Finished...it's a Clown Car!

There is no better motivator than a deadline. Tomorrow is the last day to turn in art for the priority deadline, it was finished up at 11:00 tonight. So glad to have this done, it came out nothing at all like I had planned in the beginning but I'm so happy with it. I won't see it again until the end of October at the 10th Annual "Bricks Along the Journey" silent auction.

I hope everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene are safe & sound with their families tonight.

Angie

Sometimes you just need a laugh

This is Maria sound asleep with "lolly," a rather large lollipop shaped stuffed toy that she takes to bed with her with every night. I usually check in on both kids before heading off to bed myself, last week I was greeting to

this ---->

Angie

Update on Shannon & Jade

Shannon is now at the Ronald McDonald house nearby Jade. I am still trying to come to terms with how a hospital can ship her off because she is without insurance but with broken ribs, damaged vertebrae, a healing pelvis, and a 3rd degree burn on her leg. She is so strong, I know this in my heart, but she is also in much pain. The family is asking for renewed prayers to help her with this.

Jade has made encouraging improvements according to the facebook updates from her family. Earlier this week the doctors started the process to slowly 'wake' her. It appears she did surface a bit and has had some body movements.

There are more updates and information about the benefit planned for Shannon & Jade's Recovery fund this Saturday:

http://shannonandjade.wordpress.com/

I cannot thank you all enough for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Angie

**Update to the update**- 8-26-11 Shannon was readmitted to the hospital with a fever and possible infection, may be complications from her broken ribs. Family is waiting on surgeons consult.

Kentucky State Fair

Today we took a trip to Louisville, our first family adventure to the Kentucky State Fair. It was hot and humid, almost a 100 degrees, heading into the exhibit halls was a huge relief.

First stop was the 4H Competition Hall to find Robert's photography. He received two blue awards and a white. He was amazed at how many entries lined the walls.
We saw cows, sheep, pigs, baby chicks, honey bees, tobacco, and corn. Even huge prize winning pumpkins and sunflowers. I know we only took in a small part of the fair but it was so much walking we were a tuckered out bunch. We couldn't leave though without trying out the fair food ...this Deep Fried Kool Aide booth was the most interesting...and not half bad. Is there anything they won't deep fry?
I see the State Fair as an end of summer treat...can it be cooler and more 'autumn-like' next week please?
Angie

Circus Car in Progress

Finally feeling inspired to make another circus car for the Annual Breast Cancer Brick Auction. This one is coming along faster than last year, the platform base gives plenty of support for the brick. I have ideas circling my head for this years' theme..I'll keep ya posted...there's still lots to do.

Happiness is...blog friends

Happiness is:

a surprise 40th birthday gift all the way from Oregon! Dear Tina (ie. PatinaMarie) gifted me Kristen Robinson's New book Tales of Adornment, a book full of resin techniques. I'm already brimming with new ideas to try!!

Thank You Tina!!

Happiness is:

A day at the Burlington Antique Fair. Met up, for the first time, with Pam of Frippery. Pam was so fun to shop with, a gal on a mission...she has a booth to fill and an upcoming show to participate in. I just hung back and watched her in action. I, on the other hand, didn't have anything in particular I was looking for and with my house on the market I am trying to be very cautious about bringing to much stuff into the house. Apparently having that mentality means you will find more than ever before that you want to bring home.

All little trinkets and altered art supplies...steel numbered tacks, rusty hardware, milk caps and bottle tops:

Apparently I'm collecting crocheted pieces and glass medicinal bottles. The metal cone was an impulse buy, thought maybe I could use it to form mussie tussies:
Silk prize ribbons and an entire bingo game with a mix of markers:
Vintage paper! A bridge tablet, an old phone book with fantastic advertisements, a book of Danish fairy tales and a notebook with lined paper:
This is by far my favorite purchase...life insurance policy certificates from the 1870's. Two of the certificates are so large I couldn't photograph them. They are so ornate I'm tempted to simply frame them:
Hope everyone else had a bountiful weekend too,

Angie

Back to School

Can you believe it's that time again already!!

Trip to Indy

I really want to give you guys a big hug for keeping up with my posts about Shannon and her daughter. I truly feel like sharing their story is a way to keep them in the minds and hearts of anyone who is open to it. I cannot help but believe that an abundance of positive thoughts and prayers for them, even if you don't know them, is helping them heal.

The trip yesterday was a good one. Met up with my dear friend Stephanie just outside downtown and we made the journey together to the hospital. Shannon was awake and was able to tell us what happened Saturday night. She also said she was able to see Jade for the first time. They transported Shannon in her bed down a few blocks the children's hospital. Even with that joy, Shannon had a difficult day with pain and emotions. Stephanie and I were able to see Jade, it was difficult but I try to find solace in that every piece of equipment she is attached to is in some way improving her changes of recovery.

On a selfish note, I was able to spend the rest of my day with Stephanie in Indy. We chatted for hours about everything... family, home life, children, jobs & art. Not to mention we had Starbucks AND Panera as the day progressed.

Tomorrow I will share with you some surprise mail I received a few days back...

Angie

Quick Update

Most of my mind is consumed with what can I do to help Shannon and Jade. Tomorrow I am feeling very blessed to be able to travel the Indianapolis to spend some time with Shannon and her family. They are keeping us updated on Facebook in the meantime. The doctors are very pleased to see Jades progress these last few days. Shannon is on a very difficult road, multiple surgeries followed by months of healing.

You can read about the accident here: WCPO article

Also thought this was hopeful: Benefit Concert

Stage Collapse

Stage Collapse

My friend Shannon and her daughter were injured at Indiana State Fair concert. Shannon is one of the most caring & dedicated mothers I know. Her daughter, who is 4 days younger than Robert, is in critical condition with head trauma. My heart is breaking.

Please pray for them.

Four Tee

It's official, I now have to check a new box whenever I fill out any simple survey... 40-45 (check)

Have to share with you what the kids prepared for me this morning...Mr Robert made a Lego birthday cake that comes with it's own candle igniter and and cake slicer.

I , for one, was very impressed with the turn out.
Ms. Maria made a sweet card, she REALLY loves making her own themed fonts...
and it's full of 8 year old cuteness...
Thank you all who stopped in yesterday with well wishes!

Angie

Adventures in Paper Clay

This week is Stampaway, a huge 6 day rubber stamping convention and it's in Cincinnati. The main event is this weekend with many vendors coming to sell at the Sharonville Convention center. On Thursday and Friday instructors, both local and from far away, come to teach classes. I stumbled into this class:

Seriously fun!! I have never played with paper clay (or any other clay beside my beloved polymer) Look at this adorable pumpkin fairy using a frozen Charlotte (another first) and vintage flat ware. We also made a piece using a vintage skeleton key but I'm not ready to share that one quite yet.
If this little gal looks familiar then you probably own the Fall 2010 issue of Somerset Holidays & Celebrations where she is featured. Be sure to stop by Shari Reploge's blog, Plays with Paper, she's fantastically talented and imaginative!

Tomorrow is my birthday...it starts with an "F" and ends with a "Y"...yikes!

Angie

Fresh Batteries

Howdy! Been putting those new batteries in the camera to good use! Spent the evening restocking faux slides in the etsy shop, (thanks to that very nice BeadWork magazine plug) glad to say I can mark that job as finished.

Also been working on two bricks for the auction in October. This one was inspired by Stephanie Lee's new book, Plaster Studio. I coated the brick with a thick helping of joint compound, it made a great surface to work on.

A mixed media collage with acrylic paint, vintage papers and transfers, I think it may be finished.

Still considering another circus car for the second brick, most of the parts are collected...just looking for the right dose of motivation.

Have a great weekend,

Angie