Sunday, February 28, 2010

Proud to be...

married to a Canadian...did you see the Hockey game this evening?
Actually, Canada did so well this Winter Olympics...I have SO enjoyed watching them these past few weeks.
!!!GO CANADA GO!!!

This painting was finished this afternoon, ready to ship now across the Ocean to Esti, the Winner of our February Giveaway.
Hope you like it Esti!
This painting is a commission for a lovely lady who doesn't have a cat but thinks her son would love to curl up on a beautiful ginger cat...
Finishing this one tonight...and they will all be prints in my Esty Shop...
There's 3 more hours of the FREE SHIPPING...then we'll have another offer in March...

Talking about offers...WE BLOG ARTISTS is offering Sponsorship Ad Spots...see on the right here of our blog...
Just EMAIL me if you'd like more information on what we will be offering and our reasonable prices.

Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Until tomorrow.
Char,ON

Friday, February 26, 2010

OMG...my Friday FIND.

Hello FABULOUS readers...freinds...sweet commenters...and newbies to this World of ours...

As many of you already know...I LOVE Tea, and am a huge Earl Grey fan...
well...late afternoon (yesterday)around 5pm, my Mr.R texts me and says..."I have a surprise for you!"
Hmmm, his surprises are either he's picked up a new gadget from Lee Valley, he's been to the nearest Computer Store, or he's picked up an Art Magazine... BUT no...he went to DAVIDs TEA store in Toronto and was WOW'd by this Tea...he's NEVER WOW'd by any food usually...and isn't a Tea drinker!!!
OMG...you should smell this...it's flavour is me ALL over...(which clarify's the fact Mr.R and I are a match made in Heaven-I do love him dearly-can you tell?) ...you open the Tin and a warmth like a breeze on a Summer's night hits you...along with a sweet nuttiness...surrounded by coconut and pineapple.Divine...
WHOLE walnuts...broken in half...coconut and pineapple pieces, almonds and green tea...just to make it a little more perfect!
The gift bag was filled with a Bodum Tea Egg stainer...and 100grams of Toasted Walnut delight.YUM!!!
Do you live near or in Toronto,Montreal, Quebec,Vancouver or London(Ontario)???
GO and find your nearest DAVIDsTEA bar please...OR check out thier online store...HERE.YOU will be WOW'd

DO you have a FRIDAY FIND?

Link it in the comments below so everyone can take a peak....I'd love to spend a few hours browsing your new "WOW's" and "OMG's"

Thank you Mr.R!
I love you dearly.

Have a great weekend ALL.
Char,ON

Thursday, February 25, 2010

in the MIX...

my Mum's Swedish and my Dad's Danish...
I made a new Flag for them...
Danes and Swedes have a LOVE-HATE relationship...a little like the Brits and the French...
My parents are travellers...always have been...this year has been a hard year for them, as health reasons have haulted either of them being able to just pack up and leave.
My Dad goes today to his specialist to see WHEN and IF his operation will be soon...it's been too long of a wait. I really do feel for him.
Mum, well she needs a new hip...and she's seeing a specialist tomorrow.
They built this house 10 years ago...it's warm and welcoming...I know they love being there...but they need a rest, it's been a long Winter.
So...sending them this Bird of Hope and Travel...praying that their health gets better and that they can use those wings to fly again.

I fell asleep on the Sofa shortly after finishing this last night...so I will continue this evening to visit you all.
Have a great day...we're getting a snow storm today! YAY!!!!
Char,ON.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

being honest...

...may make or break friendships...but you're left with the ones who care the most about you...
...makes me feel whole as a person...
...about what I want in my Life helps with daily struggles...
...to our children will teach them in being honest with others and to themselves...
...to MYself is also a daily chore...realizing I can't do everything...

Are you an honest person...to yourself and others?

Off to say hi to as many of you as I can...
HUGS
Char,ON

FELIZIDADES... and congrats to...

ESTI from Pintame el Dia ...# 46 using Random.org.
Esti is our February Giveaway Winner for the Original Watercolour Once Upon a Time painting...she chose, a Bear with 2 girls on it's side...I'm SUPER excited to paint this for her.
She is a wonderful Artist and lives in Spain...I always love the idea of a piece of me travelling half the way around the World.
Esti also has a wonderful Blog where you can see all her talent.

Sorry I couldn't paint ALL your desires, I had SO much fun reading all your wishes...some extremely imaginative and fun images came to mind whilst going through them all.

I really do appreciate all the very kind comments regarding my Once Upon a Time paintings...and it was lovely to meet new creative bloggers throughout this giveaway...thanks for entering!

This is what I did yesterday::
picked up little Miss A from school and had some fun in the snow...
meet Mrs Snow and Mr Snow...
and then she came to life...with a little food colouring...tortilla chips and chestnuts...oh, and a whole lot of imagination from our 2 little Misses.
I finished a commision which I had started Monday evening...
I am thinking my watercolours need filling! Anyone know of a good Art Supply store which sell the little watercolour blocks?
So...it was a busy day yesterday...today...that's another matter.
Both our girls have playdates planned for today...which means a little spare time for Mummy...yay...

Sorry if I haven't caught up on your blogs recently...I hope to today.

What are your plans for Today?

Until later...
Char,ON

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Joe Everson

WOW...this week has sped by!
As many of you know every week on Tuesdays we introduce to you another one of our *Fabulous Readers* who I have gotten to know through Blog Land over this past year

 and a half...

I first stumbled upon Joe and his ingredible draughtmanship recently after discovering his Wife's blog..I was in awe, it's rare to find someone who is so dedicated to detailing a piece of artwork. Such a talent! 
So...not keeping you any further from meeting and getting to know Joe a little better...

Let me introduce to you...Joe Everson.

 Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?
I grew up in Midland, MI. Midland is a family oriented community minded City. My father grew up in Midland and the majority of my relatives still live in Midland. Dow and Dow Corning are two very large chemical co. that produce the majority of the jobs in Midland, and it is not hard to find people with extra letters before their names. Yet, at the core midland is filled with hardworking people. The state of MI has been in the nation’s lowest economic status because of GM and the automobile industry. This is hard. Seeing my grandfather’s medical possibly taken, and seeing many families struggling to keep their homes. My father taught music at Delta College for a while, but he got another Job in Pembine, WI teaching music at Northland International University. I was in tenth grade when I moved there, and I studied Theology and Counseling at the University. I met my wife, Bethany, at college; and fell in love with her beautiful blue eyes.
If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
I think that I would only like to visit other places. I am very happy living in MI. But I have always wanted to see Paris!

How structured is your day usually?
My wife would probably say that my days are messy; I say that my days are a structured mess. This is due to the nature of my work. My family and my brother’s family sing in for a non-profit organization across the U.S. This means that we are on the go every week. We could be in South Carolina one week and Maine the Next.

What did you do today?
I built a basketball hoop, lead a youth group, and did my drawing lesson of the day. I also watched the Olympics and cheered on a speedskater, Travis, from Midland MI.
Are you a cat or dog person?
I am a dog person! This is partially because I am allergic to cats.
 Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner guy?
I think that I am a lunch guy. I like dinners and hamburger joints. I love the nostalgic 50’s feeling.
If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
If I had some guy friends over I would probably cook some steak. If their families were joining them I think that I would my grandmother’s favorite enchiladas! Mmmmmm.
How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
I think that there are many ways of looking at the direction a person should go based on that individual’s interests and desires. I always loved to be involved in the ARTs, and I think that I always knew that I would be. Whether it would be singing, teaching, designing, coaching, drawing, or all of the above; the truth of the matter is, drawing has become my passion.
Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?
I had a teacher in High school, Marilyn Garrison, who did more than teach me art; she inspired me by telling me that I had a gift. She was fun and encouraging. I would also have to say that My Grandma Grace (Professional Photographer) and Grandma Eunice (Watercolor Painter) were the closest to me who understood the art side of me. Thank you both.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.
I went to Guam for a summer and learned how to play the Ukulele.
What was the last book you read?
Oddly enough the last book that I read was, “The Art of Basic Drawing.”
What advice would you give others just starting out?
When you see another artist, don’t get jealous! Do it your way!
Name 5 blogs you enjoy visiting, and tell us why.
My wife has a great blog called “It’s a Wonderful Life

My Mother-in-laws blog “Cranberry Cottage
A great friend and artist, “Pam Warden Art
This blog is interesting and one of the first people to start following me in blogger.
To tell you the truth the next favorite blog of mine is the one you are reading. I love the concept of this blog!


THANKS Joe...very kind of you, and thanks SO much for taking part this week.

So this is where you can find Joe HERE , I'm sure he'd love to hear from you...so head over and say Hi...or leave a comment for him here...I'm sure he'll be checking in.

REMEMBER...this is your last chance to enter my Original Artwork Giveaway!
CLICK HERE to enter.

Have a wonderful day...we got SNOW last night...YEAY...sorry living up here in Canada with NO snow is just not right...we've been missing it this year...the girls are SUPER excited.

Char,ON

Monday, February 22, 2010

Monday's MAIL...

a parcel from the UK..
every stitch...
ALL that time spent...
handmaking treasures...
for the girls and me...
Thank you Mumma...they're wonderful face-clothes.
(I love the little heart.x.)

IF you haven`t already...don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY which I posted on Saturday.
HUGS
Char,On

Monday's MIX..

this weekend went way too fast... and I feel like nothing was accomplished...BUT...lots of smiles...and PJ's all day on Sunday...
and camps...playing together...imaginary play...fun times.
Monday mornings we always scrub the previous week's Calendar on the WIPE-AWAY board and write it all up again.
This is something I work on daily with the girls as little Miss A goes to school every afternoon...it keeps me sane...it keeps them busy in the mornings. We change the date daily and Little Miss A writes one of her sentences which she created today...and all her "POPCORN" words which she gets weekly from school...these are words which "POP" up in books and stories.
Little Miss J finds it HARD to concentrate for SO long, so we're working on her tracing, recognition and sounds of letters...she starts School in September...we have to get her ready!

I haven't been painting or drawing since last week...it makes me feel a little empty inside...so I have plans for today to get a couple of projects finished.

I hope you had a good weekend...what did you get up to?

 IF you haven`t already...don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY which I posted on Saturday.

I'll be visiting you all this evening.

It's LUNCH for the girls already gotta go!
HUGS
Char,ON

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Bunches...a quick post



I have discovered that Beth's hair is just about long enough to put in bunches now. This gives me more amusement than her, so far they last for about a quarter of an hour before little fingers have pulled them out! She looks very sweet though and they keep the fringe that is getting longer out of her eyes a little. But as the little bean totters about in her oversized dressing gown, pushing odd items through our cat-flap such as her socks, toys and other stray treasures she picks up on her travels. I spend my days retrieving them dutifully before they get rained on! It makes me smile though as it was only a few years ago that the same scenario was reenacted by a small boy with his finds - the lure of a cat-flap to the outside world.



The giveaway looks great Char, what a treat someone will have! Good luck to you all!
Tam, UK

Saturday, February 20, 2010

original ARTwork GIVEAWAY...

HELLO fabulous friends...
I haven't had a giveaway for a while...SO...many of you know what to do to WIN an Original watercolour Once Upon a Time painting...
1st :: Make sure you're a FABULOUS READER of our blog.
2nd :: Leave a comment telling me which Animal,bird  or insect you would like painted. With the numer of children/adults on the back and 3 colours...oh, as well as a night or day scene.
3rd :: If you'd like an extra entry...blog about the giveaway and make sure you leave a seperate comment with the link to your post.

Have fun with it...I will use a random picker and choose a Winner on WEDNESDAY the 24th February.

P.S. EVEN if you have won one in the past...you may still enter...this is 2010 you know!

Enjoy your Saturday.
Char,ON

Friday, February 19, 2010

where did the week go?

This week has flown by...I did manage to get a couple of posts in, and thanking Tam for posting this week too!

Last night after a day of feeling as though my stomach was going to let me down...but didn't...I relaxed in the evening whilst watching "Bright Star"...last week I saw a 15minute intro and then something happened to my DVD player(I drew a sketch)...SO...trying again...this time it worked.
 WOW...what a movie...such amazing photography and costumes. There's a blue hue about the entire movie which makes it dark and romantic. I have never been too captivated by poetry, but John Keates makes me want to go hunt some down!

I could have truly paused this movie every 5 minutes and there was a painting framed and composition already for me...lighting...the whole deal. If you haven't seen it...and you love period films...it's a MUST!
Our girls have been crafting all week...
painting...beading...creating letters for their friends...
they're at their calmest when they're making something...I really do enjoy these times and treasure them so dearly.

Do you remember this post from last February 09?

I drew our girls a Valentine picture...well, Kelly from Kelly Berkey Designs ran a contest to make some Jewellery out of a piece of original Artwork, because that's what she does...
and just LOOK how gorgeous it turned out...I one one charm, the flower is the reverse side, and so I ordered another so both our girls could have one.
Thanks Kelly, I am SO fortunate to have won this wonderful giveaway!
So...a day later I receive another email saying...YOU WON! and this was for another talented Artist
Joe...here is his Blog so you can go and see some more of his amazing draughtmanship!
Thanks Joe and this is the print I chose...isn't it gorgeous!!!
Well, this has been a fabulous month...because it all started when I entered another Giveaway (you have to support those who GIVEAWAY stuff :-) on the blog Zac A Board...really very interesting blog about a family who live, blog and travel on a boat.

I had been searching the net for "felt winter boots" because whilst in the UK my Mumma explained to me that when they grew up...they wore Felt Boots in the Winter...no soles, just felt. Then all of a sudden as I was searching...so many results started to appear and now I am seeing felt EVERYWHERE...
Anyway...GREAT news came to me...I WON them, I could choose one pair of Felt Slippers from Satch and Sol...and they arrived in February...Little Miss A lives in them and says they're SO comfy...they have adult sizes too!!!


So...now that I have completely made you feel like going out there and entering ALL the Giveaways possible...because you can win!

I haven't had a Giveaway here for a LONG time...so..TOMORROW...that's Saturday 20th...I will be hosting a GIVEAWAY for February. It's a good one!

I hope you have had a great week...I will visit you all later...THANK YOU for all you precious comments earlier in the week with regards to my Mum post...very touching.
HUGS
Until tomorrow...
Char,ON

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