Marvelous weekend Moments!

Hope everyone had a sweet Valentine's day!
Joining in with Ms. Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday 's "M" posts...

Like I mentioned in my last post, this past Sunday, Feb 12th, was our 30th Anniversary.  With all the upcoming and exciting family celebrations we have (Girly~Twirly's baby's (aka our grandbaby;'s) due date is March 13th...Girly-Whirly's graduation from dental school in May and then her wedding two weeks later, my hubby and I didnt go on a trip to celebrate this anniversary.

But we did have a Marvelous weekend when our dear friends from Virginia drove down to visit with us.  So much fun...love the time spent laughing and catching up with each other!

We've been family friends since 1989, when the guys flew helicopters out of Hawaii.

Saturday, we all went to a Matinee and stopped by my hubby's office... and then, they treated us to eat out in Savannah. This was at the Crystal Beer Garden...operated since 1933...love all the old photos on the wall, the Big Band era music playing, and the good food and awesome fellowship.

I took a very quick picture of my selection of a Greek "taco" (Gyro style meat with Tzakziki sauce, feta cheese, tomatoes, lettuce) and sweet potato fries...

They had to leave the next morning...their visit seemed to pass too quickly, but we were so happy that they were able to drive down our way.

But the Marvelous Moments didn't end...

My handsome hubby surprised me when we got home with an unexpected surprise! He had a gift for me... (My eyes are closed in the first photo, cuz I didnt like the photo with my eyes open! haha ...Oh, and don't mind all my white hair...I have never colored my hair and want to see what I look like "au naturale" :o)

My gift to him was a card with some money to go towards passports for the two us, so I felt a little bad that my gift to him was not an exclusively "his" gift.  

They are sooo beautiful! The diamond earrings are set in a "Martini setting".  I have always admired diamond studs, but never expected these.  (usually, I have some clue, but nope, not even a hint!)

*****

Here are some other orders completed, sent and received. (I try to wait until I am sure that they have been given, before posting).

This Monogram celebrates a Marriage ~

This email was sent: ...I am in need of sketch for my best friend.  We will be heading back home to Alabama after Christmas and was hoping to give here this sketch as a present.  Please let me know if there is enough time!!!

I would like to have their wedding information sketched.  I just love the one you did for my cousin Kara in Texas.  

Thank you Clare for yet another order!

*****

This celebrates a Military service.

Thank you Jenn for your order and your comments:
"This was just amazing! I had seen a fellow milspouse order one for her husband's retirement ceremony and knew I wanted one for my husband. He loved it and it was such an easy process to get the image I wanted. Thank you!!"

*****

This one celebrates a Marriage and a Military commitment.

 Thank you Melanie for your request:
"Hi Maria. I've purchased several wonderful artworks from you and I have another request. I would like a Basic EOD badge with the name LAWTON, A Panther with the name ERIN and a heart in the middle with the name DRAKE. On the bottom Id like is to read September 24, 2011."

UPrinting Flyer Giveaway!

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).

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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.  

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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)"

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Joining in

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

...Random Deals

...Hens Clutch

...A Renaissance Woman

...Blog Hops every day!

 

X marks the spot...

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...

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.)

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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*

Tummies and Toes

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."*

 

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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.

  

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 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!)

Opposites attract...

"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.

Junken Pon!

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.