Thankful...

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...

More pics...

Inspired...

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.

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...

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....

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