Appletini Times

Art Angel

I painted this angel years ago for an art supply retailer ad. I see her everyday as I go about my work, chores and life in this little oasis I call home. She reminds me of the gift I have been given and how sharing it with others makes this crazy thing called life all worth while. No matter how insane the world can be, I can always pick up a paint brush or a sheet of paper and create something beautiful. My art angel watches over me and gives me inspiration and comfort.

Projects

These past few months have been pretty darned busy for me. I am almost finished with the card making book for Random House/Potter Craft and am now preparing for the biggest hobby and craft trade show of the year. I haven't had much time for goofing around these days between travel and the pile of projects on my desk, but I make sure I sing a couple of my favorite songs on Karaoke night at the local pub.
Check out a project I have been involved in. My dear friend Carol Duvall is up to something, and I am tickled to be a part of it!

Gratitude

I woke up early this morning to a beautiful orange and pink sunrise illuminating the nearby snow dusted mountains. As I sat on my porch sipping a hot cup of tea getting ready for the work day ahead, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I am truly thankful to have an amazing life full of friends, family and abundance. I will never take the life I have been given for granted and if I start to complain about the little things, I will remember the sunrise I was fortunate enough to enjoy today.

Happy New Year!

During this past year I have had many adventures. I received a few scratches and bumps while traversing the rugged and unfamilar terrain but I have discovered beautiful vistas and eye opening experiences along the way. I have learned much about myself and and have found a peace I have never thought possible. Today, I have decided not to make new years resolutions except one, to live one day at a time.
Instead of drinking a martini or two to celebrate, I have decided to paint one instead. Happy New Year to all!

My Mothers Voice

While listening to the local church chorus singing "Hark the Herald Ages Sing" at the Sunday holiday service I heard a familiar deep resonating voice that was pure and rich in tone. I watched the lips of the singers to see who sang like an angel and realized the sound was not coming from them.
This might sound a little crazy, but it has happened once before. While I was at a memorial service for the fallen California postal workers a couple of years ago I heard my mothers voice booming from the chorus as they sang a tradtional song, one that she used to sing in similar choruses. Tears welled up in my eyes and poured down my cheeks because I could feel her gentle presence as the song boomed into the halls of the large gym.
My mother had an extraordinary voice and I am comforted knowing that her spirit is alive and well and that she is singing in the heavens. I am truly blessed to be able to hear her voice every once in a while knowing that she is still watching over us. I love you and miss you Mom.