Just Listed – “Flowers & Pastel” Greeting Cards

“Blue Flower and Pastel” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis

These are 5 brand new “Flowers & Pastel” hand painted greeting cards just listed on

Creative Artworks!

I painted them for people who would like to keep a stock of cards on hand to use for any occasion, whether it’s a note to a friend, a congratulations card for graduation, a birthday card, sympathy card….. Use it for whatever you like. It’s blank on the inside for your message.

“Yellow Flowers and Pastel” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis 

Each card is hand painted by me, using acrylic paint, then pastel to make them ‘glow’ a bit. They’re  made to order for you, then initialed by me before I ship.

“Hydrangea and Pastel” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis 

Dimensions of the cards are 4″ x 5.5″ on heavy ivory card stock. Envelope is included.  When I use them, I type a letter on my computer and then fold it up to put inside the card.

“Purple Flowers and Pastel” Hand Painted Greeting Card  by Linda Lewis

You can buy them as a single, if you like. You can also save a bit of money if you use my special “Buy 3 and Save” item

(If you use this item, you click on it to put it in your cart, then type in the names of any three cards you’d like, or three of the same design – any combination of three cards)

“Red Flowers and Pastel” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis

You can see most of my card designs HERE

(Others are under Linda Lewis in the Holiday sections on Creative Artworks!)

Thanks for looking! :0)

New! CUTE Felt Pins!

I just listed these CUTE handmade felt pins by Charlene Bodero.

Baseball season is April through October, and Charlene’s “Blue Baseball Bear” Handmade Felt Pin is just the ticket!

Isn’t he CUTE? He’s made from top quality felt and hand cut and hand sewn by Charlene Bodero. He has a scarf around his neck, baseball glove and baseball, and a hat on his head. The pin is approximately 2″ x 3″ and has a brass pin back. Charlene also offers to make it for you in red! Please allow approximately 2 weeks for creation and delivery.  You’ll be the hit of your son or grandson’s games, or even professional ones!

“Blue Baseball Bear” Handmade Felt Pin by Charlene Bodero

“Tropical Bear” Handmade Felt Pin by Charlene Bodero

Are you planning to go to a beach party or vacation? Do you party in town, wishing you were on a beach somewhere with tropical drink in hand? This sweet tropical bear is ready to party!  He’s made by hand by Charlene Bodero to be the perfect conversation starter. You’ll have fun wearing him, telling other envious ladies – or not – where you got him. :0)

“Breast Cancer Bear” Handmade Felt Pin by Charlene Bodero 

This pin is a NICE way to show your breast cancer survivor friends that you’re glad they’ve won the fight. It will be a good reminder for them that someone cares what they’ve been through. It’ll give them strength and surround them with love.

See more of Charlene Bodero’s felt pins HERE

See Charlene’s handmade felt ornaments and resin figurines  HERE

See Charlene’s beautiful handmade cards HERE

Necklace – “Rutilated Quartz”

Necklace – “Rutilated Quartz” by Jacqueline Lyons

This stunning necklace is the Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today.

It’s by Jacqueline Lyons who specializes in one-of-a-kind ‘statement’ necklaces you’ll love. You’ll get ooh’s and ahh’s, questions – maybe even whole conversations begun over someone envying your look!

This necklace is made with semi-precious 204 carat total weight rutilated quartz and crystal beads.

Rutilated quartz is found in Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Norway, Pakistan and the United States.

FOLKLORE:

• Brings forth each person’s strengths, originality, aids sleep, relate to others.
• Rutile is said to intensify the metaphysical properties of its host crystal and to enhance one’s understanding of difficult situations. It is also said to enhance creativity and to relieve depression and loneliness.
• Rutilated quartz is said to slow down the aging process and is said to be a strong healer.

If you believe the folklore, you’ll be excited about the possibilities brought to you by this necklace!

If you don’t believe the folklore, you’ll still be excited to wear it! Beautiful this time of year, in particular.

You’ll feel special when you wear it. You’ll bask in all the compliments, too!

You can see Jackie’s other jewelry, plus some one-of-a-kind evening bags HERE.

Day Trip – Crystal Bridges Museum – Bentonville AR

My husband said he’d like to take some “Day Trips” to see the wonderful things that are available in Arkansas – in the spring, while the weather is relatively cool. These trips would also give us some good exercise – a thing we’re doing to give ourselves  the most quality time together we can have.

Yesterday we took a day trip to see the new museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Bridges.  We’re not museum buffs, but we’ve always enjoyed Gilcrease and Philbrook in Tulsa, Oklahoma, our former home of many years, and unconsciously compare any others we see to those.

Our main reaction to the museum and grounds was joy.  The architect was Moshe Safdie, who tries to fit his buildings into the surrounding landscape as seamlessly as possible. In this case, the museum and surrounding grounds seem to have ‘grown’ out of the limestone, reaching up and out in glory.

This gives you an aerial view of the place, so you get an idea of how large a project this was. What it doesn’t show here is how the buildings nestle right into the cliffs, as if they’re a part of them, and then are surrounded with water, flowers, trees, paths, and views up, out or down. It’s truly breathtaking.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that when you’re outside, you can see the inside, and vice versa. Many of the walls are glass panels, and at many points you can see across the building to another wall of glass panels, so you almost have a panoramic view. The ceilings are so high you almost need to sit down before looking up.

The display rooms are spacious and airy with total focus on the art.

This is the restaurant. It’s informal, and you walk right through it to get to another display. One of the things that I found most refreshing was that you didn’t have to go through the gift store on the way out. You CHOSE whether you wanted to go in or not. What a concept! So, of course, since we didn’t HAVE to, we DID! :0)

We were less impressed with the art than we were with the facility. There wasn’t anything wrong with the art, and some of it was wonderful – such as a Thomas Moran, and a Mary Cassat. The architecture, for us, was simply stunning and overpowered anything else.

And for ME, the landscaping and walking trails around the buildings were spectacular. Someone who truly loves the outdoors and plants designed this. As we drove in, there were wildflowers on either side of the road, making me gasp in delight. When we were on some of the trails briefly, we were overwhelmed by flowers of every type planted in drifts everywhere we could see. We simply didn’t have the stamina to walk all of the six available trails with statuary, glorious paths, and associated flowers and greenery, but we would have loved to.

Everything was first class, inside and out. This was built to last, with thought given to what materials would last in our Arkansas weather – a really important concern.  The benches were sturdy, as well as pretty, and made to look as nice in 40 years as the y do today.

I was pleased to see that traveling art displays are already scheduled into the future, so that you have something new to look forward to no matter how many times you come.

I would imagine that the landscaping will be truly stunning in the fall, as it was in the spring, and that different things will be blooming each time you come.

I’m proud that we have such a beautiful place in Arkansas. I would recommend that you come see this if you’re ever in this part of the country. I would plan to see the museum displays one day, and then spend a day or two on as many trails as you have the time and energy for. I would also plan to come once at night, seeing the building light up and reflect on the water, and maybe enjoying the restaurant then.

Crystal Bridges Museum

600 Museum Way, Bentonville AR, 72712
479-418-5700

New! “Stained Glass” Series Greeting Cards

I just finished adding my new line of “Stained Glass” hand painted greeting cards to Creative Artworks! 

If you’ve been reading the blog for awhile, you know that my husband and I love to create stained glass pieces. What you might not know is that, once you start this wonderful art form, you tend to THINK in ‘stained glass,’ as if it were another language!

“Stained Glass Bird” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis

So now, when I see something, I tend to see it as if it were a stained glass piece. It’s not surprising, then, that I came up with a line of greeting cards that celebrates the idea of stained glass. :0)

There are 5 designs in the line right now. The cards are on heavy card stock. The dimensions of the cards are 4″ x 5.5″ and include an envelope.

“Stained Glass Birdhouse” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis

Silver raised metallic paint is used to outline each design, as well as between the colors to give a stained glass look. Each card is hand painted and initialed.

“Stained Glass Starburst” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis 

These are fun to send with a quick note to friends and family. They can also be used as greeting cards for any occasion. Simply write, “Happy Birthday!” or “Congratulations,” or “With Sympathy” on the inside, which is blank for whatever you care to write.

 

“Stained Glass Butterfly” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis

You can purchase a single card, or you can take advantage of my special offer for your choice of ANY three cards I make for special savings.  Just look for the special “Buy 3 and Save” item in red in each section of the site where I list greeting cards. Put that item in your shopping cart and then type in the names of any combination of three cards you’d like.

And, of course, there is always FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the contiguous United States.

 

“Stained Glass Dragonfly” Hand Painted Greeting Card by Linda Lewis 

You can see a lot of my card designs on Creative Artworks HERE

And here’s one of the “Buy 3 and Save” Specials

I hope you enjoy these! :0)

Immortality?

From time to time life makes us face the fact that we’re mortal. It’s no fun, and it hits us right in the gut with the force of a canon ball.

Whether it’s a health scare for you, finding out that one of your best friend’s health is failing, the loss of a friend or family member, or a near-miss accident – we know ‘things won’t last forever, ‘ but we live as if we’re immortal.

This is a good thing, in my opinion. The adage – “Live every day as if it’s your last” is a good reminder from time to time, but if you actually LIVE that way, it makes you morose. No one would want to be around you for very long because your instinct would be to drive everyone nuts telling them you love them every 5 seconds to be SURE they know…

So, we won’t last forever, but we don’t want to be morose – so what DO we do?

My own philosophy is to make each day COUNT. That doesn’t mean for a minute I do something great, useful, or even good every day. It just means I try to be AWARE.

• If I’m cheating on my diet, I SAVOR every bite, fully aware I’m cheating – what the consequences will be when I get on the scale tomorrow. If I’m going to do it, though, why feel guilty?

• If I get to the 20 minute level on the elliptical trainer NOT totally pooped out – as I did this morning – I CONSCIOUSLY cheer the miracle – and then add another 5 minutes!

• My husband said he’d like to make some day trips around Arkansas while it’s still relatively cool. Instead of filing that away as food for thought ‘some other time,’ I got on the net, figured out where CRYSTAL BRIDGES, the new museum, was, and we spent most of the day there yesterday. (Blog post to follow about that later)

• I take a walk around my yard once a day, admiring the flowers in the planters my husband, son and I built around the yard. My goal is to get more and more perennials going so that I can eventually just dot some annuals around each year without killing myself. On my walk around the yard, my spirits lift and I come back in the house with a big smile on my face – and maybe a flower to go in the vase I keep on the divider between the kitchen and dining areas…

• If I’m feeling a little bit under the weather, tired, sore, or out of sorts for some reason, I CELEBRATE the fact that I’m able to ‘declare a holiday,’ curl up with a good book, and end up asleep in my chair.  I make it a point not to feel guilty. I enjoy my day.

• I DO try to show my husband how much he means to me every day. I enjoy spoiling him. That doesn’t mean I wait on him hand and foot – I just make it a point to do something he doesn’t expect. :0)

I love Winnie the Pooh. I bring this up because there are two quotes I really love:

“if you live to be a hundred, i want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so i never have to live without you.”

• I show my love for my son, who is in Shanghai learning Mandarin, by supporting his dreams, trying not to show I worry about him, accepting his great hugs as often as they’re offered, and trying to be there for him for as long as I’m able.

• I make a conscious effort to reach out often to my good friends so they KNOW how much they mean to me – whether it’s sending them a card, a note, an email, a joke, a forward, a poke, a ‘like,’ a ‘share,’ an RT….

I know I’ll croak at some point, and I LOVE this “Good Motto to Live By” -

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways – champagne in one hand – strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO! – What a RIDE!”

I hope you’re CONSCIOUSLY making each day count! :0)

Personalized-New-Mommy-Wall-Clock

Jane Loedding has created the cutest gift for a new mom – the “Personalized New Mommy Wall Clock” – Creative Artworks’ Featured Piece today!

Personalized-New-Mommy-Wall-Clocks by Jane Loedding

The decorative wall clock is created using pine wood approximately 10″ wide. The piece is signed and dated by the artist! Varnished for protection and a sawtooth hanger will be attached to the very top on the backside. One AA battery (not included) is needed to run your clock.

Please indicate your choice of (1) design: “Floral Plaid,” “Basketball,” “Crescent Moon,” “Plain Posey,” “Crayons,” or “Ark”; (2) First name desired as personalization (you can also say “none”); and (3) your choice of “Circle” or “Square” shaped clock in the special comments section of the order form. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for your order to be completed.

What a great way to give a gift for a new mommy and a new baby at the same time!

What are you waiting for? Time’s a wastin’!

P.S.  - Jane also makes personalized baby signs and name signs for babies – adult!

See ALL of Jane’s work on Creative Artworks HERE

“Big Red Sun” Original Matted Watercolor

DiVoran Lites created our Featured Piece of the day on Creative Artworks -

“Big-Red-Sun”-Original-Matted-Watercolor by DiVoran Lites

It’s matted to a size of 11×14, and would be a great addition to your own collection at home, a nice focal point for your office, or a terrific gift for a friend or family member.

You can see all of DiVoran’s watercolors, plus a style she calls, “Bling Blots” in acrylic inks on Creative Artworks HERE

DiVoran’s newest venture is called “Signature Cards,” where she creates note cards to be enjoyed in larger packages for folks who would like to use ONE notecard on all their correspondence as THEIR design.

She offers printed packages of 20 cards, 50 cards, or 100 cards.  The price per note card is better and better for you the more cards you order!

You can see all of the designs for the Signature Cards HERE

New Lifestyle Progress Report

Once a month I’m trying to keep my promise to you to report on my husband’s and my efforts to eat in a more healthy fashion, lose our lard, and get more fit. Since we’re in our 60s, and have been sedentary for about 30 years, this is a big commitment for us, born out of a health scare and an intense desire to spend as many more years together as possible.

Diet:

• whole grain cereal, milk and fruit for breakfast
• 1/2 to a whole piece of fruit for a snack
• large salad for lunch
• hard boiled egg and carrots for a snack
• Lean Cuisine plus steamed veggies for dinner
• fruit, if needed, before bedtime

Exercise:

We WERE walking at the park or on what my husband calls “The Geezer Trail” around our town every day. It became a problem, since weather in Arkansas tends to be ‘too.’

• too hot
• too cold
• too rainy
• too humid
• too…..

So we decided to to buy an elliptical trainer, after researching it carefully. I have issues with my joints, plus have some vertigo, so I needed something I could ‘hold onto,’ and was low impact. The elliptical trainer met both of those needs!

• My husband uses it 5 minutes daily – 4 minutes at a regular speed, and then the last 30 seconds as fast as he can go.
• I started at 5 minutes at a regular speed. Now I’m using it for 20 minutes a day, either hill, fat burn, or cardio. It works better for me to not do the ‘fast’ yet.

RESULTS:

Weight:

• My husband has lost 34 lbs. (He cheats and still has lost more than I have. :0(   )
• I’ve lost 26 lbs and 10 inches.

The best result as far as I’m concerned is that for the first time in years, we’re actually encouraging each other to keep up with the program. It’s a really positive atmosphere. Some days we’re feeling lazy, but one of us will get out and do the elliptical, and the other follows suit. Occasionally, we’ll splurge, but we’re very aware of it. We enjoy every bite and then redouble our efforts the next day.

The other thing we’re noticing is that

• our energy level is up. We do our exercising for the day AND work in the yard, or tackle a big house project. That’s different!
• we’re planning ‘day trips’ where a lot of walking is involved. Tomorrow we’re heading to Bentonville where a new museum has opened. It has three hiking trails around it. We’re going more for the hiking trails than the museum! :0)

GOALS:

• On MY list is to get 5″ taller so I don’t have so much weight to lose. I’ve enlisted the help of my wonderful massage therapist, who pulls on my limbs, but to no avail thus far.
• I’d like to increase my elliptical time to 25 minutes by the end of May.
• I’d like to get to 30 lbs lost pretty soon. That’s a nice, round number, isn’t it? :0)
• I STILL would love to look like Julia Roberts….

I hope that YOU are setting goals so you feel good – and able to do what you’d like without pain or stress.

I’ll write another report on around the 13th of June or so. Wish us luck!

New Creative Artworks Blog Header 5/13/2012

I love this week’s new blog header – beauty, patriotism, and glorious color from 3

Creative Artworks artists: Cynthia Barnes, Sandi Myers, and Mindy Sommers!

Bracelet – “Wedding Day” by Cynthia Barnes

Isn’t this gorgeous, sparkly bracelet by Cynthia Barnes the PERFECT one for a wedding day – the “something new” we all need on that most special of days?

Russian spiral bracelet woven with white seed beads and fire-polished crystal Czech glass.  This one is 7.5″ long, but it can be customized to any length. Arrives in 7 business days!

See all of Cynthia Barnes’ beautiful jewelry on Creative Artworks HERE

Sandi Myers gives us the perfect finishing touch for our Independence Day celebrations, or any time we want to show our patriotism!

“Flag-Heart”-Pierced-or-Clip-on-Novelty-Earrings by Sandi Myers 

The earrings are 1″, available in your choice of pierced earrings or clip-on. Perfect for Flag Day (June 14th), Veterans Day, Independence Day and more! Have fun while being patriotic!

See all of Sandi’s work on Creative Artworks HERE

Mindy Sommers’ color-soaked designs are used to create functional, beautiful things throughout your home!

Napkin Holder – Wooden-with-Ceramic-Tile by Mindy Sommers 

Yes, it’s a napkin holder. Yes, it’s beautifully made. But now, it can be an absolutely stunning addition to your dining table! Aren’t you drooling over this design?

The 6″ tall, 6″ wide, and 3″ deep holder is made of laquered cherrywood and each side features a 4.25″ ceramic tile.

See all of the products with Mindy Sommers’ gorgeous artwork  on Creative Artworks HERE

Another week of beautiful products by Creative Artworks artists!

CREATIVE ARTWORKS – Handcrafted – Hand-Painted – Unique -AHHHH!

“A Birdie Told Me” Hand Painted Small Journal

One of my own hand painted journals is the Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today.

Journal-Small-”A-Birdie-Told-Me-2″  by Linda Lewis

These little birds are happy ones. The blue one is singing with joy!

This is a one-of-a-kind journal.  The outside cover is linen – off white with nice texture. The inside has 100 blank pages for your thoughts, dreams, lists, memories -

Dimensions of the journal are 3-3/4″ wide x 5-3/4″ long x 3/8″ thick. A great size to put in your purse, tote, glove compartment, or school bag!

I’ve also hand painted covers for larger journals that are spiral bound with manila folder type paper and pockets, where you can put things like seed packet covers, tickets, snapshots, notes, etc.

You can see most of my hand painted journals HERE.

If you’d like journals with special holiday themes, please click on these links -

• CHRISTMAS GIFTS & DECORATIONS
• EASTER – ST. PATRICK’S DAY – VALENTINE’S DAY
• Graduation – Teacher Cards and Gifts

Fun for yourself, and a thoughtful gift for friends and family!

ENJOY!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” ~Rajneesh

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! :0)

Thank You!

I just wanted to say ‘Thank You!’ to the people who are reading my blog. It means a lot to me. Thanks, also, to those of you who take the time to “Like” or make a comment. :0)

Dare to wear the foolish clown face.

“Dare to wear the foolish clown face. “ Frank Sinatra

I have always been fascinated by clowns. I like the whole idea of dressing up to lighten other peoples’ loads, if only for a few minutes, and make them smile or laugh out loud. I particularly am fascinated by how clowns decide how to look, what they wear and how they make up their faces, what hats they wear, etc. I guess it’s like anything else – you ask several people to dress up like a clown, and you’ll get as many different clown looks as you have people! :0)

“A clown’s makeup and character, that’s all he has to sell. He loves and believes in that character. “ Emmett Kelly

20 CARDS – “Emmet Kelly” – Clown Creations Note Cards by Leon Holecheck

I’ve always loved Emmet Kelly. My heart goes out to him and I want to cheer him up. Why is it that someone can touch our hearts without saying a word?

“By far the best dressing up outfit I ever had was a wonderful pair of clown dungarees, which my Granny made.” Kate Middleton

20 CARDS – “Flower Hat” – Clown Creations Note Cards by Leon Holecheck

I only remember going to one circus as I was growing up. I must have been about 5 years old. My main memory was that I was enchanted by everything about the circus. I wanted to be the lady that STOOD on the back of the horse in a beautiful, ballerina type outfit, looking elegant. I wanted to be the lion tamer (YES! I really did!) I thought he was so brave, and the lion, though fierce, also seemed to LIKE the man.

“Clowns and elephants are the pegs on which the circus is hung” -P. T. Barnum

20 CARDS – “Cone Head” – Clown Creations Note Cards by Leon Holecheck

I loved the fact that the clown’s humor was all physical. He didn’t say a word, and yet he told a story that was so easy to follow. You opened up to this funny looking clown, following him wherever he wanted to lead, laughing or being completed touched at his antics.

“The human race has only one really effective weapon, and that’s laughter. The moment it arises, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” - Mark Twain

20 CARDS – “Flat Hat” – Clown Creations Note Cards by Leon Holecheck

Clowns are a safety valve for society. While we can see the humor in a situation, we can keep things in perspective.

“A clown is like aspirin, only he works twice as fast” Groucho Marx

See all of Leon Holecheck’s wonderful clown note cards HERE. 

(Don’t miss the special savings for 50 cards and 100 cards!)

If you can learn to step back from rough situations in life and see the humor there, you can deal with anything. Being able to laugh is so healthy!  So put your clown face on whenever you need it.! :0)

“A Clown is an angel with a red nose.” J.T. “Bubba” Sykes

“What Lies Before Us” Calligraphy Print

Irene Konig is a master artist and calligrapher. She combines the two to create beautiful prints we can frame for ourselves or give to others as gifts.  I’m proud to show you the

Creative Artworks‘ Featured Piece of the day -

“What Lies Before Us” Calligraphy Print by Irene Konig

This is just one sample of the beautiful work Irene offers on Creative Artworks. It’s called, “What Lies Before Us,” and says,

“What lies before us, And what lies behind us, Are very little as to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

You’ll find profound quotes and beautiful artwork when you look at Irene’s work. You might find something that speaks to you, or something you think would help or encourage someone you care about.

Each piece is custom matted with a finished size of 11×14, and signed by the artist. It is enclosed in a clear sleeve for protection.

“Calligraphy” means beautiful writing. Combine that with stunning artwork and you have Irene Konig!

You can see all of Irene’s pieces on Creative Artworks HERE

“Laughter is an instant vacation.”

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” Milton Berle

One of my friends on Facebook posted this picture recently and I LOVE it! I wish I could get a prescription for myself, all my friends and family!

My father was a great storyteller.  He taught me that, if you could learn to laugh, even when things were pretty grim, you would be healthy all your life.  And he lived by that idea. He made jokes, he made faces, he loved to laugh. And he made everyone around him laugh, too. It was such fun being with him. He taught me the world of puns. He taught me the best kind of sarcasm. He had favorite stories that were classics in our family. When we would have guests to our home, we loved it when he started one. We all knew and loved the punch lines – but it was the joy of watching him, and listening to him tell the stories, and watching the reactions of the guests, that was the best.

“Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.” Arnold H. Glasow

 

He taught me not to take myself too seriously – to laugh at my mistakes, many times, and to be able to mentally stand back and watch things unfold, seeing the humor in a situation. What a gift that was! It’s brought me though a lot of rough times intact.

“A sense of humor… is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.” Hugh Sidey

I think one of the reasons that comics are so popular is that they have the gift of seeing things in a totally different way than most people, and the even greater gift of sharing that with us.  They set us up and then come out with something so unexpected, yet something with which we can SO identify – we laugh our heads off.  We enjoy a kind of mini-vacation as we enter his or her wacky world. We revel in the pleasure of something we can rarely give ourselves. We relax, we laugh, we feel so much better!

Some of my favorite comics are Red Skelton, Jonathan Winters, George Carlin, Paul Lynde, and so many more…

“Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” Victor Borge

“Live by this credo: have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations.” Red Skelton

This may be difficult to understand, but when my mother was near death, we suddenly came up with a delightful ‘game’ of what she would never have to do again. I can’t for the life of me remember which of us started it, but one thing popped up, and then another, and it seemed we had a never-ending list of wonderful ideas. We laughed and laughed, hugging, at one of the saddest times in my life. I’ll always be pleased, even as I type this with tears, that we had that quality time together.

“Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.” Yakov Smirnoff

Don’t be afraid to laugh. It’s so good for your health!

“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” Norman Cousins

When my dad died, he left a note, “Remember me laughing.”

• Like when his friend on a camping trip tried to brush his teeth with Unguentine, instead of toothpaste.
• Like when he and my mom were walking across a field together. My dad was lecturing my mom on watching where she was walking, because she ALWAYS had a problem. Suddenly, my mom felt a tug on her hand as my dad stepped off into a deep hole. He was okay, but my mom laughed helplessly at the look on his face…
• Like when he made a dart board with a picture of himself on it so that his clients could use it

Learn not to take yourself, or much of anything, too seriously. It’s a GREAT safety valve and makes life so much happier!

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

“A Tisket A Tasket” Artfire Collection

Teri from Charming Elegance Gifts on ArtFire, created this collection of products by ArtFire artisans called, “A Tisket, a Tasket.”

“A Tisket A Tasket” Artfire Collection

She very kindly included my “Patchwork Quilt” hand painted basket in her collection!

“Patchwork Quilt” Hand Painted Basket by Linda Lewis

Teri has a shop on ArtFire called Charming Elegance Gifts, where she offers Chic Apparel, Handbags & Home Decor, including Fabric baskets, napkins, placemats, pillows, and more!

I particularly like this:

ToothFairy Pillow MMiller Zoology 10X10 Flannel RicRac Poly

Isn’t it CUTE! I wish I had had one like this when my son was young. Maybe if I’m lucky enough to become a grandma one of these days….

Visit Teri’s shop – Charming Elegance Gifts – and find something wonderful!

THANK YOU, Teri, for including my basket in your great collection.

“Southwest” Cross Stitch Placemats – Set of 4

Angela Kiefer offers a beautiful set of cross stitch placemats that are the Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today!

Isn’t this a beautiful design?  This is a set of 4 placemats cross stitched by hand in the “Southwest” design by Angela Kiefer. The dimensions of each mat are 13″ x 18″. Since these are cross-stitched by hand, please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Placemats – Cross Stitch – “Southwest”- Set-of-4 by Angela Kiefer

Angela offers cross stitch bookmarks, magnetic picture frames, fridge magnets, towels, and more. Don’t miss the absolutely stunning  “United-in-Marriage”-Personalized -Cross-Stitch  that requires ONE FULL YEAR to create!

You can see all of Angela Kiefer’s cross stitch items on Creative Artworks 

HERE.

“One Subject Pencil Portrait”

Bethany Kerr provides today’s Featured Piece on Creative Artworks!  -

“One-Subject-16×20-Pencil-Portrait”  by Bethany Kerr

Bethany can take your favorite photo – or work from several good ones – to create a treasure for your family with her pencils.  As you can see from the samples above, the results are simply stunning.

Bethany will do pet portraits, too!

The sizes of her pencil portraits range from 8×10 through 16×20, and you can have one subject through three subjects.

Creation time = from Bethany receiving your .jpgs or actual photographs – is approximately 2 to 4 weeks. The only exception to this time estimate is at Christmas time, when the cut off for orders is the end of October.

The finished pencil portrait is sent, unframed and unmatted, sealed in clear plastic for protection.

To give you a sample of just one satisfied customer -

she ordered a pencil portrait several years ago of her oldest daughter, who was 13.  She was SO pleased with Bethany’s work that she has ordered a pencil portrait of EACH of her 4 children as they reached the age of 13. Then, last year, she asked Bethany to do a portrait of herself!

Plan ahead for Christmas, or jump in now for a portrait that will become an ‘instant heirloom for your family!

You can see all of the samples of Bethany’s pencil portraits on Creative Artworks

HERE

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” ~Beverly Sills

The idea of going to college these days is becoming more and more controversial. It used to be that if you had a degree in ANYTHING, it was almost an assurance you would get a good job, and better than you would have without college. Now, with student loans going through the roof, poor choices on majors, all the debt and defaults, and many times, lack of a job, it makes one really think about this issue with more care than ever.

Graduation Card and-Magnet – Fly High” by Christy and Cindy

Graduation is such a momentous occasion. Hopefully, each graduate is prepared to start his or her new, after-schooling life with confidence armed with knowledge and excitement.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”  ~Confucius

Graduation – “Roses-for-the-Graduate” by Charlene Bodero

In my opinion, one of the most important things a degree says about a college graduate is that he or she ‘stuck with it’ until they completed a goal. That says a lot about a person interviewing for a job.  An employer hopes that the graduate will bring this stamina, goal-setting, and enthusiasm to the workplace.

College may also be the only chance a lot of us get to widen our perspectives, meet people from other countries, debate ideas that are controversial, broaden our horizons, maybe even changing what we thought we wanted to do with our lives.

Note-Cards-”Graduation”-Male-Pkg-of-8 by Lenore Garnhum

(Of course, the card you order will say, “2012″)

“Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”  ~Les Brown

Graduation-Bear by Debbie Garrett

“I hope your dreams take you… to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of
your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.” Unknown

 

Basket-”I-Wish-You”-Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

The top band of the basket says, “I wish you” in 4 places around the basket. The horizontal squares say the things you would wish for any graduate – “Success,” “Good Health,” “Challenge,” “Courage,” etc.

“Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed.” Erma Bombeck

Even if your grad has trouble getting a job and continues, or comes back home to live with you, things have changed. You’re now all adults sharing the responsibilities of  maintaining the house, cleaning, cooking, meeting the needs of the group, and help with finances however possible while they’re looking for a job.

Many of our kids today have totally unrealistic ideas of a ‘starting’ job. They want to ‘run a broadcasting station on TV’ at $100,000 or more a year, and won’t accept anything less, or graduate in some major that was fun to learn, but is totally unrealistic for the current marketplace. We need to give them a reality check – particularly when the decision is made on

• whether they should go to college at all
• what is a reasonable major for the economy that will give them the greatest chance of getting a good job upon graduation
• how their education is going to be paid for
• what skills will they have upon graduation

Graduation from high school or college is the time for pats on the head, big hugs,  a card and present or two, and a victory lap, at least, but it’s only the beginning of an adult life.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself  in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy (gal) who’ll decide where to go.” Dr. Seuss

“The trouble with learning from experience is that you never graduate.”  ~Doug Larson

Congratulations to all the graduates. You’ve accomplished the first big step in the rest of your life.  I hope you pursue your dreams with unquenchable tenacity. Reach for what excites you while you do whatever you need to do to MAKE it happen!

“Spread joy.  Chase your wildest dreams.”  ~Patch Adams

 

“Cherry Blossom” Hand Painted Glass

“Cherry-Blossoms”-Glass by Rebecca Kelman

The “Cherry Blossoms” hand painted glass by Rebecca Kelman couldn’t be fresher and prettier to help us celebrate Spring. I’m delighted to display it for you as the Featured Piece on

Creative Artworks! today.

Decorating your table with hand painted glassware for each season lifts your spirits, celebrating each part of the year before anticipating the next.

Rebecca Kelman is a master glass painter. She has created unique and beautiful glassware for

• each season
• holidays throughout the year
• weddings, and all the participants
• party themes
• fun weekend themes
• places themes
• International toasting
• encouragement
• baby showers
• 21st birthdays
• hobbies and careers
• and more!

Each glass is hand painted – sometimes with your choice of colors – and most are personalized.  We recommend hand washing to be sure your beautiful glassware lasts for years and years!

Browse through Rebecca’s designs, taking your time to enjoy looking at a large image of each piece. It’s obvious that a lot of work – as well as experience and expertise – goes into each one.  Rebecca wants to be sure you’re not only ‘pleased’ with your glassware, but DELIGHTED!

You can see all of Rebecca Kelman’s glass designs on Creative Artworks HERE

Great for your own table, and wonderfully thoughtful and unique as gifts for friends and family.

ENJOY!

Maurice Sendak

I just went online and ordered Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.  This is one of my all time favorite books. I discovered it when my son was young, but I bought it today for myself when I heard that Mr. Sendak had died.

I didn’t know much about the author, but I was completely blown away by the straightforward, honest writing and stunning illustrations.

 

I really don’t like most children’s books. There are too many adults who try to shield children from anything unpleasant or scary.  I’ve always tried to teach my son to DEAL with whatever happens in the world, rather than shield him. I wanted him to learn about things while my husband and I were there, and could talk to him about it, found out what his reaction was to it, and help with understanding and skills that would help him.

Mr. Sendak said,  “You cannot write for children. They’re much too complicated. You can only write books that are of interest to them. ”

My son and I brought tons of books home from the local library. Many of them we immediately put in the ‘take back immediately’ stack. The stories were too ‘sweet,’ ‘sappy,’  talked down to kids, or tried too obviously to teach a moral lesson.

I can’t tell you how many times we read and savored Where the Wild Things Are. What a refreshing delight! We could identify with Max’s feelings and his wish to be transported to another world. And the world he shared with us was incredible!

We took the library book back, but then bought our own copy of the book, which finally became really tattered from all the page turning and sharing with others.

“Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it.  I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I  lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it.  I  wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.”  Then I got a letter back from his mother and  she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.”  That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”  ― Maurice Sendak

The copy I ordered today was for ME so that I can savor Maurice Sendak’s talent over and over again, and rejoice again that what he gave us was so creative, so out-of-the-box, and so, so memorable.

Do YOU have a copy to enjoy?

1st Annual “Art & Flowers in the Park” – Greenwood, AR

The Greenwood Garden Club and the Greenwood Art Guild held their first “Art and Flowers in the Park” last Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the new Senator Ed Wilkinson Community Pavilion at Bell Park in Greenwood, Arkansas.

My husband and I have been walking in the park for exercise for several months, so we were familiar with the outside of the new pavilion, but had never been inside. When I read in the paper about the event, I couldn’t wait to see it!

I used to be a member of the Greenwood Art Guild, but life got in the way. This was a chance to hug the necks of long time friends and see what they were up to. :0)

 

The pavilion was really impressive. (Sorry, I don’t have a picture of it. )

The two guilds had set up round tables and displays throughout the large building, and even had more plants outside!  In the middle of each table was a beautiful flower arrangement, with credit given to the arranger from the Greenwood Garden Club. Many times, a painting displaying the same type of flowers was displayed on the same table. I loved this!

There was a whole set of tables set up for a “you can paint on anything” theme. This was right up my alley, since I DO paint on anything. My friend Linda Faber was there.  Linda showed me a couple of techniques I hadn’t seen before, like using a medium and stencils to create a raised design on paper or wood. It looked like it had been carved!  Then she showed me another technique for creating a rich, lacey-looking background on a painting.  I loved this whole display. It got my juices flowing for new projects to try!

There were several of my artist friends doing live paintings at the show. I hadn’t seen my good friend, Martha Dollar Efurd for a few months, so I hugged her neck and sat and watched as she painted branches on trees in a snowy painting.  She and Linda had been traveling together quite a bit, going to special shows and classes.

Sharla Spoon and Teri Hicks were doing live painting demonstrations, too.  Sharla has branched out from her gorgeous charcoal drawings to watercolor, and was in the process of creating a gorgeous floral painting. I discovered she’s running for City Clerk/Treasurer in November. You go, girl! I have all appendages crossed for you!

Teri was doing a nice watercolor landscape painting. I sat and watched both of these artists at work, and catching up was such fun!

Rozanne Sterling was there – as she usually is when anything progressive and positive is happening in Greenwood. She helped organize the event and was there to make sure it went smoothly.  I don’t know how she makes the time and energy to be such a positive force in Greenwood.  She is such a NICE lady, and I truly admire her.

Besides the table floral arrangements, live plants were for sale by the Greenwood Garden Club.

The garden club showed live flower arranging – something I tried to soak up, and answered questions of the ‘paler green thumbs’ among us. :0)  There was a dinner with a speaker on Aquaponic Gardening in the evening, with door prizes!

Art and Flowers – a truly delicious combination!

I had a wonderful time and plan to go again next year. I hope this event is a great fund raiser for both organizations! I hope that YOUR community has an event like this.

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts

IF YOU ORDER TODAY, you can still get some of my HAND PAINTED one-of-a-kind, ready-to-ship gifts for your mom for Mother’s Day Sunday, May 13th!

Some suggestions:

 

Mother’s Day – Original-Framed-Artwork by Linda Lewis

3.5″ x 5.5″ one-of-a-kind original pallette knife painting in a wooden frame. Wooden frame is 6.5″ x 8.5″ x .5″ and has a wooden dowel rod that fits in the back so the frame will stand nicely. Frame is varnished for extra protection.  Only one of each available.

Mother’s Day – Mug – Hand Painted by Linda Lewis

White coffee mug, with “Mama,” or “Mother” and hand painted flowers. The paint has been cured in the oven to make it permanent, but it is recommended it be hand washed.

Only one of each is available.

Mother’s Day – Memory Boxes – “Old-Fashioned” – Pair by Linda Lewis

One-of-a-kind set of  HAND PAINTED heavy paper memory boxes. The larger has diameter of approximately 9″ and a height of 5″. The smaller is 8″ x 6″ x 3″. The boxes and lids are painted with varnish for extra protection. Initialed and dated.

Mother’s Day – Basket- Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis 

This is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted wooden basket by Linda Lewis. The oval basket is 11″ long x 9.5″ wide x 7 ” tall. (The basket is about 13.5″ tall with the handle extended straight up.) The dimensions of the inner basket at the base are approximately 8″ x 6″. The “squares” created by the weaving of the basket have been painted in metallic gold and then overlayed with gold glitter paint. Red tulips are hand-painted around the sayings. The pictures show close-ups of both sides of the basket plus the handle. The front says, “Motherhood – What a Glorious Career!” The other side has a quote from Anna Jarvis – “Mother’s Day is in honor of the best mother who ever lived – the mother of your heart!”

Only one of each of these is available and MUST BE ORDERED TODAY in order to get them to you – or your mother – in time for Mother’s Day!

I’ll be happy to provide a gift card in the box if you’d like me to mail it directly to her.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

“Shack in the Fog” Matted Photograph

“Shack-in-the-Fog”-Matted-Photograph by Ed Immar

“Shack in the Fog” by Ed Immar is the Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today.  I find this a haunting, yet comforting, photograph. I can almost hear the water lapping and I want to walk up and explore the shack. I can feel the mist of the fog.

Ed Immar is a gifted photographer who offers 11 x 14 photographs matted with a 16 x 20 white mat ready for you to frame.

Find something wonderful for your home or office !

You can see all of Ed’s photos on Creative Artworks

HERE

“Signature Series” Note Cards!

For the many people who would like to have ONE note card design to call their own – and plenty of them – DiVoran Lites has created a line of note cards called, “Signature Cards!”  The size, 4.25″ x 5″,  is just right for an invitation, a thank you, or a quick note.

“Red Hat Ladies 2″ – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

There are three different designs in the “Red Hat” theme – a sure winner for ladies who love purple, with red hats – whether they belong to the ‘club’ or not!

“Over the River” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

The idea of being able to buy a design you love at an affordable price and use it for most  of your correspondence – as well as greeting card needs –  is a great one!

“Outer Space” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

Priced so that the more you buy, the more you save, you get get 20 cards, 50 cards, or 100 cards at a time. Envelopes are included, and shipping is FREE!

“Mountain Stream” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

I love to use cards like this, even while writing a letter on my computer. I type out the letter, print it, fold it up and put it inside the card. That way I send a little ‘gift’ when I’m reaching out to friends and family.

These are only a FEW of the wonderful designs waiting for you!

You can see all of the “Signature Series” designs by DiVoran Lites on Creative Artworks

HERE

Jump In! The water’s fine!

“Fort Smith, Arkansas” Historical Prints

I’m proud to show you three historical paintings by Linda Faber on Creative Artworks  that are now available for sale!

 

This first one is called, “Deputy U.S. Marshal: Fort Smith, Arkansas.” 

“This Deputy U.S. Marshal prepares to depart from the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas located at the once military-occupied Fort Smith. Armed only with his weapons and his wits, a deputy marshal enforced law and order in Indian Territory,  bringing to justice some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history. He patrolled what would become modern day Oklahoma, which neared 74,000 square miles, on horseback.”

 

This painting is called, “Abandoning Fort Smith: July 31, 1863.”

“Fortunes for the Southern cause around Fort Smith, Arkansas had taken a drastic downward spiral.  As Union General Blunt drives through Indian Territory, Confederates stationed at Fort Smith prepare to abandon the garrison, knowing they will be unable to survive an attack. Wishing to protect their supplies, their commissary stores are loaded upon wagons and lead southward on Waldron Road, along with the 1,500 Confederates currently residing at the fort. The fate of Fort Smith and the future of the surrounding areas will be decided the following day on a rocky hillside known as Devil’s Backbone. “

 

The third painting in the series is called, “The Sentinel: Massard Prairie, July 27, 1864.”

“Retaken by Federal forces in September of 1863, Fort Smith, Arkansas found itself surrounded by Confederate forces for the remainder of the war. Without adequate food for their mounts, the Federal cavalry chose to graze their horses on the nearby grass of Massard Prairie. This U.S. cavalry picket watches, unaware of the nearly 600 Confederate and Native American soldiers that will soon unleash an attack that will be one of the greatest Southern victories in the Fort Smith region.”

These Civil War and U.S. Deputy Marshal paintings are painted by Linda Faber.

Linda Faber

They are painted in oil on canvas and have been put into print and are now being released to the public for sale.  These paintings are “Historically” correct. The setting of these pictures are in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas. Material and subjects for the paintings are painted directly from the historical guns, horse harness and saddles, and period dress of this era that are available to Linda and  are actually on site when she needs it. Dates and stories with the prints are correct.

With each print, you will receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The print will be dated and signed by the artist, as will the COA. The ‘story’ of each print is written on the COA.

These are printed with the GICLEE method. Upon being professionally scanned, they are printed onto high grade canvas and artist paper.

Each paper print will come in a protective ‘jacket’ with a foam board back to keep it from being damaged.  We recommend conservation glass as UV protection when framing paper Giclee.

All canvas Giclee’s are coated with a UV protective coating after printing. In addition to the UV filtering feature, the coating provides additional protection from scratches and moisture.

Canvas or paper prints are available in 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20 sizes. (The frames shown in the images give you an idea of what your print will look like when framed, but are not included.)

Civil War history buffs, as well as people with roots in Arkansas will treasure these beautiful prints!

You can see all the purchasing choices HERE. 

Visit Creative Artworks today and enjoy having a quality piece of history!

“Pomeranian”-Fine-Art-Print

“Pomeranian”-Fine-Art-Print by Evelyn Morris Hecht

I’m delighted to show you the Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today – the “Pomeranian” Fine Art Print by Evelyn Morris Hecht.

Evelyn says, “Don’t let the sweet repose of this Pomeranian fool you – his vivacious and inquisitive nature will soon have him causing mischief.”

Is it any wonder, with the love and appreciation of the breed coming through loud and clear in this statement that her original drawing would capture him so well? When I look at the drawing, I can see his eyes lighting up, and expect him to jump up at any moment.

Each print is titled and signed by the artist.  Print Size: 8 1/2 x 11″ Image Size: 6 x 6″.  The heavyweight matte paper and backing board are acid-free and suitable for framing as is, in a standard 8 1/2 x 11″ frame. Comes in a protective clear presentation envelope.

This is only one of Evelyn’s exquisite drawings of dog breeds. You’ll ooh and ahhh as you look through the others. You’ll want to have them all – but which will you choose?

Great gift for all dog lovers!

You can see all of Evelyn Morris Hecht’s fine art prints

HERE.

New Creative Artworks Blog Header 5/6/2012

I’m proud to display the work of three artists on the new Creative Artworks Blog Header this week: Irene Konig, Jacqueline Lyons, and Angela Kiefer!

Irene Konig is a calligrapher and artist.

“He Who Loves His Wife” – Calligraphy Print by Irene Konig

This stunningly illustrated calligraphy print says, “He who loves his wife as himself and who honors her more than himself, of him Scripture says ” And you shalt know that your tent is in peace.”

Irene has created works of art you’ll be proud to display in your home or give as a gift.

You can see all of Irene Konig’s calligraphy prints on Creative Artworks

HERE.

Jacqueline Lyons creates ‘statement’ jewelry and evening bags that are simply stunning.

Necklace – “Amethyst/Abalone” by Jacqueline Lyons

See what I mean? This one has Amethyst semi-precious stones and Abalone. You’ll feel like a goddess when you wear it!

Jackie also has created two completely unique evening bags.

See all of Jacqueline Lyon’s jewelry and evening bags on Creative Artworks

HERE.

Angela Kiefer creates magic through her skill at cross stitch!

“Bookmark-for-the-Teacher”-Cross-Stitch by Angela Kiefer

I’m a former teacher, and I can tell you I would have LOVED this ‘thank you’ from a student and would have enjoyed using it forever!

Angela creates

• book marks
• photo frames
• bread cloths
• fridge magnets
• placemats
• Christmas decorations
• towels
• checkbook covers
• women’s sweatshirts and tees
• youth sweatshirts and tees
• and the most gorgeous personalized cross stitch for a wedding you’ll ever see in your life

See all of Angela Kiefer’s cross stitch products on Creative Artworks

HERE

It’s such fun to create a new header for the Creative Artworks blog each week, and so easy, with so many talented artists’ work from which to choose!

Come see us at Creative Artworks! and see for yourself!

Wavy Knit Afghan

Nancy Hearne creates dreams and memories with thread and yarn.  I’m delighted to show you today’s Featured Piece on Creative Artworks -

Wavy-Knit-Afghan by Nancy Hearne

I simply drool when I see this design and all the luscious color combinations! I’m a purple person, so I love the “Grapevine,” but my husband would love the “Ocean Waves,”….

This afghan is made by hand, of course, so you need to allow approximately 6 weeks for creation and delivery.

Just let us know the color combination that speaks to you, and Nancy will get her needles hot!

Nancy also makes

• hand crocheted doilies to die for,
• adds lace to ladies hankies,
• makes hat and muffler combinations that will keep you cozy when you appreciate that the most,
• embroidered towels,
• a ‘spider’s web,’ and
• a ‘shoulderette,’ – a wonderful lightweight lacy piece that has arms. PERFECT for taking to restaurants or movie theaters that are a little – or a LOT – too generous with the air conditioning this summer!

You can see all of Nancy Hearne’s beautiful work on Creative Artworks HERE!

Get her started on something YUMMY for YOU today!

Hydrangeas are a ‘Quality of Life’ Thing

Hydrangeas make me happy. I don’t really know why – I just know that my spirits lifted and I smiled as I looked at these blooming in one of my planters a few minutes ago.

I decided long ago that my happiness came from within. That may seem like an obvious thing to YOU, but to me, it was a revelation.

My happiness doesn’t come from

• what I HAVE, or
• what people around me have done for me lately (though I have to admit that my heart sang this morning when my husband brought in a red rose he cut from our bush this morning and had it in a vase on the kitchen divider waiting for me when I came down.

I’ve learned my happiness comes from

• the feeling of love that erupts from way down inside when I see my husband, my son, or my pets
• the rush of warmth that comes from seeing one of my long-time good friends when we’ve been apart too long and we finally can hug each other
• flowers blooming in my yard
• hummingbirds dive-bombing each other to get to the feeders
• butterflies flitting around the flowers
• birds coming to my feeders
• a mockingbird singing his heart out on the deck
• a beautiful day
• feeling pretty good – for an old broad – after finally making it to 20 minutes on my elliptical trainer yesterday!
• planning to go to an art and flower show today in my community
• creating a stained glass piece with my husband

You get the idea. I could make a never-ending list. The list above came as fast as I could type!

So many of the people I care about are having a hard time. My heart goes out to them, wishing I could do more to ease their difficulty or their pain. They are at the mercy of things over which they have no control. The extent of the difficulty makes it so they struggle to get by, and MANY of them are happy, too!

I think the key is RECOGNIZING what you can’t change, and making the best of it, RECOGNIZING all the good things you have in your life, and RECOGNIZING that YOU are in control of your own happiness from deep down within yourself.

I’ve had two really wonderful examples of people who taught me this – my mother-in-law and her sister.

My mother-in-law’s attitude was more than ‘make lemonade.” It was LOVE that lemonade! I so admired her attitude.

Her sister simply EXUDES HAPPINESS. It’s simply a joy to be around her. Her happiness pervades everything she’s doing and it’s contagious. Everyone looks forward to being around her and the room lights up when she enters.  It was really an epiphany when I realized what strength these two ladies had, and the fact that they SHARED that joy with everyone around them.

When you think of spreading joy, or even just exhibiting common courtesy in your everyday life, you stop being quite so self-centered.  Even a smile can brighten someone else’s day.

A small example of small things making a big difference:

We bowl each week with some really good friends. A couple of weeks ago, they had to cancel. My husband and I decided to make it a ‘date night’ and go anyway. My husband had gathered some roses from a bush in the yard to take to my friend. Since they weren’t going, we decided to give them to the nice lady who checks us in at the bowling alley.

You would have thought we gave her a gazillion dollars. She lit up like a torch with a huge smile when she saw the flowers. Last week, she carefully got the ‘water-carrier thingies’we put on the ends of the roses to keep them fresher from her purse, thanking us again with another beautiful smile.

Recognize all the things in your life that make you happy. Surround yourself with as many ‘quality of life’ things that are essentially FREE as you can. You won’t be able to contain your emotions! They’ll spill over to others, hopefully making their days a bit brighter, too. :0)