Monday, August 31, 2009

Fall-ifying The House


I really don't think fallifying is a word, but you know what I mean. The weather is so gorgeous this afternoon that I just couldn't stay inside. I decided to wash the front porch and switch out my summer stuff for fall. I know it is a little early, but let me tell you, I don't get a free afternoon very often.
The spiderwebs are terrible on my porch. Yuck! After spraying down the whole thing, I hung my fall wreath and freshened up welcome mats from storage to replace the summer ones.



I took down my lime and aqua monogrammed flags and put up the nutty squirrel in the background and the "power T' in the foreground. Mike was excited to see that one go up. Ahhh, the things we do for our men.


It is definitely a bit early for Halloween and I did hold off on most of those decorations, but I did go ahead and put out my black cat garden stake. Please consider that it is replacing a Fourth of July decoration! Hmmm!
I also went ahead and set out my favorite fall item, this painted tin bucket. I will fill it with small pumpkins and gourds when they come in. I leave this out all the way through Thanksgiving. I love the diamonds and the acorns around the bottom. This is just screaming to be done on a canvas!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Out Of Town Teachers


I've got new teacher canvases ready for Mrs. Poteete in Smithville (gold and black) and Mrs. Freeze in Manchester (red and black). With these and all of the Halloween things I've been working on lately, I need to but black paint by the gallon!


On this cloudy Saturday, I am off to watch Carter's first football game, grade some papers, and nurse my sick baby (ear infection) back to health. Hopefully I can squeeze some painting in there as well. I really need to get caught up! Thank you all for being so patient.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Autumn Vera



Inspired by the Vera Bradley Bali Gold pattern, this beautiful gold, burgundy, and violet canvas is sure to welcome autumn in style. These Vera canvases are pretty from afar, (I've gotten lots of compliments on the Crouch's green one. Thanks!) but there are so many details that they really are more beautiful up close.
Thank you so much, Pam. Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Christie Allison


A special canvas for a special friend. Ms. Allison has been one of my fellow fifth grade teachers for three years now. I didn't know her from a hole in the wall before that and now we are so close. Isn't it interesting how people come in and out of your life at just the right time? She has brought an element humor and kindness to our little group. She is the mother hen, the voice of reason, and the quickest to cry. Love ya, sis!


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Too Early?


Is it too early for snowmen? I don't know, but they were fun to paint! Elizabeth Giddens in Georgia was my Tip Junkie contest winner and this is what she ordered with her gift certificate. The families make wonderful Christmas gifts for anyone but especially for newlyweds or families that have grown this year.
12x24 ~ $40.00

Monday, August 24, 2009

Sew Cute


Kandice Patrick is one crafty lady! She has started a new blog/etsy shop that features hand sewn clothing, bags, monogramming, and my personal favorite, appliques. Sewing is not one of my gifts. I wish I could and I tried. I couldn't even cut out the pattern right. It was a disaster with a capital D. I'll stick to painting!
She asked for a 12x24 sign to match her blog header. Let me tell you, there is a lot of tiny detail in that header! I think it turned out really pretty and I hope she gets a lot of use out of it. Her link is over on the left side if you would like to check her out!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

First Time Football


Carter played in his very first football game this weekend. That's him on the end - number 46. It was just scrimage, but he was really excited and had a great time.


Lauren had to try on the helmet. I am glad Carter has learned how to put on all of his equipment. Mike was busy one night and left all of the pieces for me to put together. It took a good thirty minutes. Those pants are a puzzle!


Oh my! He looks so handsome and grown up.


Here's miss priss in her new polka dotted ruffle pants. Laura Dunn is so talented! She made her these pioneer pride pants in no time. They fit perfect and are just too cute. Lauren is Carter's unofficial cheerleader. He just smiles and says, "Please don't embarrass me".



Saturday, August 22, 2009

Trick or Treat


Is it too early to be thinking of fall and Halloween? I am not a big fan of super hot weather, and even though this has been a blissfully mild summer, I am so ready so ready for that little nip in the air.
I did have a reason to do these! Shannon in Cookeville, Tennessee, ordered a Halloween trio to fit in that little hard-to-fit nook. She asked for a boo, a witch hat, and witch shoes. She didn't want beads or ribbons. They look so cute standing on their own or on an easel.
The top design is a smaller version of last season's witch legs. I have two available for $15.00 each. They both feature glass Halloween beading. It would be a great teacher gift, to go in a wreath, or for your hard-to-fit place!

Friday, August 21, 2009

On My Door This Halloween


I just finished this new "Boo". I hung it on my door to photograph it and I love it! I thought it was pretty cute while working on it, but seeing the finished product was even better. Halloween and fall are my favorite times of the year, especially for decorating.
I got the idea when Rachel asked me to do the three little animals. I got lots of positive comments about the three connecting cnavases and tried to use that elsewhere. Maybe there will be a "Ho, ho, ho" coming soon!
Remember to get your fall and Halloween requests in now to have plenty of time to enjoy them!
Also, my giveaway ends today. Be sure to enter!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Pink And Pearly


I was experimenting with this beautiful new iridescent pearl glaze and turned out a new monogram. I love the pearly sheen with cream, pale pinks, and silver. I took two pictures of the finished product in two different lights to hopefully capture the effect. The glaze is only around the border.
I also added sheer silver a champagne colored ribbons. Wouldn't this be gorgeous with a faux pearl beaded handle? To me, this one has such a romantic feel. It would work perfectly with any decor any time of the year.


Currently available. More letters will the on hand at the Autumn Street Fair.



Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Football Is Life


Kristin Green ordered this set of 6x9 canvases for her baby's nursery. I love the way she chose to put one letter on each canvas and create a centerpiece rather than just one large. I can't wait to get a picture of them in the room. The quilted bedding is mostly khaki, blues, and red.
Congratulations, Kristin! I love the name you chose.



I have to face the fact that sports are going to be a big part of my life from now on out. Lauren just finised t-ball and is now starting soccer. I've spent many hours the past few weeks at the football practice field for Carter. He loves it. The view at the field was just beautiful with the clouds breaking over the mountains. It didn't show up, but there is a huge rainbow.
I was sitting there thinking about all of the other things I needed to be going and how tired I was. When I saw that and how pretty it was, I started thinking about how lucky I was instead. Lucky to have a job. Lucky to have two healthy children. Lucky to be able to go and do things. Lucky is the wrong word. I am blessed.





Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Thing of the Day: Uterus. Rating: NOT AWESOME


Disclaimer for male readers: this post may make you feel weird inside, almost like being molested.  I apologize in advance for alienating you.  Please don't go away.  


Uterus, f**k you.  Where do you get off?  (And why is it so hard to insult you without making some sort of sexual innuendo?) 

Every month, you waste my hard-earned bodily resources to build a fitting environment for the godda**ed baby you are so sure we are going to be having.  


Every month, you end up having to clean house and start over because, guess what?  WE ARE NOT HAVING A F**KING BABY!!!  POSSIBLY NOT EVER IF YOU KEEP UP YOUR STUPID SHENNANEGANS!!!  

You seem to have figured out that I will not allow you to make a baby and are therefore continuing your obnoxious behavior just to spite me.  


Let me be very clear, uterus:  If you keep on making my life a living hell every month when you don’t get your way, I will forgo motherhood just to piss you off.  I will see to it that you do not come into contact with so much as a single drop of semen for the rest of your natural life.  Do you understand? 


And being overly dramatic will not solve anything. 


Am I supposed to feel sorry for you when you are lying around bleeding like that?  That’s my f**king blood you are wasting!  Have you ever stopped to consider how your childish tantrums affect my life?


You see, uterus, you are attached to my other organs and when you thrash around in anger, they become quite upset.  Your little hissy fits prevent me from doing anything that cannot be accomplished while in the fetal position. 


Also, you have somehow convinced my cells that they need to stock up on water for the apocalypse.  This is not funny.   I do not enjoy having to cart around the extra 7 pounds of water that my freaked out cells are hoarding away because of your fear-mongering.  It makes me feel gross and unattractive.


I know that you want a baby.  I know that it is upsetting for you to go month after month un-impregnated.  But you need to learn how to deal with your feelings in a more constructive manner. 



You see, when you carry on like this, it makes me think that there is something wrong with you – that maybe you wouldn’t be able to construct a fetus properly.  


You need to earn my trust before I can trust you with the responsibilities of building a baby.  



A major step in the right direction would be for you to grasp the concept of punctuality.


You are supposed to work on a 28-day schedule.


 I don't want to spend every month of the rest of my fertile life vacillating between desperately searching for emergency tampons and wondering whether you have indeed achieved your goal of harboring a baby because you are 14 days late for your shift.  


Secondly, no more temper tantrums.  You are supposed to be a nurturing and gentle organ so stop acting like some strung out schizophrenic with a God-complex.


Thirdly, be nice to the other organs.  They are more important than you.  In fact, I could live without you completely if I so desired, so stop acting so godd*mn important.  You are a floppy pouch of extremely stretchy skin - big f**king deal.  Get over yourself.


  
Sincerely,


Allie 

Favorite Colors


Dana Parish told me that her favorite colors are light blue and yellow. Other than that, she wanted to be surprised. I love surprises and I always have so much when I get "turned loose" on a canvas! I think it turned out so pretty...maybe because those are a couple of my favorite colors, too.

Monday, August 17, 2009

SOUNDTRACK INAPPROPRIATE

Music is a powerful mood-setting tool.  The addition of a soundtrack can turn a boring activity into something fantastic.  I present to you: "Soundtrack Inappropriate"


Token Of Appreciation


Tammy Young ordered this canvas for her son, Travis, to give as a small token of appreciation. This family showed Travis so much warmth and kindness during his studies this summer. What a wonderful way to say, "thank you".


Sunday, August 16, 2009

New Babies And A Great Recipe


I made this grape salad for our church homecoming and ended up having to make another dish for myself. It was so good! It is also really easy. Here is the recipe:
2lb. seedless white grapes
2 lb. seedless red grapes
8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and sour cream in mixer until creamy. Stir gently into washed grapes. Top with brown sugar and pecans. Serve immediately or chill.


My mom, the kids, and I traveled to Cookeville this week to see the new twins. My good friend, Amy Taylor Crouch, had two beautiful girls. Cassie and Callie are absolute dolls. She, Chad, and Brooklyn are so excited. Everyone is healthy, happy, and doing great. My kids just flipped out over the babies and started looking at me with big, begging puppy dog eyes. I was like, "Let's go! Give the babies to their mommy. Time to go to Cheddar's!". They are easily distracted with food.


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Rock Always Wins

I just ate a 12-ounce hamburger.  With bacon.   Digesting it is proving to be quite taxing on my ability to write awesome stuff.  I tried, but it didn't work.  
So I drew you a picture! 

Bus Duty

All in blue for my friend and fellow Bobby Ray teacher, Teresa Spivey. I love her colors. Her room color choice is so peaceful. I love to trade for paintings and have happily done so for some strange things, but this is the first time I've traded for bus duty!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Show Us Your Life - Favorite Vacations


I am participating in the "Show Us Your Life" series by Kelly at Kelly's Korner. I have so enjoyed looking at some of the other favorite trips. The weddings sure were fun, too!
My favorite trip by far was our tenth wedding anniversary trip to Europe. It was a very special time for just the two of us. We get so little of that! We saw so many new and exciting things and places. We acted silly, stayed up late, and ate way too much. Here we are goofing off at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Don't worry, we weren't the only ones!



Pompeii was my favorite stop on the trip. I had only read about it and books cannot describe the eerie yet peaceful feeling you when you are there. The view and the ruins are beautiful beyond belief. The weather was perfect that day.


Again, here we are goofing off. This time we are in front of the Coliseum in Rome. These guys are making a fortune posing with tourists as soldiers!


Every afternoon when we returned to our room our towels were folded into a different animal. We couldn't wait to open the door and see what was waiting for us. Our favorite was the bat hanging from the ceiling. Mike even took the towel folding class!

My second favorite stop was France. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy France because you always hear horror stories. We were on the coast and even took a little side trip to Monaco. All of the people are to chic, the homes are gorgeous, and the water and boats just took my breath away. We enjoyed "dress up night" and danced for the first time in a really long time. I also ate my weight in coconut gelato!


I've got a little something (well, several little somethings!) on my mind for the fifteenth. It is justa round the corner! I already have an African safari booklet tucked away for the twentieth!




Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Volleyball And Math


This one is off to Miss Ferguson in Birmingham, Alabama. Brooke Taylor ordered a birthday gift for a special friend. She requested a volleyball and math symbols. I could decide the rest. I chose the green and pink textured background - one of my favorites!

Oh my! The first week of school is a killer. My feet are throbbing as I sit here and type. It takes a while to get back in "school shape"! Yes, it is 8:55 and I am off to bed.


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Wedding Gift


Emily Sneed in Cleveland, Tennessee, ordered a family canvas to give as a wedding gift. I think these canvases make the perfect wedding or anniversary gift. I always feel so honored to help a new couple get their start or to celebrate years of marriage.
I have several new out-of-town customers, those who have inquired, and those just stopping by for a look. The canvases are light weight and very durable. They ship with ease. Shipping cost is included in the listed price as well.

The Poor Person's Guide To Living Like a Rich Person

Are you poor?  Do you often find yourself to be rabidly jealous of people who are rich enough to do fun things?  Well, hold on to your hats because you are about to start living the high life with my fool-proof guide to having fun like a rich person - FOR FREE!!  



Rich-Person Activity:  Going to Horse Races

How you can do it too:

1. Find a few horses.  
2. Check to make sure that the owner of the horses is away doing rich-person things. 
3.  Make a sound like a grizzly bear. 
4.  Watch to see if your horse flees to the opposite side of the corral the fastest.  

Cost: $0 if you don't get caught or trampled. 


Rich-Person Activity: Golf

How you can do it too:

1. Go to a public park.  
2. Dig a few holes in the ground.  
3. Find a smallish round rock that will fit in the holes you've dug.  
4. Get a big stick.  
5. Hit the rock with the stick.  
6. Try to get the rock into one of the holes, minimizing the number of times you have to hit it with the stick.  

Cost: $0

Note: Rich people are careless with their infinitely replaceable things, so you can often find actual golf balls if you sneak onto a golf course after hours. 


Rich-Person Activity: Dinner and a Movie

How you can do it too:

1. Obtain food.  
2. Walk around in a fancy neighborhood until you find a house with a television that you can see from outside.  The larger the television, the less likely it is that you will be arrested for trespassing while trying to read subtitles (rich people like foreign films.  This is good because you won't be able to hear the TV anyway.) 
3. Find a comfortable place to settle in and enjoy your film.  Large trees, parked cars (if you are fortunate enough to have a car) and salvaged lawn chairs are all good options.  
4.  If you have to trespass to see the television clearly, cut eyeholes in a black bed sheet and drape it over yourself.  (note: keep bed sheet for use in future adventures). 

Cost:  $0 if you steal your food from a restaurant waist bin or coordinate your movie night with the schedule of your local soup kitchen.  


Rich-Person Activity: Sailing

How you can do it too:  

1. Find a large, wooden object at your local dump.  If you cannot find a large, wooden object at the dump, thrift stores often carry large, wooden objects and will sell them to you for only a few dollars if the object is hideous enough.  
2. Find a bed sheet.  
3. Put the large, wooden object in the water.  
4. Sit on large wooden object.  If you do not get wet, you are clear to proceed to step 5. 
5. Hold bed sheet above your head.  
6. Wait for wind.  

Cost:  $0 if you can find the necessary items at the dump.  $5-10 if you have to purchase your items at a thrift store.


Rich-Person Activity: Going on Vacation

How you can do it too:

1.  Find or purchase a very strong pair of reading glasses.
2.  Walk around with the glasses on your face.  
3.  Rediscover your formerly familiar surroundings!   The best part is that reading glasses come in a variety of different strengths, and each one will make your physical environment appear differently from the next.  You can even wear two pairs of glasses, one over the other, for an entirely new experience!  
4.  For an extra touch of authenticity, ask people to speak to you in a foreign accent.  If your dream vacation is in outer space, as people to make alien/spaceship sounds.

Cost: $0 if you can find/borrow reading glasses.  Often, you can take glasses right off the face of a sleeping vagrant.   


Rich-Person Activity: Rock Climbing

How you can do it too:

1. Find a large rock. 
2. Climb the rock.
3. Don't fall.


Cost: $0 if you don't fall


Rich-Person Activity: Going to the Mall

How you can do it too: 

1. Go to a mall. 

Cost: $0 if you take the bus and don't buy anything while you're there. 


Rich-Person Activity:  Hanging out by the pool

How you can do it too: 

1.  Dig a big hole in your yard (if you do not have a yard, dig a hole in the sand at the beach) 
2.  Dump out your rich neighbor's garbage and steal the bag.  You may need to do this several times to have enough bags.  
3.  Line your hole with the garbage bags you've stolen from your rich neighbors.  
4. Fill the hole with buckets of water or water from a hose.  If you do not have a bucket or a hose, steal another garbage bag and use it to transport your water.  If you are so poor that your water has been turned off, you can simply perform steps 1-3 and then wait for it to rain. 
5.  Hang out by your pool! 

Cost: $0 

Thing of the day: iPod. Rating: AWESOME


iPod, I cannot truly express my gratitude for your tireless efforts at keeping me entertained. When we go to the gym together, you patiently sit in front of me and play music for me while I work out.  You don’t seem to mind that I sweat on you, or that I sometimes fling you violently to the ground when my thumb inadvertently catches your headphones cord.   You just keep on playing music for me.  

Sometimes I get tired of the songs I have given you to play for me and I keep pushing the fast-forward button, but you never get upset with me for doing this.  You just keep cheerfully suggesting more songs: 

iPod: “How about this one?"  

Me: (skips song after hearing first two notes)

iPod: "No?  Okay, do you like this one?"

Me: (skips song because it has applause in the beginning and that means that it is a live song and won't really get going any time in the next 3 minutes) 

iPod: "Not today, huh?  Here, try this one, it is one of your favorites!"

Me: (remembers that the song used to be a favorite before I listened to it 118 times in a row and ruined it for myself.)

iPod: (starting to panic) "No again?  How about some Journey?"

Me:  (listens to 'Midnight Train' all the way through, impatiently waiting for the 'don't stop believing' part because that part is really the only reason I listen to the song.) 

iPod: "Okay, you like 'Midnight Train' do you want to hear it again?"

Me: (does not want to hear 'Midnight Train' again because I held down the rewind button and re-listened to the best part about 11 times in a row, and now it, too, has lost all meaning for me.) 

iPod: (confused) "Not in the mood for "Midnight Train' anymore?"

Me: (confirms the negatory by pushing fast-forward)

iPod:  "I know that you didn't want to hear 'Midnight Train' again a few seconds ago, but how about now?"

Me: (presses fast-forward button) 

iPod: "How about now?" 

Me: (FAST-FORWARD BUTTON)

iPod: "No really, how about NOW?"

Me: (&%$*&^%ING FAST-FORWARD AND I HOPE I NEVER HEAR IT AGAIN!!!!!)

iPod: "Okay, I’ll wait for you to skip over a few more songs and then try playing 'Midnight Train' again because I know how much you like it...”


Thank you for alway trying your hardest, iPod. 

I know I get frustrated with your misdirected and totally arbitrary enthusiasm for certain songs, but please don’t feel bad.  It is not your fault.  I should have given you more to work with.  

Also, don’t take it so hard when I forget to charge your battery.   Again, it is not your fault.  It is seriously heartbreaking when you make those little sputtering chirps as you are dying.  I can tell you are trying as hard as you can to keep playing my music even though your lifeblood is slowly draining away.  It’s okay.  I’ll plug you in when we get home.  

Monday, August 10, 2009

Busy, Busy...


Rachel Walker is ready to go off to college with a dorm sign for her and her roommate. I think these will be the hit of the hallway! The sweetest thing is that Rachel (love her!) asked if I charged by the color. If I did, she only wanted pink and green. Spoken like a true college student! They did want a lot of colors! No, I do not charge by the color, but by size.
~Remember that all school related canvases are $5.00 off for the month of August.


Speaking of school, today was our first day. Carter and I headed to Bobby Ray, Mike to I.C., and Lauren to summer care at the Learning House. We were up and at it and out the door in record time this morning. Check back with me about Thursday or so! Carter is really looking forward to great second grade year with Mrs Joyce Smith.


The weekend before school started turned out the busiest one of the summer. We have been on the go! Emily graduated from MTSU Saturday morning and we had a nice lunch in her honor afterwards with our whole family. Saturday night, Emily was in the Miss Country Sunshine pageant and won! After seven, that's right seven, first runner ups, she won! We are so excited for her and her opportunity to go to Miss Tennessee in June.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Give Away And A Good Deal































It is give away time! I was contacted by a wonderful new blog friend, April, about doing a give away in conjunction with her site, MammaMustHaves. Her site features so many cool, good quality products to mommy's everywhere. Can you tell that I am excited? I am thrilled!
I am giving away a $40.00 gift certificate and all you have to do is comment. Easy peasy! You are more than welcome to leave me a comment just to let me know that you've been here. I love comments! There are more ways to enter, so please visit her site here for contest rules and to see your options. Email me to place and order.


Oh yes, since it is back to school time and I've had so many teachers asking about signs {{I also know some awesome newbies who need one!}} all school related canvases are $5.00 off for the rest of August. Teachers, principals, secretaries, college students...