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

 

Happy Summer!

Oh, dear.

I have done it again.

I have allowed myself to get swept away by Summer bliss...

losing track of days gone by.

 

Instead of blogging, I have been sipping organic tea on the front porch...

day dreaming.

I have followed crazy vines, searching for surprises.

Squeeling with joy when the first white pumpkin was spotted!

Did I tell you that I planted oodles and oodles of pumpkins?

Blue pumpkins, white pumpkins, tiny ornamental pumpkins, and of course, traditional orange pumpkins.

Two very plump, orange pumpkins have made their appearance since these photos were taken!

I never thought that I would say this because I am such a Summer girl...

but I am wishing for Fall to hurry and come.

I'm already thinking of creative Fall to do's!

But this Summer has certainly been a fun one.

I have tried on cool clothes in this very cool dressing room!

Bold colors bursting with bohemian designs...

it's enough to convince me to purchase all of the wonderful pants and tops, some having this same kind of flare!

It's so much fun to twist around and twirl while wearing big bell bottom pants and ruffled sleeves!

I never feel too old to do just that.

If clothing makes me smile...

it's meant to be.

After a sushi lunch with a nice, new girly friend...

I returned back to my prairie home, swinging my large shopping bags!

I have also changed up my routine this Summer.

Hubby and I wake early and enjoy our coffee together. He then goes a few yards away to his work.

I put on my athletic wear (no, I'm not at all athletic)...

and head out for a morning jog and walk.

I do both.

Jog.

Walk.

Jog.

Walk.

 

I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle and even going organic around here.

I will share more on that in a different post!

Some times I even have two fur babies tagging along!

I love this new routine. It's working well for me and has actually made my work days so much more productive.

Once back home, (and still early in the morning), I get my shower and get busy in the studio.

I am more inspired, happier, and even more creative. Really.

I think that because I am so observant of the wild flowers and colors that I see while out, it changes my whole frame of mind! I want more and more color, beauty...

and I can capture all of that again and again with paints and a brush! (In a sense).

Yes, I have also kept quite busy with work.

More and more commission work comes my way and I am still pinching myself just to see if this is all really happening for me!

Friends, I'm currently blessed with the biggest commission piece that has made me nervous, stressed, excited, eager, then joyful! I have remained focused on this piece- Monday through Friday.

A few evening hours were spent on this commissioned piece.

I love the stories that comes with each request.

I have also enjoyed simply being married to my best friend.

Today we had a lunch date out...

More sushi for me...

along with some sugar free dessert!

Note: this was not one of my choices!

Happy Summer to you!

 

Mid December Ornaments...

Hello out there!

Can you believe that it's already mid December?

The days go by so quickly (to me anyway). It just doesn't seem true that I left my day job nearly one month ago.

I have kept so busy, still selling my Christmas ornaments like mad! Each morning I am in my art studio...

never, ever late for work! Giggle. Giggle.

And each night, I restlessly lay in bed, my head spinning with new ideas to be created. Folks, I'm so tired that today I took the time to simply sit, breathe slowly, and nap! (It's certainly a wonderful kind of tired though).

I wear a smile when I'm shaping clay into itty bitty babies.

I then laugh out loud once I get their little faces painted! Oh, yes, these babies make me very happy! Even husband laughs at them and says, "Look at those big heads"!

Hey! Are you following me over on my Facebook page? (Missy Trent Art & Offerings). I do hope that you will, if not already.

Once Christmas has passed, I will spend the month of January creating Valentine offerings. I post all of my creations onto my Facebook page first, and frequently.

 

We had a dusting of snow on Monday! Today the sun is shining brightly, although it's still rather cold outside. I even wore my mittens to the country post office this week. I love our post office! Silly to say, I know...

But if you ever watched the television series, "The Andy Griffith Show"... The little town called, "Mayberry", is much like ours. (A bit more modernized, of course)! Seriously, I can go into the post office and often be the only customer in line...

Or, in a line of only two people, who are visiting because they know one another. The clerk is always smiling and very friendly. A trip to the post office and back home never takes me longer than 15 minutes.

I used to dread post office days when I sold my creations on eBay, in my home town. It was a chore to stand in a long line with my stack of boxes...

Only to be greeted by a very stressed out postal clerk.

Yes, I appreciate my new community and good ol' country living!

Ok, my friends. I shall close here and wish you a wonderful rest of the week!

Until next time...

XO

 

Baby Hung the Moon...

Hello!

Happy December!!!!

I do hope that you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

We sure did. It's always nice to return to the place that was home to me, for 45 years. I always wish that I had more time to visit with family and friends. I dream of one day owning a little house in my home town, where I may return... bringing tons of art supplies, and stay for a month at a time. Maybe it will happen?

We are now back home, on the prairie, and back into our normal routine. He goes to work...

I go to work work...

Only these days I work in my art studio and I couldn't be happier!

Today I completed these:

"Baby Hung The Moon" ornaments.

What a labor of love.

I even sculpted and glittered each tiny moon!

I'm done for the day. (With ornaments, that is). There's always house to tend to and meals to make. Yesterday I kept my word to hubby...

And baked him some real cupcakes!

 

Not bad, huh?!!!

Words cannot even begin to express my joy! I absolutely love being at home. Being a wife and being an artist are my most fulfilling roles in this life. I no longer have the stress, anxiety, and depression that came with my former day job. I feel so alive and can't wait to get out of bed each morning to work... As an artist.

 

At age 48...

At this moment, I can honestly say that I have everything that I have ever wanted. (Except for the little house in my home town). Lol.

Not the material things...

But the things that truly matter to me.

Blessed.

Wishing the same for each one of you.

Live your dreams!

XO