OK, ONE MORE POST For 2009!:)

I couldn't end the blog year talking about money, so I thought I'd repost my Creatively Fit First 50 Walks Slide Show! I really enjoyed making this slide show and my Creatively Fit Walks. In fact, I'm going out this morning to walk with my son. We are going to try to commit to getting out there every morning (most mornings). I should have some pictures for Creatively Fit later. Maybe one of your New Years resolutions can be to join Creatively Fit?!

One thing I discovered while doing my slide show, was that I really do love working with multi media. I also love playing around with computer graphics, blog designs etc... So, I decided to go back to school in 2010! Starting this semester I will be taking classes in digital media at the local college! I'm starting with one class and will go from there. I may major in web design. I'll keep you all posted on my progress!

Here's to a great new year!
Enjoy the show!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Last Post of the year!

I thought about doing a blog "year in review" but I only have half a year, due to losing my blog Art Spectrum (as many of you know. If not you can read about it here). That's ok because looking back isn't really my style anyway. I prefer to look ahead.

Unfortunately, sometimes you have no choice but to face your past. In this case, it would be Christmas pasts! I am two Christmases behind, meaning I have bills from last Christmas and this Christmas. It really drives me nuts! All year long I am a responsible person, when it comes to spending, but for some reason I lose a little bit of that common sense and restraint at Christmas time. Everybody loves to give and make others happy, but where do you draw the line? I can never seem to measure that one perfectly. I mean, I don't completely go overboard. I set a limit but that limit always seems to exceed available funds. Thankfully, there are some extra funds that cover this debt as the year progresses. However, I would much rather use those funds for the current year not the past. It's no fun paying for the past, right?!

That is why I have decided to start saving for next Christmas, now!
This is how:
We had a family meeting the day after Christmas (I think my boys are old enough to start thinking about saving and the value of a nickle, dime, quarter, even a penny). I took an empty popcorn Christmas tin, that we received as a gift this year, and put the change from my wallet into that tin. I sifted out the pennies and put them in a separate container. The boys looked in the tin and were not too impressed. I asked them how much money they thought was in the tin. My older son said, about $5. I told him to take it out and count it. To all of our surprise there was a little over $11 covering less than half the bottom of that tin. We conservatively estimated that one layer of silver coins would equal about $20. We than estimated that it would take approximately 100 layers to fill the tin. My son quickly did the math and said, "That means $2,000!" Now, I don't know how accurate that is but I'm sure it will be an impressive amount once completely filled!
As a family, we will be adding coins to this tin all year and will count it on December 1, 2010! Whatever that total is, that is what we will have to spend for Christmas!
And we may never look at a quarter, dime or nickle the same way again!


picture taken by Noah, age 8

Lucy's already dreaming about what treats await her, next Christmas!

Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year! See you in '10!!

P.S. I hope this blog makes it through the year, so that I can refer to this post on December 1st 2010.

New toys

This is my nephew trying out his new grind rail we got him for Christmas!



Here are some pictures I took on Christmas day while I was at my sisters house. I was testing out my new camera. All of the pictures were taken in manual mode. It always takes time to get used to a new camera:)

I hope everyone had a very merry holiday!

Our Dec 22 Tradition of Kindness because of Heller

Today we will be remembering our dear friend, Heller Koch. Heller was a healthy, kind and loving child who left us suddenly, on December 22, 2007, at the age of nine, due to an undiagnosed brain tumor. At the request of Heller's Mother and Grandmother we will be remembering Heller, in the spirit, in which he lived, through acts of kindness. By performing an extra act of kindness today, you will be reaffirming his life, as one that was lived in kindness. This act of kindness will touch those who receive it and Heller's family. We would love for you to share your act of kindness, given or received, no matter how big or small, it all counts! You can join us facebook

Today my family will be delivering homemade cookies to our neighbors and friends, as we remember Heller.


See more holiday traditions:

Have a very Merry Christmas!

A Very Important Poll :) and Mosaic Monday!

First, I'd like to point out my poll on the right side of my blog. Would you participate in a karaoke blog party? I love to sing! I'm sure there are there are other secret American Idol wannabes out there! :) Let me know what you think by taking my poll. If I get enough of a positive response I'll put together the party. I think it would be really fun!

Also, you can hear my latest karaoke recording here:

I just made a karaoke recording: Christmas Song - Silent Night check it out at http://www.karaokeplay.com/recordings/silent-night-1301147.html

I have entered the Christmas contest! The person with the most views wins! I'm a long way off from first place, so feel free to pass the link along:) The winner gets an ipod 3rd generation! Contest runs until Dec 26. I never win contests:( (I know, get out the baby violins haha) I'd greatly appreciate your support!:)

My Monday mosaic this week includes pictures of my family picture ornaments. It's not easy taking pictures of pictures, in a dimly lit room, under twinkling Christmas lights, especially with my little point and shoot camera. So please forgive me for the out of focus mosaic. The heart ornament, in the center, is my favorite because that was our first Christmas as our little family of four. I took that picture in one of those photo booths at the mall. Most of these ornaments were handmade. They are all so special to me.


The next mosaic has been posted before. It is one of my favorite mosaics. This is a collection of flower pictures that I have taken on one of my many Creatively Fit walks. Natures ornaments!



One of my new years resolutions will have to be getting back to walking. I've really let that blog slip. It's showing in my thighs!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

To see more wonderful mosaics go to Mary @ Little Red House

Christmas Caroling and Easy Christmas Tree Garland Tutorial

First please click on the link to hear my Christmas Carol from me to you!:)

I just made a karaoke recording: Christmas Song - Silent Night check it out at http://www.karaokeplay.com/recordings/silent-night-1301147.html

One more thing: I'm thinking it might be fun to host a Karaoke Blog Party. The idea would be for the participants to record a sOng from a karaoke site like karaokeplay.com, link it on your blog(like I've done here) or facebook and than link that post to my Karaoke Blog Party. Then we could hop around from blog to blog and listen to each other sing(offering praise and encouragement, of course):) The only thing you would need is a microphone for your computer. Any karaoke enthusiasts out there? I think it would be a blast! Let me know what you think by taking the poll in my side bar: WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN A KARAOKE BLOG PARTY?

Every year I try to do something a little different for my Christmas tree decor. The easiest way to change the look of your tree is with the garland. This year I was looking for something fairly quick, easy and inexpensive to make. I wanted to add color, and shimmer to the tree. For color I chose a multi-colored pack of sequins (bought for a few dollars at Walmart). For shimmer, what else?! Glitter!

Materials:

1. Some kind of drop cloth to catch the glitter, glue and spray adhesive. I chose brown craft paper because I already had it at home.

2. Multi color bag of sequins in various shapes and sizes.

3. Glitter- I used Glitzy Glitter from stampendous, ultra fine crystal multi-colored

4. Tacky glue

5. Fast grab tacky spray

6. Parchment paper to put under section of ribbon when sprinkling the glitter.

7. 1/8" ribbon

Steps:

1. Put a small dab of glue on finger

2. Spread glue on ribbon
3. Apply sequin
4. Spray 1 foot section of ribbon(spray right over sequins)
5. Put parchment paper under section and sprinkle with glitter. Tap excess glitter onto parchment.

Note: before steps 1 thru 5: Cut piece of ribbon the lenght of tree. In my case it is 7.5ft long.





I arranged garland vertically on tree, hanging it from the top and letting it fall down the length of the tree. It's so much easier than wrapping it horizontally:)



If you didn't click on the link above here's your chance again!

I just made a karaoke recording: Christmas Song - Silent Night check it out at http://www.karaokeplay.com/recordings/silent-night-1301147.html

I'm singing for an ipod (3rd generation)

Karaokeplay.com is having a contest! The person with the most hits on their Christmas recording will win an ipod touch (3rd generation). Second runner up wins an ipod (5th generation)!

This is not a contest of who sings best, it is just for the person with the most hits on their song. Please pass it along so many people can hear it!:)
Sorry if it's not music to your ears. I love to sing but know that I am not the best. I could have recorded this song a million time and still not be satisfied with the outcome. So here it is warts and all:)
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!!

I just made a karaoke recording: Christmas Song - Silent Night check it out at http://www.karaokeplay.com/recordings/silent-night-1301147.html



Let me know what you think but please be kind:)

I ♥ Faces "Pets Only"

This weeks challenge on I heart faces is "Pets Only!"
This is Maggie, my son's pet guinea pig. My other son has a guinea pig too, Nanner. Maggie and Nanner usually are a team but this picture was Maggie's solo!



To see more adorable pets

Mosaic Monday

Here is a little mosaic of our blended family traditions! Tree trimming, lighting the menorah, gingerbread house building, and playing holiday music. It was a fun day, a day that memories are made of:)



Head over to Mary @ little red house to see more wonderful mosaics!

Second Night

Tonight we celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma made potato pancakes and gave the kids Chanukah gelt. The kids each got to light their own menorahs. This kept the peace!


Growing up in an interfaith home(notice the Christmas tree in the background) we have always celebrated both Chanukah and Christmas. This is how my children are growing up too.

The one in the middle is my nephew, my boys are on either side, Grandma is to the left and Grandpa is in the backgournd

First Night of Chanukah

Circle Drawings!

Today I subbed in my son's middle school for one of his teachers. It was fun being my son's teacher for the day.

I wanted to have an activity that the students could do if they finished the work that their teacher had assigned. I decided to put a spin on a project that I created for the fifth graders a couple of years ago. I did circle paintings with the fifth grade . Of course, I did not want to lug my paint supplies to school so I decided do circle drawings with the students.

The supplies you need for this activity are: index card with a circle traced on it, and a pen or a pencil. I told the kids it was like doodling.

A couple of hint I gave them to get started: Draw a shape or line on one side of the circle than repeat it on the other side, continue until your circle is filled (symmetrical design!) or divide your circle into segments and fill each section with a different pattern. I showed them my examples below to give them ideas. The activity was a hit! Some even said they were going to do more at home:) This was a great time filler at the end of class and kept the kids working quietly. They even learned a little something about art:) We talked about line, shape, pattern, texture, composition, value and contract. We even talked a little bit about drawing techniques for pen and pencil. We sure packed a lot into a little filler activity!

I ♥ Faces "Sweet Dreams"

I just had to share this photo with I heart faces this week! This picture is from about four years ago. My son, who is now 8, looked at the picture after I posted it and said, "Did I do that?!"

Playing is hard work!
"Sweet Dreams, My Love"

See more "Sweet Dreams" Faces

Mosaic Monday! Memories

Memories of 2008 Holiday season. Memories can be bitter sweet. We lost Nanny(my husbands mother) one month before Christmas. Although we have warm memories of last Christmas, we were missing Nanny.



On Dec 22, 2007 my children lost their dear friend Heller. (My best friend's son) Heller's mother and family requested that we remember Heller on Dec 22 by delivering acts of kindness. My boys started the day, December 22, 2008, by cleaning their guinea pig's cage and making breakfast. Later that afternoon we handed out roses to a few people hoping to brighten their day.
We will be delivering kindness because of Heller again this year. These acts of kindness can be big or small. Every bit of kindness counts:) We would love for you to join us on December 22, 2009. Please feel free to grab the button on my sidebar, to post on your blog.


See more wonderful mosaics at Little Red House

Let's Mango!

My mango painting was included in a treasury on etsy! This original painting was used in the label design that I created for my husbands original Mango Habanero Hot Sauce bottle.(Not currently for sale.) However, the mango painting is for sale in my etsy shop



The treasury was created by This Charming Treat and was inspired by their lollipop flavors! Mango lollipop sounds delicious!!


Thank you for including me in your treasury!!

The day began with a bark!

This morning as I was getting the kids ready for school, I looked out the back window and saw Lucy sitting on my purple flowers.
I ran to get my camera (don't really know why, that's just what I do) and quickly ran to the back door to catch her in the act! As soon as I opened the door she jumped off of the flowers and sat there as if to say, "What, who me?"


Then she gave me one of those indignant looks as if to say, " Well, I never! She then proceeded to bark at me!

And that was how my day began...
How did your day start? And did it get better or worse? I hope it started good and ended great!:)

I ♥ Faces

This week at I ♥ faces the challenge is We ♥ Tooshies.
I wasn't planning on participating in this challenge because I didn't think that I had anything to fit the bill. But when I started looking through my pictures I discovered that I had several butt pictures!:)
To see some of the other tooshie pictures that I was considering check out my Mosaic Monday
Here's my picture for this weeks challenge:)

See more entries at

Mosaic Monday!

Well, this mosaic is all about the behind! I made this mosaic while I was sorting through all of my pictures featuring people from behind. The reason I was doing this was because it is "We ♥ Tooshies" week at I ♥ Faces. I was actually surprised at how many tush shots I had. This mosaic is a semi final cut of my favorite pictures. To see which photo I chose for my I heart faces entry click here.


And here is what my home looked like on Thanksgiving Day!

See more beautiful mosaics at little red house

Thinking Turkey

I saw a project on Art Projects for Kids (GREAT BLOG!) and was inspired to make one of these drawings on a chalkboard!



The list is long today:
1. Food Shopping
2. Cleaning
3. Laundry
4. Cooking

Well not long but time consuming!
I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!

I ♥ Faces "Sun Flare"

The Age of Enlightenment!

ADOLESCENCE!
See more sunny faces!

Kitchen Table Makeover!

Thanksgiving is a few days away, and I'm trying to spruce up my home, to get ready for company. My kitchen table is an eye sore, to put it mildly! The chairs are upholstered with what was once white fabric. The fabric is now brownish gray, dirty and stained. It is very embarrassing to have people come in and see it this way. Even if I clean it, the stains are still there. What to do?! I do not sew or upholster, but I do paint!!


This project was done in two days, completely using paint only!!

Here are the supplies that I used:

1. Black Fabric paint 4 bottles @ $6 ea =$24
2. Metallic Glaze paint 1 jar @ $6
3. Spray paint Espresso Stain finish 4 cans @ $4 ea =12
4. Natural Sea Sponge
5. Kitchen Sponge
6. Soft bristle chip paintbrush
7. Screw driver

Total cost of supplies = $42

Steps by Step:
1. With a Philips screw driver, I disassembled the cushions (seats and backs) from metal frames and removed glass top from base. Wiped down all frames to remove any surface dirt.
2. Took all the metal frames outside in an open space and spray painted all frames. This spray paint worked great! One coat only!

3. While the frames dried, I cleaned all of the cushions with warm water and kitchen sponge. I removed all surface dirt. Allowed cushions, a few hours, to dry. It's ok to paint on if they are still slightly damp.
4. Using a soft bristle chip brush, I painted all cushions with fabric paint. One generous coat was all that was needed to cover the white fabric. Allowed to dry overnight.
5. Next day, I applied, with a sea sponge, metallic glaze to all frames. Allowed glaze to dry to touch (A few minutes) and reattached cushions to chairs. Put glass back on base and done!
6. Wait a few days before sitting on chairs. It will be ready just in time for company!:)

This table was a hand me down from my sister-in-law, so it was free initially. I feel like I have a brand new set!!

Mosaic Monday!

Some of you may think I'm cracking up for doing a collage of sidewalk cracks! You may be right. I love my cracked mosaic! I took these pictures this morning on my Creatively Fit walk! I looked down and there they were in all their glory!



See more beautiful mosaic at Little Red House hosted by Mary!

Being Thankful! -In Chalk it Up! style:)

I wrote "WE" on the chalkboard, that hangs above my computer, because it is there to remind my family to think about what "WE" are thankful for...

I am thankful for...
1. My family
2. My friends
3. My Home
4. My health and the health of family and friends
5. The memories of people that I hold dear, who are not here with me today, but will be forever in my heart.
6. My husband getting laid off from his job last February
7. Losing my other blog "Art Spectrum" last summer
8. The time I had with hubby when he lost his job
9. Hubby getting a new and better job
10.My new and improved blog
11.Chalkboards
12.My art
13.My Chalk it Up! followers
14.All the beautiful gifts of nature

And the list goes on and on!

The biggest thing that I learned, this year, is to be thankful for things that appear to be hardships or misfortunes. In those hardships, lie opportunities and possibilities,and a chance to learn and grow, and renew ones faith in God. It was during those times that I had to work really hard at thinking positive. I challenged myself to spend five minutes everyday writing a list of the things that I was thankful for at that moment. This was key, for me, in thinking positive! The outcome of that positive thinking was a stronger marriage, and a happier life!
When you are focused on what you are thankful for it is hard to be unhappy. There is always something to be thankful for...even if it is just the single breath of air that you are inhaling at this very moment.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for you!
Cindy

I ♥ Faces "Autumn Beauty" Challenge

This weeks I ♥ Faces challenge is Autumn Beauty! In Florida that is a tall order to fill. This is a picture of Noah, my Autumn baby, from two years ago, age six. As you can see, by his attire, it was a hot day. I love his hair and freckles in this photo and the contrast between the orange and blue.



See more Autumn faces and fun at I heart faces!

Mosaic Monday-Welcome to my backyard!

Welcome to my backyard! I took these pictures this morning. The air was cool and the sun was shining. I have so much work to do in my yard to make it the dream space that I imagine.

Here are some close-ups of the elements that I like in my backyard. We have a tangerine tree in the corner toward the front. It is bursting with sweet fruit this year. Some are ready to be picked, most still have a week or two to go before they are fully ripe. If you were to visit me, I would invite you into my sunny secret backyard garden and offer you a sweet tangerine!

Do you see Lucy? She's waiting to greet you!:)



See more beautiful Mosaics at Little Red House

Another Small Painting

I did another small painting today. That makes two paintings for this week! This is another painting inspired by my Creatively Fit walk day one.



6"x6" acrylic on canvas sheet I will be adding this painting and the other one that I did this week, to my etsy shop Art Spectrum.

It is always so hard for me to get going with a painting but when I finish I'm always glad I painted.

Have a great weekend!
Cindy

A Painting and ME!:)

Last week I bought a desk at Habitat for Humanity Resale store. It cost $59 and was a really nice desk. Now I feel like a have a place to organize my papers, make appointment and pay my bills. The past couple of days I have been making to do lists and crossing off all of my to dos as I do them. I found that this somewhat cleared my head and left room for painting! So today I did a small painting. This painting is of one of the pictures from my first day of my Creatively Fit walks.
I'm not thrilled with the results. Feeling rather rusty, it was hard to get into the groove of painting. I may revisit this one later to fix what is not working.


6"x6" acrylic on unstretched canvas(this canvas will be adhered to a 1" thick piece of wood.)


Feeling a little daring, I thought I'd come out of the shadows and take some pictures of myself:) I don't particularly like the way I look in pictures, but I think these turned out ok.

Mosaic Monday!

These pictures were taken at night during one of my Creatively Fit walks this weekend. These pictures are so much fun to take. Everyone should give this a try! I call this dancing with your camera:) Or spin art photography!


Head on over to Mary's little red house to see more fabulous Mosaics!

Some of you have asked how I achieve this effect. Actually, my 8 year old son showed me how to do it!
It's very easy. I use a point and shoot camera. Just go outside at night and point your camera at the street lights or passing cars. I set my camera on a setting that doesn't use the flash(play with the different setting for different effects). Click and move your camera. The shutter will stay opened longer because of the low lighting conditions. This will cause the light to streak. Depending on how you move your arm, you will get different effects! It's fun and addictive! So, go out there and dance with your camera. I'd love to see your results!:)

We have a winner!

Fall Giveaway!

And the winner is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

19 

Timestamp: 2009-11-08 19:56:40 UTC

Martha in PA

The Daily Grind!

Congratulations!

Thank you to everybody, who entered my giveaway! I wish I had something for everyone:( More giveaways coming soon!:)

An Artist's Dream!

Yesterday on my Creatively Fit Walk I stumbled upon a local art gallery. I have been in this gallery many times before and have always been inspired by the artwork and artists working there. This is a gallery with several artist spaces. It is fun walking around from studio to studio, to get a glimpse into their world. Well, one of those studios is available to rent. You have to be accepted by a jury to get the space. I spoke with the owner, who was a very lovely person, and she gave me an application. There is no guarantee that I would get the space.

I have so many things to consider before applying:
1. Is this what I really want? I would have a large public space to work on my painting. I would paint everyday. I could go to the studio after the kids leave for school and be home before they get home. I would talk to other artists everyday. I think this is what I want.

2. I would have to pay rent. A monthly payment equivalent to a luxury car. If I could sell two moderately priced paintings a month it would cover the cost.

3. Maybe I should apply and see if I get accepted than worry about the rest later.

What to do...what to do...


Here are a few pictures of the space.



Any advice?
What do you think I should do?

I heart faces Balloon Week!

I posted this photo before. It was Noah's Birthday last month! When I saw that this week's challenge was balloons, I thought of this picture. I love this picture because I will always know how old he was when I took it and because it was Noah's idea to stick his face through the bottom hole of the eight. It was very spontaneous!

I tried to make it a little more artistic with some editing in picnik.com.:)




See more great faces a I ♥ Faces