"I Love You" ~ A love letter to my Etsy Customers

 

Yesterday, "Michelle" (a perfect stranger) made my day and became my 1000th customer since I opened my Etsy Shop in January of 2006!!!!! And guess what she purchased?!?.....it was PERFECT.....

Words alone cannot express my gratitude for all of my lovely customers who have made a conscious decision to support "small business"/handmade & independent artists. Their love, support & precious words of encouragement have inspired me & sustained me through times of doubt about my decision to be a full~time artist:

"I have 2 favorite experiences with Etsy vendors and RememberMeEmily is one of them. The nicest and most pleasant person to work with. She designed these pocket mirrors for my bridesmaids & they are adorable!!! They have become one of my favorite purchases yet :)"

***

"I LOVE my necklace!! It is beautiful, perfectly made
and pure awesomeness! Emily, this was meant to be mine...
thank you, sweetheart!!"

***

"You are one of my favorite sellers on Etsy. I love your shop so much but most of all I love your kindness and your spirit."

***

Thank YOU for allowing me to "Follow my Bliss" & spend my days doing what I love ~ creating sweet, uplifting, comforting & encouraging works of art to grace your life. Thank YOU for making my dream come true ~ my very own art studio & home-based business! 

******* I LOVE YOU!!! *******

Flower Power

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck."

~ Emma Goldman ~

 

 Flowers bring such sweet blessings to us.  Lovers bring a single rose. Friends bring bouquets to celebrate joys & comfort sorrows. Children offer lovingly chosen blooms to show their affection for us. Flowers bring life & beauty & cheer & healing.

"The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns oblivious to the rose."
~ Kahlil Gibran ~

The world is sadly sick, they say,
And plagued by woe and pain.
But look! How looms my garden gay,
With blooms in golden reign!
With lyric music in the air,
Of joy fulfilled in song,
I can't believe that anywhere
Is hate and harm and wrong.

A paradise my garden is,
And there my day is spent;
A steep myself in sunny bliss,
Incredibly content.
Feeling that I am truly part
Of peace so rapt and still,
There's not a care within my heart . . .
How can the world be ill?

Aye, though the land be sick they say,
And named unto pain,
My garden never was so gay,
So innocent, so sane.
My roses mock at misery,
My thrushes vie in song . . .
When only beauty I can see,
How can the world be wrong?

~ Robert Service ~
 

  

Happy Thanksgiving

Photo courtesy of : wishuponacupcake 

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

~ Author Unknown ~

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.

~ Meister Eckhart ~

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~ J.A. Shedd ~

Photo courtesy of: wishuponacupcake

HAVE FAITH

"A little faith will bring your soul to heaven,

but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul."

 

 

 

Ooo La La! Sweet Colette makes jewelry.

I am taking some "art therapy" today! HA! Actually, I am stalling and distracting myself from things I should be doing that I don't want to do.....yeh, it's about that whole house cleaning thing again! Who wants to scrub toilets when there is art to be made!

I am still drawing "pretty girls" and LOVING it!!! This girl looks "French" to me. Tres chic!

COLETTE is a very sweet and loving girl ~ loyal, kindhearted & giving. She loves to visit the "patisserie", but always keeps an eye on her petite figure. She dresses simply, yet stylishly and even sews some of her own clothes. Her passion is vintage jewelry ~ she scours the Paris Flea Markets for it! She lovingly gathers each piece and wonders who has worn it in the past. Collette takes her treasures home where they "speak to her" and tell her what new creation they want to become. Her creations find new homes, adorning and blessing those who wear them.

 

Count Your Blessings ~ Name Them One by One

Scrabble saying can be found at:  http://RememberMeEmily.Etsy.com

#1 ~ I am LOVED.

#2 ~ I am able to use my God given talents to bless others.

#3 ~ I can CHOOSE happiness & gratefulness.

#4 ~ Nature is BEAUTIFUL.

#5 ~ I have FRIENDS.

.....and so many more.....

All Saints Day

 St. Catherine of Bologna ~ Patron Saint of Artists

Today, being “All Saints Day”, I kind of like the fact that St. Catherine of Bologna is the “Patron Saint of Artists”. I like to think that there is someone looking over my shoulder and whispering in my ear as I create,  inspiring me to make something beautiful that will touch lives and heal hearts.

A Merry Halloween

 

Backward, turn backward,
O Time, in your flight
make me a child again
just for to-night!

Elizabeth Akers Allen

Ahhhh.....Halloween memories! When you are a kid, Halloween is all about the CANDY!!!!! When I was a kid we lived in the Keystone neighborhood in Omaha ~  lots and lots of houses to visit! I remember we used to carry a grocery bag to fill. It was all so sweet & innocent. We would dress up in nice little costumes and the neighbors were so friendly and having so much fun "ooooing" and "ahhhhing" over us, or pretending to be sooooo afraid.

My memory is a little fuzzy about whatever happened to all of that candy because I also remember that my Mom was very vigilant about providing a healthy diet & limiting sweets (which I now APPRECIATE & UNDERSTAND).

Well, whether you "celebrate" Halloween or not....have a safe & happy day!

By the way.....this is my Son-in-Law.....There is no limit to what a father will do for his children....Isn't he PRECIOUS?!?!?!?

 

Happy Halloween Decor

Yes, I actually got my Halloween decorations up before Halloween! I am soooooo loving these precious little Halloween hats I purchased for my dollies from Amy

at Vintage Market Place

~ "Classic vintage with a twist".

Amy says: "I love all things vintage to create my artwork with.

I surround myself with things that have been loved and cherished by others." Her items are lovingly gathered, then altered/recycled/repurposed into FUN & FABULOUS creations!

Visit Amy today at: http://www.VintageMarketPlace.Etsy.com

Sisters

My Aunt Carol (from California) is visiting my Mom in Hawaii this week.
I can only imagine the special time they are having together ~
walks on the beach, chatting about children & grandchildren,
sharing the happiness & heartache of their lives.
Sisterhood seems such a very sacred bond.
I am sitting here this morning thinking about them
and wishing them a joyous visit!

Carol & Barbara

"To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or confident - it is to have a soulmate for life." ~ Victoria Secunda

Angels of Peace

"Let us not be justices of the peace, but angels of peace."  ~ Saint Therese of Lisieux

I just LOVE making angels! There is so much trouble & heartache in this world, I figure that every angel I make "wings" her way to someone who needs a little comfort...a little hope & peace.

"The magnitude of life is overwhelming.  Angels are here to help us take it peace by peace."  ~ Levende Waters

Do You Hate Housework?!?

Copyright-free image from Tack-o-Rama

My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance. Seriously, who in their right mind ENJOYS housework? Darling Husband and I are the only ones living in this house, but we are PIGS..... I swannie (southern term for swear)..... I think someone sneaks in at night to mess this place up! How can two people have so many dirty dishes, dirty clothes, discarded papers and all around trash?!?!?

Most days, I just overlook the mess. I would much rather be creating art than scrubbing toilets. Glitter & paper are much more attractive to me than those dang "scrubbing bubbles" that sing to you while they go down the drain. But now, even my sacred art room is so messy  it is effecting my creativity! Something must be done!

 

Copy-right free image from  Tack-o-Rama

When I think about it.....Housework is actually a POSITIVE thing that I should enjoy.  I should be thankful that I have a nice warm, comfortable place to live. I should be thankful that Darling Husband works so hard to provide for all of our needs. Actually, I do smile a little when I pick his dirty socks & underwear up off the floor ~ it's just so darn nice to have him around the house. 

Sometimes I feel guilty for being so blessed. While people around the world struggle to find food & shelter most of America lives like kings and queens comparatively speaking.

Thank God for dirty dishes,
they have a tale to tell;
while others may go hungry,
we're eating very well.

So, while I perpetuate the myth about hating housework so much, and pretend to be distraught about hours of polishing & sweeping & shining.....in my heart I will be grateful and humbled to do my chores in honor of my family, with love in my heart. Occasionally though, I will still use that old trick that my daughter taught me..."Oh Mom, you don't have to spend the day cooking & cleaning. Just put on an apron, throw a little cinnamon in the oven and flour on your face and sprinkle a little sweet-smelling-rug-cleaning powder on the floor. He will think you have been cooking & cleaning all day!"

Copy-right free image from Tack-oRama

Bye~Bye Typepad!!!!!

As most of you know I have had a blog on Typepad since July of 2007. Now, I am not one who likes change.....but.....today is the day that I totally commit to Blogger and close my Typepad account. It is scary thinking about 2 years of posts disappearing instantly. All that soul-searching-heart-wrenching writing ~ POOF!

Wait! I have an idea! What if I re-post my favorite entries here for posterity and for your (re)reading enjoyment? OK ~ here goes:

November 10, 2007 ~ "Be the Princess"

Some days you just need to take time for yourself and BE THE PRINCESS that you know you are on the "inside".  No matter how you are feeling, no matter what stress you are under, no matter...no matter...no matter...just take time for yourself.

Calm down, relax...breathe.

Do something to pamper yourself ~ paint your nails, get a massage, take a bubble bath.....eat some REALLY good CHOCOLATE.

Put on a pretty party dress even if there is no "party". Wear a crown. Cover yourself in vintage rhinestone costume jewelry!

DANCE. SING. LAUGH OUT LOUD.  HAVE A TEA PARTY.
There now...feeling better "Your Highness"?!?

 December 26, 2008 ~ Happy 10th Anniversary Bruce & Emily!!!

Happy Anniversary to my Darling Husband. Each year grows sweeter.

Robert Browning said: "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be..."

I don't know how it could get any better! He is so sweet to me, so kind and loving. I often kid him about all of his "brownie points" he is always earning with me. I think he is up to about 10 GAZILLION by now.

I told him he should write a book teaching men how to treat their wives ~ he is such a wonderful example. 

Bless you & thank you honey, for 10 beautiful years.

Love, Your Sweetie
XOXOXO 

January 12, 2009 ~ Allison's "Happy Breakfast" 

My granddaughter Allison sent me this picture of her "Happy Breakfast". What an adorable idea!!! I cannot think of a better way to start the day. You know what they say...."Eat right & exercise".....well.....

"Jumping for joy is good exercise."  ~  Author Unknown

I'm going to make my own "Happy Breakfast". Won't you join me?

Angels Among Us

"A real friend is like an angel who warms you by her presence and remembers you in her prayers."

I am blessed. I have some really sweet friends. Without even knowing it they are building up my courage, blessing my spirit, restoring my soul & inspiring creativity.

"Sometimes your best friend is an angel in disguise."

Be an angel to someone today.

Torn Between Two Worlds ~ The Past and The Future

 

 Photo courtesy of Robb North

I am a woman in conflict ~ torn between two worlds. How I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything vintage. I LOVE history and antique/vintage clothes & books & furnishings & art. I am particularly drawn to the mid 19th century for some reason. I LOVE the things of the "everyday rural woman" from that period ~ crisp vintage white linens, brown baskets, white ironstone pictures & platters, eggs in a nest, brown paper purchases tied with string, wildflowers. The simple life, how I adore it and strive for it. How I sometimes wish I had lived in the past.

Photo courtesy of Ted Fines

And yet...the universe beckons me...teases me...tempts me with wonders beyond my imaginings.

 Star Cluster in Nebula NGC 3603

Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration

Darling Husband calls me his "sweet nerd" & "precious geek". He catches me watching the Science Channel late into the night. I get all breathless thinking about quasars & nebulas. I am fascinated with string theory and the possibility of parallel universes. And there is nothing sexier than time travel.....

I LOVE science fiction! Ever since Jr. High School I have read sci-fi books and watched Star Trek. And oh! Those 1950's "B" movies about outer space.....mmmmmm.....love 'em!!! I love thinking about the future and thinking about the possibility of discovering other worldly life.

So...I will keep visiting museums & watching Little House on the Prairie & collecting white ironstone & vintage linens. But I will also continue to be caught up in the wonder of the vastness of the universe and be awed by the fact that for some reason I was born into it...for a purpose...part of the grand design. Kinda makes me want to be more awesome than I already am. LOL (Laugh out loud).

 

The 1000 Journals Project

Darling Husband and I watched a wonderful documentary the other night about the 1000 Journals project.

From the 1000 Journals website: "The 1000 Journals Project is an ongoing collaborative experiment attempting to follow 1000 journals throughout their travels. The goal is to provide a method for interaction and shared creativity among friends and strangers."



The project began with the launch of  100 blank journals out into the world in August of 2000. Eventually, 1000 journals were sent out to circle the world. Each would come to contain artwork, stories & poems of thousands of people describing their everyday lives and innermost thoughts.

The project was so popular.....the journey continues.....

http://1001journals.com/

Darling Husband & I have decided to start our own shared journal.....stay tuned!!! 

Ooo La La ~ Marie

Marie Antoinette ~ she is such an artistic inspiration! The clothes, the jewels...the opulence...the feminine delishousness!

While I despise the fact that she lived in luxury while her people were starving ~ she does inspire beautiful fashion and art. 

Stampington & Company's publication "Marie" is full of beautiful, stunning projects!

 

 

 

Watch Kirsten Dunst as the beautiful, decadent Queen and enjoy the movie soundtrack while creating your fanciful designs!

Painting by Suzi Blu

I so enjoyed Suzi Blu's "Les Petit Dolls Beginner" class that I signed up for "Petit Marie" !!!


Watch this fun video about her new class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kop3LXmgl8w

I think I need a "Marie" wig & some CaKe...gotta go.......

New Blog???

I am trying out Blogger to see if I want to switch from Typepad (which costs me money every month) to Blogger (which is FREE).....this is a test.....this is only a test.....

The BEAUTIFUL graphics for my blog are compliments of  *ItKuPiLLi*.

I have made several purchases from this FABULOUSLY TALENTED artist and have been delighted each time. She is inspiring me to be more playful & colorful in my artwork.