Pre-Post Transition Post

This isn't a real post. I'm going to post the real post tomorrow. But it feels like there should be some sort of intermediate thing to prepare everyone for the abrupt change of speed ahead.

Here's a picture of an airplane.

I realize that airplanes don't look like that, but this has been a hard year for me and learning how to draw planes accurately wasn't exactly a priority. I maybe could have chosen to draw something else, but I started drawing the plane, and there was already too much momentum.

Anyway, I feel like this is becoming way more about planes than I had anticipated. Let's move on.

If, at any point over the last eighteen months, you've wondered what was happening to me and why it might be happening, my post tomorrow should explain everything.

I've been working on it for the better part of a year (partly because I wanted to get it exactly right, and partly because I was still experiencing it while attempting to explain it, which made things weird), and I'm relieved and excited and scared to finally be able to post it.

At this point, you're all probably wondering what is it? What's in the post?? Is it airplanes? And no, it unfortunately has very little to do with airplanes.* It's a sort of sequel to my post about depression. It is also about depression. In parts, it might get a little flinch-y and uncomfortable, and if I succeed in making you laugh during those parts, you're going to feel real weird about yourselves. But it's okay. Just let it happen. I WANT it to happen. Because it makes me feel powerful, and also because there are flinch-y, uncomfortable things everywhere. Seeing them is inevitable. If we can laugh about some of them, maybe they'll be less scary to look at.

Okay, so that's what's going to happen tomorrow. Hopefully this transition post makes the experience less jarring for everyone.

*As it turns out, there is a plane. I had forgotten about it (it's small and not the main focus of the post) and the coincidence was entirely unintentional. I'd never tell you there aren't going to be planes while being fully aware that there's a plane.

Dots and Toile

This online order came in for this beautiful quote to match a black, white, and baby pink nursery.  The back and white was used in toile and polka dots white the pink was an accent color.  I didn't get to see the whole room - only a blanket - but I can picture it as beautiful!

The plan was to also use it at the baby shower, but I did not get it ready in time.  Please let me stress how important it is that you let me know up front if you need something by a certain date.  While I do love to paint, it is not my whole life.  This is a very busy time of the year for us teachers!  I am also a wife and mother of two.  Plus, there may be several orders ahead of yours.  I want to be sure that I can give each piece of artwork the time and thought that it needs.  Thanks!

Christopher Robin

This quote in chocolate brown over a lavender patterned background custom design to match a baby girl's nursery.

A version of this quote on red in white block letters with some distressing for a big boy's bathroom.

This quote on a khaki and cream patterned background in chocolate brown for the living room.

This quote again in a rich purple on white with a lavender patterned background and topped with purple ribbon for a baby nursery with lavender walls.

This is one of my most popular designs - it never seems to get old.  It's just a beautiful thought.

scrub.brush.wash.flush

These little sets of 5x5's are one design that I just keep coming back to!  I've done them in so many color combinations that I've lost count!  And the great thing is that they all look soooo cute!  This was an etsy order that shipped out a while back.  I love all the bright colors in the dots and the ribbons.

This set was a local order for Jennifer.  She send me a picture of an adorable shower curtain that had cartoon cows on it.  The main colors were black and white (of course!) with some red, light blue, and gold.  I know this set is going to be perfect for that bathroom!

This more neutral set was also an etsy order.  It features a pale olive green, aqua, orange, and gold with accents of brown.  Love it!

It's My Birthday!

Here I am at six-years-old and being crowned as a beauty queen.  I held three titles in my younger days.

And here I am now - some thirty two years later - and not so much of a beauty queen anymore.  And you know what?  I'm okay with that.  

I know that I'm not perfect.  I know that I have areas that need some serious improvement.  However, I am comfortable in my own skin.  I do try to do the best I can with what I have.

So, yes, today I am turning thirty eight and I plan to celebrate!  I feel more beautiful than ever.  Crown or no crown, wrinkles and all!

Polka Dots!

Here's some really pretty dots that have come across my table lately!  This 8x10 is for Tonya Reagan to give to her mom for Mother's Day.  She runs a daycare in her home and Tonya thought she might like a sign for the door.  I thought it turned out so bright and cheery!

This was an etsy order for a small business.  It shipped out a couple of weeks ago and I got a message from Candace that she loved it!  Yay!

The pastel dots were also an etsy order that shipped out a while back.  There was some really pretty pastel Pooh bedding that it was designed to match.

This is the Pooh quote that I do lots with a few custom changes.  It was requested to shorten it down a bit and to put some of the key words in a different font.  It turned out so peaceful and pretty - prefect for a nursery!

 

Here's some primary dots that are absolutely perfect for the classroom.  This little 5x5 shipped all the way to Scotland!  I love the gingham ribbon topper.  I'm doing my room next year in a aqua and red combo and may be needing something similar for myself!

Yes, I'm already planning for next year!

Blessed

Stephanie Vance in Woodbury, Tennessee ordered this 16x20 quote for her bedroom.  She says that the walls are a chocolate brown and the bedding is gray and white.  I thought the white background of the canvas would really stand out on that dark wall.

I also did the word "blessed" in the background in gray to tie in that bedding color.  I think it turned out really pretty and is such a sweet saying.  Thank you, Stephanie!  It was a pleasure!