Yes. This is happening now...

I would be lying to you if I told you that I want to paint every single day.

Friends, although my dream of working as an artist from home has become my reality and I absolutely love what I do...

There are moments when I feel forced to paint or work on a commission piece when my creative mind is dreaming of other things. For several months now, I have entertained thoughts of creating fabulous Valentine sculptures, decorating our house, learning to frost pretty layered cakes and pastries....the list goes on. But then, I am committed to my wonderful clients whom I adore, so naturally, I put them first and continue to work to complete their projects. I am always so happy that I do complete my commissions in a timely manner and know down deep inside, that I truly did put my heart into their art. It's a feeling like no other!

I do, however, recognize the need to enhance my creative life by adding another endeavor to in order to find some balance.

So the story goes like this:

Because I am at home so much, I am always in "lounge wear". Keep in mind, I am a gal who loves clothing and staying on top of the latest trends...

But rarely get to wear them.

So, I found these colorful, fun leggings online by a company called, "LuLaRoe".

Cute, comfortable clothing made in the US, with the exception of their leggings. The company has their own designer and exclusive fabric prints that are limited to only approximately 1000 pieces per print. As I explored further, I saw that the LuLaRoe leggings were being sought after and receiving so many great reviews for their "buttery soft" material, not to mention, their crazy exciting patterns! I was captivated and knew that this clothing line would express my style perfectly! I then had to locate a consultant since one cannot purchase directly from the LuLaRoe website.

Done!

I now own three fabulous pairs of LuLaRoe leggings, (soon will be wearing their tops, dresses and skirts), and as you can see in my photo above...

I am living comfortably! I use one pair for my morning workouts. Seriously amazing!!!

Just look at these! Don't they make you smile big?

When I must dash to the bank, post office or grocery store, I just throw on a cute sweater or oversized sweatshirt with the leggings and I look pretty cute!

I have become so obsessed.

Then, something clicked!

This is what I need!

I want to sell fun clothing! I want to show others how to create comfortable, cute outfits!

So, this is really happening now!

Meet your new independent LuLaRoe fashion consultant!

There are no catalogs to order from or sales pitches. I had to purchase my entire inventory, which hasn't even arrived yet. In the meantime, I have set up a Facebook group/online boutique (LuLaRoe with Missy Trent), and will have a grande opening just as a shop anywhere else would do. I will be giving away leggings so please, come join in!

 

Other things happening...

I just finished two Texas journal commissions!

Oh, how fun it was to paint for a mother and daughter who took a favorite song of theirs, and turned it into their "bucket list"!

They captured photos along the way and asked me to paint some of the events in watercolor journals.

 

Now, I am ready to dive into my own art journal...

a wonderful way to spend this bitter cold Winter day!

Stay warm, my friends!

Xo

 

Celebrating December...

Hello!

Can you believe it? In just a few more days we will be celebrating Christmas!

I must confess, my celebrating has begun! I am all caught up on commission work and at last, am able to dabble in my own art, such as my art journal. It felt so fabulous to sit by the Christmas tree early this morning, with my cup of coffee and watercolors. Our new little friend joined in! Although we have no children...

our home just seems much more complete now with the "Elf on the Shelf"! Any name suggestions would be appreciated in the comments, please, as we have not yet named our boy elf!

Presents have been purchased, wrapped, and are displayed beneath the tree. Donations, check!

Cards were all addressed and mailed soon after Thanksgiving.

Seriously, friends... This feels so incredibly nice! I must do this again next year! All I did differently was start earlier and stayed committed! I even did a complete purge with my clothes closet!

Oh, and then I did treat myself to a set of six Laura Mercier soufflé body cremes!

 

Oh my.

If you have not tried...

You really must.

I loved every scent, however, my personal favorite has so far, been the pistache.

I will now be requesting that Santa bring me a full size jar each year since it is a bit expensive.

We have enjoyed getting out and admiring pretty things...

There's just something about all of the lights, the music, the smells, and even the tv commercials that warm the heart each December.

I pray for world peace and for those who dread this time of year due to circumstances. Please, do not let these people go forgotten, dear ones. We can all give a smile, a hug, or a greeting card to help brighten someone's day!

Merry Christmas to all...

from our home to yours.

See you again soon!

XO

 

Sunflowers galore!

Hello, friends!

Oh, how time flies and I can't believe that Summer has come to an end.

I have so much show & tell you...

However, for now I am simply going to send some sunshine your way...

Until another day!

I have been painting sunflowers here and just yesterday morning, I captured this lovely photo, just as the sun was peeking out!

These are available...

Well, a few still remain. I sold some last night through my Facebook page, " Missy Trent Art"...

won't you please drop by, "like" my page and follow my adventures there as well? I would love to have you!

Don't sunflowers just make you smile big?

They are so bright and cheery!

I am a Kansas girl, indeed!

I even have them on my coffee mugs!

I will try really hard to not be absent for too long.

I truly do feel a loss when I can't find the time to post.

Thinking of you!

XO

 

Could it be?

Could it be so?

Has Spring suddenly sneaked up on us?

By the sounds of the birds whistling from the trees and the sun beams bursting through our windows...

possibly, it is so.

Just a week or so ago, I painted this scene in my art journal.

It was real.

This was happening.

Strong winds, blowing snow flurries, grey skies. Silent birds!

On Friday, I painted much happier birds!

I have thoroughly enjoyed some "me" time in the studio. You know... art for fun and leisure.

It has been many years since I have participated in online art swaps and challenges with like-minded people. Recently, I decided that in order to remain happy in my career as a full time artist... I must also include some time and activities, free of commands and instructions. I decided to seek out, reach out, and get back into a few online communities that I thought would be a good fit for me. Since these groups are still rather new to me, I am not yet going to share the links. Allow me, please, time to participate in some of the events before making any recommendations.

I have limited myself to only one art exchange per month and one creative challenge per month so that my fun will not interfere with commission work.

I had forgotten just how joyful it is to sit and paint oodles and oodles of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards), and ACEO's (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)! I found myself smiling big and already feeling excited to receive cards from other artists! I create ten and in return, I will get ten cards to add to my own collection! Yes!!! I absolutely adore such sharing of art and creativity!

How about you?

Do you participate in any creative online groups? If so... please, share with a comment!

As for my work, I recently had the pleasure of creating a baby gift. My client provided me with the colors, the theme, and baby's name. This was so much fun... afterall, who does not love baby elephants?

I was thrilled when I was sent a photo through my public facebook page, of the recipients holding the gifts at the actual baby shower. More JOY!!! I LOVE what I do!!!

I also love interesting skies. And the moon.

Just last night I dashed out of the front door with my Sony nex 5r to capture this!

So worth it!

Could it be...

a Spring moon?

See you right back here soon!

XO

 

The smallest things...

I witnessed something extra special this morning while I was out walking and jogging.

Did you see it too?

The moon!

It was the strangest thing. Traces of the moon behind our house as the sun was rising on the front side of the house.

Unfortunately, I only had my iPhone camera with me, otherwise, I might have captured some more detailed photos.

I get so excited over the smallest of things...

And so grateful that I do.

(It makes exercising much more enjoyable, I might add)!

Ahhhhhhh, the colors of Fall are now filling my paint palettes.

It's that time again.

Handpainted Christmas ornaments!

I'm going to begin posting them, (for sale), in a couple of weeks, on my Facebook page! I'm having so much fun with all new designs....

Baby ornaments, teacher ornaments, wedding ornaments! I try to create ornaments to suit everyone. Yes, I will even personalize them!

This ornament will represent peace on earth.

I have such a happy heart when preparing for the holidays.

Pumpkin pie fragrance fills the air in every room. I love those wax warmers! (Especially since I'm not doing any pie baking at this time)! Soon though... Soon!

Still art journaling in the evenings...

And sipping hot tea.

Yes, these small things in life make for a wonderful life. Truly, they do.

Something else that I cherish so much is receiving messages from YOU!

Today, Sylvie, from France, sent me some very kind words. Friends, YOU inspire me. You see, I was not going to blog today since I had such a large "assembly line" of ornaments in the makings, and still had supper to cook along with other chores...

But then I thought of Sylvie.

She took time out of her day to type a very thoughtful message. I decided that at this moment, it should be a priority to create a simple blog post and to acknowledge Sylvie. Thank you, Sylvie, and to all of you who do follow my blog. It means so much to me!

 

Yes.

It's the smallest things that matter the most.

Blessings to all and I will meet you right back here, soon!

XO

 

 

The Joys of Giving...

Hello, dear ones!

How have you been?

All is wonderful here on the prairie.

Slightly cooler days, morning dew on the grass.

I'm getting so very excited for Fall, aren't you?

Before further ramblings, I want to remind you to get on over to my Facebook business page, (click here), give me a "like" (pretty please), and post a comment on the giveaway post!

The drawing is tonight...

I will be giving away this 9" x 12" acrylics on canvas, "I love you to the moon & back"!

Hurry!!!!

I so enjoy giving things away and will be doing this more often!

Speaking of giving...

I must share with you, something that has touched my heart in a big way.

I have a special client who gives so much.

Possibly you have read my blog post about this generous lady who has commissioned me for the entire 2014 year. Each month, she chooses someone for me to paint for. I then, secretly send the painting to the recipient, never revealing who the gift is from. I simply enclose an angel card, explaining to the recipient that someone is thinking of him or her and wanted them to have a gift of art.

Well, to my surprise...

This thoughtful client sent me a box in the mail.

You see, my Birthday is just around the corner...

but I do not expect gifts at my age! (Except maybe from husband), *giggle*.

I opened the box.

Filled with such goodness...

I carefully pulled out one gift after another!

Amazed. Happy. Squeeling...

Yet my eyes began to tear up.

"How can one person do so much", I wondered.

Not just for me...

but for oh, so many others.

 

I loved every single item in that Birthday box.

The following day I went into my art studio and the first thing on my to do list was to paint a special "thank you "card...

Just for her.

I will certainly be thinking of other ways to surprise her, but what this person has added to my life is a reminder of the joys that come from giving.

This wonderful person inspires me to be more giving.

Hey!

How about a peek into our forest?

Husband has been trimming the trees and we can now see the pond better!

Won't it be so beautiful in the Fall?

We hope to be spending much time here.

We are already thinking of family get-togethers, Bon fires, night fishing, and even overnight stays in the house, on the property.

I will also be watching for magical creatures.

A couple of weeks ago we were fortunate enough to find a nest of these darlings...

who grew quickly and hopped away!

Life is good.

Sending many blessings your way!

Xo