Happy New Year!

I thought I'd send out a quick New Years Wish for everyone. I've enjoyed my break and I am ready to get back to work. I've got alot of goals for 2006. Looking back on 2005, it's been a great year. Many goals were achieved, and some I still need to work on this year. My art career is beginning to really develop and I need to work and focus my attention on expanding my business. You'll be hearing more from me in the near future.
My wish for you is that this year is the best you've yet to live, your heart is happy and your home blessed!
Now, I am off to ring in the New Year with my beautiful bald boyfriend and my two gorgeous daughters!!!

Art Show in Philadelphia thoughts and memories

We were at our spot around 20 til 6 and as soon as the doors opened we were busy until after 12 am. It was so much fun and everyone was so nice and welcoming. I enjoyed meeting Al and Loralee West. Mr. West is president of SEI, and is so down to earth and enjoyable. You can learn more about SEI here

I took 8 original paintings, a fine art giclee on canvas and had several prints available. Within just a few hours all the originals were sold and the prints were moving as well. Over all it was a fantastic experience and a great success. I do believe the ability to help with hurricane relief from this event will have an impact and be such a help to those in the affected regions.

Mr. West made a presentation and presented Chef Leon West, a representative from Whitney Bank and I. I had been told I could ease by without having to say anything but that didn't happen!! I managed to mumble something without fainting in front of 1600 people. Fortunately for me the lights were so bright I couldn't really see anyone out there!

Here are a few more photos of the event, then enough is enough already! We'll move on to the Christmas holidays, fudge making and Santa Claus!


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themodernartist

It's Showtime Baby!

I woke up early Saturday with a very nervous stomach, and Joel slept in so I tried to be quiet and let him sleep. We had so much to get done, and setup ended up being a bit more than we expected. Fortunately Denise recommended Maggiano's restaurant and we took her advice. The food was fantastic.
Here are a few photos of the setting up of our booth area.
It was surreal to see the way the whole event was designed around my artwork and was a really exciting feeling to know that so much could transpire out of a painting.
The theme for the event was Celebrate and Rejuvenate, and everything had a New Orleans flair to it. The music was provided by the Jazz Vipers and Kool and the Gang.
Unfortunately I didn't get much of a break to enjoy the music because my table was full the whole duration of the event. No complaints about that here!! We had to rush back to the room around 4 to get all dressed up for the event. Ironing was a challenge but we made it!!!

Friday Night Contemplations

Upon returning to our hotel I realized just how wonderful it is to be an American and to have the freedoms we so often take for granted. Our country is a wonderful place and we must preserve the freedom our forefathers gave their lives for.

We went down to the lobby and worked for several hours on show details that had been undone before we left. The Christmas atmosphere made for a nice environment. I found the beautiful little village scene especially mesmerizing and had a hard time being distracted by the little skier!

Joel tried very hard to keep me busy so I wouldn't be thinking of all that was transpiring back home. Emotionally I was a wreck as I knew my grandmother's funeral was today and my mom and girls all needed me. It was extremely difficult to have to be gone during such a difficult time. I was so glad I had spent time with my grandmother and that she had voiced her love for me many times over the last 10 days.
Ila Mae Thompson was an incredible woman and she will be missed dearly. I hope I never have to be in a situation like this one again, as it was a bittersweet trip. I know Grandma would have wanted me to make my trip, and to fulfill my contract with SEI. I pray I made her proud and felt like she was looking down from heaven with a smile as I presented my art.

We ended up staying up late drinking Starbucks and working in the FEDex center until around 1 am so we could be a bit more relaxed Saturday as we had to set up.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

After seeing the convention center we decided to be tourists and head over to the Liberty Bell. Fortunately for us it was a 6 minute walk from the Marriott. The 6 minute walk took us about 36 minutes to complete. I am still trying to understand that one, I am not sure if we walk slow in Louisiana or if the cold slowed us down. It was worth the trip to see this historical piece of Americana though. Here are a few photos of I took as we spent the evening in the historical zone of Philly. My love for photography took over at some point and I forgot the cold and enjoyed myself!

Highlights from my Philly Trip!

That's City Hall in Philadelphia. The building was highlighted with a digital lighting for Christmas! See it here! I loved sneaking a mesmerizing glance each time we past the building or went up to our 19th floor room where I could get a wonderful view. The colors were so hypnotic!

We also met with Denise, Karyn and Debbie from SEI Corporate Events planning team after lunch on Friday to view the convention center room and the decorations. The team did such a great job pulling together the event, and the use of my art in decorations, banners, print material and on the big screens made me grin ear to ear everytime I saw something new. Here are a few of the preliminary photos of the the ballroom area. The event team made us feel so welcome that after a few minutes we all felt like old friends. Denise handled each detail with such ease and professionalism.

Back from Art Trip to Philadelphia! Philly Cheese steaks

I had the best time in Philadelphia for my trip to the SEI Holiday Christmas Event.
We arrived in Philly on Thursday and returned home Sunday morning. I thought it would be cool to do a day by day chronological photo blogging attempt so you can capture the essence of our trip. We left the Monroe airport around 6 am Thursday, and made it into Philly around 12 pm so it was a nice little flight. We stayed at the Marriott adjacent to the Philadelphia Convention Center. Our first outting we went across the street to Reading Market where you can find any and everything to eat. Here's what we chose! Ricks Philly Steaks!!! As you can see, my very handsome manager was quite happy to experience the original Philly Cheese steak. It was great!

The temp was around 14 degrees when we landed, and snow was still on the ground. Over the next day or so it warmed up! (yeah!!!!) So it wasn't too bad. We did a bit of shopping at the Gallery as I had a shoe misfortune and needed to find something comfy because I never expected to be walking so much!!!
We walked forever it seemed in the Gallery, which is nothing at all like what we have here locally. My daughters would have loved the place. The manager however did NOT, since we seemed to spend more time there than expected. The first 24 hours I basically rested because I was so tired from all that had transpired before we left, with my grandmothers illness and passing, and preparations with prints etc. The last minute details were brutal, and I went to bed around 2 am then got up at 4 am to catch the flight. A nap was the highlight of Thursday!

Update--Art show details and Christmas plans

It's been a mad dash to the finish line with preparations for my upcoming art show in Philadelphia. Prints are finalized, paintings shipped, visa machine in and so many more little details that had to be completed before we left. I will be up late tonight working on one last order to be filled before we leave Thursday.

I think my body is trying to tell me something, I ended up back at the Dr. Friday. Hopefully I'll get some rest soon. The New Year will bring some well needed changes in respect to our lifestyle.

My beautiful Grandmother has been in the hospital for the last week or so. She is so wonderful, we've been trying to spend as much time with her as possible. You can't take life for granted. It is a gift to be treasured. Don't wait until it's to late to share your love with those around you.

I've got to get ready to head into the mall to help my hubby find a suit for our event. Isnt' he the cutest? Joel has been so supportive of my art career, I couldn't have ever gotten this far without his love and support.

Sorry for the long lapses in posting but time has been of the essence so I've had to make a push to get focused and complete the tasks at hand.

Honey I'm home!

We finally made it home! Seems like it was a long trip. I think I am getting a bit more "americanized" than I want to admit. We really enjoyed our week in Mexico to serve our friends and spend time with friends we haven't seen in years. The first picture is on the plane, with my daughter who celebrated her 16th birthday on the way back home! Nothing like a trip to a celebrate 16. This wasn't your normal "Mexico" trip tho, and she ended up at some really remote clinics getting Rociphen shots for a bacterial gastro infection. Yuck! She was really brave though.
My other daughter did great as well, and was a true trooper. We got to do some wonderful site seeing in the beautiful state of Chiapas, I'll be adding more photos later. Those are the Mayan ruins in Palenque. Quite impressive--I love archaelogy, but seems as if the rest of my family doesn't share my passion. Hmm-

The last few days have been awful. Hubby came back with strep, loads of dirty clothes and I feel the pressure of the coming Holidays upon me. I must get all the details finished for the show with SEI in Philly asap, and need to get busy. We did get our Christmas tree up finally, and it looks nice! I'll have to show you our wonderful zebra ornaments-they turned out cool!
Well, I've got to get some sleep as the exhaustion point has been exceeded hours ago.

more later, just wanted to let you know we made it back safe and sound!

I'll post more photos from the trip later.

Crazy!!

It's 1 am and the suitcases still aren't packed!!! Oh I have to hurry! Nos vemos pronto!! Night all I'll be back to blog land in 8 days or so!

Total insanity+stress= frentic impulses! New Orleans art finished!

Sorry for the delay in my blogging. It has been an incredibly insane week or so here. My youngest daughter came down with acute tonsilitis last weekend, and was so ill. Then my oldest burnt her arm last week cooking, and I ended up with the throat stuff as well. Results were 3 doctors visits and a huge bill at the pharmacy. The events of last weekend were crammed packed with birthday parties, and different functions.Needless to say, being pumped up on high dosage antibiotics and the strangest decongestant I've ever taken made me all the more pleasant to be with during my "medicated" stint. The polyvent the Dr. gave me made me feel like an alien was sucking the life force out of my lungs during the night and I would wake up around 3 am feeling like I had no fluid in my body at all--almost dehydrated and painful to breathe...I hate medicine!!!!!

I've been trying to get caught up on my commissions before Christmas. The two paintings above were the last on my list! I'll be off to Fedex in a bit to ship them out. Now I can focus on my art show in Philly--although the parameters seem to be changing and now I have no clue as to what I should take--I spent the whole day at the mall looking for a "cocktail" dress and low and behold our sweet po dump town has nothing suitable for such an occassion! UGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH--another snag in my plan before we leave. So now unless I get lucky I'll have to travel for 1-2 hours to a larger city and see if I can find something appropriate.

On a family note my poor hubby has had his own load of insanity with his work as of late and has made huge attempts to remain unstressed--but the kids sense something and it's been a tough one. We are leaving tomorrow for an 8 day missions trip to Mexico to see old friends and cook thanksgiving dinner for missionary friends. I hope this will be a good relaxing trip as we all need it. But before we go it's utter choas, getting all the details of his job, my job, the house, the dogs etc all ready to go!!! I wish we could detour for around 3-4 days and head down to Cozumel just to bum. Not happening! Wish me luck at getting the cranberry sauce into Mexico intact without being confiscated. Since 9-11 it's just really hard to take anything on an airline..I feel for those who work in the industry--it's got to be tough.

Well.. I won't be blogging for a week or so, so I thought I'd update quickly just so people will know that the madness still exists around here-I've just been so busy I haven't had time to share it.

Oh--and the makeup company is doing great. People are wanting the product so hopefully after the Christmas the big launch will take off well.

Gotta run!!! times a wasting and there are tons of details to attend to today!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Well, it has been a lazy Sunday afternoon. I cooked a big lunch today and we enjoyed our family time. Pork Loin, sausage, baked sweet potatoes, and turnip greens for my honey (ick!!) rolls and sweet tea. Then we all took a long nap since most of the family hasn't felt well this weekend. My youngest has had tonsilitis, and we both ended up at the doctor. So, we are trying to recuperate. I'll need to get busy painting. On a good note, most of my commissions are caught up and I had a great response to my mini sale. I'll be preparing for our family vacation since we are leaving Friday! Yeah!!! More later just wanted to touch base.

Art Quote for Today, Shipping Day and Working Woes-Mineral Makeup Obsession and New Orleans Shotgun houses

Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.
Claude Monet

I've been busy as usual. I had all intentions in the world yesterday of getting some painting done, but as of yet I still haven't gotten to work on the pieces I need for my big showing in Philly. I did get alot of legwork done yesterday. There are so many details to settle, I need a full time manager to get the loose ends tied up.
I designed and ordered 2000 new business cards, found a place that can get me envelopes and backings for the prints, tried to no avail to get the bank to get me the info on the visa setup, fielded several calls about lighting and finally got through to someone who could help. Sonya Paz is a phenomenal artist in Santa Clara, you really should check out her art. I love her use of color. She has been so helpful and supportive to give advice on the details of an art business. Surf on over and see her works.. you'll love them.

We went to our traditional Friday night football game last night, but it had been moved to Thursday. Yuck! Football Friday night is on Friday for a reason. No fun when you have to get up for work the next day. It was cold! Then on over to our local Mexican haunt, those guys will be able to retire early off of us!

The compounding of the first batch of mineral makeup went extremely well. We are testing the wearability of our foundation, blush, eyeshadows and liners. So far the results have been much better than I anticipated. Hopefully I'll have the website and our products ready to launch right after the New Year. I just don't see how I can push the time frame up any closer with our family trip to Mexican for a week, then the Philadelphia trip.. So, I'll keep you posted as to the details.

Oh, and fortunately.. the fingernail polish situation was fixed!

Inspirational Quote for 11-08-05, Missing New Orleans

"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever
becomes a master." Ernest Hemingway

I woke up this morning missing New Orleans, with the sun shining brightly in my window. It's been since June that I've walked the Quarter. I can tell you that today would be gorgeous down there. I've got a yearning for some jazz, and a bowl of gumbo. Or maybe a good shrimp poboy, then a beautiful moonlit stroll to for some beignets and cafe au lait. New Orleans, you'll rise again, better and stronger than before. I'll be back soon.

Today will be a great painting day, for it's been on these bitter sweet days when I wake up with an aching loss for N'awlins that I paint the best. I'll harness that sentiment and put it to work with some Aaron Neville and things just begin to flow out of my heart and from my brush.

Here's to a great day.. time to hit the shower and get ready for a great day of work. As chicken little says" Today is a new day!" Btw, go see it--it's sweet and the animation is incredible!!!

On another note, to all my friends who are in the insurance business--start cutting some checks for folks. It's ridiculous --honest hard working people that have never been a day late on their payments are still waiting without receiving a penny.

Maybe a nation wide "we won't pay anymore if you don't either attitude might be helpful???" I mean come on now!!

Coffee wall decor, coffee collectible art, espresso decor, coffee paintings, decorations for coffee shop

This wonderful set of huge 3 x 4 foot coffee paintings are now listed on eBay, at really great prices. You can view the listings by clicking on the link below and you'll be taken to the auctions. So for java lovers, espresso enthusiasts, cup o joe jerks, coffee collectors, cappuccino chumps, you can find a beautiful set of coffee paintings for your new coffee shop or bistro. Yes this shameful coffee keyword spamming but I've got to move these gorgeous gargantuan pieces. Coffee art, Coffee prints, espresso collectibles, bistro babes and starbucks enthusiast-I've got the goods for you. The gallery price on each one of these is over $1250.00. Caffeine can be good for you--so coffee bean babys please don't let me down.

Ok, so if you like them I would be totally flattered if you would check the auctiosn sout here: COFFEE ART!

200 things I bet you didn't know about me

. Your name: Angel

2. Do you feel like your name fits you? well, it's not an easy name to live with but I finally feel comfortable with it, except for all the jokes

4. Where were you born? West Monroe, La.

5. Where do you live? not far from WM, La

6. Do you like to travel? absolutely love it..that's why I lived in Mexico for 7yrs

7. What is your birthday? September 1

8. Do you have siblings? One sweet little brother, 6 yrs younger

9. Do you have pets? yes, 2 dogs, Yorkie and Boston terriers

10. Which was the happiest year of your life? 32

11. How old do you wish you were? I like my age--36

12. A movie is being made about your life. Who would you cast to play yourself? Nicole Kidman

13. Who would you cast to play your significant other? (if you have no significant other, cast someone anyway) George Klooney

14. How would this movie end? well happy of course!

15. Is it better to be famous or infamous? famous

16. Youre going to die a natural death. What is the cause? Old age, in my sleep holding hands with my soul mate as we go together, him at 100, me at 95

17. Youre going to die a sudden, tragic death. What is the cause? some kind of wild adventure!

18. How long do you plan on living? till'95 or 100

19. What was the last song you got stuck in your head? shake your tail feathers

20. Sing any commercial jingle? Diet Coke jingle

21. What is your favourite element on the periodic table? who cares?

22. Sunrise or sunset? sunset

23. Introvert or extrovert? introvert truly, but I am a chameleon and can adapt

24. Creation or evolution? creation

25.Action or reaction? action


26. Unity or individuality? Individual all the way

27. Hugs or drugs? hugs

28. Animal, vegetable, or mineral? animal

29. Popsicle, creamsicle, or fudgesicle? fudge, chocoholic

30. Fight or flight? flight, not a fighter

31. Who is your favourite historical figure? Harriet Tubman

32. Which historical figure could we have done without? Hitler

33. What happened in the last dream you remember? I was running from someone bad

34. Do nice guys really finish last? I hope not

35. What are your favourite boy names? Joel ;)

36. What are your favourite girl names? Hannah and Rebekah Amber, LLuvia
37. Open or closed? open

38. White bread or wheat bread? wheat

39. Is it better to burn out than to fade away? burn out

40. You put a quarter into a toy machine. What comes out? a really cool ring!

41.What do you want to be when you grow up? a person at peace with myself, and doing what I love, especially while i am in the carribbean

42. What were your favourite childhood toys? etchasketch and lightbright- imagine that.

43. What was your first pet? a dog named Trixie

44. What annoys you? rude people make me sick

45. Who is your favourite super hero? the bionic man

46. How many licks does it take to get to the centre of a tootsie pop? 16

47. The glass... half empty or half full? both depending on my mood



WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON

48. Tightie whities: gross

49. Mc Donalds happy meals: I like the toy

50. Reality shows: uhm I think they are a waste of time but somehow addictive

51. Gummi bears or gummi worms? neither ick

52.Would you rather sky dive or deep sea dive? definetly deep sea dive, but wouldn't mind the other either..prefer the water

53. Paper or plastic? plastic

54. What position do you sleep in? on my belly, under 4 or 5 pillows

55. Do you sleep on the left, right, or the middle of the bed? right on the edge

56. Sweet or sour? sweet

57. What was your favourite after school special? Tom and Jerry, ok , I know its not a special

58.What is your favourite word? like i do n't like know what like my word is,,nah, not really

59. Beach or mountains? beach

60. Mounds or almond joy? almond joy

61. Do YOU feel like a nut? most definetly

62. To give or to recieve? give

63. Chocolate or caramel? chocolate

64. Do you have any nicknames? I plead the fifth

65. What does your name mean? uh well duh! heavenly messenger

66. Have you ever fainted? once

67.Have you ever had a crush on a school teacher? no

68.What was the last thing you ate? snowcaps at the movie

69.Do you have any bad habits? leaving clothes thrown all over my closet, oh and I am a pouter



WORD ASSOCIATION

what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear...

70. Grey... goose

71. Human...heart

72. Fruit loop...nut

73. Glove... you must accquit

74. Plum...eyeshadow

75. Structure...restraint

76. Race... run

77. Heart... burn

78. Parasite...suck

79. What was your first happy memory: my purple tricycle at Christmas

80. What was your first unhappy memory: the day my dad left

81. If you could visit any time period, what would it be: renaissance

82.What would jesus do: love you

83. Make up a word and define it: crushtastimanic--a person who always is a manic until they have a crush on someone then they are like bipolar HIgh

84.Favourite kool aid flavour: hate that stuff

85. Favourite pick up line: you have pretty eyes

86. Who was the third gunman on the grassy knoll: uhm heck if I know

87. What did you like to make believe as a child: I was a fairy

88. Did you have an immaginary friend: yes, a dog named Damp-until he materialized one day.. then he was just my friend not an imaginary one

89. Would you like to live in a castle or a mansion: castle

90. Re-arrange some of the letters in your first, middle, and last name to form a description of yourself. real great art girl.. ha!


91. Do it fast or do it right: fast

92.What was the last book you read: I never finish the whole thing..but a suspense novel on vacation

93. Have you ever had surgery? 4

94. Random fact about you..I love the color purple,

95. What is the first thing you wash in the shower? face

96. What is your favourite cereal? grits

97. If you could learn any foreign language, what would it be? i already am fluent in spanish, I think French or Italian next

98. If you had the choice to live forever, would you? no

99. If you had the choice to be the opposite sex for a day, would you? maybe but it kind of grosses me out





DO YOU BELIEVE IN

100. Fate? yes

101. Ghosts? yes

102. God? yes

103. Big foot? yep, my cousin swears he used to live in the woods between his and grandma's house

104. Soul mates? yes

105. Aliens? yep, but not like most people

106. Angels? well I'd be ignorant not too

107. Loch ness monster? no

108. Heaven and hell? yes

109. The Zodiac? nah

110. Love at first sight? yes

111. Karma? only in the sense of what seeds you plant will come up a yardfull

112. Vampires? no

113. If you had any super power, what would it be? end world poverty

114. Would you use your power for good or evil? good

115. Name something nostalgic. records

116. What are your turn ons in the opposite sex? eyes and smile

117. What are your turn offs in the opposite sex? body odor and gross ness

118. What was the best compliment ever given to you? that I lived up to my name

119. Which character from Scooby Doo do you most relate to? i'd love to say Daphne, but I think I am more Velma--though she is sexy because she is so smart

120. What is the worst trend of the present time? butt shining ruffly miniskirts

121. Beer or wine? diet coke with lime

123. You cant sleep. What do you do? paint

124. Do you wear jewelry? gobs

125. What is your favourite smell? the smell of suntan lotion and the beach mixed

126. What was the best decade of the past century? 80's

127. Which is your favourite month of the year? not sure

128. Do you smoke? no

129. Do you drink? no

130. What was your favourite subject in school? science

131. What was your worst subject in school? math

132. If you had to give up one of your senses, what would it be? taste, wait I take that back

133. Do you follow your head, your heart, or your crotch? heart

134. Do you truely know who you are? yep

135. Are you superstitious? a bit

136. Are you sentimental? very

137. How many times a day do you eat? maybe 2, today 1

138. Are you more of a main idea or detail type of person? main idea, but love the details

139. What is your favourite pie? key lime

140. Have you ever been close to death? a couple of times

141. Do you like roller coasters? love them

142. Apples or oranges? apples

143. Are you hyperactive? no

144. Do you talk in your sleep? no

145. What is your favourite holiday? Christmas

146. Do you go to church? yes

147. At what age do you think you will be married? I got married at 17 and still with him!!!

148. If you could open up your own business, what would it be? a makeup business, on the way as we speak

149. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend? my first life changing crush was my husband

150. What is your weakness? saying no

151. What was the last movie you saw that made you cry? Cinderella Story

152. If love were a flavour, which flavour would it be? chocolate

153. If hate were a flavour, which flavour would it be? beets

154. Have you ever been prescribed any drugs? uh yeah?!>what kind of question is that.

155. Is lying sometimes necessary? hmmm not necessary but convienent

156. Bubbleyum or bubblicious? yum

157. What is your favourite curse word? snap

158. Do you have any birthmarks? no

159. If you could visit anywhere in the US, where would it be? New yoRK

160. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? tUSCANY

162. Do you feel like your physical self matches your personality? No,not like I want it too

163. What was the name of your kindergarten teacher? Easterling

164. Do you wear glasses or contacts? lasic

165. How tall are you? 5/4

166. How tall would you like to be? 5/7

167. Your current mood: irritated

168. Do you dress up for halloween? no

169. Have you ever been in a car accident? several

170. What is your favourite lucky charm? rock

171. What colour of underwear are you wearing? hmm, that's embarassing

172. Do you tend to date people younger or older than you? i don't date

173. Do your exes look alike? I don't have exes, I got married at 17

174. Do your exes act alike? huh

175. Have you ever been in love? yes, I currently am

176. What is your favourite kids movie? Old Yeller

177. Have you ever hallucinated? yes

178. What do you like most about the opposite sex? my husband

179. What do you hate most about the opposite sex? they are gross

180. Have you ever been on a blind date? yes

181. Would you want to be cloned? no

182. Have you ever peed in public? yes

183. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? both

184. How did you find out that there was no santa claus? about 7

185. Pancakes or waffles? pecan waffles

186. Are you on a diet? always

187. Why is the grass always greener on the other side? yep

188. Do you always want what you cant have? not too much

189. Do you act stupid around someone you have a crush on? we all do

190. Have you ever been arrested? no

191. Can you cook? excellent

192. Do you think its wrong/weird if a girl asks a guy out? I don't care

193. Do you have any allergies? no

194. Ketchup or catsup? ketchup

195. Do you believe there is a meaning to life? yes

196. What do you think about before you fall asleep? colors

197.What are your thoughts on the nature of good and evil? universal struggle

198. Step into your cave. There you will find your power animal. what is it? horse

199.What does your power animal say to you? run the race strong

200. End this survey with a quote: Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures
Howard Beecher

Chicken Little! I feel like the sky is falling!

This is my first and probably only chicken painting! Chickens just aren't my deal, but you know we had to commemorate the viewing of Chicken Little today. We went hog wild today, lunch, movies, and snowcaps! I guess I needed the break. My friend and I took her 2 little boys. I had as much fun watching their sweet little faces as I did the movie. It as cute though, and had a great moral. Making me want to get into animation when I watch kids movies.

I feel the stress of everything! I've got alot to get done, finding bags/packing/ getting the prints done, commissions finished. All the details, visa machine, and paintings ready for the show. I'll probably stop all orders from now until after Christmas to get ready-- which means I need to get the giclees on canvas finished.

But, all I can think about is my makeup company!!!!! I am super excited about this new venture, spending alot of time learning about it all. I really love it so far, and formulating is addictive.
More on all that later. Ok, well time to go pull a late night. I'm sorry that the quotes of the day have kind of dwindled down to nothing--so here is one for me that I consider motivation:

An artist that doesn't paint could very likely be an artist that doesn't eat!!! =)
Okee dokee.. the sky is falling!!! Oh, and guess what.. the temp here today was a chilly 85 degrees! Unbelievable!!!!!

Quote 10-31-05, New Orleans Prints on Canvas to be available soon

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

For those of you wondering what in the world has kept me from updating, well I've just been trying to get as much accomplished as possible lately. I've noticed I am picking up a few viewers from the Louisiana area that surf by on a regular basis.
That is cool--you could post a comment and say hi!;). The painting above has been chosen for the cover of the invitation to the art event. The theme is celebrate and rejuvenate--the most wonderful graphics team has gotten all the print material looking fantastic.I've been getting as much done as possible for my event in December. We have gotten most of the professional color corrected scans together for the printing of the run of prints, travel arrangements are being made, now we are on to the lighting issue, as well as packaging/displaying the originals. I've got 2 large originals finished--trying to decide how many to take. I've also been working on getting my giclee prints on mounted canvas available. Theser are going to be so neat! They are true pieces of art in themselves, and will be signed and number in runs of a limited amount. The gicless on canvas look so much like the original it is even hard for me to be able to tell from across the room. You can hang them on the wall just like an original painting, and the prices will be really great. So if you have wanted to purchase an original but couldn't afford it, now you can get the next best thing. I'll pop in with an annoucement when everything is running smoothly on my site.

I've also got to finish up a few commissions before we leave for our trip in a few weeks. Turning around yesterday, I realized the whole month of October flew by. I mean, honestly where did it go to? So I am on the downhill slide and need to be busy!

My daughters and I are also checking into the possibility of launching our own line of mineral makeup soon. I love it! So nice to be using something that is totally natural, feels wonderful and doesn't rag out your skin. So I've been frantic trying to decide the most important priorities first.!!! I've got to run into the booming metropolis of downtown to the post office in a bit so I'll cut it short for now...
By the way--it's going to be 77 here today-I guess we don't have winters anymore in Louisiana.

Inspiration from Kandinsky, Artist quote for 10-26-05

The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul.
Wassily Kandinsky

Heartsong, original painting by Angel Turner Dyke (me)2003

I've been working so much that my back is killing me. That is what happens when you are so caught up in your work that you forget to put on your shoes!! I painted for 6 hours straight yesterday barefoot. Then once I finally sat down, realized "I feel like I am dying!" Not so smart. I have been known to do dumber things at times.
Like one time, I sat in my paint. That was interesting.. the phone had rang so I ran to answer it, then thought I would take a break. I forgot I left my palette in my chair! Splat-- new trend in bodypainting. Anyway--it was funny. Atleast to me.

Well I am a bit behind on the stuff for scans so I need to get to work. I'll try to post more later. If you like the painting above you can check out my abstract site
Times a ticking so I am off to paint.

Peace and love mon amis!

Art Quote for 10-26

"I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I'd just been myself."-Britney Renee

Yesterday was spent in a whirl of activity. I finished two paintings that were on a deadline for photo scans, business plans, filling out forms, emails back and forth. A little time spent on learning about more Google advertising, changing keywords and such. Now I need to rush into the studio and get 3 more finished so I can have good scans made to get the discount.

I've got my business plan in place and will soon be revamping my products and availability. Trying to move more into a main stream approach with my work, have more prints and giclees on canvas available so I can not work quite so hard. I've been lagging a bit!

OK, well off to snag a granola bar and a diet coke and into the studio. I'm trying to be better about my blog--updating takes time.

Coffee Art, Coffee Home Decor, Espresso Paintings

These 2 original Coffee paintings are available for purchase. They are huge! 3 x 4 feet each and I'd love to see them go to a coffee enthusiast or to a coffee shop. The colors are luscious and deep. Each painting is $300.00 but I would work on the price if someone wanted the pair. Email me--I need to make room in my studio for my works for the gala and have to make some room.

Christmas Gala, Quick update

I've been out of touch lately, as I have been working on getting my contract finished. I'll be flying out to Philadelphia for a print signing mid December at a large corporate Christmas party. It's quite exciting for me, and I think it will be a wonderful event. Of course I'll be donating to the relief effort with a portion of the proceeds. So I am busy working creating originals to take with me for purchase as well as tweaking everything with my printer. I may have to slow down on orders from my site until things get a bit less hectic.

There is alot to be done, so much that I've had to focus all my efforts on getting all my work lined out and accomplished. Which explains my recent absence from my blog. I'll try to continue updating more in the future.

10-21-05 Creativity Quote, random Ranting, New Orleans Paintings for Hurricane Relief

Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It's self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can't "try" to do things. You simply "must" do things.
Ray Bradbury

I got all my shipping done, met with the new printer yesterday. I am excited to say that he does phenomenal work. The question is can I afford him? I want to branch out into the giclee on stretched canvas market soon. That will be really great for my customers as well as allow me to work on larger projects. So these developments are looking good as I expand my business.

I still have several great new orleans pieces available for my one day only sale. If you would like to check it out here is the link: WEBSITE
and to be taken directly to the available SALE ITEMS

Today will be spent working on a rush order for a special person. I've got to get busy here, so my post will be short..

Courage Quote 10-20-05, Boston Terrier Courage

If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.

The Trumpet of Conscience--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Interesting things are happening right now with my career. It is exciting, yet a bit scary stepping into a greater exposure and realm with my art. I am so happy, yet I must be courageous. I'll be able to share more openly when the last formalities are completed.

On another note, today is shipping day. I'm heading into town to finish that up, taking in 6 paintings leaving my hands going to there new homes. Saying goodbye to my works is always a bit strange, because I become so involved with each piece as I create it.

Over all, today is a good day! I've got to hurry up though, lots to be done.

That photo is my boston, at about 2 1/2 months old--he broke his little leg, and to me this symbolizes courage--he was so young, and such a baby, walking on that leg took alot of effort. Isn't he just pitiful!

Don't let that Lizard Lose!

Is there anybody that can send me a quick tip on how to upload a Windows Media file on blogger? I don't know how!!! RATS!
OPps! The movie didn't work!

Art Quote October 19, Persistance with your dream, Yorkie determination!

If the going is real easy, beware, you may be headed down hill.
- unknown

A big shot is a little shot that kept shooting.
- unknown

No dreamer is ever too small; no dream is ever too big.
- unknown


My last few days have been very symbolic of the photo above. Peanut found a lizard between the screen and the window, and has been after him ever since. I had so many technical difficulties with my sale that were out of my control, my server crashed, files got deleted, then once everything seemed ok.. BAM! Out of no where I lose my internet for 24 hours. So it made my responses to inquiries impossible. I refuse to quit though! Hence the quotes for today are on persistance! I took a bit of movie of the lizard chase. If it can be uploaded, I'll try to get it on here!

Have a good day!

New Orleans & Abstract Art Online Sale Today at 10 am cst, Katrina Relief Art

Today is the big day! I've been working feverishly to get everything ready for the sale. If you haven't signed up and want to see what I am offering, need art, or want to help donate to a good cause, you need to sign up quickly. The email with the link will be sent out today at 8:45. If you don't get an invitation email me, and I'll send you a link personally. I am excited. My prints are on sale, I have New Orleans merchandise,and also a good lot of original paintings to offer. The New Orleans paintings are great, as well as some great stills and abstracts. I need to add one or 2 more I got finished with in the wee hours last night. I appreciate each of you, and you have made it possible for me to live my dream! Don't forget to sign up--or email for a link! ;)Don't forget a portion of all purchases goes to help hurricane relief.

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Art Quote for 10-17-05

"All my life I used to wonder what I would become when I grew up. Then, about seven years ago, I realized that I was never going to grow up.. that growing is an ever ongoing process."-M.Scott Peck

I've been so busy working this weekend I realized I hadn't updated. Seems as if some of you are regulars,dropping in consistently. Sorry! I'd love to get to know you all more, drop me a line and say hello. I have all my commissions from Sept. finished and 2 more to go. I plan on launching a big effort with my abstracts soon as well.

Everyone here feels a bit ill, the weather is changing so much. Not been getting much sleep, and I can feel it. More later today.

Online Art Sale, Katrina Relief Art New Orleans Art,

I've set the time for my online sale for this Monday, October 17th at 10 am cst. If you would like an invitation, you need to join my newsletter. I've got several new New Orleans paintings up for sale, prints, and if things work out just right hopefully some merchandise. I've also got a gorgeous set of  huge 3x 4 coffee paintings, and some funky abstracts. I'll be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Katrina relief effort. I am very close to my goal for donating. My prices will be good, and you can find some great deals. Email me for more details or to join the newsletter.

Just click below to be added.. Oh, it's like incredibly late and I have to paint all day tomorrow--actually all weekend. So I better get some sleep. 

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Art quote for 10-13-05, Dreams and Inspiration

photo by Icon Goddess

"Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true."

Ralph Waldo Emmerson

A friend from my Livejournal community makes the most incredible icons. I felt this one was the perfect companion to the quote above.

Dreams.. what is yours? It took me years to understand the why I was so restless inside, and felt like I never fit in with others. I was an artist, but had buried that dream under wanting the approval of others. It was in my early 30's that I realized I needed to go back to my childhood and find my dream. I remembered hours spent with notebook and paper, creating my own world of imagination and mystery. Recovering that sense of childhood as an adult was hard. I worked through an incredible amount of "baggage" to finally with God's help find healing and wholeness to pursue my dream. It takes much courage to follow your dream! Naysayers and dream killers abound-nurturers are few and far between! But it has been worth it. I guess the biggest joy of my being an artist is being able to bring a smile to someone, or convey joy that touches a life, lightens a burden and brings peace.

I found a great article on finding out your dreams, and how to follow them online this morning. I thought I would share it with you- Here it is: DREAMS

By now you have probably realized that I am a really big dreamer! That's good though, because until you can dream it you can't achieve it!
Now off to run errands,time for more canvases!

More Roadtrip madness

Getting creative, roadtrip inspiration

We got out into the fresh air last week and took a little road trip. It was fun, and we explored our country backroads. That is always helpful when you are dealing with block. It happens to all of us. We learned that our community is patriotic and also gives great advice when it comes to the handling the deceased--Check it out!