Friday is My Day

Good Friday everyone!

I come to you from the land of make believe. No not really but I guess there is no harm in pretending.

Before I get on with the post please stop over and visit my Etsy shop as there have been some updates… Let me tell you the new post cards are soooo darn cute. I can't wait to use them myself.

So Last night I made my first duvet cover! I don't want to tell you too much about it now, but I hope to get the button holes in it tonight so I can take pictures and show everyone next week! YIPPY. It isn't the exact color that I wanted but what I ended up getting was hard to find. I guess technically I wanted white but we all know what happens with anything that is white… that is right it gets gross especially if you sleep with it everyday.

I am sure some of you are familiar with Americade. For those who aren't it is a HUGGGGEEEEE bike (motorcycle) expo in Lake George NY. Of course it you see huge caravans of bikes pass by

going north this time of year good chances they are part of Americade. So Adam and I will be there tonight on our little Hondamatic. This is a very rare bike as it had only been made for one year. And as the name alludes it is an automatic bike. Granted I much rather but sporting a Harley, but alas, can't afford one and it is kind of neat to be riding on an antique (1970's).


So if you hear a faint WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO coming from the distance odds are it is me because I absolutely love the freedom of a motorcycle.!

Happy Friday Loves,

Smooches
Steph

Two Posts In A Row! New Piece On Etsy

Howdy All.

It is Wed. which is usually that most blah day of the week for others but not for me... Today is Ghost Hunter day. That is right a full night dedicated to those who look for the supernatural. Always a good time.

Adam is home today getting the house ready for us to leave next week. He is the greatest when it comes to household chores (I gravely pale in comparison!)

Here is the new piece I will be putting as a print on Etsy sometime today! I love her. She is longing for her love to return. I am in love with the background it is one of my favorite shades of green.

I received an award today from the very talented and oh so sweet Jenny from Wonders of Whimsy. She is such an amazing person who does so many great things for our alley kitties. Make sure you stop over and give her some love!

The blog award is for being refreshing and creative, promotes friendship and positive thinking. Do I promote positive thinking? LOL Anyway, the lucky person who receives this award will need to perform the following:

The Rules:

- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award

- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the post.

- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved, preferably citing one or more older posts as support

- You must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions

- You must display the Award at any location at your blog

My Two nominations are:

Amariah Rauscher & Things With Wings and Other Things

These 5 ladies have been instrumental in the success of The Muse Behind the Mask and giving me the support/friendship I need to continue with this endeavour. These five ladies are as positive as can be! Almost everyday they post pictures of their art and all art is positive because it is creation. Thank You ladies!

Alright I am off. Have a great Wed.

Smooches,

Steph

Searching For Peace

Before I begin here is a shamless plug. Last night The Muse Behind The Mask was updated with the interview staring Things With Wings and Other Things. Please stop over it is a great interview that I am sure many people will relate too!


"Year by year the complexities of this world grow more bewildering, and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in joyful simplicities." Anom

Lately I have this anxiety that is building in my gut. By lately I mean the last 6 months. I can't seem to find the calm or even a little relaxing nook in the depths of my mind. My brain is constantly racing and it will not let me have a break. I find myself in a constant search for peace, relaxation, balance, and stillness. I don't even know where to start. I wake up everyday with angst and uneasiness and end my day exhausted and regretful. All I want is a little break a little bit of time to ease my mind, alas; I don't see an end in sight. I want to simplify without giving up the things I love. And the things I love are the things I need. I know the solution but I can't seem to get there and I guess necessity rules a tight jurisdiction over simplicity.

I look at the little bonsai tree sitting on my desk. It turns and weaves in such a smooth easy serpent like way. The little tree stands tall and proud very sure of the direction it is taking, never unyielding, and never in a hurry. To me this tree is peace and I want to be the tree.



This little Aceo isn't finished I still have a little background work to do on it. This uneasiness in my life has left it very hard for me to paint or draw. I have been crafting in different ways but I miss my true love my fine art. I just have to get in the zone again. I have been seeing so much inspiration and my fellow artists excelling that I know I have to step it up.

The good news is I have written the first 20 pages of my book. YIPPY. Of course this is the first draft with many many revisions to go but I think I am on to something here.

Unfortunately I might be scarce the next couple of weeks as I have my brother's wedding shower this weekend and then the CRUISE the next weekend AND THEN my brother's wedding the weekend after that. I will try to touch base here and there but I will be a busy girl. I just want to relax.

Talk to you all soon.

Smooches,

Steph

O-Happy Rainy Day

It is rainy elephants and tigers here in good old New York for the second day in a row. I love the way the drops of rain trickle down the window and the gray tones mask the sky. AHHHH my utopia. The other day I was lucky enough to walk home in the rain and everything around me was such a lush shade of green. I just wanted to sit there and let the rain wash over me and wash everything away. I guess some people feel about the sun the way I feel about rain, I feel reborn, rejuvenated, and like nothing else matters at that moment.

Stepping into rain makes me feel like I am stepping into mystery. When most people are scrambling for umbrellas I discard mine. I don't want to be shielded; the rain is so lovely and surprisingly inviting. If you haven't danced in the rain I strongly suggest you do it. No it is never too late. Don't look at getting wet as an inconvenience think of it as an opportunity to welcome what most people run from.

Okay so I will tell you one thing I have been up to considering it has been taking a good portion of my time. I hoped to have pictures but, alas, this is kind of hard to take pictures of.

Deep down I have always wanted to be an author, and yes I know who doesn’t, but I didn't want it for the money I wanted it for the beauty of composed words. I wanted euphemistic sentences to tickle my fingertips. I wanted people to relate to what I was saying and to live if only for a second in my thoughts. So that is what I have been dreaming and trying to turn into my reality. These things take resources, research, and time I never seem to have. I know what John Myer was trying to say when he said, "I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for," mentally I want to stretch from here to infinity with ideas and creations, but physically I can't, but it won't stop me from trying. So I am continually working on improving and creating.

So take my word for it. I have things in the works things but I feel will all come together in the end, but for now just makes me look like a scattered mess.

Oh, and I have been crafting please don't think I have given up on it, but it is preparation for an event so please stay tuned!

Smooches,
Steph

I Won't Tell You Twice

I believe you are probably saying to yourself right now, "why does this picture look familiar?" That is because it looks like your mother's scorn, and you would be correct. Now I won't tell you twice, hop on over to The Muse Behind The Mask to vote for the next Muse. There isn't much time left, it ends this week!

Okay ladies (to any gents that are reading this is when you want to stop reading... really stop!) So you all know how I am going on a cruise in June.. June 15th I get on board and just like those commercials on TV mother nature is stopping by AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. … … I think I could kill some one. My first vacation in forever and I am going to be curses with the ugliest, worst, more miserable thing in creation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you oh holy smitter. But of course I am not a delicate 3 days low flow all I have to wear is a panty liner kinda gal. NOOOOO I am a hold on to the seat of your pants this is going to be a bumpy 10 dyas. To make things worse I am not on BC so I can't even skip! Yes so as you can imagine I am freaking out this is a wedding gift and I am going to be running around like the hulk on steroids. PLEASE ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED NATURAL OR NOT! So for the men that did read that I apologize…. I told you to stop ;)

I hope to have another post soon to explain what I have been doing. Contrary to what my updating shows I have been really busy and I REALLY want to explain and show you all what I have been doing and where.

Smooches to all.

Oh and thanks for reading the ugly part of this post. I would say disgusting but hey it happened to almost all women.

Planes,Boats?!?!?!, & Automobiles

Wow long time no post!

Well it has taken me some time to get my life back in order after my array of health issues and I am still working on it. I guess everyday is a little better in those regards. I am still dealing with some issues that takes me away from my blogging world from time to time but I always find my way back.

I have updates my Plumes Ami shop on Etsy. Here is a peak. Please stop over if you can and take a look. I have several other pieces made and hope to be updating soon. I try to spread things out. (sometimes I take too long in the spreading process haha). Just click the picture below and it will direct you to Plumes Ami on Etsy.

I would like to take a second and thank Amariah for being a great sport and successfully fulfilling the roll of Muse on The Muse Behind the Mask. If you haven't stopped over you really should. Currently we are voting on the new Muse and the voting is open to everyone so please stop by!

There is some fun news that I haven't told everyone yet….drum roll…. I am going on a cruise in JUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my first cruise and I am super excited. I have never been on one before and I am looking very forward to what I hear is an unforgettable time. Adam's more than generous Grandfather gave it to us as a wedding gift (no I am not married yet). June 15th I will board the ship and if I love it I might not come home. HAHA.. Okay I will come back to get my birds but then I might leave again! We will be departing from Florida (He even paid for the plane flight!) and hitting all the islands in the West Caribbean. HAHA boo hoo right ;). I added the picture of the ship. It is one of the newest in the fleet and it is called the Legend. I am not a sun person but I am definitely a vacation person.

I guess my other fun news is I GOT A NEW CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes it is fun but believe me the payments aren't and my other car broke so I didn't have much of a choice. Here is a picture. It is a dream to drive.

Call me what you will but although I have fun news life has been pretty poopy around these parts. Adam still can't find a job, the candidate pool for aerospace and mechanical engineers just double with the new graduates and student loans will be rolling in. Lets just say it kills moral. So as always if anyone know of a company that is looking for an aerospace or mechanical engineer you know where to find me. He could also be a great mechanic or even a golf course mechanic. Thanks all.

Alright nice chatting to everyone again. I hope to talk to you all soon!

Smooches,
Steph

ANNNDDD THE WINNER IS!!!!!!!

The Winner is THE GIVE AWAY DIVA! (Ironic) I really haven't gotten to know this nice young lady but I did take a stop over to her blog and it seems that she is doing everyone a nice service by telling you all about upcoming giveaways! Check it out.

AND THE PRIZE!!!!!! A 5"X7" print of I WOULD LIKE TO FLY TOO!

Thank you all who entered and don't forget to stop by The Muse Behind The Mask for a chance to win a print from Amariah, this month's featured artist.

Stay tuned next week with a BIG update with what I have been up to. And maybe for two shop updates wink wink....

Smooches

Steph

GIVEAWAY LAST DAY

Last day to enter my giveaway for one free print. Please read below post of information to enter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smooches
Steph

GIVE AWAY!

Give Away

(FREE PRINT FROM Fantastic Figments)
In honor of me reaching two of my goals, making it one year on Etsy and opening my second blog
(click picture to visit new blog!)

I would like to host a happy little giveaway!

To Enter:
***You MUST visit my Etsy Store ( Fantastic Figments) and choose your one favorite prints between (Undercover, Forsaken, Love At First Bite, I Would Like To Fly Too, and The greatest Escape)
***You MUST visit The Muse Behind The Mask or the blog you are on Fantastic Figments comment on the current post which print was your favorite and you are done!!

The winner will be picked on 4/24/09 and the winner will be listed on the Fantastic Figments Blog and notified. If you don't use blogger you must leave your email address to win. Winner will be decided by random number generator.
Long post, thanks for sticking with me on this one. I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday! Smooches, Steph

Giveaway/Goals

GOALS

If this picture doesn't represent who I am right now I don't think any picture ever could. I am stretching myself to the limit and it FEEELLLSSS sooo good. I have been sick for so long that I feel like I missed so much while I was ill (the last 5 months.) I don't have a clean bill of health yet, but I am working my way there.



This post is about GOALS! That is right I hope we all have them, I know I have a ton. With a year of blogging under my belt it has made me reflect on my true goals. I think for a long time I was living on other's expectations of me (sometimes I still think I am) Any goal I have ever had I had to push and fight and lose my soul to get there. I now know those weren't really my goals they were preconceived goals of what others thought I should do (and maybe at the time even I believed it).



Goals should be something you have to work for and it is hard work but if it is truly something you love down in the depths of your soul than the work should be effortless. Think about it, all this time we have been told that working hard is the only way to get from A to B and that is true......if you don't love what you do. When you are doing something you love doesn't it make you feel good even if it is technically hard work? Although I am not one to exercise I hear that running can make you feel good (*rolling my eyes*) BUT.. it is true endorphins can make you feel great, it is hard work but you are running towards a goal you love.



My goal is creativity and I want to stretch the goal to the outer most limits! I want to create so much that it hurts but feels oh-so-good. I want to create until my fingers are raw, my brain is mush, and to the point that I could not possibly leave one creative stone unturned. I want to share my creativity with everyone and I want them to feel the energy to create or do whatever it is that is effortless to them. Why struggle why not have an outlet far far away from the emotionally taxing work, the pseudo-goals, the life that you never wanted but seems to be yours. Find your real goals and you will know when you find them because getting there might be hard, long, exhausting, and daunting; but it will be effortless if you truly love the goal you have chosen to be yours.



Excuses, oh yes, they always get in the way of goals. But my friend, as most excuses are cliche there is another cliche that combats your lazy excuse " Where there is a will there is a way," go have a heart to heart with your will if you are still making excuses.



As I say in my profile, I don't create because I want to, I create because I have to. Not every second of everyday do I want to have a paint brush in my hand, and God knows I don't LOVE doing the listing end of Etsy but creating is what I have to do and it just seems effortless to me so why not translate that into a goal. And why not for a change, do something that makes you feel good and something that you want to do. If you aren't doing something that you love ask yourself what excuses you might be making, see if they are valid reasons of simple excuses. I have a funny feeling you will find a way if it is something you really want deep down inside.



I have a full time job, I have a million hospital bills, I have to go for regular Dr. check-ups, I can't medically sit for more than an hour at a time, I have a car payment, I have student loans, I have to try to plan for a wedding, I have to pay the rent, I have a fiance, I have friends, I have two pets, and I have family obligations. And apparently I have a butt load of excuses, these were just some of the excuses that have held me back for years. Some might seem pretty valid but not to me, not anymore. Not one of the above have suffered since I started to do what I love. In fact, everything above has improved. Once you do something you love your mind can release those happy endorphins and give you a positive tweak in attitude.



Try it, I promise you won't regret it.

Give Away

In honor of me reaching two of my goals, making it one year on Etsy and opening my second blog

click picture to visit!

I would like to host a happy little giveaway!

To Enter:

***You MUST visit my Etsy Store ( Fantastic Figments) and choose your one favorite print between the five (Undercover, Forsaken, Love At First Bite, I Would Like To Fly Too, and The greatest Escape)

***You MUST visit The Muse Behind The Mask and comment on the current post what one of your goals in life is (not matter how big or small) and print that you chose in my Etsy store!

It is all that simple. The winner will be picked on 4/24/09 and the winner will be listed on the Fantastic Figments Blog and notified. If you don't use blogger you must leave your email address to win. Winner will be decided by random number generator.

Long post, thanks for sticking with me on this one. I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Smooches,
Steph

New Blog To Give Thanks To All Of You

******* DRUM ROLL********

Hello all my lovely lovely friends. I have been so inspired by all of you that I needed to find a way to thank you for all that you do to encourage me and others. And this is how I would like to give thanks....

http://www.themusebehindthemask.blogspot.com

This is a brand new blog that I have created to give thanks to the wonderful artists who inspire us and encourage us. So many times we see beautiful creations and we crave to know the artist(muse) who creates such beautiful things. This blog is meant to inspire, thank, and be a resource to get to meet the Muses(artists) behind the Masks(artworks)!

A full explanation of The Muse Behind The Mask and what is has to offer can be found by clicking the picture above or the link below it.

This blog is different from other featured blogger blogs in that you as the reader will get to choose the next featured muse by voting! To get the ball rolling I chose the first muse the lovely artist is

Amariah Rauscher

If you haven't visited her blog put it on your to do list. To read the full interview with Amariah stop over to The Muse Behind The Mask next week (4-20).

The Muse Behind The Mask is sure to be a fun prompt blog to add to your everyday visits. Are you hitting a creative roadblock? Come on by and take a cue from the "Weekly Inspiration" side bar. If you are inspired by something on The Muse Behind The Mask please send me a link to your blog where you post a picture of your creations with mention of The Muse Behind The Mask (including link) in your blog post.


To get the full flavor stop over and check it out. I encourage you to nominate yourself or nominate a fellow artist to be the next muse... remember you all get to choose who the next muse will be!

I would like to add that the artists to be nominated can use ANY genre of art (paint, jewelry, clothing, knitting, photography, computer graphics, etc.) All are welcome because we can all learn something new from others.

If Ever There Was

If ever there were a cross roads in my life this would be it. The problem is my car broke down at the four corners (hypothetically speaking). I feel as though I am stuck and stuck in ways that are far beyond my control. Not necessarily in a bad way, more of a stagnant way, a place far from growth. Thank god for my art.

I have been trying on this adult thing for a few years now and I am not sure if I like it. I am not sure what I don't love about it, but I can tell you it is different. I guess we all go through times of uncertainty, self doubt, and I am sure it will all pass. This too shall pass right? HAHA.. This isn't a Debbie Downer post as I am not "down" I am just confused and trying to get insight through self understanding. I guess it comes down to is I haven't made my adult identity yet and I have been trying on so many different hats that I can figure would which one to wear to the party. The party of life that is.

As of late I have been really digging my 'new girls' I feel they are different and well, everything I want them to be. (or what they want to be). Here are the three new ladies who I should be giving names too.

Oh and if you are loving the new girls as much as me there is GREAT news. THERE ARE PRINTS!!!!!!!!!! Fabulous prints prints that I would love to hang on my wall! (Thanks Jenn from Noodle and Lou Studio Great advice) Isn't she the sweetest?

Well all I have an announcement that I would love to make in a few days (I know I always have something brewing on the back burner) I am really really excited about this and I think many of you will be too!

Smooches All and happiest Thursday

Steph

I Love When Things Aren't Perfect

Wow two posts in a row I must not be feeling well. HAHA j/k I just miss blogging a lot so whenever I get a spare minute now that is what I want to do.

So I have a dilemma that I need some help with and who better than a boat load of talented artists. I have desperately been trying to get great prints of my work so I can sell the on Etsy. I have been trying so many different paper types but the quality I want isn't there. I have a standard HP printer deluxe with fine quality inks it produces a great print but I guess I am unhappy with the paper. Does anyone have any paper suggestion or methods they use in making prints? I really want to stock up my store and I have some great painting I haven't listed yet because I want to make prints first. Oh HUM any suggestions are welcomed. Once I a lock on making the prints I will definitely be doing a giveaway for all the help I hope I receive.

If anyone cares it is snowing in NY today. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH that is right the fluffy white stuff is pooping all over the lovely green grass that has just recently appeared in our tundra of a state. Enough is enough. I love the dreary Seattle weather we have been getting with lots of rain and wind and gray skys but save the snow for somewhere else. Drats!

So last night I did this little painting.

I feel like I have been very into the imperfections in life lately. I am sick of things 'trying' to be perfect as we all well know that nothing is perfect. There is so much beauty in flaws and yet we discount them as being imperfect and thus ugly or bad or what-have-you. I am trying to paint more from emotion these days (and even in Plumes Ami) create from emotion. And I find that even emotions lack true clarity. I want my pieces to have a life and to feel. I want a chord to strike in the on-lookers and find maybe even a hint of their imperfect self in my pieces. Lately I have really been embracing what others might find the doldrums but I find peace and inspiration there. It feels so real to me, different than trying to pretend of keep up with the Jones's, and no it isn't depression. God, no where close, it is life and its imperfections and taking the time to love them, good, bad, or indifferent. With that I say embrace the beauty of imperfection because as far as I can see there is nothing special about being perfect.

I hope everyone has a great Tuesday! Please stop over and visit Plumes Ami if you haven't already. I put up some funky wrist cuffs that I just LOOOVEEEE.

Smooches

Steph

And it is Monday again!

Oh how the days just mesh into one.

So before I get started on the post I have something to comment on. "Twilight" now I am sure some of you just swooned at the name and frankly I can't blame you. I have neither read or have seen Twilight out of sheer fear of being obsessed but isn't it amazing the following it has gathered. Kudos to Stephanie for writing such a captivating masterpiece! But alas I will only hear the gossip I can't bring myself to actually watch it. (Vampires something near and dear to my heart as I always wanted to be a vampire or a witch).

Okay onto business.

Well here are some of my new pieces. MUCH MUCH different right! Well they are wrist cuffs and BOY do they make a statement. I made some for myself as well and I have been getting compliments left and right (makes me feel good).

I am trying to upcycle and use materials that are left over or taken from previously loved pieces (waste not want not). Please stop over to Plumes Ami on Etsy and check them out. I love how shabby chic and eclectic they look. And the picutures hardly do the details justice!

Last but not least I want to thank the ever glamourous Giovanna over at BoHo Market for a WONDERFUL award! Unfortunately the picture of the award doesn't seem to be working on the gifters blog but that certainly isn't enough to dappen the spirit! I made a temporary replacement (I hope no one minds). This is the Sisterhood Award for blogs that show attitude and/or grattitude. The name of the game:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 5 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

The five a choose : Drum Roll......(no order)

1. Amariah Rauscher she is sassy but her artwork is sweet

2. Designs By CK: The spookiest most loveable guy on the block

3. Cat Napinn Primitives: She will bring a smile to your face

4. Hot Tamale Art Studio: Because her artwork is on FIIIREEEE

5. Chrissy Foreman: Anyone who does a community morale project is definately deserving of an award!

I hope you all have a wonderful first half of the week. I hope to see you all on the flip side!! Smooches Steph

PLUMES AMI (SUPRISE)

So I know I haven't been around lately, but I have a good excuse I swear! I opened a second Etsy store where I will be selling my swen creations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So between a fulltime job, creating art and creating.. well.. more art it is hard to make the rounds like I used to. So it will be my goal to post twice a week.

I have always loved fabric, probably becuase the novelty fabric reminds me of art so it was only natural to make it funcational. I will be adding more to Plumes Ami (feathered Friend) shortly. I just wanted to give it a jump start since I have been keeping it a secret for sooooooo long.

So please stop over tell your friends and enjoy!

Smooches

Steph

Howdy all.

Sorry extended break again, I just needed some time to get back into the swing of things. I have something REALLY exciting to share but I don't think I am going to make the announcement for another week or so. I am very excited about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to post a little something, this is a gift that I made for Adam's sister (it is a portrait of her) for her 20th birthday. I met adam 9 years ago and that mean Emily was only 11 years old... oh WOOW how time has flown. As you can see she is a knock out, oh and if you couldn't tell pink is her fav. color.

I have been super busy lately, mostly working on the new suprise. I just can't seem to stop the creativity!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Monday I hope mine goes well.

I will talk to you soon...

Smooches,

Steph

ETSY UPDATE>>>>> ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello all my love love lovelies!!!!

I am bacccckkkk *feeling marginally better* but ready to take on the world with some new art.

Just wanted to let everyone know I put some new items up on Etsy for your peepers pleasures.

I am sooo sorry I haven't had the chance to keep up with everyones' progress believe me it stinks. I love looking at all the wonderful thing you all create! I hope to be around more but I still have some obstacles to overcome that keep me from dedicating as much time as I would like to blogging.

I am excited that I have been creating some new and different art pieces, and I see myself going more to the illustration side. Must be the wanna be animator in me. (One day ... one day...)

While I have been absent I am going to show you what I have been working on.. Let me know what you think :)



To see the rest swing on over to my Etsy page and check them out!

I hope to talk to you all soon and thank you so much for ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the well wishes I know that you all have been giving them too me for over 3 months now and I couldn't thank you all enough!

Smooches my loves and big hugs,
Steph

alive update

Okay so I made it through... just not as a whole person haha..

I am one abcess and two 3/4 inch cysts lighter. which does not equate to much weight. So I am finally ready to diverge my disease and this is only because I was finally diagnosed.

I have Acute Pilonidal Cyst Syndrome with Hirutism. Yes I know weird and what I look like now is even more weird. Although 75,000 suffer from Pilonidal cysts they are I will losely say lucky enough to be able to manage them although still probably will somewhere down the road have pain. In my case I couldn't control the infections I was getting and I was getting too many reoccurances. As a result I have a whole in my back that your could easly fit a tennis ball and golf ball side by side in. GROSSSSS ...... I know... you can imagine that I haven't been up and about but I have been trying to plug away at some art. I have some new thing I have been expirementing with and I have some new little things for Etsy, but that will be for later. Right now I cant stand for more than 20 mins. In total this will take 3 months to heal, but should have mobility within a month. We will see.

Thanks for all the well wishes and sticking by my side. Your encourgagement helps. I am just so bummed out that this all happened at a time where I was actually making sales and seeing the drean come true....

I hope all of you are doing well and know I think about you all frequently!


Smooches,
Steph

Back in the hospital

Alright folks sorry I haven't been around in some time, but ....

I am going back in the hospital for another operation. This one is very unexpected!

AHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I will be around to fill in..

Smooches,
Steph

JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes Yes I know I am been gone for far too long. But Life has been very busy and it is simply something I can't put on the back burner.

First I will tell you that Adam and I moved our wedding up an entire year! Why you might ask, the rational reason is my brother was already getting married in 2010 and we picked only two month after him. I can say I really don't want to put that kind of finicial hardship on my parents and the rest of our family.

The other reason, not so rational is....... WE MOVED IT TO HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHA that is right, call me crazy, but Halloween falls on a Saturday this year and 1) it is my favorite holiday, and 2) I always wanted a Fall wedding. We are going to try to make it work, but 8 months isn't a lot of time to plan a wedding. We don't even have a venue picked out yet. So that is why I have been very absent, all of my spare time as my given to the task of planning a wedding. Please forgive me. I will be posting here and there and doing some painting over the weekend. Stick with me folks the best is yet to come!!!!!!!!!!

But onto maybe even more exciting news..... I HIT THE JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is right folks lill' ol'me hit a slot machine jackpot on a 2 cent slot machine. Before I tell you how much I won, I will tell you that nor Adam and I are gamblers. Never were and probably never will be. In Saratoga, where we live there is a mini casino, and this past weekend they were having a bridal show. So we went but the show was a total bomb. Adam hands me a $20 and says might as well spend some money we drove all the way here. So I walked around and didn't want to play the $1 machines, or .25 machines, I wanted to make that $20 last. (As I said I am not a gambler). So I saw a 2 cent machine with a bird on it, and after my dear birds I thought this was as good of a machine as any. So we stuck in the $20.00 and gave it a spin. First shot I hit a bonus which gave me 10 free spins, and then a hit again with another 5 free spins and finally the buzzer went off. I didn't know how much I won, but I knew I had to have won something big since the buzzer went off. The man sitting next to me was like you just won $500... I was screaming, $500 that is awesome.. BUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTTT I didin't win $500.......... You see those free spins didn't mean I was just racking up points, I was racking up DOUBLE AND TRIPLE POINTS!!!!!!!!! I Won $2,200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is right $2,200... Now that is a down payment on the wedding...

So please stick around during this crazy time in my life. Talk about a cross roads. I will be here and thre and back and worth and I will get around eventually. I will keep you all up to date on anything COOOLLL that might happen. Just remeber I heart you all and I will be around!

BIG SMOOCHES,

STEPH