Happy 2011

May 2011 be filled with Peace, Love, Health,and Prosperity for you and yours.

Still snowing, off and on

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday

and are safe and warm and content.

Peaceful winter night here, I’m hoping that fellow bloggers in areas where the weather is not so good are safe and sound.

I could show my prowess, be a lion not a mowess...

WIPs ?

Well, these little bunnies (originally meant for Easter) have been waiting months and months for me to just notice them again, let alone touch or finish them. I'm debating whether to try to finish a couple as Holiday Hares, or just take my time and deck them out for Spring and Easter. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what transpires.

After several months of solitude, I am returning to my blog and my artwork. Life has been a bit of a challenge these last few months. There was a tragedy at work and also an unrelated but nasty investigation shortly after. It did not involve me directly but involved my department, which I oversee. Do to confidentiality I cannot disclose details...

For the most part things have sort of returned to "normal" at the job and it's time for me to focus on life outside of work. I'm going to take it one day at a time. I want to thank all of my followers for sticking with me through this long absence and I'm so looking forward to not only returning to my art but also to all of you in Bloggerland.

Still a bit melancholy...

Forgive my absence, our family lost a dear friend a little more than a week ago and it's left a great deal of sadness in our lives.

1929 Alice in Wonderland illustrations done by Willy Pogany

Several versions of this beloved story can be viewed at the Rare Book Room.

One of those days...

It finally stopped at a bit over 2 feet

There were snowballs on my line.

Snow, Snow and more Snow

This was taken at about 3pm today...when all is said and done, we're suppose to get about 16 inches of snow total. It's so pretty. It's also very hard to "think Spring" while photographing this Winter Wonderland. (I love how the falling snowflakes in this photo seem to create a little "sparkle" in the eyes of my gargoyle). Just magical!

Love it when the "mailbox" is full!

So yesterday I got home way too late to go to the post office and wouldn’t you know, when I went to my mailbox, there was a little “you have a parcel to pick up” card nestled in between 5 or 6 bills. Of course I was disappointed I couldn’t go and retrieve the goodies at that very moment, but good things come to those who wait and today I was home in plenty of time to stop and claim my postal booty! Talk about Treasures!
First, I had ordered a little paper doll with attitude from Debra Schoch at hophopjingleboo.com. I am sooooooo in love with my little "Miss OXOX". But look at all the other goodies Debra stuffed into the envelope along with her. I was blown away! Thank you Debra!
Next I opened items ordered from Etsy and Ebay. I have big plans for both of these treasures and will be sharing soon. Last but certainly not least, I received a sweet little box of treats from Sheryl Parsons at mothersdreamartworks.blogspot.com., as a prize for a contest she had. I’m just tickled! Mailbox goodies are just the best!

The little Halloween Doll is finished. I decided to give her a little bat as a friend as well. She is currently listed on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/OOAK-Halloween-FOLK-PRIM-Doll-Bat-goth-AHA-mary-helen_W0QQitemZ220560391450QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFolk_Art?hash=item335a6c7d1a

Some Midsummer Night's Dream images

So, in my endless exploration of my blog...and getting to know all of the "ins" and "outs", I've "out" my entire blog list. (Never click tabs without absolutely knowing what will happen) *sigh*. I tried to recover the list to no avail so, I'm back to the beginning, trying to add all of those wonderful blogs again...

A little cloth Halloween Doll waiting to be finished...hopefully, today or tomorrow.

And the winner of my little hand painted bunny and moon box is.......(drum roll)..... BEVIE!!!! Her blog is My Creative World

http://dreamsofpurelove.blogspot.com/

Congratulations BEVIE, this has been an awesome journey. A big Thank you to all that entered and also to all who made the choice to follow my blog. Keep watching as I'll be having a little give away event for all of my followers now that I have over 50!
It's so exciting. Anyway, congrats again BEVIE...you're little box will be on it's way to you!

Cut Off for Comments for OWOH Give Away

Well, it's almost over...what a magical OWOH journey I've had and I hope the same is true for all of you who were involved. I can't believe how many comments I've received. Next year I'm going to have to have a few more prizes!
In trying to decide what is most fair as far as the "cut off" for the comments, I've decided that if your comment says "Feb 14th"...you'll be in the drawing. This gives everyone a chance, no matter what time zone you're in, to comment before "your midnight"...instead of mine. Good luck to everyone...I'll be drawing tomorrow around noon EST. Thanks to all who stopped by and not only signed up for the prize but have decided to "follow" my blog...I'm thrilled. And a huge amount of thanks goes to Lisa, " A Whimsical Bohemian" for making all of this happen...I had a blast!

One World One Heart Magic Carpet Ride 2010

I'm so thrilled to be a part of One World One Heart Magic Carpet Ride 2010 Blog Event, hosted by Lisa Swifka, The Whimsical Bohemian. Lisa created and began this magical event in 2007, bringing hundreds of bloggers together who may have otherwise never connected. That first year found 85-90 participants connecting, last year the number was 911 and this year I'll be one of over a thousand bloggers from all over the world to join in the fun. The main reason for this event is to connect bloggers from many, many countries and possibly create some lasting friendships, but each participant also offers a chance for a giveaway! I'm so excited to be included. I'm offering this little hand painted wooden box. It measures 4 1/2 inches in diameter and is a little over 2 1/2 inches tall. The lid is painted with a moon and rabbit and the bottom is red with deep yellow stars. Simply leave a comment and let me know you'd like to be in the drawing for the box along with a link or email address so I can contact you should you be the winner...it's that easy. I will be picking a winner from a random drawing on Feb. 15th. Then, click on the One World One Heart Magic Carpet Ride 2010 link to the right, it will take you to the One World One Heart site where you can connect with all the other wonderful bloggers that are participating and you can also sign up for other great giveaways. Hurry though, you only have until Feb. 15th to try and visit them all! What fun!

A couple of vintage valentines depicting Cupid in the act of capturing a heart, this little guy doesn’t mess around.

The Queen has made her way to ebay tonight. 5 day listing! Remember...type in AHA in the search box (Art in the category) and not only will you find my art, but some wonderful offerings by other very talented AHA Artist Members

The Queen of Hearts Bunny was suppose to make her debut on ebay tonight, however she had a bit of a mishap with her crown. She'll be a 5 day listing on ebay on Tuesday. Remember, to find her, just type in AHA in the search bar,for American Holiday Artists. You'll see the work of many talented artists by doing so.

We continue to be under the reign of the Snow and Ice Queens...

Oh my gosh is it cold and the wind is whipping! The bite in the air reminded me of these photos of Niagara Falls that were taken in 1911. I can't imagine how cold it must have gotten or how long the frigid temps lasted to cause the surface of the falls to actually freeze solid! Hopefully, we'll never, ever see such an event repeated.

A couple new things in the works...

So, this little guy finally got a friend. I was originally going to make this an ornament but to my surprise, the little bear actually works as a tripod and allows the two of them to stand independently...which is awesome. They were listed on ebay tonight.

Waiting for something to hug...

THE SNOW QUEEN

The Snow Queen passed our way last night,
Between the darkness and the light,
And flowers from an enchanted star,
Fell showerlike from her flying car.

And silently through all the hours,
The trees have borne their magic flowers,
And now stand up with dauntless head,
To catch the morning’s gold and red.
(1907 victorian poem)