MY BIG, EXCITING NEWS!!!

I'm being PUBLISHED!!!
Yayyyyyy! I'm so excited!

I got an email from

Somerset Studio Magazine

today, Telling me:
"Congratulations! We’re using your submitted artwork(s) in the September/October 2008 issue."

Oh my goodness!!!

Back in late March, I told myself I was finally going to stop procrastinating, and submit artwork. It was especially tempting, since I would be creating Halloween pieces, for their annual "Vintage Halloween" issue. You know I just love Halloween.
So, I created 2 pieces. I couldn't believe I actually finished them, and ACTUALLY mailed them! That alone was amazing to me...I finally "followed through" with something. And now the thought that maybe, just maybe they would select my art.
And they did!

Please pardon my lack of humility... This is just so exciting!!!

I don't know if one, or both pieces will be published, so It will be a surprise to find out. I will be thrilled no matter what!

I will also be receiving a FREE copy of the Vintage Halloween issue, as a little bonus for being one of the published artists.

So...when I float back down to earth, I will wait patiently (not) for my copy to arrive, sometime in August. Let the happy dance begin!

The pictures above, are of the two pieces I submitted. (They are my layouts, not the magazine's.) I bet you figured that out already huh? You can click on the pics, to see a (much) larger view.

I'm off to email my family....or maybe I'll just wait, and surprise them with the magazine... ya.. me?.. wait?...... nooo way!

HUMP DAY

So..... It's already Wednesday. Time flies. Wow, bet no one
has ever said that before.




I'm working on my Halloween designs and I'm excited about the new pieces. I'll be listing them on Etsy all at once.

I never got around to sending my "recalled" camera back yet and now it's not working at all. I can view pictures, but not take any. So, I'll be relying on my old friend, the scanner, to upload all the Halloween images. I miss my camera! But it won't get fixed if I don't send it in. I'm such a procrastinator... bet I've NEVER said that before.



Today was cool and wonderful. A cold front passed through and my drive to work and home was beautiful. Giant Cold clouds, against a clear Blue sky and a wonderful refreshing breeze. It looked and felt more like early Autumn, which is fine by me! No air conditioner tonight. The first thing I did when I got home, was fling open all my windows, and let the fresh air in. Tonight will be great for sleeping. Hopefully the upstairs neighbor won't run her A/C.. and I won't get woke up by the loud sound of it.



I'm watching "Project Runway"... I really love this show. It makes me wonder what Kind of clothes I could design. Not that I'm a sewer AT ALL... but I remember making dresses for my Barbie Dolls, draping scarves, and making crowns using a toilet paper holder covered with tin foil. I do love making Halloween costumes! and I loved making them for my kids when they were younger. One of these days, I'll have to dig out some old photos of my kids at Halloween. Maybe in October. All of the family photos are in boxes in the closet. Who knows, I might even find out whats in all those boxes I shoved in there!

SAD NEWS....

.......Thank you all for your prayers for Bailey.

It is with great sadness, that I announce his passing.
I don't have any details accept that his condition was critical, and no treatment would have helped.
Pattie and husband Ron made the painful decision to "let Bailey go."

Bailey was one of the sweetest, most adorable dogs I've ever known.
He gave everyone so much love and joy, and he won't ever be forgotten.
I'll miss you always sweet Bailey.

A PRAYER FOR BAILEY

Finally a PSMWG day!...
With my best girlfriends Pattie, Sheila, Winnie and Gloria.

Unfortunately, are meeting wasn't so fun this time.
Pattie's adorable Dog, Bailey became sick, and had to be taken to the Pet hospital. We all went along for support.

The Dr. isn't sure what's wrong with him, and they're keeping him overnight for observation.

Needless to say, Poor Pattie is a wreck. She loves Bailey so much
and can't imagine him not being around.

So, please say a little prayer for Bailey, that he get's well soon.
Thank you very much!

ARTFUL WEEKEND

My first award!!!
It's so exciting!
I was presented the ARTE Y PICO award, by my most favorite Mother & Daughter Bloggers,

Twyla & Lyndsey of Two Crazy Crafters

Their Blog is so much fun! you have to check it out!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you guys! big "ARTkisses" to you both!


How does this award work?

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.


2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.


3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.


4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.


I GLADLY PASS THIS AWARD ON TO:

Bees in my Bonnett
Becky Christian incorporates a wonderful sense of humor into her fun ATC's
Her art has been a constant inspiration, and my motivation to try my hand at collage.

Honey Girl Studio
I'm crazy about this Artist!
Her Halloween & Christmas pieces are just simply delightful!!!

Sea Dream Studio
Dale Mclain's Whimsical designs will make you smile every time. Colorful and fun!
Don't miss seeing the "Glitter Girls!"

The Vintage Dragonfly Studio
You've got to check out Danielle's amazing Art studio! It will have you drooling too!

Cheryl Strait Studio
I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl at a local Art festival recently. Her friendly, bubbly personality is reflected in her very colorful, fun and so funky collages, and amazing jewelry designs. We are now both members of the mutual admiration society!

PLEASE VISIT THESE AMAZING ARTISTS!

Thanks soo much again, to Twyla and Lindsey, for honoring me with this award!

So on to my artful weekend!
My sister Deb and I, had the best time Sunday. We went to the St. John's Art's Festival.
It was a spectacular, brilliant, breezy Blue day, perfect for a stroll through the park.
The Festival was very crowded, but worth seeing.
As a shameless self promotion, I decided to wear my ARTkissed T-shirt. Why not right?
while at a booth, my sister said "wait till you see the next booth." And I asked why? she said "you'll see." I walked over, and was delighted to see the most amazing, funky collage art everywhere! How cool!! On one of her amazing Banner collages, I spotted the image of Theda Bara A silent movie screen actress, who's amazing face graces my ARTkissed logo. I pointed to the banner, then my T-shirt, the artist came over, eyes wide and asked if I was "ARTkissed."
I told her I was, and she proceeded to tell me, That she had seen my artwork on Etsy! How cool! someone actually recognized my Logo! I asked her name, and realized I was a fan of her artwork too! She was so nice, and it was so cool to talk with her. I look forward to staying in contact, and sharing Collage tips! I bought some of her cool cards and had my sister take a picture of us......
....I'm sorry I look sooooooooo awful!...... caught in a half-blink, I look like I just woke up from a drunken binge!...... I thought I'd be hiding behind sunglasses all day, and decided not to wear eye make-up. That'll learn me.
With that said, it's with GREAT reluctance, that I post this photo! : )....
Cheryl, on the other hand looks great!

Honestly...now.... I don't know how long I'll be able to keep that photo posted... without cropping myself out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!.. YIKES!... now that's brave no?.....Oh.. and please note the TWO pairs of glasses hanging from my shirt. Tres- Chic!!














After the Art fest, Deb and I, stopped at a great little restaurant called "Behind the Woods and had a great salad and refreshing "Sea Breeze' for lunch!
Oh.... can't forget the big fun I had on Saturday, hanging out with Gloria, Laure and sister Deb. We met for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's, then went to a few local "shops." Lots of laughter on the back Patio, between rain showers.
We even got to check out "O'Hara's" a fun restaurant, right across the street from my apartment. Great burgers! I'll be back.
So another weekend has come to an end. I'm watching the clock strike 3 a.m. and wonder how much further I can push it, before I will be a Zombie in the morning. Ehhhhh. darn.

Hope you have a great week!!

Hope you had a great 4Th. of July, I did!
the sunset photos were actually taken a few days ago.

I met Gloria and Laure for dinner at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, Fiesta Jalapeno.
It was a beautiful afternoon, Sunny, Breezy and not too warm. We sat on the Patio and I had a great Steak Fajita salad, and we .. uh.. had 2 pitchers of Margarita's... well, they're very very tasty, and it was over the course of 4 hours. We also made some new friends, striking up conversations with a few other tables around us. There was a couple in their early 50's who road up on Bicycles, a young couple in their 20's, and a Woman who was dining alone. Gloria is famous for striking up conversations with people, and inviting them over. Thus her nick name "Julie Cruise Director" And only if you are old enough to remember "The Love Boat" will you know who that is. So after we ate, drank and made merry, we headed over to the Main Street Cafe for the "Rally in the Alley" A great Summer spot to hear great music. We brought our chairs, and sat to listen to the Awesome Reggae band "THE PLUS BAND" They were so good!
I forget how much I like listening to Reggae. It is mellow, happy and perfect for a Summer evening.
We also met a really cute newlywed couple, Anthony & Rachel. As sweet as they could be. The got married in Jamaica in December, and shared some wedding photos on their I-phone, with us. We met Anthony's brother too. They were all so friendly, it renewed my faith in the "younger generation" Gloria took some photos that I'll post as soon as she sends them to me.
My camera is still not working properly, and I have to send it out soon. I can't bear the thought of being without it, although, right now it's hardly working and not doing me much good anyway!

Soooooooo...
I have to work tomorrow... ughhhhhhhh. It's been sooo slow, and the time drags, but I guess it's almost better than being busy, right?.. well anyway, It was nice having today off at least.
Sunday, Jamie is coming over, so we can make her friend (Also named Jamie) Jamie's wedding shower invites. I'm going to make Tostada's for us too!... mmmmm.. I haven't had them in a very long time, and I can't wait!

That's all for now. I'd like to do some ART right now, but.. I have to get up for work grrrrr.

Uh oh... I just did some channel surfing... they're showing "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with James Cagney!.... I love old movies, and I love James Cagney too. Well... I don't have to be to work till 11 a.m.... so.. maybe I can watch for a bit... just till the end .. : )