Happy Birthday Dear Charlotta!!

Dear Charlotta, 

I wish you a very happy birthday from over the pond. I hope this year brings you all the fantastic dreams and possibilities that you could ever desire... with your birthday every year I look out at my little garden and see how everything is springing up and it brings a wonderful feeling of new life and happiness. It is such a lovely time of year to have a birthday. The daffodils are out, my tulips are full of promise, I've yet to see what they explode into, and everything is just waking up from the hibernation of winter.

This picture makes me smile, I only popped out for a second, and hadn't realised as I was taking the picture, but if you look at the catflap in the doorway you can see little Miss B who has started a little bit of separation anxiety at seeing me dissappear away, she grinned like a cheshire cat once I came back towards her!

So these flowers are for you Char, virtual ones I know, but they mean all the more because you are one very special, dedicated lady! Good luck with the mama's and chicks, and all the lists in your head... I know about those - 3.41am I was awake this morning working my way through mine in the dark!!

I found some funny pictures on flickr tonight, sewing tattoos via the guardian newspaper, amazing what tattoos some people have, artworks for life! I am tucked up in bed at the moment, mighty early for me, the electric blanket has warmed me up nicely and downstairs I can hear the dulcit tones of my Mr R's football pealing out of the TV! Hence why I am hidden away in my little garret, the smell of some lovely lilac hyacinths (given as a gift by a lovely girl I used to work) is making my bedroom smell so nice. So, I am going to browse the blogs and peruse my new book 'A patchwork planet' by Anne Tyler (which I have borrowed from a friend) until I am so tired that I just fall asleep... Ah here's Ella, my beautiful cat, come to sit on the bottom of my bed.. she's purring already, such a lovely old lady - can you believe she must be nearly 13 Char, that tells me how long I have known you my friend! (Ella was the kitten of Char's sisters cat Blue and is the sweetest cat a girl could have) 

So, happy days to you, enjoy your special day. lots of love, Tam xxxx far away in the UK.

Originals for SALE

in my quest to pay for our Disney trip...I am selling some Originals...
They will be on Sale in my Etsy shop from April 1st (my B-day) until next week...

Then after that...I'm moving them over to EBAY...where the bidding will start.

I'll be sorry to see some of these go...but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

I thank all of you lovelies who have supported me...thank YOU...you know who you are...

But...I really thought Etsy would be more profitable...oh well...I guess you either make it or you don't.Sorry...

just having one of those rare days...I'm usually all "spiffy and happy"...but not today.

Ok...so you all deserve to know...and I know I'm probably being ridiculous.

I received a comment yesterday which I had to delete...I know I should put more rules on receiving comments and approve them before publishing them...but I really don't have time some days.

It's really very silly...it was an annonomous commenter, and they basically dissed my post...it's been bugging me since yesterday.

I'm a Peace maker...and wish for the World to be a happy place. When someone doesn't like me/what I say...it hurts...and I find it really hard to shrug.

I believe if you have nothing NICE to say...don't say anything at all.

That's all...but it really makes me think twice about blogging :-(

Until tomorrow...maybe.

Char,ON

In MY head LIST.

it's Tuesday...I missed 3 whole days of blogging...so let me tell you why...and how I will make it up to you...especially our loyal readers and Sponsors.

As you can see...from the sketch, we all have to eat to survive...so I still have to feed our family.

Yes, Family is the most important to me right now...and still worry that Dad is doing too much after his OP...and Mum is not resting her leg as she should (soon to go in for a hip transplant- and is waiting patiently for a date)

I have TAXES to do...endless paperwork at a time when they need to be done...but at the wrong time of year for me...because...

OUR Mamas and Chicks Show is less than 2 1/2 weeks away!

These days have been spent corresponding with vendors...we have a total of 55 vendors at the moment...all so lovely, but they(and have every right to) have questions about the Show.

We're planning on going to Disney...and this is in the very near future...another post about this, but I am trying to rack my brain about how to raise some $$$ to pay for this crazy trip...SO...My CONCLUSION is to sell some "Original Once Upon a Time watercolours"...there will be a Special starting in April...and it will run for one week...so keep an eye out.(you'll be the first to know!)

Then there's the House, the windows need cleaning, Laundry needs washing,floors need scrubbing...and I only have SO many hours in the day...

WHY am I blogging when I could be doing?

Because I know you'll listen...THANK YOU!!!

AND...because you always DO listen...

Here's SOMETHING for you::

you'll notice I haven't posted about my Sponsors so much...or about April Sponsors...well a couple of you so kindly have signed up for a few months...and if so...I am adding an EXTRA one for you free of Charge.

AND for those who have Sponsored this month...I am leaving you ALL up for APRIL.

For NEW potential Sponsors...get in on the deal and email me. Sign up for MAY and you'll get APRIL FREE.

EMAIL ME HERE for more info.

Have a wonderful Tuesday...

Excuse me for not visiting your blog...things will be back to normal when some of my HEAD LIST have been checked off!

HUGS

Char,ON

Come fly with ME...

I've been searching through my files on my computer this morning and came across Copenhagen...my Home away from Home away from Home...

There's nothing more welcoming than the Architecture and colours of the Danish buildings...I love the roof tops either in black or green slate and then the beautiful terracotta ones...

I still have family over there...and have met some incredible blogging buddies too from Denmark.

My sister and I used to fly over from the UK in the Summers for a few weeks and stay with my Farmor and Farfar(grandparents).

 We'd visit Tivoli Gardens and go shopping in Town...I remember always being SO excited as a child arriving in the airport and knowing we had 2 weeks in this Licorice filled land of fun with our Grandparents.

This is apparently one of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen...look at the windows...

Incredible, how they have warped with time...

This was our view from our Hotel when we stayed their last...unfortunately the last couple of times I went was for the funerals of my Grandparents. They are in my heart each and everyday...and believe they are looking out for me, you know when you can feel when a certain loved one is always with you.

Even after so many years,I still get emotional when I think of them.

The steeples of the churches are another subject all to themselves...I love this one.

And finally, I leave you with this one...there are as many/more bikes, than cars in Denmark...it's healthy,practical and GREEN...

Thanks for coming on my journey today...

It's been a lovely break from Mamas and Chicks tasks and errands which have to be completed...as we're 3 weeks away from the date...my head is spinning, and right here is a wonderful spot to stop and reflect.

Where would you go TODAY in the World if you could go anywhwere???

I look forward to reading about your desired Travels.

HUGS

Char,ON

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

HUGS

Char,ON

Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Valentina Ramos

Good Morning...it's Tell ALL Tuesdays again and today we have 2 very different  spotlights for you...this morning we will be introducing to you an extremely talented Artist who's work I fell in love with...it seems she has more hours in the day, as I can only imagine HOW long it takes for her to complete a piece of Artwork...

Then this afternoon we have a lady who is close to home and creates Artistry in Sweets and Baking...she also has a little plea to ask all of you...so keep an eye out for that post which will be around 2pm.

So...lets get on with this morning's Spotlight...introducing the wonderful Valentina Ramos!

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?

I’m from Venezuela but I have been living in Miami, FL for 6 years. I *LOVE* the area I live in (Coral Gables) because I can do almost everything just by walking. Sometimes I feel like a “town girl” because I love to go to my local places and know the people in stores and wave at people in the streets.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

Italy! I think to live there is one of my big time dreams.

How structured is your day usually?

Working at home sometimes can be really tricky. I have to be really organized to keep track of the projects and don’t get busy with other stuff (like cleaning the house!). Every morning I have my cups of coffee checking emails and reading some blogs. After that I start working in my to do’s list. Usually, I’m working in several projects at the same time. I’m trying to apply a new system here because sometimes I spent way to many hours in one project and left other things behind. Right now I’m trying to work by the clock ;) I try to work for one or two hours in one project and after the time past, just work in the next one. Of course, if I have a timeline, I focus all my energies on that.

What did you do today?
Today is organization day. I have to clean up my office, take pictures of artwork, update my shop, schedule a couple of meetings, review a brochure design and work more in the new artwork I have right now in my table.

Are you a Dog or a Cat person?
I don’t have pets, but I think I can be a dog person ;)


Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
I’m a foodie girl! I love all ;) but if I have to pick one, breakfast is my favourite. Mushrooms omelette on Sunday morning= Heaven!

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
I’m trying to learn to cook... or at least I’m trying to do different things every week. Someday I would love to have guest and prepare a super delicious Indian dinner.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

I think knowing you are in the right path it’s not an easy thing to do. Many times you doubt about what you are doing. I feel super bless right now because I decided 3 years ago what I wanted to do. Right now I know where I’m going; I definitely believe I’m in the right path.

Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?

I think everything inspires me. I can be watching TV or walking in the street and found something interesting that makes my mind spin! Usually I get great ideas when I’m falling sleep, for that reason I keep a notebook near my bed. I spent a good part of my day just seeing other artist work. It’s amazing how much talent we have in this world! But definitely my biggest source of inspiration comes from the feedback I received. Every single time I get an email or a comment form someday telling me I inspired them to continue working or just to say they like my work, that makes my day and keep my working.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

I came to US seven years ago with only $200 and zero English ;)

Shoe choice::flats or heels?

Flats.

What was the last book you read?

I feel super bad saying this, but I haven’t being reading a lot lately L I spent way too many hours with my artwork and totally forgot the piles of books in my night stand.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Believe in yourself. Keep yourself motivate and working. Some days are going to be hard, but you have to keep moving. Put yourself out in the world as much as you can. Blogs, facebook, twitter, flickr, use them all ;) Don’t copy anybody else work, you have to find your own voice. And again... Believe in yourself.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

I have tons of blogs I check daily! I *LOVE* to see what other artist are doing, I enjoy reading about their life; I like to see pictures of what they are doing. I think my top 5 artist blogs are:

• Kal Barteski - I love Life

• Aimee - Arstville

• Penelope Dullaghan

• Jessica Gonacha Swift - Treasuring

• Alisa Burke

Thank you SO much for taking part Valentina...it has been a pleasure to tell a little snippet of your story to others who read our Blog...your work is beautiful!

YOU can pass by and say hello to Valentina HERE

Or shop at her store HERE

Until this afternoon...our girls are waiting for me...they have been prepping a Puppet Show whilst I've been posting...perfect timing!

HUGS

Char,ON

Making up MONDAY!

Ok...so this is like an apology for NOT having posted these past few days.
We've had BUSY times...and so...let's begin with..."US"...Mr. R and Moi...we had a St.Pati's day Party/ Space Invadors contest on Friday night...SO much fun! (I love my Man!)

We went to "Purple Woods" the land of Maple Syrup...every year a few farms open their woods up to educate the public on the tradition of Maple Syrup up here in Canada. The teperature has to be perfect for the sap(syrup) to be tapped out of the trees...

We got there early and met up with a few freinds and their kids...it's a beautiful walk down through the woods...the Sun had just risen, the horses were just arriving ready to take us for a little ride.

Aren't they gorgeous...and they were planning on doing a 7 hour day! Apparently 2,000 people walk through this wood each day for the 10 days that it's open...I know, CRAZY and poor horses.

We went to the Zoo...

and saw the Orangatangs...this Mama really is NOT a happy camper.

I really do have mixed feelings about the Zoo.

 It's fantastic to be able to see all these animals at such close proximity...but really...they don't live in the best conditions.

I finished a few Watercolours...like this one...

and this one...

and this one...

Oh...and another cat...

They'll all be in my Etsy Shop this week.

Even Little Miss J wanted a go at painting...I love her flying houses and little bird...

So...I hope my apology has been accepted...and I've been forgiven.

As you can see...we've been BUSY.

Tomorrow I have 2 Tell ALL Tuesdays.

Remember to check back.

Off to see what you've all been up to...I have some catching up to do.

HUGS

Char,ON

My Dad's OP went well....PHEW...

What a relief...my Dad called me yesterday evening...you can't think to imagine HOW great that call was.
THANK YOU all for all your prayers and well wishes, I'm sure every single one of them helped. He is home now and resting to gain strength and heal.I lost my voice this past couple of days...and truly believe it's all due to the worry.

BUT....on a happy note...we have a winner for one of you 14 which entered my TEA GIVEAWAY.
I did use RANDOM.ORG and my good blogger friend...who never fails to visit here each week...and sometimes everyday...won. She was lucky number 10.
(Thank you to all of you who entered...and the new faces I saw...I will visit you all in the next couple of days)

This is who won and what she said:
Char said...

have fun!!! and if I win - i want to be surprised! :)
March 16, 2010 11:15 PM

So...now I have to surprise her...
It's my first time visiting DAVID's TEA Store...up until now my Mr.R made choices and smelt the perfumes and scents of all these Teas...

What are you up to today?
Char,ON
(that's my Dad,my sister on the left and me on the right....ancient pic-but I love it, it was taken in my Grandparents house in Hellerup-Denmark)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY little Bro!

HAPPY Birthday Seb!!!

I love you...miss you...and am Happy and THANKFUL you'll be with Dad today.

.x.

CHAR, On

P.S. I hope you (fabulous readers) have entered the TEA GIVEAWAY in the post below....you only have until Thursday.

A CUP of TEA for YOU and ME :: GIVEAWAY!!!!!

GO HERE :: PICK a TEA :: LEAVE a COMMENT with your FAVE TEA :: MAKE SURE you're a FABULOUS reader of our Blog!!!

WIll it be Green? Ooolong or Pur'erh,White, herbal, black or Rooibos ??? You choose...

I am heading in to Toronto on Thursday....so you have until Wednesday at 12pm.
Check back Thursday to see if you've WON!!!!

I will ship ANYWHERE in the WORLD.
Enjoy browsing my FAVE TEA store!

OH...and even if you're NOT a TEA drinker...I promise you...these will change your mind. There is a Coffee Pur'erh which SMELLS like coffee...and has the beans in it!!!

Until tomorrow.
Char,ON
P.S A  BIG thanks to all your warm hearts out there...I appreciate your sweet and dear comments.
P.S.S No Tell ALL Tuesdays today...this week is a little wonky...sorry.
JUST spoke to Dad to wish him a safe OP tomorrow...it's REALLY hard being this far away :-(