*Personalized Sketches and Sentiments

Festive fun!

2011-12-16T02:07:00.007-05:00

Wishing all a very merry & blessed Christmas...

Mele Kalikimaka!

Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Happy New Year!

(We will be traveling and spending Christmas with all our children at my dad's in the beautiful winterwonerland in northern Wisconsin. When we reutrn...I will post some photos from there and also post about my wonderful Secret Santa gift that arrived from the Secret Santa gift exchange...Thank you soooo much for the wonderful surprise package :o)

*****

Here are some photos taken during my visit this past weekend. It was so good to see & spend time with all the kids, be there for our daughter, Girly~Whirly's birthday & see her, so beautiful, try on some wedding gowns (we weren't allowed to take photos, but she was stunning :o)

...and to be at our daughter, Girly~Twirly's baby shower hosted by Girly~Whirly and 5 of her dear friends. They did such an amazing job with planning, organizing, decorating, catering! They did it all and each living in different towns.

Come along and join in.

It was held at the beautiful home of the girls' sorority sister M's parent's home.

(Girly~Twirly and Girly~Whirly are Kappa Deltas). Their gorgeous home had plenty of room for all the guests and was so inviting.

This adorable baby rattle with the burlap ribbon, created by J, welcomes you at the front door.

Step inside and the festive pom-poms created by M.B. hang from the entry's chandelier. On the table is a framed invitation created by J.E., a polaroid camera to take your photo and a little book created by J.E. You can pick any page to put your photo in and write a little note.

This is the room off to the right, where some guests can sit, eat and visit. The pom-poms in here were created by M.B. too. And the three sweet ribbon topiaries were created by J. Little frames filled with sweet sayings were placed in the center by J.E.

Here is another view from the other entrance to this room, where you can see the entry hall and door to the office across the hall.

Here are a couple of the areas that the guests could sit, eat and visit in. In the sunroom, J and her hubby and baby girl visit with three of the other hostesses - M.B., J, and L.

Girly~Twirly enjoy the company of her hubby's parents, and a few of the guests.

Here is the mantel with the fabric covered letters announcing "It's a Girl" created by M.B. and her sisters.

Our son in law, Dr. Awesome, and Girly~Twirly are here!

Love her little baby bump!

They also welcome our son Heartbreaker and his girlfriend Sweetie to the shower.

Here are two of the 6 hostesses, Girly~Whirly, L and her little cutie D in the kitchen setting up.

M.B. prepared the Arnold Palmer tea and the fruity cocktail. And M.B.'s hubby and a fraternity brother brewed a special beer for our son in law and the guys. Couples were invited to the shower.

M's brother-in-law's sister baked this yummy cake! & L baked these lovely cake pops!

L also baked these lovely onsie cookies! Sweet in yummy flavor and sweet teal icing with the details like the KD for Kappa Delta and the little pearl buttons.

Girly~Twirly holding the little Kappa Delta onsie.

By the full table of yummy treats and sweets prepared by M.B. Girly~Whirly, L, and me. M also made a delicious Chicken Stew...perfect for the chilly day.

Standing by some of the beautifully wrapped gifts and the diaper cake.

The little bow and hair ribbon holder I made by adding a some green fabric and tutu to a little dress form. I made the bows to match the little dresses, my hubby and I had fun buying :o) More hair clips can be clipped on the tutu. (I didnt take a photo of them opening the finished baby quilt I had made.)

Girly~Twirly with the six lovely hostesses. In order, from left to right:

M is a dear friend and Kappa Delta sorority sister. This is her parent's beautiful home.

J with her adorable little girl. J is specializing to be a Pediatric dentist and graduated with Girly~Twirly.

M.B. is a dentist, who graduated with Girly~Twirly. Her hubby also graduated as a dentist with the girls.

Girly~Twirly

L is a dear friend and Kappa Delta sister with a beautiful little girl and cute little boy.

J is a dentist who also graduated with Girly~Twirly. (I love the written wishes sheet that she created for all the guests to fill out. There were sentences left unfinished and to be written by the guests to the little one... Some were very sweet and some were funny...and all fun to read. A great keepsake for our grandbaby to look back on and read.)

& of course, our sweet daughter Girly~Whirly. Our girls are like two peas in a pod...so blessed that all they and their brother are close. I am in awe of all that she has had to do, especially this time of year with all the exams for dental school, the clinical work, preparing & creating this beautiful shower, etc...

Another photo of the hostesses, Girly~Twirly and our son in law, Dr. Awesome. :o)

I realized once I got back from my trip, that I didnt take photos of all the guests. ...& didnt get a photo of our future son-in-law, Dr. Amazing, who was also there, but had to come a little later after some training for placement of mini dental implants.

Most of these photos were taken before the guests arrived...afterwards, I was enjoying the moment and failed my photo-taking duties! :o)

Our son in law..."modeling" over his shoulders...the beautiful crocheted blanket that Girly~Whirly created for her little niece...in between all the studying for the dental boards, other exams, and clinic!

I love that they had an impromptu kiss...but I missed it, so had them kiss again for this photo :o)

We are looking forward to meeting and holding our sweet little grandbaby girl in March. They still are deciding on names :o)

We will be traveling up to my dad's for a white Christmas, so although my hubby was not able to go to this past weekend, he will be able to see Girly~Twirly before she has the baby.

*****

Joining in with Ms. Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday fun...

& here is one of the recent orders that is not a Christmas gift, so am able to post this one now.
This is one is for a baby gift.
Thank you Kerri for thinking of this one for your friend's little newborn boy.

Thank you all for visiting and commenting! After being away from home, getting back in the routine at work and finishing on more art orders for Christmas, I hope to return all the visits from my last post! Thank you again!

Engagement...to be or not to be?

2011-12-07T20:52:00.003-05:00

I am repeating part of a previous post...
Our younger daughter (Girly~Whirly) and some friends are hosting a baby shower for our older daughter (Girly~Twirly), so I'll be flying out after work. I wanted to be sure to still join in on Ms. Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday fun...

So here it is... E is for Engagement...to be or not to be?

...I mentioned a little bit about this on my very first blogging post "A little Bit about Me"...

Let's see...the thing that you have to catch in this story is...what a fast worker my Handsome Honey is!

(one of our engagement photos)

We met in November 1980. I was 16, he was 18. (I was a Senior in high school. Both our birthdays are in December.

We would go out on the Friday or Saturday nights that he wasn't on shift. And he was at our house during my school nights that he wasn't on shift. (At the time, he was an Air Force firefighter/EMT and they worked every other day and on his 6th day off, they had 3 day break...)

December 1980, he flew home to spend Christmas with family in Hawaii.

(My handsome Hawaiian Honey in green shorts and his older brother in blue shorts and yellow muscle shirt after lifting some weights!) *did I say handsome? ...yessiree bob! ;o)*

After he came back to New Mexico, around the first part of January, he had a ring! I was a wee bit surprised!

I mean...I really, really, really liked him, but wow! that was pretty fast! :o)

***Let me *pause* to give you my Handsome Honey's story of how this came about so quickly...
he says he definitely knew I was the one.

Before he met me, he had gone to listen to a Christian body builder (Bob Birdsong) speak. During Mr. Birdsong's testimony, he spoke about how he prayed for a wife... "...blond, blue-eyed...etc..."

Well, that made an impact on my Handsome Honey, so when he went back to his barracks, he prayed for a wife... "...blond, blue-eyed... (Yeah! I am NOT blond nor blue-eyed! :o)

...but then my Handsome Honey says he immediately stopped, cuz he felt that the Lord knew and had the one picked out for him. (Good thing!)

Shortly after that prayer, we met...

(another engagement photo)

My Handsome Honey was very fast at declaring and saying "I love you"!

I wrote "to be or not to be?", cuz my dad promptly had me return the ring back. (Um... the two of us thought we were so grown up and ready!...and at that time, thought "how unreasonable Dad was!") Now, of course, both of us see that Dad was very reasonable! (For goodness sakes, we were mere babes and we knew each other less than a month!)

So...I gave the ring back and it wasn't until Oct 1981, when my dad was retiring from the Air Force and we were moving to Wisconsin that he allowed me to accept the ring. (We think his thinking on that was with us moving away, we might not stay engaged....after all, there isnt the convenience of cell phones, facebook, skype, and whatever else there is now-a-days to keep in constant communication with).

But here we are...almost 30 years later...together more years than the years we had not known each other! ...by the grace of God...so blessed!

(taken at the Melting Pot in Savannah... on June 19, 2011...we used the card that our younger daughter Girly~Whirly sent us for our Feb 29th Anniversary).

*****

Still working on more orders for Christmas and I do like to be sure that I do not post an order before they have been given to the recipient.

But am able to share this local order that was delivered.
Thank you Ann for ordering this one to display in your Coffee Cafe of your Hill House logo.

(first one in black and white and the second after a little color was added, like your logo shows).

And thank you for the delicious coffee, quiche and other yummy treats that you sell and serve there.

*****

I am so Excited to be flying up to see all our three kids...I'll be posting some photos of the fun times there...at Girly~Twirly's baby shower...at Girly~Whirly's birthday...and just hanging out with our girls, son Heartbreaker, son-in-law Dr. Awesome, and future son-in-law Dr. Amazing. :o)

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments!

Disney Days

2011-12-01T21:40:00.000-05:00

Disney days of the past for my hubby were those fun adventures with his family, when he went with his family from Hawaii to visit some family in California.

He also performed with his middle school Ukelele Band in Disneyland.

Also Disney Days for my first time was when we went as newlyweds to Disneyland before continuing over to Hawaii. (That trip to Hawaii would also be the first time I would meet his family and friends....but that is for another post.)

I can't find any of those photos from those past Disney adventures....but was able to find the following:

Disney 1988

1. Our daughter Girly~Twirly, my little sister M, and I with Goofy.
2. Girly~Twirly and M reassuring our daughter Girly~Whirly that Minnie Mouse is ok :o)
3. Another photo of us by Goofy.

1. In front of the well known entrance: me, Girly~Whirly, my little brother L, Girly~Twirly, my little sister M, and mom
2. My dad, little sister M, little brother L, and mom with one of the Robin Hood characters. (Does anyone recognize this character?)

1. My handsome hubby, our girls and I with Sleeping Beauty's castle in the background.

2. My parents, little brother, little sister take a pose in almost the same spot. I had sewn all the girls dresses out of tube tops and two ruffled layers of fabric.

Our children had asked as they were growing up when we would go again... Their dad would say "some day..." For various reasons, there wasn't the opportunity to go until...

DISNEY 2005

Our son was completing chemo tx for the lymphoma. And my hubby's older brother and his family and also one of his sisters and her two boys flew from Hawaii to visit.

1. In the hotel room the night before checking out Disney.

2. The girls and I at the hotel.

3. Our nephew B, me, my hubby's brother and his wife in the tram going to one of the parks.

4. My bald hubby (he shaved his hair off while our son was going through chemo and lost his hair), daughter Girly~Whirly, niece K, son Heartbreaker, abd daughter Girly~Twirly on the opposite side of the tram.

1. Cousins at the entrance...

2. family foto

3. Heartbreaker is so awesome on the guitar, I wouldnt be surprised if he figured out how to play this huge one! lol

1. cousins and Minnie

2. big bro, hubby, Minnie, and younger sister...one more sister in Hawaii who was not able to come.

DISNEY 2007

1. Heartbreaker, the year he was Georgia's Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network (CMN).

(This time with a little more hair...he was growing it out to donate to Locks of Love).

2. Hubby, Heartbreaker and I with CMN's co-founders Marie Osmond and John Schneider.

They were so awesome to meet.

1. Heartbreaker performing before 2000+ at the telethon.

2. Heartbreaker, his "backup band" and Richie MacDonald (from Lonestar).

1. Heartbreaker was able to meet so many wonderful people, like Miss America, shown here in a magazine article about his time with CMN. (This photo was actually taken in D.C. during the days prior to flying down to Orlando).

2. oops! Already posted this one of the three of us and Marie Osmond and John Schneider.

3. Heartbreaker and Mary Lou Rhetton- she was so sweet! She looks as amazing as when she was a teen gymnast!

4. Heartbreaker and the Jonas Brothers - great boys....they had fun hanging out at the Disney hotel and pool.

*****

Joining

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "D"

*****

I have more Disney characters, but will share these ones of Mickey and Minnie.

(some of these are not as dark as the originals due to lighting).

Here are a few Disney Mickey Mouse Personalized Sketches...

& Disney Minnie Personalized Sketches...

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments :o)

Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T16:40:00.005-05:00

(a closeup of the pumpkin wall hanging that I photo-shopped the scripture verse on to: 1Chronicles).

Family and friends throughout the years have blessed us...

We have gathered together with family and/or friends during Thanksgiving.

...places like...

the Philippines, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Japan, Texas, Taiwan, New Mexico, Hawaii, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Georgia...

& there are many different recipes that we are sure to have for Thanksgiving,

...but my hubby's favorite Thanksgiving treat is his mom's Pumpkin Pie Bars.

(This pumpkin wall hanging is the first "fully completed" quilt that I had done years ago.

Instead of the other words that were to be embroidered on it,

I decided to print out the ingredients from his mom's pumpkin pie bars.)

I made the bars today to share with dear friends tomorrow. They are so sweet to open their home & hospitality to us tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with them this year.

Although this year, my hubby and I will be the only ones of our family that will be in Georgia for Thanksgiving, we are so thankful that our children will be in great company.

Girly~Twirly and Dr Awesome will be spending Thanksgiving in their home with his parents. (His dear parents have had all of us to spend a Thanksgiving meal with for the past 2 years!)

Girly~Whirly and her fiance' Dr. Amazing will be spending Thanksgiving at his parent's home.

Heartbreaker and his girlfriend Sweetie will be spending Thanksgiving at her family's home.

We are so thankful also that we were able to spend Thanksgiving with my dad last year. He had just had heart surgeries for 5 bypasses. This Thanksgiving, he will be at my sister's.

Joining

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "We Gather Together"

*****

Still working on more art orders...but will not post them, since they are to be given as Christmas gifts. I have also completed an order for calligraphy on wedding envelopes for a sweet sorority sister of our daughters. I love doing these too! :o)

Close up, but with the address and personal info blocked out.

Thank you Lauren, for your email:

"...We received them.. They are Magnificent!!! Thank you so much for all of

Your work! I love them! .... I can't wait to send them out!"

Thanks again!

Lauren

*****

What special family treat or dish do you have at Thanksgiving or other family gathering?

Wishing all a day of Thanksgiving today and every day!

Celebrate

2011-11-16T21:38:00.002-05:00

...& sharing more wonderful family news...

Our younger daughter, Girly~Whirly...

a sweet princess...

Top photo: 2007 University of Lousiville Homecoming Queen

Bottom Left photo: 2008 Kentucky Derby Princess

Bottom Right photo: taken this spring 2011 @ the Kentucky Derby tea party for "those future princesses" :o)

*****

...had met her Prince Charming...

A sweet couple

...in every season...

Clockwise: Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg snow!

Keeneland Races, Keeneland again

...in sunshiny days...

...in stunning sunsets...

...while out and about...

...while in Savannah...

Clockwise: after church, lunch at an old Savannah restaurant, at Forsythe Park

...visiting at our other daughter (Girly~Twirly)

& son-in-law (Dr. Awesome)'s beautiful new home...

...at numerous weddings of friends...

...at a special occasion...

Dr Amazing's dental school graduation

*****

This sweet couple

on 11/11/11

...at a surprise beach picnic planned by Dr. Amazing...

...at the Outerbanks...

& after a ride on the beach...

...the proposal!

...engaged!

From when our three were very little, we have always prayed for their future spouses...My husband would pray for them to have Chrisitan spouses, whose whole heart is given to Jesus Christ, strong in their faith and walk, who would love, honor, cherish, support, care for them...

When our girls were older, they interjected one night with..."Dad, don't forget "good-looking" too :o)

We look forward to the many blessings ahead as our family grows!

Happy to be joining in again...

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "C"

*****

Here are a few art orders completed:

I have more, but will wait until I know that they were already given.

Thank you Linda, for sending this photo of one of your Eiffel Towers. I love the matting and framing that you chose!

Thank you also for your feedback at my Etsy shop:

"We asked Maria to sketch the Eiffel Tower with our son, Zachary's name. He will be serving a mission for our church for the next two years and we wanted something in our home (and in his one day) to remind us of the selfless work he will be doing and how proud we are of our son, Zach. Maria captured our idea perfectly and made this beautiful sketch for us. We couldn't be happier with her artwork or her customer service. Thank you, Maria! "

Here are two orders from Tracie. I'll post her other order later, since it has not been given yet.

She chose this sweet pose from her sweet pup's photo. ...who had passed away not too long ago.

& this one is of Lady Justice, as a gift for her boss, who is a lawyer.

Thank you very much for your email:

"...The package arrived yesterday (safe and sound!). I knew the sketches would be amazing, but they are AAAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG!!!! You are so talented! I can't wait to pick out frames for them, and I will send you pictures once they're framed and ready. I will definitely pass along your information to all my friends and family!

And I'm sure I will be ordering again -- I'm already thinking of more things for you to sketch :)"

*****

Thank you all for your lovely visits and comments! I still need to catch up with last week's post!

Bedtime Buddies

2011-11-09T18:23:00.005-05:00

I have lots of photos of our children snuggling up or laid out flat in our bed with their dad.

So, I thought I'd share a few

Bedtime Buddies

when our three were snuggling with their dad...

My Handsome Hubby & our Girly-Twirly

New Mexico

1983

She just woke up, but Dad is still asleep. This is in our king-size waterbed...the kind that was filled only with water...not with the support that waterbeds evolved into.

This time with Girly~Whirly

Florida

1986

She was only about 19 days old...and we were visiting some family.

& here with our son Heartbreaker...

Hawaii

1992

He was about 23 months old. We still had our same waterbed. I was the only one that loved turning the heat up in the waterbed.

Joining

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "B"

...with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

*******

For now, here are two completed art pieces drawn. (I have so many more to share, but have to get them scanned on the computer first).

This first Zebra shown in black and white and the second image after a little color was added.

This next one was just received today, so will share it now:

Thank you so very, very much Kara for your comment:

"Omg!!! The monogram turned out perfectly!!!! I can't wait to give this to them!!! I'll be sure to comment on your pics to give you more exposure!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!"

Thank you for stopping, visiting and for your lovely comments.

Announcing...

2011-11-02T13:35:00.003-04:00

...Alphabe-Thursday!!! And the letter A...

And Also Announcing... We are excited for the upcoming March birth of our first grandbaby...
(I actually posted about this here: V is for Very... )

And recently...we found out that they are having...

...An Adorable, little girl!

Here is her cute little profile pic :o)

Our daughter ~ Girly~Twirly taking a picture of her cute little baby bump at about 20 weeks. :o)

She took this in the mirror of their downstairs guest bathroom. ...

The painting of the island scene, behind her is one that she painted herself about 7 years ago...it was her first painting.

*****

If you are new to my blog, I usually try to also post some past art orders. Each one is drawn entirely with the name of the individuals.

Thank you Jen for another order:

"Hi I wanted to order another wedding monogram, please."

Thanks Girly~Twirly for this request for a wedding gift:

Thank you Diki, for your order of this:

"It's getting close to Christmas again. Can you do this sketch?.....Thank you!"

Happy to be joining in again...

...with Jenny's Awesome Alphabe-Thursday's "A"

I truly appreciate all those that stop by and leave a comment. I have not been able to do a lot of blog reading this past month....but hope to catch up soon.

2011-10-31T06:58:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first annual Fall Social Freebies Giveaway Event. We have partnered up with lots of different and wonderful bloggers to bring you some fabulous prizes, just in time for the Holiday Season!

Giveaway starts October 31st at12:01 AM EST to November 21st at 12:01 AM EST. Giveaway winners will be announced through the Rafflecopter widget and notified by email by the end of the day on November 23rd, 2011. Winners must reply to email notification within 48 hours of delivery, or a new winner will be chosen.

Participating Blogs that made these giveaways possible:
Pink Dandy Chatter
Between The Lines
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
Reading Teen
The Organic Blonde
Nurtured Beauty
Green Country Girl
Free Hot Samples
Social Media Junkie
Pawsitive Living
Retail Therapy Lounge
Lily's Laundry
Uncommon Chick
Chi-Towncheapskate
Smile A Day Giveaways
Granny Loves Gift Baskets
Kelly's Lucky You
An Avid Readers Haven
Mayra's Secret Bookcase

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

* Winner will receive a 8 GB iPod Touch in their choice of black or white by Apple. Retail value is $199

*This giveaway is open to the US and Canada Only

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway

* Winner will receive a SleepTracker Elite Watch by SleepTracker. Retail value is $149

*This giveaway is open to the US Only

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway

ABOUT SLEEPTRACKER (from their website):
The SLEEPTRACKER® Elite watch is the latest in sleep monitoring technology. Unlike other monitors and alarms, the SLEEPTRACKER® measures and logs your sleep patterns waking you at the most optimum time when your body will feel the most alert and energetic. The SLEEPTRACKER® Elite also records and stores your sleep data allowing you to download and track your own personal sleep information right from your home computer.
SLEEPTRACKER® continuously monitors signals from your body that indicate whether you are asleep or awake. Because you wear SLEEPTRACKER® on your wrist like a watch, its internal sensors can detect even the most subtle physical signals from your body. SLEEPTRACKER® finds your best waking moments, so that waking up has never been easier.

GIVEAWAY ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST AT 12:01 AM EST

GOOD LUCK!!!

A winner and a few updates

2011-10-22T20:42:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to the winner of UPrinting's 250 club flyers!
It is this comment left by Jen:

"My husband could really use some business cards right now so I would love some of those! I also love that you get a free 16X20 poster with a $50 order!"

Now, remember, although these are what is called "club flyers", they can be printed with whatever you choose. I am very happy with the items for my business that I have received in the past through UPrinting. So, I look forward to the 250 flyers that UPrinting has so generously given me as well.

It has been wonderful to be busy with art orders and calligraphy work, so will be sure to get around and visit all the wonderful blog friends once, I get caught up :o)

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Fall Social Freebies with IPOD giveaway ...a great event for meeting new blog friends and fun giveaways hosted by Pink Dandy Chatter & Between The Lines!

& I will be joining in on the Secret Santa fun over at Colorado Lady.

If you are interested...

take a peek at these lovely ladies' blogs to see what all the *F*U*N* is about & ...C'mon & Join in!

*****

Here are a a few of the most recent art orders, that I can share since I don't think they will be accidently viewed here by those still yet to receive them.

Thank you Linda for your initial email:
"...I attended the Smiles for Life brunch and fundraiser on Saturday and fell in love with your work. Would it be possible for you to create another sketch just like the one of the "Kentucky Horse" you donated for the auction?..."

& for your request for the other 3 to be drawn.

"I really love the Horse picture we saw at the Smiles for Life auction this year so I think we will stay with that for our sketch. ...the Eiffel Tower to be used on both sketches. You don't need to add the trees on the sides or the other details of the city shown under the tower in the picture unless you feel it enhances the over all sketch..."

1. Horse head for Linda's home, chosen to remind them a bit of their time living in Kentucky.

2. Same horse head image, but drawn this time with their friend's last name: BLODGETT & also with additional calligraphy centered beneath of Lexington, Kentucky (name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

3. The Eiffel tower, drawn for the 2 years, their son will be living in Paris, France.

Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style: Californya A).

4. Another Eiffel tower also drawn to be given as a gift. Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

Linda, I am glad that you are happy with your art & I appreciate your email that you sent after you received them all.

Linda's email: "We received our sketches in the mail yesterday and they are absolutely beautiful. I am heading over to Michaels as soon as I'm finished working today to purchase my frames and put everything together. I am SO excited to share a few of them as gifts...they will love them! Thank you for putting a rush on everything so that I would have them in time."

Thank you again for stopping by and commenting! (I am still behind in returning my blog visits to all those that commented in my past few posts, but will be sure to stop by! I truly appreciate all of you that stop by to say hi!)

P.S.

2011-10-13T21:33:00.003-04:00

In a written communication, “P.S.” stands for the Latin phrase post scriptum, which means “after writing.” It is meant to reflect the fact that the text marked with “P.S.” was added after the other material had already been written, as an afterthought.

However, this post's "P.S." is another result of my super long blog address. I am copying and pasting my most recent post on this new one, so that it can be linked up properly at Dawn's blog hop. (The previous post title was too long and was not able to link up).

Actually, years ago, when I was thinking of what to call the art that I do, "P.S." also was purposefully chosen.

Personalized Sketches...as in the catch phrase that I also use with identifying the art I do...
"P.S. ...it's all about You!"

(thank you for bearing with me as I repost this one, but I didn't want to totally delete the original post, so that I would not lose the kind comments that were left on that one).

******

I usually manage to get only one post up a week, but after I read my dear blog friend's post about how she came to name her blog TaylorsOutback...& then read that she joined in with As Sweet as Cinnamon, for Dawn's question and linkup:

"What's Your Name?"

...joining in with this fun Blog Hop...

First a little background, just in case you are new to my blog. I am blessed and thankful for the Lord Jesus, my dear family, friends...a wonderful life. I love to sew, craft, cook, crochet, quilt (I am a novice quilter) and I love to draw.

I have been doing the art that I do since 1985. More on that HERE. Since those first orders in 1985, I have called it Personalized Sketches. Each "sketch" is drawn entirely with a person's name. And I have always said it as "Personalized Sketches...it's All about You!" or "P.S...it's All about You!"

This is a newspaper clipping taken in 1988, when my hubby was in flight school and we lived in Alabama.

I love, love, love to do them and love the great stories of those that they were drawn for. Go here: Steam Engine to read the fun story behind it.

It is so fun to see what people ask to be drawn...Any subject matter is possible.

Well, for many years, I have had customers ask if I had a website, so that they could share with and show their family and friends. (Often it is hard to visualize what it means that each is drawn using a name. & even when I am at a show and some are actually looking at the samples displayed, some initially do not "see" the names over and over...until *click* there is that "ah-ha moment!" :o)

...but I felt that I was not computer/tech savvy, so I was very hesitant to get connected on line.

Until in 2009, our daughter (Girly~Twirly) showed us her wonderful blog that she started while they were in medical and dental school and newlyweds. Prior to that, I didnt even know what a blog was!

Also, that same year our cousin started her very successful Etsy shop.
Well, with the patience and help, answering many questions, I started my Etsy Shop. Etsy shop.
At that time, our daughter gifted me with a blog design, so that I could get this blog started.

I knew that I wanted to share the art that I do and a bit about what was behind the art...my wonderful family...I'm so thankful for them.

(Our Christmas 2010 family photo)

"Awesome" (son-in-law), Girly~Twirly", "Girly~Whirly", "Heartbreaker",

me, & my handsome Hubby

...This is the "Sentiments" part of my blog name... Sentiments of family memories and photos (that I can recall and have for our future grandchildren to look and read).

...and also those kind Sentiments that customers have sent me about their art that they had ordered, given or received.

I wish that I had known back then that my URL address did NOT have to be what my name on my blog was going to be. If I had known, I certainly would not have made my address to be so long! www.PersonalizedSketchesandSentiments.blogspot.com! Goodness! It took me forever to scribble that down on a piece of paper for people that I would bump into. haha

...So, I definitely made new business cards right away, with that ridiculously long URL address! lol

Now that it has been a couple of years since I started my blog, Etsy Shop and facebook art page, I am feeling more and more comfortable with how this all works! I am still learning as I go and I appreciate soooo much all the blog friends that still answer the questions I have. Also, like I mentioned earlier, I still usually manage to get my "ONE post a week" post up, each week.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful blog friends that would not have been possible otherwise!

*******

I also usually like to share some past art orders at the end of each post. So, I close with these:

I thank all you for thinking of Personalized Sketches
...of your homes....

...your careers...

...your interests...

...your hobbies...

...your military service...

...your wedding...

....your births...

...your children...

...your pets...

...your passions...

...and whatever it may be that is special in your lives...

*******

Thank you for stopping by! I do try very hard to be sure to return your visits and hope you come back by my place...any time!

Oh one last thing, my last week's post has a great giveaway from UPrinting that is great to use either for your business needs or even personal invitations, announcements, etc... Please be sure to take a look if you are interested. The giveaway for the 250 cardstock printed flyers, ends Oct 20th at midnight.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments

2011-10-09T22:00:00.006-04:00

"What's Your Name?"

(Our Christmas 2010 family photo)

"Awesome" (son-in-law), Girly~Twirly", "Girly~Whirly", "Heartbreaker",

me, & my handsome Hubby

*******

I also usually like to share some past art orders at the end of each post. So, I close with these:

I thank all you for thinking of Personalized Sketches
...of your homes....

...your careers...

...your interests...

...your hobbies...

...your military service...

...your wedding...

....your births...

...your children...

...your pets...

...your passions...

...and whatever it may be that is special in your lives...

*******

UPrinting Flyer Giveaway!

2011-10-08T02:05:00.004-04:00

Not long after I started my blog and etsy shop in 2009, I had won a wonderful giveaway for an 18x24" Poster. It was perfect for my display when I would set up my artwork for shows. I am very pleased with the quality of the printing.

(I took this photo after midnight, so the lighting is from the lighting above the fireplace).

*******

When UPrinting contacted me to review another of their products, I was happy to accept, knowing first hand of the quality and quick turn-around of UPrinting. And they generously are offering the same to one of my readers.

There are a lot of printing companies available online. UPrinting offers a variety of great products. For example, not only are these flyers great for those with a business, but they may be used for other ideas...such as a family reunion or announcements or birthday party or work event or fundraiser or charity event...

Prize Details:

250pcs. Flyers for one winner

4.25" x 5.5" OR 4" x 6"

14pt Cardstock Gloss, Front Only Printing,

nightclub flyer templates and business flyer templates also available for download

3 Business Days Turnaround, *Free Shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only.

(approximate value: $49.80)

DEADLINE for this giveaway: Midnight - Thursday, October 20, 2011

One comment will be chosen and winner will be announced on Saturday, October 22, 2011

How to Enter: (*Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry & email address, so UPrinting can contact you).

1. Mandatory entry:

Please take a look at UPrinting and leave a comment about something you have learned on their site about their products and what other product you would be interested in or have already ordered through UPrinting. (I have also ordered business cards).

Additional entries:

2. Check out some of their Flyers, and let me know you would use these flyers for.

3. "Like" my facebook art page.

4. Follow me on Pinterest.

These are some samples of the club flyers that have been created by UPrinting.
(But remember, the winner chooses what their flyer will be used for and what it will look like.)

flyers

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive flyers for hosting. For more information about flyers, please visit Uprinting.com.

*******

As always, I try to share some past art orders on each post. If you are new to my blog, each artwork is drawn entirely with a person's name. Thank you for stopping by!

This is a wedding monogram given as a gift to celebrate the special beginning of two lives joined together. Thank you Kim for this order.

This was from her email sent when she ordered this one:

"I will be ordering at least two more of these...Let me know if you have any new designs that you think may interest me. Otherwise, I love what you do and your price can't be beat for a memorable wedding present!"

This one was recently shipped out to Monica, who is also a military blogger. Monica, thank you for ordering this one for your hubby's retirement. Thank you to your husband for his military service!

& thank you for your email:

"Wow, Maria!

The sketch arrived yesterday and we LOVE it! We're going out this afternoon to find a frame shop. I'll be sure to send pictures when it's done. My husband wants to take it in to work to show everyone when it's framed - I'm sure they'll be wanting your info!

Thanks again

(SO MUCH)"

*******

Joining in

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

...Random Deals

...Hens Clutch

...A Renaissance Woman

...Blog Hops every day!

Yipee! Yay! Yahoo! Yesiree!

2011-09-30T22:40:00.004-04:00

...the comment drawn for the $50 NOVICA gift certificate...

"I've been following your FB page for awhile! I've always admired your work!"

Thank you Jennifer for participating!

Please contact me in the next 48 hours, so that I can give you the special code.

I finally decided on what I would like to purchase with my $50 NOVICA certificate.

They truly have so many unique and beautiful items, from jewelry to home decor to clothing, etc...so I did take longer than I planned in placing my order.

I have a fine silver filigree necklace, (with *I think* Black Mother of Pearl insets), that belonged to my mom back in the 1960's...it was handcrafted and purchased in Bagiuo City, Philippines.

It is beautiful; however, I have not worn it as often as I would have, since I didnt have any earrings that would go with it.

So, I took it out of my jewelry box and looked at NOVICA's site to see if there might be something that would work well with it.

The photo is of my mom's necklace.

The inset on the bottom right shows a set of earrings that has the filligree and tiny silver ball details that are like those on the necklace.

The name of the artisan that handcrafted these earrings is Giuliana Valz-Gen from the Andes.

There was another pair that she created that was so identical with the details on the necklace! (But since I decided to share the gift certificate with one of my readers, I am very happy with this pair that was at a lower price.)

I also learned the difference between "fine silver" and "sterling silver".

"...Fine silver is 99.9% pure or more, but it is very soft..." So much more malleable with work like filigree details.

"Sterling silver is 92.5% to under 99.9%. The remaining 5 to 7.5% is usually copper, because this has been found to be the best metal to alloy with silver and not discolor it, while making it hard." (source: Ted Mooney on google search)

*******

Today, was my day off from work, so I wasn't polishing any pearly whites :o)

Instead, I went to a retirement ceremony and lunch at my husband's work.

(Usually, I share our past family photos on my post, but I thought I would share these ones that show a bit of what we were doing today.)

My handsome hubby has a wonderful speaking voice. (side note: I love to have him do his "radio announcer type voice for me! haha ...& I tell him all the time that he should do voice overs or something with radio/tv, etc...) Today, he was narrating the awards of appreciation given to three of their hard working men. Between the three of them, they have about 87 years of combined Department of the Army Civilian service! Thank you, to these men for that service!

& Thank you to all those that participated! As I have done in the past, I would like to extend to those for commenting to this giveaway, 10% off of one Personalized Sketches artwork. (I do this because when I do have a giveaway, I wish that I was able to give each commenter the winning piece! So, please feel free to contact me, if you are interested

in ordering any image with the name of your choice with 10% off.)

*******

The following two drawings were drawn for the University of Kentucky's 5th Annual Smile for Life event. Both our daughters, with other dental students, have and are very involved with making this event a success.

Our daughter chose a beautiful frame and mat for this one.

(sorry that this image came through the email a little fuzzy)

& this one also for the silent auction

I love this one that she picked out for the horse head too.

(Girly~Twirly has participated by modeling, organizing, and designing tshirts for this event... And Girly~Whirly also modeled, organized and actually is working tonight on more of the details for tomorrow's event).

"Smiles for Life event was begun by Dr. Erin Langfels in order to create a fund for victims of domestic violence so that they would be able to receive dental care for no cost to them at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. In order to raise money for this fund, she began Smiles for Life; a Fall Fashion Show, Brunch, and Silent Auction. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly to the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center where the money is earmarked for individuals and families entering the center to be able to receive much needed dental care. Their needs stem from injury and neglect, as oral health often is not a priority when one is trying to survive in a violent situation.

As women in dentistry, the UK chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists has continued this event and is proud to say that over the past 4 years over $40,000 has been placed in this fund and we have helped many victims of domestic violence across the bluegrass.

Joining in
...with Semper Wifey & Life with My Littles for Military Monday Blog Hop

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "Y"

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

So glad our daughter invited me to join in the fun with Pinterest!
Would love to invite you to follow me on Pinterest.

X marks the spot...

2011-09-25T10:29:00.009-04:00

When I think of the phrase "X marks the spot", I think of pirates and treasures.

However, with that said...this verse is one to keep in mind...about "treasures"...

...a few of our family's "Pirates" & "treasures"...not of silver, gold or other physical properties...

In flight school, the classes are identified by colors. My husband was in Purple Flight and their nickname was the Purple Pirates.

Me with my handsome hubby.

..he was the flight commander for his class here.

The reward for these "Pirates" is the completion of flight school...

Purple Flight Class 88-05

My Handsome Hubby is on the farthest right in the 2nd row.

at the Graduation Ball

...as he pins on "mini-wings" onto my gown.

1988

and the treasures of a successful service in Army aviation are...the countless training and successful execution of various missions...the lives touched in many situations and locations...the service to their country...

*******

I graduated from the Armstrong Atlantic State University's dental hygiene program...
...this university's mascot is the Pirates.

24 girls in the 2009 Dental Hygiene degree program,

The week before graduation.

I am in the top row, 3rd from the left.

Graduation day.

On the far left, with half of my class.

...the treasures attained with my dental hygiene license has been the rapport that I have been able to establish with my patients and their successes in attaining or maintaining healthy dental health...seeing those that previously were not comfortable or had past bad experiences in a dental office...become at ease.

*******

Our son was on the High School Varsity Soccer team, High School wrestling team, indoor and outdoor Lacrosse teams. (We were very thankful and blessed that he regained his full physical strength and stamina after about a year since completing chemotherapy in 2005.)

The indoor Lacrosse team he was on, was called the Pirates. The treasures of that time, were not only game wins...but also the friendships and teamwork...the sense of completion and satisfaction of hard work, physical and mental skills...

Proud big sister Girly~Twirly and Heartbreaker

before one of his indoor Lacrosse games.

2007

Heartbreaker with his other proud and big sister Girly~Whirly

after the game.

2007

******

Here are a few other recently completed art orders.

The stories behind each piece are treasures to me...

I truly love to hear who they are for...what the occasion...

why the particular images chosen to be drawn...the stories of those whose these were made for.

Thank you Pat (a friend through this wonderful world of blogging) for ordering this one for your husband. And thank you for your POST that shared the story behind the reason for these particular images that you chose to have drawn. & a big Thank you to your husband's military service as an Army aviator!

***

Thank you, Kimberly, for this order for your husband as he leaves this unit as their commander. Thank you to your husband, so very much, for his military service and leadership of this Brigade Combat Team. (I first met Kimberly when our families were both stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky during 2002. She has been a repeat customer for Thank you and Farewell gifts to those in the various commands that her husband has had.)

***

This one was ordered by my "little" brother's group that graduated on September 23rd. I am so proud of his 17 years of service in the Navy and that he was one of the 50% that successfully completed this condensed and difficult course. Thank you to you and your classmates. This was presented to their 15 instructors as a thank you gift from their graduating class.

Joining in
...with Semper Wifey & Life with My Littles for Military Monday Blog Hop

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "X"

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

I also was invited by our daughter to join in the fun with Pinterest!
Would love to invite you to follow me on Pinterest.

*one last thing...

...don't forget to enter if you are interested in the $50 NOVICA gift certificate Giveaway mentioned on my earlier post. This ends Sept 29th*

V is for VERY....

2011-09-09T17:36:00.012-04:00

...very excited that after....

Our beautiful first born daughter, Girly~Twirly,...

(2008 - engagement photos taken by photographer Ben Keeling)

"Fall~n~Love"

...and her handsome honey met in college...

(2008 - engagement photos taken by photographer Ben Keeling)

"Autumn Kiss"

...fell in love...

(2008 - engagement photos taken by photographer Ben Keeling)

"Old School"

...were engaged while in medical and dental school...

(2008 - engagement photos taken by photographer Ben Keeling)

"A City Walk...together"

...And after 2 and a half years of marriage...

...and a year of a very intense schedule as a dentist (she's the dentist) & one year of a very crazy medical residency (he's the dermatologist...with 3 more years of residency to go)...

Spring 2011...at the horse races...

...& a move to a new city and state and the purchase of their first home...

(two of many photos I took when we were able to visit in July)

...we are so VERY excited to share the news of & first photo of...

*SWEET BABY B*

(taken on August 12, 2011).

...our first grandbaby!

Last Friday was her doctor's appt, and they were able to hear Baby B's heartbeat :o)

*******

....Sharing only one drawing today (running behind on getting the artwork posted!) & still working on more orders to be shipped.

This was sent to me by a very sweet friend, whom I met through this wonderful world of blogging...and has ordered many other drawings of the art I do for her family members.

Thank you LV for sending these photos of it matted/framed and displayed!

LV sent a sweet email with these photos:
"...They really were proud of it. Said several of their friends had commented as to where they got it. They were impressed...."

This is a collage of her piece drawn entirely with the last name MORGAN and the family members throughout the tree in their own leaf. Thanks LV for your neat idea for a family tree. I had shared this on an earlier post, but thought to show it again with the photos that LV sent.

...VERY excited to the upcoming addition to our family tree!

Joining in

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "V"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

..with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

...with Maria and Nicole for http://www.mariashandmadelove.com/2011/09/circle-of-friends-weekend-blog-hop-5.html

I also was invited by our daughter to join in the fun with Pinterest!
Oh my! Learning more about that now too!

*one last thing...don't forget to enter if you are interested in the $50 NOVICA gift certificate Giveaway mentioned on my previous post. This ends Sept 29th*

Unique company, opportunity & $50 gift certificate giveaway

2011-09-02T19:18:00.016-04:00

I am thankful for the many things that I have collected as a military child and military spouse from the many countries that we have lived ....or for the gifts from my dad, husband and brother whenever they had deployed with the military ...or for the gifts our children have picked up on their travels.

Places such as Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Germany, Poland, Turkey, China, Honduras, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, Iraq...

*******

This week, I was introduced to & would like to share with you:

a Unique website.

After Ricky from NOVICA contacted me with information of "one of the leading fair trade artisans websites", I wanted to take a look first to see what it was all about.

This collage I made are of just a few of the many amazing pieces I really liked on NOVICA.

batik scarf created by Mayda of Bali ~ Sterling silver pearl earrings created by Buana of Bali ~ 3 colorful woven boxes created by Wayan Genep of Bali

Hand blown glasses by Javier & Efren of Mexico ~ Kashmiri chainstitched rug by Sajad of India ~ Cotton Hammock, "Manaus Majesty by the women pf Ceara, Brazil

Ceramic vase, "Sowing Fields" by the Huaman Paucar family of the Andes ~ watercolor painting "Girl with Bucket" created by Carlos Morales of the Andes ~ Sterling silver cuff bracelt created by Ploy Intha of Thailand

Unique Fair Trade Artisan website:

NOVICA

So many beautiful handcrafted items created by artisans from various countries

around the world.

(image taken from NOVICA website)

& I loved reading the stories of the artisans that are featured. Some of them are the sole bread winners for their families.

*******

& for any of you interested...

a Unique opportunity:

Be a Consultant!

(image taken from NOVICA website)

As a consultant, "...getting in early is a big opportunity in direct sales. ..a lot of promotions going on for...early consultants, including anyone that becomes a

Director this year will go to Bali next year."

For more information on how to be a consultant, please go here: Novica Live

And if you become a consultant, please be sure to let them know you heard about NOVICA from my blog. Thank you so much!

*******

& a Unique Giveaway:

$50 gift certificate

NOVICA also gave me $100 to use as I choose on NOVICA's great website. So I am looking forward to using $50 and also give away a $50 gift certificate for one of my blog readers to shop and use towards any of their many beautiful items on their website.

Giveaway ends midnight September 29, 2011. And winner will be announced on September 30th.

Here are the ways to enter:

Mandatory entry & in one comment for Entry #1:

Please go to at least three of the following 5 sites and let me know an item from each of the three that strikes your fancy :o)

Men's sterling silver cufflinks

Novica has items from jewelry to home decor, so be sure to peek around at all they have to offer.

& for more chances to win...These are additional entries (if you choose to enter with these additional entries, please leave separate comments for each and your email address):

Entry #2 Follow my blog

Entry #3 Follow my facebook art page, by "liking" it :o)

Entry #4 Post about this on your blog and let me know which post, so I can visit.

Thank you for stopping by and entering. I've only done a couple of reviews before, and I really have been so pleased with those, as well as the opportunity to share this Unique company today.

Joining in

...Free Pretty Things For You's Whatever You Want Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "U"

..with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

...with Maria and Nicole for http://www.mariashandmadelove.com/2011/09/circle-of-friends-weekend-blog-hop-4.html#more

*******

One last thing, I usually post something about my family or the things in my neck of the woods, so that you can get a glimpse behind the art that I do...this week, I am not, but as always, I try to share some past art orders on every post. If you are new to my blog, every drawing that I do is drawn entirely with an individual's name.

These are a few landmarks from various countries.

This is the Arc de Triomphe. An order for a customer's daughter-in-law who loved this structure when she visited France.

This was from a windmill in the Netherlands. This was drawn for a customer for someone that became a dear friend of theirs while stationed in the Netherlands.

This is the Neuschwanstein castle in Schwangau, Germany. This was ordered for a son who also was intrigued by this beautiful castle when visiting it years ago.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop and comment. All the best to those that wish to participate in this Unique giveaway :o)

Tummies and Toes

2011-08-26T15:49:00.005-04:00

These are some past photos of Tummies and Toes.
...so much cuter, when they belong to babies :o)

This is my Handsome Hubby and little bald-headed me. :o)

Mr. B:

19lbs. 8 oz.

4 months old

in Hilo, Hawaii

1962

*taken from his baby book: @ 4.5 months, says "this, this", tries to do pat-a-cake. May 7, ...tooth peeping out of gums".*

Me:

about 5/6 months old

in the Philippines

1964

Girly~Twirly

About 4 months old

16 lbs. 14 oz.

Holloman AFB, New Mexico

1983

*from baby book: every time after laughing, she ends up with hiccups. On car trips, if you were crying, dad and I would sing songs and then you would stop crying. One of the songs was the Swinging Consonants song...sometimes we would end up singing more than one round of this song. *

(I learned that this song was from an original 1938 classic 3 Stoogies movie!)

Yay! For google searches: Found this on Youtube of the original 3 Stoogies' movie.

*We sang this fun song to and with all our three*

Girly~Whirly

about 4 months old

18lbs. 11oz.

Ft. Rucker, Alabama

1987

*taken from baby book: "....you would laugh and laugh when your sister walked around you when you were on the floor.. She gave you water from a glass, Mommy thought you would choke, but you drank like a pro and after that, you would get very excited every time you saw a glass!*

(her two bottom teeth broke through at 4 months old)

Heartbreaker

about 4 months old

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

1990

*taken from baby book: "you scoot around on the walker and love to say "oooo" and your lips would be formed in a perfect little "o" shape..."when we say "pat, pat, pat...you would pat your hands on anything in front of you."*

*******

Here are some recent orders:

From a facebook msg: "... I will be putting in an order for you as well so depending on how busy you are you can just ship both? It will be a navy one, a friend of Kevin's is retiring on Sept 2nd, and we talked and thought that this would be a great gift for him."

This one is on its way to California. Thank you Lauri for thinking of this for a retirement gift.

***

This trumpet was drawn for the birthday of the son of a dear friend, who is my walking buddy (although it has been for.ever, since we have done any walking in this summer heat). Mom chose to have the sheet music of one of his favorite songs, drawn in the background, with his name on the bottom staff.

From Donna: "Here is a picture of the song that Jordan likes to play. The part he plays all the time on his trumpet is measure 18-26."

I can't wait to hear his reaction to this piece and to see if he noticed what song it is in the sheet music. :o)

***

Thank you Leanne, for your email:

"My name is Leanne and I got your business card from my brother. He is a helicopter pilot at Ft. Campbell, TN. You had done a sketch for him of his helicopter and call sign. I was wondering if you would be willing to do a sketch for me as a gift for my best friends wedding. I have attached the picture. Let me know if you have time to do this..."

Here is the piece drawn from her photo.

Email after her art was received: "...The art is perfect and looks awesome! your work is amazing!"

Joining in

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "T"

...with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

..with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

(Also, be sure to check out my upcoming post for a unique giveaway!)

Remembering the Roly-Poly days!

2011-08-17T16:27:00.008-04:00

We are so very blessed to have three beautiful, loving, caring children.

These are the more current photos that I was able to find of them.
They are not "Roly-poly" any more :o)

"Girly~Twirly" & her hubby "Awesome" ~ "Girly~Whirly" & her boyfriend "Amazing" ~ "Heartbreaker" & his girlfriend "Sweetie".

Thankful for all the old photos and memories that we have...
...and thankful for the new photos and memories that have yet to be created.

These are some photos of when they were "Roly~poly" babies...

~~~~~~~

Girly~Twirly

~~~~~~~

...at her 4 month check-up, 16lbs. 14oz. & 26.5 inches

Holloman AFB, New Mexico
1983

...at birth, she weighed 8lbs. 2 oz. & was 20 3/4 inches.

At 9pm I was admitted into the hospital, & she was born at 10:43pm.

~6 months old..eating strained green beans for the first time~

Hilo, Hawaii
1984

...in the bath, after her greenbeans!

...at this age, she first pulled herself up in the playpen.

~~~~~~~

Girly~Whirly

~~~~~~~

...at her 4 month checkup, 18lbs. 11oz. & 25 3/4 inches

Ft. Rucker, Alabama
1987

...at birth, she weighed 9lbs. 2oz & was 21 inches.

I was admitted into the hospital at 1am, she was born at 1:40am.

...big sister helping her get ready for her bath.

...at 4 months, her first tooth appeared!

She had the most rolls on her legs...9 on one and 7 on the other.

~~~~~~~

Heartbreaker

~~~~~~~

...at his 6 month checkup

(I have to find that weight or length,

but at 2 months, he was 15lbs. 10oz & 23.5 inches.)

Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii
1990

...at birth, he weighed 8lbs & was 20 1/4 inches.

6 minutes after they helped to "break my water", he was born @ 5:46am.

Admitted at 4:40am and I was put on the monitors, which was not reading my contractions correctly, since the leads had slipped.

I didnt have any epidurals or pain meds with either of the girls, so when I was told that my contractions were not strong enough and would be there awhile, I thought *Oh, if this isn't strong contractions, then maybe I really need an epidural or pain medication!*

I kept saying, "if someone could just break my water!" After 2 contractions, the doctor checked, my water broke and 6 minutes later, Heartbreaker was born. ...so no time again for an epidural or pain meds.

Big sister sharing some of her banana.

...at 5 months, he loved to make his mouth shaped in a perfect circle and say "oooo". & when we would say "close, open, close, open...", he would open and close his hands.

...it's bath time.

...at this age, first thing most people seem to notice and will say is "What big eyes you have".

~~~~~~~

Joining in

...Free Pretty Things For You's Whatever You Want Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "R"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

Here are a number of art orders:

This one was drawn for a fellow blogger. She chose to have the initials for her two sweet children along with their last name initial. What a great idea!

Here are some other monograms using the childrens' names.

The initials of the handsome Saunders boys.

The initials of the sweet Andreae girls.

This one is a little different. Both cuties' initials are included. however, the ampersand is drawn with the name of their sweet mom.

And this last one is of Dora the Explorer.

Quilt...completed...

2011-08-10T16:24:00.011-04:00

I have had this little baby, hand-pieced, Cathedral Windows quilt in the "works" for some time...started...then set aside...then worked on...and then set aside...etc...

I know that it is just a little baby quilt...and I should have completed this ages ago! ...I have had fun working on it :o)

*I debated sewing down the edge so that it would be a straight edge, but decided on keeping it as it is, cuz I really liked the zig zag edges or corner points*

*It is two panels of the scrappy fabric squares sewn on a muslin background. Each panel is about 23 inches wide by 46 inches long...so overall, it is 46 inches by 46 inches.*

But yay! I have it finally completed and ready for a future grandbaby...

*each panel is divided by solid squares, colors of the rainbow red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, pink, gray, black white, and brown ...from top to bottom.*

So now, I have some other baby quilts to work on...so that one day, I hope to make at least one baby quilt for each of our future grandbabies :o)

*in each panel, there is a matching printed fabric so that a matching game can be played...finding the matching squares*

I figure that if I complete them before any grandbaby births, I am in good shape :o)

*a close up view so you can see the size of the squares in relation to a house key*

Joining in

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "Q"

...with Free Pretty Things for You.

If you would like, you can read more about this quilt here: "Q is for Quilt" or here: Quintessential Quilts and Quilting Quandry And also see some quilt-related art that was done in the past.

& on my sidebar is a tutorial with other links to how this quilt may be created.

And last of all...here are a couple past art orders:

Blessings to this newlywed as they start their lives together.

Blessings to this future bride and groom on their upcoming wedding day and the days to follow!

Parachuting!

2011-08-05T00:06:00.006-04:00

AAAHHHH!!! Ahh-mazing!

Parachuting son (Heartbreaker) and...

...his girlfriend (Sweetie) and her brother, cousins, sister and grandma (this was her grandma's second jump!!!)

Last Saturday...this adventurous bunch went up, up and away!

Sweetie is ready to Rock!

& Heartbreaker is ready to Roll!

Here Heartbreaker jumps out...

& free falls...

Loving every moment!

...Still so high above the ground!

Parachutes into the gorgeous blue, white fluffy cloud filled sky.

& safely on the ground!

..and ready to do it again!

Whoohoo! for the brave souls that do and accomplish adventures like these! (Um...I think parasailing or zip lining would be the most adventurous thing that I would try...what about you?)

...I am blessed and so thankful for the Lord's protection over our children...no matter where they are!

Joining in

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "P"

...Christina's at the Olive Tree's Devotional Wednesday.

...and with Mel for Fancy Friday.

((())) ((())) ((())) ((())) ((()))

Here are a couple past Parachute-related drawings done for two more adventure, thrill seekers :o)

...running behind on my return visits from last week! But will be sure to catch up with you all, this weekend!

Opposites attract...

2011-07-27T16:10:00.005-04:00

"Opposites attract..." ...& yet, in so many ways... "two peas in a pod"

~ taken at our Hawaiian family wedding luau~

..My handsome hubby's mom sewed my blouse and his shirt.

~1982~

We were married in Wisconsin with all of my dad's family present. And then we flew to Hawaii as newlyweds and I met his family and friends for the first time.

I was thinking how blessed I am that of all the people in the world, the Lord knew who was the one for me...

...that my handsome Hawaiian hunk's first military duty assignment was in Holloman AFB, New Mexico...which was also my Air Force dad's last military assignment, before he retired.

Here are....

...& this phrase ~ "in or at the exact moment!" ~ , my hubby and I have said to each other...and it so very, very often fits how alike we are in so many ways.

Perhaps it is that we have grown to think more and more alike after knowing each other for almost 31 years and being married for over 29 years.

Yes, I am so very thankful and blessed to have a loving, caring, man who loves the Lord and his family with his whole heart.

~ taken in Hilo, Hawaii~

...about 28 years after he first brought me home as his new wife.

~2010~

I love when we either say something "at the exact moment"... or one of us says something and the other was thinking the very same thing "in the exact moment". (I do admit that I still like when we "coordinate colors" with what we are wearing, when we are out and about. haha)

Joining in

...with Marine parents, Life with my Littles, & Semper Wifey for Military Monday blog hop.

...with Trisha's Follow Me Wednesday.

...Free Pretty Things For You's Whatever You Want Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "O"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

...and with Mel for Fancy Friday.

~~~~~~~~~

Here are some more art orders:

The first three were created for a husband and wife
...& whether they consider themselves "opposites" or "like two peas in a pod", my well wishes to them on many, many years together to grow in love, laughter and memories.

Thank you Jordan for ordering yet another of the art that I do for another friend's wedding gift. The photo of the actual puzzle pieces to secure their envelopes that this couple used was such a creative idea. Like "pieces in a puzzle...a perfect fit."

This one is from a dear blogger friend! I love her ideas for this family tree. LV, thank you again for another order and for your email:
"...I received my package today. You did a marvelous job. I truly like it and sure they will....Thanks so much for everything. You are just the best in the line of sketching..."

Another dear blog friend sent me this email when hers arrived:
"I literally just got my picture from UPS! I LOVE it!!!! It's so awesome. Thank you so, so much. I can't wait to hang it up :-)"

Thank you Kathie, it was fun to do your monogram with the style lettering you chose.!

And this one was an order for Kayla's husband with her email: " Thank you so much!!"

Thank you for thinking of this rank insignia for your husband and please give our thanks for your husband's military service!

Thank you also to Melodi for thinking of the art I do for a gift for her husband and thinking of tying in together his rank insignia and his unit crest! And thank you for your sweet email:

"You are a truly talented person! The art piece was in excellent condition when I received it, and thank you for rushing it to me..."

Thank you to your husband's military service.

What's in a Name?

2011-07-20T16:05:00.021-04:00

Throughout this post, I share some past orders of Personalized Sketches that I've completed.

To those that are already familiar with the art I do...Thank you so very much for your interest.

& Thank you to those that are new here on my blog and for your time visiting...

Each drawing is entirely composed of the name of an individual.

Each one drawn specifically with the person in mind... an image of a family member, pets, homes, hobbies, careers, ...something of interest that is significant or special in their lives.

This post and first drawing was from part of a guest post that I had written previously.

(this rose was drawn with the first name SHIRLEY)

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Although Shakespeare's Juliet is correct in that a rose would smell as sweet regardless of what it is called, names play a special part of who we are.

Often, even if we’re not fully conscious of it, names affect us in some way.

Thank you Julie for another order.

I appreciate you thinking of these for farewell/appreciation gifts.

For example:

...Deciding on names for your child. Have you ever thought of a name, and because of someone that you had known with that particular name, you had a positive association with it and moved it to the top of your list?

Or, you had a negative association and immediately eliminated it as a contender?

Thank you for thinking of this one of you and your hubby.

This was drawn from a photo sent to me from Angelica.

I love to learn the meaning of names. And when doing the drawings for a baby, it is fun to learn how a name was chosen...

This handsome little boy has a unique first name
and carries on a family name as his middle name.

Some are chosen for their meaning or how the name sounds or with a family member in mind.

Thank you Chris for thinking of this one for your dad who is a Georgia Bulldog fan!

With all three of our children, we love the meaning of each of their names.

I loved the name we chose for our older daughter first name. I had loved this name even when I was still in high school! (Today is the birthday of Girly~Twirly aka the Luckiest Mrs. and a couple of days ago was my dad's bday...)
Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Here is a past birthday post done last year for them both.

And although not officially included with our daughter's first and middle names, I love the Hawaiian names that my sister-in-law helped me to find for both our girls. "Makanani" means "beautiful eyes". And "Kaleonahe" means "pleasant voice".

(these are 3 separate drawings that I drew, but put them together here to view).

(and these are the 3 photos that I drew them from).

And when we were expecting our second child, we loved the name of our dear friends beautiful and sweet daughter....so chose that name for our sweet Girly~Whirly.

(Girly~Twirly, Girly~Whirly and Heartbreaker are just my nicknames I use for my blog :o)

Also with our son, we wanted to be sure to have both dads names included in his middle name, so he does have two middle names (my hubby's dad's name in Hawaiian and my dad's first name).

Thank you Kayla for this order for your husband's promotion.

& Thank you to him for his military service.

Joining in

...with Marine parents, Life with my Littles, & Semper Wifey for Military Monday blog hop.

...with Trisha's Follow Me Wednesday.

...Free Pretty Things For You's Whatever You Want Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "N"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

...and with Mel for Fancy Friday.

...and with Stacy for Friday Follow Fun.

~~~~~

Later in life, some people define and categorize a person when introductions are first made. First impressions are often based largely on the name. This may be why some have changed their birth names—to be more memorable or easier to pronounce, or to evoke a different persona. Some famous examples include:

Bob Hope – Leslie Townes Hope
Chuck Norris – Carlos Ray
Demi Moore – Demetria Guynes
Harry Houdini – Ehrich Weiss
John Wayne – Marion Michael Morrison
Judy Garland – Frances Gumm
Marilyn Monroe – Norma Jean Mortenson.
Natalie Portman – Natalie Hershlag
Natalie Wood– Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko
Pelé – Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Shania Twain – Eileen Regina Edwards

There are many sites and sources for learning the meaning or origins of names. And whether someone realizes it or not, it can’t be helped but to associate a name with the individual. A name is a treasure that helps identify an individual immediately.

Many things change, but one thing is certain—names are part of an individual’s identity.

Kiddie rhymes and games...

2011-06-29T18:32:00.012-04:00

*Edited note: We will be on a trip, so will be sure to return your lovely visits, when we return*

Who remembers this one?

"So, so, Suck your toe...

....All the way to Mexico...

...riding on a buffalo...

I think I first heard this one in the 4th grade.

By this time, my family had moved from Wakkinai AFB, Japan to Kelly AFB, Texas (SanAntonio, TX).

My hubby and I were laughing about how I learned it and how he learned it! The way he learned it when he was a kid, growing up in Hawaii, was:

"So, so, Suck your toe...

...All the way to Tokoyo...

This was a photo of my Handsome Hawaiian Honey when he was almost 7 years old and his 8 year old big brother by their driveway.

~~~~~

I remember playing outside for hours and hours..playing jump rope games, chase, hopscotch, Chinese Jump rope, Red light/Green light, Simon Says, Red Rover, kick ball, dodge ball, Mother May I?, jacks, with the neighborhood kids...til almost dark.

Here are some others that I remember from around the 4th grade:

~Hand-clapping games~

Miss Mary Mack Mack Mack, all dressed in black black black, w/silver buttons...all down her back...she asked her mother...for 50 cents...to see the elephants jump over the fence...They jumped so high...They reached the sky...They didn't come back...till the 4th of July!

Down by the banks of the Hanky Panky
Where the bullfrogs jump from bank to banky
Where the eeps, ops, sodapops
Hey Mr. Lilypad and went kerplops

A sailor went to sea sea sea
To see what he could see see see
And all that he could see see see
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea sea sea.

Down down baby down by the roller coaster... sweet sweet baby sweet sweet don't let me go... shimmey shimmey coco pop... shimmey shimmey ra... shimmey shimmey coco pop... shimmey shimmey ra... i have a boyfriend... a biscuit he's so cute... a triscuit... knock me off my feet...a biscuit...apples on the table... peaches on the floor... step down baby... i don't love you any more

Concentration, concentration now begins, Keep that rhythm...numbers... (or flowers or any other category you choose)...such as...

I am a pretty little Dutch Girl
As Pretty as Pretty can be!
And all the boys around the block, go crazy over me!
One day when I was walkin,
I heard my boyfriend talkin,
to a pretty little girl
with strawberry curls
and this is what he said to her:
I L-O-V-E Love you!
I K-I-S-S Kiss you!
I K-I-S-S Kiss you on your
F-A-C-E FACE FACE FACE!

(Girly~Twirly in 3rd grade, Hawaii during the May Day 1992 activities in school).

~Rhymes to pick teams~

Eenie meenie minie moe... Catch a tiger by the toe... If he hollers, let him go... my momma told me to pick the very best one and you are not it!

Engine, engine, number nine, going down Chicago line, if the train falls off its tracks, do you want your money back?

In Wisconsin, at my parent's home, during our 1992 visit, when we left Hawaii and were being reassigned to Alabama.

(Our three playing with the frogs they caught.)

~Jump roping games~

strawberry shortcake huckleberry pie who will be your lucky guy?
A_B_C_D_E_F_G_H_I_J_K_L_M_N_O_P_Q_R_S_T_U_V_W_X_Y_Z

Cinderella, dressed in yella
Went upstairs to kiss her fella
She made a mistake & kissed the snake
How many doctors did it take?

...another jump rope game, was to pull the jump rope taut and jump over it... each time, holding the jump rope higher and higher...and the winner was the last person that was able to jump over it, the highest.

(Girly~Whirly in 3rd grade, when we lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by the door to our house).
(Oh another game, Girly~Whirly reminded me of was the string game (to make the Cat's cradle and Jacob's ladder, etc... she said when she was in 3rd grade her class was crazy about playing that and that her teacher had to "ban" all the yarn, cuz the kids were so distracted with playing that! haha)

~Game played opposite a friend~

(you jump and kick your feet back and forth)

tweet baby tweet baby
my momma said she rocks in the tree top
all day long
huffing and a puffing
and a singing that song
all the little birdies on chamber street
love to hear the robins going
tweet tweet tweet
rockin' robin

tweet, tweet

And in school, we played also played:

Tether Ball, Head up 7-up, Four square...

(Heartbreaker in 3rd grade, when we lived in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky).

Joining in

...with Marine parents, Life with my Littles, & Semper Wifey for Military Monday blog hop.

...with Trisha's Follow Me Wednesday.

...Free Pretty Things For You's Whatever You Want Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "J"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

...and with Mel for Fancy Friday.

...and with Stacy for Friday Follow Fun.

~~~~~

Here are a few "baby info" art that are recently completed:

Frog was drawn with the first name: GRAHAM

Lion was drawn entirely with this little one's nickname QUINT

(He is William Allister the V.)

This one was drawn with the name: BRAYDON.

I'd love to hear some of the rhymes or games you played as a kid!

Thank you for stopping by! I will catch up and return your lovely visits when we return from our trip.

Junken Pon!

2011-06-22T16:05:00.006-04:00

As a 2nd grader living in Japan...

...I learned to play this little game:

Junken Pon!

(pronounced like "Jun Ken Poh")

literal translation that I found at various sites: "It is the fist".

If there is a draw, both players continue with:

Aiko desho!

(pronounced like "I-ko deh-shoh")

literal translation found at various sites: "It is equal".

It's neat to know that this is played in so many parts of the world. Check out this site to learn more about the Japanese version.

It is what is equivalent to:

Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Rock-paper-scissors is a hand game played by two or more people. The game is known by many names, including other orderings of the three items in the name (with "stone" often substituted by speakers of British English), piedra papel o tijera, fargling, cachi-pún, burung-batu-air ("bird-stone-water"), jan-ken-pon (and variants including jan-ken-poi ..., baau-jin-dup (Cantonese: "wrap-cut-crash"), kauwi-bauwi-bo (Korean: "scissors-rock-cloth"), камень-ножницы-бумага and rochambeau. (source: Wikipedia)

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A couple of posts ago, I had a few photos and memories of when I lived in Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. (1967 to 1969).

After that assignment, my dad flew to Wakkanai AFB, Japan.

My mom and I flew later, so for a few months, we lived in West Allis, Wisconsin, where my grandpa and grandma on my dad's family lived.

My two younger cousins and I playing in the backyard of my grandparents' home.

Initially, we rented a local rental home of a very friendly Japanese family, until our military housing was ready. Here is a photo of me in front of the rental.

(Groovy striped jeans!)

Here are some other photos that I have from that time frame:

(Sight-seeing with my parents' friends...my mom took this photo. I love my dad's cool shades, coral and white polo and grey jacket ;o) ...the sun must have been real bright, cuz the little girl and I both have our eyes shut!)

Here are two photos of my mom and I in our Japanese rental house.

(My dad had some state of the art reel to reel tape players for music).

Here is a photo taken on the side of our military townhouse. I was dressed up for a parade that my Brownie Troop would dance in.

Here is a previous post "KIMONO KIDS" of some other memories of when I was little in Japan. And also some photos of our girls wearing my same Kimono, 20 years later!

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While I learned to play "Jun ken po..." in Japan, my hubby was growing up in Hawaii and this was how he learned it:

"Junk and a munken...a socka socka po!"

I was able to google search more about this game on a number of different sites and on one blog written by someone from Hilo, Hawaii (where my husband grew up), this blogger also mentioned the version of the phrases used, that my hubby and his siblings and friends said.

And Wow! Who would've known??

(source: Wikipedia)

1. "In 2006, Federal Judge Gregory Presnell from the Middle District of Florida ordered opposing sides in a lengthy court case to settle a trivial (but lengthily debated) point over the appropriate place for a deposition using the game of rock-paper-scissors."

2. The auction houses of Christie's and Sotheby's " ...were unable to reach a decision. Hashiyama told the two firms to play rock-paper-scissors to decide who would get the rights to the auction, explaining that "it probably looks strange to others, but I believe this is the best way to decide between two things which are equally good". ...Christie's won the match and sold the twenty million dollar collection, with millions of dollars of commission for the auction house."

3. "The common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) exhibits a rock-paper-scissors pattern in its mating strategies. Of its three color types of males, "orange beats blue, blue beats yellow, and yellow beats orange" in competition for females, which is similar to the rules of rock-paper-scissors."

4. "Starting in 2002, the World Rock Paper Scissors Society standardized a set of rules for international play and has overseen annual International World Championships. These open, competitive championships have been widely attended by players from around the world and have attracted widespread international media attention."

5. "On July 9, 2010, over 6500 attendees of the LIFE 2010 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, participated in the largest tournament of Rock-Paper-Scissors ever, shattering the previous record of 1150 participants."

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Joining in

...with Trisha's Follow Me Wednesday.

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "J"

...and with Alicia for Friday Photo Flashback.

...and with Mel for Fancy Friday.

...and with Stacy for Road Trip Fun.

...and with April for Military Monday blog hop.

& Here are more art orders completed and sent (I like to wait until I know that the art has already been received or given as a gift, before I post them). All art is drawn with a person's name.

This is an order for a farewell gift.

This is an order for a wedding gift.

..keeping busy with more art orders! Thank you to everyone for your interest and to all those that have requested some amazing subjects to draw!

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Have you played a variation of this game before? If you have, I'd love to hear how you played it, pronounced it, and if there is a different meaning to the words you used.

Thank you for stopping by! I'll be by to return your lovely visit and comments.