That stupid Conficker Worm...

So, it is 8:20 pm March 31st, and Rob's laptop just went wacky and we can't get it running properly. It is behaving like it has a virus, so it wouldn't surprise me if he has the Conficker April Fool's Day Worm. While I have McAfee on my computer and it is showing my Windows Updates are turned on, I am concerned I might also, as I can't seem to do anything on the Windows/Microsoft website. So, if you don't hear from me for a while, that may be the case. I am keeping my fingers crossed. The people that do this kind of crap are the scum of the earth. I have worse words to call them, but I will spare you.

Bloggy Love for my Mom...Adorable cupcake coasters

I just had to share these cute coasters my mother has made with some adorable cupcake fabric! I don't have anything new to share myself, and always love giving her some Bloggy Love! She also has a set of super cute retro bird themed ones! Her prices are phenomenal too!

Oh, and one more thing...

I lowered the prices on a lot of my jewelry in my Etsy store. Think of it as a kind of "permanent sale." I really want to move on to some new ideas, but quite frankly, I need to sell some things to afford more supplies to make new stuff. Spring cleaning, I guess you could call it! So, hop on over and see if there's anything you had wanted that is now marked down!

Two more new Mixed Media Primitive Paintings

Here are the other two I promised to share today. I am off to take a nap. I have had a sore throat for 5 days now, and am feeling run down. My pillow is calling me! Hope you like these!

New Primitive / Folk art painting of girl with black birds

Well, I finally installed my Photoshop Elements 7 on my computer tonight, so I was able to do the cropping and adjustments to my uploaded and scanned mixed media paintings. I will share one tonight, and I have two others finished too. Here it is! I will check in tomorrow with the others. Have a super Friday! I can't believe another weekend is here already. Good grief!

Loves me, loves me not. Loves me, loves me NOT

I really wanted to post a pic of my new painting, but my scanner and my computer are not showing me love tonight. For some reason, the program is working completely different than the other day when I used it. I actually have two new paintings to share, so hopefully I will get it all figured out tomorrow. My mind and my body are too tired to start up with all this HP printer nonsense again. In the future, I believe I will get an Epson.
I ventured across town to go to a small farmer's market this morning. It was worth it solely for the Belgian Chocolate Croissants I got at JC's Daily Bread. I went with a friend, and she got a yummy loaf of sun dried tomato Italian spice bread, and a huge blueberry muffin. I dropped off our taxes with the accountant today, stopped in at a bead store and an art supply store that were on the way, and headed home to get some work done.
Well, I will do my best to get this worked out so I can post some pics tomorrow. Have a great night!

Another painting done!

I finished another painting today, and will post a pic tomorrow afternoon. In the morning, I will be headed to a new local farmer's market with a friend, then have to drop off our taxes. Today was busy, as Mondays always are. I am ready for bed! I woke up at 6:30 this morning and felt like I was going to have a heart attack, my heart was beating so hard. I had a dream that I was being cornered by a mountain lion and he was right in my face. I couldn't distract him with anything, and could see his teeth and feel his hot breath against my face. I knew that it was over. Right as he lunged at my head, I woke up. Thank goodness. The only time I actually died in my sleep I dreamed I was bitten by a poisonous snake. This was a lot scarier. No more Discovery Channel for me for a while! G'night!

My weekend in a nutshell...

Yesterday it rained all day. We really needed it, so no complaints here. We went to see "Knowing" which was a good movie, all though a little bit "out there." I enjoyed it, though I am not a huge Nicolas Cage fan. I like movies he's in, just not his acting style. We then did our grocery shopping and went out for some Mexican food. Today, I stayed home from church and spent most of the day sleeping or laying on the couch. Oh...and taking ibuprofin. Not only did I have killer cramps and all the other fun stuff that goes along with that, but my nauseousness from earlier in the week returned. Tomorrow I am just going to stay home and paint. I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight since I slept so much today.
So, I am almost finished with another painting, and will be posting a pic when I am done. I have so many sketches done and ideas floating in my head. I have had to keep a notebook by my bed to put them in, as they always come to me at night, right before bed. Kind of annoying. I guess it's better than coming into my mind in the shower.
I hope you have a great start to the week and will stop in again soon.

My new primitive folk art painting, soon to be available on Etsy!

I had so much fun doing this mixed media piece this week. I still need to put on a coat of sealant/varnish, but couldn't wait to take a pic and share it. I of course had to do a cupcake themed piece first.

I chose the phrase from Romeo & Juliet, "Parting is such sweet sorrow" to explain my feelings about cupcakes. I love them dearly. Everytime I make a batch, I am sad when they are gone. But, distance and time makes the heart grow fonder, so it will be that much sweeter when when I get to bake more. There is such a thing as a cupcake overdose.

So, here is my newest piece. I plan on starting some more backgrounds and canvases today. I have so many ideas and sketches. I just need the time to work on them. I know that next week, I will not be answering the phone or hopping on Facebook from the hours of 12-6. I gotta get some work done and set some strict work hours. Working from home is tough. I honestly think I would get a lot more done if I had an off site studio.

Don't forget to stop by!

Don't forget to stop my my Etsy Store and snag anything you need before my sale ends on Friday night. Everything is 25% off, including my paintings! Here's a pic of my sterling silver cloud earrings and necklace that are included.

I am also working on a new endeavor...mixed media art. I dabbled in in when I first finished college in my first year of marriage. At that time, the only place to sell art online was Ebay, and I didn't really know what I was doing. I started jewelry making shortly after, which led to my short 4 yr. career in glass bead making. The supplies available for making mixed media art and the resources to help sell it are much greater now, and it was so enjoyable to sit down and work on it yesterday. I hope to finish it today and start on another. I will post a pic here of course. I plan on selling originals and prints.
Well, have a lovely Thursday. We woke up to rain and clouds, which we really need. Our grass is brown and crunchy!

Funny Cat Video

I have never tried to post a video taken from my camera before, so here goes. My cats tolerate each other. That's about it. Sometimes they both want to be in the same place at the same time. This is usually what ensues following a long, evil stare-a-thon.

The grocery test: Walmart vs. Publix

Last week when I went grocery shopping, I seemed to have very little in my cart, yet left with a larger than normal bill. We have been going to Publix since we moved down to Florida, as I am a self-proclaimed Walmart hater. I would rather support the little guy...because I am a little guy, er...gal..myself. However, I decided to give it a go and head to Walmart this week and see if we could save anything on our growing grocery bill. I just returned and am undecided. The total was about the same, actually, and I am not sure if I got more food for my money. Here's why....

First, Walmart has bigger carts. They want you to fill 'em up. Publix carts are smaller. I did notice the meats were cheaper at Walmart, but had to wait a lifetime to get any help at the deli. As I expected, as I walked into Walmart, I was greeted by a chorus of screaming children that seemed to be sounding off in unison from different parts of the store. There are always unattended children running around in there. I won't even put a guess at that one. Another way it makes it harder to tell if you got more things, is that Walmart totally over-bags. They will put 1-2 items in a bag, then go on to another one. Looking in my trunk as I was unloading it, you would've guessed I had enough food for 5 people, not two. The one good thing, is I found Malto-Meal at Walmart, and they don't carry it at Publix. My grandma used to make it for me as a little girl and called it "porridge." However, I got my one-donut-a-month today, and Publix donuts are far better. I also found I had to buy weird named brands I haven't tried before, and don't know if they will measure up to the Publix brands I am used to.

So, as you can see, I am undecided. I do know one thing for sure. I am 99% more likely to have my car dinged by a misplaced shopping cart at Walmart, because the shoppers and the workers seem to be too lazy to put them in the right cart return and round them back up.

Fat Cat pictures always make me smile...

I don't have anything new to show that I have made, but I can show you my office assistant. Some people complain about having a copy cat, but I am grateful for mine. She does an excellent job making sure my paper, desk, and office chair don't wander off anywhere. She is the most adorable 15 pound paper weight you will ever come across.

So, yes, I have finally come to the realization that Monday has arrived. This is the last week of my 25% off sale, so don't forget to check it out! I am itching to do some mixed media work on canvas, and hope to get the time to do so this week. So far, the first part of my day is being taken up with laundry and cleaning. Well, make the best you can of your Monday. Together we will get through this.

Knock Knock Knock...

Monday, is that you knocking on my door? Can't you see I'm busy relaxing? Go away and come back later when I am not in my pajamas.

HUGE 25% OFF SALE OF ALL MY JEWELRY & PAINTINGS IN MY ETSY STORE!

I am running a 25% off sale in my Etsy store starting today, March 13th and running through March 20th. My jewelry and artwork is on sale. Please wait for me to send you a revised invoice once you have checked out at Etsy. If you see something in my Artfire store that you like that isn't in my Etsy store, let me know and I will honor the 25% off sale there too! Click on the red "Big Sale" pic to go there!

Yay!

Yay! I get to clean the OTHER car today! Hooray!

Just trying to give myself some motivation to actually go do it. It is warm and sticky out today, and cleaning the car isn't very fun when it induces profuse sweating.

Sorry I don't have any pics of new stuff to share this week. I have been too busy with cleaning, organizing, doing taxes, etc. to have time to make anything. Some of my previous posted beads are off to a new home this morning, so that's good. Bad news for the day...I woke up with a sore throat and now my nose is draining down my throat. I won't know if it is allergies or a cold for at least 24 hrs. I have been blessed to not be sick with colds or viruses throughout this whole season so far. I attribute it to the fact that I nearly bathe myself in hand sanitizer whenever I touch anything when I am out and about.

Well, have a lovely weekend. I hope to have some creating time this week. Bye!

I gave in....

...and cut my hair today. Is is still at or just under my chin in the front, but I had the stylist stack up my "wedge" in the back. The hair dryer time was killing me (seriously, the heat builds up till I feel faint), and I decided that I don't really think I would look very good with long hair anyways. I have an oval face. The longer my hair, the longer my face looks and the longer my nose looks too. My normal stylist wasn't available, but the one I had was nice. Ladies, if you want to feel good, getting a nice long shampoo, conditioning treatment, scalp massage, and having someone dote on you for a while is uplifting. I have been self conscious about my skin and noticed a new wrinkle this week and the first thing she said was how young I looked and what nice skin I had. She asked what I used on it, and I said, "Ummmm, prescription acne foam." LOL

I also got one of the cars vacuumed, cleaned, and polished. I have a pot of curry chicken stew in the slow cooker right now. Every time I make curry, I change up the recipe a bit...mainly because I forget what I put in it the previous time. This time I used a Cream of Chicken soup base mixed with curry spice, garlic, a bit of soy sauce, and.....drumroll.....a bit of honey. I have no idea what possessed me to put in honey. I love using coconut milk, but it doesn't agree with my stomach, or Rob's. So, for just a little natural sweetness, I tried honey. I'll let you know if it is edible. I don't plan on telling Rob it has honey in it till after he tastes it. I think it would weird him out. Well, enjoy the rest of your day!

I like Wednesdays....

They are far better than Mondays. I was lucky enough to spend the morning and part of the afternoon with a good friend and her darling baby girl. We had a girls' day out to the mall and had lunch. I desperately needed some new shorts after consuming way too many cupcakes this year. I found one pair, and a lot of pairs I would have like to have had, but they were $50. Shouldn't shorts cost less since they are made with half the material? I think so. ( :

When I got home, I found a RAOGK (random act of glass kindness) package of lampwork beads in my mailbox from Pond Art Glass! They are super cool....really neat organic shapes with silvered ivory, greens, and either raku or terra glass. I am excited to put something together with them. If you get a chance (and make jewelry yourself), swing over to her Etsy shop and take a peek at her gorgeous work. Click here to visit her store!

We are having pancakes and sausage for supper, and then Lost is on! And....drumroll......I actually got some sleep last night! Finally! Hope everyone is having a nice Wednesday. 2 more days till another weekend.

If you want to make a one of a kind piece of jewelry...I have your beads!

I just finished these today and listed them on Etsy. They would be really cool mixed with some chunky solid color lampwork or resin beads in a necklace. Well, back to my to-do list! Just a quick drive by!

Sweet Treat Cupcakes from Cold Stone Creamery

Saturday night, after we went out for supper, we stopped in at the Cold Stone Creamery in Stuart. As we parked the car, I was greeted by a poster on the front door advertising their new Sweet Treat Cupcakes. I about died right there! I love cupcakes, and I love ice cream, and now the two were coming together for one gorgeous delight to the eyes and stomach. I immediately said, " I am getting one of THOSE!" Sadly, when we went in, they said they didn't have them yet, but would next week. So, I immediately began scheming to go to the one in St. Lucie West this coming Sat. and bask in their wonderful cupcake-y-ness. There's only one problem. You have to buy a 9 pack. I am going to need 7 volunteers to share the leftovers after Rob and I finish ours. Mmmmm....you know you want one!
Monday is only a few hours away, and then another busy week begins. I will check in later. I have another set of ceramic beads to post. Just finished them around 6pm on Friday. In the meantime, enjoy a pic of these wonderful ice cream cupcakes!

Why do Fridays have to go by so fast?

It seems that come Friday, I am finishing up on all the things that got pushed to the end of my to-do list and taking care of last minute things. I am shoveling food down my throat while typing so that I can multi-task and save some time. I do have some new painted beads and pendants to list either on Etsy or Artfire (or both), so I will post some teaser pics here and they will be in my stores later for purchasing.

My CTR-7 (7 yr olds) Sunday school Primary class is in charge of doing sharing time this Sunday, so I have been preparing for that and trying to come up with ideas. I will be making some props this afternoon. I also have to teach a separate lesson after we split up after sharing time, so I am a little bit frazzled.

The weather is gorgeous today and I believe it will be tomorrow. I am going to try to talk Rob into going to some flower gardens in Vero Beach that have a Glass art display. I still remember the first time I became mesmerized by glass art....it was a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to see Dale Chihuly's display. I still remember it to this day, and it is my favorite of all the exhibitions I have ever seen.

Well, my lunch is nearly gone now and I am off to my next task. Here are the pics of my creations...more to come!

Do you collect chicken themed things? Check out this adorable chicken & eggs apron!

Just wanted to give a shout out to my Mom, who made this adorable chicken themed apron and has it listed on Etsy right now. You can click on the picture to view the listing or purchase it! She is such a talented seamstress and finds such fabulous fabrics to use. I used to collect chicken stuff in college (my roomies can attest to my chicken obsession!) so this is right up my alley. Stop on over at her store and see if she has an apron for you! They make great gifts too!

The sound of silence....

No, not the song by Simon & Garfunkel....but what you have experienced the past few days from me. LOL.

Not much going on here to talk about. I am finishing up some painted beads and pondering. The meeting I had at Keiser college went well, and they told me I could have my graphic design assoc. degree within about 13 months, but the cost is WAY more than we can afford. It is out of the question unless some miraculous thing suddenly makes us rich. So, I am looking into other options. It is just hard to make decisions to start anything, when we don't know how long we will be here. Rob could find a practice to buy in the next 3 months, or in 2 yrs. It is sort of driving me crazy. Okay, so maybe I am already crazy and it is must making me cranky instead. Thus, my lack of posting. So, stay tuned and send a prayer our way. We need all the prayers we can get. Have a wonderful Wednesday. At least Lost is on tonight!

A little ditty for Monday morning...

I am off to Keiser to meet with the admissions to find out about their graphic design program this morning. It is clear on the other side of town. I then have to do the grocery shopping so the husband doesn't starve to death, work on some painting, and tonight we are off to visit someone from church.
I almost had a flying dream last night. Unfortunately, I could only manage to hover about a foot off the ground, and I had to really concentrate to do it. Here's one of my favorite songs that reminds me of the mellow feeling I would have if I could just lazily coast about the clouds without a care in the world...Hope you like it!