Spring is in the air!

I love this time of year where we live it is absolutely gorgeous. I know the heat will be here soon but for now I can't get enough sun. I have my garden planted, lawns are greening up and there is a newness about everything. I just wrapped up my latest give away, I hope you entered! It was so much fun I will be doing one each month so check back often. The warm weather inspired my painting which feels like spring to me. I painted, sewed and made this cute bookmark for Cathi Early who won my first give-away! Congrats Cathi!

Today I took some time to just enjoy the weather and the yard. The trees budding up and the daffodils blooming really inspire me! 

 Tiny reminders that spring is here for us, but sadly the east coast is still under tons if snow if freezing conditions. Jennifer and I are praying for all of you in this cold weather. We often talk about how hard it must be to be handicapped in those conditions, I can't imagine having to try and clear the walkway of snow to get Jennifer's wheelchair out to the car, oh and then clear the driveway etc. I am always so thankful I don't have to deal with that and I admire those who do it everyday! So to spread some sunshine here is another tiny reminder that spring is approaching! Hang in there!

 Randy disturbed a nest of baby cotton tails while working in the yard and they scattered! I caught one.

I think I might have to paint this!

The Stew of Self Doubt

I don't know why it is that no matter how much my brain tries to convince my heart I still deal with self doubt. Obviously, the more confident I feel in an area the less the self doubt is but, it still seems to creep up and catch me, when I am must vulnerable, like yesterday.


The what if's, the why's, the how comes, mixed with the tears, all start to stir into a giant pot of self doubt stew. Then to make things worse, everything else that comes along on during that time is added to the mixture like a bad seasoning, only to make it even harder to swallow.  Instead of throwing out the whole batch, like I should, I decide to just let it simmer.

It continues to stink up my whole day as it's foul odor permeates everything else that seems to come along.  It almost causes all the good things that are happening to melt away as it demands its way and tears away my confidence.  It happens to all of us, in many areas of our lives. This pot of self doubt will just continue to cook down into just a rue of fear, and we all know fear does.

Its what happens next that makes the difference. Its what I do with that fear and self doubt that will either make me breakthrough it or be overcome by it. Will I figure out a solution or curl up in defeat in the corner. It is my choice, it is your choice today.

 Today, I am throwing out that stew of self doubt,  and I have decided to bake some cookies instead!! Won't you join me?

Creating Magic

I have been busy working in the studio, writing articles for a magazine and playing with textures. I love having the time to explore new possibilities. I have been exploring some uses with colored pencils on fabrics for some articles and a TV appearance!! Yes, you heard it right, I am going to be flying out next month for a taping, I will share more as it gets closer.

But for now its all about creating my magic for you and for my Valentines Day drawing I am having. I hope you have signed up, I can't wait to see who will get my hand made, painted, colored, quilted, sewn bookmark!

I will also be signing it and maybe sending you other goodies! It is my Valentines gift to you!!

Yesterday I treated enjoyed a day at the spa with my daughter, using a gift certificate my family gave me last Mother's Day! It was so nice to just have a day to relax and regroup. I work so much by myself that it is so much fun to visit with other women and especially my daughters who are usually very busy with their own families now. It is really amazing how energizing it is to just take a day and relax. By taking care of me I am better able to take care of those around me so it is a win win! Feeling special today!

A Giveaway just in time for Valentines Day! Will you be my Valentine?

I love Valentines day, a day to remind everyone how much I appreciate and love them, friends, family everyone is included.

While I was writing my Newsletter this month I thought it would be nice to send one of you a special Valentines Gift! To tell you how much I appreciate you too! You won't get it on Valentines Day, but I will announce the winner that day. I am making a bookmark just for you, painting, sewing, stitching something special to give away. It will be a one of a kind and I want you to have it, just follow the link to my Facebook page where you can also sign up to win. I hope you will Like my page too!