2009 Recap . . .

What a year it was!

It was a year that alot of babies were born. {And I do mean alot!}


Throughout the year, I received alot of pictures of babies with their paintings {can't thank you enough!}


This year also provided me a few more professional shots on my website. {Just makes the home page that much better!}


2009 was the year that many small words canvases were given as gifts for birthdays . . .

and as gifts at baby showers . . .

This was the year that many families celebrated joyous reunions {and just happened to really want a set of canvases to remind them of the happy occasion!}

All through the year, I did enjoy opening up emails to see pictures of small words canvases hanging on the walls over cribs, . . .

over many changing tables, . . .

over some incredibly, cute, decorative tables, . . .


and over {my fav-O-rite kind} cutie, children's tables!

And the absolute best EVER thing about 2009 . . .

all of you that sent me emails and small notes expressing what kind of inspiration you got from the blog! The boundaries you stepped over and the goals you reached left me speechless!

I did NOT paint these canvases{in the picture above or below,} but aren't they fantastic! They told me "thank you" for the inspiration! Crazy ladies - I need to thank YOU! That is my inspiration!

Bless each and everyone of your pea picking hearts! Looking forward to 2010!

Motivation, Inspiration . . . . call it whatever you want!

Hey You! Yeah, You! I'm talking to You! Just you! It's You and me . . . just talking. Sorry it has taken me forever to get this post going. I really had to sit down and think about exactly what I wanted to say. Words with feeling. Real words about my real life. Not that I don't normally say real stuff about my real life, but this time I wanted You to come away with that "I can do that, too" feeling. I've needed some motivation myself lately. So, I thought this would be the best time as any to do this post.

I need to tell You that I always could draw. I won several little dinky things through the high school years for my art - BUT never in a million years did I EVER think I would be doing any kind of art for a living! I've said it a thousand times - I had NEVER picked up a paint brush. Okay, except for my Purdy that has cut many corners in every room at my old house! Talking about a love affair. If you ever paint walls - you have to use that brand brush! Growing up, my mom had several rentals. Once a tenant would move out, she would do all the clean up herself. When I became old enough, I helped. And we painted basically everytime someone moved out. We had only one Purdy and we would fight over it. Became a huge inside joke {memories like those is when I actually miss my mom - good thing there aren't many!} Lonnie made fun of me when I would only use that brand during the renovation of the old place. Of course he tried using it and was in love - he swears by them, too!

{sneaky peeky number 1}

okay, okay, . . . . back to the story at hand!

Painting. Painting came out of a need for necessity. Or at least I look at it that way. As most all my crafting has in the past. Folks I was broke growing up, broke on my own, broke through college, broke after college - there was a time we had a little money when we got married, but then kids came - let's just say I "thought" I knew what broke was - add 4 kids in the mix . . . and they all need to eat! I know I'm getting some "Amens" and a ton of you are feeling me. BROKE!

{sneaky peeky number 2}

When I got pregnant with Hudson, I knew I had to have his name painted on a canvas. It had to have a soft, baby blue, a spring green and fire engine red on it. I wanted a simple pattern. Nothing over the top. Basic. I had spent 3 months making all the bedding {I never took a picture - shoot me!} which was a huge accomplishment - several shades of greens, blues and reds. Frogs were on some of the fabric - and I'm talking about a cute frog, not a ghetto one! Looking back on it - I so wish I would have paid someone else to do it or just bought something from somewhere.

I actually still have the bedding and this is the skirt hanging in my closet! Anyone in the market for frog bedding?? I'm serious!?

But the whole room had to be perfect. It was my first child! Well, I couldn't find anyone that would do a custom piece for me. And I tried! I couldn't afford anything I found online. I love Drooz. Oh, how I love this woman! I would fall over from excitement if I ever met her {I doubt very seriously our paths would ever cross, but hey - we all have people we admire!} But her art was not in my budget {and would she even do a costume piece?? I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be in my budget!} This was before Etsy. Ebay was just Ebay {that would be a "no thank you very much".} I did find a local person {who I so hope would never come across my blog and read this!} She had a booth set up at a holiday market type thing. I paid her 50 bucks, gave her fabric swatches and a few weeks later I picked up "Hudson's new art" - I remember picking it up and thinking, "I've spent more money at Wal-mart and couldn't tell you what I bought - chalk this up as a lesson!" I gave her direction of what I wanted {I wish I would have taken a picture of it!} Somebody, somewhere would have loved it. I know they would. It just wasn't what I was looking for - nor what I wanted. Now, the reality is - I'm sure the same has happened to me - I pretty sure it happened with this one . . . .

Which was one of my favorites. I had not done many at this point and a store had my art displayed and sold several pieces on commission {which I don't really do anymore - more on that in a future post.} We really don't think she was happy with it. But what are you going to do?! I went by her specifications {except the font was not white and black gingham!} That was something I just couldn't do. {More on this in a future post!}

Back to the story {sorry I get sidetracked - can you tell??} At that pivotal moment in my life - I decided I could do it. That is the secret, You know?! Tell yourself, "I can do that!" And just do it. I did and 4 years later look where I'm at.

{this pains me beyond belief!} Here goes . . . .

The original

The now

Nat . . . . Jenn . . . . how in the he** did you see the potential in this . . . .

Do you guys want to know what is wrong with this picture above????? Can we say "ghetto" and not in a fabulous way!!! That is horrible!!! You can see my pencil marks!! EWWWW! I'm mortified!! {My sales will probably decrease in a rapid way now!!} Okay, so forget the pencil marks - how about the NOT SO STRAIGHT LINES!! I really could keep going!

And honestly - I feel like I'm better than this even . . . .

BUT at least it isn't like the original!!!! Good Lawd - that is bad!!

Guys, I know you all want to do something in bad way. Do it! Whether it's painting, sewing or running a marathon. Just freakin' get up and do it!!! Think about it . . . . What would you do if you knew you could not fail? {Look where I started for Pete's sake!!!} What is holding you back?

What are your struggles? And NOBODY better say "time". I mean, have you heard about my schedule lately? I can tell you that I can probably show you how lame your excuses are if you are brave enough to tell me. {I mean that in the nicest way possible!}

I challenge you to do it - whatever it is you want to do - Do it! I've got more . . .