I finished making and listed in my Etsy shop some new upcycled scrabble tile pendant - necklaces. All are from prints of my original paintings.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Being a Navy Mom Pride & Worry
I am a very proud Navy Mom. I was blessed with 3 beautiful children inside and out. My oldest son Travis, enlisted last year, and was in boot camp a month later. It was hard not being able to sit on the patio with him and chat about his day. He's always liked to be home and surrounded by family, I was surprised by his decision. He did "ask" me, I already knew he'd made up his mind and was just seeking my approval.
When he said the recruiter was going to come over, I told him just let the recruiter know I don't want smoke blown up my ***. I support the decision I don't need to be "sold". He'd already warned the recruiter so that was nice. Thank you Chief Malinowsky for being honest and direct. My grandfather was career Navy, my father was law enforcement, I was federal Homeland Security for awhile. I guess it's in the blood, protecting others.
December 2009 was his Naval Bootcamp graduation, he got to come home for 5 days before heading to Pensicola, FL for A-school. He was next able to come home on liberty for what ended up being a day and half because storms cancelled flights in. He was supposed to be coming home in September for 2 weeks leave before they deployed. His birthday is the 24th of this month, we'd be celebrating 21 years.
The ship he is on, USS Kearsarge LHD-3 deployed early to give aid in Pakistan on a humanitarian mission. This is our first deployment. We didn't have time to go out to visit him in Norfolk nor was he able to come home prior. A week later I couldn't sleep and a text message arrived around 5am...Mom I didn't want to wake you up so I'm sending this, we're leaving port in the next couple hours, tell everyone I love them and see you when I get back... I called him immediately to let him know how proud I was, how much we loved him and how much we'd miss him.
I Love my children to no end. They changed my life forever in so many good ways. It was so hard to not be able to hug him and say goodbye in person. It's been difficult to know he'd be heading to the Middle East but now that he's actually over where so many families have lost loved ones it's even more difficult.
When the ship went into River City, I, the family, his fiance' nearly lost our minds. Not knowing the Navy's lingo for the operation status and knowing what we did about it our hearts sank. I didn't sleep for 2 days, and sadly was between thoughts of he's just fine and maybe I should mentally prepare for the worst. I fully supported his decision to join, he'd thought about it for a long time. He didn't just jump in. My second son is wanting to enlist, and I'll support his decision as well.
It's funny how your heart can be so full of pride but at the same time worry and terror. It's a real war, our children, our husbands, wives, fathers, daughters, sisters, brothers are dying over there still. We lost a nephew to the war in March of 2007, Staff Sergeant Dustin M. Gould combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. My heart breaks when I hear friends who's children who are serving are under attack or haven't heard from them, I never fully understood that initial panic, that is until we had no contact with our son and no idea if he was ok or not.
I'm proud of all the men and women serving our country, they weren't drafted. These heroes enlisted on their own. While many of us may not agree with what's going on in the east, most can agree being attacked on American land on 9/11 and trying to stop terrorists from doing something like that again is a worthy cause and reason. They aren't dying in vain, they are dying for our country, for a reason they believe in...to end terrorism. For the families behind these heroes I am grateful for the support you gave them and that we have such fine people serving our Country.
God Bless America politics aside, and those who have and continue to fight to protect her. Travis, wherever you are, we love and miss you and hope to see you home very soon. I know it's a few days away but Happy Birthday, 21 years ago you changed my life and perspectives for the better and 21 years later your still changing my life. I worry but you know me, I love you!
Fair Seas and Following Winds, come back home safe Sailor! That's an order :D
Bless those I know over as well and their families...The Csordas, The Johnson's, The Wynn's, The Krieger's, The Thompson's, The Godsey's, The Schildman's. My thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with all of you and your sons & daughters serving.
When he said the recruiter was going to come over, I told him just let the recruiter know I don't want smoke blown up my ***. I support the decision I don't need to be "sold". He'd already warned the recruiter so that was nice. Thank you Chief Malinowsky for being honest and direct. My grandfather was career Navy, my father was law enforcement, I was federal Homeland Security for awhile. I guess it's in the blood, protecting others.
December 2009 was his Naval Bootcamp graduation, he got to come home for 5 days before heading to Pensicola, FL for A-school. He was next able to come home on liberty for what ended up being a day and half because storms cancelled flights in. He was supposed to be coming home in September for 2 weeks leave before they deployed. His birthday is the 24th of this month, we'd be celebrating 21 years.
The ship he is on, USS Kearsarge LHD-3 deployed early to give aid in Pakistan on a humanitarian mission. This is our first deployment. We didn't have time to go out to visit him in Norfolk nor was he able to come home prior. A week later I couldn't sleep and a text message arrived around 5am...Mom I didn't want to wake you up so I'm sending this, we're leaving port in the next couple hours, tell everyone I love them and see you when I get back... I called him immediately to let him know how proud I was, how much we loved him and how much we'd miss him.
I Love my children to no end. They changed my life forever in so many good ways. It was so hard to not be able to hug him and say goodbye in person. It's been difficult to know he'd be heading to the Middle East but now that he's actually over where so many families have lost loved ones it's even more difficult.
When the ship went into River City, I, the family, his fiance' nearly lost our minds. Not knowing the Navy's lingo for the operation status and knowing what we did about it our hearts sank. I didn't sleep for 2 days, and sadly was between thoughts of he's just fine and maybe I should mentally prepare for the worst. I fully supported his decision to join, he'd thought about it for a long time. He didn't just jump in. My second son is wanting to enlist, and I'll support his decision as well.
It's funny how your heart can be so full of pride but at the same time worry and terror. It's a real war, our children, our husbands, wives, fathers, daughters, sisters, brothers are dying over there still. We lost a nephew to the war in March of 2007, Staff Sergeant Dustin M. Gould combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. My heart breaks when I hear friends who's children who are serving are under attack or haven't heard from them, I never fully understood that initial panic, that is until we had no contact with our son and no idea if he was ok or not.
I'm proud of all the men and women serving our country, they weren't drafted. These heroes enlisted on their own. While many of us may not agree with what's going on in the east, most can agree being attacked on American land on 9/11 and trying to stop terrorists from doing something like that again is a worthy cause and reason. They aren't dying in vain, they are dying for our country, for a reason they believe in...to end terrorism. For the families behind these heroes I am grateful for the support you gave them and that we have such fine people serving our Country.
God Bless America politics aside, and those who have and continue to fight to protect her. Travis, wherever you are, we love and miss you and hope to see you home very soon. I know it's a few days away but Happy Birthday, 21 years ago you changed my life and perspectives for the better and 21 years later your still changing my life. I worry but you know me, I love you!
Fair Seas and Following Winds, come back home safe Sailor! That's an order :D
Bless those I know over as well and their families...The Csordas, The Johnson's, The Wynn's, The Krieger's, The Thompson's, The Godsey's, The Schildman's. My thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with all of you and your sons & daughters serving.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Angels amongst us
The world can be a very ugly place. It's so often few and far between you find genuine good hearted, generous, giving people who care. Yesterday we'd been spreading the word about Devin, who is paralyzed from the neck down needing a new mouse. Today the entire amount needed was met and the family is able to purchase a new mouse and Devin has his connection to his family, friends and the outside world back.
Thank you and God bless you, each and every one of you who spread the word, asked how to help and donated. There are people who still care. That wonderful family now has one less worry.
Thank you again!
Thank you and God bless you, each and every one of you who spread the word, asked how to help and donated. There are people who still care. That wonderful family now has one less worry.
Thank you again!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Let's get Devin reconnected
Update! A donation was made and Devin is able to get his new mouse. Thanks so much to everyone for spreading the word and your help!
Hi friends,
Normally I'd never ask anything like this. Shelly & Steve Johnson's son Devin could use our help. Devin has been paralyzed from the neck down for the last 5 years, after being shot in the neck. Devin lives in another state for care, unfortunately this means he's away from his family. Devin uses the internet to connect with family, friends, the outside world. Devin Johnson is a wonderful young man, look at that smile in the photo. The special mouse he uses is also shown.
This week unfortunately Devin lost his connection to the outside world when his special computer mouse broke. It isn't just any old computer mouse, he uses a special mouse called a Quadjoy with a $800 price tag. Insurance doesn't cover replacement or repair.
For those of you that went to HS with Steve or Shelly, you know what great people they were and still are. Please, let's help reconnect Devin.
If you'd like to help donate to a fund to get Devin a new mouse use the payapal button below. Donations will go directly his parents Steve & Shelly Johnson so that they may purchase the new mouse for Devin. Any amount helps, even as little as a dollar.
Thank you for your generosity on behalf of Shelly, Steve, Devin and myself. If you don't use paypal and would rather help in other means please contact me here or facebook. I'll keep this post updated with total donation amounts and remove the button once the amount needed is met.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
God Bless America!
Most of us were witness to this catastrophic event in American History, I don't have the words that would do any justice. I do however remember 9/11 like it was yesterday. My heartfelt thanks and prayers go those who lost loved ones in that attack and in the war since. God bless America, those who have given their lives to protect her, those who are serving her now.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week-End Blog Hops
A blog hop is a post where you can post a link to your blog, facebook or website . It's a great opportunity to find new blogs and share yours.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week-end :D
You can find me on Facebook too! Like it HERE
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Friday Feature - The Pumpkin Patch
'The Pumpkin Patch' by brendadoodles
Pumpkin and Jack-O-Lantern themed collection. I just love this time of year!
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Penguins - Chicks Dig the Tux
"Chicks Dig the Tux" is in print now and available in my Etsy shop. The original painting is acrylic on 3./8th inch gessoed hardboard (masonite).
I really love penguins, whales, dolphins and seals. This one was a blast to paint. I could hear their conversation. "Dude, just stand here and look cool! I'm tellin you man, chicks dig the tux!"
I really love penguins, whales, dolphins and seals. This one was a blast to paint. I could hear their conversation. "Dude, just stand here and look cool! I'm tellin you man, chicks dig the tux!"
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
2 new whimsical prints - Counting Sheep & Everlasting Bloom
Two new prints available in my Etsy shop. Life can get so serious, there is always room for a little whimsy.
SIZE: 4" by 6" inches print of my original 4x6 watercolor paintings.
MEDIA: Artist Grade Watercolors
SURFACE: Matte premium print on archival paper. White border around image for framing and matting.
This little shepherd is asleep after counting sheep. The moon watches and smiles over him.
Everlasting bloom, true love is forever.
SIZE: 4" by 6" inches print of my original 4x6 watercolor paintings.
MEDIA: Artist Grade Watercolors
SURFACE: Matte premium print on archival paper. White border around image for framing and matting.
Monday, September 6, 2010
What a day -Stupid Thieves
My daughter's bicycle was stolen out of our garage. I am so angry, she has taken such good care of it and always puts it up. It was a gift from her step-brother, so now she's heartbroken. They also got my son's bike. You try so hard to lead an honest life, help others and even good karma can't protect you all the time I suppose. I wish they knew who they stole from. We will be hard pressed to replace that bike, we struggle like anyone else in this economy. Well I suppose karma will run up and bite them on the ass someday sadly. I think I'll put a sign up out back, (I'm sure they frequent the back alley) and ask for the return, no questions asked etc.
On a good note. I got the most wonderful compliments from a customer who purchased artwork as a gift to her husband for their anniversary. She took the time to go to my facebook page and post it. Really made my day after the bike theft drama.
I also got the website finished and it's live. Since I have a blog here now it didn't make sense to keep the WordPress blog on my domain up any longer. Now to get the mini dog tag art pendants done this week lol.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Chibi ACEO's Acorn and Sailor Boy
Two new chibi style aceos listed in my etsy shop. Chibi is a Japanese word meaning "short person" or "small child", it's a style of anime and manga. Aceo means, Art Card Editions and Originals. They are always 2.5" by 3.5", the size of a normal trading card. They are highly collectible miniature works of art that can be created in any media.
Big eyed little Chibi style baby acorn just fell off the tree and is ready for Autumn and Fall. For sale HERE
Made with artist grade Koi Watercolors, artist grade prismacolor watercolor pencils.
Little Chibi style sailor boy is ready for duty. For sale HERE
Made with artist grade Koi Watercolors, Faber PITT India Ink.
Big eyed little Chibi style baby acorn just fell off the tree and is ready for Autumn and Fall. For sale HERE
Made with artist grade Koi Watercolors, artist grade prismacolor watercolor pencils.
Little Chibi style sailor boy is ready for duty. For sale HERE
Made with artist grade Koi Watercolors, Faber PITT India Ink.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sandy the Seahorse Watercolor 9x12
I love the sea and the marine life. Here are some fun facts about Seahorses.
Did you know?
*International protection was provided to seahorses on May 15th, 2004.
*Zebra stripes and spots, are two patterns that seahorses come in.
*A herd, is the term a group of seahorses are known as.
*Seahorses are unable to curl their tail backwards.
*Seahorses belong to the Teleost suborder or bony fish group.
*The average lifespan of a seahorse in the wild is estimated to be 1 to 5 years.
*A seahorse that is two weeks old can consume 3000 to 4000 brine shrimp in a day.
*Seahorses are monogamous, they mate for life. Each morning, they will come together, dance, change their color, twirl around with linked tails and then separate for the rest of the day. While mating, seahorses utter musical sounds.
*Seahorses are the only animals in the entire animal kingdom in which the male has babies.
*Seahorses are at risk because about twenty-five million of them are being traded around the world, in a span of a year.
This whimsical little baby seahorse is enjoying a swim an blowing bubbles. Aqua, Blue, Green, Orange and yellow colors. She is for sale in my Etsy shop HERE
TITLE: Sandy the Seahorse
SIZE: 9" x 12" inches (216 x 279 Ca. MM) Original Watercolor.
MEDIA: Artist Grade Watercolor paints
SURFACE: Canson Montval 140lb Watercolor Paper..
Did you know?
*International protection was provided to seahorses on May 15th, 2004.
*Zebra stripes and spots, are two patterns that seahorses come in.
*A herd, is the term a group of seahorses are known as.
*Seahorses are unable to curl their tail backwards.
*Seahorses belong to the Teleost suborder or bony fish group.
*The average lifespan of a seahorse in the wild is estimated to be 1 to 5 years.
*A seahorse that is two weeks old can consume 3000 to 4000 brine shrimp in a day.
*Seahorses are monogamous, they mate for life. Each morning, they will come together, dance, change their color, twirl around with linked tails and then separate for the rest of the day. While mating, seahorses utter musical sounds.
*Seahorses are the only animals in the entire animal kingdom in which the male has babies.
*Seahorses are at risk because about twenty-five million of them are being traded around the world, in a span of a year.
TITLE: Sandy the Seahorse
SIZE: 9" x 12" inches (216 x 279 Ca. MM) Original Watercolor.
MEDIA: Artist Grade Watercolor paints
SURFACE: Canson Montval 140lb Watercolor Paper..
Saturday Meme
This week's Saturday meme!
1. Do you feel that you are essentially the same person that your were ten years ago?
No, thankfully I've grown up a lot and I believe I am much more patient and focused. I'm finally doing what I love in life.
2. Is there something that you have to give all or nothing to?
If I can't give my all I generally don't take it on.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Down by the Sea Etsy Treasury
Growing up in California and later in life transplanting to the midwest has it's drawbacks.I really miss the ocean, the smell of salt in the air and the sound of crashing waves.
On the shore or under the sea what wonderful treasures you are bound to see.
'Down by the Sea' by brendadoodles
On the shore or under the sea what wonderful treasures you are bound to see.
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