Hi gang…just a shout out wishing everyone a lovely day. We’re getting closer to the holidays and I know this can be a hectic time of year for many of us. Take time out for yourself, enjoy a cup of herbal tea, put your feet up and most importantly breathe. Much love to you all!
Every now and then there’s a story on the news that profoundly touches us and stops us dead in our tracks. The story of Lauren Scruggs is one of those stories. I heard about Lauren a week ago, and have been praying for her ever since. She’s a magical 23 year old woman who radiates beauty from the inside out. I’m not sure if it’s because I have a daughter a bit younger than Lauren, or that I could hear the pain in her parent’s voices, or just the fact that we tend to reflect on the humanity of man a bit more this time of year. Whatever the reason, Lauren has stolen my heart. If you haven’t heard of Lauren yet, here is a short video to tell you more:
I’m sure she would appreciate your warm thoughts and prayers. Here is a Scrugg’s family website where you can stay updated on Lauren’s progress, as well as make a donation.
I wanted to send something to Lauren to cheer her up, and chose this piece of art below…hoping it makes it to her hospital room.
Most artists have someone who inspired them to pick up a paintbrush. My inspiration is a lovely artist named Kelly Rae Roberts. In 2007 I was a 47 year old mom to a wonderful teenage daughter, wife to a great guy, and I was suddenly told I had Parkinson’s Disease. My life was instantly turned upside-down and I was scared to death.
I initially began to garden to lift my spirits, which led to photography, which eventually led to my true passion, which is painting. One day while reading an article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, I came across an article on a young artist named Kelly Rae Roberts. I was immediately enthralled with this sweet gal’s artwork. The tender and soulful messages she placed on her paintings stole my heart. I loved her use of collage and color and how she added messages of hope. I soon began to follow her blog and became very impressed with Kelly Rae’s warm down to earth personality.
I still follow her to this day, and continue to find her journey inspirational and hopeful. A few months ago I responded to a comment request on one her postings. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to possibly win a trip with Ms. KRR’s herself! Well, I didn’t win the grand prize, however I was thrilled and totally surprised to find out that I actually won second place! Sort of a dream come true for me. I still hope to one day meet Kelly Rae and thank her in person for helping me find my smile again.
Thought you might enjoy seeing what I won, along with the posting from KKR’s blog. I just adore my amazingly cool prizes! Take a peek at part of Kelly Rae’s post on June 29, 2011:
Giveaway winners!!!
Okay, you guys, this was so fun….below are the thirteen winners to last week’s giveaways. All winners were chosen randomly by me except for the all expense paid trip. Because Demdaco is graciously sponsoring that trip, they did the honors of choosing a winner. They had a hard time choosing just one winner so they chose one winner for the trip and four other winners to receive a box of Kelly Rae products! Thank you, Demdaco, for your generosity!
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week
All expense paid trip with me + original painting:
Jackie who said “Happy Birthday!! What an amazing giveaway. I would love a chance to hang out with you and do art! Passions are a funny thing, sometimes lost, but if they are truly in your heart they will emerge and grow. A few years ago I had my designs stolen from a licensing company, it crushed my passion, but through failure and hurt I have re-emerged and started creating again, even teaching, this would mean so much to me and be a testiment to follow your heart! Your a true inspiration, many wishes on your day today 
Smiles, Jackie”
Bonus winner #1 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Cindy DeLuz who said, “Oh my…Here goes: KRR has been an inspirational rae of light for me for nearly 5 years now. Soon after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2007, I unexpectedly came across a blog written by a sweet gal who had dancing eyes. This talented young woman exposed her tender heart with her beautifully written words and pastel colored images. She wrote about vulnerability, a boy named John, an airplane eared pooch, and dreams come true. She unknowingly brought new meaning to my life as she openly shared her world. It’s almost impossible to put into words what winning this trip would mean to me. It would be a poignant piece for my rather upside-down life puzzle. It would also remind my 16 yr.old daughter that dreams do come true. I would love the opportunity to hug and thank Kelly Rae Roberts in person. It would be a highlight in my life, blissfully surreal. So in true KRR style, I continue to listen to my heart whispers while trusting in the journey.”
I LOVE this canvas! This is hanging in my living room.
A very cool travel mug....even though I use it when I'm not on the go. Perfect for my hot cocoa when I'm working in the studio. The word "Believe" is perfect, reminds me to keep dreaming of the long awaited cure.
This is my favorite! A beautiful journal featuring one of KRR's lovely ladies. The blank pages are made of the yummiest soft paper. The page markers are pastel velvet ribbons...really!
Oh gosh I love this too! This adorable flat acrylic statue hangs above my art table where it inspires me everyday. It also came with a darling stand too.
I was recently going through my photo files and realized I still have some Palm Springs pics that I wanted to share. These shots were taken at a downtown karaoke bar. No, we weren’t brave enough to get up there and sing, especially after hearing how awesome everyone else was! The two darling gals in the first foto happen to be sisters, and let me tell you…they could sing! The second couple serenaded each other and it was very sweet to watch.
I took some pics of the art hanging on the walls…vintage photographs of iconic stars. I love these old Hollywood images, an amazing era gone by. See if you can name these famous people!
The cute sisters! Hard to believe the gal with the shorter hair has 3 kids!
Another couple of cuties...both had great smiles!
A passionate couple who lived a real life drama.
Was this from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"?
She always seemed like a class act. Great photo!
Seemed to live such a tortured life.
Guess who?
This one cracks me up. I'm pretty sure I know who the brunette is...but who's the blonde?
I had a mad crush on the handsome fella in the back. Loved him in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Remember the scene of him and Katherine Ross on the bicycle...awww, love that song too!
"Here's lookin' at you kid."
Miss M. looking sultry.
Old blue eyes....whatta crooner.
Two gorgeous stars! My sis and Lauren...love you two!
The video is five minutes, but it’s worth every second. Just had to include it for you. I haven’t watched this in years, and it still gave me chills and made me weepy.
An Artsy Chick ponders life through painting, people, and parkinson's.
