rambling...art...rambling some more

I know...I've been bad...no blogging:( Things have been busy and I haven't been feeling 100%...ahhhh now that I got he excuses out of the way:) Hope everyone is well. I have been keeping busy: entering art shows ( some rejected:( some accepted:)

My art was on Projekt 30 month of September. I felt very honored to have been chosen and know that I couldn't have done it without your votes so thanks everyone!

I also recently found out that I was chosen as a finalist at Art Scene Today's website ( www.artscenetoday.com) for the Women and Children First Show. Mine is the picture of the little girl in the rocker ( digital art). you can also see my little children in their sleds in Somerset Life titled

Three Wishes.

My first time in Somerset Life and I am so excited about it!!!! Here is a preview on their website. It is filled with lots of great art and inspiration! ( when is it not right?) http://www.stampington.com/html/somerset_life_autumn09.html

So what else, what else....the kids like school. I was terrified my youngest wouldn't but lo and behold HE DOES!!! I am thrilled. He is also taking dance classes and my eldest karate. he also wants to join the Cub Scouts. Busy days ahead.......

Our school is doing something interesting with the kids: a word of the week. These words are from the SATS and not normally used in elementary schools. I am even teaching them to my kindergartner:) The first few were: archaic and hardy. If the children use it in a sentence they get a pass of some sort. Pretty cool huh? Only at John Hancock Demonstration School from what I hear so far.... if anyone else is doing it I'd be curious to know. I think it is a great idea! If not, suggest it to your school. Why not right? Well, that's all for now folks. Leave me comments and if any of you are interested in fanfics ( I LOVE them-you find some really great writings there!) Check out my links at the bottom of the page.

Letting Go....

It seems like yesterday...for one of my children it actually was but for the other , the journey to school began a few years earlier. When my eldest had started kindergarten, I was OK with it...well not 100 % alright but better than I felt yesterday. I looked to my youngest and told myself I still have two more years before you're in school. Plenty of time, right? plenty of time to spend one on one, play all those games he wanted, just hang out, just the two of us. Don't get me wrong. We did do those things, but looking back i don't think it was enough. Then again what parent thinks what they do is ever enough...

When the two years were up as of yesterday, my husband and I took him to school. he had never been to a pre-k since I am home with him. WE work on schoolwork and would just spend time together. I was waiting for the "Mommy I don't want to go!" since that is what he had been saying for so long. When we got there, he was a bit shy as is his nature but went right in. I kept waiting for the phone to ring telling me to go down there because he was upset, but it never came.

My husband remarked how quiet it was ( he works nights so now it is just us.) It was...too quiet.

I must say I feel better today than yesterday. After hearing how much fun he had even if I wasn't there to enjoy made me realize ( just a little) that it was time to let go:)

10 years and counting!

I know this is a bit late but I just had to share some images form the amazing Barley Sheaf Farm Estate and Spa we went to for our 10th anniversary as well as one of us from that day. Even though the weather was a bit rainy the first few days it didn't; spoil the mood or the atmosphere of this beautiful place. The staff was excellent and the food incredible! I found antique places ( as we were near Peddler's Village and New Hope which are big tourist attractions where I live.) I found way too many things and spent way too much money but I couldn't resist:) We also went through a nature trail at Bowman's Wildflower preservation. Too much beauty in one weekend ....I just don't know what to say

Here are some pictures from the outside and inside of the Estate. Hope you enjoy! Leave a comment and let me know!

Hershey Park Here I Come!

I feel like I haven't slept in my own bed very much lately but that is a good thing! The fam and I went to Ocean City for a few days the beginning of the week and Hershey park over the weekend. It was just for a night but it was so much fun!!! between the beach and the park, I believe we have all filled out exercise quota for the month:)




Both trips were sweet ( pardon the pun). WE got to spend the first one with family ( cousins, aunts, uncles, mom-mom), and the second was just us. We ate a lot of chocolate, played a lot of games and spent a lot of money, but that's what vacations are for right? On top of that, I also got to go to antique stores and bought a bunch of stuff for under $30.00!!! Amazing...ahhhhh

Become a Fan on my Facebook Page and add YOUR art too!

Digital art titled Trapped


I am trying something new. I decided ( as many of you know from my constant updates:) to start a fan page on Facebook. I want to try and make this page different so it 's not all about me, me, me...but rather a way about us, us, us. I want fans to add their links whether it be to their blog or etsy shop or to advertise an upcoming class they have as well as start a fan album including their best work. This way the page will be beneficial to everyone , promoting everyone at the same time as well as making new friends and seeing what's out there. I know how difficult the art world or the world in general can be . We are all struggling, fighting and protecting ourselves and what little piece of recognition we can get. While our insecurities and jealosies may come forth at times ( I know I have them big time:) this is also a good chance to deal with it, realize we still have a lot to learn from others and share what we can do as well as taking a chance to see all the amazing beautiful art others have to show, I hope to make this fan page something we can all be proud of.

Embrace Today

I found out yesterday that I lost someone I had known half my life. She was a beautiful person not only on the outside but more importantly in her actions and deeds. She was a cancer survivor ( breast) and had the fortitude any soldier would be proud of:) She continued to push forward never looking back, always concerned with others and simply adored her family. I've known her since I was at least 14 ( but as I think about it more I think perhaps even younger closer to 11). She gave me my first colored pencil set ( Prisma colored ones-good kind:). I had those pencils for the longest time. A part of me know wishes I still did.

She always encouraged me in my art and was a brilliant artist herself. She loved the elderly and was at home with them working many years in a nursing home. When she had her first child ( who is now graduating high school) I was the one chosen to watch her, a responsibility I have always cherished and taken pride in. All three of Traci's children and her wonderful husband will need prayers and support of family and friends. I ask that even if you do not know her, keep them in your thoughts at this time. Her daughter will be walking in her mother's place for the Cancer walk in the Fall. I will keep you all posted for Wings For Traci! God bless you. We love you Traci!

Forever since I blogged!!!!

Hello! I know I haven't bugged you all in like what ? A month I think? Anyway so much happening here. As many of you know I got another book deal. This time with North Light Books! Very excited!!!! The book will be due out April 2011. Can't talk about it too much but when I am able to you will all know:)

The charity went well for Alexis. Thank you to anyone who participated. I will start another scrapbook supply drawing if anyone is interested. Let me know. Last time I didn't get too many responses.

I have loving my new imac and making tons of digital pieces. ( See a new one above titled Echoes) )The new Adobe Photoshop CS 4 is awesome! I know it will take me forever to figure out everything on it, but I love what I know so I will be happy with that so far. Speaking of digital ....I found out I have some pieces coming out in Stampington's Digital magazine this October ( I think it's October anyway). I am so honored. Love that new mag!!! I pulled a lot of them off my Facebook page because they will be published in case anyone noticed:) LOL

Anyway, trying to keep the kids busy which is hard since I am busy so it just seems like everyone is either bored or busy...too many b words here...anyway. If anyone is interested in the drawing, let me know. Leave me a comment! Thanks as always.