HAPPPPY HALLOWEEEN

Wrapping up October: My Cup Truly Runneth Over

Since I won't be around all weekend I thought I would do a wrap up of my favorite month of the year, October.

Creatively I believe I did my best work. The continuing inspiration of the foliage and the supernatural attraction of Halloween I was chuck-full of ingenuity. But, I also had a lot of fun with my work and kept it whimsical. This has been my first Halloween working in my new genre of mixed media, and I have to say I don't know if I will ever go back to my old style. I feel as though there are countless possibilities with mixed media and I have yet to even brush the surface.

This month especially my friendships bloomed with many fellow blog artists. I can truly say that I believe that I have made some life long friends, supporters, and mentors. When no one else understands I know you will. It is amazing how many of us are so much alike. I can waltz over to any blog and see so much of myself in you. So thank you for allowing me to be part of this wonder land of creativity.

Personally, (yes, I know I never put a lot of personal detail in my blog, one day I will be able too). This was an okay month. Nothing to write home to Mom about. There were plenty of ups and downs and thus has been my life for some time. A lot of uncertainty fills my days (any time that is left after art). I will save you the true search for self babble we all go through it and we all know the story. I will pin this on my quarter-life crisis. As any psych would tell me it is not good to repress, but I just continue to push on using my art to delay thinking about all my situations. One day everything will pan out but it is rough when there is no end in sight. As a fellow blogger will tell me one day you will Fly.

So lets explore the ups! For the first time I was able to FINALLY get tickets to the Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride! I had some really good times with my best friends this month. My brother Joe, his fiancé Jo Anne, and my longtime best friend/boyfriend/other half/ying to my yang/total opposite, Adam. We had some great trips to NYC, spent a lot of time in NJ (with Ali) and had many laughs along the way.


Without Adam (engineer) I think I (artist) would be a total mess. I am scattered, unorganized, off the cuff, loud mouthed, and very opinionated. Adam is precise, detail oriented, reserved, VERY quite, and humble. Physically we are polar opposites as well. He is very tall (6'6), thin, health conscience. I am 5'3, stocky, and I eat what I want (only go around once). He is truly my other half, I can't remember life before him.

I recieved the best Halloween present ever from my wonderful parents!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone had a successful month. I know with the economy sales are down (in fact I only made one sale this month). I will keep my fingers crossed that the recession will not last too much longer and we will see some positive turnover in 2009.

I cannot thank you all enough for your tremendous support and comments. Please stick around, your comments and support give me the fuel I need to continue and believe me I need my art more than I need air!

Happy Halloween my loves! Thank you for a great 4 months and this being the most fulfilling of them all!


SMOOOOCHES,

STEPH!

SNOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW... where?

As I wiped the sleep from my eyes at 8am this morning I was expecting to see a lot of this………..

But, All I saw was this.


Although I am not surprised to listen to a terrible farce fly from the lips of a weather man I was a little surprised to see that we did not receive a flake of snow from the predicted 3-5". Not one downy flake to even foreshadow the coming of winter. Okay I am not that disappointed but.. but.. my beloved Fall is gone, the grass is dead, the trees are naked, and at least the white of snow would add a tinge of festiveness to the air. And my art thrives on festiveness.

I went to AC Moore last night and blew the bank on supplies. I bought lots and lots of beads for the deconstructed bracelet I am making. Beads are sooooo expensive. If any of you happen to know a reasonable bead store online please share the link. I also rummaged the newly formed Christmas isles for some goodies to add to my 3-D sculptures. Not 1 of the 3 is yet complete and I am starting to find that I could work on them forever adding details and finishing touches. So here is a sneak preview. Two of them are on the brink of completion but you know I might change everything at the last minute. (Remember they aren't done!)



I really really enjoy working with the 3-d sculptures but they do take a LONG LONG LONG time. But they are sooo darn cute! Oh and a little hint to they paper mache sculptures out there, instead of sand paper for smoothing, hardware stores are now making sponge like sandpaper (on a 3-d sponge) that give you much more control, I think. I like it much better and I find my fingers get less roughed up. Give it a whorl. I think it lasts longer than sand paper as well.

I am a little bumbed I with Halloween and Halloween parties for the next few day I know I won't be getting much done. I will definately be posting my costume though. Not as wonderful as I would have liked but the origanality is there!

Well my lovelys have a wonderful day. For those of you who have snow congrats on the new inspiration! I am sure I won't be too far behind you……


Smooches XXXXXXXXX

And a big sigh for Monday

So yes, it may seem as though I have been slacking off on my art but I'm not (okay maybe a little). It is a hard transition going from Halloween to Christmas. Plus I don't want to show my winter stuff just yet when the most glorious Holiday of the year hasn't even had its time to shine yet. I will thought give you a little taste of what we have in store!


I have to say I have been working on three-D sculptures more than my paintings. Hmmm not sure way. I think because they are introducing new challenges and are an exciting change of pace. The unfortunate part is that they take much longer. Oh well all part of it I guess.

So please bear with me during this transitional period. This is my first time in blog world trying to figure out timing but after Halloween (31st) I will start displaying whatever Christmas/Holiday/Winter stuff I might have and I will continue creating Christmas until Decemeber. After that I have no idea what I am going to do…. HAHA I guess we will see when the times comes..

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As a general rule I am not a 'scaredy cat' but the limits of my bravery were certainly tested this weekend. For years…. that is right years, I have been trying to make my why to Ulster Park, NY to see the #1 scariest hayride in the country!!!!! THE ENTIRE USofA! This year I was finally on the ball and got reservations. You wouldn't believe how fast the tickets fly. Anywho, the participants were Adam, Adam's sister Emily, and myself. Emily and I being horror buff and Adam could take it or leave it. The sad truth is we don't have any pictures to commemorate the evening because they had that place tied down like Fort Knocks. No camera phones no cameras, period.

Since I pride myself on being extremely punctual I matter-o-factly said that I wanted everyone in the car an hour early! I know seems severe but A) it was a two hour drive, and B) we had never been and I didn't want time being in the way. LUCKY WE DID! We got through the gates and hour early and as soon as we got in the power line next to us shorted out and engulf in a blaze! All the while I was by a hawk (which was real, but was being tamed by a handler) when the hawk noticed the adverse commotion he freed himself from the handler and flew into my head!!!!!!!!!!! Folks I couldn't fabricate this if I wanted too. Realizing I wasn't hurt but just startled we made our way to safety. Needless to say all the power went out, and the people who were still at the front gate were turned away to go home. The people who were left inside the park (see lucky we got there an hour early) were able to continue. YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS SOOOOOOO SCAREY. The hayride wasn't that scary but the last haunted house was! Unfortunately due to the fire the last house was closed, but that was okay I don't know if I could have handles being scared anymore! If you are ever in the mid-NY area and are looking for a good time in the Fall that is the place to go!
Okay this was a long post for a Monday. Welcome back everyone I hope you hade a great weekend!

Smooches,
Steph

Desolation & Happenings

Alas, this is what I woke up to this morning. Do not be confused it isn't all fog, most of it is frost.


Desolation. How dare you take her from me, she was so precious and beautiful. Now wilted she stands on her last limb, exposed. Stripped of all her splendor she is left cold and tired, vulnerable. She can weather the storm much longer, oh Desolation give her back! So quiet now fore not even the bravest Blue Jay would dare stare into your face, the face of white death. The clock ticks, and time, time, time, your time is near when you will blanket her beauty in your filthy white coat. Your coat of arctic despondency where not one of her magnificent colors can bleed through. You took her from me, as quick as she came, but I know she will be back. She always comes back for me.


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Being so miserably cold outside I see I have more stow-a ways who don't want to stay home alone! I can't say I blame them, Petey and Lola don't seem to talk anything but bird.





And what do I have on my desk. Well I have been VERY VERY VERY behind on art due to me wanting to relish all I can of the sweet sweet Fall. Plus it is wind down time before I start my Christmas goodies. You understand everyone needs a little break. So here is what is on my desk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (NOT COMPLETE YET)

Not bad for my first shot. Still a way to go, but this little elfy has been great to work with :)

Have a wonderful weekend my loves...

SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCHES (stay warm)

Steph

Paranoid Story and a Little Office Cheer, AND a post for Vanessa's Party!

With Halloween chores to do, Adam's birthday (TODAY), and last the weekend of NY Fall, not much art work will get done. So I will try to post pictures and macabre stories to keep you entertained until my return. (p.s. my stories are meant for fun, no one has to run and call a Dr.)

My Mind is the Madness
By: Stephanie Mannuci

Maybe, if I sit still enough my mind will stop racing. Ha, a single thought that grips tight to the very core of my being. The endless barrage of thoughts, the sad, the bad, the ugly, but never the indifferent. Never peace. Never solace in the fact that I can sit back and stare off blankly into the face of contentedness. But why? Shouldn't I, the captain of my own ship be able to steer these thoughts that are so rightfully mine!

What is that, a faint chortle, a small deafening chuckle comes from my innards. These thoughts, more powerful than my will and more tangible than my skin finds it novel that I should have an independent notion. My thoughts are the harvest of hate, the sultan of sadness, and my closest cohort. We push on together; one cannot survive without the other. We are not in a fight over good and evil, not in a war amidst friends, but simply a coexistence that results in an infinite tug-of-war for power but does nothing but stabilize. It's a conflict of mind over matter that has no definite conclusion.

In wait it stirs. When I am so close to satisfaction it finds me or rather it never left. It's a slow beating, dull, lucid reminder that I can never get too far. The feeling is empty but the emotion is there. Unknown, a feeling that has no formal signature, no calling card, and no mercy! Empty as the heart in which is does not have. A feeling as organic as water, air, or earth. The battle forges on or rather stays the same as it races towards infinity. I have not won and it has not won. As careful as a balancing act we go forward holding hands as we dance a desolate tango.

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Ah the wicked mind.

I thought today was going to be normal but it is anything but. I woke up and it was pitch dark out and I heard a howling in the distance. I paid no-nevermind and gathered my thing and came to work. A funny thing, the night before I thought I heard russling and giggling in the livingroom. I chalked it up to branches stratching on the windows, but know I think I know the cause. When I opened up my brief case look who I found!

LuLu you little stowaway! But wait that is not all! Look who else I found

I couldn't beleive my eyes. They were ALIVE. As sure as the sun rose they climb in my briefcase. To visit...... or something else? Upon discovery the whole gang made it. They were in my bag, in my coat pockets and every plave in between. They perfectly alined themselves for the day and that is where they will stay. Unless THEY move.

Smooches My Lovelies!

Steph

My Fun Bank Depleted!

Now that I have recovered from feeling like a shmuck after missing out on the Halloween party I am making a better post. So, if you have been so inclined to have followed my blog you will have concluded that I cling to NYC like a long lost relative. Ever given the chance to hop on over to the greatest city in the world I always jump on the offer. That said this trip was no exception.

First we stopped at TGI Fridays before going to see Legally Blonde on Broadway. After incurring $100 + bill for appetizers and drinks the bar tender was so kind to present us with shots on the house. HA, you know I didn't hesitate for a second. So feeling pretty good, if you know what I mean, we made it there with perfect timing to our perfect seats and commenced watching the play. HOWWWWWWWWWWWW CUTE. Really I think it was adorable. Also very humorous, and may I add that it didn't lack the necessary eye candy! I know I am bad.

But the fun just doesn't seem to end! Like a perfectly oiled machine with wove in and out of the buildings and made it to Little Italy. Of course what would a trip be without getting some of my home land culture? We had a delightful light (and by little I mean HUGE)meal as the plethora of Italian delicacies consumed our table. With our bellies full and our endorphins rushin' we headed to our favorite night spot. Canal Street.

With luck we missed all the covers. Our first stop was Kenny Cast-a-Ways. If the band was half as great as their Halloween decorations they would have been mobbed but… no such luck. We had one drink there and hit our favorite hot spot, Wicked Willy's and I AM SO GLAD WE DID. The bad which was playing was out of this universe! His name is Josh Zuckerman, and he is an original artist but he also plays some great covers! One of the covers being (Rocky Horror Picture Show… How is that CK!) I bought the CD as the band played their last song and a tear ran remorsefully down my cheek. I just didn't want it to end.

The clock tolled midnight and the band cleared out. BUT BUT, more fun in store. The stripper polls went up the music began to thump and the whole scene turned into a dance club. GEEEE WILIKERS! Am I sore today! I will save you the minutiae of my details although I am sure you would all love to know. But I will leave you with this picture and knowing we didn't leave the club until 4am…. And this is why I love NY!

I will regretfully say that I am going to be extremely busy personally this week so I will pre-appologize for the lack of art that might be flowing. Please stay tunned I will be back in action very soon. Halloween costume in progress!!! I hope it works out :)

Smooches My Loves...

Steph

Appologies

I very much appologize for not posting for the party. I feel awful! Something came up and I had to go somewhere in which I didn't have access to a computer..... BOOOOO..... I feel just terrible! I hope to have a post for monday!..

Smooches.
Steph

Good Morning Friday

At last! All week I have been feverishly waiting for this beloved day of the week. HELLLOOOOOO Friday! Okay I know just another Friday in the vast sea of Fridays but… oh the suspense… This Friday I am heading back to Jersey (the home land) and taking the bus into NYC for the weekend. That is right folks a whole weekend. Not being a stranger to the city it always amazed me that I never thought to spend the night. I assume it is because I never had to travel far to get back to NJ. My brother (whom I am very close with) and his fiancé had the idea of doing a Broadway show and a night in the city and let's just assume they didn't have to twist my arm out of its socket.

No matter how many times I venture into the big grey asphalt jungle I fall in love with it every time. Please don't misconstrue, I would never want to take up permanent residency there but for a weekend outing is cannot be beat. You can keep your LA, Chicago, Miami, Vegas, etc… Just please give me my Big Apple.
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I almost feel compelled to bring this up. Tiredness. I know I don't have to ask for a show of hands. What is our deal! Give me a pillow and a blanket and right now I can curl up and conk out. To add insult I went to bed at 9:30 last night! I said 9:30 folks. I better start upping my doses of youth because I am starting to feel OLD! Needless to say I am a whole day behind … ON EVERYTHING… I am thanking my lucky stars that I was in overdrive the beginning of the week knowing I wouldn't get anything done this weekend.
So here is a new piece. Who was suppose to go up for sale last night but lets just say sleep got the better of me.

I hope you all stay fancy. Enjoy your weekends and I will be in bright and early Monday morning with some pictures I hope!

Weekend Smooches!

Who ME!

Oh so in my haste of running around like a headless chicken I forgot to mention some cool news! For those who follow my blog you know that I was recently at my brothers engagement party in NJ. We decided to go to Atlantic City. Not being a gambler you could only imagine my whateverness.

I walked into the smoke ridden temple of sin.. AKA Casino, and admired all the well groomed men and barely clad women. Admits the roars of machines, winners, and losers, I heard a familiar voice. From the distance I heard some one who I knew. My head darted to the right and there he stood the king of creepy, the sultan of anxiety, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock. Okay okay it was a slot machine with Alfred Hitchcock. I just thought I would draw it out. Being the horror lover that I am I was very happy to put in my money to blow it, as I pondered how the Casino knew how to pray on my weakness for the macabre. I took my first spin.... nothing (or nothing that I could tell.. for those who do play slot machines they aren't the easiest to follow). I spun again and nothing still....But then on my third spin my adored Alfred disappeared and a movie like feature appeared. "The Birds" of course the birds one of my favorites he is the man who made me fall in love with them. And fall in love I did.. my eyes grew wider with every jingle the machine made. For minutes the machines howled as the lights strobbed like a UFO ready for take off. A lady behind me said, " YOU WON!" "Who ME," I said with shock and excitement. I said to the lady, "but this is only a penny machine why did I win so much?" "I guess you are lucky," she replied. And lucky I was, I cashed out $100 dollars richer, a real winner knows when to walk away. Well that is what Kenny Rogers told me.

Oh my dear Fannie you always make me feel like a winner. Fannie from Imagine, Create, Inspire has humbled me by giving me these two beautiful awards.

Fannie in a nut shell is sheer poetry. Her work speak volumes and her mannerisms are contagious. Want to talk about a woman with some soul she will take you under her wing, and to coin her phrase, she will help you fly. And soar you will, you heart can't help take flight knowing that Fannie is your friend. THANK YOU for your continued inspiration and your charitable donations to a wonderful cause.

Alright my lovelies.. I am going to take off. I do have some new work that I would like to show you but I think I will leave it for tomorrow. This weekend I will be scarce, going back into the city (NYC) for Broadway.

Smooches my dears!

Coffee Dreams while Reality Screams

I think we have reached our last day of luke warm weather. The leaves are tumbling from the trees and just as soon as Autumn arrived she is now saying goodbye. Alsa, winter is creeping upon us. Majestically beautiful but so unforgiving.

I painted another Lucy and Mabel painting last night. My inspiration is Coffee. I guess in a way this piece represents me and my dreams. I so badly want to open a gallery/store/studio/coffee shop that I can taste it. And I sit and dream about it, sometimes dream so hard I can see myself sitting in it. I want it more and more everyday. I can see the decorations I can hear the acoustic guitar, I can smell the coffee brewing. Sometimes I have to ask if my dreams are dreams or if I am really there. My imagination has become so keen that my reality has become warped. All in good time I tell myself... but time... I think Hootie says "time why do you punish me" , or something like that. But still I wait and I will continue to do so until the time is just right.

AHHHH and on a lighter note of enjoying dreams during reality, I will be spending the next several days making my HALLOWEEN costume.. And no I am not telling you right now what it is .. Now you too will also have to wait *wink wink*

P.S. If any of you folks happen to own or know some one who owns a coffee/art shop I would love to speak to you or them about it. I really need to do some interviewing.... I would greatly appreciate it!

Smooches for the day my loves,

Steph

And The Survey Says....

I GOT THE TEACHING POSITION!

The pitch went well. Now all I have to do is hope people sign up! I will keep my fingers crossed! This is what I will be teaching

A little snowman on wood. I am doing this with water-color pencil, acrylic paint, scrapbook paper, and scrapbook elements. This makes a wonderful door hang for kids to make and gift to their parents or grandparents. I left out a lot of the technical cutting and such ... I didn't want to get into using exact-o knives.

Also, I did my FIRST ATC with a lovely lady from the UK! Here are my ACT's

Her trade off were just WONDERFUL. With the nicest fall colors. AHHHH.... Alas, I can see that the most beautiful season is coming to an end. I guess all good things do.

SEARCHING

For those who didn't get my email last night... I know spur of the moment. Lately, I have been really diving into my innerself and asking ... What do I really want to do with my life? I guess there is never a definitive answer but I have an answer right now. A while back came across a blog of two women who opened a little folk art country store in what I think was Virginia. Well, being a daughter of two parents who own a MOM and POP store I loved with artsy twist that these fine ladies gave it. They sold their art and home baked goods. HOW SWEET! (no pun intended). Anywho... although I thought I saved the blog I did not .... (wa wa waaaaaa) And now I am on the hunt for them. I don't know their names I don't know the name of their store. All I know is that they blog in this circuit. I feel like I am on unsolved mysteries! HEHE.. If you may know whom I speak of please leave me a message.

The engagements party went really well and we all had a very nice time. Went too fast if you ask me! I won at Atlantic City. I am not a gambler but I threw in $20 and pulled out $100!!!!!!!!!!!! Art supply store here I come! I am sick .. HAHA..

Smooches All..

Steph

When You Have a Moment

As my scanner was fritzing out last night I don't have a new piece to show (I do but it is only a prototype) I have been very busy getting my pitch ready for the class I trying to teach. I am sure you will forgive me.

In the stead of tangible art work I will give you art in words. When You have a moment I would like to to read some of my favorite poems. The Bridge of Sighs by Thomas Hood is my ultimate favorite. Of course, with most great work it has to be read more than once but when you feel that true depth of emotion it is paralyzing!

The Bridge of Sighs (Thomas Hood)

ONE more Unfortunate,

Weary of breath, Rashly importunate,

Gone to her death!

Take her up tenderly,

Lift her with care; Fashion'd so slenderly

Young, and so fair!

Look at her garments Clinging like cerements;

Whilst the wave constantly

Drips from her clothing;

Take her up instantly,

Loving, not loathing.

Touch her not scornfully;

Think of her mournfully,

Gently and humanly;

Not of the stains of her,

All that remains of her

Now is pure womanly.

Make no deep scrutiny Into her mutiny

Rash and undutiful:

Past all dishonour,

Death has left on her

Only the beautiful.

Still, for all slips of hers,

One of Eve's family--

Wipe those poor lips of hers

Oozing so clammily.

Loop up her tresses

Escaped from the comb,

Her fair auburn tresses;

Whilst wonderment guesses

Where was her home?

Who was her father?

Who was her mother?

Had she a sister?

Had she a brother?

Or was there a dearer one

Still, and a nearer one

Yet, than all other?

Alas! for the rarity

Of Christian charity

Under the sun!

O, it was pitiful!

Near a whole city full,

Home she had none.

Sisterly, brotherly, Fatherly, motherly

Feelings had changed:

Love, by harsh evidence,

Thrown from its eminence;

Even God's providence

Seeming estranged.

Where the lamps quiver

So far in the river,

With many a light

From window and casement,

From garret to basement, S

he stood, with amazement,

Houseless by night.

The bleak wind of March

Made her tremble and shiver;

But not the dark arch,

Or the black flowing river:

Mad from life's history,

Glad to death's mystery,

Swift to be hurl'd--

Anywhere, anywhere

Out of the world!

In she plunged boldly--

No matter how coldly

The rough river ran--

Over the brink of it,

Picture it--

think of it,

Dissolute Man!

Lave in it,

drink of it,

Then, if you can!

Take her up tenderly,

Lift her with care;

Fashion'd so slenderly,

Young, and so fair!

Ere her limbs frigidly Stiffen too rigidly,

Decently, kindly, Smooth and compose them;

And her eyes, close them,

Staring so blindly!

Dreadfully staring

Thro' muddy impurity,

As when with the daring

Last look of despairing

Fix'd on futurity.

Perishing gloomily,

Spurr'd by contumely,

Cold inhumanity, Burning insanity,

Into her rest.--

Cross her hands humbly

As if praying dumbly,

Over her breast!

Owning her weakness,

Her evil behaviour,

And leaving, with meekness,

Her sins to her Saviour!

Okay it is most hard to just pick on from the king of macabre! (spelling). But this I thought I should share because not everyone knows the true rhythmic Majesty of The Bells... although I love all of Poe's pieces this one is very .... perfect

http://www.reelyredd.com/0107thebells.htm

This is not the best reading I have ever heard but.. they are not easy to find for free online. Really sit back and listen to the rhythm of 'the bells'....

Beautiful paranoia!

Smooches and have a TERROR-ific weekend ;)

Steph

Could I Be a Teacher!?!.....My Entourage

Howdy Folks,





I thinks (hehe Popye) people have been busy lately..... how can I tell .. no comment props! It is okay I know I am very busy too :) And in fact it is a great thing that we are all busy.





Could I be a Teacher!


Well some big news that I am very nervous about... I contacted a local art supply store about teaching mixed media and this Friday I going in to see if my art would be marketable enough... Meaning in my area are enough people going to want to learn how to do this. And not even I am sure of this! But I thought it was WELLLLLL worth the chance and it is such an amazing opportunity! Tonight I am going to try to do the showcase piece that everyone will be working on. I am of course going to start off very very simple and then maybe in classes to come get more in deapth! Also, the facility likes it when the people can bring a finished piece home, yet another reason I am keeping it simple. We will see, we will see... SUGGESTIONS NEEDED.. What would you like to learn if you took the class! I know that is a tough question becuase I blog with so many accomplished artists. Really I would love some input!





My Entourage


If you haven't noticed yet I finally got my followers sidebar gadget going. I named it My Entourage. If you really dig my blog click on it and when you become a follower I believe you get emails with my updates and all that jazz! I think. Since I am new to it too I have to get out there and follow my peeps! But I have to say that if I you aren't being followed by me then you are mistaken.. I look at about 30 blogs a day so even if you don't see your name on the list beleive me I am watching. HEHE in the wings! Tis the season I guess.








Oh and last but not least a formal introduction is in order...... Everyone this is Lucy and her trusty pup Mabel.

I guess I am inspired but knitting on Monday!

Please leave some love and ideas about the class.

Smooches,

Steph

First Frost & What's Her Name

Yes kiddies that is right here in upstate NY we had our first frost. AHHHHHHHHHHH… Okay I like it cold but not this cold in October. I guess it is the course of nature and my hands are tied.

My knitting friend and I had a very nice get together and don't worry no one got hurt, in fact, we didn't drink too much we were too busy gabbing away.

I finished my first ATCs last night! I hope they are well loved. I did my best but after all it is my first time. (He He that sounds funny) (Okay I will grow up)

Anywho I would like you to meet some one special, this is……………. Well………….. she doesn't have a name yet I am torn between (Mabel, Betty Sue, Virginia, Lucy, Leslie, Lu Lu, and Carmen). Which one do you feel best suits her? She might become one of my main characters so I think she needs a proper name!

I wish I had something new and exciting to write about but I don't and anything I might have I can't talk about right now. Maybe in a few weeks or a month when the story is all told and I can say it out loud and not have it backfire. If you know me outside the world of blogging I am extremely opinionated and never lack in the conversation zone. But admits the eyes of on lookers who I can't physically see I tend to find myself reserved. This could be because you never know who you will meet. I promise there will come a time when my words will run free on the page, but until then I will remain coy.

Stay Cozy

Smooches

My plate is full and my thoughts are racin'

I am busy busy busy! And why am I busy..

Well I am in the middle of an atc trade with a lovely lady from over the pond.

I am in the throws of making engagements and wedding invitations.

Tonight I have a knitting cocktail party. Okay I know alcohol and needles don't mix but I promise I will be responsible.

In addition, I have been commissioned for two of my mixed media pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hmmm oh and I am mass producing the earrings because a great local boutique 80 West might be picking them up. Might is the key word but I am going to be working diligently on them anyhow.

And I am sure you have noticed come interesting little block looking pieces in the picture. I am sure most know that it is epoxy and I am going to be adding it to my jewelry. I am still learning so any tips are welcomed.

Oh and I set up my Halloween Department 56 village that was so graciously given to me by my most wonderful Aunt and Uncle! I can't wait to show everyone!

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I don't know about you ladies but when I get busy my thoughts start to race. Could be the touch of ADD but I think it is an over abundance of creative juice.

I wake up every morning with the intent of having a great day. I never get up and say to myself today is going to stink. But recently as I embark on the one year ann. of my 'real life job' I grow increasingly restless. I do like my job, but a few weeks ago some one had a post up about defining a starving artist. I sat back and gave it some thought. Being 23 I am going through what I guess you can call a 1/4 life crisis. A million uncertainties and the only certainty is that there are no certainties. Ladies I am sure either you have been through this, you have children who have been through it, or you will have children who will go through it. This doesn't mean I am going to race out buy a Mustang, bleach my hair blonde, and get plastic surgery; it simply means I am at a cross roads with no path less or more traveled.
So back to the straving artist. I guess people aren't laughing when I say I dream of doing art full time, but there is the doubt. I am assured that in some form or another I will turn my one true passion into a sustainable income but that is where uncertainty rears it familiar ugly-ass head. What on earth can I do to make enough money to sustain? I can go back to school for my teaching degree, I can become certified in a form of art and teach classes, I could get on my knees and pray that my personal art will take off and I can move to some remote paradise, hire and cabana boy and sip frilly drinks to kingdom come? Okay the last one was extreme and I am not looking to make a killing I am looking to be happy. I think everyone has that right. I just want to create and live the life that suits me and not my bank account. But the flip side is who wants to be broke. Alas the uncertainty. Ladies ADVICE WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have suggestions I am 100% open to them nothing could hurt.

Smooches, my dears

Did anyone do anything fun this weekend?

Breast Cancer

On ebay right now 50% of earning will go towards research.

VIDEO OF THE MAKING OF THIS PIECE BELOW!!!!!!!!

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I am a granddaughter to a breast cancer survivor and I always make sure I recognize the fighters and survivors. To do my part I have make this video and painting as a dedication. Currently the painting is for sale on eBay and 50% of the earnings will go towards breast cancer research. To the right on my blog you will notice a link. If you rather not bid you can always go over and make a donation separately. Thank you for doing your part.

Smooches & Much Love,
Steph...... Please share this video with your loved ones.

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