Surprise !!!

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