IDEAS, THOUGHTS AND THINGS TO INSPIRE US

After watching the 9-11 memorials this morning, I realize that my emotions are just as raw as they were 10 years ago. I've gone through a whole box of tissues.

May God continue to bless all those families with the strength to get through this every year...every day.

Sincerely and most respectfully, Michele

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Now that my last old barn painting has sold...I guess it's time to create another one! I've been waiting for this for SOME time! :) (Thanks for the great pics, Jeff!)

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Today will be my 3rd day at the Marinette County Fair and sales are definately down this year. Seems like everyone ("and their brother") is being affected by the economy in one way, shape or form.

My hope is that today and tomorrow (Saturday & Sunday) are much better - heck...at this point, I'd even be happy with JUST better, period.

I am having fun, though. It's so great to see so many people I haven't seen in awhile, including past customers! I'm also very happy with my how my display turned out - I used my canopy and incorporated an old barn feeling - which I wanted to do since my very first show years ago! I've got hay bales, old lanterns, crates and a small, old, wooden bench that is too cute. I'm also using a spot light and white Christmas lights so it really feels like after I remove the artwork - we can have a barn party or wedding!  Any takers? ;) 

MUAH everyone! -Michele

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I love love love the cool evenings and cool early mornings...it makes me think that fall is in the air - in August.   I love living where I get to experience the beauty of the four seasons firsthand.  However, ask me to repeat this when I have to drive on icy roads this winter and see how I feel THEN.  Even still, nothing can compare to how gorgeous it is outside when the snow is light and fluffy and it sparkles like magic dust; too bad all the cars in the ditch have to ruin the view. wink.

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Sometimes insurance companies really get under my skin. You might be thinking this has nothing to do with my painting but...it does.

I am a sufferer of frequent migraines. I've tried a few different medications here and there but nothing ever really helped much beyond the initial first time use. FINALLY, my doctor prescribed "Maxalt" and I'm telling you...it has been a Godsend...to say the least; fifteen minutes and my migraine is completely GONE and I'm a normal, full functioning human being again.

So...I have a few pills left and I call in my refill only to find out, the next day, my insurance company needs some additional paperwork completed in order to consider continuing to approve payment for Maxalt. So...after TWO weeks of the paperwork being faxed back and forth from the pharmacy to the Dr.'s office, etc. (not to mention my little town pharmacy is only open 3 days a week)...I'm completely OUT of my migraine medication.

To make a long story longer... today was the show in Lakewood, WI. I was REALLY looking forward to attending - this being my first year there.  My mom came up yesterday and stayed over night so she could watch Matthew while I was away at the show today and I set my alarm for 4am. Beep-beep goes the alarm and low and behold...MIGRAINE and NO medication. I had to cancel my plans to attend today and I'm SO disappointed about it...not to mention my disappointment in the insurance company that has caused this to happen. I want to say to them: Why must I suffer in pain while you take your sweet time deciding if I really need this medication or not? How about we trade places? YOU SUFFER in pain with a migraine while I spend my time twiddling my thumbs for two weeks.

Only by the grace of God has the pain let up enough this morning where I can vent in my blog, brush my teeth and take care of my son.

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Seems like summertime is more for playing outside with family and friends than staying inside and painting. Most days, our 3 year old son doesn't want to take a nap and I have a hard time pulling him away from our current activities outside only to bring him inside to lay him down in a darkened bedroom by himself for a few hours. I'm not saying that I couldn't use the break but...I guess part of our job descritption as parents includes putting our childrens needs before our own.

With THAT said...I AM hoping to finish one more piece for the Aug. 6th weekend's show in Lakewood. It will be a fall scene with a bird house, pumpkins, leaves, etc. It's hard to remember that I should always be painting one season AHEAD of what it actually is. I guess the stores have it right...half way through summer it seems like the fall stuff is being put on the shelves... but I also find that very annoying sometimes! (I'm looking for more teke lights not pumpkins!) ;)

Today is a rainy day here in Northern Wisconsin - good day for cleaning and maybe even some painting. After all...I don't need to pull our son away from our outside activities today! :)

Hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as we are. Even with a few unexpected deaths in the family and the heartbreak of missing them that goes along with that - we are plugging along with a smile and lots of love for each other.

Love to you all, too! MUAH!  -Michele

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I hope everyone is having a GREAT July 4th holiday weekend! Stay safe, have fun and enjoy the weather! :)

Sincerely, Michele

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I'm finding it very difficult to stay indoors and paint when it's nice outside. I've been busy redoing our veggie garden, painting some trim on the house, power washing and restaining our deck, and of course playing with Matthew! It just seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to do it all.

I hope everyone is enjoying summertime as much as we are here! It's not the warmest summer on record but at least we can get outside and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

I'm going to try to get some painting done today...or...maybe tomorrow. ;)

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Well...my next project is a very large, round saw blade - a twin to the only other saw blade on my website titled "TEWS".

This is a very heavy piece and I always have to wear leather gloves while moving it - which is a small workout. Also, I hope I don't break another easle working on it....that really ticked me off.  >:(   "Live and learn!"  Now, I'm prepared with a few backups easles! :)

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Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get everything ready for today's Green Thumb Garden & Art Festival in Crivitz, WI. Also, thank you to all those who stopped by my booth - I loved talking with you!

For those who might not be familiar with the Green Thumb Garden Shoppe - it's this gorgeous old house/gift shop with a great lawn and beautfil flower beds and big green-houses out back. It was the perfect setting for the vendors and musicians. I even went  barefoot all day - the grass was like a carpet - I couldn't help myself. :)   It was a little too warm outside for me but otherwise everyone was SO nice and helpful and I'm looking forward to going back to this event again next year! Thank you again everyone!

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