Once Upon a Cottage

Pieces left behind

2010-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day for reflection. Sitting in my sunroom with the windows wide open, a bright sunny day and cool breezes. A cup (ok, 3 cups) of coffee and fresh out of the oven choc. chip muffins. The kids are back in school. It's quiet, just me and the dog.

I haven't blogged in almost a year. A year ago, my husband and I started a new home business. We turned a corner of our basement into a small screen printing shop and promotional products office. Our website is www.rushcreekpromotionals.com. But this post isn't about marketing. Today, I'm tired of marketing, of learning the ins and outs of the business (sometimes the hard way), of being on the phone.(if you read my blog, you know I HATE the phone!).

So, my work environment has taken a turn for the worse. I went form a lovely little shop a few years back to a concrete corner in the basement. But, hey, I'm actually making a little bit of money. My first child is headed to college next year so it was time to get a big girl job. And I still get to be creative- only with Corel Draw on the computer designing for t-shirts.

But today, I'm sitting in my former "art studio" now all cleaned up with most of my art supplies packed away in storage bins. I pulled out some of my old art and hung it on the walls. I caught up on some creative blogs that I haven't taken the time to read in a very long time.

And I felt...sad? nostalgic? I don't know. I haven't created anything with my hands for over a year. But when I look at my old art, I wonder...have I left a lovely piece of myself behind? Will this piece be resurrected some day or take a differnt form?

Because we all leave pieces of ourselves along the way. Sometimes we pick them back up at a later time and sometimes they remain a part of who we used to be.

I miss my the piece of me that created art. In fact, until this morning, I had lost the piece of me that loved to sip a cup of coffee, enjoy nature and do nothing. How could I have forgotten how much I need that piece of me?

Have millions of people suddenly disappeared?

2009-09-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Did Many People Disappear?
by LambAndLion

People all over the world today are praying AGAINST CHRISTIANS.

2009-06-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Midnight Cry

2009-05-31T00:04:00.001-07:00

You Have to See This!

2009-05-22T06:01:00.001-07:00

I WIll RISE WHEN HE CALLS MY NAME

2009-05-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wrap Me in Your Arms Lord

2009-05-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

We ARE a Christian Nation!

2009-05-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

I Can Only Imagine

2009-05-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Come quickly, Lord

My Jesus

2009-04-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

2009-03-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

IF YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL IN THE 1970'S......

You had that Fisher Price Doctor's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked.

You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.

You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels.

You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)

You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island .

You had either a 'bowl cut' or 'pixie', not to mention the 'Dorothy Hamill'.
People sometimes thought you were a boy.

You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days. YEAH! You owned a 'Slip-n-Slide', on which you injured yourself on a sprinkler head more than once.

You owned 'Klick-Klacks' and smacked yourself in the face more than once !

Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.

You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.

You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.

You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits, or the sunshine family

You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze.
The swing set tipped over at least once.

You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!)

You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals.

You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the
Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture;
and you despised Nellie Oleson!

You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink!

PONG! ('video tennis' ) was the most remarkable futuristic game you've ever heard of !

Your hairstyle was described as having 'wings' or 'feathers' and you kept it 'pretty'
with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
When you walked, the 'wings' flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna 'take off'

You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.

You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
With the thermos inside some were glass inside and broke the first time you dropped them.

You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.

YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!

It was a big event in your household each year when the 'Wizard of Oz' would come on TV.
Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!

You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: 'Who will I marry.
Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy?'

You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album.

You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage,
or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.

You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!

You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.

You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.

You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books.
(Are you there God, It's Me, Margaret.)

You thought Olivia Newton John's song 'Physical' was about aerobics. (?? its not??)

You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart orrainbow designs.

You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.

You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first 'real' perfume you ever owned.

You glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip-gloss till it almost dripped off.

Let there be light...or dark...or light...or dark...

2009-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

I know ya'll have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for my next post in the continuing storm saga. If you didn't read the previous post you might want to catch up. And again I must issue a winter whine warning.

Friday-6am wake up to see if kids have school. They don't. Decide to go get blood drawn for a Wellness program. I've waited till the deadline and now risk my life, traveling on bad roads and high winds to make it into town. I get to the health center and am told that they have extended the deadline by two weeks. I could have stayed safe at home. Oh well, I can't think of anything better to do than to have a needle stuck in my arm at 6:30 in the morning, anyway.

7Am- since I'm already in town, I decide to get groceries. I fear revolt if my family is forced to eat pizza one more time this week. Have you ever pushed a grocery cart across a slush and ice pond? I have.

9AM- I haven't brought the groceries in from the car yet which is a good thing because - you guessed it- our electricity flickers and then goes out AGAIN!

9:30- the z-man is bored. He has over 100 degree temperature and hasn't felt well for 5 days now. We have no tv or videogames to keep him entertained. It's going to be a very long day.

2pm- the girls leave for basketball games. THis is a pet peeve of mine. I think all sports and extracurricular activities should be cancelled when school is cancelled due to weather. But then again, I'm a slacker mom. I cheer when any extracurricular activity is cancelled.
My oldest makes plans to leave the Amish island that is now our home and stay the night with a friend who actually has electricity. I'm stuck home with fever boy.

5:30pm- I spot the electrice truck! I pray HARD that the electric guy can fix the problem.

5:45- Do you hear that? The sound of angels singing? That's the sound I hear as the electricity is restored to our home. I think about running out and giving the electric guy a big kiss - who am I kidding - it's COLD out there. I pray that he'll keep safe. Prayers are better than kisses any day.

5:46 - Sponge Bob is blaring on the TV. Life is back to normal.

Did I mention that my husband has been at a conference in Columbus since Thursday night? Yep, he's had two whole nights alone in a nice, quiet hotel. The Z-man takes advantage of the opening in my bed. I got to sleep two whole nights with the germinator.

Sleet, Snow, Rain, Hail, Fire, Blood

2009-01-29T15:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we didn't have the hail, fire or blood - but it still wasn't pretty. We joined the 1 million people who lost power with this storm. Having lost it for several days last fall, we decided to go to a hotel till the power came on.

WHINE WARNING!!!!! If you don't like whining, just stop here and enjoy the photos. For the rest of you who find humor in other people's calamities, read on!

So this is what my life has been like since Tuesday morning.

Tuesday:6am- school is officially closed. We've already had snow and ice but the worst is yet to come.

8am-z-man wakes up, he doesn't feel well.

9 pm- Zane throws up, then he throws up again. Yippee! I'm going to be stuck at home with four kids and a big germ.

9:30 pm - school is cancelled for the morning too.

Wednesday - 9AM- Sounds like shots are being fired outside - it's the sound of branches and trees snapping.

9:30- lights flicker. this can't be good. Call every decent hotel to make a reservation just in case the electricity goes. Every place is already book. End up staying at the "Rest Inn". Never hear of it? Me neither

10:30 - it's starting to snow hard. The flakes are huge and gorgeous.
10:35- the lights flicker and then go off. Sighh

11:30 - The power company tells us we'll probably get the electric back on by Friday. Friday???????? But...it's only Wednesday.

12:00- Decide to go ahead and leave for hotel before we're snowed in. I can't help but think about the movie "The Shining". I love Jack Nicholson, but I never want to meet him in person.

12:15 -a white knuckle drive into Lancaster ( about 10 miles away). Visibility is bad, the roads are slick. We pray as a family that we'll make it to the hotel ok.

1:15 - we made it! The 60 minute drive should have only taken 30 minutes, but I'm just glad we're not off in a ditch somewhere.

1:20 -try to pay for room. I can't find my driver's license. They won't take my credit card without my license. I tell them I have four kids out in the car and one is sick. The lady won't budge. I thought people were supposed to be nice during storms, I was wrong.

1:45- hubby shows up to check us in. He's had to leave work just so we can check in.

1:55- finally have room keys. They don't work

2:00 try new keys. They work.

2:01 - We have two rooms because we are breeding overachievers and all of us can't fit in one room. Discover that our second room is being used for storage!

2:03- Inform lovely desk clerk that our second room is storage. Oh my! she says- someone must have forgotten to put this room on the unavailable list. Kinda like I forgot my driver's license, don't ya think. I'm still be very polite and extremely understanding. Maybe God will add on a sunroom to my mansion in heaven.

2:10 - finally have rooms. They were supposed to be connected, but instead are 11 rooms apart. They smell like smoke. The cable's out. The bed's are really uncomfortable. I now know the difference between a forty dollar room and a 90 dollar room. I prefer the latter. ( I know, I should be glad to be warm, right? - try to readjust attitude.)

5:00pm - school's cancelled for tomorrow too.

Thursday - we have electricity!!!!! It's a winter miracle. We decide to take advantage of the free continental breakfast before we leave.

Note- $40 dollar rooms don't have good continental breakfasts. We have our choice of stale powdered doughnuts or white toast.

7:00 pm- will there be school tomorrow? The kids don't have school on Monday or Tuesday due to a scheduled teacher inservice. I consider homeschooling, but I love my kids too much to subject them to my evil tyranny.

stay tuned

Porch magazine

2009-01-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

I recently discoverd Porch magazine. My first issue arrived a couple of days ago and what a treat it was! If you like wonderful photography and have embraced the world of blogging, than you must get a subscription!

According to Porch magazine editor, Polly Hood, "Porch Magazine was created for the sole purpose of promoting bloggers and their businesses."

Oh, and BTW, I am thrilled to have one of my soldered ornies photographed so beautifully in Porch, in the Romantic Metals section.

Porch Magazine is available for purchase at www.porch-magazine.blogspot.com.

Amish living sounds good about right now

2009-01-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

We have three printers. None of them are working. I spent one hour on the phone with customer support for one of the printers only to be told to take it in to be repaired. I finally went downstairs this morning to walk on my treadmill and It's not working ( and it's nearly brand new!). We have subarctic temperatures and our gas fireplace won't work. We just spent our retirement savings to replace our water heater ( teenagers get really whiny when forced to take luke warm showers). I blew out a tire this week and am waiting to get all four tires replaced.

We have a small Amish community outside our town. It's weeks like this that I think they may be on to something...

Sharing Christmas Delights!

2008-12-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the Day! Deena is hosting a blogging party to share our Christmas Delights! So, welcome to my home. Enjoy the Christmas music and let me show you around my home, all decked out for Christmas. My favorite new additions to my Christmas decor are: a new Christmas "tree" which is a display rack from my old shop now serving as a tree for my overflow of ornaments, a new nativity I made out of a birds nest, a vintage baby Jesus and antique china dolls (as angels), a display of three anitique glass bottles filled with gold (not real!), frankincense ( Real!) and Myrhh ( Real!) and a blue chippy chair adorned with a pinecone wreath that my daughter made. Be sure to check out the other blogs sharing their Christmas delights!

When God was part of our National Observance of Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T03:49:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
GO. WASHINGTON.

God set our great nation apart to preserve the Christian faith and to be an allie to His nation, Israel. The Great nation of Israel started with only 70 people whose occupation was to take care of livestock. They were detested by the people of Egypt, and yet God set them apart and blessed them for their faithfullness by building them into a vast nation through whom the entire world would be able to receive salvation and everlasting life with God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the same way, God raised up the United States of America from a few people devoted to their Christian faith - the poor, persecuted and rejected from around the world. Because of their faithfulness, He raised a great nation who has experienced great power and blessing.

Only 200 years later, the people and government of the United States have repeatedly disobeyed God's commands set forth in His Word and removed Him from all public places. God does not continue to bless nations who turn away from Him. We sow what we reap and we are now seeing the Blessing and Protection of God withdrawn from a country who no longer loves him.

I pray that our country will repent and seek God again as did the founders of our country. If not, we must not be surprised when economic hardships worsen and when the power we have enjoyed is taken from us. God will not be mocked.

New Website!

2008-11-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Visit Sleigh Hill

I just couldn't resist. Ever since I've owned my little brick and mortar shop, I NEED to have a little shop SOMEWHERE! And since I no longer have a shop with a physical presence, I've opened up an online shop full of all the things that I love...original art and crafts, unique art and craft supplies, antique and vintage finds. I have a LOT more to add to the shop, so stop by often.

I named my little shop Sleigh Hill. I happen to live on Sleigh Hill Court and always thought it would be a great name for a shop full of pretty needful things. And since I love soooo many styles; vintage, shabby, cottage, romantic, primitive... there's a little something for everyone.

Please come take a peek...

For my blog friends! Enter Cottagesh at checkout for 10% off your order! Good Through Dec.1st!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lennea

Fall in South Central Ohio

2008-10-24T03:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, the family took a Fall sight seeing car ride, which we do anually. This year the colors weren't near as vibrant as some years. The countryside surrounding where I live is gorgeous- pastoral, rolling hills, neat white farmhouses, dilapidated old barns, wooded gravel roads. Here's a few photos I snapped along the way.

2008-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you have read this. I received it via e-mail and I personally think Ben Stein is right on regarding this subject ( I don't watch him much, so I may disagree with him on many other things)

If you sincerely study Biblical prophecy, you can have no doubt that there is a God and He is the God of the bible. EVERY prophecy from the bible has come to fruition and we are seeing a staggering amount of bible prophecy being fulfilled in our generation.

Our Constitution was founded with the assumption that our society would be by and large a religious society based on Biblical morals and values. The writers of our constitution knew that without moral leadership and these basic moral values as the background of our society, that our society would fail.

The problems we are seeing today in the US are precisely because we have turned our backs on these moral principles and worst of all shut God out of every public venue. God will not be mocked. We have enjoyed over 200 years of God's grace and protection from evil. I believe He is removing His protection from a country that has turned against Him. The signs are all around us.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters
celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to..
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

My Autumn Home

2008-10-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

To see more autumn homes go here:
http://deenasstory.blogspot.com/2008/09/autumn-open-house.html

10 years ago my husband died

2008-09-26T04:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 10 years since Ken died. We were high school sweetheart , dated for 6 years before we got married, had 3 gorgeous kids together, shared a common past and common dreams for our future. Then on Sep. 26th 1998, when our baby boy was just 2 months old, after 9 years of marriage, he died.

Losing someone you love is so totally incomprehensible. When it's a spouse, your lives are so intertwined. Sometimes its hard to know where you stop and your spouse begins. You dream about your future together and then watch it unfold as you start careers, buy your first house, give birth to your children, watch them grow, plan for vacations and travel, retirement and grandkids. You know each other's biggest weaknesses and love them anyway. You know what your spouse's favorite foods are, what kinds of movies they like, how they like to spend their free time, how they take their coffee. You share the same routines. You can't imagine life without the other person. And then, one day, you're changing diapers and cleaning house, buying groceries and playing with the kids and the phone rings. And everything is changed forever.

For some, the death of loved one comes slowly and painfully after an extended illness. For me it came quickly with a car accident and a phone call.

It takes time for the mind and the heart to grasp such a violent loss. You feel like giant pieces of yourself are suddenly ripped out leaving gaping wounds. You want to crawl under the covers of your bed and sleep forever, only the baby is crying and the toddlers are hungry. Every morning you wake up and realize anew that

he's never coming back

.

You go to the grocery store and are amazed that everyone else is unchanged. You watch people laughing and gossiping and carrying on with their lives and you want to shout " WAIT!Don't YOU UNDERSTAND? THE WORLD HAS JUST FALLEN APART! HOW CAN YOU ORDER a DOUBLE NO FAT LATTE WITH WHIP CREAM?"

10 years. Longer than we were even married. He would have been 42. I still love him. I'm still mad at him for dying.

But except for days like today, when the memories come back hard and unrelenting and I cry until my well of tears is dried up, I'm amazingly ok. Life has gone on. I have fallen in love again and married a wonderful man. My oldest kids are now teenagers and thriving in school and friendships. My youngest doesn't remember having any other father than Jay who I've been married to for 7 years now. Joy has seeped back into my life.

And yet, and yet, I am no longer innocent. I have suffered. Joys are no longer pure but tinged with sorrow.

My God is no longer impersonal but deeply personal. He truly comforted me in my darkest days. He gave me strength when I ran out of my own. He gives me the hope of someday being reunited with Ken in heaven. He has provided for my every need. I've seen people who grieve without the grace of God. They become bitter and joyless. They get stuck in the grief and it defines who they are.

For Ken, I miss you, I'll always love you and look forward to our joyous reunion in Heaven.

Why You should never get a White dog

2008-09-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Oy! with the poodle, already!

Check out my new blog!

2008-08-21T14:49:00.001-07:00

I will continue posting about art and stuff here, but have started a new blog to ~~rant~~ discuss the other stuff in my life: hormones, serotonin, the kids, being in a blended family, my hot husband, pet peeves - you know, the stuff that makes up my daily life.

Come visit me and let me know what you think about the new blog!

I'ts the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2008-08-20T04:07:00.000-07:00

Wow- it's been a looong time since I posted. I guess that's what happens when you have 4 kids home for summer. It's been three months of a constant trail of 10 year old neighborhood boys through the house ( I've tried to make my house not child friendly, but alas, they all seem to want to gather here), constant running my teenagers around ( none can drive yet- which is probably a good thing), and THE FOOD! Oy, WITH ALL THE FOOD, ALREADY! It's amazing how much food teenagers consume- especially since they don't wake up till almost noon and then drape themselves over a chair most of the rest of the day- I mean, how many calories can they need? THEY BARELY MOVE!

A few weeks ago, I was still enjoying summer - no homework, no schedules, no grumpy early mornings. BUT THEN, the kids got bored and started turning on each other. They reverted to 3 year old sharing tactics( ie NOT sharing) and pushing each other's buttons for their own entertainment. And I started to REALLY NEED SOME ALONE TIME! I would have given a kidney for an hour of silence.

So today- I celebrate. The annual migration of kids from the couch to the classroom. I have 7 WHOLE HOURS of silence, peace and peanut butter free countertops. The house is, once again, my domain. Even the dog seems happier.

Happy New School Year to Mom's Everwhere!

Fun Garage Sale find!

2008-08-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

So...recently I went junkin at garage sales with my good friend, Deb. We stumbled upon this sale with a bucket full of these really old parade flags. We had no idea they were worth anything, but we loved how they looked. We bought the whole lot. Well, turns out, we hit a jackpot of junking, because we spent 25 cents per flag and sold them to one of the nations foremost American flag dealer for 3300 dollars! Way cool, huh? Turns out several were quite rare civil war era hand waving flags. Here's a photo of one of the flags. I'll be keeping myt eyes open for old flags!

Garden Tour for the Cure

2008-06-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Garden! Tour hosted by Sweet Annee!

Summer Sale!

2008-06-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have lowered the prices on many of my items in my Creative Call Studios Shop! Go to my Sheltering Tree Studio Shop for summertime savings!

Blogland Garden Tour for the cure.

2008-06-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Deena has come up with a great way to show off our gardens and support breast cancer research. Please go to her blog to sign up!

Covered Bridge

2008-06-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Covered Bridges. Who doesn't love them? The symbolism of the covered bridge encompasses so many things: romance, simpler times, shelter, the excitement of a journey, the contentment of returning home. Covered bridges allow us to cross over an otherwise impassable path. I used a transfer of an old covered bridge photo to create this painting. At the entrance to the bridge was some kind of informational sign. The sign didn't transfer well and as I painted over parts of the transfer I discovered that all that was left of the sign was a cross. How Perfect! The cross, the symbol of Christ shedding his atoning blood for our sins. In Christ we find shelter from the storms of life, we find direction for the path He has set before us, we find our way home. Christ is our very own covered bridge.

I will praise you in this storm

2008-05-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

"I will praise You in this storm, cuz You are who You are."

For sale in my Etsy shop.

Firm Foundation

2008-05-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Created for Art in the Word. This is a reprensentation of my own home. I like how it turned out - the simplicity and ethereal feel.

Tagged

2008-05-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by the glamorous and very talented Pam Carriker! You may visit her blog HERE

The rules of the game are:

1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your entry.
Here are the six unimportant things about me...

1. I always love the male rockers in American Idol the best. Go DAVID COOK! The boy band singers kind of creep me out. ( sorry, David Archuletta fans)

2.The first and last time I colored my hair at home, I looked like Ronald McDonald. My family will never let me live that down. ( I made an emergency appt. at the hair salon the NEXT DAY!)

3. I am a perfectionist at heart but somewhere along the line developed an easy going personality. However, the two sides often battle it out. So, my house may be a mess and I may say it doesn't bother me, but deep down inside it really does - but not enough to do anything about it. ( yeah, I could probably use a good therapist! )

4. I love to be alone. I don't think I could actually be a monk, but I could be quite happy being a recluse 90% of the time.

5.As I am writing this, I just got a call from the nurses office that my son is sick AGAIN! He was throwing up last week, my daughter was throwing up a couple of days ago and now he is sick to his stomach again! UGGGGHHHH! (now you may better understand my answer to number 4)

6. I didn't actually pick up the phone to get the message from the nurse- it was left on my machine. I hate the phone! I find it to be an intrusion and usually screen my calls. Some people think this is rude, but if I answered my phone every time it rings I would NEVER get anything done!

New Shop Name

2008-05-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have been praying about a new name for my Creative Call Studios shop. Scattered Momentos doesn't really fit what I am doing in my art right now and I wanted a name that would reflect my faith. I have decided to change my shop name to "Sheltering Tree Studio". I will keep the site addy of my shop the same for awhile as I transition to the new name. I have added some new work to my shop HERE - check it out!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

To all mothers who have endured the pain of childbirth and forgotten how painful it is and done it again! and again! ( did you read about the mother who just had her 18th child?). To all the mothers who wake up at 1:30 am to hear a child vomitting on the carpet ( I did this twice this week!) and who hold their child's head over the toilet while they're sick and clean up after them and then pray that they will get better soon. To all the mother's who made the decision to give their baby up for adoption instead of aborting them or trying to raise them alone ( thank you, my birth mother, wherever you are). To the mothers who adopted these babies and loved them as one of their own ( thanks, MOM!). To all the mothers who have had to bury their babies to early. To all the mothers who have had to send their babies off to war with tears and prayers. To all the mothers who have had to hold their child's hands at a hospital. To all the mothers who don't have their own children but nurture other's children. To mothers throughout the centuries who have given up their own food, so their child's tummy will be full.

To mothers everywhere! Have a very Happy Mother's Day!

Progression of a painting 2

2008-04-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

Also for Paulette Insall's online "All About Faces Class".

Progression of a painting

2008-04-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

Progression of a painting from Paulette Insall's online "All About Faces" class.

New sketches

2008-04-25T04:44:00.001-07:00

I've been working on some portrait sketches using techniques learned from Paulette Insall's Painting Faces class. Sketching faces has me really noticing the details of people's faces. And expressions! What wonderful variety God has created in the faces of His people!

My article in Art Doll Quarterly

2008-04-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with everyone my article in the newest edition of Art Doll Quarterly. Assemblage dolls are so fun to make!

Oh, the Places You'll Go

2008-03-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

A new mixed media portrait for sale in my ETSY shop.

Welcome to the Easter Parade!

2008-03-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some art I have created around the themes of Spring and Christ's Resurrection!
Happy Easter!

To view more of the Easter Parade go to Miss Sandy's

Join in an Easter Parade!

2008-03-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Stop by tomorrow for the Easter parade! If you would like to participate, go to www.quillcottage.blogspot.com

See you at the parade!
Lennea

Quote for today!

2008-03-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Paulette Insallfor sharing this quote with me!

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. ~André Gide

I'm going to get out my paints today and get out of the way!

My Redeemer Lives

2008-03-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

I know that my Redeemer Lives! What a joyous verse! This painting is for sale HERE!

My Mona Lisa

2008-03-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

I've been playing in my sketchbook while watching tv with the family at night. I've only recently discovered I can actually draw a bit. I never used to think I had an artistic bone in my body. I had the most horrible art teacher in jr. high. She would give us assignments, but never actually TEACH us ANYTHING! I didn't learn anything about color, composition, shading, drawing, painting - NOTHING! Because of that, I thought you either had the talent for art or didn't. It never occured to me that art could be LEARNED, PRACTICED and PROGRESSED! Sure, talent and desire are a part of art, but like everything else in life, I believe being good at anything is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration ( I think Albert Einstein said that). So, I've been sketching and painting and studying, taking classes and just having FUN! I may never be a great artist, but I enjoy the process and the end result and it's so satisfying to create.

BTW, did you know that Leonardo daVinci only has about 15 surviving works? I was reading about him last night and found out that he was not a prolific artist at all- he often ruined pieces by experimenting with different techniques and was supposedly a great procrastinator! This is encouraging in a way- it gives me the courage to experiment, make mistakes, produce AWFUL art and still consider myself to be an artist after all.

Have a BLESSED and CREATIVE DAY!

Faith in Things Unseen

2008-03-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Inspiration: Every Spring I eagerly look forward to the first sign of my tulips bursting forth out of the dirt. Every year it seems like a miracle. Underneath the dirt and snow, unseen for most of the year, the tulip bulb shoots forth a tender green tip every Spring. I have experienced this enough that I have faith that the tulip bulbs buried in my garden will produce a beautiful delicate flower every Spring! It's been said that this is what Faith is...the belief in things unseen.

This is a mixed media painting on 8x10" gallery wrapped canvas. The back of the canvas is backed in heavy framing paper and has a hole in the frame for hanging. Signed by me.

Materials used: high quality acrylic paint, graphite, artist papers, layers of glazes, inks, gesso.

For sale HERE!

He Loves Me

2008-03-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest whimsical painting. I have listed it for sale here and here.

New mixed media portraits

2008-03-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

Still playing with backgrounds and portraits. I'll list both of these in my Etsy shop soon.

Organic Backgrounds

2008-03-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

Week 3 of Organic Backgrounds with Paulette Insall. I've finished the first one and will finish the second one over the next two weeks. These backgrounds have been soooo much fun! If you get the chance to take a class with Paulette - do it!

Never Forgotten

2008-03-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

I have contributed art to a wonderful new publication by ZNE. Titled " Never Forgotten: Art Celebrating Mothers and Honoring Loss" this book will speak to anyone who has lost someone they love. The artwork is beautiful and heartfelt. To order your copy today go HERE.

I'll Send You Bluebirds in the Spring

2008-02-29T05:57:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do a piece with lyrics from one of my current favorite songs. The words on this piece read " I'll send you bluebirds in the Spring to give your heart a song to sing". I've been experimenting with different portrait styles. This one is quite whimsical and a bit more primitive looking than some of my others.
For sale HERE!

New Weight Loss Photo

2008-02-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Ten pounds gone!!!! Woo Hoo! As you can tell by my photo above, I've lost inches all over ( although, unfortunately, most of them in my chest). I'm still doing the Body For Life plan. It takes some discipline, but this is definitely a plan I can stick with. The workouts are reasonable and I'm never hungry. I'll update my photo when the next 10 come off!

Organic Backgrounds with Paulette Insall week 2

2008-02-27T03:44:00.000-08:00

The second week of Organic Backgrounds with Paulette Insall. She showed us techniques for adding more color and texture. The process is so free flowing and fun and we'll be adding even more texture next week! Scroll down to compare week 1 to week 2.

Organic Backgrounds with Paulette Insall

2008-02-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

I'm taking "Organic Backgrounds" with the Fabulous Paulette Insall, online. This is my homework for week 1. We'll be adding to the backgrounds over the next several weeks. I'm using some new paints that I've never worked with before and am having so much fun. I can't wait to see what we'll learn next and will post my progress every week.

Shop Updates at Creative Call Studios

2008-02-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the Shoppe Updates!

The shoppes at Creative Call Studios have been updated with FABULOUS new art and crafts!

Check out our latest Shoppe The Little Things. Her pretty creations are simply delightful!

This month's FEATURED ARTIST is Sally Smith of Lydia's Lineage.

Jesus "Everything" Skit

2008-02-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

The drama focuses on the spiritual warfare being fought for our souls.

At the beginning of the skit, the young woman indulges in the pure joy and innocence of finding her first love in Jesus, as He shows her all the wonderful things He has done and has in store for her.

But this blissful moment becomes tarnished by seemingly harmless distractions, which turn into temptations and ultimately into deadly sins.

The fallen spiritual forces at work begin their relentless attack on the young woman, who takes her eyes off Jesus and sets them on the world.

She finds herself overcome by all the vices made to look so attractive in life: sexual impurity, greed for money, drinking, bulimia, and cutting.

The lies that she has been told about her worthlessness and inability to measure up lead her into depression, attempted suicide, and ultimately into a desperation that spurs her to once again seek her first love.

Only after the woman hits rock bottom does she remember the true source of her joy -- a relationship with Christ.

But she's not alone as she battles to regain the abundant life Jesus has given her. Unable to fend off the enemy's spiritual attack on her own, she puts her eyes back on Jesus, who is waiting for her call for help.

Eager to step in and fight the battle for His bride, Jesus fends off and defeats the demonic attackers who are after her very soul and life.

We are reminded that Christ already won the battle for our souls on the cross, and that we have victory over our sins through our hope and redemption in Jesus.

It affirms I John 4:4: "You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

I always love a good quote

2008-02-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

"We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely they want with all their hearts to know the source of it." ~Madeleine L'Engle

Praise you in the Storm

2008-02-03T08:37:00.001-08:00

Sealed for Eternity!

2008-02-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

VERSE: Ephesians 1:14

[You were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of His glory.

THOUGHT:

God is true to His word. He keeps His promises. But, that was not enough for Him. He gave us a down payment, a deposit, so we could be sure of our inheritance and look forward to the full realization of our salvation. He gave us the Holy Spirit. When God buys us out of slavery to our mortal bodies and redeems us into our eternal home with bodies that will not grow old or decay, we won't need the deposit; we will have the full inheritance. But until then, until we go to Him, isn't it amazing that He makes his home within us!

PRAYER:

Transcendent and yet ever-near God, thank You for not making me wait to experience Your presence. Thank You for giving me "a foretaste of glory divine." Thank You for sending Your blessed and promised Spirit to live in me and remind me where my home truly is. Until the day I see you face-to-face, I want to honour Your presence in my mortal body by living a life that is pure, holy and a blessing to others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

I've been published!

2008-01-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo! It's so exciting to see a couple of my pieces in the current issue of Somerset Wedding which hits the stands tomorrow. Also be sure to check out the great art and article by Alice Wingerden of Faded Rose Cottage.

Win a Book

2008-01-30T09:31:00.001-08:00

Want a chance to win this great book? Go to http://cmscanlon.blogspot.com/2008/01/giving-away-two-copies.html for details!

Fun with Felting

2008-01-30T06:15:00.001-08:00

Well, I knew I would eventually succumb to this new craze in crafting and after seeing the Fabulous Rande Hansen's felting at Paper Whimsy I bought some roving, a clover tool and felting needle Mat all from Paper Whimsy. This was my first project and so much fun. I started with a quilt square and layered on cotton scraps, roving, ribbon, lace and a felted double heart and leaves that I had felted earlier. All the fabrics and fibers on the inside of the quilt were attached using only the felting needle. The trim fabric could not be felted, so I used some fabric glue to attach it along the edge. I also sprinkled on some mica flakes for a little sparkle. As I'm not much of a sewer, this project was an easy and fun way to make a little quiltie without so much as a stitch.

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!!!!

2008-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

Yup, today is the official " Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day"! I don't know about you, but I am very excited about any day in honor of bubble wrap. Unfortunately, I have my husband and daughter at home with the flu ( of ALL THE NERVE! To BE SICK ON BUBBLE WRAP DAY!!!) so I cannot spend the day creating with bubble wrap but I found this photo to inspire you. If you make something using bubble wrap or made out of bubble wrap please post a link here so I can visit!
grape dress by Mimi Czajka Graminski (plastic grapes and bubble wrap)

JOY banner

2008-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

My finished banner from the Paper Whimsy banner collaboration. My team Had the word JOY in earth tones. I love how it looks on my mantle!

Every girl needs a pair of these!

2008-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Found this pair of cupcake slippers at Target. I have Happy Feet! Aren't they cool?

Valentines by the Sea

2008-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Fan blades ready to be sent out for a fan collaboration. My group is Valentines by the Sea and are to be decorated in shades of the sea. The resulting fan should be gorgeous!

Before

2008-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

So, I've been tryin to lose weight more or less haphazardly for the past 6 years. THe only time I've lost more than 5 pounds was when I was working out with a trainer twice a week. I did aerobics for 1 hour, 6 days a week and lifted weights with my trainer twice a week. and STILL, I ONLY LOST 15 POUNDS! I mean, what's up with that. AND I was STARVING! Well, I have finally totally HAD it with being fat and sluggish. At 41, it's only going to get harder to lose weight. So I'm going to do it NOW! I've decided to to the Body for Life Challenge because it makes sense to me, I won't starve and I won't be spending half my waking hours working out. As a physical therapist, the theories behind this fat loss plan make sense to me. I've already lost 2 pounds in 3 days! Go Me!!!!

Anyway, Here is my before photo. In 24 weeks, if I'm brave, I'll actually post an after photo. ( NOT in a BIKINI, though!- no one needs to see THAT no matter how skinny I get!)

Now off to the little girl's room for the 231st time today. This plan has me drinking LOTS of water!

Banner Swap

2008-01-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a banner swap for Paper Whimsy. My group is doing the word JOY in earth tones. I have the letter "J" and will make four "J" banners. I can't wait to recieve my other two letters and string them up!

Thankful Thursday

2008-01-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thursday

I was in a foul mood yesterday. It was one of those days where
nothing goes quite right. All little things, really, but as the day
wore on, my mood went downhill. Today, though is a new day and the
best way to lift a yucky mood is to count your blessings. Here is
what I am thankful for today!

~Deena who rescued me after I accidentally deleted one of my CCS
shops!
~a sweet friend, Chel, who gave me the "You make my day" blog award
~ A heavy frost that looked so beautiful this morning
~my furball dog who keeps me warm on the couch when I'm on the
computer
~a neighbor's porch on a surprising warm Jan. day where I could sit
with a couple of friends and just chat
~ a child who begs to be taken to Wed. night youth group
~ another child who sings silly songs every morning ( and most
mornings they don't drive me crazy!)
~ music that soothes my soul, stirs me to tears and makes me feel
closer to Heaven

2008-01-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Deena is hosting a Valentine Banner giveaway on her blog. All you have to do is post your love story on her blog. Warm your heart and visit today!

For my secret sister...

2008-01-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Shhhh....don't tell! I altered one of those cardboard houses with layers of ephemera, acrylics, lace, vintage pink glass glitter and more. I love how it turned out. HOpe she likes it!

and a couple more things...

2008-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Above are a couple more things I will have for sale ( along with those in the previous post) at my shop at Creative Call Studios. These Items will be for sale starting Jan. 10th.

Love is in the air

2008-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

I know, Christmas is just barely over, but I'm already looking forward to Valentine's day. Below are a few things I've been working on.

Creative Call Studios Update on Jan. 10th.

2008-01-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Shops at Creative Call Studios will be updated on Jan. 10th. The above slideshow is a preview of just a few of the wonderful items you will find in the artist's shops!

THis is so Cool!

2007-12-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

Baby Jesus

2007-12-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

I found this great vintage baby Jesus at an antique shop. I created a nativity scene with it by putting the baby in a birds nest and placing a beautiful angel next to it. I think it's my favorite nativity so far.

Mary Did you Know?

2007-12-13T05:17:00.001-08:00

A little sketch I did and then digitally colorized for an Art in the Word weekly inspirational prompt. " Mary pondered these things in her heart" Luke 2

What I LOVE about MY Holiday HOME!

2007-12-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

snow, white feather trees, white bottle brush trees, handcrafted ornaments made by friends, my Dept. 56 Dickens village, my overloaded trees with sentimental ornaments, Christmas music, peppermint coffee, nativities, family...

Thank you Karla's Cottage for hosting this blog party!

Happy Birthday Jesus! Bloggers Party

2007-12-08T17:47:00.001-08:00

The above photos are of the handcrafted nativity scene that has graced the homes of my parents since 1960. I remember cars slowing down to view the scene and the year we won the city Christmas lights contest. I wonder if a Nativity scene would win today? This is what my mom wrote when I asked her to write the history of their nativity.

"Originally, in about 1960 we cut out the characters from masonite, painted the features and clothes. We also made one set for the church. This was in Marshall, OK while Garry was in seminary. Then we added bales of hay for the background in Clearwater, KS until we made a wooden stable. Also used the stable in Beatrice and North Platte. I think I dressed them in real clothes when we moved to North Platte. Added the jewels for the crowns and gifts at that time. The clothes have changed through the years as they faded and wore out. Added furs, brocades, satins, cordoroy, woolen fabrics, beads and more jewels. The hands were made from plastic milk cartons and painted. The hair and mustaches are real human hair.
The characters were stolen once in North Platte and twice in Lincoln, with some of the characters returned by a dad in Lincoln from his back porch. All of the characters stolen in North Platte were returned to the back alley. One time, most of the characters were broken in half or decapitated. My nephew came down to help Garry repair them. He refused to let the vandals win!. "

The photos do not do the nativity justice. The detail and artistry are amazing. I'm pretty sure my mom was the first Martha Stewart!

Take time to drive around this Christmas and notice the different nativities. Plastic, wood, elaborate or simple- they remind us of the Reason for the Season!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

You're invited to a Happy Birthday Jesus Party for bloggers from Dec.13th-Dec.20th!

Click on the image above to be taken to the Creative Call Studios blogspot for more information.

Let's keep Christ in Christmas !

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2007-12-06T16:10:00.001-08:00

Did I mention I LOVE snow!

Outside my studio door

2007-12-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

We have SNOW! I LOVE SNOW! This is the view out my studio door ( well, maybe just a wee bit embellished)!

Deck the Halls

2007-12-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

A couple more pics. My 15 year old son is now almost as tall as our 6 foot tree. I guess he's the official treetopper!

It's Here! It's Here!

2007-11-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

The GRAND OPENING of CREATIVE CALL STUDIOS http://creativecallstudios.com/.
is TOMORROW, Sat. Dec. 1st! WOO HOO! Deena Warner and I have been working like crazy to create this online handcrafted marketplace. The site is beautiful, easy to navigate and chock full of the loveliest of handcrafted goods. Sign up for our newsletter to be entered for prizes and take advantage of the specials that each artist is providing for the Grand Opening! Thank you for supporting the independent artisan.

Deck the Blog

2007-11-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

What a great idea! A deck your blog for the holidays contest!

A Very Vintage Christmas

2007-11-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

I altered this cigar box for a vintage Christmas feel. It will be listed in my shop in the new CREATIVE CALL STUDIOS MARKETPLACE during the grand opening on Dec. 1st!

Creative Call Studios Preview

2007-11-26T07:53:00.001-08:00

Grand Opening on Sat.!

2007-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

2007-11-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

A Cottage Christmas

2007-11-24T15:59:00.001-08:00

I love to see how other people decorate their homes for Christmas. Here's a few snapshots of mine.

Grand Opening ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

2007-11-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Creative Call Studios:

A gathering of Christian Artisans

Creative Call Studios has done what no other internet art site has done: brought together a diverse group of independent artisans whose work reflects their Christian beliefs and offered that work for sale to the public in a unique virtual market setting.

At Creative Call Studios, you will find the best work of juried artists in a variety of genres, including mixed media, collage, altered art, dolls, bears, primitives, folk art, contemporary art, wearable art, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and pottery.

If having a “safe” place to buy your art isn’t enough, shoppers will also find shopping at Creative Call Studios is easy. Artisans accept a variety of payment methods, including, and most preferring, PayPal. We have created not only a beautiful website, but a user friendly one as well.

Creative Call Studios plans to launch the website with their Grand Opening on December 1. Make a point of putting http://creativecallstudios.com/
on your list of favorites. On December 1, grab a cup of coffee, pull up your chair, get your mouse finger warmed up with a few flexes and be prepared to admire and shop at the newest art studio on the ‘net. The artisans at Creative Call can’t wait to share their goodies with you!

She is Pretty in Pink

2007-11-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

My beautiful new friend, Deena Warner, has started a new blog journaling her fight with breast cancer. She was just diagnosed in late Oct. If you have or know anyone who has breast cancer, you should visit this blog. She offers a candid yet optimistic dialogue about her journey. And while you're there, lift her up in prayer. Visit her blog at http://deenasstory.blogspot.com

A New Adventure!

2007-11-07T04:02:00.000-08:00

Exciting News!!!! Deena Warner and Lennea Truesdell have collaborated to create the first online marketplace for independent Christian artists and Crafters.

The new website is called Creative Call Studios and you can preview it here at http://creativecallstudios.com/. Each artist will have their own page to sell up to 8 items. You may preview a sample artist page on our website.

The mission of this new website is to
1)Offer consumers one stop shopping for handcrafted arts and crafts from some of the best Christian artists in the country.
2) Shine Christ’s light in the handcrafted marketplace.
3) Provide Christian artists another low-cost venue to market their goods with the benefits of pooled resources for advertising, access to press releases for your local newspaper or church newsletter and banner, hotlink button, avatar, and business card design. Creative Call Studios also has it’s own blog and private Yahoo group for members to share information and ideas.

If you are interested in having your own shop at Creative Call Studios, please e-mail Lennea Truesdell at onceuponacottage@yahoo.com. And I will get you more details on how you can join us in this exciting new venture! Your first month is FREE! to give you a chance to try out this new venue and give us the chance to work out any kinks and get the word out about our site!

I consider this to be a ministry. I have previous experience in owning my own brick and mortar boutique, website, etsy and Ebay shops. I am a design team member for ZNE and a moderator for ZNE network as well as owner of a Yahoo! Group for Christian artists “Art in the Word”. I am volunteering my time and resources to establish this new website and am not looking to make a profit but only to cover ongoing expenses.

Lennea Truesdell

New Etsy Listing

2007-11-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

http://scatteredmomentos.etsy.com

A couple more blog banner designs

2007-11-02T10:56:00.001-07:00

A couple more blog banners. These will be listed on Etsy later today.

New Blog Banners

2007-11-02T06:17:00.001-07:00

I've been having too much fun creating blog banners, so I'm offering my bog banners to you! The blog banners below are currently available and one-of-a-kind. No one else will EVER have your banner! All banners measure approx. 800pixels by 330 pixels. I'll be adding new ones to my Etsy shop frequently. http://scatteredmomentos.etsy.com/.

These banners are easy to install or I can install them for you on blogger ( blogspot).

The banners shown above are on Sale for the introductory price of only $8.00!

Many more styles and colors to come!

New Blog Banner

2007-10-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

I just can't stop playing with my blog banner. I think I'll stick with this one for a while. What do you think?

Frosty Autumn Glory

2007-10-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

You know those few days of the year when it is just so BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful outside that you can't help but sing praises to the Creator of such Beauty? Today is one of those days. We had our first heavy frost of the year and the sun was hitting the Fall trees just right. So gorgeous.

2007-10-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Week 14 Inspirational Prompt from the Art in the Word Yahoo Group

Deuteronomy 32:2 (New International Version)

2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

As I was searching and praying for a verse for this week, I came
across this wonderful verse from Deuternonomy.
Here in Ohio we have had a LOT of rain and in California they are in
desperate need of rain. This verse reminds us that the Word of God
is more important than the rain. Without it, we become parched and
if we get too dry, the fires (tribulations) will quickly consume us.
However, if we read His word, His teachings will fall on our parched
souls, making us fertile ground to bear fruit for His Kingdom.
May the reading of God's Word bless you this coming week
Lennea

Now for sale in my Etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7638356

Christmas is coming!!!!

2007-10-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Oh yes it is! For artists and crafters we have to start thinking about Christmas months in advance. Here's a sneak preview of some vintage silvery soldered ornaments that I will be selling in my ETSY shop and a local boutique starting Nov. 1st. Each ornament will be $25.oo and there will be a very limited number made. If you would like to preorder an ornament just e-mail me at onceuponacottage@yahoo.com

These ornaments for 2007 are the first in my Christmas box series. This year's theme is White Christmas. I will create a new theme for the Christmas box series every year.

Each ornament is created with my own collage of acrylics, vintage glitter, vintage victorian photo, vintage lace, and may include a tiny bottle brush tree, antique buttons and other baubles. No two ornaments are the same! These box collages are then sealed with handcut glass and hand soldered to create a beautiful silver box. I have added chandelier crystals to dangle from each ornament. A Christmas heirloom to be enjoyed for generations!

The ULTIMATE BLOGGING AWARD!!!!!!!

2007-10-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

The AMAZING, TALENTED and VERY FUNNY Jan Thomason http://polkadotbarn.blogspot.com/ has presented me with the FIRST EVER CREATIVE SNIT AWARD!!!!!!!!

Unlike many other blogging awards, THIS award requires much thoughtful deliberation and strict adherence to the following CREATIVE SNIT AWARD criteria.

THis award shall be presented only to worthy artists who have shown evidence of being in a creative snit.

To help with the selection, we need a common frame of reference. I found this definition of snit:

snit
noun
a state of agitated irritation; "he was in a snit"

However, I think a CREATIVE SNIT requires a somewhat different defintion:

creative snit
noun
a state of creative chaos, creative frustration, or a state of obsessive creativity: "she was in a creative snit"

Therefore, worthy recipients of this prestigious award should demonstrate one or more of the following criteria:

1) photos of their chaotic creative studio spaces (see my blog for example)
2) reports of staying up till the wee hours of the morning while consuming large amounts of coffee and or chocolate in order to finish a swap or prepare for a show
3) documented frustration over the creative process
4) evidence of a large quantity of art created over a small period of time
5) photos of the recipient at vendor night at any art retreat ( it goes without saying that ALL attendees at such events are either in or will soon be in a creative snit)
AND FINALLY

6) ( created especially for Jan) witnessing the recipient in a SNIT at a CREATIVE EVENT!

(note: Jan is a lovely, kind and generous person, who would not normally qualify for this award - However after traveling several hours on a plane to Art & Soul, she arrived at the hotel in the wee hours of the morning only to discover that THEY HAD GIVEN HER ROOM AWAY! And didn't have any rooms available! Now, if that's not cause for being in a SNIT, I don't know what is!)

I am quite honored to be the FIRST EVER recipient of this most prestigious award. Thank you Jan!!!

AND now, I award the following AMAZING and TALENTED artists with the INAUGURAL CREATIVE SNIT AWARD!!!!!!!

Jan Thomason http://polkadotbarn.blogspot.com/ for being in a SNIT at a CREATIVE RETREAT and for creating the CREATIVE SNIT AWARD!

Lani Kent http://artistlanikent.blogspot.com/ who may have first coined the term creative snit and I quote" I always get a bit overstimulated and in a creative snit after those events! It really is amazing..all that creativity in one room!"

Chel Hery http://chelise.typepad.com/ who is ALWAYS in a creative snit and graciously writes about if for our amusement

Keesha http://lemoncholys.blogspot.com/ who , DESPITE being very tired and getting sick, still felt compelled to add all the charms from Art and Soul to her necklace! Read about it here http://bp0.blogger.com/_UAui-SUeM_w/Rw6t33TxeBI/AAAAAAAAA8w/XNPdd4ViJek/s1600-h/IMG_0747.JPG

To all CREATIVE SNIT AWARD RECIPIENTS;

Congratulations! You have now earned the right to award other artists with this most prestigious award! There is no limit to the number of artists you award this to and there is no time limit on handing out this award. Just please post the CREATIVE SNIT AWARD button on your blog and refer your recipients to this post for more information.