Grateful Goodbye to 2010

Today I am back at home after a wonderful few weeks with my family. It was great to be together and what joy a baby brings to Christmas!! Our little grandbaby was just precious!!

It was great fun to china paint with my mother. This technique was a huge challenge!

What a treasure to be with Grandmother. Special times.

Looking back on 2010, I realize what huge changes have taken place...

• new members to our family
• new job
• new town
• new friends
• new art career

.....just to name a few off the top of my head. What has surprised me most is the support you have given me with the start of my art business. I am forever grateful to my friends and family and my new blog friends for all of the encouragement you have showered upon me. Thank you for all the confidence building. I am very excited about the new year and where it will take me in art. Thank you, Thank you, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Goodbye 2010 and Hello to a New Fresh Successful Year in all areas of your life!

A few paintings...

I haven't spent much time in the studio lately but I do have all my Christmas shopping done!! Christmas at our house will begin this coming Tuesday and I can't wait to spend time with everyone! My art table looked so lonely the other day so I sat down and painted a couple of "Liz Hill" style ladies. This one is called 'Blue Dress'. I like to think she is going somewhere very special.

"The Red Scarf" stopped to 'strike a pose' before going off to her special place. This style is so much fun to paint because there is nothing precise about it. After the holidays, new work, original and prints will go in the online shop and soon to follow new originals in both galleries (Under One Roof, and The Frame Gallery).

There are still 7 originals in the online shop I would love for you to have under your tree this year! Merry Christmas!!!

In the Christmas Spirit

There's nothing like having a baby around to get you in the Christmas Spirit! I just came back from a few days visiting my daughter and her precious little family. It was such a joy to watch them decorate their first tree and hang their stockings. I joked with Bre that it was funny how she never was interested in decorating for Christmas before.....! Their excitement is contagious and it's fun to be a part of their first Christmas.

Back home, my tree is decorated and ready. We put Christmas music on and my husband, Rick, and son, Cory set up the tree and decorated the house outside. I loved every minute of it!

My tree is filled with the 'oldies'. This Santa cup was around every Christmas when I was growing up. Cory made the construction paper reindeer. His picture is inside. The old ornaments that tell a story, even if it is just to me, are so meaningful.

This postcard is 36 years old. It was given to me by my grandmother after visiting the North Pole. Santa always puts a stick of gum in the stocking.

These are two of my very favorite ornaments each made by the kids.

We are having Christmas at our house in 12 days! The gifts are wrapped and I can't wait for everyone to open their surprises. Celebrate the birth of Jesus this year with happiness, appreciation, and excitement! Love, love, love those around you....they are a blessing from Him.