2009 is here!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope everyone had a safe and fun time over the holidays.

Each year I make at least one resolution. Last year I did pretty well. My resolutions all came to fruition except one. My littlest dog, Magoo still won't use the doggie stairs to go up onto the bed by himself. I was really going to give it my all in December, but due to my injury I had to let that goal go. He turned 3YO on New Year's Day. My little boy is growing up! But I digress, once again I've made some resolutions and while I don't usually share them at the start of the year, I'm anxious for this year to get going.

Yesterday I began a very labor intensive project. My studio has racks and racks of china and bins of tile all along the perimeter of the room. I'm going through everything and parting with some things...either to sell or to donate to a thrift store. I'm trying to make some space for some new projects I want to try this year. So far I've unearthed some things that have brought back many fond mosaic memories of past projects.

I have a series of art deadlines between now and March. Everything is getting scrunched into a tighter timeframe because my right arm is still recovering. I'm trying to design everything in my head and get all my supplies ready so I'm ready to go whenever my arm will let me.

It's my sincere hope that 2009 will bring a better life for so many people that are struggling right now.

As the year winds down...

I always like to reflect back on the past twelve months and remember the high and low points. I also begin to think about my New Year's Resolution. This year the phrase "be grateful" was a big change we made in our household. Sure, the dogs are spoiled brats and they didn't really get it, but I'm always telling them to be grateful that they have such a good life. But seriously, my husband and I were alone for Christmas and it was okay. We were both a little down for a bit, but then we looked at our festive trees, looked at one another and told each other we were grateful for all we had.

My husband really spoiled me this Christmas. He bought several pieces of jewelry from JILLreDESIGNS. He gave me presents throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas and kept sending Jill messages so she wouldn't spoil any of my surprises. I can't thank her enough for helping make my Christmas so special. What a wonderful friend!

I did enough holiday baking for the homeless shelter so they had dessert for after dinner AND enough cookies and brownies for the sack lunches they hand out in the morning. We're planning on doing another round of baking this week for the shelter. And yes, since people are asking, the children at the shelter got their gingerbread men. I made two triple batches this year and quite a mess with the royal icing. LOL

This year I've been blessed with new friendships, many art opportunities and a better sense of self and direction. I send my best wishes out to everyone for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009. ~Valerie~

My new pendant made the front page!

Last week I finally got around to listing some of my mosaic pendants and I just found out one of them was on Etsy's front page in this lovely treasury this morning.

A glimpse of Christmas at my house

Since I'm still recovering from my accident, I'm trying to keep typing to a minimum. I thought I'd share some pictures of Christmas at my house. These pictures were taken last year. We have to put a pen around our trees to keep the dogs away from them. The tiny trees have photo ornaments with pictures of the dogs and handmade apple cinnamon dough ornaments in shapes like doghouses, fire hydrants, pawprints and bones. :o)

A little bit of Christmas cheer

Since I'm still in a lot of pain I'm keeping my blogging to a minimum. Here's my latest treasury. I thought it would add a festive touch to my blog.

Thud! Ouch!

I've been unusually quiet because I had a bad accident last weekend and I'm in a lot of pain and have very limited use of my right arm. Since it 'tis the season, I'm sharing a picture of my little darlings from last year's Christmas card. From left to adorable right is Santa Sadie Sue, Chloe and sweet little, panic stricken Magoo.

Woo hoo! My treasury was on the front page!

I woke up to news that my Round and Round treasury graced Etsy's front page this morning.