Going Home...

My Grandma is going home and is now an angel, Feb. 9 - It was a beautiful sunrise this morning created just for her journey. This was one of my favorite pictures of her. She was walking with her great granddaughter. Grandma and I had our differences, but I still loved her. I never got to say good-bye and now am finding it very difficult. So many unanswered questions, thoughts, and feelings. I must move forward and remember the good times. I will miss her. May you find peace on your journey ♥ I love you Grandma Esther.

Another year passes...

And at the strike of midnight a new year will be upon us. I will be spending a quiet evening at home with my daughter and son and his girlfriend. A perfect evening in my eyes. I am not one to party per-say. I like to visit and socialize, but I am not a drinker, I never have been. I was/am always the designated driver. I felt it was always a good thing so no one ever had to worry about drinking too much. I hope everyone that is choosing to drink this evening has a plan to get home safely.

A new year to me means new goals. I don't really make resolutions, but I do have accomplishments that I want to complete and I do want to learn to accept the things I cannot change. I feel I am ever changing and for the better. Going to college has made me a better person and has made me more aware of so many things. Education, can it really do that? I think so. Education opens doors and minds. I will graduate in May and then I start another new adventure, a career. I have never had a career before. I have had jobs, and my art, which is my passion, but never a career. I miss my art, but it is still there, waiting...

Soul-searching and reflecting is normally what I do this time of year. I feel it is important for each one of us to do that from time to time. We need to know who we are, who we want to be, where we are, and where we are going or want to be. Goals and dreams are also important for everyone to have. For the longest time I didn't dream and I didn't have goals. I didn't like the person I was becoming. I had to make changes for me and I am so glad that I did.

Wishing each of you a wonderful evening. Be safe! Happy New Year 2012! Here is to new dreams, new goals, health, and happiness! Cheers, Tonya

Winter?

I had to "borrow" a winter picture from the internet (hyper-link attached to the picture). Normally, this time of year we have plenty of snow, but not this year and that is fine by me. Some say that it does not "feel" like Christmas without any snow, but for me, I think the "feeling" of Christmas is from within and it is what is in your heart. I simply cannot believe how fast this month has flown by. It is nearly Christmas and I am still wondering where November went? Time seems to go by faster as I get older. Attending college sure doesn't help out with the whole time factor thou.

I am happy to say that I received all A's in my classes, however, I did not make the president's list, but I did make the dean's list. Fine by me! I am happy and I did my best! Two of my generals' classes gave me a 'run for my money' and I honestly thought I was going receive a B in each class. I will take an A- anytime. I am elated to be finished with six more general credits, along side with the core classes that I completed this semester. There was a ton of reading in my generals' classes, as well as, essays, portfolio building, critiquing, discussions, and video watching with writing responses to the videos. They were both on-line classes. I am just glad to be done and I am doing the HAPPY DANCE!!

I have break until January 9 and I am so very thankful. I can breathe and take some time for ME. I created some Christmas cards and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I stayed up way to late but it sure did feel good! I missed creating.

Wishing each of you an enjoyable holiday season. May each of you feel the "Magic" of the season. Cheers, Tonya

Feeling the PRESSURE!

Next week is the last week of this semester and I must admit, I couldn't be more thrilled! This semester has virtually kicked my butt! I am not one that likes to read in long lengths and this semester I have done more reading than I care to even think about. I am not much of a reader, unless it is one of my magazines with my favorite artists or it has something to do with creating.

I am in Intro. to Art (an online course) and basically all I get to do is READ! Yup, chapter after chapter. Can we say FUN? And if that weren't enough, I have Freshman English and more reading. Double fun! I still have to work on my final essay, which is an argumentative essay. I completed my English final today...I hope I did okay. It is a tough class and I did the best I could.

I get to complete four more finals. I will be done the end of next week. It could not come soon enough because I am totally FEELING THE PRESSURE! Anxiety has kicked in and I am exhausted. I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Spring semester is just around the corner and I will finally get to play! I am registered for Ceramics 1, Painting 1, Two-Dimensional Art, and I have two online core classes. I just hope I will enjoy myself while fulfilling some of my generals. I completed all of my mandatory generals and the remaining generals were free reign. Of course, I had to sign up for a little bit of art. I was a little bit disappointed that they did not offer a photography course during the spring semester. I registered for what was available.

During the week of December 19, I hope I will be able to create some cards. I know a bit late and they will probably be received late, but "better late - than never!" I am itching to use some of my new Tim Holtz winter Sizzix dies. I want to make something similar to this, but I have not received my pine cone die. The NOEL die is one of my favorite for latest releases. It has such a vintage look to it. My cards will have to do without the pine cone for those that are being sent in the mail. Is anyone else following the "12 Tags of Christmas" on Tim's blog? I love waking up each morning and getting my Tim - tag fix. I love this time of year. I can't believe this is already day 9 and there are only 3 more tags left. I love learning new techniques and I simply cannot wait to have time to try some of those new techniques. I keep tell myself..."all in good time!"

Back to the grindstone...more studying. Cheers to each of you!

Take Time to Give Thanks!

Each year around this time all we hear is about "Black Friday" this and "I want that for Christmas." Well, I went to check my yahoo mail and found an article about 'Black Friday' promotions for Wal-Mart. I don't know why they are calling it 'Black Friday' when most are having it on Thursday evening.

This move, (the Thursday evening bit) really bothers me. I feel Thanksgiving is a time to be with family. I feel that we should 'Give Thanks' and take time to be 'thankful' for all the things we do have instead of worrying about the things we may want. What has happened to the thought of family and spending good quality time with one another? I think that is a major part of what is wrong with society.

Most are so busy with their electronic devices that no one pays attention to what is really going on around them and within their home. I was reading some of the comments that people are have made on the Wal-Mart article and I applaud most of them! They say to "buy American." "Stay home with your family" and "have a family breakfast." Some also stated, because of opening so early in the evening, some do not even get to be with their families on Thanksgiving because they have work for the 'Black Friday' preparation. How sad that we have put 'things' as our priority in life, rather than 'family.'

I just know that as I get older, I realize what is important to me, in my life, and it is not"things!" I wish more people would take the time to be with family this season and be appreciative for what we/they do have. Be thankful that you do have your loved ones to spend this time with.

I am going to get back to my studying. I have to create a portfolio in art, write a critique essay for English, work on my spreadsheets, and also my Integrated documents. I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed...but I am taking it one day at a time and putting one foot in front of the other. That is all I can do. I hope you have a wonderful day! Cheers, ~Tonya

FYI- the picture listed was found here and I thought it was a really neat picture. A little to do with art and it said the 'sentiment' that I wanted to say. I clicked on it and what did I find? A blog that says "Try Handmade" at the top! How appropriate!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to ME!!

I was LUCKY enough to be chosen for an ART CAMP from Terri Brush! I still cannot believe that I WON! I am in sheer bliss and will have something to look forward to during the long cold winter months. If that was not enough, I was also given the flight to Oregon from another very generous person. Talk about the stars perfectly aligning for this to happen...Things like this do not happen to me (normally)! I was on Cloud 9 all day and still am!


This is a picture from the gals that were just at Art Camp in October. From visiting Terri's blog, I can tell they all had a wonderful time! Everything looks AMAZING! From the art classes, to the food, the desserts (my favorite), the ocean view, making new friends, and so many wonderful memories made are all priceless! I can't wait until April to make my own memories and friends that will last a lifetime!

I cannot express my feelings into words appropriately for such generous gifts from two women whom I've never met. Thank you for the bottom of my heart ~ you will never know how much this means to me.

After a long day at school, then being at my daughter's fall party at school as a room parent, and then out trick or treating with my daughter's....it is finally nice to be home! HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all of you! I just know this is one Halloween that I will remember for the rest of my life!

To everything there is a season...

As time goes by I am reminded that to everything there is a season and a purpose. Time must be appreciated. Time is so very precious to me but stands still for no one. I am in my second year of college and half way through my third semester. I will graduate in May! I can't help but think of all the time I spend with my nose in the books and completing homework, yet, there is a purpose and I must obtain my goal. I must keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I miss creating and having free time. Free time to just "BE." Be able to spend time with my children without having to worry about what assignment or essay is due. Be able to just rest, if only for a while, without having (what feels like) the weight of the world on my shoulders. I know there are others that are going through the same thing or worse, but I can't help but wonder ~ When will life get easier?

To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I Am...

I found this inspirational quote on Facebook. I think it fits me to a "T" and I feel most women can relate. If not, then they may be fooling themselves? I know that I have not been posting much on creating, but I am truly finding myself, somewhere out there.

I am becoming educated. I am more patient. I am more in-tune to my own thoughts and own feelings. I am hopeful. I am building for my future. I am content.My eyes and mind are wide open. At the same time, I am scared. I am lost. I am confused. I feel detached. I feel alone.

Isn't it amazing how we can feel whole and feel broken all at once. Emotions are very complicated if you try to put them into perspective. I know that I am becoming more of a person that I have always wanted to be. I am!

~~~SALE - SALE - SALE~~~

Who doesn't LOVE a SALE? I am having a 40% off SALE in my Etsy shoppe! Go take a peek and see if there is an epattern you must have. If there is a epattern you would like and don't see it listed, just leave a comment or convo me and I will be happy to create a listing for you. The coupon code is SPOOKY40 just enter that in at the time of check out and it will take 40% off your purchase! Just click on the image and it will take you to my shoppe...

I do have one dollie listed and yes, she is 40% off. I have not had any time for creating and I miss it terribly. I have had my nose to the books and learning quite a bit. We are smack dab in the middle of an INDIAN SUMMER and I am loving it! Enjoy each day to the fullest! ~Tonya

~Scary Mary Halloween Doll~

***FINALLY*** a NEW Halloween Dollie! I should just say a NEW dollie in general. I think I have only made one other dollie this year and that was a dollie with bunny ears. This is my first Halloween dollie. Halloween is just around the corner. I have listed her in my Etsy Shoppe, but if she does not sell by Tuesday, I may move her to Ebay, we shall see...


Her name is Scary Mary, but she really does have a sweet side to her. She has tons of detail. I really enjoyed creating her. I have missed creating. I was so busy with my summer college courses and children, that I didn't have any time until now for creating. I do hope that you will stop by my Etsy Shoppe to take a peek at her. Have a wonderful weekend. ~Tonya

Oh, how they grow!!!

Since I have not posted to my blog for so long, some of you may think that I have fallen off the face of the earth. Jordan, my oldest, has turned 16! He turned 16 on August 2. I made his favorite for his birthday cake, homemade strawberry shortcake, from scratch and real whipped cream. YUM!!


Look at the height on him! He is about 6'2" now and I feel like a midget compared to him. I am only about 5'7". Wow, I feel short compared to him. Jordan was staying with my sister for almost a whole month. He was working for Pioneer in the fields. I missed him! I couldn't stay away thou, I did go and visit.


Then there was Courtney's birthday! She turned 14 on August 4. My middle child, she is growing up to be quite the young lady.


And last but not least, my Ninny (Sydney) my youngest. She will be 10 next month. This picture was taken on my birthday (August 9) and I am now officially 38 years young. I sure don't feel 38. When people get older, they say "Another year older and another year wiser." This year, I can honestly say that is true!!


The day after my birthday, I took my kids and my nephew, to Valleyfair amusement park. We had a BLAST! This is Jordan, Sydney, and Cody on Thunder Canyon. Courtney and I didn't want to get wet just yet. I loved all the rides, I always do! Yup, you can't keep me off the rides, especially the roller coasters. The faster and taller, all the more fun! I will ride on rides that some of my kids won't. LOL See, still a kid at heart ♥


And then on August 12, my son got his license! I can honestly say I am a bit worried about him being on the road, but I am mom, and that is my job! He is a good driver. This is Jordan in his new set of wheels. He got a new paint job on his truck, along with rhino on the bottom. Looks pretty sharp; if I do say so myself!

Funny boy, he said he was going to wait to get it painted until after he got home from working in the fields...good thing mom is always a quick thinker and on her toes! He said, "Mom, I am so glad I got it painted before I got my license, there is no way I could wait to have it painted while I have my license."

I finished my Biology class early, so that I could enjoy what little there is left of summer, with my children. We also went and visited my mom (grandma to my kids) today. It was beautiful day and we had a very nice visit. What more could I ask for? Time just goes by too quickly.

FYI - Those same two dollies are still on my studio table. I must get to working on them. Maybe sometime this week....I have a little down time where I may be able to play! Knock on wood! I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer. Cheers to you! ~Tonya

Time flies!

When you are having fun? I wouldn't say that I have been having fun, but I sure am learning quite a bit! I have not posted on my blog for well over a month and all I can say is "I have been working my butt off!"

We had a major sale at our home. We got rid of a lot of stuff. I have gone through and organized most everything in my home. I have thrown away a ton of JUNK that no one would want and we certainly do not need and boy....does it feel good! Besides all of that, I have been taking my second summer college course and I must admit, these summer courses are pretty intense, demanding, and so much more work than what I ever thought! I also helped my son with some of his body work on his truck (many hours), it is being painted as we speak.

Jordan is staying at my sister's house while working for Pioneer (I miss him) and I will pick him up on the 1st for him to stay home for one night, put his truck back together and spend his birthday with him on the 2nd. He is going to take his driving test (fingers crossed that he passes) and then back to Mankato to work for the following day. I can't believe he is turning 16 already!

Back to the Biology thing, the summer courses move along very quickly, so there is no room for error, no room for procrastination, and you just must force yourself to do your work accordingly! Summer for me has been my nose to the books and essay questions, some discussions, and lots of tests! I have found new hope within myself, I have become focused, and have almost dropped 20 pounds! Can we say focused! I have to be...

I have found many things out about myself and who I want to be and who I don't want to be. There comes a time in each person's life when they finally put all the pieces together and know exactly where I want them to be.

Now for the creating aspect of me...I miss creating immensely! I have two Halloween dollies on my studio table waiting to be stained and put together! I will get there. I am trying to work a head in class so that I can spend time with Jordan on the 2nd and Courtney on the 4th for their birthdays. Then, the class is over on the 13th, but I am hoping I will be done before that. We shall see. Time has just not been on my slide this summer and time tends to slip away from me much to often. I hope all is well for all of you! Cheers, ~Tonya