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I have two free Volume 3 Home Decor Issues to giveaway. Just leave a comment here to put your name in the hat. Share this on FB or your Blog, and let me know that you did here, and I will add your name twice to the hat.
I have five how-to projects in this Volume along with several others from other team members. Check it out HERE.
Make sure to leave a link/email so I can notify you if you win.
Winners will be notified on December 1st! Good Luck!!!
Once upon a time when I was living here, well, to be exact, it was six years ago in time that my memories and emotions on this Thanksgiving Eve bring me to what I want to share.
In this picture above, you see my little art studio that my husband, Ron, built me. It was tiny, but much of my creative juices were exercised here. Also, a LOT of ART therapy happened in that little structure. I sometimes miss my little inspirations, the wild turkey and the baby deer that roamed our land.
Meanwhile, Ron built us a home. When we sold our house in Orange County, Calif., he promised he could do this (build a new house) in 9 months. Well, 3 years and 4 months later, we were still living in a 5th wheel trailer with two big dogs. At least I had that little studio to escape to, and for that I was indeed thankful. It kept me sane.
So, 3 years and 4 months later, November 8th, 2006, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer. Now that was a life changer! Our home was not even near complete, but insisted we move into it. I wasn't going to do chemo in a trailer...no way!!!
When we moved in, it was a little more along than this, but not much. In this picture, Ron is installing my birthday wish. I wanted a large picture window. He gave it to me. I still smile at that one.
It was six years ago on Thanksgiving that I was hospitalized to have my mastectomy. I'll never forget that day. It is now a bitter sweet memory. My mom was with me, now departed to the heavens. I remember how horrible the turkey dinner was. I laugh now. Why did I pick Thanksgiving day to (or really, the day before) to have my surgery? It is one Thanksgiving I will never forget! I believe it was THEE day that saved my life!
As Thanksgiving Day approaches every year since then, I am more and more thankful for the blessings I have received every day of my life. I no longer take for granted that which just was there without thought. I answer my family and friends calls, no matter the inconvenience. I do that even more so because a year or so later, after my cancer treatments, my mom died suddenly. She use to call me in the mornings and I would cut her off short because I had work to do. A big regret!
Thankful that I am still here on earth, even though my surgeon thought the worse for me.
Thankful for the creativity my Creator has gifted me with.
Thankful that i have good friends and a loving sister and family.
I do not look back, but look forward!
Thankful for today, being able to pay attention to the details of life, noticing the things that I would have normally taken for granted, had I not experienced the life I have had to this point.
And you know what, I've started a bucket list??? Yay Me!!. Never had one before, but I am doing just that. Got an app for a passport today. I don't think I had the courage to do this before...so thankful..Me BRAVE!!!
JUST THANKFUL!!! My gratitude goes out to first, my Lord God, my family, my friends, and just to life.
Life may be hard, but be willing to learn the "hard" lessons" through it, and I promise, if you are willing, you will become more thankful.
It's ALL Good!!!
Happy Blessed Thanksgiving to you all.
with love, jo...jojo...joey...joanna...j and Mossy!
I just returned home from an amazing magical event in Pasadena, California, held by The Gilded Life gals, Shea and Debbie.
It is all in the fine special details that make something really special. It was like going to one of "those" OOAK weddings where nothing was left out. Debbie and Shea's labor of love did not go unnoticed. I can only imagine all the hours they spent prior to create such a meaningful and memorable event such as Spellbound. I appreciated all of it so very much.
The hotel was spectacular and very large. The neighborhood surrounding it caused me to drool a bit and wish upon a star that I could live there someday.
The view from our room.
The weather was perfect and I could smell the ocean. Having moved away from California, I notice things about it now that I never did before.
I had the BEST, most FUN roommates ever. We laughed so much and had some great conversations. Playing dress up was really fun with them too. I am really missing these two, and of course Aunt Marsha (not pictured) also.
Two very generous and giving souls.
Kristen will give you the sweater off her back, (literally) or anything else you say, "oh, I love that". She is something else. She reminds me of my beloved grandmother who did the same. Kristen, an Artist/ Instructor and Author and a loving gentle soulful friend.
I have to share and thank Ruth publicly for
being an amazing helper to Kristen and I. She worked so hard. Ruth is also
an amazing Artist/ Instructor and Author and an amazing friend to give all
she gave. THANK YOU RUTH SO VERY MUCH!!!! I will never forget.
Aren't they the cutest!!! Love you both so much!
The lunches, dinners, speakers, oh my. I was definitely feeling like a princess. My jeans are feeling a little tight today - smiles.
Our special hand-made name tags.
Everywhere you walked in the hotel had gorgeous decor. Even the carpet caught my attention.
I managed to get at least one class photo (so bad at that - I had four)
Every lady I met was just the sweetest and so enjoyable. Teaching these ladies was a privilege for me. They got so excited to create and were so appreciative. A huge thank you to each of you and I sure hope we cross paths in the future.
Danielle Muller, my surprise of the weekend to have her join me in a couple of my workshops. Danielle came in from one of the hard hit areas of New York by hurricane Sandy. I am so pleased she joined us. We met several years ago in Calif. Isn't she darling!!!
Notice the leaves turning color. You see, even in California, it happens, signs of Fall. The air was crisp and perfect. The sky was blue. I left with a singing heart and dancing feet.
Thank you so very much Debbie and Shea for putting on such a beauteous "First Class" event. Thank you for inviting me to teach and for making me feel just as special as your guests. That mean a lot. I think it was the first time I ever received a "thank you" gift for teaching, a beautiful bracelet. That touched me so much. THANK YOU!!!
So, for me, it's all in the details, how we treat others and others treat us. It is in the well thought out designs of the pretty things shared and displayed. I ate every inch of the spectacular gourmet desserts and I don't feel guilty. I have clear and detail memories of every moment I spent teaching, listening and laughing.
It was ALL GOOD!!!
Seth Apter, a New Yorker, wants to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy in his hometown.
Now up for auction on his site: The Altered Page, includes the following Art Bundle:
Seth's latest book which I had the honor to be published in - Seth collected thirty signatures, including his own.
Head Above Water, an original artwork by Eric Adama, contributing artist to The Pulse of Mixed Media.
Morning Light, an original artwork by Pam Carriker , found on page 41 of the book.
Swept, one of Seth's original artworks
and my original piece, Introspection, self portrait found on page 23
My heart, prayers, and thoughts go out to so many affected by this storm.
If you can, please bid on this Art Bundle Seth has put together.
Thank you for stopping by and thank you Seth for putting this together.
