It's time....

to announce my contest!!!!

Okay - so the anticipation has built, so this is sure to disappoint.  The contest is simply this:

Submit ideas for a new theme - the submissions will end on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 8 am est.  

Submit as many as you want - the winner will receive the winning theme in a 5 x 5 canvas with their child, niece, nephew, whomevers (is that a word?) - initial.  I will say that I am looking for both boy and girl, and if I get enough interesting ideas I may even do two winning entries.  So now is the time, if you have wanted to see what I do, but not sure if it's worth the money, to check me out.  I will even take photographs of bedding, toys, anything that you think would be cool in a painting.  Of course being the negotiating type of gal, if you have the winning theme, but don't just want to do a 5 x 5, we can create a "store credit" towards a bigger painting or multiple tiles. So is all this clear as mud?  Please don't hesitate to ask questions, you can reach me at ann@pennypickles.net.  

So submit your ideas as a post comment or an email directly to me.  I will say the only theme I will NOT do is clowns*, sorry, I can't, I don't like them, they freak me out and I think they are scary painted people, so if you have your heart set on clowns you will need to find another painter to fulfill that dream.  I do have principles.....

*(sorry to all the professional clowns out there,  I am sure you are all very nice people, I just don't dig clowns)

No clowns! Not even in vegetable form!

Thanks!

My first....

I am so excited and proud to present to you my first Penny Pickles, non-child art painting!!! This has been such a wonderful, nerve wracking, moving experience - I am thrilled to share it with you!

Let me give you a bit of background.  Jennie and Benji (sorry you'll always been Benji for me) Walters are a wonderful couple that I went to high school with.  Jennie was on the committee with me to plan and prepare our 10 year reunion.  We hadn't really kept in touch, but through friends of friends, knew the goings on of our lives.  Well three years ago Jennie was pregnant with her second child.  During her pregnancy they found out that their baby had a 13q chromosome deletion.  That finding could represent a range of health issues for their child. Through their love and faith they brought baby Noah into this world.  Noah is an adorable little boy and has quite a number of battles under his belt. A few months into life, Noah was diagnosed with cancer.  He started chemo, before most babies start solid foods.  As you can imagine there have been ups and downs. He lived in Boston with Mom, Dad and big brother Adam for a time for proton therapy to shrink his tumors.  Fast forward to now, Noah has been in remission and is growing by leaps and bounds.  His developments are in fast forward and he is such a ray of sunshine to his family and those around him.  I rival you to hear this story and see this little guy and not be TOUCHED!!!!  As my mom was battling cancer herself, she would say, it isn't fair - this little boy having to go through all these things - it is amazing what a dose of perspective can do to a persons soul. 

 

Adorable Noah!

Jennie contacted me to do a painting that would embody the family theme that they have adopted throughout this process: "Keep Faith."  I was touched and terrified in one moment! How can I paint a picture that displays something so HUGE?  I created an "interpretation"  that I sent to the Walters with their painting - mostly because I wanted them to see what I saw, I have included it below. 

Keep Faith           

When asked to do a painting that would embody the theme “Keep Faith”, my first reaction was one of a literal sense, praying hands, prayer, religious symbols and the like.  I awoke the next morning and went for a run before the sun rose, and while on my run I was so struck by my surrounding environment, the sun rising, the colors of the sky, the water on the reservoir near our home and the reflections on that water.  As I drew this imagery in, I realized that this scene that I was looking at could also represent the idea of keeping faith. 

Noah and your family have endured some choppy, scary, uncharted waters.  Starting with the information on his chromosome deletion, through his birth, diagnosis, tests and treatments. The water in this painting represents those times, the choppy darkness with the skips of light and reflection.  This water is difficult to navigate, and one could easily lose their way and succumb to those waters.   Through faith you did not lose your way and with faith there is hope and with hope there is light.  That light is representative of the sun.  God is light, God is hope, God is the energy that fills us with faith and keeps us going.  I also see the sun representing Noah as well.   Bright and shining, rising above the challenges he has and continues to face.  He rises above into the sky, spreading light, hope, cheer and most of all life.  Spreading this light into the sky, illuminating the dark waters and the dark sky into a beautiful new day.  Every time the sun rises we are all blessed with another day and another opportunity to “Keep Faith.”

So after my previous post I am grateful and humble for having been patient.  Jennie wrote a quick note to me today, their computer has been down and she has been limited to her online time.  Can I tell you how much this made my day!!!!  She said, "I love it, love it, love it!!! "  It is short and sweet, but such music to my ears.  I am so honored to have been able to create something so special for this family, I am moved beyond words.  Thank you for letting me create this painting and be a small part of your experience.

"Keep Faith"

Sunrise

If you want to find out more about Noah, check out his caringbridge site.  On another note, I am going to push my contest to begin in a couple of days, so check back and until then...

Thanks! 

Patience... the final frontier

Okay, the title is a bit over the top, but there are days when having patience is as unattainable for me as discovering new galaxies.  Where to begin...

Well Ryan is done with his interviews, they all went really well. He's had an offer, and the rest have said, "you're great, we'd love to have you, but we aren't slated for extra work or a need until after 2009", humphf!  However, there is one, Ryan had two interviews, they went great, he is suppose to go back in next week to finalize the details of an offer- but alas that hasn't been scheduled - so we aren't sure when that will be.  It is a "soft" offer, if you will. Which is fantastic, and out of all the companies he interviewed with, this one by far was his favorite, the one he felt most comfortable with, the one he feels he could "fit" right into.  Which is awesome.  It is a challenge, however, to still not know the details.  

With that, I always have a hard time with patience when I work.  When I finish something, I want to package it up and mail it out NOW. But there are things that need to be done first, sealing, photographing, packaging, waiting for UPS or USPS to process and deliver, and then waiting for feedback.  You see I am a psycho when it comes to tracking.  I check daily to see where my packages are-when I see something is delivered I freak.  "Why haven't they emailed?" "Do they not like it?" "Did it get delivered to the wrong house?" "Is it raining there?" "Do they have a porch?" "Did it arrive in one piece?"  Seriously, this is where I am nuts. I don't worry this much while I am painting or even as I am developing a piece, just when it ships and the client receives it.  My most recent client's computer is down. So for both of us until that is up and running (not to mention her having the time to sit down and write- with her busy schedule and two very busy little boys)- I wait to hear what they think.  

Finally, my kids.  Well who hasn't had their patience tested with their kids.  Okay if you haven't bless your soul, but mine happens on a daily basis.  One would think that I would be pretty good at it by now - nope, not so much.  Just when I get a handle on it or make a conscious decision to relax and stay calm one of them runs in with a humdinger.  Ah, the joys of being a parent. I can see my dad just chuckling now- he enjoys this spectator perspective, I know my mom did as well.  I now believe the saying "grandchildren are the prize for letting your children live."  

Exhibit "A"

On a happier note tomorrow will mark the beginning of my contest!!!! Check back for the details (there aren't many, but I've got to build up interest somehow - and seeing as I am terrified of clowns over exaggerated announcements will have to do!)

Random thoughts for the day...

Today is a collage of thoughts.  

Ryan had his follow up meeting/interview with a company in Zionsville.  He said it went very well - he is suppose to go in on Monday and they will firm up an offer.  Cross your fingers, pray, send good energy - whatever it is that you all do, do it please on our behalf, it would be nice to start the week with a job.  He is at an another interview this morning, he isn't back yet, so we shall see...

I am almost done with my most recent order for a nursery, its cool because I am hand lettering the babies name and birthdate.  The bedding that they have and what I modeled the painting after is so cute - I am moving right along and if I play my cards right I will finish this evening.  It is amazing to me how some pieces go so quickly and others not so much.  I need to do a quickie surprise gift, so hopefully this weekend I can whip that little fella up.  I am waiting on some feedback from two other pieces or else I would have some pictures for you.  But alas, I do not.  But I did find this little one - if you have a mac, you gotta love photobooth!

Me with two out of my three chickens!

Oh, the contest, okay so I am going to open up the contest on Monday!!!! I have my idea and I will explain what I need from you, then on Monday look for the posting, okay unless something bigger happens, then we'll start Tuesday, but for now its Monday!  I am excited for my first contest, now ask me next week when I have two entries into my contest, how excited I am.  So check back, tell your friends, until then...

Thanks!

Gimme a "M"

I wanted to do a quick post to show one of my newly received pieces:

Thank you Kelly for requesting my vroom vroom, whoosh! (In the midst of a move no less!)  It's just such a cute little boy theme - and what boy doesn't love cars?  (Big or small boys that is!) I am happy to report that she said "I love it!!  I WILL recommend you and your site to my friends. Thanks again. :)."  Nothing better than a happy customer!

I've got a couple of others in the mail, one of which is my first non-child art canvas- so I am VERY excited to share that with you.  The other is a surprise for a remarkable woman, that I met online (again very 21st century of me!) I will share her story with her in the next couple of posts.  

For now I am busy, painting a custom canvas for a nursery and a logo sign for an at home business.  I think I've decided on my contest for Sept.  I'll announce that one soon!  Until then... 

Thanks!

Big dork

This is a phrase my husband often uses for me. "You are such a big dork."  It isn't a criticism, really, its more of a term of endearment.  I have a tendency to get excited over silly, ridiculous things.  For example:

This is my new angle brush - I am so excited, it is made from synthetic mongoose hair.  Who knew such a thing existed?  All I know is that it is going to be awesome to do lettering with and I have a LARGE letter project I am starting this evening.  

With that LARGE lettering project comes a BIG canvas, and with a BIG canvas comes the need for a BIG paint brush for backgrounds and covering large areas.  That is where this fella comes into play.  I've never had a BIG wash brush and I am happy to add this to my collection.  

Last, but not least is Mr. Angular brush - it is significantly bigger than the one I mentioned above, but thats because it does different things!  This guy will take the place of the one I purchased a month ago that will be retired to the preschool paintbox.  It was a good brush, but now this one is better!

I am so excited to use my new brushes.  There was one that I secretly covet, but just couldn't justify spending $50, yes I said $50 on.  Not until Ryan gets a job. So until then, I will just think of you often my little brush...

Big Happy Dork!

Anyway, I mailed out my painting for the Walters and just had a new order placed, so I am off do some painting.  Until then...

Thanks!

Updates

As much as I hate burying that picture of Penny down into the archives - I have some exciting stuff to tell you!  So I've had some questions and comments about adding a finished work page to my website.  Well, it is done.  I finished it some time ago - but needed my IT department to upload it and since I created my site on iweb, it requires some fancy transferring through "middle man" software.  Ah, but enough techy talk. It's done - check it out - I have my newest piece going out in the mail today, so that won't be adding until later this week - I CAN NOT wait to share it with you!  I am also starting another logo project that will need to be done in the next two weeks because the show it will be used at is in the first week of September- yikes! So I've got a busy week ahead of me!

On another note - I am going to be embarking on my second furniture endeavor.  I did a small wooden three drawer dresser for Penny- it was a gift from my mom, for her doll clothes and such.  I need to have Leslie photograph it for me, because mine, well stink (as you can see below).

Crummy snapshot of Penny's Playthings dresser

Speaking of Leslie, she is having me paint a table and chairs for her daughter.  She has given me complete creative freedom (scary), and I am excited to begin!  Of course she's given me no timeline - but as you all know I'm an impatient girl, so I've already got some ideas in my noodle, ready to start sketching.

I want to stress again, if you are interested in having some work done for Christmas, please don't think it is too soon!  I can't believe I am saying that!  Anyway - check back, we'll be posting some more new stuff soon!

Thanks!

A doll, the state fair and some new stuff too!

So I have to start off with this ultra adorable picture of Penny.  My friend Leslie, yes the one I have been constantly talking about, shot this when she came over last week to photograph some of my latest and not so latest pieces.  I think you'll agree - this is amazing:

What a Doll!

Next up: The State Fair!

Taking advantage of the fact that Ryan has no job, we went to the state fair - of course poor Jon couldn't come with us because he was at school - but a ginormous bag of cotton candy seemed to heal the wound a bit.  It was bittersweet because we've been taking my mom to the state fair with us for the last few years - she loved it, the carney food, the exhibits, the animals (behind cages of course), but most of all watching the kids enjoy all those things.  Her first state fair ever was when Jon was about 6 months old.  She was so excited and kept singing that song from an old Judy Garland movie.  I can't remember the title at the moment, but I digress.  

So we took the littlen's and ate and enjoyed all that the fair had to offer.  It was especially exciting to watch Penny.  When she gets excited it is HILARIOUS!!! If she could jump out of her skin, I think she would, her eyes get big, she squeals, she stomps her feet and shakes her hands - its either pure excitement or charismatic worship, whatever it is, it is a riot.  She LOVED the chicks and roosters and quickly caught on how to communicate with the animals.  Her true favorite though, was the horses.  I am simply amazed at how all three of my kids have never had fear of these enormous creatures.  There were some fits for sure when it was time to leave the horse barn, but they quickly dissipated once we entered the sheep barn and Penny happily BAAAAA'd her way through.  Drew even got his opportunity to ride some of the rides on the midway - it was a good day.  This is truly one of the best things about kids- getting to re-appreciate the little things we take so much for granted. 

Off to the races!

I think the chicks thought her fingers were ultra fat worms because they flocked to her, either that or she is a small version of Snow White!

The two finger shark-touch approach to petting large animals

Drew enjoying his motorcycle ride

Penny the fearless horse whisperer

I do have a few new and old Penny Pickles canvas' to share.  These are some that I have done for either a friend or just because I wanted to try it out, in any event - enjoy!

I did this for Penny before she was born, glad she didn't come out a boy -baby Liam (boy name=William) would have had some issues.

Om is a universal vibration and it is used in yoga practice and meditation, since I love my yoga, I thought I'd give painting the symbol a try.  I plan on framing this with a dark brown wooden edging and I think I'll give it to my yoga instructor over at Pathways to Wellness. If you live in my neck of the woods you have to try out this studio, it is awesome.  The owners (and two of the instructors) - Linda and Eric Banter (mother and son) are two of the nicest, most wonderful people you will ever meet!  

This little diddy, was inspired by a friend who recently went to Ireland.  I thought hmm, I could do my own spin on the Claddaugh symbol for friendship and love.  So here is my spin - not that it needed improving, just my own little version.

I've got a few others up my sleeve, but need to wait until my clients get them.  Thanks again, enjoy this beautiful weekend and see you next week!

From little acorns, big Oaks grow...

I know I've already blogged today, but I got an email I have to share.  My friend Heather, received "Oak's " painting and of course being the impatient girl that I am I have to show you the final product!!!

Without further ado:

Oak!

Mr. Coral Snake

Blue Macaw

Nope, not a leopard - an ocelot!

Here's what Heather had to say...

Hey Annie -- I got Oak's canvas yesterday afternoon; it's awesome! Jeff and I both really like it and I know Liz and Al will, too!

Now I am particularly proud of this little piece because I really had to get my thinking cap on.  After ordering "Asa's" canvas - Heather asked me to do a little painting for friends of hers from her birthing class.  Oak, was 9 days older than Asa.  Oak's parents lived in Columbia for 8 years and recently moved back to be closer to family once Oak arrived.  She wanted me to do something that would be Colombian inspired. Now, I have never been to Columbia, so I am not the authority of all things Bogata.  But I immediately thought about the Colombian rainforest and how cool it would be to paint something like that.  Heather approved my idea and I began research.  I wanted to make sure that my animals and creatures were indigenous to the Colombian rainforest, which is why I chose the animals that I did.  See I actually DO research, I don't just paint any ol' thing!  I figured out my landscape and the animals, a wa-la - you have Penny Pickles version of the Colombian rainforest.  I do hope that Oak's parents love it as much as I do. Thanks again Heather for the opportunity to do not one, but two canvas' for you.  It has been a pleasure!

Thanks and enjoy!  BTW all my photographs are done by my new friend Leslie, an extremely talented photographer - thanks again Leslie for all your help!

some updates

So just to give a few updates:

Jon had a great day at school, but he missed his bus coming home because his teacher thought he was on bus 89 not 68.  Jon got all flustered and missed it.  All is well, he got to have a snickers bar with the principal as he waited for me- so it wasn't all bad.

Jon had football practice last night and ROCKED!  All those games in the basement during the Colt's games have paid off!  He even took a ball square in the nose and after some cuddling from mom and slap on the butt he went back out and picked up where he left off!

Okay- on to business - I have had several requests to add a page to my website of my finished work.  Well I've done it, but my technical advisor (Ryan) has been busy (I have actually seen him less now that he isn't working ) and I need him to make some adjustments before I upload the new page.  So in the mean time if you are curious how these little pieces go together or what I've done, then scroll through my blog's archives. I also will be adding some of my new themes and finished additions to themes so check those out as well.  

I finally am ordering business cards!!!!  I am so excited, I have had people ask (Jennifer) and ask, but I had a vision and I just couldn't get it to work.  Grr, insert Ryan here and he fixed if for me, so I will be ordering those later this morning. 

Today is picture day, I can't wait for Leslie to photograph some of my finished pieces and rephotograph some that I didn't do justice.  So check back for new and improved images!

Oh and while I am thinking about it - I received an email this morning from a prospective client, curious about doing work for christmas presents.  IT IS NOT TOO EARLY to think about Christmas.  I am one woman and I can paint fast, but even I have my limits.  That being said, if you think you might like to order something for christmas - lets start talking about it and at the very least get the ideas flowing.  Until then....

Thanks!

Life

Life, kind of a dramatic title, but it fits.  I found out this morning I did not win the t-shirt contest at Jon's school.  I lost by a disappointing 30 votes.  Actually its pretty funny - so they asked three people - two of the others didn't pan out.  So the PTO scrambled, found another and then created a basic logo with the name of the school in circles.  Simple and to the point. Their design won!  I believe I was misrepresented because my logo was actually suppose to go on the BACK of the shirt not the front and lets be honest other than myself and the people who are from that town in southern Illinois that have the world famous albino squirrels, who wants to wear a big squirrel on their chest?  Ah, but I digress. ;o)

In happier news, today is the first day of school!!! I am so excited for Jon - I thought I would be more melancholy, but it was time.  He'll do great and I know he needs the break from me and being home.  The fights between he and Drew were increasing daily - our days were beginning to resemble WWF Raw by 10 am.  So we all get that much needed break and what is that I hear???  NOTHING, silence, Drew and Penny are playing happily in the basement.  Ah peace...

Traditional Front Step Shot

Totally un-artistic backpack shot

For anyone that hasn't seen Jon lately, yes he is growing his hair out and yes he has guitars on his shoes.  He has informed us he would like a guitar for christmas - ah my little artist.  I always hated that long hollywood hair - a la Zach and Cody style - but for some reason it suits Jon and his personality.  When I trimmed his bangs earlier this week, he informed me - "Mom, don't cut too much off - okay you're done now."  Nice - if it is the worst battle to pick - I don't mind consenting on this one.  Good luck my little boy on your first day of first grade!

So ever curious where and how I work?  Ryan captured me in my element - it is so glamorous and it will may you all awestruck I am sure!

Yes, I do all my work on the couch, I have my little cart with my paints and that is where the magic happens!  Yes, I am sporting a french braid on the top of my head to pull my bangs back. Yes, the pony part of the braid stuck STRAIGHT out the back of my head.  Ryan asked me "So, what's going on with your hair?"  Nice - for better for worse, buddy, for better for worse.

Thanks!  Tomorrow is PICTURE DAY!!!!!

a machine

Hello!

Well, I have been very busy - I finished a quick piece for a friend, waiting to hear back from a client, finished all my frames and will get them attached and ready to go tonight and am progressing on my work-in-progress projects.  It is really going well.  

Tomorrow Jon starts school, we got up at our appointed time, got ready, fed and cleaned in record time.  As Ryan asked, is this for Jon or you?  Actually it is for me, I am LAZY in the morning and while I had full faith in Jon, not so much in me. Can I tell you what I am not looking forward too?  Packing lunch each night, ugh - it is so not part of my routine and it isn't like he'll take leftovers.  Can I tell you what I am excited about?  Jon and Drew not fighting every morning, I mean its like a ritual, we get up, we get along for about an hour and then we fight, about everything.  Oh yes, peace will be restored in the Page house, thank goodness.  That is until Penny starts to steal Drew's toys - then it will get ugly again.  Ah the cycle of life- like a friend once said - there are reasons why some animals eat their young.  

Well I have a visit on Thursday from Lady Leslie and her lovely littlen' Meredith and we will be photographing all of my finished pieces! Yeah!  I just can't wait to see how they turn out - and then in turn show them to you!

Okay, signing off - Ryan has another interview this morning, keep the good vibes going!  Oh and if you have any ideas for my September contest, send 'em in.  I have had one submission, and its a good one, but I'd like to see what else you've got!  

Thanks!

shout out

okay, I have a few shout outs I need to do, since I suck at sending birthday cards. First up, Annemarie, I hope you had a great birthday on Saturday - it was a beautiful day and I hope it was a beautiful birthday as well- 

Lisa, I'm getting this one a bit early, I hope you have a blast at Jeff's softball picnic - there isn't much better - I will say that I did give Lisa an early birthday present - one of my ginormous zucchini - she was excited and threatened to parade it around her neighborhood because of its unusual size. May you be blessed with much bread and saute fodder!

Okay, I'm off to finish a few projects, get the kids to bed, watch the Olympics and hear all about Ryan's first interview.  

Oh and tonight was Jon's ice cream social, we got to meet his super nice teacher and student teacher, and vote for our favorite shirt (mine!), I will let you all know if I win - it is all very exciting!

Thanks!

i am so freaking excited!!!!

So, I am geeked, I mean really geeked!!!!  I picked up my CD today from Leslie, photographer extraordinaire.  I can not tell you how much better my paintings look when someone has a great camera and mad skills to use it!!  Thank you Leslie for your help, you are going to get tired of me I am sure, because I am already so excited for you to photograph my piece I finished last night!

Thanks to Leslie- here is my latest cause ribbon:

 

For the Heart

Now normally I don't share any tidbits of my paintings before the buyer sees them, but this is just too great not to share -however, so I don't totally send my core beliefs down the river, I'm only going to share a snippet, once my lovely friend Heather receives it then I can post away, until then here is a sneak peak:

Isn't he cute?  Meet Mr. Spider Monkey!

Thats all for now, I have an invoice to pull together and some wooden edging to get painted.  Have a great day - its a beauty out there!

Thanks!

on a roll...

So as fast as I get frustrated, it passes.  I am done!!! I finished my art piece for the Walters, and I can't wait for them to see it.  Of course now need to get the mad skills of my in house carpenter to cut and nail my frame for me to finish and attach to complete the piece.  I am very geeked about this piece, as if you couldn't tell.

You know, some days are so productive, and others - ehh.  This evening as we are inspired by the Olympics I have finished my piece, started my vignette for Drew, sketched out a new idea for a friends secret christmas project, and started a christmas present for a friend, I have been a very productive girl and its only 10:30!!!!  Go Annie!!  I also had one of my bestest friends Jen over this evening for dinner, she spied the piece I did for Ryan for our anniversary and was picking my brain for a large custom piece for her living room - so we're thinking a large 24 x 24 canvas, flanked by two 8 x 24 canvas' vertically hung - grading color from each small canvas to the larger middle canvas - I am so very excited at the chance to do something this scale and yet again a different, more interpretive art.  

Tomorrow I am picking up my images from my lady friend Leslie - who does not yet have a website, but is a fantastic photog and if you live in central Indiana, you need to hire this girl before she books up!  I can't wait to share my latest cause ribbon and ultimately my newest custom piece for baby "Oak."  

Okay, I have a 400 freestyle to watch - have a great night!!!

grrr, art can be frustrating...

So I am painting a picture for Jennie and her family.  I want it to be perfect, of course.  So I was putting some finishing touches on the piece last night and decided I wasn't entirely happy, so I haven't started over, but I am using different colors because I think it will be a better composition and will convey what I am trying to interpret.  It is getting there, a few more days and I know I will have something really special on my hands.  Not to worry Jen, I promise I will deliver something you and Benj will be really moved by and proud of - this is yours of course, your experience, my interpretation.  Thank you again for the gift of letting me do this for you and your family.

I am THRILLED because today I meet with Leslie, my new friend, who also happens to be a fantastic photographer - she is going to shoot my "Oak" painting and my newest cause ribbon.  Yeah, got to love professional grade photography - plus I'm a girl that loves to barter, I can't wait to brainstorm with Leslie on what I can do for her (painting of course)!

Anyway, check back- I'll be posting these new images soon!  In the mean time - my dad was here to visit and we had a wonderful time!  Here's Silly Papa with the Page chickens at the Zoo!

Penny and the thirsty butterfly

Thanks!

she's back and she should have entered the state fair...

I'm guessing y'all are wondering what the heck this title means???  Well I've been gone, a break from reality if you will - poorly timed or perfectly timed depending on how you look at it.  I went to North Carolina to visit my twin - in so many ways.  We met 15 years ago and have been pen pals ever since.  We've only seen each other - oh I guess at this point you could use finger AND toes, but our relationship is one of a low maintenance nature, where months can pass, but when we do talk, no time has passed.  I love Traci dearly and I am so grateful for having spent the past four days with her, her husband and her darling new addition Beckett.  This visit was great for a lot of reasons, the first being obvious - slipping away from the fact that Ryan doesn't have a job, the next that I get to spend time with Traci.  I learned a few more things, though, like that although I love babies, I no longer feel that tug to have them myself.  I could enjoy Beckett thoroughly and not be thinking in the back of my mind "oh, I would like another one." I did enjoy him thoroughly, the new baby cries, coos, smiles, startle reflex (my fav!) and the softness and smell.  I loved holding him, cuddling him, changing him and I didn't even mind when he burped like a truck driver and urped down my pajamas, right between my boobs. Another thing I learned is that I'm okay with weaning Penny from nursing, I've been battling with this a bit, since she is my last, we would only nurse about every two days in the morning, but I've been gone four and she's doing quite fine, as am I.  So guess my baby is a big girl now and I don't have to feel so melancholy about us not nursing.  Back to Beckett, it was just so exciting to share these early weeks - it was wonderful to catch up with Traci, she is quite possibly one of THE most intelligent women I know.  I am grateful she keeps my dumb butt around - she manages this new family, a home, working on her dissertation at NC State, teaching seminars AND runs her own consulting company, Trace Collaborative - that assists companies, architects, builders and more on LEED certification and environmental sustainability.  With all this she is one of the most humble, down to earth ladies you could ever know.  I am so blessed to call her my friend!

Beckett has the COOLEST faux-hawk ever!

Annie and baby B!

Today I flew back in from North Carolina (yes girls, I have magnets!) on a way delayed flight - I finally made it home to my brood around 4!  I missed them terrible, nothing rejuvenates a mom more than being away and missing her chickens.  I think that Penny missed me the most because the shrieks and excitement bubbling out of her was hysterical - if she could have jumped out of her skin I think she would have - it is good to be home with my big kids - I missed them and Ryan terrible!  I need to give big kudos to my dear Ryan, he's juggled being laid off, updating his resume, job searching, cleaning out his office, taking care of the kids, working on his brother's bathroom renovation, cleaned the house and done the laundry in my absence - there are not words to describe what an amazing partner and husband I have.  I offered, in my defense, to not go to NC, because of the circumstances at hand - but he wouldn't have it and encouraged me to go.  It all worked out, but again I am so very blessed.

I come home today after torrential rain came down upon central Indiana - I figured I had better go look at my garden and see how it faired - HOLY CRAP is all I have to say!  Take a look at these gems, you better watch out - you might get a loaf of zucchini bread from me- there is just no telling...

Yes those are some big zucchini! (next year State Fair, baby!)

This is just heaven for a Italian-Greek girl like myself - look at those fresh veggies!

MMM dinner - sauted veggies from my garden + thick spagetti= heaven!

In my humble opinion there is nothing better in this world than going outside to your garden to pick dinner.  I had a small garden at our last house, and a finally a bigger one here.  Next year I have big plans.  I love to garden, I told Ryan if things don't work out on his end, lets move to Maine or Vermont and start our own organic garden.  You think I'm kidding - I am happy to say that my veggies and herbs are 100% organic, mostly grown from seeds, I use no pesticides or herbicides or fertilizers.  My soil was a crazy mix, I made up on my own using the basics - manure, plain soil and mushroom compost.  That's it - nothing magic, but man does it work.  I am thinking next year about adding a few more raised beds - much to the chagrin of my neighbors I am sure, unless that organic farm becomes a reality...

On my final note, I am shipping out my custom piece for "Oak" tomorrow and finishing up my custom painting for my friend Jennie and her family - I hope to have that done by the end of the week.  My dad comes tomorrow, I am looking forward to that too - nothing like having your daddy around when things get a bit hairy...

Thanks! 

sunshine through the storm

The meaning behind this post is two- fold.  First up, the obvious, so yes Ryan has been laid off, no he doesn't have a job lined up.  BUT not to be someone who rests on his laurels, Ryan was home all of 1 minute and already sent out emails to former employees and contacts, two hours later he'd already been called by three recruiters and been in contact with a former co-worker.  Today there is a position he would be perfect for, at a company he'd love to work for - they are in the works of setting up an interview for late next week.  He is at a side job today, doing a bit of handyman work and has a few things lined up for next week as well - never hurts to stock pile a bit of money.  So apparently everyones prayers and thoughts are working, keep up the good work - we still need 'em - and appreciate them so much!

The second part to this post is that I am thrilled to announce I have been commissioned to do an art piece for an amazing woman I went to high school with, Jennie.  It is a custom piece, unlike anything I've done on my website before, not character art, not child art, just art.  I went for a run early yesterday and brainstormed and it hit me - but I am not going to tell you what it was that hit me, but it hit me and I immediately emailed Jennie with my idea.  Jennie was totally on board and I started last night.  It is turning out AWESOME.  I am just so moved to do this piece.  I will go into further detail once I post the images of my piece.  Let's just say that Jennie is an awesome mother to two adorable little boys, Adam and Noah.  Noah has a bit of a story, check out this link to find out more. 

So that's the update - thanks for checking in.  I am thinking about a contest for some FREE paintings for August, post your ideas in the comments section - I'm a bit lost on what I should do!