Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Hawk(aka rocket dog) and Gopher


Ok...I've been playing around with some new items and here is the beginning of one. A sweet illustration of Hawk and a gopher. I haven't named the Gopher yet, but don't worry, i will. Within the next couple of months i will be expanding my Rocket Dog line. I will be offering more paintings on canvas and little limited edition prints. I am so excited to share a story of a little curious dog and his adventures. This idea has been in my brain ever since we had moved to Texas, three years ago. I can't believe it has taken me this long, but life does get in the way.
I hope you enjoy the first of many as I bring you into Hawk's world. Marnie

Coming Soon!


Just a little announcement that my new Rocket Dog, A.K.A. Hawk, will be coming soon. Not much to say today considering I am getting ready for another Dallas show this weekend, meaning starting tomorrow. Gotta run...I mean paint. Marnie

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Continuing to be Green

My day today starts off with a walk to the local swim school. Wait, who am i kidding. I've been up since 5:30am baking. Yes, baking. We simply try to save money every month on our grocery bill by me baking goodies for school lunches. So this morning I made granola bars and cookies. I guess I'll snap a photo next time.
And after I am done writing this blog, I will be off to teach swimming this morning. And I will be walking there. It is only a quarter of a mile away. Pretty cool. I live in a really cute community where in the middle we have little shops, restaurants, and some doctor offices. But the buildings look like little houses. And the swim school is there also. I work two hours only on the days i go in, and I love it. It helps me prepare for my day. Plus, I love that i am teaching babies and kids something life saving.

I really enjoy how everyone is really trying to green green these days. My husband and I are green in so many ways and actually have been ever since we got married. It must be the California native in us. My Texas neighbors even noticed how thrifty we were when they started to get to know us.
Our house was built to be green also. From energy saving appliances. We even have something in our roof that saves us energy during those hot Texas months. I can go on and on but I have to go...many things to do today. Have a great day. Marnie

Monday, May 26, 2008

Happy Memorial Day!

We have had a great weekend so far. Cleaning, baseball, and swimming of course. Speaking of, I'm not sure if I even have to teach today. I guess I'll call before I put my two hours in. And of course i am telling myself a list of accomplishments that i will absolutely get done. Yeah right...

Like the Rocket Dog that is not finished yet and needs to be since I have a show this next week.
I need to print off more price lists. I am meeting with someone this week about a new product, it's still a secret, not telling yet what it is. Do you see how now my list has taken over my week. And also still fill orders.
But one thing for sure today, I will be a mom. One that will swim with her kids, play basketball in the pool, have a yummy cookout, and give out advice on how their old enough to work out their own arguments. So have a wonderful Memorial Day...I'm off to start mine. Marnie

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Margaritaville!


Last night I went out with some of my friends for dinner and drinks. We met at this fantastic little restaurant called Baja Grill. The food and drinks were good, but our conversations were even better. If you can imagine five women(loud women) in a tiny booth, crowded restaurant, and margaritas. Yeah...I'm sure the couple behind us got an earful. I'm not sure I should even post on what we were talking about so I won't. Especially considering some of our husbands read my blog. I had a great time with you ladies and can't wait to do it again.
Well I'm off to be a secretary, biller, shipper, painter, mom, wife, plumber, etc...I am actually good at fixing toilets...of course in my home only. Have a great day...Marnie

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Camping

Almost a week from my last blog and it feels like forever. I just got in from teaching swimming this morning and wanted to tell you all about our weekend. We went camping at Lake Texoma. Basically, one side is Texas and the other Oklahoma. We haven't camped in forever and it was great to get our feet wet again.
The sites were beautiful. Our camp spot was at the edge of a cliff...pretty steep I might add.
We arrived Sat. morning and quickly set up our tent.

My boys were pretty eager to start swimming in the lake but, when you camp its important to set up the shop first. I'm thinking about trying some of those strategies at home when it comes to doing chores. Then, when we had finished, we headed for the lake. We took a trail down and my boys were scoping out all of the poison oak...little scary. Of course my main concern was the possibility of running into a snake.

We eventually made it down and back, a few times, without itching or snake bites. My boys first started swimming, which then turned into sand throwing, and eventually had to all say sorry to a little girl due to sand in her eyes.....boys.

They eventually started making a wall out of sand. They miss the California beaches. They love building castles and forts. And i didn't snap a photo, but the little girl with the sand in the eye, let's just say she was the giant who got even.
Ok...I need to get back to work. I am still finishing up my next Rocket Dog and a few other secret items as well. I can't wait to share....Marnie

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Custom Painting

Ok....here is the custom painting I have so diligently been working on for the past few weeks. In between my other paintings, this piece turned out great. The door in the painting comes from the customers front door. Isn't it gorgeous? It is solid wood, carved, and simply lovely.
I wish I had a picture of their entire home because it is amazing. They live in downtown Fort Worth, in a historic area, and the family is simply lovely.
This was such a fun project and so glad I had the chance to create it.
And a big thank you to the customers, this piece is going to look great in your lovely home. And with all this done, my computer is down AGAIN. I am writing this blog on my husband's computer, which I totally feel out of place...Well, I'm off to Home Depot to bye wood. I am making frames for my friends mirrors that are going to go in her newly renovated bathroom. I already stained the new double vanity for them and now I'm creating frames to match. This all comes from my experience with the furniture company I used to work for. Yes, I am a regular at Home Depot...love that place. Have a great day! M

Monday, May 12, 2008

Paint and more Paint


I am a busy bee today working on a custom painting that is getting very close to getting finished. It is looking great and I will post a picture when it is finished.
I also can't wait to start working on my new Rocket Dog's and the other items I have in store for that line as well. Great things will be popping up in the shop soon so stay tuned....
Ok...I'm off to paint!-M

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

I received these flowers yesterday by mail from the boys in my life. They are so sweet and such a surprise. Happy Mother's Day to all and have a wonderful day. -M

Friday, May 9, 2008

More Adventures with Rocket Dog

Some great news to all of my Rocket Dog customers...yes, more are coming. Next week I am devoting my creative time to painting more Rocket Dog's.
As I have told you, Rocket Dog was created from my amazing dog Hawk. I am really going to start creating many things with Rocket Dog and eventually create a book about him. So if any publishers are reading...

A little hint toward my next release in this series, let's just say he is ECO friendly. Can't wait to show. Ok..I need to run, paint, clean my house, etc. Plus, get ready for a night of baseball, sleepover, boys talking loud, keeping me up all night, and lastly not getting any sleep.
Have a great weekend-Marnie

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Domino Magazine

I received a phone call yesterday from Domino Magazine in NY to tell me that my Modern Hearts 001, will be featured in the August issue. They are doing a spread on unique finds for baby. I am so excited because my hearts have been really selling well, and they deserve the exposure. They are bright and honestly can last through all ages of childhood.
I haven't blogged for about a week now due to my overwhelming schedule. Let's just say charity, filling orders, shipping, a custom piece I am working on, and oh yes...my boys. I won't bore you with the details.
Well, I need to get back to painting. I am working on a custom piece of artwork that i will post when I am done. Can't wait to show.....Marnie