Creating.....................

I have been very busy the past few months, painting, beading, sculpting pieces from metal clay and being inspired  on how to combine them all into unique, original, jewelry pieces. With  horses being a passion for me, in particular, retired thoroughbreds, I have made some equine jewelry to sell in my Etsy shop. I have committed  to donating 10% of all my sales to thoroughbred / horse rescue. It may not be much, but every little bit will count.

Pictured is my latest PMC, fine silver pendent, featuring a jumper. I made a photo polymer plate of a sketch I did awhile ago. It is strung with a combination of ceramic and glass beads.

Eye Candy

What's for Dinner?

In the quest to become a healthier me, and continue to pursue my love of cooking, I have come upon a couple of sites that offer delicious healthy recipes. Last night I made a remake of the Cheesecake Factory's Garlic Chicken Noodle Dish, from the Hungry Girl website.http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/1905. It was so yummy and I could have a healthy portion and yet limit the amount of calories. Tonight, I am doing a chicken parm from the website http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/758 ,adding spaghetti squash to my cup of pasta so I am not starving after dinner.The test will be how well the kids like it. They have a show on the Cooking Channel where I saw that hint, along with a bunch of others. .

The other site I visit a almost daily is. My niece, Liesel, turned me on to this site. She cooks from this site every day and has lost quiet a bit of weight. I have tasted many of these recipes and so far I have loved every one of them. The whole Superbowl party was from recipes from Gina's site. I especially liked the http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/01/skinny-baked-jalapeno-poppers.html jalapeno poppers...yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So cooking is something I can do while recovering and I am enjoying it a lot. Check out these sites and let me know what you think.

Change

Sometimes we all become very complacent in the comfort and routine of our every day lives, whether it is good for us or not. I had feared change because of all of the uncertainty about it but knew deep down inside it was desperately needed. I had made some changes and considered others but still struggle with why I am here and what I am to do with the rest of my life.

Life interests me. I am curious about so many things. I want to experience as much as I can. A terrible accident that injured me badly has given me time to reflect on what and who is important. My heart has opened and my mind spins with the possibilities of the future. I have written about this so many times change, future, etc. but have never been brave enough to take the next step. I had gotten to the point I did not trust my own judgment so I did nothing, or as little as I could. I feel as though I have been given a second chance at life. My recovery has been long but my belief in family and friends has been reinforced. I will be ever so grateful to those who unconditionally stepped in to take care of me , the kids, horses, dogs, house, bills. I want to pay it forward whenever I am given the chance. The last few years have been consumed with trying to survive that I could not think of anyone or anything else. That is one thing that has changed. I still do not have everything figured out but am more optimistic that life will fall into place now that I am out of the rut I was in. I wish it did not take me getting hurt to make the changes but it is what it is.

Overcoming my struggles

It's been a long time since this blog has seen a post from me. It has been awhile since I took the time to sit down and create something. Once again my life and time has been thoroughly preoccupied on just trying to survive and be a good Mom. There has not been much me time and certainly not enough time to paint, collage or make jewelry. Allowing a person to control your life and make it impossible for you to be yourself is so wrong on many levels. It is hard to believe that I had once again allowed that to happen. The compassionate side of me wants to believe in what people say and I had hopes of change. No change came...again!


So...I made the change. I also did something for myself. I adopted a horse! My daughter rides and I have wanted to re learn to ride, but it has always been about my daughter. An opportunity came up for me to adopt an ex three day eventer who is just a good guy! His name is "Jerry" and he is just what the doctor ordered. I have been taking lessons and am so proud of myself. I am just so happy when I am with the horses. Every stress in the world leaves my body. So onward I go through this life's journey and hoping for more good things to come.

Vintage Girl Holiday Ornaments

Here is one of the ornaments made from a vintage girl picture with beads & baubles added. The other will follow as soon as I get the pictures up.

More ACEO's and Christmas ornaments

I have been making more ACEO's and incorporating them into holiday decorations. These satisfy my need for instant gratification. This is fun and I enjoy these mini portraits on whatever subject I feel like at the moment. The mouse is just a little whimsical fella and I did the angel with my sister Kathi in mind who just got the news she is cancer free! ACEO is an acronym for Artist Card Edition Originals. They are also called ATC's short for Artist Trading Cards. Sized to 2.5 x 3.5 inches, they are a perfect way to collect art work like some collect baseball cards or incorporating in other work. I am incorporating them into Christmas ornaments to sell & give as gifts.