Waving from the Silverton Train!

Name the Movie Contest

I was watching a movie over the weekend and was amazed and delighted by something I saw one of the actors doing. I captured a few screen images and decided to amuse everyone who reads my blog.

With just these images answer these two questions:

What is the significance to me....or what delighted me?
What is the name of this movie?





What do you win? One of these....



leave your contact information...I'll announce the winner on July 30th. Winner to be chosen from all correct answers.

Tweet once a day for additional entries!

Jeep Dog in Arizona

We were driving to Sedona and I spotted this dog in a jeep. When I first saw him I couldn't figure out how he could stay up on that ledge. After a closer look at the jeep there was a bar that he braced himself against. We were behind this jeep for about 10 miles. We spotted them parked at a restaurant....hopefully the doggie gets a treat too!

AEIOU remember those vowels!

At the time it was exciting and painful to keep practicing and practicing those lower case letters. The special paper with the solid and dashed lines with wide spacing. Secretly envying those older kids that got to use paper with narrow lines that snapped into a three-ring binder....

My newest creation!

Artist Series -- MAB Jewelry

Ohio. That's where this friendly Etsy seller is from. You say...so what....I say....hey Ohio is home for me and I miss it terribly! MABs tag line is No Naked Wrists. As you read this interview you will understand why. When you visit her shop....she has some lovely pieces to keep your wrists from becoming chilled....and in style! You can also find her on twitter and she is one of my favorites to chat with. She certainly makes me smile. Enjoy getting to know MAB Jewelry!

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I've never been an arts or crafts person. I did a lot of writing when I was younger, but I wasn't one to make stuff. About seven years ago, my mom decided to make herself a bracelet. Then she made me a bracelet. Then we went to the bead shop. Not long after that, everyone who knew me had a brand new bracelet. I've always loved jewelry and fashion, and I discovered my calling, I think. I am seldom happier or more content than I am when I'm sitting at my bead board with a bunch of shiny bits, putting something together.






2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

Artist, Gustav Klimt. Writer, Walt Whitman. And Twenties flapper actress Louise Brooks. Can you imagine a champagne brunch with these three, talking about human nature and art? Oh, let's go now. I want Klimt to do my portrait!


3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?Having an internet shop allows you to reach so many people. That, paired with the fact that you have such amazing access to any supply that you want from all over the world, really means that the sky is the limit in terms of what you can create. As soon as I started selling on Etsy, I began making jewelry that I never would have thought of before, just because it felt like the whole world was my market. It's liberating.



4. How do you overcome artist block?


I've been making these steampunk pieces with watch casings that are fairly new for me. They're a bit more labor intense, but I love them. I don't usually get artist's block. I always work in the evening, and sometimes I just don't make it to the beads at night. The bed is calling me. And any time I get in a rut, I order supplies. New supplies are instant inspiration.




5. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?


Heh heh. My studio is my living room floor. Everything gets packed up and put away in the hall closet every night when I'm done working. I'd want to show you the amazing new stuff I just got in the mail today from Artbeads, including these groovy Vintaj fish pendants. I would hide the poor boxes of beads up in the top of the closet that I don't even look at. Unless you might be able to use them?



6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?
I love movies, art and vintage stuff.

I'm very visual, and I think all of that trickles down into my jewelry. Old movies, paintings, even the little antique bits that I use when I make pieces. I collect strange little vintage items because I have loved them since I was little. So much of my jewelry looks like little vintage items!




7. Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.

I have 371 listings and 1167 shops in my favorites. I could spend $250 in twelve seconds.

I really want this:

Carly Simon Record Album Purse8. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku


Strangers on a Train
On TV, bead board full of
Bliss, cat in my lap

9. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Can I just say how much I love Etsy? Not just because I can sell stuff there, but because I have met the most wonderful, inspirational, good hearted, funny, smart people there. Etsy and its community have truly made me a better artist. And you Rose are one of those delightful Etsy people making incredibly inspirational stuff. Thanks so much.

Do you love Shiny Christmas Ornaments?

Me too!

I could look at my grandmothers Christmas tree for a very long time. Hunting and hunting for all of the shiny brite ornaments I could find. Beautiful, vibrant colors. Amazing shapes. Sparkly texture. Beautiful and fragile.

I have a few of those ornaments, still. As I rearranged some things last winter I came across them and decided to leave them out for a while. Then they ended up on my design table....if you are creative, you know what happened next.

They never knew what hit them. I sat there just looking at them and sketching....then some watercolor... Now how do I get that sparkly texture? Before long the sketch was transferred to my computer drawing program. From there it turned into an embroidery design. I have resisted putting my embroidery into hoops. Not a snooty response, just one knowing that a lot of time and effort goes into each piece and I would hate for it not to last like heirlooms of the past.

I've designed my hoops a little differently so that they last and become future heirlooms. You may ask, "well how did you do that?" ....shhhhhh

Etsy Project Embrace Storque Feature

If you are a regular visitor you have seen me feature creations by many of the talented members of Etsy Project Embrace. Now, it is my pleasure to let you know that this wonderful team has been featured in Etsy's Storque. Click on the picture and get the story as to why those two lovely ladies are such an important piece of the history...as well as many others!

The last time I reported how much has been raised by this team it was around $10,000, so happy to say that we have almost reached our next goal of $12,000.

Woo Hoo.

Mad Tea Party --a love story

They were just kids. He in his top hat she in her bunny ears.


Racing towards one another on their brand new, red tricycles. They could see each other from a distance...which one would let the other go by? Stubborn. Neither moved. All of a sudden a crash, tires spinning and two children picking themselves up.

They both stood up, dizzy...looking around they found themselves in a brand new world.

Bright colors and cookie trees. They looked at one another and about to say, "why didn't you move," when a pair of rabbits hopped over and told them to follow. Both children giggled with delight...

Following the rabbits they passed a tortoise who said its name was Eloise and asked if she could follow. "well," the children said, "we don't know where we're going, but of course you may."

They turned down a path that was paved with brightly colored marbles.

In the distance they could hear laughter and music.


The little girl said, "oh my, that is my favorite song...my mommy taught me to play it on the piano." The little boy said, "no, that's my favorite song and I know how to play it on the piano too."

Before an argument could ensue, they came to a beautiful, grassy green clearing.
A quilt was spread out and amazing cakes, candies and pies were set before them. As they sat down, out of the woods came a chipmunk, raccoon, down flew a great horned owl and doves. The children looked at one another in wonderment.


They wanted to stay here forever.
And, for more tea party fun....visit

A Fanciful Twist

Outdoor Art Globe Arizona

Globe is a very small copper mining town and this was painted on the side of a brick building. It was a very large, probably 8x5 foot mural...and beautiful!

Caring for our Pets: Parvovirus

Working at the Denton County Animal ER we see more than our fair share of puppies that have contracted Parvo. Every time one of these sad cases comes in, my heart breaks because often this situation could have been avoided by vaccinating the puppy.

Parvo, also known as canine parvovirus type 2, is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract (1). This disease is spread by contact with contaminated feces, environments, people and by direct dog-to-dog contact (1). Anything that comes into contact with an infected dog or its feces can become contaminated with the virus.

This means that if your puppy is not protected, it can be exposed by going to the dog park, the pet store, doggy day care, basically anywhere that many dogs come together. The virus is extremely hardy and can resist, heat, cold, humidity and drying. It can stay in the environment for a long time. That’s why it is important not to bring your puppy around other dogs who have the disease or into environments where another dog has had parvo or contaminated feces reside.

All dogs are at risk for contracting parvo. Let me say it again – ALL dogs are at risk for contracting parvo. Those who are at MOST risk are puppies less than 4 months old and any dog that has not been vaccinated against parvovirus. Once a dog or puppy has become infected, signs of illness include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea, often containing blood(1,2). A simple test can confirm if it is parvo. If you notice ANY of these signs in your dog, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. Loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea lead to rapid dehydration. Without replacing all of the fluids lost, an animal can die from dehydration in as little as 48 hours after onset of clinical signs.

Because there is no specific drug available to kill the virus in infected dogs, treatment consists of supportive care to control vomiting and diarrhea, to combat dehydration by replacing fluids and correcting electrolyte imbalances and preventing secondary infections (1). Isolation of infected dogs as well as proper cleaning and disinfecting of contaminated areas are necessary to control the spread of parvovirus(2). Because your pet may be in the hospital for days, treatment can be very expensive and even with the best care, the animal may die. For a successful outcome, it is important to recognize the disease early and undergo aggressive treatment.

What can be done to protect dogs and puppies from this virus? Two of the least expensive ways to protect your pet that will save a lot of money and heartache in the long run are 1) to vaccinate your puppy and 2) to practice good hygine (1,2). VACCINATE VACCINATE VACCINATE. Vaccination is the number one way to reduce the risk to your pet. I say reduce only because in rare instances, an animal can be vaccinated but for some reason its immune system doesn’t generate enough antibodies to protect it from infection. Most often this is not the case.

The number two way is through proper hygiene. Do not let your dog sniff other dogs’ feces. When you are walking your puppy or dog, steer clear of those piles of dog feces. Not only do they put your dog at risk for parvovirus but they can also be a reservoir for intestinal parasites that can be spread to YOU (more on this in a later post).

Although this article has some good information about canine parvovirus, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information for your pet.

References:
• http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_brochure.asp
• Bassert, J. M. & McCurnin, D. M. McCurnin’s Clinical textbook for Veterinary Technicians 7th Ed. (2010) Saunders W B CO. Pp 708, 217-222.

Maureen D. has a bachelor's degree in molecular biosciences and biotechnology and a master's degree in neuroscience. She has been working as a veterinary technician for the past five years in both day practice and emergency medicine. Currently, she works at the Denton County ER (www.DCAER.com) in Denton, Texas. With her husband and three rescue dogs, Emily, Caspian and Willyum, she keeps busy by reading, knitting and writing while she pursues her dream of veterinary school.

Mysterious Letters Art Project

Have you seen this project? It is certainly amazing and I would certainly love to get a letter. These two artists plan to send a letter to every household in the world!

What do you think of this project?

Mysterious Letters Art Project

Artist Series -- a la mode

Have you seen a seat belt bag? If not, look below, then after you read this interview, go visit ... a la mode ! Linda also makes cool jewelry and switch plates! This is one of my favorite sellers and bloggers and you should make her blog a regular read as well. Linda is such a fun person and I enjoy talking to her on twitter and sharing information.

When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?
Art definitely chose me. I've been designing and creating since I was a very little girl. It's in my blood.

How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?
It has allowed me to sell my wares all over the world. My business has grown tremendously mostly from internet exposure. My network of friends and colleagues have also grown exponentially.

Shop ... a la modeHave you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

I don't know that I have any new techniques. I'm big on winging it. I've never followed patterns and often ignore rules. It doesn't work all the time but has empowered me enough to try just about anything once. Deconstruction is a great way to learn how to make something. The best way for me to get over artist block is to step away from the project. It may take me a day or a month, but I almost always come back to the project refreshed and able to move forward.
If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?
Wow, I just cleaned my studio. Typically, I wouldn't let you come into it at all. I'd likely show you what I'm currently working on.

Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?
Humor. I like to use it in some of my jewelry and my switch plates. No matter what, we should always laugh and not take life too seriously.

Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.
Can I have $800.00 because I really want this

Matte White Bottle Collection from Sara Paloma


Okay, these are just a few of the many items from my favorites that I’d buy with your $250.00 (BTW, I owe you $2.00)

Mary Janes by The Generations

Butterfly top by Tinge Design

Corsette belt by Duende

Painting by Leah Giberson

Pillow by Nesta Home

Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku
I design and make

Modern is my aesthetic

turning old to new

Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Just that I’m a true admirer of your work and am happy the internet introduced us.


Fiesta Doodle Cuff

Hot pink, hot orange and yellow make for a festive summery cuff.

Doodles. I took them a step further...rather then drawing on paper, drawing with thread! I picked out some colors, some felt and sat down to a relaxing time of doodling. Mind freeing.

While embroidering I watched a movie. A good movie, but one that you shouldn't watch when you actually need to see. My Sisters Keeper is such a tear jerker that I was actually full-blown crying. When I cry my eyes stay blurry for a little while...so I did have to stop embroidering until I could see clearly again..