Purple Rose Artworks

Holey Moley, it has been too long.

2009-11-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. Sadly that is how long it has been since I have done anything creative too. I am now on the path of sorting through all my art supplies and giving/selling what I don't need or can't put in storage because of the unnatural heat here in Phoenix. Why storage, you say. We are moving to Guam in March and I can't take it all with me. Plus I need to try an focus a little better on what I am doing. I am planning on starting up teaching classes again there on base and see where it leads. I also want to sell my stuff on etsy. Anything to not have to get a regular job. I want to be able to enjoy the island life while we are there and be able to be more involved with Erik's school. My only dilemma is if there is an adequate craft or bead store on the island or am I going to have to have it all shipped in. I am thinking the internet is going to be my best friend for three years. One good thing is that Guam is a US territory so it is the same as shipping within the mainland in most cases. Either way I will make it work.
I have also become a Facebook junkie and realize that I am going to have to cut back on that too. Limit myself to 3 or 4 hours a day instead of 10 or 12. Just kidding, that would be my husband logging that many hours.

I am going to be starting a fundraiser for Three Angels Children's Relief that will culminate in an Ebay auction. I have never done something like this before so I am flying blind and going on my instincts. Any suggestions would be great. I will post more details as I figure it out. Three Angel's is an Orphanage/School/Medical clinic in Haiti that my church supports and sends people on mission trips. Several people at Parkway have already or are in the process of adoption kids from there. It is an amazing place that really needs the financial help. I will share more details later on in the announcement blog for the fundraiser. It will be great.

Well so much has happened since the last post that I will just have to tell it all over time. I am planning on keeping more up to date on here, especially since we are moving. Hope all of you had a festive Thanksgiving. See you on here again soon.

The Mermaid

2009-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Way back at Christmas time I visited my BFF Jen and she gave me a blank doll that she made. It was a prototype that didn't make the cut for what she was doing. I took it home and started playing. It had kind of a squarish shape which was puzzling to me. So I wrapped a piece of bright pink fabric around it and waaalaaa, she became a mermaid. No more square. Her necklace is a bracelet Dave brought back from Hawaii, the shells are from a piece I got at Goodwill, and the rest of the stuff is all reused material. That is my goal for the year, reuse and recycle into art and jewelry. I love the challenge of creating from what others either give away or throw away. LOVE IT.

Year Gone By, Year Yet Lived

2008-12-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

This past year has been one of ups and downs. Mainly ups. We joined the most awesome church in January, Parkway Christian Church. We now have the most wonderful group of friends who are now more like family. The photos are from the first time we packed lunches to feed the homeless here in Phoenix. In the last two months we have handed out over 600 lunches. God has worked some real magic in our lives.
Art wise I am in sort of a dry spell. I finally have a dedicated room for my studio and have hardly been in there to even organize it. I would love for someone to come organize my home. Wow that would be great.
As we finish our first year in Arizona we look forward to 2009 to see what God has in store for our lives. Thank you to all of you who are so supportive and I treasure all your friendships. Hope your new year is as wonderful as you want it to be.

Great Saturday!

2008-12-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

I had the most fantastic day at the Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix. I went to see the Dale Chihuly exhibit and is it fantastic. I was there for only 2 1/2 hours and took over 300 photos. I am definately going back to shot more pics. I will go in the afternoon this time to capture them in a different light. It is simply mind boggling how they put some of these pieces together. If you are anywhere even remotely close to here, make it a priority to come see the exhibit. You will be blown away. It will be here until May 2009 so there is plenty of time to plan. Here are a couple of photos I took, I will post more later.

Erik and the Onion Ring

2008-09-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well I just can't believe how fast time goes by. I am currently working like mad and trying to keep up with my school work. I am sewing some curtains for Erik's bedroom. They are black & white checked (like a racing flag) on one side and bright red on the other. His room is the brightest blue ever, like you need sunglasses to go in there in the daylight. I am going to paint all his furniture red and put a black & white check boarder along the top near the ceiling. Dave is going to paint a huge Lightening McQueen and Mater on the big wall or a giant race car. Erik hasn't decided yet which he wants. Oh yeah he wants his closet door turquoise and his bedroom door purple. They are the colors we painted my studio and Courtney's room. I figure why not, it is only paint. I will try to take decent pics and post them when it is all done.

Also I am going to start another blog (like I need something else to do) that is for family & friend stuff. That way this one can stay just art stuff. Not saying that you don't all enjoy my family rantings but I want a separate place to post more family happenings. Everyone is envited to look at that one too. So for the last time, maybe, here is a pic of Erik and his unusual way of eating onion rings.

Erik's First Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am so happy and sad at the same time. My little guy is now in school. What a production this morning to get him there. He went to bed at a good time last night but when I got up to take my friends to the airport at 4am guess who was wide awake. He fell asleep on the way to the airport and didn't wake up till we got home so he is going to be one tired boy when I pick him up at 3pm today.

If you can't tell, he is the one with the blue backpack looking at the camera. They were standing in line to go into class. He did good though, no tears. Although he did have a bit of a scared look when the parents had to leave. I know he will be fine and so will I, but it is the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Before I know it I will be posting his graduation pictures. I still can't believe his oldest brother is 27! Life is so short, enjoy every minute.

Happy 27th Birthday Justin!!

2008-06-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

My oldest son was 27 on June 12th and I am so remiss in posting this message. Oh well he knows his mom loves him very much and is very proud of him. He is in the Navy and is on his way to Hawaii as I type this. Will be gone for about 2 months. What a hard assignment. I got to go to California and celebrate his birthday a few days early with him so it is all good. We had a great time. That is when I took this picture of him and his Gramp. They are such good buddies.

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. I just want to thank him for his patience and understanding and for being a great dad. I love you.
(Isn't this a great photo of him. So sexy.)

Oh Happy Day

2008-05-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Life comes at us so fast sometimes. I can't believe it is already Memorial Day. I haven't been doing anything art related lately. We went to Albuquerque for Stephany's graduation. It was nice to be back there. We didn't get to see as many people as we wanted to but did get to eat at some of our favorite places. I do miss being there. Matt has moved from Texas to Washington. He loves being up in the northwest, it suits him better. Justin is getting ready to get underway for a few months, mainly based around Hawaii. I just know he will hate it, heehee.
Dave and I are going to see Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates concert next week. It will be so much fun. The line-up is LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Gary Allan, & Sammy Hagar. Fun times.

We also have a new addition to our home. Dave felt sorry for a little 6 week old Chihuahua so he now resides with us. I will get a pic of him soon and post it. He is absolutely adorable. I hope everyone enjoys your Memorial Day weekend.

Fireweed website up and running

2008-05-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

The website is up for the Fireweed Art Retreat. And registration is open. Let's all go and enjoy the beautiful state of Alaska together! And of course take some really great classes too.

I will be posting more about it later on as I get some more photos and stuff to let you know about.

We are going back to Albuquerque this weekend for 5 days!! Yeah!! I can't believe how much I miss it there. Stephany is graduating from HS on the 13th so we are all celebrating. It is so funny how Dave and I have planned our trip around the restaurants we miss. We know exactly where will we be eating each day. I should take pics and let you see the stuff we are eating. Most of you would probably just shake your head. We'll see what I can come up with.

Okay I have been pretty sick so I haven't been able to get in the studio lately. I can barely get out of bed most days. But I have tons of ideas in my head that I need to manifest. Lets see if I can get it done. Well by for now and next time we speak I will be in the Land of Enchantment.

Fireweed 2008: A Premier Alaskan Art Adventure

2008-04-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

I found out yesterday that my proposals were accepted and I will be teaching six workshops there in October. I am so excited, this will be my first time in Alaska. The website for the retreat isn't up yet but will be soon. You should check it out and come up for a wonderful time.

I know what I will be doing the next few months. Getting ready for this event. I will post more info on my classes once the website is up and running. Let's just say that there are lot's of great artist that are going to be there teaching workshops.

www.fireweedartretreat.com

Hope to see you there. I will post more later, right now I am off to T-ball with Erik.

Busy Days Ahead

2008-03-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Okay I know the whole Military airplane thing is boring to some but today Erik got to go look at the planes. We took some friends whose son is totally into planes and wanting to be a pilot to get a tour. Cameron was over the moon and listened to every word the Crew Chief said about the plane.

Boy I sure have been busy. Sorry for the delay in posting. Besides my hours at work increasing because all the youngin's wanted time off for spring break, I am getting together some workshop proposals that have to be done next week. Also I am working on 2 chunky books and a charm swap. Why do we do this to ourselves. Gotta luv it.

I am so enjoying reading all the different blogs out there. There are so inspiring. I am going to try and do my fav blog of the week starting next week. It will be part of my Monday blog, I hope you find the ones I pick as inspiring at I do.

TAXI!!

2008-02-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well here is how my Friday went. I got to Taxi around in an F16. I guess it is one of the perks of hubby being in the Air Force. I tell you it is an awesome thing. We went thru Egress Training first, which is learning how to strap yourself in the plane and then how to get out quickly should there be an emergency and you have to evacuate the plane. Without a ladder mind you. It is one heck of a drop, but we got to practice in the simulators they have for training the pilots. Thank goodness I didn't need to use what I learned. We taxi'd to the runway and pretended to take off. Still went pretty fast though, about 100 to 120 MPH I am told. It was very cool and I had a really nice pilot. The pics are of me in the plane right before they closed the canopy, and me and hubby before I climbed in.

Dolly's and other stuff

2008-02-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well here are a couple of photos of some dolls I am developing. They are a lot of fun to make and can be very inspiring. Of course like most of my art I have a theme in mind but the dolls have a different path they want to travel. I am working on a series of these dolls and am seeing if they may be good workshop material. The red/yellow doll isn't complete yet, but she still is looking good. I usually have them holding something in their hands that flows down the back but haven't found the right stuff yet. Leave me a comment on what you think of them. They are about 14" tall and stand on their own.

I sent my registration in for Art Unraveled on Friday. Seeing as it is only going across town I am sure it is there already. Once I know if I get my class choices I will share them with you. Until then I don't want to jinx it. Linda out did herself this year picking workshops for us to take. There are some outstanding ones that made it difficult to choose. This will be my first year living here in the Phoenix area so I am excited to right in the middle of it. It will be my fifth year attending, I have only missed the very first year as I didn't even know about it then. If you want to check it out and maybe attend yourself go to the website and see all the wonderful classes they are offering. www.artunraveled.com

Oh My Goodness!

2008-02-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well I am so sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but I somehow "caught" pnumonia. I can't even spell it and I still got it. I don't think I have ever been so sick in my entire life! I have been in bed for almost 2 weeks. Needless to say I haven't created a thing lately.

I am attempting to go back to work tomorrow. We'll see how it goes, I can't be up for very long and I start to cough really bad and get shaky. But we can't make ends meet with me on my butt in bed. Too bad you don't get paid for being sick. I would have made lots of money.

Okay so the only pic I have to show you it one Erik took of himself. He got a hold of my camera had a field day.

Happy 5th Birthday Erik!!

2008-02-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today my little guy is 5 years old. He is very excited about turning 5 because he thinks he gets to go to school on Monday. We told him he had to be 5 to go to Kindergarten. So he figures he is five he can go to school. I think I am going to get it on video and play it to him 10 years from now when he won't get out of bed to go to school. Anyway, I just want to say how much I love him and I am very proud of him even though he is only five.

In Memory Of Beth Huf

2008-01-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

We found out last night that Justin and Matt's grandmother passed away on Friday. She was a wonderful woman and a good christian. I know she is happiest now that she is with Jesus and her beloved Lloyd. Our thoughts and prayers go now to Steve, Tim, Ngari, Christine, Renee, and Karlene, and their families. She is going to be missed very much.

Back from California

2008-01-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Wow was this the wettest weekend or what! It rained near everyday and it was cold (26 degrees one day). I know that is not cold compared to some places but I live where it is not that cold and I felt it. All that said my parents passed the 40 year mark on Saturday. We went to dinner at a BBQ place that had pretty good food but lacked proper service. For example, my mom was having trouble using the flimsy napkins from the holder on the table and asked for another one like the one our silverware came wrapped in only to be told by a waitress (not ours) that the ones on the table were the only ones they had. You would think since we just spent over $100 for dinner that they could spare a napkin. Then as we were leaving we had to step over a homeless person who camped out by their front door. The same no napkin waitress was bruskly trying to get him to move. The picture above is of Justin & Erik at the restaurant.
Well this is another story to be added to the events of their wedding. My 5 year old brain remembers it being at the JP's house on a Friday night. The JP's wife was there in her housecoat waiting to eat dinner or something and their dog was behind the couch that me, my soon to be step-sister and cousins were sitting on terrified that it was going to eat us because it growled menacingly everytime we moved. Everytime it growled said housewife would yell at it to be quiet. Then my step-sister got mad because she couldn't go on the honeymoon. Of course many years later while on her own honeymoon she called them to say she now knew why. That was a very interesting time in my life. A lot happened in a short amount of time. I must write it all down to pass on to the next generations.
While at my mom's her neighbor called and asked if I wanted some glass to do stained glass with. He had been given tons by a friend who didn't want it anymore. Of course I said yes! Have you priced glass lately? Well lets just say that I have more glass then I could possible use in a year. It is all separated by color and everything. So expect more colorful glass items from me down the road. Now just to find which box my other supplies are in.
Okay this blog is dragging on. I will continue my rambling tomorrow.

Art Unraveled

2008-01-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just in case there may be someone out there who doesn't know, the classes for 2008Art Unraveled are up on the website. www.artunraveled.com

There are some really good ones and it is again going to be hard to choose. Linda and crew have outdone themselves once again. I am pretty sure of a couple I am signing up for but don't want to jinx it so I won't mention them until I know for sure.

I am almost done with the heart chunky book pages for a swap I am in here in Phoenix. It is through Frenzy Stamper, so I will get to finally go to that store when I drop off/pick up the pages. I also signed up for an Alphabet Chunky book that Kelly Kilmer is making the covers. I have the letter P, do I see purple in there somewhere. Those of you who know me, know there will be purple. Hmmm, maybe even a purple rose.

I have been madly making beaded pendants since I took the class at Confetti Beads. They are so easy and addictive. I think I will make a bunch and sell them this fall. Right now I am going through the family making them for those who I think would wear them. I will post pics once I finish the necklace parts.

This is my Moon Goddess that I may awhile ago. Sorry the top pic is sideways, I didn't rotate it. She is made from black felt that has sparkles on it.

Beads, beads and more beads

2008-01-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have had some fun the last couple of days going to some bead shops that I haven't been to before. Of course spending way too much money and getting more beads instead of using the ones I have in my studio. It is like when you are a quilter, you can just never have too much fabric. (This I know from experience) I will try to take a photo of some of my latest purchases and show you just how gorgeous they are. Of course they are much nicer in person.

I have made the decision to participate in a craft show this year. I haven't made the final decision as to which one yet, although I am leaning toward one in Albuquerque. Any excuse to go back and visit. That means I need to get my hind end in high gear and produce, produce, produce. I will be making some jewelry, art dolls and a couple of assemblage pieces. I tend to pick complicated things that are tedious, so I am trying to not do that this time. Simple and desirable, that is the key. I will post pics as I create my pieces. Let me know what you think.

If any of you have tips on photographing artwork and jewelry let me know. Sylvia Luna told me to photograph it outdoors on an overcast day. Well that was fine in NM but there aren't many overcast days here in Phoenix. I may try in the shade once the sun is in the back of the house. Anyway I need to find some solution.

Wait and See

2008-01-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Get your own egg here!

Okay so I saw this on a friends blog and it looked cute. Who knows what it will do when it hatches. Come on back to find out.

I have been working on some dolls that I designed awhile ago. I will post pictures in the next day or so to see what you all think. I am thinking of developing a workshop for them if there is enough interest.

A Wonderful Gesture

2008-01-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

I got this from my friend Shari's blog (NM Creatrix). As the wife of an Airman and the mother of a soldier and a sailor, I am always gratful to people who show gratitude to our troops. This is a simple way for you all to show a large amount of appreciation. Please pass it on to all you know. thank you

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

So little time, so much art

2008-01-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you have a million ideas in your head and can't seem to materialize them. That is my day today. I have just been able to write thoughts down in a book to be able to use later.

It is also a rare rainy day here in Surprise, AZ. At least that is what they tell me at work. Our exprience has been lots of rain since we got here a month ago. Also it has been a lot colder then I thought it would be. But I am enjoying it because I know the hot days are ahead.

Linda Young has posted the list of instructors for 2008 on the Art Unraveled yahoo group. It is very impressive. I may have to sign up for more classes then I had planned. It also said we are going to be back at the Embassy Suites this year. Hope to see some of you there.

The picture is a mask of my face that I made last year. Who knows maybe you will see it as a class soon.

A little Sanity

2008-01-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well today we put the last of our holiday visitors on a plane home. It is now back to just the four of us. During all the wonderful chaos I phoned my BFF Jen for a bit of reality. She suggested I create something to even out my need for art. Not having my studio up and running yet, I have bits and pieces of things in bags all over the place. I decided to pick up the first one and create a doll out of it. The above photo is the result. I call her my sanity doll. It has actually inspired me to do a series of them and pass them out to those who could use some sanity. Let me know what you think.

What Tarot Card am I?

2008-01-02T09:15:00.001-07:00

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hope all your resolutions and dreams come true. I have set some goals for the next year. I will share them with you at a later date as they arise. I do know that I will be spending lots of time in my purple studio. I am so looking forward to locking myself away and creating. My husband has visions of living on TV dinners because I am too busy to cook. The plus side for him is that my art stuff won't be all over the house anymore. It will be more or less contained in my studio. Some will be stored in garage for now but I am going to try and not clutter the house.

Do any of you have any Dreams for 2008? Share them if you like in the comments section. Who knows, you may inspire someone else to dream and conquer.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well another year come and gone. Some good memories, some not so good. But we made it through to 2008. Not being one for resolutions I am just going to continue on my quest for a peaceful life creating art. Having my own studio in our new home will be a big plus as well as making it easier not to have to clear off the dinner table everytime we eat.

My hope for you all is a happy prosperous 2008. Be well.

These handsome young men are my three wonderful sons on Christmas Day. They are my blessings and I love them very much.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well another Christmas has come and gone (almost). We had a wonderful family day with all the kids here and my parents are here. This was the first Christmas that Erik had the Santa thing happening. Although he still doesn't get it to the fullest yet. Justin had to go home today but I am sure glad he was able to come for Christmas. It was good to see him and Matt together again.

Hope all of you had a good Christmas and have a good New Year.

Having fun in Phoenix

2007-12-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Well here we are and so far things are going okay. Still lots of unpacking to do but it will have to wait until after Christmas. We have all our kids coming in as well as my parents. There will be 10 of us here and will it ever be jumping. We are having a family picture taken on the 23rd, so I will post one so you can all see us in our glory. It will be the first one since Erik was born (he's 4).

Okay now for the fun part. Last Friday night Dave and I went to see the Rastafarmers (Kathy Cano Murrillo's husband's band) and they were fabulous. Well worth the 45 minute drive to get there. It was a kind of Christmas thank party. They were giving away cool door prizes and Kathy had a couple of her Christmas trees she made for her LifetimeTv.com webisode deal. Well I brought her one of my trees I have been making for years and she gave me one of hers. It is really cool. The photo is of me and her trading trees. She has some great stuff going on, check out her blog at www.craftychica.com

As I have said many times before I am going to really try hard to post something at least four days a week. Maybe if I start there it will grow and I will post everyday. I doubt it but you never know. Hope the holidays are treating you all well.

Here in Ohio

2007-11-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have been here in Ohio for about a month now with just dial-up to work with. I found a place with free hi speed internet so took the opportunity to post. It is so beautiful here with the fall leaves and all. But I am looking forward to leaving on Sunday for the west again. We will be in ABQ next week for a day or two, then on to Phoenix to close on our house. Once we are traveling I will have internet again and can give more insight into my trip.

Hope you all had a great October and a wonderful beginning to November.

Hotel Heaven? NOT!!!

2007-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

We we are here in the hotel. It is not all that great because they put us in the wrong room. We were supposed to be in a one bedroom with a foldout couch. We got a studio with only a queen bed. There is four of us, you do the math. And the room is very small so we are constantly on eachothers nerves.

On a brighter note, we found out on Friday that the bank accepted our offer so we are now going to own a home in Surprise, AZ. We are very excited. A nice huge backyard that is perfect for entertaining. And I am going to put a meditation garden with a labrynth(sp) in the corner. This is a very exciting adventure.

A little of this and a little of that

2007-09-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our household goods are now on their way to Phoenix. Of course they will get there 2 months before us. Oh well, I am looking forward to our travels in the next couple of months.

I am really excited to have the chance to not have to work, not have to do anything but visit family and create some art pieces. I am planning on working on some new class projects for the upcoming year. This is an exciting time.

The sunset is one of the daily beautiful sunsets we have here in New Mexico. This was taken from our backyard. Well what used to be our backyard. I will really miss this sunsets.

Boxes, boxes and more boxes

2007-09-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here I sit on my couch surrounded by many many boxes and strangers packing my stuff. It is a very weird day. I have 2 weeks left here in Albquerque and I know they will fly by. If I make it through Wednesday it will be easier. We move to the hotel on Friday and I leave on Oct 9th for California. We are waiting to see if our offer on a home in Phoenix was accepted or not so we don't have a place to live right now so I will go to Ohio on the 13th for a month. It will be nice to see the leaves turn again. I miss that.

The picture is of Erik when we were are Blake's Lot A Burger. Isn't he handsome.

Getting Ready To Move

2007-09-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

This past week has been really crazy. We are getting ready to move to Luke AFB in Phoenix, AZ. Tomorrow they come to pack our belongings and Wednesday they take them away. Dave is going to school in Alabama and the kids and I are going to California and Ohio while he is there. Once we get settled I will start blogging regular again.

For now I will try to post when ever I can. The pic is my little Coco when we first got her. She barely weighed 1 pound. She now tops the scale at 2 lbs and is pretty much full grown. Her and Buster get along great.

My New Doll

2007-03-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, I have received my first doll from the year long swap I am in. She is absolutely wonderful, sent to me all the way from Great Britian, by Daisy Lupin. I just love her, she is the Lady of the Greenery, a Mother Earth doll. Thank you Daisy so much for the wonderful doll.

The Art Shoes

2007-03-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

These shoes are a project my best friend and I worked on last summer while she was visiting. Jennie was going to wear them on her hikes through the Arkansas backwoods on her next leg of her vacation. I created the Dream shoe. Alas the shoes (and all of her other possessions) never made it from Albuquerque to Arkansas. They are forever lost in the black hole of Greyhound. We had a wonderful time painting these shoes and it has made me think that sometimes it is more the process then the product that is important. I will forever remember all the laughter we shared as we each created one of these awesome shoes. So I think the next time I create something I will take time to smell the roses as I create. Not rush through to get to the final product.

Anyway I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as we enjoyed the process of making the Art Shoes

Pictures of Orbs

2007-02-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

I know there are many different thoughts on Orbs in photographs. I personally believe they are a good thing and that the people who are in the photos are very blessed. Violette's blog today posted pics of orbs in a photo and it got me to thinking about a photo that I downloaded off the internet of my son's Army troop when they first got to Iraq. It is a very blurry photo but there is a very clear Orb floating over them. I have to tell you that it may my heart soar to see it. I have posted it here for all of you to see.

Where I live

2007-02-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite things here in Albuquerque.

Picture 1 - Our awesome monsoon clouds that cover our sky during the spring/summer months. This is at the Air Show on KAFB last July. Those are the Thunderbirds crossing the sky.

Picture 2 & 3 - Balloon Fiesta, this is just a couple of photos of many. It is the most amazing thing to stand amongst 100's of balloons as they inflate and lift off.

Picture 4 - Taken at the top of the Sandia Mtns looking toward Albuquerque. It is 12,000 feet up and absolutely gorgeous.

Picture 5 - One of the many petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument on the west side of Albuquerque.

Picture 6 - The Sandia Mountains taken from the backyard of our old house. It is now in the frontyard of our new house.

Picture 7 - This is our new house at the beginning of our big snow storm in January.

We have been here for 4 years and I love it. You could find something new to see and do everyday. And the restaurants, were do I start. I hope you all enjoy the little trip through where I live.

My Beautiful Gaea

2007-02-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is my doll from the last journal doll swap I was in. Isn't she just the most beautiful doll you have ever seen. These photos don't do her any justice at all. Everytime I look at her I find something new. The journal is also really cool, I will put pictures of it on my picturetrail for all to see. As well there are more pics of Gaea there as well.

Thank you to all the wonderful ladies that worked on my doll. You are all very talented artist and I am honored to have you work on my Gaea.

Upcoming Workshop

2007-02-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

For all of you here in Albuquerque here is a workshop that I am teaching in March. It is a Personall Mask Workshop that will be a the Tome Gallery in Tome, NM (near Los Lunas), Sunday March 25 from 1:00 - 4:00. Call the gallery at 505-565-0556 for more information.

For those of you not near Albuquerque, I will come to you to teach my workshops. Contact me at purpleroseartworks@yahoo.com. I will have my website up and running in a few days that will have a list of my other workshops and my teaching schedule.

AU class registration began today

2007-02-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well I got my registration off today for AU. Anyone else out there going? I hope I get the classes I want. Probably should have done some second choices but I never do. It probably drives Linda crazy. She is an awesome person, I can't believe how much work she and Chuck put into organizing this event so we can all enjoying great art classes. Thank you Linda & Chuck for a wonderful event.

Charms, Charms and more Charms

2007-02-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Participants are starting to receive their charms and seem to be very pleased with what they received. The photo is of my charm I did for Group 1. It is polymer clay that has been stamped and distressed to look like a relic. I then wrapped it with copper wire to make the loop and add a turquoise chip/bead. I had a lot of fun making these charms, I hope you all like them.

I have also begun my Frida style self portrait. Yes I know it is due on Wednesday, but it will get there just a tad late. I plan to finish it tomorrow and get it in the mail. I will post a pic when I get it done. I hope my vision is as good as the actual piece. It is just 4" x 4" so I am not used to working that small in collage. Maybe I should have done a really big one and then scanned it and made it smaller.

AU Class - Celebrate your Family Birthstone Bracelet

2007-02-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of the bracelet I am teaching at Art Unraveled in August. Go to the website www.artunraveled.com for a complete discription of the class. I am supplying everything you need to make your family heirloom. All you need to do is register and show up. Bring a person light if you want to but you really just need to be there to have fun.

Life can sure get busy

2007-02-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

I know I am not the only one but boy things have sure been busy around my house. I feel as though I have been going since the beginning of December without stopping. Good things though, like Justin and Matt home on leave for visits, Ally here for Christmas, and now they are all gone. I love having them here but it does get tiring.

THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!! I was chosen to teach at AU this August. I am so excited. It is what I have been hoping for and now I get my chance. I tell you it sure has put a spark back into my creativity. I was running on empty there for awhile. I have some big plans now for the month leading upto AU. I devloping new classes so who knows I may just submit again for 2008. I will post some photos of my class that I am teaching. And if I can ever figure it out, I will add links to the AU website. Here it is until then www.artunraveled.com . Go check it out there are some amazing artists and classes again this year. It is so worth the money and time to go, trust me I am attending for the 4th year in a row this year.

My charm swap is over and most of them in the mail. A couple I had address issues and the rest are waiting for some straggler charms that just are enjoying the mail route and taking their time. The charms are awesome and again pictures will follow soon. There will be two pieces up for auction at AU this year, so those of you who didn't get in on it can bid on the auction pieces. I know you will all want one so bring your money to bid!!

Okay Budweiser Shootout is on so I must go and watch. Winter is tough on us Nascar fanatics, so we here in the Robin household are now in heaven and aren't available on Sundays, some Saturdays and Friday nights until November. I can feel that this is Junior's year. Are any of you with me?

New Year New Me, Yeah Right

2007-01-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Okay so my intentions of blogging everyday havn't quite happened but oh well. I have so busy with my jobs and my art that I haven't had two minutes to myself. I am now working as a Doula at one of the hospitals here in town. It is a very progressive program and I am really happy to be part of it. You just gotta love those babies.

The charm swap I am hosting through the ArtUnraveled yahoo group is progressing wonderfully. I have about half of the charms in and the rest coming in the next week. They are some of the most awesome little pieces of art that I have ever seen. I will be posting some pictures on here when I take them for the booklet that will go with the auction piece. I had everyone make one extra charm that will be made into a bracelet and auctioned at AU this fall. Barbara Matthiessen is going to help me put the piece together and gather the info. She is awesome so I know the pieces are going to be great. Those of you who couldn't participate in the swap may want to bid on the pieces. You won't be sorry.

I am also working on a crow chunky book swap, a Frida inspired 4x4 and ATC swap and the monthly doll swap. I will post pics of all this stuff as it is finished, as well as put it on my Picture Trail. That is another place I need to update more often.

I had the most wonderful surprise last week. My son Matt came home on leave from Iraq. He wasn't able to call me until he got to Atlanta and gave me about 5 hours notice that he would be home. Boy was I ever happy. We have been having a wonderful time doing all the things we have missed out on doing since he went away. He has to go back next week but I am trying not to think of that right now.

I guess my picture today is of all the snow that we got right after Christmas. It has all melted now but we may get more this weekend. Not bad for Albuquerque, huh.

Another Christmas Come and Gone

2006-12-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well here we go into another new year in just a few days. Our Christmas here in New Mexico was a really good time. All the girls are here and we had a friend over. We played Phase 10 and watched movies and ate a wonderful dinner. I also got to talk to both of my sons. Justin has now gone back to Italy and Matt is still in Iraq. The picture is from the website for family members of the 1st Cav and there is my Matt, top center in the the Santa hat next to the tree top. It was a great surprise to see him in the photo. To me he looks good and he sounded good too on the phone. He gets to come home sometime in January for his 2 weeks R&R. I can not wait to wrap my arms around him and give him a big hug.

Well I am off to teach a class tonight so I will have to tell more about the holidays another time. I hope the weather holds out, it is starting to snow again and the temperature is dropping. I'm not a fan of driving on icy roads. Wish me luck.

Let's Create!

2006-12-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be participating in a year long doll swap that originated on Violette's website (www.violettesfolkart.com). We will be each making a doll per month and mailing it out to one of the other participants. I will post pictures of the dolls I make and receive throughout the year. I have my first dolled planned out and is she ever cute. If she turns out the way I envision then I think she will become a workshop project.

I am also hosting a mixed media charm swap on the ArtUnraveled yahoo group. It is full already but again I will be posting pictures of the charms as they come in. For those of you who didn't get in on the swap and want a really cool piece of jewelry, there will be two up for auction at AU next year. I had enough people for two separate swaps so there will be two available. Barbara Matthiessen has graciously offered to help put at least one together for the auction. So all you who know her and her work know it will be totally awesome.

I am also putting together a Christmas Collage House for my class here next week. It is really cute. My dad built me a bunch of really neat wooden house niches. They are going to be the base for several classes I teach next year. Again, I will be posting pictures here and on my picture trail when they are complete.

Tonight it is a class beading a Christmas Tree pin. I have 5 or 6 students so far so it will be a nice lively class. Maybe I should bring cocoa and cookies or something. Just to get the holiday spirit happening.

Well happy creating to all of you.

For Lisa and her mother

2006-12-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday

2006-12-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well here I sit amid all the Christmas stuff I pulled out of the garage several days ago. The only thing I have accomplished it putting up the tree (half decorated). I love this time of year but just can't seem to summon the energy to get it done. I look at all the stuff I need to get done and then at the stuff I want to get done and just don't get to either one. I really need to organize myself better. I think I would even feel better if I were a little more together. I don't believe in New Year's resolution but I think I will try harder in 2007.

Justin is now gone again. He is in California with my parents. I know they are enjoying him just as much as I did. We had such a good time together. He is now a wonderful man. I can't believe he grown and on his own. I still see him as the little boy with the big smile who loves sports. I guess he will always be my little boy no matter how big he gets.

Okay enough rambling. I will now get my butt in gear and do the Christmas thing.

Enjoying the time of year

2006-12-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

This week has been a wonderful time for me and my family. My son Justin is home from Italy for the holidays. He will leave me on Saturday and go back to California for the rest of his leave but I am so enjoying my time with him. It is the first time in 2 1/1 years that he has been home. He has less then a year left in Italy then he hopes to get stationed in San Diego. That is closest to his girlfriend and California is where he grew up so it feels like home to him. We have been doing alot of shopping and eating. We are putting up the Christmas tree and the outside lights. I love this time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today I reflect on all I have to be thankful for. Life has a funny way of working itself out. The best thing about today is I got to talk to both of my sons. Matt was able to call me from Iraq and Justin from Italy. Matt seems to be doing good. His roommate has a computer that has NetZero Voice and he lets Matt use it to call home. It is $15.00 a month for unlimited calls. It is through the computer and seemed to work really well. We didn't get disconnected once. He sounded really good but I could hear the homesickness in his voice. He loves to get mail so if anyone would like to send a postcard or letter he would love it. I will add his address to the end of this post. If any of you have a child in class and would like to have the class send letters and pictures to Matt and his unit that would be great. He would gladly share them with all his buddies. We send him a unit care package once a month and he said everyone loves it. A local grocery store here (John Brooks) gives me cases at the stores cost. It saves me a lot of money. If any of you would like to send something but don't want to send it directly I would gladly send it for you. Just post a comment with your email and I will send you my address. Well I will keep you all updated on how Matt is doing.

Justin is doing good too. He is coming home on Dec 1st for a month long visit. He will be here in ABQ from 12/4 to 12/9. I can't wait to see him. The rest of the time he will be in California. I will let you all know how much fun we are all having.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to all you who celebrate the holiday. Happy Day to all of you who don't. The photo is of a really cool tree on the top of Sandia Mountain. We took a drive up there today. It was cold, windy and beautiful.

PFC Matthew Huf
HHC 2BSTB, 2BCT, 1CD
FOB Prosperity
APO, AE 09348

Time Sure Flys

2006-10-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much time has gone by since my last post. I have been a very remiss blogger. Lot's of things happening, the two biggest things are Matt is now on his way to Iraq and I now work at Starbuck's.

I ask any of you who read this to please keep Matt in your good thoughts. I know he is doing the job he signed up for but it is still hard as a mother to let him go. I really didn't think it would be this hard for me to have him be deployed. I will keep you all updated as to how he is. Dave, Erik and I went to Ft Hood last weekend to spend some time with him. It was a very short amount of time. that went way too fast. But I love him and any time with him was great. The drive there and back was an adventure in itself. That wil be a story for another day.

I started working at Starbuck's a couple of weeks ago and love it so far. It sure is hard getting used to working outside the home again. It has been awhile and I am still exhausted everyday. I have to say the coffee is good and the benefits are great. Starbuck's is a wonderful company to work for, they really care about their employees.

Are you all ready for the finale of Project Runway? I can't wait until tomorrow. It is going to be a good one. I don't think they kicked Jeffery off, it is just a way to get us to keep watching. I don't think Uli or Michael have a chance but I could be wrong. We will all see tomorrow night.

Sunday, A Day of Rest

2006-08-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today I finally got to do what I have been wanting to do for so long. NOTHING!!!!!! I took a nap, worked on a proposal and watched endless amounts of TV. I just love FoodTV network on Sunday's. I can catch up on all the shows I missed throughout the week. I also found out today, for all you Gordon Ramsey fans, that he has another English version show starting this Tuesday on BBCAmerica. It is Ramsey's Worst Nightmares, I think it is a spinoff of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. I just love watching him. I will get back to business tomorrow, but for now, NOTHING!!!!!

Celebrate the No's

2006-08-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Years ago I was a consultant for a party plan company. One of the incentive ideas that they had was what they called Celebrate the No's. The consultants were all challenged to get as many no's as they could when asking for bookings. Their theory was that you will only get so many no's before someone will say yes. Let me tell you party bookings were at an all time high in the months following that challenge.

This concept translates very well to everyday life. There are those of us who hold ourselves back because we are afraid of rejection. When what we should be doing is grasping those no's with both hands because the yes's are there waiting for their turn. The more no's you get the more yes's you will get, it is the law of averages.

I want to challenge all of you to see how many no's you can get. Great things are out there for us, we just need to jump in a Celebrate the No's.

Recovering from Art Unraveled

2006-08-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well another wonderful AU event has come and gone. I had the most wonderful time meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. It was so nice to see everyone again. My classes were awesome. The photo is what I did in Traci Bunkers, Uber Self Portrait class. It had to be my favorite by far. Not that I didn't like my others, but this one was just great. I had so much fun.

I want to thank Sylvia for the great time I had at lunch with her. Although it was the most expensive salad I ever ate, the laughter and good company were priceless. You inspire me so much and I am glad to count you as a friend. Tomorrow's post will contain the No Factor I told you about at lunch that you insisted I put in a post.

It has been so long since I posted that I have way too much to say in one post. I will add bits and pieces over the next few posts. Lets just say that it was like a hotel here for about six weeks over the summer. We had many guests come through our door. It was wonderful and tiring all at the same time.

Friends and Fun

2006-07-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Well I have been having a wonderful time with my friend Jennie visiting from California. She is on her way to Arkansas to spend time with her cousin and stopped for a week with me. It is so nice to have a kindred art spirit in my home. We have been arting it up since she got here. Yesterday we painted her hiking shoes that she bought for her Arkansas trip. They were an awful black and we gave them new life. I will post pictures tomorrow so you can all see them. They are wonderful, so much so she went an bought a pair of Converse to wear instead so they don't get ruined. Well they also were too tight on her feet but whatever the reason they may not see the nature. Tomorrow we are going to work on Goddess dolls and try and get to the Altoid tins on Friday. THis is so wonderful, I just can't explain it.

I have been doing quite a bit of studying on Chakras and crystal healing. It is all so very interesting, just the little bit I have been doing has made such a huge difference in my life. I am able to get to calmness more easily. Now just to convince the hubby and family that it really works. I am definately going to learn as much about it as I can. I really feel a calling to use it to help others.

Well is is so late that I really need to get some sleep. Puppies and kids will be up very early and it is I who gets up with them. I have taken to lying down to nap when Erik takes his afternoon siesta. It is the only way I can function after 6pm. Tomorrow I have an interview for a really good job here on base. I think I am one of the front runners for it. At least that is what I am told and they already have given me a key to the place so no one has to stay late when I have my classes or come in on Saturdays. It is kind of cool and everyone there seems happy that I have a key. It has been a long time since I have had a 40 hour a week job out side the home. Nearly four years, since I was pregnant with Erik. We need the money but I will miss being home with Erik the most. He is more then ready to go to daycare, loves being with other kids and asked to go to school everyday.

Okay now I really need to go to bed. Sweet dreams to everyone.

Petroglyphs

2006-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

We went to the Petroglyph National Monument today. I love to look at the old Petroglyphs and try to imagine who was drawing them and why. What were the conditions when they were drawing them. They bring to mind so many questions. It was a good day.

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T17:59:00.002-07:00

Well what a better way to spend the day then with good friends and family. And of course the Thunderbirds. We actually saw them on Saturday here on Base at the airshow. They are awesome. I would recommend it to everyone to see them at least once. Of course we are kind of partial, hubby is in the Air Force after all.

I know I haven't posted in awhile, I will get better. Time just got away with all the company we've been having. Plus my classes are getting busy, which is a very good thing. Helps pay the bills you know. I have taken a lot of pictures that I will be adding to my Picture Trail in the next couple of days, so go and take a look.

I have been working on some neat Shrine Curio Cabinets that my dad built for me. He is awesome, I gave him a sketch and he made it a reality. He also built me some racks for all my tubes of seed beads. I will have to take some pics of those, all you beaders will want some.

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July.

Okay the blogger picture thing isn't working so I will have to add photos later.

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

To my husband who I love more then anyone. You are the best father there is. Thank you from Stephany, Courtney, Allyson, Erik and Justin & Matt.

To Fred, my step dad, who has always been there for me no matter what. I love you.

Promoted!!!!

2006-06-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband has been promoted to Master Sergeant!! We are very excited and proud of him. He has worked hard to get to this point.

I taught a workshop today in Mountainair, NM on ATC's. They have a flegling group of wonderful artists who are delving into ATC's and wanted a few pointers. They are a wonderful group of people who I think made great cards without my help, but were able to take some tips and hints away today to help them in their endeavor to create. Most of them I think are more digital or painters, so the collage elements were new to them. A few were saying how they didn't think they could do collage but I was able to convince them that it wasn't as hard as they thought. And they created some really neat backgrounds for their cards.

I also showed them some of my favorite "tools" I use to create my cards, now they want me to come back and bring the tools for them to play with one or two at a time. I may do that because it is only an hour drive from Albuquerque and our friends run a restaurant there so it always nice to see them.

I have my surgery next Friday. I was told by the new doctor that I don't have torn tendons, it is a sever case of trigger thumb. Which is good news because it will be a much shorter recovery time. I will still have to do some left handed art to commemorate the surgery.

Dr. Appointment

2006-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well today was an interesting day to say the least. I had the pleasure of experiencing a pelvic ultrasound. The first part went okay, it was the same as having one during pregnancy, then they said okay go in the bathroom and put on the gown. That can never be a good thing to hear. Skipping all the gory details, it became a little unsettling when the lady called her partner over and said "Is that the ovary? It seems kind of close." They then proceeded to discuss my insides like I wasn't there. There must be some kind of rules that say not to talk like that in front of the patient. My mind is just overflowing with all kinds of things. I really do hope the doctor doesn't take very long to get back to me.

Other then that it was a good day. I didn't accomplish much and actually took a nap this afternoon. Every now and then my body just says it needs some extra sleep and I oblige. Luckily Erik went to sleep also so I could really rest.

Tomorrow I am off to the Orthopedic Hand Specialist to see about my thumb. Finally, I hope they schedule surgery because I am really tired of walking around with torn tendons. IT HURTS!!!! Okay enough of that.

Matt (number 2 son, in Army) called today to say he was leaving tomorrow for Ft. Benning, GA to begin Airborne training. He is excited and a little nervous too. I am just proud and worried at the same time. I know he is tired of schools and just wants to begin day to day stuff. I miss him and can't wait for him to finish so he can come home for three weeks. The picture is of him when he got home from Basic Training last fall.

Our little Jada

2006-06-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well I was another scorcher here in New Mexico. Somewhere in the high 90's, at least we don't have the humidity though. I like the heat but not the humidity. The day was a nice one though, I taught my beading class here on base tonight. I did a crocheted wire and bead bracelet and pendant. The students seemed to like it and most of them finished it. I also finally got over to the Beaded Iris and scheduled some classes for the next few months. I really need to spend some time coming up with some new projects. I have a good following of students so I want to keep them happy. The worst part of new projects is writing the instructions. My least favorite part, it is something I need to work on. I think I will do a separate post tomorrow of all my upcoming classes so anyone local who reads this can come have some fun.

The picture is of Jada, our new little girl. She is an adorable puppy who loves to chew everything. She is pretty cute though. I think she is a keeper.

I think I am getting the hang of this blog deal. Now I just need to figure out how to customize it a bit more. And I need to light a fire under my husband to finish my website so I can have my schedule and workshops online for other to see. Who knows, maybe someone from a fun place will want me to come do a workshop for them. That is my goal, to be a traveling instructor. I can't wait!!

Happy Birthday Justin

2006-06-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today, June 12th, my oldest son turned 25 years old. Happy Birthday Justin, I love and miss you very much. (He is in the Navy stationed in Italy).

Well after what seems like fate, I have decided to look further into the vending machine art stuff. I am going to submit a piece to Art-o-mat to see if they will put my art into one of their vending machines. It is a really cool program. Here is the link if you want to check it out more.
http://www.artomat.org/home.html

I had my second art session at Hogares today. This week I had the girls. They seemed to really enjoy creating. Next time we are going to do ATC's. I brought my binder with all the ones I have traded for and some of my own that I have kept to show them and they are really excited. I would like to continue with this after the summer is over, it is very rewarding for me. I feel as though I am giving back a little. These kids are really appreciative of every thing I am doing for them.

Well we have an addition to our family. Sunday we got a puppy for our kids. She is so cute though and is so far a really good girl. I guess her name is Jada, at least that is what has stuck so far. Our friends that we got her from were calling her Reba, but I wasn't to fond of that so we decided to come up with something different. It is similar enough that she isn't very confused. She is a 7 week old red Queensland Heeler.I will post some photos of her later on.

98 degrees

2006-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

And I don't mean the band. It is so hot here today the kids aren't even outside playing. I am staying indoors trying to get some art accomplished. It seems the last few weeks I am just sitting outside looking in the window at someone elses life. I guess that's what happens when you get old. My oldest son, Justin, is back in Italy now. He called this morning to say he is back on the ship. I know he wishes he were still here but is planning on coming home again at Christmas. He and Cindy are hoping to get married then also.

Well I went to the Orthopedic doctor on base to see when I will get my thumb fixed and found out that I have torn the tendon in my thumb. So now I have to go downtown to a hand specialist for the surgery. I will just be glad when it is over because my hand hurts more and more everyday.

Enough for today. I am off to brave the heat and go to the bead store. I need lime green beads to finish a bracelet for a friend. The picture is from the trip to the zoo that Erik and I took on Saturday. I am thinking of using the photo for a Quilt Challenge that Quilting Arts Magazine is having. It is a good issue, I highly recommend it.

Spinning Wheels

2006-06-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have a day where you had so many projects to complete that you didn't do anything because you didn't know where to start? Well that is me today. I just can't seem to get going and I need to because of the impending surgery on my right thumb. Once I have the surgery I will be forced to do everything left handed, which should prove interesting. So I am trying to get class samples and round robins all caught up.

I have decided though to do a series of left handed art while I am healing. I will post pics of them as I do them. It should be interesting to see if the pieces become better as time goes by. It will be 6-8 weeks before my hand in back to normal the Dr. says. Well I go tomorrow to find out when the surgery will be.

New Adventure

2006-05-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for my creative spirit. I signed up to volunteer at a Day Treatment facility for teenagers with substance abuse problems to teach them art. So now every Monday I will get to share creative ideas with them. The director and therapists that I met with today were so excited about my projects I brought as examples that they were all wanting to be on duty on Mondays so they could join in. It was very good for my ego and my muse. I really think this is going to be a good union for all of us. I may tap into some of your creative idea's if I for some reason I run dry. There will be turn over of kids so I will be able to repeat some of the favorites and I will always have Mandalas available for them to color if they don't feel like doing the project. As you can tell I am very excited about the whole thing. I will keep you updated as to how it is progressing.

The photo is one that my oldest son, Justin took while his ship was deployed to Africa earlier this year. I think it is a beautiful sunset. At least I think it is a sunset, I guess I need to ask him.

Memorial Day Thanks

2006-05-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the military people (past, present, and future) who help to keep our country a good place to live. I will not forget.

Quiet Time

2006-05-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

I hope this wonderful day finds all of you happy. It is a good day to reflect and create. For those of you who are not big racing fans it is a nice day to be outside. Of course if you are Nascar fans it is time for the 600. For those of you who don't know me or my family. We live for Nascar.

Today is my step-dad's 75th birthday. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting on a couch with a big dog that growled everytime I moved. Watching my mom getted married. I was 5 years old, where have the last 39 years gone. Happy Birthday Fred, I wish I was there to celebrate with you. I know Erik would love to have some watermelon with you.

Day One - Let's Journey Together

2006-05-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first post of my very first blog. This is a way for me to put my thoughts down on "paper". Some days may be more interesting then others. My intention is to make it interesting and inspiring to those who choose to read it . Now the trick is to learn how to use all the bells and whistles to make this blog a go.

Okay, got the picture part down. This is my 3 yo Erik creating one of his masterpieces. He loves to do art so we got him this easel for his birthday. He will spend hours drawing, coloring and painting. The first thing he does in the morning is go to the easel and use the white board. I am sure you will be seeing much more of him and his artwork.