Rita Catherine Farrell Somers

Its my mothers birthday today.  I am named after her.  She was Rita Catherine and I am Kathleen Rita. Our birthdays are a week apart so we shared the same astrological sign. I have her curiosity and love of life. She died back in 1998 but truly has never left me.  I see her in myself and in many of the things I do.  I wrote this fun post about her a couple years ago. I have no idea how old she is in this picture, probably her early twenties.  I wish I could call her for a chat or have her over for a cup of tea. What a talk we would have after all this time.

Fun GIfts

For my birthday the hubby bought me this. Its a wireless keyboard to use with my iPad.  She is so light and cute that I think she needs a name.  Suggestions anyone?

He also got me this little case that she fits in perfectly.

I was in Staples the other day and saw these oh so pretty art supplies.  I get such a pleasure out have supplies that are pretty.  I get a smile on my face just looking at them.

I also got this for myself. I really shouldn't have spent the money so I made a deal with myself.  I needed to sell something to help pay for it.  So I have a couple pieces of spinning equipment that I have been planning to sell.  They went easily, so I am quite happy with myself.

As is often the case this easel has a story.  First I was reading blogs and headed over to Sharon's blog and she had just got one of these.  I was smitten at first site.  I have been wanting an easel that will hold large canvasses and this one fits the bill.  It was on sale for a great price so I just ordered it.  I was a little concerned if it would fit in my studio as the room is not that big. I was thinking length and width, forgot to think about height. Yes, you may have guessed to have it out its full height of 114" my ceiling is too short. The way it is set up now is fine though.  It will hold my largest canvas which is 36 x 48 so I think I am good. You can put 2 smaller canvases on it at the same time or paint on it flat so its pretty versatile. The only drawback is putting it together.  The instructions that come with it are minimal. I found some alternate instructions for a similar easel and we also used the video that is on Jerry's Artarama site.  It took 2 hours to put together which wasn't bad at all.

 

This is a fun video using gelatos in combination with color pencils and markers.  She is trying to promote their supplies but I find that you can take the techniques and apply to the supplies you already have.

Have a great weekend!

Celebration Time

Today its my birthday and I want to celebrate with all of you. 

In honor it being my Birthday this month and the launching of my new business Safe Harbor Creativity Coaching. I am having a contest and giveaway.  What am I giving away, is it art supplies or is collage materials, no not the usual things I give away.  This time its a big prize.

 I am giving away a one month package of coaching with me.  The package called Sand Dollar  includes 4 sessions of coaching with me. These are completed over the phone or via Skype. This is a 375.00 value and it will be given away to one reader.

All you need to do to enter the contest is to:

* Sign up for my mailing list.
* Tell me in the comments or by email what you would like to be coached about, or what your creative dream is.

  I'll award the winner on March 6th, one week from today.

Now since not everyone can win, I have a second option for the rest of you. I am offering for the month of March 50% off the price of the Sand Dollar coaching package. That is 187.50 for four weeks of coaching. You will need to sign up by March 31 but you can schedule the coaching anytime in the next three months. Payment plans are also available. You can contact me by email to either set this up or ask any questions. To do that just click on the envelope in my sidebar.

My Favorite Birthday Song

I think last year I posted the cartoon version of this. Although this is not all the Beatles, Paul will do. I just love the upbeat feel of this song. I can't help but want to dance around the room to the beat.

It looks to be a beautiful day.  As I look out my window the skies are clear and blue, my favorite sight to see in winter.  There must be 35-40 birds on my bird feeder. They are singing me a lovely song this day, the anniversary of my birth.  I am not sure what I will be doing today, maybe some art, some dinner and feasting on a lovely cake my daughter made yesterday. Today is going to be a good day and I feel a fantastic year is on its way.