Where has the time gone?

It's been almost 2 years to the day that I last posted.  I just don't know where the time has gone and why I haven't kept up on my blog or why I haven't started creating again.  Does anyone read blogs anymore?  Seems like so many artists have moved to other media outlets.  For me, I still like the blogs and I haven't jumped on the wagon to Instagram or Snapchat.  I know there are others that I haven't mentioned, but I'm sure you get the point.  I just feel there aren't enough hours in a day to keep up with what I already have going on.

So much has changed, yet I feel like I am practically the same person, however, I haven't created.  I now work full-time and need to make time to create.  I purchased a new home a little over a year ago and I am minus one child that has moved out and purchased his own home at the age of 20.  I am so proud of Jordan!  He moved out right after he graduated high school and is almost finished with college (he will graduate in May with an auto-body degree) and I couldn't be more proud of him!  My middle child, Courtney, is moving out in August. She is attending MSU and going to become  a social worker. I'm so proud of her as well!

Maybe if I delve back into my blog, it will spark some creativity!  I miss creating and I miss the connections that I had made with some of the fellow artists. Seems like so many artists that used to create, no longer create. What a shame!  There were so many talented artists out there during the time I was creating.  I miss the good old days with selling on eBay.  It was like an addiction, so to speak.  Now, my addiction is poking around on Facebook to unwind and looking at everyone elses life and how they want you to see them, through their eyes.

I need to get back to my creating and do what I enjoy, rather than scrolling through other peoples lives on social media. I would love to hear from you, if you still follow me.  So sorry I have been out of touch for so long. Starting over....or shall we say, starting a new beginning is a somewhat daunting task and quite an intertwining endeavor!  Until next time (which won't be 2 years), do something that makes you HAPPY!

Cheers, T~

Marked Down....S-A-L-E

I wanted to let you all know that I have marked down my ~Americana Snow Girl~ in my Etsy Shoppe. I haven't had time to create anything new, but thought I could mark Americana down, as I have an appeal to pay for. Yes, I am finally divorced, however, HE appealed it and now I get to go to court again, tomorrow! Wonderful! I just want to move forward with my life and I don't have money for this to continue on and on and on....I have so many attorney fees to pay for as-is. I wonder when this nightmare will end! Wish me LUCK!

Wynter's Queen Epattern...

This epattern can be purchased for a *SPECIAL* price through Patternmart. If you have not already signed up for Patternmarts newsletter, I urge you to do so. They send out a weekly newsletter and it has discounted patterns on each newsletter. Patternmart also archives the weekly newsletters...so go and take a peek! I do have some other epatterns on there, from the past, at a discounted rate.

Here is a link to purchase Wynter's Queen at $4.50. You do have to sign-up in order to purchase on the Patternmart website, but it is really quite simple.  Snow is gently falling here, this is the second day in a row that is has been snowing. It is quite pretty and now it feels and looks like winter. Enjoy the day ;)  Cheers, ~Tonya

~Americana Snow Girl Dollie~

Merry Winter to each of you! The time sure gets away from us. Each year I say...I am going to shop in advance and get all of my things done early. Well, I did start shopping earlier than normal, but I still let some things that I needed linger until Friday. An yes, I did go to Wal-Mart yesterday for "normal" things that I needed around the house...boy-oh-boy! I had to actually wait for a cart! Yup! every single cart was being used or outside. Mind you, I live in a large city and it's normally always busy, but the parking lot was almost completely full as well. Let's just say....I could not wait to get out of there! I was so glad that I didn't have to try to "think" about what present to buy for what person on my list!

Even though I work full-time and have plenty of things to do...ALWAYS...I do make time to create. I do this partially for me, because it does take me to a happy place. My heart was aching for it and to create, well, it makes me HAPPY! Americana took me over two weeks to complete, but she is just the sweetest in person.

Americana is listed in my ETSY SHOPPE. She was fun to make....but I tell ya, I am a bit "rusty" at some of the techniques that I thought would be forever embedded in my head because I used to create every-single-day.  I used to create so much, that I did honestly take it for granted. Not creating for over two years makes me appreciate being able to create now, even more. Some will not understand that statement and others will understand it completely...

Americana has such an innocence about her. Christmas is just around the corner and I am ready, however, I have not made any cookies with my girls yet (and don't know if we will). As some of you know (and some may not know), I am still in the middle of a divorce and my girls went to their dad's house this weekend. This would have normally been our annual "Cookie Baking Weekend" at grandma's house! So much for that. Makes me sad. No, I have not baked any cookies without them. My heart just isn't into that. Enjoy your Christmas and make some Happy Memories with your families...I know I will. Blessings to each of you. ~Tonya

BELIEVE...

With the Christmas Season almost upon us I thought I would make an ANGEL. When I ran out of time a couple of years ago....I had a couple of bunnies that were waiting to be created and well, this is the last bunny that was in "parts" and she is finally finished! Meet ~Bella Believes~ my sweet angel bunny.

I sure enjoy creating again, however, I get lost in creating again and don't seem to pay attention to the time. With working full-time and having to get up early in the morning, I must start paying attention to that...

Bella is listed in my ETSY SHOPPE...

Enjoy your week and I hope you are also enjoying the Holiday Season as there are not many days left until Christmas. Many Blessings to each of you! Cheers, ~Tonya

It's about TIME...Don't ya think?

It has been way too long since I last created and I thought it was about dang time I made time to create again! I certainly will not be able to create as often as I used too, but I will take what I can get. When "LIFE" happened and I had to pick up the pieces and begin again, well, my creating took a back seat. I am now in the "drivers" seat and at full throttle! I intend to continue  to become more at peace with myself and starting over and I will continue to create again. That speaks volume in my eyes...

This is ~Miss Wynta Wishes~ my sweet bunny doll that waited over two years to be put together. I can relate to that and I wanted to create her before the end of the year. I have appropriately named her Wynta WISHES because although we all DREAM, we must remember to WISH. We must close our eyes tightly and WISH...

Miss Wynta Wishes is in my Etsy Shoppe is. I hope you can find time to take a peek or maybe you are just stopping by to say hello. Either way I have missed the wonderful friendships along the way as much as I have missed creating. Wishing each of you a Blessed Thanksgiving. Make some new memories. Cheers, ~Tonya

I know who I am...

I thought I would write a post and update those of you that still keep in touch and wonder how I am. I have been through quite a bit since the last post and I am still treading water and not very certain of the future and what the future may hold for me.  I am still smack dab in the middle of the "divorce" or lack there of....still waiting and wondering.

I know I am where I am at because at this time in my life this is right where I am supposed to be. At times I wonder how I got here....and yet, but don't we all wonder that at times?  Time seems to have a way of standing still and yet somehow it changes or doesn't it?  They say, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."  I feel I have changed for the better and I have grown as an individual, as a mother, as a daughter, and as a friend.


My Views in Life are Simple...

Give - but don't expect in return.

Love -but don't hold too tight.

Teach - because children learn what they live.

Cherish - appreciate all the little things in life.

Dream - but don't live with your head in the clouds.

Hope - for we all must believe in something.

Desire - but appreciate what you have.

Faith - is believing is what is true.

Kindness - we all must be sympathetic and understanding.


I know who I am and everything I stand for. I have self-worth. I have made sacrifices. I have given and still continue too. I have lost. I have fought. I have stumbled. I am strong. I am determined. I love. I cherish. I dream. I hope. I have faith. I desire. I love and I won't give up! Do you know who you are? Do you know how far you have come? Do you know where you are going? I am a strong believer in, "If you see it, you can achieve it!".....if  you believe.

Each of us are fighting our very own battle. Be kind. Be understanding. Be supportive. Listen. Be brave and be who you are meant to be and everything else will fall in to place! I am, who I am because of what I have been through. I will continue to give, to love, to teach, to cherish, to dream, to hope, to desire, to have faith and to be kind. I won't give up! I must always, always, always remember to put one foot in front of the other.

A NEW Beginning...

Quite a few changes have taken place in my life in the past couple of months. I graduated from college with honors, in May. My husband, of over 17 years of marriage, asked for a divorce in January and it made my last semester of college one  of the most difficult to accomplish when it should've been one of the best semesters. Also, I moved out of our home June 1, with our three children.

Now, I am truly on my own. This is a new beginning, a new journey, and one that has best quite difficult, but also very rewarding. I celebrate the small victories and appreciate the struggles, as I learn to do things for myself, allow others to help me and not be too proud to ask for help when I need help. I have always been a pretty independent person, but I am learning everyday, that it is okay to ask for help. I am learning. I am listening. I am patient. I am persistent. I am wide awake.

I have been looking for a full-time job and I was offered a full-time job today and took it! It was my first interview and then they asked me for a second interview. I was LUCKY! There was over 100 applicants for this position, and I being the chosen one, I do consider myself pretty LUCKY! I am thankful to be given the opportunity. I am very THANKFUL. I look to the heavens each and everyday.

I hope to get back into writing regularly on my blog and in time, I do hope to start creating once again even if only for myself. I do miss creating, but times have been tough. Change is tough. Going through a divorce is tough. I am only just beginning the process of our divorce and it is hard.

For the longest time, I let fear control me. No longer will I allow fear to control me. I know that if I set my mind to certain things, I can do whatever it is! I had forgotten just how strong I was/I am. I just needed to believe in myself. I know I will be okay. I just have to trust that I am right where I am supposed to be. I just always have to remember that ~Life is a Journey - Not a Destination~

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!