Resolving to give in to the New Year, LOL

Ok, I've been fighting it off with swords and daggers, but the New Year has struck!
I'm giving in, letting it take over, and deciding that it is the winner; After all, this year has to be improved- doesn't it?!
  It's been rocky and rolly but it has had some amazing twists and turns. My guess is that this year we are going to see terrific changes, in the coming months; changes that will improve our lives, loves, and checkbooks.
   I hope you'll hang with me, spend time enjoying the things you love, people you love, and discover good things.
 Happy New Year everybody!

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Christmas Winner

Congratulations! Cr8z4P8nts is the winner of my Christmas drawing! Please contact me so that you can claim your prize.

 Merry Christmas, everyone!

Art Sisters "OMG It's Almost Christmas" Show & Sale

  Good evening! (Or morning, whichever it is for you).
I've been getting ready for the Art Sisters "OMG It's Almost  Christmas" Show & Sale, this weekend. While I've been fighting some lovely virus in both body and my computer, I am so very excited to do this sale and meet all the new faces.
  I hope you'll join us and make one-stop shopping for the loved ones in your life.
The address is 1102 W. 11th St. Pueblo, CO. It is on the corner of 11th & Conley. 10-4 Saturday & Sunday. We will have workshop(s) and plenty of eye-candy. Call 542-2125 if you need more info.
I'm going to buy some Hershey's Kisses, too! B')

I'm still here, but there are Internet Issues to deal with

Have you ever dealt with internet issues? They can be quite frustrating, especially when you have WildBlue and the internet is shaky, at best.
I've been dealing with this company, with no other choice, for two + years now and am so wishing we had other options.
Although it stems from a daughter's overuse of Skype and other similar programs, which result in our speed being shut down by WB, it seems ridiculous to pay twice what we were for unlimited usage, with Rural-com. If you have a chance to go with that company, I strongly suggest them, they completely ROCK!
Anyhoo- enough of my soapbox, I just wanted to let you know that this message is taking the better part of an hour to create, I will be back online as soon as they speed the connection back up.
My apologies, my loyal followers, for the pain in de rearende.
With heart,
Cas

Painting Tip "Keeping your eye on the horizon"

  Have you ever noticed that, when you're walking down the sidewalk and start rummaging through something in your hand, your legs suddenly start going in circles- eventhough you haven't told them to stop walking in a straight line?
  Play with me a moment and take a short walk down the hallway, (before reading the next paragraph); Look down at the floor and walk to your destination. Ok, now come back with your head held high and keep your eyes on where you plan to go.
  Which was easier? Unless your equilibrium is off kilter, I'm betting that your head high was easier.
Walking with your eyes on the ground gives your body the instant mode of traversing something; when you're on flat areas, this mode throws your balance off. Keeping your eyes on the horizon of your destination is something that I learned in trucking: The farther you look in the distance, the better your body and brain work together in seeing and maneuvering obstacles much faster, and more accurately, than someone who keeps their eye close in front of them.
  Painting is like this, so is drawing. Instead of really focusing in on a small detail, back off and try to eyeball it from a distance. Your body will naturally adjust to the overview, even picking up those details that you are afraid you'll lose if you don't hover your chin an inch from the canvas. Your painting will improve, as a result.
 I challenge you to get a pencil, or paintbrush, put your face close to the substrate, draw a circle the size of a baseball, then back off and, with a separate paper, do it with your arm extended.
  Have fun!

Kindred Spirits &Traversing the Snows

  For very lucky/fortunate people, there is a special experience that simply cannot be explained, it is finding a true and lifelong connection with someone that just happens naturally and without a lot of work.
 I have that very fortunate experience, in my life, and couldn't even begin to tell you how grounding it feels and how connected.
  We all travel through this life, on this funky planet, all by ourselves and are continually; searching, finding, withdrawing from, grasping onto, losing, gaining and even refurbishing relationships- not to mention the day to day life experience.. So how is it that you have a crash-quick response to someone and accomplish a lifelong connection? For some people this relationship results in a marriage thing, for others it is a sex thing, for some it is just a play thing, but for me it is just a damn good friend and someone who inspires me, among a thousand other adjectives.
  I used to really fascinate on the work of Donald Vann, a Cherokee watercolor artist, and have one of his paintings, called "Kindred Spirits". It is a depiction of the Native Peoples traversing through a cold, snowy winter landscape, tents and families in tow, with a lone wolf howling on an escarpment.  The intertwining of these two species is obvious yet surreal, and isn't hard to imagine, but impossible to really describe.
  It is such a blessing to be able to have someone on this planet that, no matter how long it is between communications, will always be someone you would traverse the snows for.
Merry Christmas Gin, I love you and am so proud of the person you are.

Make your own Christmas Cards, it's fun and easy!

  Every moment in the studio is a pleasure and brings my spirit back into alignment with my body, just like good exercise.
 So; Why should Christmas cards be a store bought hustle to get them in the mail?
An article, about Love and Logic Parenting (it does work, if you use it, I would give it to every parent I see having issues with their kids, if I could), hit my inbox yesterday; It said that it is okay to spend money and time and energy hunting those perfect gifts, but what is most important is spending time, good eye-to-eye time, with your kids and loved ones.
  I believe that the cards you send should really mean something to you, and I implore you to add more than just your signature to the inside. You really enjoy staying in touch with that person, so go ahead- write a little something, even if it's a quick "I would really love a visit, soon." or "It is a blessing to have you in my life."
To make your own cards;
Gather up some card stock and cut it in half, lengthwise (if your printer can print that size, or just make 2 cards on 1 sheet).
They sell envelopes at most any store, but you can make your own with a simple fold or two, out of regular printer paper.
Getcha some decorative rubber or clear stamps, maybe a bit of glitter and/or peel off- metallic stickers.
*Type and print up a personalized message for the inside of the card first.
*Smack that ink pad with the stamp and plop it on the card.
*Add your embellishments, maybe add your own handwritten sentiment, and away you go.
Fun, eh? I'll get you pics of my Christmas cards, but not until they've had a chance to reach their destinations (wouldn't want to ruin the gift of the card opening).
Merry Christmas, Friends.

Mother Nature/hand sculpted

Good afternoon to you! This Colorado weather is about goofy, but it allowed me to take a few pics, for you, of the sculpture we've been talking about..
Whatcha think?

You can check her out, in better detail, on my Etsy Page... Just click and go! :-)