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.

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 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.

Over the weekend I found myself in excruciating pain, and unexpectedly ended up in the emergency room. A battery of tests including an endoscopy, revealed that I have an ulcer. Luckily I was given iv fluids and an injection for pain, both of which made me feel a million times better.

Even though it’s been a couple of days I’m still extremely tired and my tummy aches slightly. The doc said the medication will start healing the ulcer right away. It was wonderful to be welcomed home by our lovely Christmas tree. I spent most of Monday napping on the sofa next to the twinkling lights. I’m convinced this magic tree is making me feel better.

The healing tree!

Tiny angel with glowing wings.

The best part of cruisin’ on a bike is you can feel a cool breeze on your face, you can cover more territory than on foot, and can lose a few lbs. in the process. Of course the most awesome benefit for me is that cycling is neuro-protective. It’s actually one of the best things a Parkinson’s patient can do to improve symptoms.

All of the photos posted today were taken at a park Terry and I discovered on a recent ride…hope you enjoy tagging along with us! Have a great week gang!

There are trout, bass and catfish in three seperate lakes.

The gardner's secret corner.

A lovely family enjoying some quiet fishing.

My wingman keeps me on course.

The still water made for awesome reflections.

A quick break for a mini foto shoot.

A majestic tree admiring itself in the mirror.

Freida, Lola, and Hazel. Yes, I name ducks too.

Leaf on steroids.

These gals get around.

The beauty made me glad to be alive.

Thurston...just in case you were wondering.

Oak trees understand the language of the universe. P.S. They love to be hugged.

These little red berries make me think of Christmas.

The squirrels made this....I helped a little.

I feel blessed that I can ride Petal and enjoy nature's magic.

I’ve been having an official brain flurry lately. That’s when you’re involved in too many projects at one time. My slow moving brain is having a hard time figuring out which one to work on next. Oh yeah, I have to toss Holiday shopping to the list…oh my. Here’s a peek at my current to-do list:

I want to finish the Ode to Leonard piece (large door) and also clean out the garage...eeek!

Need to finish "Broadway Babe", it's been a year. Also have a bunch of prepped panels ready for new artwork.

This piece is in my bedroom and I want to collage the drawers in plaid and paisley decorative papers.

I also want to collage these two vintage suitcases in funky 1950's images.

I want to finish a children's book I've been working on titled "The Things I've Seen."

I've been sketching in front of the t.v. at night under a big furry blanket, now need to watercolor the pages.

That's a ladybug running the mile...go girl!

Yep, that's a pig that giggles when he wiggles...you too?!

Also working on a grown-up book...here's a peek at the outline.

When my new issue arrives, I cozy up under my favorite blankie and languish over each glossy page. It’s a great place to get some amazing decorating ideas and also get introduced to some talented folks. Each colorful page is jam-packed with unique images and heart-felt personal stories from each artist. You can usually find Studios magazine in Joann’s, Michaels, Barnes and Noble, and of course online.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving week and getting ready for some holiday fun. Blessings to you all!

Since these holiday treasures once belonged to my friend’s family, it makes them extra special. I’m now dying to put up our holiday tree…yes, even before Thanksgiving! However I will patiently wait. My daughter is currently in Hawaii and won’t be home for a week. She would kill me if we put the tree up without her! She’s a true traditionalist and loves routine. She has a special spot that the worn-out elves must be placed!

These sparkly sweet things are currently sitting on my kitchen table and I swoon each time I walk by.