Meow . . . .

Can I say that I'm so sorry for not posting. It seems like it's been about 4 years or so since my last post! I was going to post about Blissdom, but that is going to have to wait. I have several paintings, that is going to have to wait as well. Over the past several days, I've gotten a ton of emails - 44 to be exact - about the same situation. And obviously, I'm still getting a few trickling in. I think I have responded to everyone's so far. If I haven't, please know that I appreciate all of your comments AND thanks for looking out for me!

Yes, this is why I've not posted. I've really been bothered by this one. I'm mad - really hacked off. There was no point in posting till I was ready to talk about this. To get it off my chest and move on. Well, today is the day! I will probably lose some readers - but this has to be done! Sorry guys - it's just time to call some folks out!

The funny thing about this whole situation, is that I was planning this post for some time. But after February 8th and I saw what everyone else {or at least the 44 friends} did, I knew I had to get the post up now.

I know, some of you are dying to know where I'm heading with this . . . . but first you must go HERE! That is a new friend, Jamie. She is awesome and knows what she is talking about! {Jamie, I hope that is okay that I called you a friend - we have only emailed a couple of times!} Seriously, go and read it before you read any further . . . I'll wait. GO!!

hmm, . . . hmmm, waiting, waiting . . .

waiting, hmmmmmmmmm, hmm . . .

still waiting . . . . . . .


Okay, did you read it? I so hope you did, it is worth it to understand this post!

As most of know, a "new blogger" recently started creating her "own" art. And WoW, let me just say the similarities are amazing!!! But as you just read from Jamie's post, she has changed it up just enough!

Since I know alot of you have seen her work AND because I feel like it, let's point out the similarities . . .

** I'm just going to jump into the Valentine's art . . . . which a bunch of people must have like my idea of the Halloween and Christmas pieces because I was blown away with how many people did the same concept for Valentine's Day! HENCE, the reason you didn't see any come from me! Sorry for all those waiting for that piece - I'M ORIGINAL - I MUST NOW GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR AN ORIGINAL IDEA!

I think it is a waste of my time to point out the fact that she did it each with a different font on each canvas . . . because everyone else that followed my idea did the same!

boo - Halloween 2008

But the fact that she did a slightly domed framed with tick marks! WoW!

Fa la la - Christmas 2008

As you can tell I did it on my Christmas ones too!

Oh, and did I mention she did it on her Christmas set, too?! As well as the circles with the dots around them? The font overlaps the frames? Or how she packages them in cello with a coordinating ribbon?? How she gives "sneak peeks"? How coincidental - all of it!


The best lifted idea yet, has got to be my paisley! The EXACT same freakin' paisley!! Do you know how many different ways you can paint a freakin' paisley?? I can think of about 500 original ideas on how to paint a freakin' paisley! But my mind works like that - original! AND I'm talking about the exact same designs inside the paisley as well as the tail of the paisley! Wait pardon me, she did change the tail slightly on one of hers {but the rest of the thing looks just like mine!}


Not only did she copy the paisley pattern she finished off the same painting with a dark edge {actually black} with, what else, white polk-a-dots. Is it coincidence??

I'm not saying any of these ideas are JUST mine to ONLY use! I'm sure someone has done them at some point in time and I know others {who I know for a fact look at my blog has lifted an element or two here and there.} It is the fact that so much of the work I saw was copied!

Unfortunately, this person doesn't have very much art to look at for more comparisons. But 4 of the {I think only} 6 she has posted looks coincidentally familiar!

And because I know she reads my blog {she has to with the all the coincidental similarities} I have some advice for her,

Hi friend,

The secret to art - is to come up with an original idea. Obviously you can paint, so find your own art - own ideas. You need to figure out your own style and paint it. Make it yours - and own it. LIKE I OWN MINE. That is why I have tons of people email me weekly about copycats. In this business, Imitation is not the best flattery. And remember, what goes around comes around.

PS - I apparently don't believe in coincidence.

PSS - You misspelled your website in your 'about me' on your side bar.

sincerely - kim!

I feel I haven't said eveything I wanted to say, but time has officially ran out. My kids are up and running around and I feel whatever else I put in here might not have the same effect now that I have all the distractions. I hope that everyone knows that I'm sorry that I put this on here - but there are so many others that need to see this. Such as the few people who copied my profile. Get real people - that was me I was describing NOT YOU! I guess I'm going to have to now change it!

And just because I end all post {like this one} with the line . . .


. . I bet their momma is proud!

Thanks for listening. And thanks for sticking with the original small words! I love all of you! Really, I do!

I just can't help myself and I must do it . . . .

**Edited to add**

****Edited to add some more****

I have to put my 2 cents in {- and actually, it's probably worth way less than that!} But here goes . . .

Did you watch the VP candidate debate tonight?? Did you?? Oh, if you didn't, you missed a good one! First off this "change" everybody is talking about - well, it happened tonight and I hoped you all didn't miss it. I'm so freakin' sick and tired of the "bad-mouthing" - I want to know what you "did" to make things "better" here in America for me and my family! {Because, frankly, I feel like that is some of the most important people!} These 2 VP hopefuls pulled off a very good debate. I actually missed the first several minutes, but was mesmerized when I did give the telly my full attention. Thank you, Sarah, for looking at me and talking to me. Thank you for only mentioning Obama's name 18 times and not 60+ times. Thank you for telling me what you did to better the world. Thanks for being "real".

Now, don't get me wrong, I felt the Biden did a great job too. I don't want to cut him down, it's just that I really like Sarah. And not because she is a woman. Actually, I've been one of the few people that didn't really want a female in the office - not quite seen or heard of one that I thought could do it. Until now! If it wasn't for that accent, I would think she's from the south. She seems so gracious! I love to hear her say "thank you"!! Everyone is giving her all this grief with the "get back with ya'" comments . . . . At least she is going to check into it for "ya'" - most politicians give you some bogus, made up answer!

Okay, let me get on the past "8 years" comments. I really thought that Congress is majority led by Democrats? And I thought that the Democratic controlled Congress must vote Bush's "stuff" into law? So, the question lies in "why in Pete's name, is it all Bush's fault" when Congress is the one who votes this stuff into law? Oh, I know, because no one take responsibility and they have to blame someone! I've never wanted to tell someone to "stick it" so many times in my life when it comes to this comment! Would you stop with last "8 years" comments - it's getting old!

The facts are that the past 8 years would have been some difficult years to be president! There was 9/11, Katrina {which we all know was Bush's fault - he made that all happen}, the war . . . . I could keep going. Most of all this stuff was inevitable. It was going to happen no matter who was in office. It just sucks that it was Bush - hate it for you man, but someone has to take the fall - and it's you brother. At least you didn't have "sexual relations" with anyone other than your wife. I guess you were just too busy trying to work on the issues at hand.

Ahhh yeah, how about the housing market?! Dang, that's ol' Bush's fault too!! He offered all those "broke" jokers an adjustable rate mortgage, talked them into it as the best possible idea, convinced them the market is only going to get "better", no need to lock into a fixed rate when you "can afford" it. I bet Bush set behind every desk and held the pen in their hands and forced all those signatures! I'm sure he did! Uhhh, yeah right!! Folks, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that these were all problems that started before his 8 years in office!

Okay, now you got all this broke jokers trying to make their monthly house payments and then Bush jacked the price of gas up {I kid you not when I say that my grandmother actually said to me that it was "Bush's fault for the gas prices"}! Now, we got a bunch of fools who can't afford to put gas in their cars to go to work to pay the mortgage they already couldn't afford. Man, Mr. President, can you give us some kind of break {hey thanks for that stimulus check - it really came in handy with that rubber mulch we bought!} Because we know it is all your fault for all these STUPID decisions that the American people were forced to make. Because we apparently live in some communistic country where you control us.

Like my healthcare. Oh, please - please control my healthcare!! Oh, wait - the government already does - it's called tricare and it's through the military - and it SUCKS!!!! You want to know why it SUCKS - because the government has control of this fantastic healthcare that we have on me, my husband and my 4 kids.

ughh - I really could keep going - but my despise mostly lies with the media. Somebody put the blame where it belongs!! I've really gotten to where as soon as I see them cutting someone down - I turn off the TV. Give me facts and do it in an informative way. Not the "I'm so smart and your so dumb" way. {I might be the only one who feels that way.} So, thanks Sarah, for telling me what you have done and not so much what the opponent has not done. Hey, I don't mind you telling what you have done compared to what the other has done. But no more of this belittling each other - it's old! So, thanks for this "change" - it started with your speech about "you" and not the "other guy" - what a breath of fresh air.

As far as president - I feel real sorry for the person who gets in office - because apparently that is all being president is about - being the fall guy - the one to blame when it all falls apart. We have to blame someone for the bad. Because no one is going to jump in and say "sorry, I think I helped contribute to that bad issue!"

November is around the corner - get your facts - then go vote!

I'm tired - if there are any misspelled words in this post - I'll change them in the morning!

** Okay, my friend Chris made a valid point about insurance - please go read her comment, then come back to this spot . . . . . As far as the insurance, IF the government would do what the Canadian government did {for that matter most other developed countries} I would totally take it! But I just don't think it will happen that way. These doctors who have been practicing for upteen years are not willing to give up their money for a government paid insurance company. And as long as they have the money to pay the lobbyist - it is going to remain that way. The facts are that politics are shady and crooked and greedy. I'm tellin' ya', it's who is in Congress that has the control. And as far as my insurance, most of our ailments heal themselves by the time we get our approval to go see the next doctor. And again, it's government ran. It's free. I pay nothing until I get the bill in for 20% of the usual and customary charges! And that hurts.

We need real change and not a bunch of talk . . . . .


****This is for the anonymous comment at 5:44 pm on October 3 - You pay 100%?? Do you have a choice as to where you go??? I don't!

The only thing to say is "WoW" . . .

so, pretty much immediately after the previous post, I began to receive emails - many emails & some phone calls. "Who made you mad?" "What happened?" "You've got to tell me who that is directed too!!" blah, blah, you get the picture. I actually think some of you might have thought is was you!! So, let me clarify the reason for the post . . .

I received an email through my website from someone that I've never met. An aspiring artist if you will. She wanted to know some info. I was assuming she wanted to know what paint I use, what type of brushes, about my canvases, etc. I replied back and said "sure, just get back to me what exactly you want to know." I mean, come on, she doesn't really want to hear EVERYTHING I can assure you & her. She responded with something like, "thanks, most people wouldn't do that" - you know, share their information.

Well, that got me to thinking. You know she is right, I've been there many times!! Some strangers and yes, some of them are from people who I consider friends. I don't mean super, close friends, but none the less friends. Someone I really expect would share information with me. Let me remind you from the previous post - People that I've given much direction, "trade secrets", how-to's, etc. Why would they not help me out?? Or at least that is what I'm thinking?! I love when you ask them a question and they act like they don't hear you or completely change the subject or say something like, "I can do it for you." First off, I know you heard me; second, you can change the subject, but I still know exactly what I asked you; and third, if I wanted you to do it for me, I would ask that question!! It normally hacks me a little, but my husband seems to think SOME of these people are somewhat intimidated and are quite concerned that I will excel quicker in that "whatever" than they have. "Thank you honey, for having that much faith and belief in me, but is that really the reason, or are you just trying to get me to stop talking about that situation??? I mean really?! There are not that many things that excel in - not in a money-maker way." The funny part is I only ask because of something I want for personal use, not to profit from!!! Trust me, I won't take any business away from you and normally after the "brush off" I'm not going to give you my business either! In that instance, I'd prefer to use a complete stranger that is equally or more talented. Of course, my husband also says, "the internet is BIG WORLD and I'm sure that is where they found the supplies, the source or the know how. Why don't you go look yourself." Which is always an awesome idea!!

I guess the true meaning of the post was to tell people to get up an over yourself. Yes, you must truly have talent, but you just don't have good business sense! And those are the two traits you must carry equally. If you slack in either, you will eventually fail. I've been on both sides of that fence. If someone ask you for help, for the love of God - give it to them. Because if you don't, they will find it elsewhere. There is no such thing as secrets.

Thanks to everyone with the concern - I do appreciate it. But it was more of a public announcement post not so much personal and my new friend Melissa J - I will answer all your questions tomorrow . . . it is 2 am and 5:30ish comes really quick!! I'm beat. Most of you want to know how I do it - that's how - Little sleep!! I still could use a couple or six more hours to get a "good day's" work in!!

What I've learned over time . . .

There is no such thing as a secret!!!

Let me start from the beginning . . . . I love a challenge. I mean, really LOVE a challenge!! Ask my husband if you don't believe me. Now, I'm not athletic, hate sports in general, matter-of-fact I hate to sweat!!! Roller skating is the only sport I can do extremely well {uhmmm - is that a sport??} I find myself attempting all types of things just to master it and then move on!! Just to name a few random things, at 5 years old, I completed my first cross-stitch piece. At 12, I completed my first quilt (and it fit a full size bed). At 19, I learned to tat (if you don't know what that is, I'll explain later.) Anything artsy, crafty, whatever - I can figure it out - MOSTLY on my own. But, someone has to be there to give you the inspiration, you know - to show you what you want to do. To get you started!! I honestly can't tell you every person that inspired me for all my ventures. But what I can tell you is that if I needed any type of advice, help, direction as to where to go to find the "products" that I need - each of the people would give it to me. Every single one. And they still do. They all still share their "Secrets."

That my friends - is a true business person. A "REAL" person. Haven't you noticed that all profitable women in the market share their knowledge. The difference is they have true confidence in their skill. That would be WHY they make so much money even when they spill the beans on all they know. I'm sure most of you can read between the lines and see what I'm saying about those who keep a "tight lip" on what they think are "Secrets" -

Which leads me back to the beginning of the post. I love a challenge and there are no secrets, just because I want to know where you got it, how you made it or whatever, doesn't mean I want to profit from it . . . I just want to try it, for fun. You know, conquer another "craft" and then move on. So, people get over yourselves, I mean really, their seems to be people out there willing to divulge in the same info you seem to think you got the patent on. In the big scheme of things - WHO CARES!!

Apparently, you don't have very much confidence in your skill! Are you afraid that person will be better at it than you?? Then your probably right. It always comes back around - the good and the bad!! And I too, have learned this the hard way.

Now with this said, I've also learned who to keep my mouth shut with and who to blow off when they ask for my "secrets" . . . Go find them elsewhere. I've divulged enough of me and you haven't let go of any info I could use from you.

The funny part, some people {probably} just figured out who this is directed too!! teehe

And to all the "REAL" people out there - Thanks!!

Why ebay is so uncool . . .

Okay - so I bid on and won the COOLEST tole chandelier in the world (thinking it will look super fabulous in my fun room!!!) For real folks, I stayed up till 2 in the morning and came in the last 5 seconds and won the light fixture. That was over 2 weeks ago, and I still ain't go my chandelier!! I emailed this dork after waiting for a week and he told me "his warehouse has to make sure that the light fixtures have all their parts before they are shipped off" - well duh?!?! It supposedly was missing the matching chain and plate (the part that affixes to the ceiling.) Anywho - this big dummy then said that it would be shipping out on the next business day.

So again, I waited a week, UPS came with other stuff but never with my beautiful, tole chandelier!!! So I emailed the stupid seller again - he said that "he would have a tracking number for me later that day and thanks for my patience" - did he ever send me a tracking number - NO!!!!

So, Sunday night I emailed him a FRANK message that simply told him that if the light had not shipped by that day, I want a full refund. I couldn't help myself, but I also told him that some of the parts being missing has got to be one of the lamest excuses that I've ever heard. And that he should have made sure all the parts were there before he listed it on ebay!! And I also had to throw in that I also think that it is EXTREMELY RUDE when a buyer immediately pays for the item and the seller does not leave feedback!!! I can't stand that!! I mean - let's face it - I did my part - promptly - I bid, I won, I paid - all within a 3 minute period. What is he waiting on - for me to leave feedback for him first - what a dumb a**!!!

Needless to say, he has not contacted me and I did file a formal complaint with paypal and ebay. I hate that I'm not getting my groovy chandelier, but I got to get my money back - there is another one out there waiting for me to buy it!!!! I'm so over ebay - I've got to find a new source for some great finds!!