Etsy & Ebay Update

Howdy Folks!


Well as you can see on my side bar I put some new items in my Etsy store and put Alice in Wonderland on Ebay! SOOO time consuming.. but ooo soooo neccessary.

Oh, and the Oil paintings I was telling you about are for sale on Etsy right now!!!!!! They are the Trees In The Wind. I am bummed I couldn't get good scans of pictures of them but they are awesome. Adam wants to keep them. I said if they don't sell.. I hope they do even though I love them I need the money to make more.



I can't wait I am odering cutom mini button to sell on ETSY.. that is right and they all contain my original artwork!!!!!!!!!! YIPPPY



I have a few more pieces I need to list, but my internet uploading is VERY SLOW so what you see took me over two hours! I know just tp upload a few pictures.



I will try to get the rest up next week. This weekend my borther's fiance Joanne and her sister Mary are coming up from NJ to go to a birdal show with me. My first one (well first visiting I have worked them before).



These is a hot little number that I did the other day. I am very fond of it. And I can't get enough of this vintage paper. Let me tell you when it is all gone I might cry.. BOOOOO...
















I feel like I need a makeover.. head to toe. I don't have the money and to tell you I don't have the engery to fingure out how to go about it, but I know I need one. Inside and out. I wish I had spare time on my hands. But alas notta, so I will just have to keep using the noodle to figure out how to do a mini makeover. And I think I will start my getting my eyebrows done I look like Gracho Marks. EIKKK not a good look for a lady.



Alright my loves have a super nice weekend. If you are in the snowy parts stay warm, and I will be back on Monday!



SMOOOOCHES

Steph

And the Beat Goes.....

Etsy update this Thursday Night
Come one come all and see what cute treats you can find........

So I have been doing a lot of thinking about a lot of things, and I have finally come to a conclusion.... I have to figure out a way to get happy. That is right folks it is almost as hard as finding the perfect bra (and yes I did manage to find that), so why can't a locate happiness. Where oh where are you hiding. Screw happiness I would even deal with being content right now. So I am sure all of you are getting tired of hearing me be such a downer. Please understand that the majority of the time I am extremely upbeat, but as of late, as of the last surgery I had I can't seem to find that happy place. I am only truly happy when I do my art and in this place I would love to reside. And to tell you the truth my art seems to be excelling while I am in this 'mood'. Alas I am sure this is why people go crazy, do no fear I am not going to go crazy in the least or start dieing my hair black and slumping in a corner but I am on a mission to regain the happiness I once had.

Here is a little piece I crafted a few nights ago. Loves it loves it...



I have been tagged...

Miss. Jenn from the creative studio of Hot Tamale Art decided to give me a little love in the shape of a tag and if you have had the chance to dance and sign around the wonderfully cute mysterious art of Miss. Jenn please take the time to you will be pleasantly surprised.

Tell 6 Random Things About Myself and The Pass it On to Six People:

1. I love love love potato chips
2. I have a concentration in film making (like producing)
3. I went to cosmetology school after college and dropped out of cosmetology
4. I am SUPER competitive
5. I graduated in the top 5 percent of my college graduating class
6. I know all the presidents in chronological order

Hmm who to pass this onto... interesting interesting..

I think I will pass it on to some new followers to my blog to get to know more about them...

Jolie from Jolie Art
Octopus & Trolls
Bonne Singer
Boho Market
Beehive Cottage
Paintings by Thelma

Please check out their blogs. I can wait to get to know them and their art better.

Hope everyone has a NIIICEEEEE tuesday!

Smooches,
Steph

AHHHHHHHHHH it is Monday isn't it!

Hello from la la land on this very dreary and snowy NY morning. My heart goes out to everyone who is living in the Northeast right now and has to put up with this CRAPPY weather.

What is new on my front.. hmm.. let me see…. NOTHING. Around the winter my life always seems to be on hold. I am sure this is common with people who sustain half of a year of winter with not much sunlight and extreme cold. Now I know those who relocate for jobs up in Alaska get a generous relocation sign-on.

I really want to have my Etsy update today, but my oil paints still haven't dried. Another downer about the winters here (extremely damp)

On a much lighter note I did FINALLY pick out my clothes for our engagement photos!!!!!!!!! YIPPPPY… I think they look alright. I picked casual, but Adam and I are very casual people.

Here is a new piece I did. I am very much into the vintage book right now and the background of this is all a 1930 children's book. Very fun. Expect to see more of this style from me... or maybe I already have a few more done ;)

This story begins at the beginning like most stories do,
it is a story about a girl much like me and you.
But this girl has a life where things aren't what they seem,
she thinks to herself, is this all a bad bad dream?
No, this life she lives is real and as real as real can be,
where she could never be happy and her spirit can never free.
Caught up in a world of insanity and delusion,
knowing how to feel even stirs within her confusion.
She dwells on the brink of what will and could happen,
in this world of devastation and entrapment.
Day in and day out everything around her is strange,
so she says to herself, it would be nice if something made sense for a change.

So I bid you adieu and wish you a prosperous, joyous, and splendiferous Monday. Or any combination of good things that can happen on a Monday.

Oh yes and I already made this announcement, but do to circumstances beyond my control it is going to be hard for me to get around to people's blogs as frequently as I use to. Please bear with me. I miss talking with you all very much, but don't leave me now!

Smooches,
Steph

Happy ACEO HUMP-DAY

So here is the scoop.. well two scoops. One I am sooo sooo soo soo sooo sorry I haven't been making my usual rounds. There is a little hiccup in my life right now and a whole lot of uncertainty. Unfortunately the hiccup is keeping from visiting all of you on a regular basis. Don't worry I am fine… but the hiccup is directly connected to the thing that I cannot talk about. DRATS I know I know. I am sure at this point some of you are getting very curious what this thing is. If you email me privately I will tell you all about it. Believe me it doesn't make me happy, but then again you can't control everything in life.

Please know that I think about you all constantly and can't wait until things are back to normal. Currently I am trying to rearrange my time so I can fit it all in, but as I said before with a full time job, creating, Etsy, advertising, and a personal life, it doesn’t leave my blog much time. But please stick with me. I want to hang onto these wonderful relationships!!!!!!!!! My goal is to post every other day and make my rounds twice a week. I love seeing everything you all create.

Okay onto something different. Soooo……Please excuse this latest ACEO not my finest, but I have an okay excuse. As I said previously two days ago I was fitted for contacts. I know I am getting old. I have reading glasses and contacts. Anywho… Like a baby learning to walk for the first time I haven't acquired my contact fingers yet, and managed to cut my eye. I know, can anything else go wrong with me.. shh.. Don't want to jinx it. So needless to say I was one-eyed last night with no glasses at all and she is what was born out of it. I think she is adorable!

Hmm what else.. Well .. My b-day is coming up Feb 7th. And with that , that is the day Adam and I scheduled to get our engagement photos done!!!!!!!!!! I have been waiting for this moment.. well.. FOREVER! For some reason I have always been more excited for the engagement photos than the actual wedding.. ODDDD I know, but then again I am a little unusual. We are running into some issues though. First it is the dead of winter here in upstate NY and that means fridged temperatures. Second we need an inside location and well… just can't seem to find a nice one that we don't have to pay for. I am paying so much for the pictures that I don't want to pay for a location as well. AHHHHHHHHHH. Worst part about it I have Adam complaining because he doesn't want to get his pictures taken that long. Please understand he is definitely a man's man and doesn't like anything that involves aesthetics. ANYYY IDEAS are welcome. I wanted to do ice skating but Adam wears a size 16 skate so we can't afford or have time to have one made and ordered. Then I thought about tobogganing but we don't have a toboggan. I do have a few other ideas but I will save you the time. But if any of you have any cute thoughts for inside or outside I would love to hear about them!

Alright I am off to brave the cold. REAL COLD..

Smooches,
Steph

Here's The Scoop Boys and Girls

OKay...

So I do have FOUR new items to show you guys. I know FOUR, but here is the kicker... They are oil paintings and they are taking forever and a day to dry. I know bummer. I took a stab or two with oil in the past but again left it behind due to its inability to keep up with my impatience.

BUUUTTT if you haven't stopped over please go to my New and Improved Etsy. As promised there is a little promo going on...




My mom did an awesome job helping me post this weekend. If you have any questions I will be more than happy to answer them! My goal is to keep this baby stocked! As much as possible.

So I have been spending time over in Etsy chat and lovin it! Really great people and a lot of fun. Also it is a fun way to advertise AND FREE. Doesn't get any better than that.

I wish I could say I had an exciting weekend but alas, Sat U was doing Etsy all day, and Sunday we stayed in while I painted, BUT BUT... For since the first preview came out I have been wanting to see The Unborn. Finally saw it and I don't think it was half bad....

Today I am going to pick up my contacts. FOR THE FIRST TIME. Guys you wouldn't believe how nervous I am of messing up or screwing them up... I am sooooo nervous. I am going to get colored I think. I have hazel eyes (green and brown) and I think I am going to get green. Adam says blue.. I think blue.. I DON"T KNOW.. I have until 4:00pm today to make a choice.. Any suggestions??????????? What are comfortable brands you wear???

Alright tomorrow I want to tell you about a dream that I had (I wish I could now but I don't have time) It was a crazy dream.... so realistic I can remeber the detail like it was yesterday. Kinda creepy.

Alright loves..

Happy Monday

SMOOCHES,
Steph

Etsy Grand Re-opening

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Come on you can't tell me you don't blush a little every time someone says it!

I can't say today it overly happy… I know I know why so glum. Well if you lived in the Northeast you would certainly know why. I don't know what the precipitation is out there but let me tell you we are building a preverbal ice rink. BUMMMERRRR. And the worst part is I still have to be at work.

So along with my Etsy reopening very very soon I thought I would start another little something something to add some structure to my life. (insert sarcastic laugh). Every Wednesday I am calling ACEO Hump Day. Just to make everyone blush. I am sure you get the jest by the title that every Wednesday there will be a little original ACEO waiting here for all to see. They will later be shipped over to my Etsy shop where lovelies like you can purchase them!

I encourage anyone and everyone to join in on the fun on ACEO Hump Day! Sometimes by midweek I find it hard to motivate myself to make a full painting so a little one is much more manageable. That and I thought it would add a nice flare to My Etsy. If you are interested in joining just shoot me a little message and I will put a link on my blog of those who participate. If you rather just look... THAT IS AWESOME TOO!

Onward, upward, and award? Yes haha, I tried to sneak it in. I receive a wonderful award from my dear cat saving friend over at Wonders of Whimsy, JENNY! As you can tell by her loyal following Jenny offers a lot more than just crafts/art. She offers a friendship and kindness that just beats the snot out of anything you can put a price on.

'This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers' aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!'

So this award I find very special (although all award are special) I just love the meaning behind it. And of course the person who passed it to me. This is a hard one to pass on as you are supposed to send it over the 8 people…. This is tough to pick 8 people when there have been so many new friendships I have made as a result of blogland. So without further adue. And I know how a usually give a little intro to each person.. Give me a break there are 8 people it will take all day HAHA.. Not that I love them any less.

Cat Nappin Primitives, Hot Tamale Art Studio, Fannie Narte, Amariah Rauscher, Gail Lackey, LL Creations, Sherry, Azul Valentina. These women embody all that is right in the world. Please stop over if you already haven't and take a peak into their world.


Alright off to a well not so lovely day of bad weather and bad other things.. Hate to be pessamistic, but like I always so one day I will get to tell you all the underlying cause of all my angst. What is holding me back from being 100% happy. One day you will all know.. but again not the time or the place!


Smooches,

Steph

Clownin Around

Another Sneek peek of the new figments that will be found in my Etsy shop! (some might go to eBay) but for the most part it is in celebration of my Etsy reopening! YAYAYYA. My mom will be here this coming weekend to learn the ropes. It isn't going to be an over night process but I am crossing my fingers. It is my goal that by 2010 I will have a total of 100 sales on my Etsy. We will see....

This weekend went okay ... just okay ... I hope my week it a little more lively, although I am not going to bet the farm on it. I am going to be scheduling an appointment for our engagement photos!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to show everyone.



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So when I came back this weekend I found a LOVELY suprise waiting for me from the LOVELY Azul Valentina (don't you just love the last name). Her work is just so darn cute and have a little mysteriousness to them.. alluring... Thank you Azul!





And here are my five addictions:
1. Well I think a safe bet would be art. I live it, dream it, and even eat it (I like my food to look creative)


2. Make-up.. haha I even paint my face! It just relaxes me in the morning


3. 50's style clothing, attitude, and apperances. How can you beat it! I really think I was suppose to be around in that era.


4. HALLOWEEEN and that goes for anything dark, or whismy goth too. Just love it. Best holiday best feeling!


5. Horror movies. I love being scared. I know can we say dork. I have a huge collection about 50 DVD's of all different horror movies. The only movies I own that aren't horror are the series "That Girl" with Marlo Thomas.. HAHA I told you I like old...





I want to pass this along to five SUPERLICIOUS bloggers that I just can't seem to get enough of!:
(Random order)


1. The unbelievable generous Jenny of Wonders of Whimsy, please check out her alley cat rescue blog. Talk about tugging at your heart strings. Thank You Jenny!


2. Come on down Amariah of Amariah Rauscher. Who doesn't love a dose of candor and great illustrations! Rock on sister. Your newphew is soooooo darn cute!


3. The Ladies of Things With Wings and Paper Prayers! CONGRATS ON OPENING YOUR FIRST ETSY STORE. Bloggers. please please please go check out their blog and head over to Etsy. Their work it funky with an awesome message.


4. The goddess with a gift Ms. Fannie of Fannie Narte. Fannie has been helping me fly since my very first post (EVER) and for that I think she is super fabulous!


5. The master of macabre Mr. Chris of Designs by CK. And did you know Chris went Dot Com! Hurry over he has some awesome new pieces!

Alright folks. I must be on my way. Big smooches and hugs for Monday!

Please stay tuned while we turn to our original broadcast....

Something New…Something Fantastic

As I previously mentioned my New Year's resolution involves revamping my art, finding a niche, and expanding my sales and business.

It is my only resolution but it is a hefty one. Before I got sick my goal was to unveil my new and improved Etsy Shop on New Years Day but time didn't allow this and I am still working on it, and unfortunately it looks like it is going to be pushed back a week or two.

One Major Development!

My Mom is going to be my first employee HAHA I know that sounds funny (but really she is just there is help). No matter which ways I have been stretching myself I can't seem to find the time to fit everything in (full-time job, painting, blogging, AND running an online business). So I figured what better way to expand my business than to bring in an entrepreneur for assistance; MY MOM! For 17 years my mom has ran and operated a very successful business but due to her recent injuries she is forced to take it easy, real easy. After 17 years of being on the go you can only imagine that she is bored to tears that she is layed for 12 weeks.

I am going to be teaching her the Etsy end of the business and teach her how to upload and add new inventory to the store.

Here is a sample of one of my NEW AND IMPROVED WORKS!


Not only will I be selling my originals I am also going to sell a lot more prints and note cards (which I am very excited about!) My goal is to update my shop at least twice a month if not more and more importantly carry a good diverse selection at all times(merchandise and prices). Oh how many hours are in a day? HAHA.


So what was your resolution? I sometimes find that by sharing a resolution it might spark something in another person that just might be beneficial to them.

ON THE PERSONAL FRONT:

This weekend I am going to the home land "Jersey" to go to a family function called, "The Family Party". Every holiday season for years well before I was born my Mom's side of the family meets up once a year to get together and share the joys of the season and New Year. This year I will be shamelessly promoting/unveiling my business. I printed out note cards and brought my business cards. Advertising 101 best form of advertising is word of mouth. Or that is what 4 years of college level advertising taught me. Free is the way to be. HAHA.

But more importantly this weekend I get to see my favorite cousins and my brother. People who I love dearly but don't get to see half as much as I would like to.

Well I am off to the races. Happy New Year to all. Thank you for your support last year and I hope to do you all proud in '09.

Big Smooches,
Steph

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I will see you all in the New Year!

I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe holiday with lots of fun and love. I can't wait hear about everyones resolutions!

I have a few so please stay tuned!

Big Holiday Hugs,

Smooches

Steph

AND THE MOMENT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

It was sooo hard to keep this secret for so long but the time to unveil is finally here… and I am sure by the painting you can figure it out!




I AM ENGAGED.

If you have been following my blog for any time I am sure you have heard and even seen Adam a time of two. We started dating 9 years ago when we were both employed as life guards by the same amusement park. From there it just blossomed. We both went to high school and college and stayed committed to each other. Never took a break although there were plenty of chances, but we were bound to make it work. We fought against the odds we crushed the doubters and held onto our supporters. And finally on December 14th 2008 Adam asked me to be with him forever (not that there was any doubt.) The moment was beautiful the timing a little off since a few days later I was in the hospital, but the magic was there. This has been 9 years in the making, through thick and thin we persevered and made it to the end. And believe me some real thin times haha… especially the last few weeks of me being sick. My butt isn't my best side. I am sooo happy to share this moment with all of you and I can't wait for this part of my life to begin!



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Well folks I knew it is bound to happen. My first interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes I am soooooo excited. The very talented and wonderfully frank Amariah of Amariah Rauscher asked some questions and I was ecstatic to give some answers! Please enjoy!


1. If you could have one super power what would it be, what would you do with it, and why?

Well I could be greedy and pick a fun super power, but like most great things they can be abused. Would I love to be able to read people's minds… yes, but I also don't like temptation. So I will be modest and go with the super power of being positive. Having an optimistic outlook is so difficult for me at times. I think if I was more positive I would have more confidence in my artwork and be able to take more chances and be more apt to turn my work into a fulltime endeavor.

2. Please describe a typical day in the life of Stephanie Mannuci.

Hey who put typical and my name in the same sentence! Haha just joking.
I would like to say that on a normal day I sit and smell the roses and consume over life's little treasures, but alas, not so much. Instead like many of my fellow artists I have a fulltime job that allows very little time for my true passions.
(Isn't that everyone's story, although I have a nice job.)
I get up around 7am, shower, dress, hair & make-up. By 8:30 I am at work
I work all morning and take my lunch at Noon. I go home for an hour and eat lunch with Adam. I am back to work by 1 and work until 5:30 and then walk home (I walk to and from work).
At 6pm the fun begins. My world turns into a fun fantasy full of wonders and whimsical touches. I feel alive by 7pm and engrossed in some form of art or another. In between this time I normally find some scraps to eat and turn on my nightly dose of House to keep me company in a mad mad mad mad mad mad world. I normally craft until 12 when I go to bed and start a whole new day that isn't much different from the last.

3. If you could give a piece of advice to a random person, what would it be?

Live. I play things wayyyy to safe ALLL the time. I rarely take a plunge into things I might not be able to control. Live and enjoy spontaneity. Recently being as sick as I was I realized that in my short 23 years of time I rarely 'live'. I don't take chances, I don't live for the moment, and I certainly don't carpe diem. I would like to think it my New Years resolution to change this mundane pattern but this is years of conditioning that will take years to break. But I am going to be redeveloping things in the New Year (and by things I mean art things!)
Subjecting oneself to change is an invitation to self growth. When we close this door we are holding our self back from so many wonderful possibilities. I am not saying that you should do something ridiculous, but instead take a sensible leap. Since this is an art blog we will use art as an example. Think about a plain white virgin canvas. Stark and even intimidating. You walk by this canvas a thousand times and never touch brush to linen. You are afraid to ruin the canvas or even worse ruin this ideal picture you have already painted in your mind. You finally make the resolve to paint a bunch of roses instead of this new fun and exciting picture you had in your thoughts. So you are left with a pretty painting of a bunch of roses, but what you could have had if you only took the leap was a masterpiece of modern marvel. But looking back you can't count the coulda, shoulda, wouldas. Take the chance now!

4. What are you are most passionate about?

My art. As with many of you I am sure that it has become a part of you, an all too real extension of self. While I was unable to create I didn't feel like myself there was no joy or happiness. I then knew that a part of me was dying and then I realized that art was in direct correlation with my life and my overall well being. Take what you will from me but don't get my ability to do art and thus lose purpose. This all makes perfect sense. Think of Matisse. He towards the end of his life painted with his paint brush in his mouth… not because he wanted to, but rather because he had to. I don't paint or create because I want to, I do it because I have.
I am also very passionate about happiness. If you couldn't already tell since I have mentioned it in every questions.
I come from the parents of baby-boomers who as a result of their parents had an all to sobering up brining. Every way you want to walk is uphill both ways. The point I am getting at is. We are in a time of a generational shift. I being part of the X generation have view points that tend to differ greatly from my parents. In the time you were born, you got married, had kids, settled, had the same job for 30 years and you get the jest. Well I am not like that. I am on a journey to not reach the end and die, but on a journey to find happiness and live. I haven't found it yet but when I do I will let you all know.

5. Please describe the one thing that you are most afraid of.

Ah… this is to the heart of it. Great sequence of questioning. What am I most afraid of. On a personal level I am afraid of never making a mark. That if I were to leave this world tomorrow life would resume as if I was never hear to begin with. Growing up as young as I could remember I thought in some capacity that I was destined for something. Please don't think I have an entitlement to anything but I just always thought that there is something within me that will make me be remembered. I want to leave a mark whether it be on one person or a million.
Of course a second runner up would be the death of a direct family member (mother, father, brother). I am not afraid of death, I am afraid of loss.
And on the most superficial level I am petrified of spiders. I can't look at one on TV I can't see them dead I can't function if there is a spider around. I know there are many that share in this so I will end it there.

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I hope you all enjoyed! I know I loved doing the interview. I hope everyone is doing well and I hope to have some big changes in in my art life coming real soon. Nothing huge but a big step for me. I will be around to visit all of you very very very soon!

Smooches to all,

Steph

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL/ FEELING BETTER

Okay first and foremost I am blessed. I have had so many wonderful get well responses that it would take me FOREVER to respond too all of them. But know that I read each one and with that I get a little better everyday! I am feeling so much better and my spirit can't help but fly for a few reasons.

First I have a BIG announcement to make but I want to do a painting that goes along with it and seeing how I still have some sitting issues it will have a wait a week or so.

Second IT IS CHRISTMAS. Big hugs, smooches, and a very merry Christmas to you and yours. How could you not feel well on Christmas! Beleive me a day or two ago I was struggling and wasn't in the Christmas mood. The wind from my sails were gone and with this special day being shadowed by me and many of my loved ones falling ill it was hard for me to embrace that not every year can be the best, but it is all in how you make it.

It is 6am here in NY and I just had to get up. On this most joyous of day I still wake up like a bright eyed child staring at a tree loaded with goodies. This year is different for me. First off I already recieved my biggest and greatest gift (which goes alone with my BIG annoucement....coming soon) But this is my first year with very few monetary gifts. Since I and my mother were sick (the two who do all the shopping) There will be very little packages adorning our very little tree. But I am very okay with this. Christmas isn't about the gifts and being as sick as I have been I have learned it is who is around you on this day that ultimately counts. A day to be spent with those you love. To share a laugh and a hug. Christmas is the magic of believeing that this days means to you whatever you would like it to mean. And on this day I couldn't feel anymore love in the world.

And as an extension of my family thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, your magic, your inspiration, your kindness, your wisdom, and you love. May this Christmas be magical for you and your loved ones.

OH AND IT IS MY 100TH POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know kind of ironic that it falls on Christmas. Almost like it is a gift in itself. Thank you all for sticking with me and following/reading my blog. Your comments keep me going and give me the inspiration I need to continue.

Love with big Christmas Smooches,
Steph

Alive

Hello everyone,
Unfortunately again I am going to make this short. I am still alive.. I have been in the hospital since last Wed. I will explain everything more in depth later .. there is so much to tell and so much that has gone on that I will not be able to write about all of it until I am mentally ready.

For the two who won the giveaway please hang on I will mail out the winnings but I am still unable to sit or drive and I have a lot a 'life'work to catch up on.

I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for all the well wishes and support. I have a lot of hurdles which I will share with you all later. Please don't leave me now your support helps me with this everyday. If I don't talk to you before Christmas PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have the most Merry Christmas, healthy New Year and best tidings to you and all your loved one. I hope to be around but I am still very sore and very out of commission.

Big Smooches,
Steph

emergency surgery

Sorry folks tomorrow I am going in for emergency surgery for a very large infection that resulted from a different infection. Wonderful. Please hang around I will be with you all in thought . And i hope to talk to you all soon

Smooches and warmest wishes

Steph

AND THE WINNERs ARE!!

So as I stated in my post earlier today I was going to give two people a giveaway instead of just one. I appreciate all those who participated but in the end there could only be 2. (and yes I remembered to add those who posted the badge in twice.)

How I did the drawing. There were 27 participants in total. I gave everyone a number giving the first poster number 1 and so on until the last poster was named number 27. (Those who added the badge had their number put in twice). Then Adam picked from the magic Christmas hat and came out with two winners. (This was just easier than writing out everyone's name)

The first person receives two 5X7" prints of their choice

The second person receives one 5X7" print of their choice

without further delay

#10= 1st place winner= Cris from Mommy's Midwest Mountain Folk Art

#2= 2nd place winner= Jenn from Pease Porridge

Again thank you all for participating. I am coming up on my 100th post so stay tuned for MAYBE another giveaway!

CHECK OUT MY ETSY!

I have two short term paintings on ebay (going off in three days) incase you wanted to do as a Christmas gift. (will send out as 2 to 3 day shipment, unfortunately I can't be held responsible for delaying with the post office)

SMOOCHES,
Steph

HAPPY SUNDAY

Hello everyone. This is a little number I did before I fell ill and forgot to post... It is a 9"X12" so it has a hard time getting on the scanner. But you get the idea.

Well I got outside yesterday. The day I had the first procedure done we had a huge ice and sleet storm so I knew at the point I wasn't going to be able to be outside for a couple of days. I FINALLY GOT outside yesterday! BURRRR when did the temperature drop that cold. Really I didn't car, to breath fresh air was a HUGE relief. And more awesome yet was that all the tree looked like crystals from the ice storm. If you touched one it looked like it would shatter in a million pieces! I wish I had my camera on me but I didn't. I am going to go out again today and see if I can get any pictures... crossing my fingers.

I want to get some quality time outside today because I am back to the surgeons tomorrow so he can look into the crystal ball and read my future. Speaking of future ADAM IS ALL DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAYAYAYYAY I think I feel as liberated as he does. Time to start real life. I am a little nervous but I think it will all be fine.

We stayed up until 2am last night playing online jeopardy. We are a good team:) We always bet it all at the end, not becuase we are risk takers but becuase we trust in that the other will know the answer. In high school I was a member of what we called the Post Star Bowl team. It was high school jeopardy and I loved it. At the begining of the year you had to try out against tons of classmakes and students in higher and lesser grades than you and the team would consist of 5 players with one sub. I have always had a love for information I was actually invited to try out for the real Jeopardy teen edition when I was a Sophmore in highschool. It was at the Waldorf Historia and NYC. Unfortunately the tryouts fell on New York State testing days and well there goes a one in a will shot. My luck I would have gotten all spelling questions.

Alright well I have to shower and get my day started. I am sooo behind on a million different things that it will take me DAYS! to catch up.

The drawing for the winner of the giveaway will be pulled btwn 5-7pm eastern time! So I will be sending out an email to the winner. Also I decided to give away one more print to a second winner and that name will be drawn at the same time! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. and thank you for entering!

smooches,
Steph

Award

Sorry I forgot to post this award I received from two of my most beloved blog ladies who are always here to spread love and great cheer all over my little blog.

Gina from Cap Nap Inn Primitives what a domestic goddess! She always has love to spread and makes you feel right at home. I am so lucky to have her around.

Also Jenny from Wonders of Whimsy her blog is just as contagious as her unbelievably loving demeanor.

Both ladies are a masters of their craft but more important they are wonderful caring ladies individuals with nothing but love in their hearts.

It took me some time to post this and I promise I will send it back out but it might take a day or two. I just wanted to make sure that I gave these two unreal ladies the recognition they deserve.

Thank You both your continued support is sooo unreal and much needed.

Big smooches

Steph

Thank You

Thank you everyone for sicking around. This hasn't been easy on me. Yesterday I had to go to the Surgeons and I underwent some of the wost pain of my life. The cellulitis had to be tended to so they had to lance the infection to let the bad stuff out. OUCHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.. So pretty much all last night I just knocked myself out with pain killers.

After that procedure was done they had to stuff the incision with gauze. So inside the cut was filled with gauze and this morning Adam had to rip it out. DOUBLE OUCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Followed by uncontrolable crying for at least 30 mins.

I just really want to keep everyone up to date what is happening. I have another appt. on Monday I don't want anymore pain but I know that is unrealistic!

Please hang around I am just so nervous that you are all going to leave due to me not posting any art and with the holidays and all. I really need your support right now. You all mean so much to me and it is just KILLING me that I haven't been able to do any art in almost 2 weeks.

Don't forget the drawing is still going to take place and I might try to make an Etsy update sometimes today or tomorrow.

The weather here is horrible we have about 3 inches of snow over 2 inches of ice and I am a nervous wreck becuase Adam has to drive to Albany! I hate when he has to drive in these condtions.

He has been really good about me being sick (at first he didn't want anything to do with it) (I kind of understand it is really really gross, lots of blood and all that) but now he is very helpful and changes all the dressesing and is coooking (although I can't seem to eat)


I am getting a little tired now. Thank you all for you well wishes and for sicking around. Please don't leave me I hope to be back in action as soon as possible. I will keep you all posted with my health.

Big smooches to you all. I could really use some Christmas cheer

Steph

Out of comission

Howdy folks...

Well.. I am sick.. and I mean sick as a dog. With a new icky development with my cyst yesterday I decided to go see my primary for a second opinion since I developed what I thought was a cold on top of all of it. I am going to make this quick because I am extremely nauseous from the pain killers I am on but..... here is the short of it..

I guess somewhere along the line a became antibiotic immune and the infection got worse and has caused cellulitis (kinda like a staff infection) and the cyst has drained into a different area. SOOO I am scheduled for an emergency meeting tomorrow with the surgeon. So with all my white blood cells fight the infection of my cyst is wasn't able to protect me and my weekend immune system from a respiratory infection. Ya a lot of yucky stuff. I feel awful I haven't been able to create anything (but a mess).. Please bear with me during this time I will be back as soooon as possible. This Sunday is still the drawing for the giveaway!!!! I will email the winner!

Smooches,
take care,
Steph

Make-me-up

Howdy ..

Well I know I haven't done a video in a longgggg time so I thought I would do one. I didn't know what to do so I did my make-up I know I am a goone. Anywho it has music with it so turn my playlist off at the bottom of my blog.

I am working on a little somthin somethin (okay just a painting) but I really like it.. sooooo cute! I hope to get it done tonight.

Well this brain has been doing some thinking.. Ahh yes don't we all smell the unmistakable sent of burning wood. Okay now that the tacky joke is out of the way, I have been pondering this question for a long time. I am sure I am not the only one but I have yet to see it mentioned through all my days of blogging. Do we ladies and gents of the art blogspot world ever meet up? I mean not just two or three of us who live close enough, but a group of us? This might be the event coordinator in me but I almost feel that there is an injustice done if I never get to meet any of these wonderful people I have been conversing with for so long. Our own little mixed media convention. Just curious.


Then of course my mind expands on this thought and says. Due to travel costs we would have to break if down into regions so there would be 5 chapters (Northeast, Southeast, Central, Southwest, and Northwest). We would also have to have dues to cover the cost of the meeting hall, or if it is a manageable group we could always meet at a house. We could make it a yearly event (one shot deal) to bring some of our items and to showcase them and maybe swap techniques and chew over some ideas about getting the word out to the public about our little corner of the world (there are sooo many people who don't even know us and that our art work exists). Believe it or not I know people who have never heard of ETSY! (gasps from the crowd) I know dears I know….

I guess that was all a dream but then I woke up. But isn't this a place to dream and to explore. Call me Peter Pan but I'm never doing to lose the child like hope and I will never stop believing in the things I am passionate about. So just a thought to mull over for all those starving artists out there who have met special people like them on here. Something to tuck away in the back of your mind and bring it out when the timing is right. And as a very smart intelligent woman once said to me, "why not?"

Lovely Tuesday Ladies (and Gents)

Smooches,

Steph