suzy allen

DILIGENT

2012-01-02T00:12:00.003-06:00

There's something about a new year that makes me want to blog. It probably has something to do with reflection and focusing on what lies ahead. A few years ago I came across an "idea" to choose a word each year as a mantra of sorts. A word that is uplifting and encouraging. In 2009 my word was Create. 2010 was Praise and 2011 was Happiness. Looking back I don't think I quite embraced my word for 2011 like I should have. I read something today about the difference in happiness and joy. Happiness is based on your feelings and what is going on at the moment. Joy is internal. A good friend of mine uses JOY as her all-time word. I love that.
So this year my word is DILIGENT. A few weeks ago a heard a sermon preached at a funeral and the verse "The Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews ) was mentioned. It stuck with me that day for some reason and I began praying about my word. Meanwhile I kept coming across the serenity prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference). The word serenity was my 2nd choice but I need more of a motivating word this year. Calm and serene is not exactly what I'm going for. I need a "getting-things-done" kind of year. I will share a few of the specific things I want to be diligent in as I blog this year.
So, let me explain a little about choosing a word. I'm not a New Years Resolution kind of person. However, I do need visual reminders to focus on things and I liked the idea of one simple word. There are alot of artist/crafters who blog about this. One of my favorites is Ali Edwards. She calls it "OLW (one little word)". Tons of ideas on her site if you have time to look.
So of course the first step is to choose a word. Since we should pray about everything I think it's worth a little prayer time. Maybe you have no idea where to start or like me, you have way too many words you're tossing around. A good place to start is the concordance in the back of your Bible or a fruit of the Spirit. Again, you need an encouraging word. Something to make you feel good. Don't choose organization if it's going to stress you out :) The next step is to research your word a little. Look up the definition of your word. Find songs, scriptures and quotes. It's really exciting and you wouldn't believe how often your word will "show up" in the most random places. Plaques, notepads, etc.
I bought my sister a package of notecards from Michaels for Christmas because they have eyeglasses on them and her husband is an optomotrist. The word under the glasses was "clarity" and she knew right away that would be her word. I didn't even think about that at the time. Last year as she was trying to choose a word she literally had this wooden plaque fall on her foot that said Faith. LOL.
So, as we start a new year, I hope to blog more about creative things. I plan to honor God more creatively. Let's start here and I will be more diligent to share ideas with you.
Happy New Year friends.

In the studio 6-25

2011-06-25T14:24:00.005-05:00

The month of June has flown by. We returned from a wonderful trip to New Braunfels and spent time with Todd's family. Here's a picture of J.T. jumping into the river. Fun times.

As I mentioned, I love painting on these circles, so I chose them as a canvas for 2 paintings I finished this week for fundraisers. The floral circle went to the Claiborne Charity auction and the Owl one went to an event in West Monroe called Shake 4 Jake. Both excellent groups of people who help others in need.

I continue to find "treasures" just begging to be re-purposed. I've added some photos of recent trips. Let's just say I never take over $20 in a store with me....and I always leave with change ! The Rebel Man I found for less than $1, gave it a fresh new look, and left it on my cousin's doorstep yesterday. They are West Monroe Rebels. I have come across 2 of those ceiling medallions lately. Love them. I need to find a place for them in my house. See the 3 glass/wooden canisters? I just painted those black. I have a hard time deciding on what I want to keep for myself and what I want to sell. If you see something you like, let me know. I'll show the canisters soon.

I'm starting orders for the gallery next week, so I plan to be busy in the studio and crank out some paintings including a couple of Write-Ups and some windows.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting a precious little girl who will be starting private art lessons with me next week. I'm looking forward to it and am reminded that is my calling. If anyone reading is interested, I plan to start private lessons now that the boys have both graduated. I can start anytime this summer or after school. Please contact me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net or give me a call. I will be teaching on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Search for inspiration this week.

Suzy

In the studio 6-11

2011-06-11T23:13:00.009-05:00

The "Emilee" painting above is a gift for a friend and matches the cute Pottery Barn bedding green Daisy Garden. I don't know if Jennifer W. reads my blog but this is her surprise. I had a cabinet door (several of them actually) that I bought in Canton. They were cheaper than canvases and have a nice architectural detail.

Two others things above are from Canton. First, the picture of some ribbon. It reminds me of my 2011 word: HAPPINESS. THIS ribbon....makes me so happy. Inspiring. Beautiful. Fabulous. Yummy.

Then on "Junk Alley" (anyone know where I'm talking about?) I found this cute little white wooden box sitting there. It has probably been there for months just waiting on someone to notice. It was only $4. It was already white like this...and antiqued. I knew right away I could use it as a display to sell my gift tags and notecards. I had a drawer knob that Todd added for me and then I tied some of that fabulous ribbon on. My latest addiction is re-purposing. Some call it up-cycling. I like to think of it like this: "Use what you have (or buy really cheap) to create something better".
Now speaking of re-purposing, it makes me happy to support local thrift stores. There are some that are ministries started by people who love the Lord and want to help those in need. I'm not sure how much I "need" most of the things I buy, but I sure consider them treasures and it makes me happy to clean them up, give them a fresh new look and ready for a new home. Today my total bill was $6.00 for 25 items. SERIOUSLY. Check out the vintage milk bottles. I found 5 of them, cleaned them and "shabbied" them up with some ribbon. They're for sale. See the CUTE fabric they're on? Like a soft cotton vintage piece with crocheted edges? Yep, THAT was one of the 25 items today. You can see it better under my notecard box. Then the other piece. OMgoodness. I bought the black base on another trip. It was not-so-pretty when I bought it but a fresh coat of black paint and ta-da. Today I found the tall glass dome. Perfectly in tact. These sell for atleast $25 retail. Yep, one of the 25.

So, I guess the theme of my post tonight goes back to some earlier posts...ART is all around you. TREASURES are all around you. Train yourself to look for them. Notice pretty things. What can you find?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Next post: Windows and Write-ups.

Suzy

P.S. You know what people are putting in glass jars or bowls now in up-scale vintage shops? Birdseed and Glitter. I loved both. White glitter in a little vintage glass jar = happiness. Birdseed in a silver footed bowl with a pewter bird: oh yea. Check out www.laurieannas.com It is a cool place in Canton.

In the studio 6-8

2011-06-09T00:01:00.006-05:00

Since I last posted my mom, sister and I took a road trip to Canton. It was very hot and thankfully mom had the foresight to get us a hotel room. We ended up staying 2 nights and had so much fun. I cannot begin to tell you all of the creative things that I saw. I call that "Idea Overload" lol.

Back in the studio I have been finishing some baby paintings. I love baby names. I actually have some picked out for my granddaughters some day hehe.

And... we're off again next week Thurs- Sun. The 4 of us will be going to New Braunfels for a family reunion w/ Todd's side of the family. I went last year w/ my in-laws and it was so much fun. I couldn't believe we had never made a point to go. They have been meeting every year for a LONG time at the same spot.

Here's a look at 3 of the baby paintings. One little boy ironically will be named Allen. No relation. The "Cute Announcement" was fun to paint. I like owls lately. This girl made contact w/ me by getting my info. from the back of a Cute Announcement I painted for her as a gift from a mutual friend.

Then, there's the "Murphie" circle painting. Have I mentioned I am hooked on painting using circles as my canvas? I love how they are different, bold, and graphic. The first floral one I did is in the window at the gallery in Magnolia right now. I found a few "odd" things to paint on in Canton too and am excited to get started. Working on re-purposing some treasures and I still have a couple of Write-Ups and window paintings to finish.

Coming Up: Claiborne Charity fundraiser and a cool event called Shake4Jake in Monroe. More information soon.

Do what you love and love what you do...

Suzy

In the studio 5-29

2011-05-29T20:57:00.008-05:00

Geesh. Over a month since I've posted. I like bloggers who update daily, so I'll try to do better than once per month :)

Where did we leave off.....

The month of May was a little rough to say the least but I'm thankful to have a job and one that I love. Nothing is perfect and I had plenty of paperwork to remind me of that, however, it's done and I now have almost 3 months off. Ahhhh, the joys of teaching.

I've done 2 more "write-ups" and 2 more on order. I'm drawn to big, colorful, graphic florals lately and was inspired to do something on a circular canvas. A creative friend is good at cutting out wood and she did a huge wooden circle for me. It's in the gallery in Magnolia so stop by if you get a chance. The Cosmopolitan Ladies Club is full of fabulous art... such an inspiring place.

I've also made a set of "color-your-own" notecards. They are black and white and come packaged cute with envelopes and colored pencils. A great idea for kids to do in a restaurant or party.

I have a few baby paintings to catch up on this week and MUST finish a large mobile mural for our church youth group. Our youth minister is starting a ministry in the community and I think this will be the logo/backdrop. I'm so thankful the Lord does not procrastinate.

Looking back over the week....even though I feel extremely exhausted....it has been fun. Last Friday was the last day of school. That evening we had a local fundraiser called "Potluck for the Pots" where the town raised money to re-do the bathrooms at our local event center the Fair Barn. It was the CUTEST theme and was a reminder we have so many creative and generous people in our town. Over $17,000 was raised and kudos to the Killgores who lead our creative, generous people. The centerpieces were rolls of toilet paper wrapped in tulle, tied with a ribbon and a gerber daisy. Genious.

Saturday I went to the Blossom Festival by myself and had a nice day looking at artwork. (I like going places by myself BTW..and if you see me I will be in another world). I'm always inspired by art shows and they make me realize I need to step up my game as a teacher.

On Saturday night there was a wonderful event at our local museum to unveil a new show they have on designer Geoffrey Beene, a Haynesville native. It also included Folk Art by the students in our parish and the adult workshops. On Sunday the museum also hosted a reception for the public featuring the work. Another great local place you should visit. The exhibits are first-class. Look for workshops later this year on recording oral histories...I cannot wait.

And THEN....Sunday afternoon I escaped to the "River". We call it that b/c the guys usually go there to trout fish. It's the Little Missouri River in Murfreesboro, Ar. I HIGHLY recommend staying at the SWAHA cabins. They are located at Narrows Dam on Lake Greeson. My mom and dad give the guys a night at the cabins for Christmas and we did not get to use them for trout fishing earlier in the year, but instead they fished Lake Greeson for the first time and it was GREAT. Did you know that locusts make a noise that sounds like an alarm? Wierd ! Anyway just the 4 of us went and it was perfect. It's only a 2 hour trip and it is the most beautiful river. I sound like Rick Rowe LOL. Do YOU need a STAYcation planner?

Friday Todd and I went to Shreveport and came home with a new truck. Suckers. For only $12 per month more we could buy new LOL. And, we did. It is very beautiful and black vehicles are my favorite. My husband does work very hard and I'm happy for him.

Saturday was the Claiborne Jubilee. They also had an auction where local artists painted chairs. They were all so impressive ! I visited with some friends there and met up with a most interesting folk artist from Minden, my friend Alma = the next Clementine Hunter.

I left there a while and went to another fundraiser for my friend Kelley. Are you getting all of this? I know what you're thinking....geesh at all of the fundraisers but that is the point ! Life is all about helping others. It's a great big circle of loving and giving and it's just what we do. Sometimes there is a need and sometimes you just do things because the truth is there's nothing we can do. Life is in God's hands. Thank goodness. So, like 1000 people were there to EAT. Todd was working and only had about 5 men there so I grabbed them all plates and delivered them to work. I must say that was the BEST BBQ. I don't know who cooked it...or who seasoned it but good grief it was good. WHO cooked that peeps? Do you know? I know 50 men cooked it, but who seasoned it? yummy.

Then today.....today is my mom and dad's 46th Anniversary. What a blessing. 10 of us met up at Mudbug Madness. It was fun.

And now, it's almost 10:00 and my husband is making comments about me being on the computer so long to which I lovingly remind him of his Angry Bird addiction.

Oh, I forgot to finish posting about the Jubilee Saturday and the Art Show. I'll save that for another post though. This has been long enough, so thanks for reading :)

Do what you love and love what you do....

Suzy

In the studio 4-27

2011-04-26T20:09:00.012-05:00

I'm hooked on creating these mini designs in black and white. I had some scraps of nice paper that I did not want to throw away. Plus, a friend asked me to create some give-aways that would fit in a 3-1/2" square box. They need a name....help Erin.

Even my students are excited and I think they are lovin' it as much as I am. If any parents are reading (or anyone who wants to try these mini's) ...there is a special pen at WalMart. I'll add a picture. These are probably in the scrapbooking section and are permanent, acid-free, etc. I'm using a .01 tip size but anything small will work.

I also spent a couple of hours at the photo kiosk at WalMart. I knew I wanted something resembling a business card, and I ended up doing a collage advertising the "Write-Ups".

Hope you enjoy all of the pictures tonight. I encourage you to look for ART all around you. Make a point to recognize it and appreciate what the Lord has created just for us. He's the Maker of all things....

Suzy

In the studio 4-19

2011-04-19T21:39:00.007-05:00

Not much happening in the studio this week. Judged some local art (not my students) for the first time yesterday. So impressive. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE children's art? Pure imagination.

I received some pictures today from the talented photographer and former student of mine, Miss Heather Lee. I'm not crazy about having my picture taken, but I do love the props and backgrounds. I'm working on some artist cards and an artist bio so I needed a creative picture or two.

I came across something cool this week called a "Zentangle". Check them out at zentangle.com. I'm stuck on creating these zentangles whenever I have a little bit of time...like waiting on a coke at Sonic or something.

So, you start with something called a TILE. This is a 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square piece of paper. Something nice and thick. Then you draw a STRING. The idea is to quickly draw a line without thinking to get you started. Imagine if you dropped a string on the paper, how would it look? Draw it. Real quick.

Then you basically doodle patterns and designs to form patterns to fill up the tile. The overall piece is called a zentangle. Zen represents the idea that these should be relaxing. A tangle is the pattern.

Here are a few pictures to give you the idea. This is a perfect example of a project that looks really hard, but it's not. They are fun. Try it.

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

In the studio 4-13

2011-04-13T18:54:00.009-05:00

Sothankful after being disappointed today with student behavior

that I can come home to my studio. (Bedroom at home turned into an Art Room which I now call my Studio)

I need to practice my 2011 word: happiness. My studio makes me happy. My "write-up" paintings make me happy. Therefore, I'm showing pictures of these 2 one more time. I had to um, CORRECT the spelling on my purple one. Then I finished adding the last few lines on the Go Green Write-Up yesterday afternoon.

Here's a couple of up-close views too. Have you "read" these yet?

Next there is a photo of my bookmarks in a display piece I re-purposed. This was a Home Interior basket with apples on the label.

I also had a spice rack to match. Ran out of room in my kitchen and it dawned on me the other day to re-paint the labels with chalkboard paint. So, voila.

My altered art instructors always issue a challenge for us at each meeting. Last month they gave us a baby food jar and an egg. We can make anything we want. I'll let you know how that turns out...

I'll leave you with another idea from the list I mentioned a few posts back. The website is www.kerismith.com. I'm lovin' it.

*** Glue an envelope in your journal and for one week collect items that come your way ***

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

In the studio 4-12

2011-04-12T21:48:00.004-05:00

"GREEN JEANS" is the title of a new exhibit my students are working on. The picture shown here (sideways) is a pair I painted as an example. I'm working on my photo editing skills but until then I figure a sideways picture is better than no picture at all. Maybe. All of the green talk gave me the idea to use that as a theme for a new word painting. Thanks again to my friend for coming up with a name for this. It helps to have a Creative Writing Teacher nearby. Today was her birthday and she managed to give me a gift of inspiration today. I owe her big time. Thanks for sharing 3 life-changing books also. After going back and forth, I've decided to call these "Write-Ups". I finished this Go Green Write-Up today so this will hopefully be heading to the gallery in Magnolia soon. I managed to complete some paperwork today and still remain inspired. I had a student work in the studio with me today after school. She is so creative and is working on a special piece to send to the Governor's Mansion. Then, I headed to the library in Homer with Linda, Maxie, and Martha. Dr. Weber from La.Tech was giving a presentation/review on Folk Art. There was even a show-and-tell where I shared a few of my students' paintings and stories along with some other folk art pieces I have. It turned out to be a very interesting and fun night. Speaking of Going Green and using our resources....USE our local libraries friends. I'm sure you are like me and forget to go there very often but you'll be amazed at what you find. Do what you love and love what you do. Suzy

In the studio 4-8

2011-04-08T23:02:00.002-05:00

Didn't get to spend much time in the studio today, but a very productive day creatively speaking. First, I had to be in Shreveport by 8am. Yikes. Funny how I can make it all the way to Shreve City by 8, but struggle to be at school by 7:30. I attended a training today to become an assessor for Talented Art. Pretty cool and it gave me a new perspective on some things.

Since I was alone afterwards, I went to Hobby Lobby. For two hours. I didn't want to hurt Michael's feelings so I went there too :) I found the cutest iron-on. It is an owl w/ a "go green" message. Did you know Michael's t-shirts are 5 for $10.00 ? And, they're good shirts. Any color. Any size.

Made it home about 6:00.

That left just enough time to read a new magazine and add some new ribbon to the rest of my bookmarks.

On a random note...beware. The snakes are out. I ran over FOUR snakes on my way to mom and dad's today. That is more than I usually run over all summer. Gives me the creeps.

Later peeps...

Suzy

In the studio 4-7

2011-04-06T22:37:00.008-05:00

I've been working in the studio this week starting several projects. Until today...when I finished several projects. I have an order for bookmarks and I'm making some for The City Wide Sale coming up in May. I also would like to sell them in the gallery which means I'll be painting Razorbacks, Muleriders, and Panthers for the first time :)

ILOVED loved the owl window so after I cleaned the other one up I painted a floral design on it. Added some glitter glaze which is always yummy. I think they're cute together. Now I'll have to be on the lookout for more windows. I started a new Word Painting today and finished tonight. I just used some of my words relating to art. Wonder if you could figure them out...? Picture does not do it justice. I've decided to sign these pieces by stamping the last 2 letters of the painting with my initials SA.

Soon I'll be working on the windows for the fire station. It has been a year since they asked. Hopefully they will understand because I have no good excuse. Also I'm working on a design for a chair to be auctioned off to raise money for the Claiborne Jubilee. Any ideas for a good design? My students are doing one too.

I'm so, so busy at school. There are many things I need to get wrapped up and done before school is out.

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

Pictures from the studio 4-2

2011-04-03T22:36:00.010-05:00

In the studio 4-2

2011-04-03T21:48:00.006-05:00

This has been one of the most creative weeks I've ever had. Did I mention that already LOL? The week began with art camp plans. All along I've been thinking that I HAD to do art camp...I miss it so much and I had great ideas coming together for the Color Splash 2011. But then, I worked more and more on the Word Painting you see in an earlier post and I am hooked. I LOVE everything about that painting. I was about to send it home with it's owner and I knew I wanted to show it to the gallery. I went to Magnolia on Friday and it could not have turned out any better. The gallery loved the piece as much as I did. There were already customers picking out their words. It was a big hit and THE BIG NEWS IS: I was accepted in to the gallery and will be selling my work there. My first gallery. That is big. That is a dream come true. And, to top it off, this was the one I've admired for some time now. It is the COSMOPOLITAN LADIES CLUB on the square in Magnolia. Stop in and look around one day. They are also on facebook. So with that said, and after much prayer, I believe it is time for me to use this summer to paint for myself in my studio. This is probably the last summer both boys will be at home and I want to enjoy long, lazy days of summer with them. There is just so much to do and we have several trips planned. I love teaching kids. It's who I am. But, I do that for 9 months and now I just want to paint, paint, paint. Remember I told you there are treasures at yard sales and thrift stores? Well, yesterday I found 2 old windows. I have taken one and painted the trim blue and put a huge owl and a whimsical tree on the glass part. It is inspired by some Pottery Barn bedding. Are you reading this Sue M? Trash to Treasure. I also made some facebook signs. The black section is chalkboard paint so you can write in chalk (and erase) how many friends you have. Spring Break is winding down. Going to bed earlier and switching gears. I have enjoyed every minute of this one. It has FELT like a long break. The boys were home and we played Yamslam. It felt like those long summer days. Good feeling. THEN early in the morning the race starts again. I'll be knee-deep in paperwork and I have ALOT of things to wrap up before the end of the year. Grades due this week. Projects we need to finish. One thing coming up is a project I'm calling "GREENJEANS". The students are taking baby blue jeans and altering them using anything green to communicate a "GO GREEN" message. Jeans will hang on a clothesline for display and will encourage the message: "reduce, reuse, and recycle." I would like for the exhibit to travel to locations interested in spreading the message if you know of anyone involved in recycling campaigns. Today Kirk and I rode around the lake. I cannot believe we sold our lake house years ago. I wish we would have kept it. Here's a picture of Kirk in the car with me today. I am SO proud of my boys. They just bless my life. We're taking a few trips this summer. So again, I feel led in a different direction. It's a hard decision for me, but I will not have an art camp at The Art Factory this summer. I'll leave you with another challenge from that list I mentioned in the last post. *** Illustrate your grocery list this week. Just a little doodle. Try a sunflower or easter eggs. Do what you love and love what you do. Suzy

In the studio 3-30

2011-03-30T23:40:00.004-05:00

Not too much going on in the studio today. I did start a painting tonight though. It is a faux mosaic (floral w/ a bird and butterfly) on a nice thick canvas. Similar to the painting above. The sides are painted black and I have quotes on the edges. Guess you would need to see it huh? I'll upload tomorrow.

Discovered another blog today (shocking I know). www.kerismith.com

She has a post of 100 ideas of creative things to do. I think I will share one per day with you. Just for fun.

***For one week collect the items you find on the street.

I think if you did this just for one day it would be worth a blog prize. Promising blog prizes that I had not made yet did not work so well for me, so let's see.....how about a faux mosaic easter egg painting? First one to show me their finds (in person or by photo) gets the prize. It's waiting right here on my hutch for you.

Do what you love and love what you do...

In the studio 3-29

2011-03-30T00:57:00.005-05:00

I spent alot of time in the studio today, but I just realized I did not paint anything. I'll have to fix that problem tomorrow. I did some more cleaning, but need to spread the love to other parts of the house.

I had fun sharing ideas with a friend tonight around the art table. I've joined a group of ladies right here in Haynesville to create altered art. We have some really talented leaders and I've found someone who loves magazines as much as I do. So, we're swapping magazines back and forth. LOVE it.

The first 2 pictures are notecards I made using the same concept as the painting I posted last night. One list is mine and the other is Kirk's. What will be on your list?

The other picture is a corner of the studio. I have a sewing machine that was passed down to me. There are also 2 pieces I purchased at Thrift Stores (my new favorite hobby). The black piece on top of the sewing table was only $12 but the magazine stand under the table was only $5. Do you know there are TREASURES at Thrift Stores? Plus most are ministries. My recent find was a copy of the Giving Tree book we're using at COLOR SPLASH this summer for 10 cents ! And, the cute wire basket with the fabric...yes, that too.

So, what inspired you today? What color was it?

"Do what you love, and love what you do".

In the studio.....

2011-03-29T01:00:00.007-05:00

Wow, where do I begin? First I cannot believe it's been so long since I've blogged. I love reading others almost daily and have been inspired to share again. I'll work on getting the pictures posted in order, but until then, hope you enjoy.

Okay, I have named 3-27-11 as my "Day of Epiphany". I'm not sure why, but the last few days creativity has been flowing freely. It could be because I'm cleaning my art room (which I'm now referring to as my studio...sounds better), or it could be because I have been working on one of my top 5 all-time favorite paintings, or better yet it feels supernatural. The Lord has blessed me with some answers I've been waiting on. A new vision for my art. So, here goes....

1. I just finished a painting that I've put off about 6 months. It is a huge sofa sized canvas filled with words. Definitely a modern piece. The background is "grungy" and the words remind me of a circle word puzzle. I used about 100 words the customer provided. Things such as favorite quotes, nick names, places, color, ...you name it. I will share my "list" soon for you to get the idea. THIS piece is the most conceptual piece I've ever done. Interactive Art. I love how you MUST stare at the work, read it like a book and figure it out like a puzzle. Even my kids want one which is um, huge.

2. I have chosen a company to submit some ideas/art for publication. I am hooked on their magazine publications and they have a new one coming out filled with children's art and project ideas.

3. ART CAMP..... I've had 2 project ideas for a couple of weeks, but on my Day of Epiphany the theme for this year's camp came to me. This year art camp will be COLOR SPLASH 2011. We will create projects inspired by the BLUE dog artist, a GREEN community project based on the book The Giving Tree, and another surprise. Think color. The dates will be the end of June through the first of July. Please contact me to reserve a spot. I will be mailing information soon to previous students, but as always please feel free to pass the information along. Join me at the ART FACTORY...where we build creativity.

4. I'm working on getting some work ready to present to a gallery. Hopefully by the end of the week I can share more information. It's something I've had on my list for a while and know which gallery I would like to start with. Just a minor change like using a thicker canvas has given my work a more professional look.

5. I scheduled 2 classes last week at the library to create Easter paintings. It was a last minute thing and I thought the classes were full, but it's a busy time of the year. Sorry if I did not get the information to you, but I did not advertise for this one. It was pure happiness for me...to see people who have never painted create something that looked better than mine.

I prefer to teach kids and therefore am not looking to do alot of these classes, but they are fun and I look forward to doing a few during the year. The next one will be late April and will be for mothers and daughters to come paint together. The floral painting somewhere in this post :) will be the subject. More information soon, but again, please call to reserve a spot or to be added to my contact list. There are also a few of us starting to go to Painting With A Twist in Shreveport if you would like to join us sometime. I'm all for anything creative and I love being a student myself.

6. I did a photo shoot with the talented Ms.Heather Lee last week. Totally out of my comfort zone as I do not particularly like having my picture made, but all artists have their picture on their website and I hope to make an artist card to include with my work. I can't wait to see what she does with them. I haven't seen them yet, but we did have some cute props and I love our locations.

I hope my post has inspired you in some way. As I teach my students, art is all around you so start looking. You'll be surprised at what you can find in Haynesville or anywhere else you're lucky enough to be.

My word for 2011 is HAPPINESS. I was going to choose something like "re-treasure", but I kept coming back to this word. After all the Lord has done for us (John 10:10) the least we can do is enjoy our life.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE and LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

A "Cute Announcement"

2010-06-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Here's the latest in a type of paintings I now call "cute annoucements". These are paintings created to match baby bedding, with a little frame, and places to write the birth info. directly on the canvas (with a sharpie) to hang on the hospital door to announce the arrival of the baby. Then it can go home and hang on the baby's door or somewhere else in the room and will match. I think they are a cute alternative to the traditional wreath on the hospital doors. Currently the price is $20 if you are interested in ordering one. I can usually look at the bedding online and go from there.

I've tried for a couple of years to come up with a name for these, and it hit me one day. When I have an annoucement at school that is "fun" or "exciting" I call them cute annoucements. Students know that cute annoucements are different from other ones. Maybe we have new t-shirts coming in or something like that. One day this school year as soon as I said "I have a cute annoucement" today...... it just hit me. I had an epiphany. THAT is the perfect name for my baby paintings.

So, as I clean and reorganize my wonderful art room at home this week, I will keep you posted on the projects I'm working on. One of the next paintings will be for the Claiborne Charity auction.

PTL.

Suzy

CREATE.

2010-06-01T10:24:00.003-05:00

"Create" was my mantra for 2009. "Praise" is what I choose for 2010. Finally about 1/2 way through 2010 I've decided to do both.

Back to painting for me this summer. I have many, many projects to work on. Let me know if you have a request, but I will be updating the blog more often with my ART ideas.

Here's an "abstract" painting I just finished for my cousin. She just built a house and choose some fabulous Candice Olson bedding. I had fun painting this.
Working on an order for Miranda today for a baby painting. Miranda ordered the original painting like this one I"m doing and for a few years I've been trying to think of what to call these. I finally figured it out... "CUTE ANNOUCEMENTS". Of course, there is a story behind it but I'll save it for later.
I'm considering a few other things. Acutally painting alot of the stuff I have sitting in my art room waiting on me, LEARNING to use my fabulous Cricut that I WON, and getting stuff together for a booth if I ever get enough stuff together. I could be a craft show junkie. Plus, I'm also thinking about TEACHING an adult class where you would come to the country club and I would teach YOU to paint a particular painting. It would have to be something you would actually HANG in your house or somewhere though. Tropical fish are SO CUTE, but who has a place to hang them really? Working on examples for that venue.
Lastly, I want to host an event called "AMONG FRIENDS" where we get together and bring NICE things we don't need anymore and buy/sell things among friends. It will hopefully be at the country club soon. You would find items that you would like to sell for $10.00 (for the first event) and bring them. Hopefully your items would sell and you would have money to spend to buy other items you need more. All among friends too. Fun huh?
ok. More later. Let me know if you're interested in any of this....
Create. It's a verb.
PTL. (Praise the Lord)

Suzy

Ephesians 3:20

2010-02-23T21:33:00.003-06:00

I've been drawn to that verse lately. Really in thinking about others and KNOWING God is in the prayer answering, miracle working business. Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world. I HAVE to share this with you tonight...even though I'm anxious to post about my special day Sunday. I will do that soon....BUT

I received THE call today from the dr. in Houston. The one I had an appt. with in JULY. She has a sclero clinic and has written books on the subject. They asked if I could come MARCH 19th. okay. #1...that's a REAL improvement to July. #2 that is Spring Break and I'm already off that week. (not to mention it is a huge weight lifted knowing they are not going to call and ask that I come on some major day like Kirk's graduation or something !) and #3 just to show you how GOOD God is and how he SPECIFICALLY answers prayers...excuse me how HE goes over and above what we can even think to ASK: I had March 19th planned to either start chemo THAT DAY, or by chance (yea, right) I was going to call and see if the dr. had any openings and beg to squeeze me in before I made the call to start chemo that day. SERIOUSLY. Down to THE day. We're thinking about going to the river earlier in the week, Kirk has a game on Thursday...and Friday was THE day. Praise the Lord. I'm just more amazed the more I think about it. Amazed at His grace and thankful when He shows up in big ways. I KNOW with so many people praying that there are those that have been praying specifically for my appointment to be moved up....thank you. thank you.
This is the "subject" of a book I'm reading: God will make a way when there seems to be no way: He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me...He will be my guide, draw me closely to His side: With love and strength for EACH NEW DAY, He will make a way, God will make a way.
PTL
Suzy

Sunshine and heat...

2010-02-20T16:45:00.001-06:00

ahhhh. Today is so beautiful. Sunshine is like medicene to the soul. Definitely feel good today. Slept late, visited with friends, had a great day of baseball, AND I feel like painting.

Haynesville had their baseball jamboree today. Boys were hitting and making plays..looking good. Of course, proud of Kirk as usual.

I had 2 drs. appointments this week. Thursday afternoon I met w/ the rheumo. Bloodwork was good (except for Thyroid levels) and am scheduled to have it checked again next week. She answered alot of questions and basically it was a good appt. She increased my cellcept to 4/day (the goal is 6/day) so we'll see how that makes me feel. So far, so good. The cellcept and chemo are given for the lungs and the only way to know if it's helping is to check my DLCO which will be every 3 months. My other appt. on Friday morning was w/ the endocrinologist. They increased my dosage (synth 150 now) and said to come back in 3 months. So, thankful for that too. For the next couple of weeks I'm appointment free. Excited about that. Still need to see an ENT to check out my neck and I"m thinking of seeing a Physical Therapist to try to start working mainly on my hands to prevent any permanent damage. They said as soon as I'm ready to start chemo to let them know. I am so thankful there is no hurry and that all of the drs. are advising the same treatment. I'm leaning towards starting either Spring Break or Easter but I appreciate your prayers so much. Still need a little more knowledge and peace that this is the right course, but I believe it will come.
After my appt. on Friday I was able to go to a few stores by myself. While my mom and sister are troopers and WILL go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels I'm quite sure it's close to punishment LOL. I had a good day and am in a more creative mood.
This week I"m working on: painting for our St.Jude fundraiser at school. I have a large 1st hour class this year and WE WILL win this year. I've challenged each student to help me, help them raise $25 each. That will be over $500 and I know we can do that! They also have some great creative ways we plan to help the children of Haiti.
Have a few friends who are having (or have had) babies. Angela, LeeAnn, LaurieBeth, Tammi, you're next on the list.
Painting bookmarks and notecards.
Illustrating some 2010 WORDS.
Trying to finish my pinestraw basket and a folkart painting I started at workshops at our local museum.
fun, fun.
PTL (Priase The Lord !)
suzy

PRAISE

2010-02-12T19:47:00.002-06:00

If anyone is still reading...sorry it's been three months since the last post. I really wanted my blog to be about my artwork but that will have to wait for now. I have some medical information I wanted to pass along and hope to get back to the fun, creative stuff soon. Until then....

Let me start by first saying my HOPE and my HEALING comes from the Lord not medical information but I feel that education and wisdom are part of the process.

I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called: " Systemic Scleroderma w/ mild lung involvement. "

There is a scleroderma foundation website that is helpful and I'm thankful to say that the more information and stories I hear, the more encouraged I become. There is no medical cure, and the disease affects everyone differently. I would APPRECIATE if anyone reading has any information to share, please do so. If you are in the medical field, or have any personal stories of someone you know I would like to hear them. Good or bad. My email is: toddsuzy@bellsouth.net

Symptoms:
about a year ago, my hands started hurting and swelling. I went to the doctor, had bloodwork done and was told my thyroid levels were off. I started medicene for that and my thyroid went downhill. By March it was growing and I started to feel as if someone had their hand around my throat. At no point (to this day) have I ever had trouble actually swallowing food, or not keeping food down, but rather a pain in my neck (LOL). Feels achey, sore...like an earache w/ drainage. I've seen lots of doctors (endo, ENT, rheumo, pulmo) have had tests done, and have been told all is okay. Not sure about that and will try to see my ENT again. In June, 2009 I had a thyroidectomy and thought things would be fine and better. The surgeon said (literally) that he had to cut, burn, scrape and dig and he would not be surprised how long it took me to heal". Um, red flag. Nice of him, huh? Well, that is how I still feel today.
I have had a significant weight loss. As you probably know even to loose 5 pounds is not an easy task. I was NOT in any way trying to loose weight. At first I was aggrivated actually b/c I couldn't eat. I LIKED to eat. Well, that has really changed. I'm just not hungry much anymore. If I don't think about eating or make myself eat I probably wouldn't. It is quite a change. While clothes fit better and it's nice to be thinner....looks really can be deceiving. Looks are superficial. I would take 50 pounds back in a heartbeat to feel better. If you're out there, reading this, trying to loose weight I say enjoy who you are. I do eat by-the-way and it is probably a much healthier quantity. Food tastes the same and I eat the same things, just a much smaller quantity. With it being so cold I have not exercised at all so I guess it's all about the portion size.
I have been freezing cold. Not a normal freezing cold either. I must have electric heat or a fire to warm up LOL. Right now I have a heated mattress pad, elec blanket, heater, heating pad, and a nice little towel spa that heats my towels. I often throw things in the dryer to warm them up. (one of life's greatest tips). Around last Sept. my hands started turning white (loosing all color) for about a minute or less and then turning blue. very scary. This is what lead to me being referred to the rheumatologist that diagnosed the sclero. This cold, white-blue thing is called Raynaud's. Had never heard of that either. Most people w/ Raynauds do not have sclero, but sclero patients all have Raynauds to my understanding. Last week I was prescribed medicene for the Raynauds but I havent' started taking it yet. Will soon. The main thing is to wear gloves and try to stay warm. After reading more about it, you will notice I try to make myself wear gloves alot. Thankfully I have no wounds or any other symptoms except discoloration.
One of the first signs of sclero is skin involvement. Even last summer I had people saying I looked like I had been in the tanning bed which I had not. During the summer I didnt' think much of it but my skin was browning and I have some little white "splotches" in a few places. My skin on my arms (almost to my elbows) is red and tight. The skin on my chest is shiny which is a specific sign. The skin on my face looks and feels tight. Cuts down on wrinkles :) but I think my face is starting to look like a person w/ sclero. Most people probably do not know or notice it though.
I have digestive issues and heartburn. Medicene controls the heartburn so that is good. I have found it's nice...really nice, to have medicene that you KNOW works. A year ago I took no medicene and it's very hard to take so much especially when you don't know if it's working.
I'm very tired alot. Not sleepy just tired. But I have found that getting up in the morning (when I really want to stay in my warm bed) is good for me. Staying busy keeps me going and I like that better.
Lungs: This is what scared me the most. Some people w/ sclero just have skin involvement but when it involves your organs, prognosis changes. I had tests run and was told my heart, liver and kidney were all within normal range. That's when I was told I had mild lung involvement. Scan showed mild scarring of the lungs. A few months ago I first noticed my breathing "changing" when I was singing at church. I could sing one verse and be out of breath. I like to sing and so I'm not real happy w/ this but for some reason singing changes my breathing. Feel like I have something sitting on my chest. So, I just sing as I can, pretend, say the words (lol) and go on. I had just started singing in the choir at church and loved, loved it. I love choir practice but felt the need to stop for now. Guess there are reasons and seasons for things. A trip to WalMart would also do me in. I cannot stand to go to WM anymore and feel out of breath after a trip or two around the store. Other than that I think my breathing has been normal. If not for the singing thing I probably wouldn't have even noticed. I finally had an appt. w/ a pulmonologist this week and that was the results I've been waiting on. I had lung function tests done..and a six minute walk...and DLCO was the only thing out of normal range THANK THE LORD !!! If it means anything to anyone reading: my DLCO was 64% and 70% would've been normal. I will see the pulmo every 3 months now and have a baseline to compare numbers to now. It was such a relief though and this doctor is probably one of the best I've seen yet. Nice, experienced and spent alot of time patiently explaining things. I really was pleased w/ him and feel fortunate to have good medical care. My rheumo. is the same way. She is so patient and explains things well. I feel very blessed again to have good medical care. Back to the lungs: the doctor said I'm not even at the stage medically of being diagnosed w/ pulmonary fibrosis (which can lead to pulmo hypertension) so that is such a relief. Another thing is that he was in agreement w/ the treatment other doctors have advised. It is supposedly the "standard" treatment. Again, the more I read about it the better I feel. People have shared stories of how it has helped them and their lung functions improved. My immune system is compromised due to the disease and the medicene I"m taking, but they say to lead a normal life. Take common sense precautions and go on so that is what I'm doing.
My thyroid levels are high again and the endo called this week and wants to see me. I have to see the rheumo. every 2 weeks while I"m taking this medicene so life is filled w/ doctor appts. but I need to see the endo and/or ENT to find out what's still going on w/ my neck. As far as I know most of my bloodwork is turning out ok. Thyroid off, am taking vitamin D, but my ANA markers/levels were normal. I "think" it's called ANA but I may be wrong. Will have to double-check on that but it is something they look for to diagnose the disease ...
TREATMENT:

I am taking thyroid medicene (synth 137), heartburn med (was nexium but now omeprazole), vitamin D, prednisone 5mg (low dose), and a drug called Cellcept. Cellcept is something they give transplant patients so your body does not reject the organs. It lowers your immune system on purpose and I'm not exactly sure why I"m taking it except that it is standard and is supposed to slow the disease and/ or lung progression. The other treatment I'm being advised to do is chemo. It is a chemo called Cytoxin. It would be administered at Schumphert once per month for either 6 or 12 months. They say the IV form does less damage to the kidneys and advise that. I would go one day per month, hook up to IV, they would pump fluid, chemo and fluid again to reduce chances of me getting sick. It would take about 6 hours. Some people do not even get sick from this chemo and most can return to work in a day or two. Most people do not loose their hair so that is good news. I am thankful to have a job with alot of time off and right now will probably see about starting this treatment over spring break. I wanted to get the lung results this week and then make a decision. There is a doctor in Houston at UT at a sclero clinic, Maureen Mays that has written books on the subject. My appt w/ her is in JULY but after getting results this week I am atleast going to try to speak w/ her over the phone. For now I have not noticed any side effects from the Cellcept. I just doubled my dose last week and felt bad a few days but okay now.
whew, did you get all of that ???
PLEASE PLEASE understand I did not share all of this to be negative. I believe my healing is in the Lord's hands. I want to be honest and open in sharing information. I think it directs people on how to specifically pray. Plus there may be others going through something that I am and could share information. I had never heard of Raynauds or Scleroderma so again, please feel free to share. What I have shared w/ you tonight is just medical information. Nothing more. It is a strange, uncommon disease and it's hard to explain to people. Medically speaking there is no cure and the cause is unknown. The doctor in Houston will be the one to "investigate" the cause more and will be likely to know more about that. It can be hereditary but to my knowledge it doesn't run in our family. It can be environmental which is interesting.
So today, I need prayer for:
my neck...just doesn't feel right. Sore
Wisdom. I'm thankful to have the doctors advising the same treatment and to read positive stories about the Cellcept and Cytoxin.
Digestive issues.
SUNSHINE and heat.
NO side effects from chemo. Eph. 3:20
Disease to stay under control, that I do not get sick, and symptoms improve.
Peace. It's hard to take medicene when you don't know if its' helping (Cellcept) and to take chemo when I don't have cancer is a tough decision.

I want to say that when you're told you have a life-threatening illness it obviously changes you. I am thankful to say it makes you really see each day as a gift. Illnesses are a process and right now I'm trying to gain information, education and make wise decisions but also I'm starting a journey where I'm trying to rediscover what I enjoy in life. I want to have FUN. any ideas? My kids and my family are wonderful and I would never change a thing. That part is easy. If there was only ONE thing I could ever ask of the Lord it would be for my boys to love the Lord and respond to Him. They are saved and I am so thankful for my kids. They are a blessing. Beyond measure. But we serve a God that goes beyond one request with His grace and mercy and He blesses me over and over and over every day. I have the best family that loves and supports me unconditionally. And, the icing on the cupcake: I have the best friends. I cannot begin to tell you what your prayers mean to me. I really and truly feel them. I know you're praying. And the CARDS....I have always wanted to be the kind of person to send cards ( I can make them), but I"m not. CARDS have blessed me so much this year. That is probably one of the best ways you have ministered to me. I have an area in my house that I'm keeping all of the cards and I have received almost 50 already this year. It is such a blessing and I thank you. They are a treasure. And, speaking of treasures....I am so blessed to have a friend, teacher, mentor, that has given me a very special gift this week. It will stay with me at all times. I will keep it in my "bag" and treasure it always. It's the most thoughtful gift I have ever received. Thank you Linda. You inspire and encourage me.

My "word" of the year is PRAISE. Looking up scriptures, sayings, songs using this word and making a list if you have suggestions. Maybe next time I will share w/ you what book I'm reading and what I'm studying.
Ok...that's all for now.
Thank you for reading.
I will PRAISE You in this storm.

Suzy

Thankful...

2009-11-17T22:49:00.002-06:00

1. I'm thankful for my J.T. He finally got a new truck after waiting a long time. Will have to share w/ Todd for now b/c his needs some work.

2. I'm thankful for my Kirky. Oh hope he doesn't see that ("Kirky"). He went 4 for 4 on his kicks last week and look forward to this Friday night. Todd and I are riding the charter bus and looking forward to it. Not much in to driving anymore and Todd's on graveyards SOOOO bus sounds nice and relaxing. GO #5. Love ya. His ACT scores went up to a 20 composite. Not too bad, but look forward to that improving. I know he can. And, a new life begins. UGH...I'm not going there yet.

3. My awesome sister has been working hard this week. They have a house out on our family land and are wanting to sell their house in town if you know of anyone interested. Their house in Haynesville is beautiful !! She's been working hard but feeling better. Proud of her.

4. Thankful for a whole week off. I want to clean, paint, and decorate for Christmas. My body wants to stay in my super hot bed. Think: heating pad, elec blanket, heated mattress pad, heater, ....pretty bad people LOL. Been freezing cold.

5. Thankful my husband's grandmother came through surgery great this week. answered prayers for sure! She's in pain but hopefully that can be controlled and get better. She fell and broke her hip.

6. Thankful for my substitute teachers this year. Sounds a little wierd huh...but you have to know these ladies. I'm blessed to have them as friends. Yesterday my sub left ME a homemade buttery loaf of bread. YUM YUM She happens to be my Sunday School teacher and blesses my life more than she will know.

7. Thankful for my husband. Now more than ever. He is so patient and really takes care of me. Doesn't care if the house is clean...he just wants me to take care of myself. He keeps me warm.

okay. more later. bedtime.
I'll do better on the posts.
Look for pics next time.

Create...
suzy

Pictures and a post...

2009-09-21T22:00:00.001-05:00

More pics...

2009-09-21T21:55:00.002-05:00

Inspired...

2009-09-21T21:40:00.002-05:00

Was thinking about my art room today and decided to post pics. Unfortunately for you I have NOT spent time figuring out what order these will post...so you'll have to put the pieces together. I am very thankful for my room and hope to spend more time there soon. Okay, there a Clementine Hunter painting I have from a local folk artist. One of the neatest ladies I've ever met...quite a story and her work is available CHEAP. Like $10-20 paintings. Let me know if interested.

Then, there's the piece of samsonite luggage I painted. Was supposed to coordinate w/ Vera Bradley pattern, but I do not like this piece. I'm going to repaint it. Still like the concept though. I'm buy samsonite luggage at all garage sales I find.

You'll see "areas" of my artroom. All with interesting things that have a story.

See my messy TABLE. This hides the fact that I have a beautiful piece of PURPLE formica in the garage waiting to go on the table top.

I took MY copy of my favorite book when I was a child and framed it in a refurbished garage sale frame. Cheap, easy and a cool idea. Mr.Pine's Purple House is the name of the book. classic.

Here's a mantra I illustrated months ago. This is your's Melanie. CHOICE.

This pic of these clear Wal Mart containers is for Melanie too. Love these things. Perfect to showcase your colorful beads.

This is my WIP (work in progress) IDEA BOX. Bought the box at Michael's and added these wooden "legs". Of course I have too many ideas and I cannot decide how I want my idea box to look LOL.

And, this is a pic of a sign I bought at Canton. Love this saying. Of course, I wish it said she IS and artist and the world IS her canvas. "was" is a little too past-tense.

Were you inspired by my post? Leave me a comment and there may be a prize.

Create.

Suzy

I'm Back...no, REALLY...I'm Back.

2009-09-06T20:57:00.003-05:00

I'm kindof surprised they didn't shut down my blog since it's been so long since I've posted. My sister-in-law wrote the nicest things about me on her blog...and is doing a cool contest. THANKS to all of her readers who are checking things out !!! GOOD LUCK !!!

This picture is a recent name design...an example of what KIM's readers can win :)

Today is the first day in a LONG time that I really wanted to paint. I didn't get around to it...but the feeling was so nice. Think I'll THINK tonight about what I want to paint tomorrow :)

I will start a contest soon myself, so keep checking in.

CREATE.

suzy

I'm Back...

2009-06-19T17:50:00.002-05:00

Whew. What a few months it's been. I am so happy to tell you prayers were specifically answered..no excessive bleeding, breathing ok, and I did not get sick. I just didn't know how extensive the surgery would be...and that's probably a good thing. Might not have shown up LOL. Was one of the largest thyroids the dr. had seen. Had grown up to both of my jawbones. Hello people...I KNEW it was big. I couldn't even eat and THAT is a big deal. I am getting better everyday. It has been 2 weeks ago today and I can still say I"m improving daily. Not close to 100% yet, but working on it. I am just humbly overwhelmed at the generosity of my friends. I have received so much food and so many cards you could not imagine. I am just so thankful for everything and I feel so blessed.

Well...today I delivered some stuff for a few charity events this weekend. First, I did a big PEAR painting for the Claiborne Charity auction. This is such a good cause and I thank everyone who supports them. CC helped us when J.T. was sick and we appreciated that so much. I started to do a floral painting, but I had been wanting to do a pear.

Then...there is an event in Monroe this weekend called Shake 4 Jake. Jake is a little boy with an amazing family carrying on his legacy helping other St.Jude families. I really wanted to go to the event, but I guess I'll have to wait till next year. I sent a tulip painting (with the word HOPE), a Tech Bulldog painting, and some bookmarks. Did I mention I want to BE THERE? Dang it.

I am planning to going to Canton soon...so that will have to quench my creative thirst for now.

I'm planning to market some things this summer. I would like to get my bookmarks in some upscale shops if any of you happen to have any connections. There are many things I could do...but I just love these bookmarks. I'd like to do workshops or artist demos in the stores that sell them. I'll keep you posted.

It's VERY HARD for me not to be thinking about Art Camp. This would be my 6th year and I cannot imagine NOT having a camp....BUT my energy level is just not there. I have so many ideas I want to share with your kids! I've about talked myself in to doing a camp/workshop during and around our FALL BREAK using a CHRISTMAS theme so your kids can create things you can use as Christmas cards, gifts, etc. What do you think?

Create.

Suzy

ALMOST....

2009-06-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

Surgery is tomorrow. Have to be there at 8, but I'm #5 so it probably be 1 before they get to me. I liked the doctor...said he's done a couple thousand of these. It's just getting past that part where they tell you what COULD happen.
Pray for limited bleeding, my breathing to stay under control, and no getting sick. If all goes well, it sounds like most people just complain of sore throat and hoarse. Will stay one night, maybe two in hospital and then prob one night in S'port at my in-laws. Should be back home by Sunday or Monday. WHEW.
And THEN I feel like my summer can start. I just have a new compassion for people facing surgery or just health problems in general.
I cannot wait to get back to painting. I have a few things to catch up on. We did get our bedroom finished (painting walls is much harder and flowers or something!). It looks really good.
Kirk is home from the beach and he had a good time. He's now working at the golf course. J.T. got a job at Tall Timbers helping cater. He likes it much more than he thought he would. He was so excited last weekend.
Hope to update next week and get back to pictures and more CREATIVE things. Don't like being consumed with medical issues....so, keep reading.

Create.
Suzy

On a lighter note...

2009-05-13T20:26:00.003-05:00

1. My sister is at the beach celebrating my nephew's HS graduation

2. My sister-in-law (the triplet's mom) was picked to be on TLC's What Not To Wear. She just returned from NYC looking great. Show will air in the fall, so I'll let everyone know. It's basically JUST like you see on TV. They really do film you secretly for 2 weeks, etc. The March of Dimes nominated Kim, which I thought was so nice. AND..I think the girls are arriving here tomorrow with their other grandparents...so I may be loving on them soon. Oh, Alyssa broke her leg the morning the limo arrived to pick up Kim. She's okay though.

3. There is an upcoming fundraiser that I plan to support this year. It's called Shake4Jake and is held at the end of June in Monroe. Jake was the cutest St.Jude kid with a family committed to the cause. They go above and beyond to help other families and though I've never met them, they have such an inspiring story and are a good example of sowing seeds. I will get a link posted soon (or you can google it). I'm trying to decide what to do for the "event". There will be auctions and all kinds of stuff apparantly to raise money. At the least, I will send paintings, but I'm planning to do something involving you blog readers. I'm thinking for each order I receive between now and then...I will make an extra item and donate in your name. So, be thinking of what you would like painted and let me know.

4. Which brings me to the last topic. I called the surgeon's office today to REMIND them I can't breathe well...and they assured me they're working on it tomorrow. I'm still kindof hoping for next week. I've had several scriptures that have helped lately...but today: Those who WAIT on the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount with wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not become faint. WHEW. thank the Lord.

okay...let me see if I can find a picture.

Create.

Suzy

A.P.#4

2009-05-06T16:05:00.002-05:00

A.P. = Answered prayer.
Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Of course, I've had alot to say, but wasn't sure WHAT TO say. I started several posts, and just changed my mind.
5 months ago I had no idea that health issues could be a part of every day life. What started out on Jan. 3rd with my hands hurting, has turned in to quite a few things mostly thyroid related. This post is titled: Answered Prayer #4 because there have been 4 big specific prayers the Lord has answered and I wanted to share them with you. Now, of course, I know the Lord answers many more than that every day, but these are prayers that I've asked You, my friends, to pray for me and I want you to KNOW they are felt and have been answered in a big specific way. I started w/ A.P.#1 the Friday of Spring Break. It was then that I was told I needed a surgeon. There are many things that happened in the months leading up to that, but I choose to start here with my story. I am determined to leave the negative energy behind. That is why I haven't posted. When you are feeling really bad, it just helps to have hope. It helps to know people are working on your behalf. enough said. The first prayer was for the Lord to send the RIGHT people my way and open very specific doors. My in-laws and their friends did some checking (they're in the healthcare system in Shreveport)....and came across a surgeon Dr.Donnie Aultman. After my father-in-law told him of my situation, he made a call to the endocrinologist I was trying to get in to see: Dr. Ravari. I saw Dr.Ravari the week after Spring Break and knew immediately both her and Dr.Aultman were answers to prayers. She is so kind, and KNOWS what she is talking about. I liked everything about her office/staff...just very high quality. Many other signs, but A.P.#1.
A.P. #2: you know the saying "knowledge is power"? Wellllll, MOST of the time. But SOMETIMES it can scare you. I have done enough "research" (LOL) on the internet to know I WANTED to find someone who performed what's called a FINE NEEDLE biopsy. get the fine needle part? Yep, I had heard a few stories and this sounded like the way I wanted to go. The first phone call I had w/ Dr.Ravari's office is when I asked that question and YES: she did them on Tuesday mornings. A.P.#2
A.P.#3: okay so that means I had to have a biopsy. As if it's not just down-right painful enough to think about having cancer, obviously 3+ needles being stuck in my neck where it HURTS, did not sound too good. But PRAISE THE LORD...it's behind me and I can truly say it did not hurt near as bad as I had prepared myself for. The numbing cream worked, I was really relaxed thanks to the people in her office (like I said: quality care), and it just was not that bad. A.P. #3.
A.P. #4: after the biopsy is when it hit me the hardest emotionally. I was thinking she might have been able to tell me something as she was performing the biopsy, but that was not the case so I had to wait and worry from Tues- Fri last week. There is a thing posted in her exam rooms about worry. It says something like: "if you're going to pray, why worry....if you're going to worry, why pray". Ouch. powerful. true. easier said than done. You see, I had done my "research" and knew about a little thing called anaplastic thyroid cancer...the fast growing kind that frankly people just don't survive. Every little ache and pain worried me last week (and I had PLENTY). So, when she called Friday with the news that I needed surgery...that did not sound NEAR as bad. PTL. Basically the biopsy was inconclusive, and since my thyroid has grown so large I need to have it removed. There is an 80% chance it is benign, but there are concerns. There are 3 other types of thyroid cancer but all have positive outcomes in the end. So, I'll have surgery soon...have it removed...they will test to see what it is...and we'll go from there. If it is malignant there are a few things I do before taking medicene the rest of my life and if it's benign I think I just start taking meds the rest of my life. Either way, I already feel like I can breathe better, just being able to think about the "rest of my life". A.P.#4.
I have a new compassion for people who have medical problems...specifically for those awaiting biopsy results. It's just one of those things that you just can't understand until you've been there I think. I know the "compassion" thing is something the Lord is showing me through this. I seriously do not think that I BELIEVED it was possible to feel bad every day for 5 months. I was wrong.
So....THANK YOU MY FRIENDS for praying. I NEED you to continue to pray for specific things for me, and I promise to keep you posted better. I believe in giving God the glory and that is what I want to do. It really is my desire for you to know that you're prayers for me are being heard and answered and it means so much to me. When we were at St.Jude w/ J.T., there were so many times I thought about the "footprints in the sand" story. You see, I believe that sometimes we just need to be carried through things, and part of that is for friends to pray for you when you are tired or just feel like you do not have enough faith. Here are specific prayers I need right now: #5: TIMING for the surgery. I want to have it asap. All of my family is coming in next week, it's a busy time and alot to do before the end of school, Kirk wants to leave the day we get out of school going on vacation w/ his girlfriend...and I'm just struggling knowing when to try to schedule. So, I leave it in the Lord's hands. I'm going to see when the dr CAN schedule and go from there. One thing I've learned is not to worry about things that haven't happened yet. I would just rather have the surgery behind me before the last day of school though...just the whole thought of starting my summer that way does not sound so great. This time last year we were leaving for the beach. so, in HIS perfect TIMING....I trust it will be.
#6: for the surgery itself to be successful. for them to be able to easily remove everything. for there to be NO SIGNS of malignancy and that I do not GET SICK after surgery. For some reason as if the thought of someone cutting your NECK open is not bad enough...I just do NOT want to get sick afterwards. That just could not be good. I "READ" (LOL) somewhere that the surgery is not that bad. Someone even said it was like having teeth pulled. OKAY. I can believe THAT story!
#7 and finally that my recovery is fast and goes well. I really believe in the power of positive thinking. If I can just get to the point where I practice that at home I will be doing good. I'm thinking about getting a little IPOD and loading praise and worship music to listen to before/after surgery. I took this special blanket to the biopsy with me and it was very comforting. Nevermind the fact that Todd said I looked like a 9 yr old. It was really funny though. And true, but I didn't care. It worked.

NOW FOR A LITTLE bit of more interesting, creative news. I have still managed to paint. I read a quote the other day: What one CAN be, one MUST be. I MUST PAINT.
I have: finished jennifer's blog prize (really big cross painting) / finished a painting for my nephew who is graduating HS next week and is going to train to be a fireman (really big abstract fireman painting)/ baby paintings for "someone" I know having a baby soon (can't mention names yet)/ notecards/ and one of my all-time FAVORITE things...making a ton of hand-painted bookmarks. They are so cute, fun and I can paint them almost without looking. LOVE those things. And a friend and i made it to Hobby Lobby this weekend, where I found fabulous new ribbon. yes, I need a new list of things that make me happy....a new list of things that I consider FUN. Finding ribbon at HL is just a LITTLE too boring. Think I'll work on that list this summer.
Stay tuned about art camp for the summer. To be honest, right now there's no way I can even think about it. Literally. Just too tired. But, I haven't forgotten. There's still a chance even if on a smaller scale. We'll see.
Thanks for reading so long. Sorry there' s no pictures this time.
Thank you again, my friends and please keep me in your prayers. I am not myself when I feel bad.
Create. okay did you notice on one of my recent posts I told YOU to create even when YOU don't feel like it....yep, eating those words. So, just create when you can. create when you DO feel like it, and I'll do the same.
Suzy

JENNIFER BAILEY !!!!

2009-04-01T17:29:00.002-05:00

Yes my dear test coordinator...maybe this will make your day. YOU WON the prize Jennifer Bailey. (Your name WAS in there more than anyone, so your chances were good). Todd and J.T. were arguing over who was going to draw...Todd drew your name and J.T. and I were witnesses.
HOWEVER.....MELISSA SMITH, you'll be happy to know that you get a prize too. I decided to give away the textured cross painting I did as an "experiment". It is the one in the post below.
Thank you to everyone that participated. I'm going to count the number of names in the jar so you know. My counter on my blog jumped by about 300 during the contest, so that is COOL.
I"m thinking of doing something during the month of April. It will benefit this year's "Shake for Jake" fundraiser for a family that helps other St.Jude families. You can read about it at: www.maddiboo.blogspot.com Melissa and Charlene are involved with the foundation and apparantly get their husbands to the SHAKE-down.

Don't forget to...
Create.
Suzy

quick update..

2009-03-28T21:49:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of a painting I finished this week for my mother-in-law's sewing room she is remodeling. She bought the canvas last summer, and this has been on my to-do list for a while. Something inspired me this week to paint it. It hangs horizontal though..I now clearly have to figure out how to ROTATE the picture.

DON"T FORGET ...only 3 more days to get your name in the drawing for the March Madness painting. You can earn as many tickets as you would like!!

Create. Even when you don't feel like it, or you don't have time...

Suzy

March Madness continues...

2009-03-25T18:04:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture of a small cross SIMILAR to the March Madness prize. I experimented with a smaller size textured cross. It's hard to tell, but I used a putty to give it some dimension. AND Congrats to Jennifer Bailey for sending MORE than the 5 people to my blog and earning her a FREE FACEBOOK FRIENDS sign. You can still earn one, or buy one. They're only $10 for the month of March.

Still not feeling that great, but better. Again, different symtoms/side effects every day. The last couple of days, I've had fever, so I used the time to stay home and relax. It was much needed and I think has helped. No luck in getting an appoinment any sooner, but I am on a waiting list.

My throat still hurts so unfortunately I think I"m going to miss another choir practice tonight.

The boys are having a pretty good week. J.T. placed 2nd in Comp.Science at the Literary Rally Saturday/ Kirk came in 1st and J.T. came in 5th at the golf meet Monday/ and Kirk has a 4.0 GPA which qualifies him for our academic banquet....Did I MENTION I have great kids?

I've added a few more names to the jar. Don't forget you can keep earning tickets through the last day of March.

create.

Suzy

I love contests...

2009-03-20T06:43:00.004-05:00

That's one way to get people reading your blog LOL!!
okay...I'm going to try to give a point update.

Melissa S. 2
Tabitha 2
Lori H. 2
Jennifer Sones 1
Jennifer Bailey 5
Kristie 1
Kelly McCoy 1
Nicci 2
Tonya 2
Brandy 2
Angela M 1
Patti W. 1
Judy H. 2

These points are all IN ADDITION to the ones you had already earned. This is the number of times your name is going in to the jar today. Jennifer B. you have sent 4 friends my way so one more and you get the free facebook sign. Let me know your colors!!! And Judy, I show 2 for you (Erin & Tonya). Start picking your colors too.

I"ll have a picture of the cross painting that will look SIMILAR to our prize. The blog prize will be BIGGER...think sofa painting. (Unless you don't want one that big!)

have a good day. and...HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER F.

create.
suzy

Contest update..

2009-03-16T16:37:00.006-05:00

Here's some of the pics I promised. This is the painting Imade myself (it matches the colors in my artroom) of the Facebook friends. The jar shows the entries so far. There is a picture of one of the pillowcases I painted, and a picture of one of the notecards I did for a wedding. That's the date stenciled on the card.

For your amusement, I posted the pics out of order again, and sideways, but I did get the uploading figured out.

Here's the new tickets just added to the jar as of 4:30.

Jennifer B (3)

Judy H (3)

Melissa S. (2)

Erin M (1)

Mindy (1)

Carol W (2)

Create.

Suzy

March Madness CONTEST

2009-03-15T17:09:00.003-05:00

Time for another blog contest. Here's the rules/details:
1. You can EARN tickets to be placed in my cute bucket between now and the end of March. On the last day of March, I will draw a winner. The more tickets you earn - the more chances you have of winning. You will earn 1 ticket for each of the following things:
(1) leaving a COMMENT on my blog -that's one ticket for EVERY comment!
(2) becoming a "follower" of my blog
(3) referrals: that's one ticket for anyone who leaves a comment, or becomes a follower
and TELLS me you sent them
(4) placing an order with me. That's one ticket for each item ordered.

Beginning with the orders I currently am working on. So, that means Jennifer F. has 2 tickets already (pillowcase and sign) and Joyce T. has 1 ticket (pillowcase) and Beverlee K. has 5 tickets (pillowcases).

I will post a picture soon of the painting that will be your PRIZE. I'm in the process of painting one for myself right now. Basically think nice stretched canvas with a big cross or fleur de lis..textured, funky...with your last name and/ or a scripture. I will let the winner choose their colors, etc. so it will match their home.

Also, for my FACEBOOK friends, I have designed a sign that is too cute and am offering a FREE SIGN to any of my CURRENT "Facebook Friends" as of right now. All you have to do is get FIVE people to leave a comment on my blog and tell me you sent them. Make sure the comment is on my BLOG and they give me your name. The sign is hand painted on a canvas panel and reads " I HAVE ______ FRIENDS on facebook." Where the blank is, I have a mini CHALKBOARD for you to constantly change your # of friends. And if you just CAN'T get 5 people to look at my blog....I guess I'll sell the signs for $10 for a limited time.

You can click on COMMENTS below this post and leave a comment as an anonymous user if you do not have a free google account. SIGN YOUR NAME!

Pictures to come soon of the current things I"m working on. Again, I have a collection of pictures at www.artsonia.com. Enter zip 71038 (haynesville jr/sr high) and scroll down to where it says: "Mrs.Allen's project box". Sorry you have to go to all that trouble. I have strange computer issues.

And, please pray for me to feel better. Over the Christmas holidays my HANDS started hurting really bad. both hands equally....to the point that I went to the dr. Obviously I CANNOT have something wrong with my hands...that is NOT okay! Anyway, they found out that I have thyroid problems. Apparantly not an uncommon thing. For 2 months I have developed every symptom/side effect you can think of. They did an ultrasound 2 weeks ago in which they saw something that needed further review. DEEP BREATH. I received my appointment notification in the mail this weekend with the specialist. My appointment is in OCTOBER!!! YES, OCTOBER. Hello, people ...what IS this world coming to? to be continued....

In the meantime:
CREATE. It's medicene for the soul. Well, for me it is. I could use a little laughter too.
Suzy

Use what you have...to CREATE something better.

2009-02-21T20:07:00.004-06:00

As usual, there have been many things in my "project box" lately. I came across a contest that I decided to enter. It's for a magazine that I love "Cloth, Paper, Scissors". They are doing a calendar contest and the theme is: "Life is like a box of"........WHAT? I just had this idea to do a storage box on wheels filled w/ art supplies. You know I had to use the word "CREATE" in there somewhere and the more I think about the saying...the more I like it. Use what you have...to create something better. I am definitely thankful for the things I have, but I sometimes fail to recognize or USE those things. Can be anything from the power of prayer to a ROOM FULL of art supplies. Maybe I'll make a list. I've been thinking about starting/keeping a journal lately. It's not something I do, but I would like to. Good place to start. So what do YOU have? And, what can YOU create? Yep, it's a challenge.

We have a St.Jude fundraiser going on at school. Here's a picture of the painting I did for the basket that we are raffling. It's the HOPE painting, of course.

And, here's a picture of some hand-painted bookmarks.

And, of course NOW I see I didn't not post the pics in order. Sorry. Guess you can figure it out. Atleast i finally have pics, right?

Okay...It's TIME FOR ANOTHER CONTEST...More details later....

create.

Suzy

Go Dawgs.

2009-02-08T15:29:00.002-06:00

I actually figured out a way to get photos on my blog. If I upload photos to our artsonia site at school, then at home I can save them to my photos on this computer and have access to them. Life should not be that hard! Not for simple photos LOL. Maybe I just need a new computer. Hum.

So, this is the Tech Bulldog I did a couple of weeks ago. The first original was an order for someone and was done on a large stretched canvas. I could not get any copies made since it was so large, so I painted another one. If you are interested, I had a limited number of prints made and they are only $10.00 each. They would look the best in a 9x12 frame with a black or white mat.

I promised a photo of J.T. next, but I'll do that soon. Poor thing was terribly sick Thursday and Friday. His fever stayed over 103 for much longer than I liked. A shot did the trick. Kirk has fever today, but it has not spiked as high.

I've decided to have certain " projects" for the month that I work on. THIS WEEK I am making some outdoor yard signs. You know, the ones that say things like: "A Tornado Fan Lives Here". (or whatever team you are). I can pretty much customize colors and sayings... They are made of thicker wood and mounted on a metal t-post for durability. Much better than the "campaign-type" signs made of corrugated cardboard. If you would like one for your yard, please call/email me.

I am also working on pillowcases this week. If you have a special rush order for Valentines Day, let me know and I'll see if I have time.

Our Sunday School teacher was out this morning. I think she's on a well-deserved cruise with her sisters. Stephenie did a great job teaching...and that has NOTHING to do with the fact that I think anyone who teaches does good as long as it's NOT ME. LOL. seriously. she did a great job. I have a new blog reader...hey Paige. And, a friend offered an encouraging word this morning that really made my day and encouraged me to be a better teacher.

All for now. I need to go to the grocery store and we're watching a movie (Fireproof) at church tonight. until next time......

create.

suzy

TGIF

2009-01-23T18:30:00.002-06:00

This is Kirk at Prom last year. Isn't he cute? He shared something with me last night that he was thinking about doing and I couldn't be more proud of him. I'll have to share later.
Like I said before, I cannot upload photos right now, so I'm having to pull from older ones. That means no photos of any new artwork yet. So, you'll get to see my handsome kids. I'll post a good one of J.T. next. BTW, this is the first Friday night that BOTH of my kids have their driver's license. They're both at basketball games (different ones), and I"m home alone with no vehicle. I sense a pattern.

This week I have painted another small bulldog painting so I can copy it for notecards, 2 mailboxes that I'm almost finished with, and I"m working on a baby shower invitation. I have some canvas fabric that's calling my name, but I'm not sure what I'll be doing with it yet. Maybe tags or bookmarks. On Monday our local museum is having a gourd painting workshop, so I"ll be off Monday. Looking forward to that. In the meantime....

create.
Suzy

Thank you Jesus.

2009-01-21T21:57:00.003-06:00

Tonight I just have a grateful heart. I am so thankful for parents that raised me to love going to church and more importantly to love the Lord. We've had a revival at our church this week, and while there are many things I'm praying for..believing the Lord for, I just am humbled and thankful that my boys are saved and that they love the Lord and going to church too. I am so proud of them. I pray when they are old and gray they are still led by the spirit of God. I always say (usually in response to them being only 13 mos. apart LOL)...that the LORD knew what he was doing.

Snow in Louisiana...

2009-01-16T17:45:00.002-06:00

okay...NOT today. This was about a year ago. I just could not bring myself to do another post without pictures. Ugh. I CANNOT get my new pics on my computer at home. SO, I thought I'd post a pic of my cute kids.
Kirk is on the left (17)and J.T. is in the middle (16). Kirk's friend Hunter is on the right. They built a very CREATIVE snowman golfer. I thought he was so cute.
J.T. turns 16 on Tuesday (1-20). He will get his license. Can I just say that if your babies are that age where they will just jump up into your arms and give you a hug...just eat it up. Seems like yesterday. Thankfully they still give their mom good hugs.

It's been a good week creatively speaking. I've gotten alot done. All of the mantra illustrations are done, I did this AWESOME Tech Bulldog painting (if I say so myself..) and a cute painting for my nephew's birthday invitations. And then some.

We have a revival at church starting Sunday. Bro. Jack Daniels will be speaking. I'm looking forward to it, as I have not heard him speak since the last revival he did at our church which happened to be when BOTH of the boys were saved. We are singing my 2nd favorite song Sunday morning (the choir). It's by this guy, Travis Cottrell. Look him up. Buy his CD. I first heard him at the Beth Moore convention at Century Tel a couple of years ago.

Good thing I have something to do next week to take my mind off the fact that my friend will be in PARIS and ROME all week. She TRIED to talk me into it. It's week like this however that convince me I made the right decision. I do not want my first trip abroad to be with students. Especially if MY kids weren't going. (they could've, but for a price ). Large price for the 3 of us LOL. And, I couldn't miss J.T.'s birthday anyway.

It's been a long, rough week at school. I'm tired and ready for a much needed extra day off. And that's all I want to say about that.

Create.
Suzy

2009 Mantras

2009-01-11T16:48:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all who have been reading my blog and sharing their "word" with me. I have the first group of words illustrated and delivered. STILL trying to get pics uploaded to my computer to share with you. I'm NOT THAT bad at technical issues, but my computer is not reading my camera. It's seriously aggrivating when I KNOW the camera, USB cord, and everything is plugged in correctly...HELLO? It's all plugged in ....so IT SHOULD work!!!
Not. LOL

Hope you don't mind, but I decided to share your words. I know most of my readers are in our Sunday School class and probably have a secret pal. So, I thought you might be interested to know the WORD your secret pal has picked for the year. All of the words are very personal, moving, and thought provoking.

Me: Create
LindaK: patience
DonnaB: Blessed
JenniferF: Peace
AngelaM: Pray
AmandaM(York): Believe
Laurie: Commitment
Brandy: Faith
Paige: Restful
Penny: Gratitude

Create, Patience, Blessed, Peace, Pray, Believe, Commitment, Faith, Restful, Gratitude....

Words of Power.

Create.
Suzy

And the winner is....

2009-01-04T19:39:00.000-06:00

LINDA KNOX.

Yes, I had ***17 *** trees this year. Thanks for all who guessed.

moving along....Okay...for those of you this morning that I "slipped" the piece of paper to, or those I emailed, or just plain follow my blog (Jennifer), the idea is for you to pick a word to be your "mantra" this YEAR. You can pass my blog info to other people and the offer is good for anyone who lets me know what word they chose. Here are some examples:

Blessed, Gratitude, Purpose, Create, Hope, Pray, Believe, Power, Determination, Love, Faith, Nurture, Balance, Grace, Humble, Thankful, Silence, Peace, Praise, Happiness, Laugh, Smile....etc.

Tell me why you chose the word if you'd like. I was really leaning towards "gratitude" or "thankful" because that is the way I feel lately HOWEVER... MY WORD IS....

CREATE.
surprise, huh? LOL.
Here's MY definition of create: to take something that exists and form it in to something better. Create in me a clean heart, oh God. Create health, happiness, peace...and the list can go on. I"m going to actually look up the REAL Webster's definition. Get back to you on that one. I want to see how they define the word "mantra" too. Hope I'm using that term correctly.

Okay friends...put some thought in to it, and let me know your WORD. I will illustrate your word for you to have/use this year. Happy 2009.

Create.
Suzy

Contest Update...

2009-01-02T19:53:00.001-06:00

I've had a few guesses on the "tree" contest, but no winner yet. You can make one guess per day. IF you came to my house during the holidays...this does NOT include all of the little trees I had placed at each place setting. That would add another 14 to the number LOL. BUT it does include the "forest" of trees that were lit in my mudroom. I loved those this year. It DID remind me of a lighted forest. Ah, the little things.
Someone just informed me that you CAN leave a message on my blog without creating a google account (that is free). Click on the "comments" at the bottom of the post and post as an anonymous user. If you're making a guess for the contest though, make sure to include your name in the comments LOL.
ALSO...BREAKING NEWS.... a friend of mine has started a new blog. Most of you know Becky. It's so funny how friendships develop and we are just kindred spirits. We have tons of things in common...like I could say any word such as "homecoming, jadip, etc." and she immediately knows what I'm talking about. She taught where I'm teaching for years before me and just KNOWS. Funny thing is we laugh all the time at our differences. For example, our waiter arrives to take our drink orders and we both laugh as she orders unsweet tea with extra lemon and I order SWEET tea no lemon. I"m a steak and potatoes kind of girl and she is a eggplant, mushroom, spinach, cabbage salad kind of girl. CHECK out her blog at : www.spectacularsplatter.blogspot.com
Be the first to leave her a comment and I'll talk her into giving you a prize!!!! Or, I'll make you one. Or, you'll get lucky and we both will.

I have another CHALLENGE to all of my readers/friends. I follow several blogs that are talking about this (www.aliedwards.typepad.com) and I think it's a good idea.

*** CHOOSE A WORD to be your "mantra" this year. ***
try to stick to one word. could be a phrase I guess. Immediately I think of HOPE or CREATE. I use those all the time. But, I think I'll give more thought to my word this year. Let me know what your word is and I will make you an original watercolor print of your word.

And see...just as I go to "sign out" , I use the word...
CREATE.
maybe that SHOULD be my word. LOL
Suzy

Surprise !!!

2009-01-01T16:35:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year. As a SURPRISE I decided to blog today. I"m sure it's a surprise since it has been since 11-11-08 that I blogged.

Where to begin...
the holidays are over and while I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Christmas season and all of the decorations and stuff...It's so nice to have an empty clean house again. Another one of the "joys of teaching" things. I like the week after Christmas when I can take about a room per day...take down the Christmas decorations and clean that room.
Our Christmas was wonderful this year. Everyone happy, healthy. ALL of my family was home this year. All 29 of us!! AND we had Christmas at our house this year. It was really nice and I enjoyed it. My grandmother (daddy's mom) was here as were Frank, Kim and the girls. They are so precious....but in that super wild age 2 stage. They are so full of life and energy, and did I mention just precious? We took "informal" family pics. I'll upload some soon. NO REALLY...I will. It's on my list. LOL
Back to Christmas decorations...I think I'll start the new
year off with a CONTEST.

*** HOW MANY CHRISTMAS TREES WERE IN MY HOUSE THIS YEAR? ***

This would include big ones, little ones, and all sizes in between. Some just had lights, some have a theme, some are special and some I just like. Now, most of you did not come to my house this season, but in the past I've had 13. THAT IS NOT the number this year...but don't guess some small little number like 2. I LOVE Christmas and especially trees with lights. NOT pre-lit. I do not have luck with lights... I like the small little cheap WHITE lights that never get too hot. Only white lights here. Not a fan of colored lights. Oh, J.T. does have one in his room with blue lights. His choice. SO, the contest starts now. You may call, tell me in person, email me, or leave a comment on my blog. IF you leave a comment, your prize will be better!! The prize for this one will be a hand painted slate tile with a fleur de lis in the background with your name or address.

On to my art news. As always, I have so many ideas and I don't know where to start. I was hoping to have that plan in place and IN WRITING by today. But there's so many things that I like to do and want to do that I have a hard time deciding. Business wise there's: Art Camp, a booth at Canton, post things for sell on Etsy, adult workshops, art kits, after school art, and just start some kind of ORGANIZED small business. I mean there is interest and I do enjoy doing the random things that I do... but I would like to be more organized.
Then...there's little things like my NAME. I've used "THE ART FACTORY"..where we build creativity for years now and I love that. Especially for the art that I do with kids. When I personally paint something I usually sign it Suzy Allen Designs. It really has not been a big deal until I start thinking about a website. I think I will press on as is for now regarding the name.
My other "issue" is deciding WHAT to do. I bought a plaque for my friend that read: "ALL we have to do is decide WHAT to do with the time that is given us". I love that phrase, but it's easier said than done. Just this month I've painted so many different subjects on so many different objects that I could never do a booth at Canton with such a random variety. So, I welcome YOUR ideas.
Thanks to all who have encouraged me this season and who have ordered these random items (pillowcases, parking signs, mailboxes, etc.) I feel as I have felt most of my life...I believe the Lord sends things my way even when I don't know what I want or need. Rather it's opportunities, jobs, KIDS, or just pillowcases to paint...HE always knows what I need. I hope you've been blessed this season and take the time to give thanks.
I promise to make more blog entries AND include photos soon.
Good luck on the contest. First one with the correct answer wins. I managed to get the blog prizes from JULY delivered in December LOL...oh yea, except for Jennifer K and Kelley. Good things come to those who wait, right?

CREATE in 2009.
Suzy

CRE8

2008-11-11T18:25:00.000-06:00

My how time flies....seems like a few months instead of weeks since I posted. I did not make it to any of my art ed convention. Instead, I spent quality time with 3 beautiful girls.

Isabelle, Alyssa, and Makenna just turned 2 in early oct. When my sister-in-law said they knew their alphabet I'm thinking...how cute... they probably know part of the song. Oh NO, these girls are SUPER SMART. Saturday when they woke up from their nap I was playing with them in the room and there is a table with the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors on it. I am not kidding when I tell you they went straight to the table and started recognizing and IDENTIFYING correctly EVERY letter, number and shapes. I was shocked. I have no idea how Kim and her mom do it everyday. I was aching all over the next day, but enjoying every single minute of chasing them around, feeding, bathing and playing with them and especially the hugs n kisses. Sweet babies.

I actually got most of the things done on my to-do list. I completely went a new direction on the blog prizes and they are cute. I'll be getting them delivered soon. The blog contest I had in July will now be a Christmas theme prize. Funny thing is, some of the ones I owe a prize to will be like "Blog prize? what blog prize? What IS a blog?" LOL. (Not you Jennifer F.)

I've been working on my Christmas projects. I hope to get my strange computer issues worked out soon so I can actually upload photos. From experience I know blogs are much more interesting with pictures.

Kirk and J.T. are doing well. Both are hunting...literally this afternoon. Kirk is still doing well in football. Again, luckily we've had some good old-fashioned Tornado football where the score is "on up there" and he's been able to play. J.T.is more excited about hunting this year than ever before.

I already have 3 Christmas trees up, how about you? I'm working on decorating this week. I like to do a little at a time. Actually, I'd rather do it at once, but I usually end up doing it a little at a time.

Check back soon for PHOTOS of some of the projects I'm working on. I've also created an "etsy" shop and will upload items to that soon hopefully. WHAT is etsy, you ask? Well,check it out. www.etsy.com It's a site where people sell all kinds of cool, strange, great home made stuff.

CRE8.
get it? CREATE. (one of my new art projects at school is for the kids to create their own license plates. I did one as an example and I love it. It may show up in my car...although J.T. says he would not ride with me if I do. LOL.) You can see it on our artsonia site. www.artsonia.com enter zip 71038.

Suzy

Touchdown and Choir...

2008-10-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

Well, my boys never cease to amaze me. It's been quite a week since I posted. No, I DID NOT get the 3 things done on my list. I DID "finish" the blog prizes, but I don't like them...so I"ll have to alter them a bit. I DID get 2 things painted for the frolics. They are cute. Mostly "piddly" things. Not sure if "piddly" is a word...but you know what I mean, right?

So, you ask...what does Touchdown and Choir MEAN for a post? Well, not sure if I even mentioned it, but Kirk decided to PLAY football. OKAY. Makes the game a little more stressful, but hey...I LIKE the idea that he's playing. Well, he obviously missed all of the "HARD" work all of the other team has had for months now...but he was practicing kicking. Luckily we've had a couple of weeks of good old-fashioned Tornado football...you know like when I WAS in school and the score was always highly in our favor. We didn't really MEAN to run up the score, it just happened. Especially when the band played "Sweet Caroline". Okay, I'm digressing here. ANYWAY, Kirk MADE 2 kicks in the first game that he got to play in...yea Kirk..put 2 points on the board. Well, last week the score was way on up there and Kirk went in as Wide Receiver. HUH? OKAY...forewarning: this is ALL from a mom's perspective here: SO, my nephew was in as QB and Kirk is in the end zone...Justin throws a pass and Kirk CATCHES IT FOR A TOUCHDOWN!!! Talk about exciting. I mean it WAS just 6 points out of the 52 we racked up...but STILL. That video will be shown every Christmas LOL.
And since my good, sweet boys are surprising me lately...J.T. tells me that he's joining the choir. I've mentioned it a couple of times when he and I are in the car singing like CRAZY to KLOVE. I thought he was blowing me off, but ON HIS OWN decided to talk to our choir director and he went to his first practice last night. DID I MENTION I'm so proud of my kids? They are the best. Not because of what they do...but because of who they are.

OKAY...on to creative stuff. Well, do you ever just have so much to do you don't know where to start? I'm narrowing it down: (1) do baby paintings that I have an order for (2) more frolics painting (3) FINISH "piddly" things I've started. If I'm lucky I'll also do the blog prizes, paint yard signs and some fun thing I"m working on.

I also just found out that my sister-in-law, Kim is coming home with the girls (my beautiful triplet nieces). Isabelle, Alyssa, and Makenna. They will be here Thursday afternoon through Monday.

AND...I have/had this creative weekend planned...but things change. Some things are more important (like babysitting my nieces and watching Kirk play football). There is a Louisiana Art Ed Assoc. convention at Tech this weekend. I was looking forward to it. THAT's ANOTHER story that I'll save for another day. I do think I will make it to the Saturday stuff. But I'll miss something Friday night AND dinner at Squire Creek Saturday. I"m pretty sure I"m taking this workshop Saturday that is probably sure to fill my creative brain with more ideas. Tell ya more next week. Hey...MAYBE I'll have photos. Wouldn't that surprise you?
till then....

Create.
Suzy

A Day in the Life...

2008-10-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

What does a day in MY life look like....
well, that may be why I haven't posted in a month LOL. I like boring though. It's nice sometimes, especially right before a fun and busy holiday season. Gives me time to think. Time to think of MORE ideas that I wonder if I'll EVER get done.

Well today looks like this: Couldn't find my school tshirt this morning...hello? HOW many places are there for it to hide? It'll turn up. School was good. My 5th and 6th graders started doing papier mache today. That is SO much fun. Really. It's theraputic. (sp?). Then I came home and cooked sour cream chicken enchiladas for the first time ever. another HELLO? WHY have I never cooked this? It's even J.T.'s favorite and super good and easy to cook. Then, I ran over to the football field to outline the Tornado so I did not have to re-paint it from scratch. We have not had a home game in a while, so it's faded alot. Will probably watch Dancing With the Stars and Color Splash (on HGTV) tonight right before a nice long hot bubble bath to wrap up the day. Nice. Thank goodness some kind soul at ABC created the Dancing with the Stars show right as I started teaching Fine Arts Survey. LOL. THAT IS our dancing unit. Not really, but ALMOST.

Okay, now that I've bored my blog reader...(notice the "reader" not "readers")(Hey Jenn...) I'll post about something creative.

Last week I made the cutest halloween name tags for my nephew's halloween party. I've had these canvas fabric squares sitting by my desk for a few weeks trying to decide what I wanted to do with them. Well, I hand painted little pumpkins and the kids name on them. My sister-in-law is attaching them to pumpkin cups with a ribbon. Since I was using FABRIC and I needed a way for her to attach ribbon....I LEARNED how to use my awsome new little tool that set eyelets and grommets in fabric. So cool.
Also last week, I finished the 3 paintings that I was doing for my secret pal at church. I did a cross, floral, and snowman family painting. We wrapped up a year having the same secret pal, and I just feel blessed to have drawn Donna B's name. She is a very kind and beautiful person. Our former secretary at the church (Ashleigh) had my name. Before she left, she revealed and gave me the NICEST platter personalized with our name (and other goodies). Have I mentioned we have the BEST sunday school class? It begins with our teacher who we honored this weekend, but I just have some good genuine friends. Each one of them different in their own way, but we make a good team. I enjoy the fellowship so much. 7 of us went to a Bed and Breakfast in Arcadia (The Dove House) Saturday for lunch. It was such a nice day.

Okay..this week...I"m holding myself accountable (or Jennifer... you can hold me accountable since you're reading. LOL) Here's what I'm doing as part of a new "Creativity Challenge". (#1) I AM finishing my blog prizes for Jenn F., Jenn.K., Kelli, Angela and Bethany...hopefully you'll think it's worth the wait since I did have the contest back during the summer. (#2) Paint atleast one thing I'm working on for our Tornado Frolics auction (I can't say what that is exactly) (#3) finishing my bedspring angels for Christmas.
You may have noticed the new "logo" on my blog that says" Creativity Challenge". Check out that website. www.donnadowney.com. She is one of my creative people. Everything she does is super cool and cute. Love her work.

I'm thinking of doing a mini Christmas workshop for The Art Factory kids. I'm thinking a 2 day thing (afternoons 3:30 - 5:30). Any project requests? I'm sure we'll paint something that you could use for family Christmas cards...but I'm stuck on the other "big" thing. What would you LIKE for your kids to make? A big giant snowman for your front door? Ornaments for their own tree in their room? Stockings to hang at the foot of their bed (there's a history lesson with that). A hand-painted Christmas photo album..notice I said photo album, NOT a scrapbook you would have to make! Let me know.
For all of you who cannot or do not know how to leave a message...email me at: toddsuzy@bellsouth.net

okay...I HAVE to post atleast within a week and be finished with my three things on my list. I'll let you know. So much for boring.

Create.
Suzy

Christmas Projects

2008-09-17T18:49:00.000-05:00

Whew. What a few months it's been. I can't believe I've not updated since July. Alot has been going on. School has started and this is going to be my "goodyear". My classes/class size is just right this year, so I'm excited about that. Lots of cute projects have already been created. Check out artsonia.com

I have been making a few things myself. Mainly LISTS of things I want to paint. LOL
Here's my list I made today while I was at the spa (a.k.a. in my art room while my new housekeeper was cleaning my house). Talk about therapy. Don't know why I haven't done this a long time ago. I feel like it's my birthday.

Christmas Ideas (of things to make)
1. Bedspring angels
2. Handpainted postcards
3. mini Christmas paintings
4. Christmas journals
5. wooden reindeer families
6. lollipops
7. canvas door panels
8. wooden boxes
9. canvas ornaments
10. screen/wire snowmen
11. snowman family paintings

I think I need to just set a goal to make a certain# of each thing, but it feels good to get a plan in writing. I"ll post more pictures soon.
Gotta go to choir practice.
Check out my "Scrapbooking Superhero's" site (that's what I call this girl LOL)
www.donnadowney.com

OH...I HAVE NOT forgotten about the blog prizes. They ARE still in the works.
Create.
Suzy

Christmas in July

2008-07-24T22:23:00.000-05:00

Here's a photo of the "bedspring" angel. I have to come up with a better name. Any ideas? I just finished a red one tonight.

Think I've figured the photo thing out. I'll try to post more pics.

Create.

Suzy

First day of Summer

2008-07-22T17:44:00.000-05:00

Okay...for some reason, it feels like it's the first day of the start of my summer. Not too sure if that's good or not, but I like the feeling. We just wrapped up Art Camp 2008 last Friday with an awesome art show at the library. The boys arrived safely at Glorieta, NM on Monday. They are on a youth trip this week and I'm so excited for them to be able to go. I always wanted to go to Glorieta. Why you ask am I not there too?....well, I'm asking myself that. I think I'll go ahead and sign up for next year. They are going to Ridgecrest. Todd is working and that leaves me here at home alone.

It's been so long since I've just been home alone...relaxing with nothing pressing to do. Not that my house is clean or anything, but just nothing that HAS to be done. So, yesterday Tabitha came over and we scrapbooked. Haven't actually SB in forever. I finished 2 little books. I had already started them, but I was able to finish the pages that I needed to. I have this one CUTE book for my nieces (BTW, if you DIDN'T know...my brother and his wife have TRIPLETS...girls: Isabelle, Alyssa, and Makenna.). Anyway, Kim always KINDLY sends great 5x7 pics of them and I've put them in a cute scrapbook. One per page. very simple and cute. I painted the front cover of the SB today and I really like it. AGAIN ONE DAY when I figure out a fast way to add pics to my blog, I"ll show you.

Okay I used the word cute too many times in that paragraph. LOL. My students always make fun of the things I say, but it's usually the overuse of the word "fancy". I started this thing with them where when they came in to class, somedays I would make "announcements" and some days I would have "CUTE announcements". Use your imagination LOL.

Thanks to all of you checking my blog and who have mentioned it to me. I'm working on "prizes" this week for Paige, Jenn.K., Jenn. F., Bethany, Angela, and Kelley. You're the 6 winners.

I'm also working on my 2 "projects" from Canton (My "bedspring" angels and the scrolls that I'm using to paint the 10 commandments.) We'll see how that goes.

Artcamp parents: email me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net if you would like the code/security key for artsonia so that you can leave/check messages for your kids. You can join their fan clubs and leave comments for them for free. I have posted ALOT on there today. Check it out!!!

I'm thinking about the adult classes. Call or email me if you're interested. Some ideas are: Make-N-Take classes for: scripture plaques, canvas letters, mini scrapbooking projects. There's also talk of some wanting to do a Scrapbooking Retreat.

I"ll leave you with this random bit of info for the evening...I just counted 26 birds at our feeder.

Create.
Suzy

www.artsonia.com

2008-07-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

Okay...art camp is in full progress and I've posted pics from session 1 on artsonia. Check it out. Enter zip 71038 when you get there and click on Art Factory. Parents: I have your "security keys" if you would like them so that you can check your child's messages. For those who are not familiar with artsonia: it is a secure online art gallery for kids. I have my school students on there too. Anyone can log on and look at our gallery and specifically your childs gallery. They will never post photos of your child (that's why there's no photos of THEM on there) and PARENTS have to APPROVE comments left for their child. You can order things with your child's artwork on them, and just share the site with friends and family far away.

As ALWAYS...I'm amazed at what they are creating. It is so cool to see them put their ideas on canvas. I love giving a child the freedom to create something. Anything. I look at all of these painting in my house tonight and I realize why I keep doing this every summer. I love spending time with your kids and I thank you for encouraging their creative spirit. My husband came in tonight and was looking at the kid's stuff and said that he thinks these are the best projects I've ever done with them .....(um....thanks???) I took it as a compliment that he even noticed. LOL

I took a road trip last weekend to Canton. Mom and Ginger talked me into it, and I'm glad they did. I had 5 PAGES of ideas after the first day. Seriously. I did. I found some TREASURES. Some of you have seen my prayer bench. $45. I'm refinishing it. It's a real old prayer bench/alter. Can you imagine how many prayers have been said there? I like having a designated place to pray.

I also found these old wooden spools. They were in the "junk" section. Hello, people? Do you not KNOW these are TREASURES? Mom and Ginger thought I was crazy. Then, they said they wanted one of whatever I made out of them LOL. I had an idea to paint the 10 commandments on a long strip of canvas, attach to the scrolls and roll up like an old-fashioned scroll and tie with a ribbon. Sounds cute, huh? It's on my list. If you're a scrapbooker, or just like cute things...check out this scrapbook superstar's website. www.donnadowney.com Read her blog and look at her "shop" section. She's actually the one that inspired me on the wooden spool thing. I probably would not have noticed them had it not been for a project in one of her books.

I"m still trying to figure out how to get pics on my blog. I don't think it's that difficult, but I need to spend some time learning how. I wish you could see the 15 HUGE black canvases in my house tonight. Tomorrow there will be 15 HUGE colorful, creative paintings. I can't wait.

Create.

Suzy

#1 Fan

2008-06-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Paige (aka my #1 Fan)...for actually CALLING and telling me that you have to create an "account" and log on to leave a message on my blog. Guess it's been so long since I created it that I forgot. SO, I understand why no one has left a comment. LOL.

Paige...you get the grand prize. Thanks for being such a good friend and always encouraging me. The next prize will go to the first person who tells me they're my #2 fan. You can tell me in person, leave a message or send an email.

Art camp is filling up fast. Feel free to share the information with friends, but as you know, I usually do not advertise. I cannot wait to see how the PAINTJAM turns out.

We have VBS at our church this week. We're doing an island theme, which is fun.

J.T.'s driving (as we "speak") as part of his Driver's Ed class. He's almost finished and I must say he is driving very well.

He had a great annual check up last week at St.Jude. The doc said the X-Ray/MRI could not look better. That's always a relief and the words we're waiting to hear. J.T. has such a compassion for the kids at St.Jude. He knows how blessed we are that he did not have cancer and he is very humble about the things he goes through (not playing sports, getting IV's, MRI's etc). He never complains. And... thank you for your prayers. Not only did we get a good report, but they got the IV in on the first try. WHEW. what a relief since he promised he was "leaving?" if they didn't. LOL. We had two very nice men who have been at St.Jude for 20 something years each. I could tell they knew what they were doing.

I could go on and on about St.Jude. Many times I'm reluctant to share our story with too many people because JT didn't have cancer and when people donate...it's with the assumption that everyone there has cancer. I have to say we've never met anyone who didn't have cancer and it's a very humbling experience that I know has happened for a reason. I have to tell you about 2 really neat changes they've made in the last year. First, there is a new huge building called the Chili's Care Center. The first 2 floors are for patients. It's where they do the MRI's, etc. It's like walking in to a child's art gallery. There is patient art everywhere. AND there is a new cafe. Now, this is not like any other place I've ever seen. This is called the Kay Kafe, named after Kay Jewelers...the sponsor. You walk in and there is sushi, chinese, homemade pizza baked in a brick oven, a grill, pastry, dessert bar, BBQ, mexican and an ice cream shop. It is UNBELIEVEABLE. I assure you that every PENNY you've ever donated to St.Jude is being WELL USED. Children are so happy to be there because of the things they can do with donations. And as for the parents....it eases the shock. It's so important to see their kids happy at a time like that. They never have to pay a penny EVER. EVER. no matter what. WHAT you see on TV is true. They reimburse parents for gas, travel expenses, meals and provide lodging. There are local groups who almost daily are throwing "parties" at the Grizzly House providing supper and crafts or something. Again, I could go on and on.....but it was on my heart to thank everyone who has ever donated. I can tell you from experience that you are part of something great.

Well, as I was typing....Fan#2 called. Jennifer K. You win the prize. Don't worry...I'll do more. So now....just mention you're Fan#3.

Since about a MONTH has already gone by this summer....I decided to make Tu, and Th my "painting" days. M,W,F are my cleaning days...but on Tu,Th...I'm free to paint. ALL DAY. I LOVE the summer.

Gotta go pick up JT from Drivers Ed. Watch out for him on the roads!! Actually....watch out for Kirk. He's always in a hurry to get to Alayna's LOL.

Create.

Suzy

Art Camp 2008 ROCKS!!!!

2008-06-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the registration info. for my summer art camp. They will start going out today. I hope you are curious and start checking out my blog. There's nothing like MAKING someone leave a comment by offering prizes !!! LOL

Clearly, I am no blog expert, but it is fun.

OKAY..this year's inspiration for art camp comes directly from NEW ORLEANS. Becky and I were lucky enough to attend our first NAEA (National Art Ed Assoc) National Convention. Talk about idea overload!! Imagine thousands of art teachers in one place with literally thousands of workshops to choose from. So cool. As a side note: I WON a Cricut. Maybe some of you scrapbookers KNOW what a Cricut is. ANYWAY....there was a guy there named Dan Dunn. He did the most AMAZING art performance I've EVER seen. His daughter put a video of his performance on YouTube and he is BOOKED forever and rich now. This was only about a year ago. Check out his website at www.paintjam.com and/or his performance on YouTube. Search PaintJam and you will find him.
So as I'm watching this guy...I"m thinking of HOW we can do a paintjam for art camp. I've decided to do a mini-version of what he does. They will be doing a LARGE painting on canvas TO MUSIC while I video it. Now, since I"m NOT technilogically advanced, if any of you have any great ideas on HOW I should video them, let me know. Maybe you have a flip camera or something. Right now, I'm planning on using my video camera which uses a VHS-C cartridge. I will give you a cartridge with your child's performance on it, and you will have to have it put on a disc. I know this can be done at WalMart. If you have more than one child attending, I will try to put them on the same cartridge to save you money. I"M REALLY HOPING that ONE of you parents are laughing at the moment and know of a MUCH EASIER way of doing this .....
email me at: toddsuzy@bellsouth.net

We are also doing painted ROCKS this year based upon a kids book titled: "Only One You". It is an EXCELLENT book that I highly recommend. That's kindof how I came up with this year's theme of Art Camp 2008 ROCKS. We're painting rocks AND doing the PaintJam thing to music. Along with that, I will be teaching them some drawing techniques and they will start a sketchbook that will be their's to keep.

Not TOO SURE about WeePaint this year. We'll be doing SOME kind of painting on canvas. I initially planned to do the "Only One You" book and rocks with them, but I think they would be done in about 5 minutes and you wouldn't be able to tell that their rock is a fish. SO....I'm still thinking about this. Any ideas?

Leave a comment....and don't forget to:

Create...it's a verb. Just do it.

Suzy

Where does time go?

2008-06-05T22:45:00.000-05:00

Gosh...1-1/2 months since my first post. Good thing no one has been actually READING this blog and expecting an update.

Here goes....
School: Done. We left THE DAY school was out (May 15th) for my favorite spot in the world. We have been staying at the Breakers in Fort Walton Beach since I was a little girl. It ended up just being the 4 of us going. The guys played golf alot and we had fun. I stayed on the beach about 5-6 hrs per day. 3 words. BLUE BEACH CHAIR. For 8 days. It was wonderful. I really feel like that is my other "spot" in the world. I have alot to share about the trip, but that could be another post in itself. The only thing I will add that was "out of the ordinary" IS.... I let my 16 year old son (kirk) do something that I ALWAYS tell him he could only do when he's 21 and I"m not there!!! I call it the rubber band thingy. You know...that crazy "ride" that pulls you up in the air and releases you. We ran in to Kirk's coach and his family and he talked Kirk into trying it with him. It didn't take much though. I was steadily telling Kirk that he DID NOT have my permission. Of course that was while I was FILMING the whole thing.

So, we're back home. J.T. is almost finished with Drivers Ed. He actually scares me alot less than Kirk does. If you know them, you would know that is kindof strange. Kirk drives like me (fast and confident) and J.T. drives like Todd. Slow. Thank goodness.

I'm almost finished planning my Summer Art Camp. I have the dates set and I am almost positive what projects we are doing. I hope to have registration forms starting this Sunday. The theme this year is: "Art Camp 08 ROCKS!!" One of the main projects we are doing is called Paintjam and is inspired by this performance I saw at an Art convention in New Orleans. Go to youtube and type in paintjam to check this guy out. One of the COOLEST things I've ever seen. I knew right away this was ART CAMP material!

My sister-in-law is getting married this weekend, so we have wedding plans Friday and Saturday. I"m excited. Fill you in on details later, BUT I hear it involves CUPCAKES.
(As a random side note...my friend and I are one day moving to the beach and opening a cupcake shop). It's a joke of course. But, one can dream. I have more cupcake stories, but again, I will save those details for later too.

I will be adding photos of some of my artwork soon. I've been doing notecards, baby paintings, canvas letters, and I have a new cross design. I'm going to post some work on ETSY and send in design submissions to a publisher this summer. I"ll try to keep my "rambling" to a minimum since I want this site to be about my artwork.

SO...LOOK FOR: photos of my work, information on my ART FACTORY: ART CAMP 2008, and links to my favorite sites. I"m also thinking about doing a series of classes for adults. I've had a request to teach (1) the canvas letters and (2) scripture plaques. What do you think?

okay people...start posting messages for me and let me know that you're READING my blog now. I DO LOVE to give prizes....but you have to leave me a message to win!!

Create...it's a verb. Just do it.

Suzy

ahh..the feeling of summer.

2008-04-22T19:22:00.000-05:00

For some reason it hit me today. I have TONS to do in the next 2-3 weeks before school is out. But, along with that comes the wonderful feeling of having the whole summer off. The joys of teaching.
I have alot to post, but will save for later. Let me just say I think it includes sand, water, and a blue beach chair.