Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

The photo above is a painting I created about 2 weeks ago. It lasted about a day on my Etsy! The title of it is " The Giant Feast ". So, I'm wishing everyone a Happy Giant Feast tomorrow.
I'm hosting this year at my house so the boys and I have been preparing all day, that's why I've been a little absent today. We've been baking and making homemade decorations. We have also been collecting fall foliage from outside, such as branches and leaves, to decorate as well. I really have done this on a budget and because I'm a green freak! I'll try to take some pictures for all to see. I'll be back next week because my husband is banning me from my computer for the rest of the weekend. Of course, I'll sneak in a few times.
Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Giving to Charity


At least twice a month I give to local and nationwide charities that usually involve children. And with the local, I usually attend. But, between football and sick kids, this time I was absent. Over the weekend an organization, known as Rotary, got together and put on a silent auction to raise funds to build another medical clinic in Nicaragua. The clinic is for children and their families to receive the medical treatments that they all need. It's a great cause and I've been donating my art for the past couple of years. And, it feels great to know that I was apart of it. I even get my boys involved when charity comes around. I always show them what I'm donating and always ask one of them to wrap it up for me. Because of it, they have become more understanding of what goes on in other parts of the world.
So above is a print, along with the frame, of what I donated. It's titled "Happy Day". I heard it did fantastic at the event, let's just say their were bids on it before it hit the table. LOVE that! Way to go Hawk. Well, I have a son home sick AGAIN and I'm doing custom orders today and shipping and ....oh you know...EVERYTHING! Have a wonderful day. Marnie V.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Munfy Photography

After my post yesterday, Jason Munford from Munfy Photography, was sweet to tell me my horrible photos were yet fabulous. Oh Jason...they don't compare to yours. But thank you for making me feel professional for a second. So he sent over some of his that he took of Ryan. I am only posting one because you have to go to is site to see the rest. Go to online ordering and view the Panther photos. I am going to order some myself. I love what he does to these photos, and with his unique style they're fun to look at.
Well, I'm to take a run this morning to get some exercise before the big turkey day. Marnie V.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

We are going to the SUPER BOWL!

It's Sunday morning, coffee in hand, and I'm blogging. I don't usually come on this blog bragging about my boys athleticism but my silence has to be broken for this. My son Ryan, who is 11, is a stud at football. Or maybe I should say ROCK STAR according to my friend Mel. He plays a few different positions depending on the plays. Running back, tight end, wide receiver, and maybe a few others. He averages at least 2 or more touchdowns a game...HONESTLY! But to be even more honest, his entire team plays just as well. Their coaches Pat and Donovan, who we love, have brought a team together like no other. These boys have formed the most amazing bond and love for these coaches.
So back to Ryan. Ryan honestly has something here. My husband and I have been watching him and his moves. It will take at least three people to tackle him down. My husband always asks him before the game, " How many people will it take to bring you down?" And Ryan says, " At least twelve Dad." We watch him in amazement though, when he drives through a line and the other team is hanging on him but he keeps going. It actually is hilarious at times. His legs don't stop moving and that is the key.
It's pretty normal for someone on the other team to come over and tell him what a great job he did. I even had the commissioner tell me that the board talks about Ryan. And that's when I knew my thoughts about how talented he was really came into focus. But what he has, came from his hard work.
Ryan practices all the time as well. Everyday after school Ryan , Austin , and I go outside and throw at least 500 passes, between all three of us. then I turn into Quarterback Mom and Ryan will tell me his plays and I will throw. He never misses a catch. Well, maybe one. All three of my boys also get together with the over 20 kids that live on my street, and they play football every day. Most of the boys play high school and middle school ball. So Ryan has been getting a lot of practice. He loves how well he is doing and he knows that practice makes perfect! He's not perfect though...so don't think I'm a snob. But even my son Austin, who has been working on his catching this year, is awesome now too. I truly believe in getting your kids outside and working on things that will in return make them a better player. It will also boost their confidence. Ryan is in the white pants.
So, like I said they made it through the finals and are going to the super bowl! They play in 2 weeks and I will definitely keep you posted on the results. I don't have great pictures, but to see more great pictures go to this site. Jacob Munford, who is are Star Tackler on the team, his dad Jason Munford, is an amazing photographer. Please go check out his work. And look for the Panthers in black. Well, today is claimed as GETTING READY FOR TURKEY DAY. Cleaning house, a little grocery shopping, playing football, and watching football. Happy Sunday! Marnie V.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Happy Day

Oh what a Happy Day it is here in Texas. It's about 50 degrees, but the sun is out..yeah! So above is my new painting, well, it was new and lasted only 2 hours on ETSY before it sold. LOVE that! But, now it's available in print. I think what inspired me is the carefree spirit of animals when they are running around. And I honestly believe they think they are having a Happy Day. Plus I think the colors I chose for this piece are Happy too. It even looks so cute in a frame.

And like any typical day that I have, work. I am creating new pieces this week so don't forget to check the shop often. I'm finally getting caught up on paper work thanks to my son Ryan, who is great at filing receipts and shipped orders. My kids love this business stuff, plus I've mentioned prior that my oldest Jake is great at invoicing my stores. Ok...enough is enough and it's work time. Have a happy day! Marnie V.

Monday, November 10, 2008

My Balancing Act

Honestly...this is me. Trying to balance all of my duties everyday. And, to be quite honest, this is how I feel most days. I'm not perfect, for any of you who remotely thought at the least that I was. I don't always get things done on my list, but of course I do eventually. I'm actually a little behind on my schedule of getting things done as of right now. But, I'm slowly accomplishing things in my everyday life, and my nuts haven't fallen to the ground just quite yet.
So I'll be honest again, this little painting was also inspired by the little squirrels that run around my yard all day long collecting nuts for the winter. They are so funny to watch and find myself watching them for minutes on end instead of working. Sometimes I have to close my blinds so I get my work done.
It's time to get back to balancing my day and getting 3/4th's of my list done, hopefully!
Have a great day! Marnie

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Featured on Tangled and True





button up!

Just giving a little shout out and thank you to Brittany over at Tangled and True for doing a little bragging about Hawk! Go check out her blog. She is an amazing writer and finds the coolest stuff on the planet kids, babies, home, and lifestyle.






Custom Art with Hawk

It's 8:40 am, GIANT cup of coffee in my hand, and I'm finally at the computer. My day is filled with work! To be point blank. I'll be on the computer most of the morning gathering info of my products for a new online store...YEAH! That wants my Art. YEAH again! And my oldest son Jacob is getting braces today. I am still amazed at how big he has gotten and how proud we are of him. He just finished a successful season of football, which he rocked at, gets fantastic grades, and has started a bit of charity work. Love him.
So, now on to Hawk. The photo above is a custom little painting I did through the Gallery ART251. The customer wanted Hawk giving Gabby a rose. What a great idea she had to create such a beautiful design. And the finished product I gave is simply lovely. I may just have to do a little painting of something similar.

And a little up date on the little Chiwawa. The owner Kim emailed me yesterday and told me her boys wanted to meet the artist who painted a picture of their dog. I immediately had tears in my eyes and thought how cool those boys are for wanting to meet the artist. So, I went over to meet them yesterday and they are so sweet. They thanked me and told me His name, which is SKIPPY. And told me how he smiled exactly how I painted him. I was so touched and really felt like I had done something good. I do charity work all the time, but this was definitely different.

Well, my coffee already needs a refill and I have to accomplish a few things before I pull my son out for his braces...so have a great day.-Marnie V.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Remember Little Me


Remember Little Me for being so cute
for being courageous and brave
Remember Little Me for loving my family
for treats and such
Remember Little Me for sitting on laps
for warmth and love
Remember Little Me as an explorer
for meeting creatures and bugs
Just Remember Little Me

Little me is a little Chiwawa that I witnessed get hit by a car today. I was walking with Hawk home, from taking Austin to school, when a little Chiwawa came running across the street. He was struck by a truck instantly. I think his idea was to come over to see Hawk, then tragedy struck. I immediately went to him in the street with Hawk by my side. He was still breathing, but didn't have any tags. Thankfully his owner came around the corner to find him with me.
And sweet Hawk, being so smart, instantly new what had happened. He sat down next to the little dog and seemed very sad. He just looked at the little dog like he wanted to help him in some way, I love Hawk for that. And I will never forget the look on his face.
I helped the woman bring the dog to her car and she took him to our neighborhood pet hospital.
Hawk and I then started walking home. A cold breeze was in the air with the morning sun shining bright and Hawk was definitely in a different kind of mood. All I could think about is how important these little creatures are to us. How much love they bring into our lives. I wished I had asked for Little Me's name, but at the time I didn't even think about it. So with all of this in mind, I returned home and instantly was inspired to paint a little portrait of Little Me. I thought the family would love a painting of their sweet dog and so I would have a memory of him as well.
So I leave this blog today with heartfelt love to his family who will never forget him.
I'm off with Hawk to deliver this gift with love.-Marnie V.