tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51533211875973212112024-03-13T12:11:51.647-04:00Ambitions Design~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-68089086802164254072012-10-30T23:00:00.001-04:002012-10-30T23:01:27.839-04:00Halloweenery at our 5th annual PartyEach year we really welcome the Halloween season. So much theatricality to enjoy! This year was our 5th annual costume party. Do to my heavy schedule traveling for Dior, we decided to not go as "crazy" with the haunting and decor as we usually do. Plus, with the impending storm, we didn't want to risk putting up the 20x20 "haunted house" tent to find it gone the next morn ;)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/2694.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_2694.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So, I opted to make sure we did a extra special mantle display this year since we would not be displaying so much of what we usually do. I took my collection of antique medicinal bottles, doll heads, scullery and etc... And concocted an eerie display that was illuminated with two 48 inch black lights. Two make certain elements really pop we opened a glow stick (with an awl) and dripped it into water. We then filled my antique bottle collection with various levels and amounts of the non toxic glow fluid.<br />Add a few plastic snakes, resin dental teeth, etc... and you have one kick ass display :)<br />With no big haunted tent this year, with a couch, settee, fireplace, dining table and chandeliers, we were worried it would be boring. So, we opted to copy a especially eerie decor tutorial we saw on Pinterest, to grasp our guests with fascination!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/2695.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_2695.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The fascination......are Alienesque orbs that swing and sway in the winds from Hurricane Sandy this past Saturday night.<br />Water filled balloons are inserted with glow sticks and then into long stockings that bob and dangle about from our crab apple tree.<br />The early winds of Sandy made for a brisk night. We all sat around the bonfire, noshing on goodies and reminiscing about good times gone by. I always enjoy a good old bonfire so much. It's one of those things that really gives me a smile.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/2696.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_2696.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mike did find some time to put up a small goriesh display of zombies and their babies. Tombstones, rats eating a writhing-moaning man and our horse drawn carriage, all made for a fun place to peek for Halloweenery gone bad ;)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/2697.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_2697.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our guests never disappoint us with their costume choices! Every year 2 or 3 guests show up early and fully disguised and do not speak a single word! This year a zombie roamed our back yard for over 30 minutes and when I went down to hang an orb in the tree he came out from behind it to get me! I loved every minute of it, thanks Rick and everyone who made for a fantastic Halloween party!<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Washington%20Crossing,%20NJ&z=10'>Washington Crossing, NJ</a></p>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-6082093891230807072012-04-18T02:29:00.001-04:002012-04-18T02:29:41.491-04:00Makeup Nirvana, IMATS NYC 2012<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3845.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3845.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me at IMATS, wearing a Button from GGF.com. They have the funniest shirts and such for makeup artists (MUA) to wear. Like a t-shirt that shows a makeup brush and reads "it's Not a magic wand"! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3846.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3846.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This past weekend, Kathleen (makeup artist friend) and I stayed in Chelsea, NYC for IMATS -International Makeup Artist Trade Show. We stayed at Ink48 (a Kimpton boutique hotel) and simply.... I highly recommend it. We could walk to Pier 94 for the show which was great.<br />Gorgeous through and through with a stellar restaurant, Print on the first floor. <br />Great food, drinks and staff left us feeling wonderful.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3847.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3847.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cocoa ribbon pasta, sugar peas, Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta in a Parmesan Cream Sauce was divine.<br /><br />The garden bar on the top floor had one of the most brilliant views I've ever had the good fortune to see.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3848.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3848.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Friday night of IMATS was open to Makeup Professionals only. Thank goodness because we would have gotten nothing done without pro night. The rest of the weekend was open to the public and consisted of lots of young girls looking to spot their favorite YouTube beauty guru. In short it was irritating but I do understand, so again, thank the Lord for Pro night.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3849.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3849.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='222' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me with 5 time Emmy Award Winning MUA, Eve Pearl! She was lovely. Very gracious and helpful. More about Eve: http://www.evepearl.com/spages/eve-story.htm<br /><br />I met amazing artists of whom I greatly admire and covet their mad skills... Perhaps some day ;). <br />I bought my very first cosmetic grade airbrush with water based and water proof makeups. Yippee! This makeup and application is virtually undetectable to the eye and camera lense. In addition it is sweat and transfer proof, totally! 12 hours of lasting makeup...no problem!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3850.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3850.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I researched this purchase since October and very glad I waited for the Kett Pro System and the better show pricing and freebies :) Now, I just need to complete the class and lots of practice in the coming weeks. More about Kett : http://kettcosmetics.com/<br /> <br />Maybe I can learn how to do this?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3851.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3851.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Model getting airbrushed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3852.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3852.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Completed look! Fabulous :)<br /><br />Another highlight for me was meeting Dom Briguglio, a master level MUA from Stila. I admire Dom because he started out as a painter like myself. He started at a Sephora in 1998 and is now Director, North American Sales & Pro Artistry Relations for Stila! Go Dom go!<br />As you can imagine, not all in the beauty industry are always the nicest peeps but I can truly say that everyone we met were nothing short of lovely and Dom was so exceptionally sweet. I would have loved to spend more time with him to get to know him better because I just loved his energy and kindness.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/3853.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_3853.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='200' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me, Dom and Kathleen outside the Stila booth.<br />More about Dom: http://www.stilacosmetics.com/procommunity/dom.asp<br /><br />So,in short, I came back inspired. I have spent the last few days in the studio working on 1 assemblage painting (wip photo on fb tomorrow) that is coming together nicely and my nights practicing my airbrushing techniques. It's really nice to feel challenged and on task.<br /><br />Happy creating my friends~<br />dani<br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-71595364921701292212012-04-13T01:32:00.001-04:002012-04-13T02:05:13.458-04:00Middle Aged me!Yes, I have lavender highlights and I lurve them! My mini midlife crisis ;)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/12/3717.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/12/s_3717.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='233' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tomorrow, I turn 40! And yes, let's be honest....That is middle aged! So, I decided that instead of making my loved ones guess or do too much to try to make me feel special on my big day, that I would just ask for what I wanted to do. Brilliant decision thus far. Everyone is relieved and I know the day will be lovely ;) <br />So, now I can't sleep! 11am I leave for 2 days in NYC to attend IMATS (int'l makeup artist trade show). My friend Kathleen & I have planned for 8 mos for this and it happens to fall on my birthday. <br />I can't even imagine what I will see & learn! For those unaware, I have been studying makeup, application and skincare like a religion for a few years now. In October I took a very pt position as a newbie makeup artist with a Macy's and I have worked at most counters on the cosmetic floor in a flex capacity. <br />Six weeks ago, I reached the goal I set out for when I started this. The goal was within 6 months to work hard, very hard to get as "pro" as possible without formal training and to make contacts with the cosmetic company reps that excited me most.<br />Six months to the day (so crazy), I brought a model to MAC and passed my interview! I am now a MAC freelance artist and I will get their famous training! <br />MAC challenges you to create 2 looks in 25 minutes of which they tell you when the timer starts! You run around grabbing everything but the sink and hope your model is easy! I brought my gorgeous niece, Jessica and she was the da bomb.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/12/3709.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/12/s_3709.jpg' border='0' width='225' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Before and after of Jess for our practice run. I chose to do a modern approach on <br />the pinup look.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/12/3710.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/12/s_3710.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then 3 days ago, I was being watched by a rep for Dior and was offered a freelance position on my way across the street to get to my car! Freelance artists make amazing money to start and it gets even better with time, in fact I am shocked. I want to help train and encourage women in this field because you can earn a living, support yourself and even work through college! Go girls go! <br />So, as a freelancer, the more companies I sign with, the more jobs I get, the more contacts I make and the more photo shoots and runway work I can get. Especially when affiliated with MAC, Dior or Chanel (I am going for next)! <br />I am right now only working 6-17 hours a week because I still have my artful endeavors of course! So as you can see, this IMATS is right up my alley :)<br />I see IMATS is already sold out for Sat in case you were wondering but Sunday is still open for now.<br />This is the perfect 40th birthday gift to myself. And really the best part is the ending. I return in time for Sunday brunch with my family at Rat's restaurant in Hamilton, then we tour the famous sculpture garden. Art and makeup.....Yippee!. <br /><br />Thanks for letting me share my friends.<br /><br />http://www.imats.net/newyork/about.php.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-43765053690272972572011-07-12T16:24:00.014-04:002011-07-12T17:24:30.105-04:00Time to pay tribute<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I am sitting here listening to Colbie Caillait's new song, "brighter than the sun". It is a song with a great hook, very catchy. She is singing about a love that is brighter than the sun. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is funny how the words can be applied to each of us in our own lives in various ways to something or someone we admire greatly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><iframe width="460" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d0uBGODaHL0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It is these lyrics especially that have me paying tribute today:<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">I swear you hit me like a vision<br />I, I, I wasn’t expecting<br />But who am I to tell fate where it’s supposed to go with it?</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Oh, this is how it starts, lighting strikes the heart </span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun</span></b></span></div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">Today is the very day 3 years ago that my silly dream became a real living thing. SpookyTime Jingles. STJ was my vision and lightening to the heart. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">Bittersweet in some ways, I suppose. I love the growth and am really humbled by all we have grown but also misty of the good days behind us that I would love to relive and how fun an early dream can be. I guess kinda before the reality of " hey, you really have something here, so get your butt back to work"! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">Such a wonderful place to be, and I know it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">I have made some of the truest friends I have ever known in my life. I have met such genuinely sweet people who are so beautifully talented that "inspiring" seems to not be a big enough word to describe the feelings I have. I have experienced some amazing experiences that would not have been in my life without my silly little dream </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">come true.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b><i>Looking back today, I want to say....</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb_al_x_vbuJ0_qDM9H4wID4iL1-dn18Srvo8dhxv20Jn3_JzBtw1GAfyR0Jim2o9xeIqhu-MM8mRqxw4Cx0g_ANrn1DUovYSaxeuu41aC90ngAf1TcGrQzfbXdz0D4ZF21uu-6Vda3ko/s400/Dani+Mirror.jpg" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 400px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628574440553368162" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b>Thank you to every artist who has ever been part of SpookyTime Jingles. Thank you to every person who has ever purchased a piece of our art or helped us spread the word in anyway</b>. It really all helps tremendously! Sometimes people can forget or not realize that artists' create not just for love but also money. These are not occasional crafters nor hobbyists but tried and true artisans. Souls need to be nourished and the bills need to be paid...mortgages covered, doctor's visited, school supplies gathered, clothing worn and food in the tummy's of our lil pumpkins. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">The success of SpookyTime Jingles helps insure that, for everyone affiliated wi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">th STJ. I thank you from the bottom of my soul for allowing my silly little dream to flourish so that I could help other artist's follow their own "silly" little dreams.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">With much Love and gratitude, thank you~</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawNt3kcP7ct7sUmCTabdU36EWi82naMfhAI_T1ogu0dhxSeKrqO6jCC3Ifw7AA3o8hbi0oPgXA1ik12CBviyuyW8IhDQ7X8lyKxH8_kKvEc203aYATAV3Jmakevq2cmKsonB9NzJjTnb_/s400/dani.png" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 85px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628573797378344818" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">*Please consider visiting our "giving page" where we are accepting donations for The Make a Wish Foundation of America! Each Anniversary we choose a new charity to benefit. The Make A wish Foundation, grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. You can donate directly or purchase a piece of art from us that shows a portion of the sale going to this charity in YOUR NAME! Starts tonight at midnight~</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">This year we chose this charity in honor of our surprise guest artist, whose son had 4 years of fighting for his life from a blood cancer. The foundation granted his wish in the dark days when nothing was guaranteed in this sweet young boys future. The wonderful news is he MADE IT and is now a grown young man and doing wonderfully considering the harsh side effects that chemo leaves in ones body. So please consider donating in honor of someone you love. You may just grant a child their last wish.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><a href="http://friends.wish.org/100-000/page/Dani-Nelson/SpookyTime-Jingles-Donates!.htm"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvZPm8txjGjeF1yMBzFsKAfUUZpPfCSJLVhTllYNeB1re3Gdt0BikLNIitTRv8oG_1d_SXFJbHlmGUOcutAo6oiZvlaZM5Iw41FouUR8S_esDe26itnagrwbtctH0OwimK81eSjR36BqQ/s400/3rdanniversary3.gif" a="" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://friends.wish.org/100-000/page/Dani-Nelson/SpookyTime-Jingles-Donates!.htm">http://friends.wish.org/100-000/page/Dani-Nelson/SpookyTime-Jingles-Donates!.htm</a></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-61572118628284048162011-06-28T01:06:00.009-04:002011-06-28T02:10:39.410-04:00The curveballs keep coming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oBOXTkQrbZzgMfU5ZEd8Wb8SKQHiynY3SaCOyyAo9ujzDdnMSbPCH-6ZUh3RPGq3rVQx2eB9vw2PzaJmDQ0YeSRsqJARXdv7JZh2x8vlB1-FoEgrs8JOmln1w8BkJFOPzcImes2Try7b/s1600/Scott+covered+Family.JPG"><br /></a><br />So what an unusual post this will be but none the less I feel like it's what I want to do. So, some of you know me and some know<span style="font-style: italic;"> of</span> me. I suppose I have made a small name for myself in certain circles. Of course I do plaster myself and my work in the arts online enough. But, I don't think any of you know that I have had had a "missing" brother named Scott for over 20 years.<br /><br />When he was 19, he just vanished. Now, you should understand we share the same Dad only. I was 15 and we were best buddies. Although we grew up separate with no contact until we were teens, it was like two long lost besties found each other. He would drive me to Ithaca, NY to his college on the weekends, all the way from Seaside Heights, NJ. He would visit me when he could and call me. And when I was a lil older he would take me to parties and do fun stuff all the while being the protective brother whom I knew, loved & cared for me very much, or so I thought.<br /><br />My relationship that my brother and I had with our father was iffy at best on most occasions. But my brother Scott had the distinction of dealing with Dad for much longer than I did.<br /><br />The short is, to the best I have been told: some prize winning fight ensued between Dad and Scott. Scott took his stuff and left everything. These were days before Facebook and Cell phones so short of driving to Ithaca (wasn't old enough), he could not be found.<br />I tried everything a teenager could to locate him. I tried calling all of the usual suspects with never an answer or a returned message. For a long time I imagined the worst and would just keep checking what little was on the internet at that time.<br /><br />Eventually, my Dad got word from cousins in Florida that he was OK and living in the Sunshine state! Such a gift to know!! But then I realized he never called me. Not once in all those years to say hello, I'm OK, I'm sorry, - NOTHING!<br /><br />I can tell you that I put so many work hours into finding him and shed so many tears that I could just scream bloody murder.<br />Long story into short, he finally answered the phone one day 7 years ago. I said like a lil school girl..<br />"SCOTT!<br />it's Danielle, omg!!! Can you Talk!!!???<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scotts response:</span><br />NO...................................................................<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">me:</span><br />uh..........um.......Why Not?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott:</span><br />because I have a dinner party, I have to go.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me: </span><br />Can I call you back or ......ah...should I not?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott:</span><br />Don't call back............<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span><br />OK...............click<br /><br />I still cannot fathom what I could have done as a young girl that would cause him to act this way towards me. Especially, after how close we had become. Confused is an understatement.<br /><br />Why, do I bring this up now..20 + years later? Well, while searching my family tree online, I bumped into Scott (whom I have since tried desperately to pull from my memory bank) it seems my brother who has been hiding electronically speaking since the day he left, finally put something in his name...A FACEBOOK PAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /> A picture of him, his wife and two beautiful boys. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I would've been such a great Auntie.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oBOXTkQrbZzgMfU5ZEd8Wb8SKQHiynY3SaCOyyAo9ujzDdnMSbPCH-6ZUh3RPGq3rVQx2eB9vw2PzaJmDQ0YeSRsqJARXdv7JZh2x8vlB1-FoEgrs8JOmln1w8BkJFOPzcImes2Try7b/s1600/Scott+covered+Family.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 402px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oBOXTkQrbZzgMfU5ZEd8Wb8SKQHiynY3SaCOyyAo9ujzDdnMSbPCH-6ZUh3RPGq3rVQx2eB9vw2PzaJmDQ0YeSRsqJARXdv7JZh2x8vlB1-FoEgrs8JOmln1w8BkJFOPzcImes2Try7b/s320/Scott+covered+Family.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623145730766592498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hate to tell ya Scott, but you look just like Dad.<br /></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-15375389375123637642011-05-01T01:48:00.002-04:002011-05-01T01:50:06.520-04:00SpookyTime Jingles Grows up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mjSo5jQfLgW63XxprmtA_kZuc8edc2IxUlW8W6Of8_IYM8HqHcKk5yNi0RQPtlmZUCuZ2ca9oLRq-P4LaDD7BZZGGv0lEJzXdyN-ZIXEsUKl8MCmstsaEpcWPOVU8OR0_AT7brtB/s1600/Facebook+STJ+badge+0213_458806f3c7_o.png"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkGZCY-0oQrC74SPmcogI8lmALjIsG0gMm-4j5eaRczlE7qF0xHhvM8JCLq6gaNln_oKo1UAh5xXdzfsVA7Vb9Q1ctp2lynUhhFazCIstcQLdTgcwi72Gsn8AjRsifUuPr8ofIBbD/s1600/468x60.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPV2Fcyd4V9Yy5xYi5KG2IqbIVzm_-jGITsSKXG6o6ViT6YZ_OcO6hXMIQ-W-2e6pIMUrXMBdJC3Oj9Whu5ph9WO7ZMBfF4oh_eZ62Gb6EfXc3NV5olhp8s2Rohw9cKBziV5QyjYj/s1600/logo+500.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPV2Fcyd4V9Yy5xYi5KG2IqbIVzm_-jGITsSKXG6o6ViT6YZ_OcO6hXMIQ-W-2e6pIMUrXMBdJC3Oj9Whu5ph9WO7ZMBfF4oh_eZ62Gb6EfXc3NV5olhp8s2Rohw9cKBziV5QyjYj/s320/logo+500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601614693283186018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><center>Yes, STJ is growing in so many ways. In just a few days STJ will attend its 3rd National Halloween Convention in King of Prussia/Philadelphia. Each year we are one of the most highly anticipated vendors at this show. It is so heart warming to receive such a warm and exciting response from attendees, fans and collectors alike.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkGZCY-0oQrC74SPmcogI8lmALjIsG0gMm-4j5eaRczlE7qF0xHhvM8JCLq6gaNln_oKo1UAh5xXdzfsVA7Vb9Q1ctp2lynUhhFazCIstcQLdTgcwi72Gsn8AjRsifUuPr8ofIBbD/s1600/468x60.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 51px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkGZCY-0oQrC74SPmcogI8lmALjIsG0gMm-4j5eaRczlE7qF0xHhvM8JCLq6gaNln_oKo1UAh5xXdzfsVA7Vb9Q1ctp2lynUhhFazCIstcQLdTgcwi72Gsn8AjRsifUuPr8ofIBbD/s400/468x60.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601615888322796178" border="0" /></a><br />So,this year we decided to completely revamp our booth displays to keep it fresh and to keep you all on your toes! You will NOT be disappointed, I promise!<br />Think Neo-Victorian haunted house meets SpookyTime Jingles!<br /><br />Also look for our LIVE feed to be shared on our Facebook Fan Page!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/spookytimejingles?ref=ts"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mjSo5jQfLgW63XxprmtA_kZuc8edc2IxUlW8W6Of8_IYM8HqHcKk5yNi0RQPtlmZUCuZ2ca9oLRq-P4LaDD7BZZGGv0lEJzXdyN-ZIXEsUKl8MCmstsaEpcWPOVU8OR0_AT7brtB/s400/Facebook+STJ+badge+0213_458806f3c7_o.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601618344879636786" border="0" /></a> If you see a piece you like when we post pictures and videos leave a comment on our Facebook page and we will contact you. Last year we sold Dozens of pieces from pictures posted on our page!<br /><br />This year we are doubly honored to be considered by 2 television networks for interviews and filming for upcoming features about Halloween!<br />Fingers, toes and eyes crossed ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nationalhalloweenconvention.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXiRX7jXIWkL0g61e_5VTyO0AKDh2tCq_F2b6Rw5mjgy0k90YRK8-XpGt_OlGpaqceP6Pb6PyUKKd-xKdxpAbuQFsFqg4uDxZapKlBVq1m23il2dp8QJz1d5RkVUkUW5s3esUrbX2/s400/banner-240x160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601615886377182322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">SHOWROOM FLOOR SALES DAYS ARE <span style="font-style: italic;">ONLY</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 6th-Sunday the 8th!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The other days are for vendors only</span><br /><br />*if you would like to attend the NHC and need any assistance, please let us know we would love to help!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">contact us at:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">spookytimejingles@yahoo.com</span></span><br />-------------<br /><br />We are nearing our 3 year anniversary-July 13th, since we opened our internet doors and beyond!<br />No small feat in the tough climate we have all weathered these last few years.<br /><br /><br />Our growth and success has shown that so many of you love our concept and our goals and believe in what we do. Thanks, seems too little of a word for the tremendous gratitude Wendy and Myself have for all of you. And an especially big hug of thanks to the artists who work so hard to bring you the best they can do every month and at every show.<br />-------------<br /><br />Finally, last year we held our 1st annual STJ Holiday Soiree and it was a remarkable success for a 1st year show. The Soiree excitement continues for us this year as Wendy Leaumont (STJ new Co-owner) is aboard full time! The talent Wendy brings to STJ is nothing short of magical.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0d9vuIEmujdqlz5KpHB9K6USGegcF3ZAM9j0wXwHVKprnwqTWt9qgFyf7eAuQnWiQjyb2LuVxKuRHc5tVkJ8F4moThVpTYFwBR1uWeeQv60IQsRNuGZvQq0pdaVwIeAdXFFu2Rhh/s1600/wendy+and+I+retouched.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0d9vuIEmujdqlz5KpHB9K6USGegcF3ZAM9j0wXwHVKprnwqTWt9qgFyf7eAuQnWiQjyb2LuVxKuRHc5tVkJ8F4moThVpTYFwBR1uWeeQv60IQsRNuGZvQq0pdaVwIeAdXFFu2Rhh/s400/wendy+and+I+retouched.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601612723333271778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Together we have planned an ambitious event for the 2nd annual STJ Soiree and intend to make it even better for artist and collector alike!<br /><br />To start we have a new Webpage for the Soiree<br /><a href="http://www.spookytimejingles.com/soiree/">http://www.spookytimejingles.com/soiree/</a><br />that will allow us to not only give you the important details but also display it all attractively.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.spookytimejingles.com/soiree"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliEDRVLQ-zUy_m1_wfwXlt7hdx7lir7VPQYrHqRjZLshiKBgQMCLg_7vnq5NGO5kltgJNR_yRUDwSi-Pg9ukb_2jOFKiXuQhBgx1Z90G2fuUmiq4Z2d_Q_AuihPOgyg6lBfv-u2Ic/s400/soiree_blog_badge.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601612928150216450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have a new venue this year that is warm and inviting in gorgeous historic New Hope, Pa. (I always dreamed of having an art show in New Hope-yippee!!)<br />Plus, it is only 10 minutes away from last years venue.<br /><br />This venue should hold us for many many years to come and we hope will prove to be the yearly home of the STJ Holiday Soiree!<br /><br />Imagine Warm woods, glistening chandeliers, cozy carpeting underfoot and Victorian furnishings among some of the finest holiday collectibles to be had!<br />Yummy!!<br /><br /><br />It is hard to believe all we have accomplished as a group of dedicated artists in such a short amount of time.<br /><br />I am honored and humbled and happy.<br /><br />artfully yours,<br />dani nelson<br />founding owner of SpookyTimeJingles.com<br /><br /><br /></center>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-79320739925430207202011-03-17T15:01:00.001-04:002011-03-17T15:01:51.494-04:00Finding meAs most know, I am a chronic pain sufferer. It will be 3 years this May I was diagnosed with FF (F----- Fibromyalgia) I will let you determine what the 1st F stands for. <br />The worst part of chronic pain is not always the pain itself. Instead it is what it steals from you, your self, your soul. <br />One of the first things to take the biggest hit was self care. I had nothing to give and I wore that on my face like an opening night marquee. Basic care was a strong struggle that left me in some very dark places. <br /><br />But by the grace of God, family, friends and a few lovely Facebook strangers, I have slowly (snails crawl) gained function back into my life. <br />Currently, I am focusing on the Glam! I am all about taking the time to put makeup on everyday even if I have nothing social to do. It is quite amazing how much better you feel taking that time for yourself. My favorite inspiration is YouTube tutorials by the Make Up Geek. <br /><br />Those who also struggle with pain and/or depressive episodes, I hope you can also find some strength to do something nice for yourself because you are so worth it. <br />Here are my recent efforts for a work related photo shoot, it turns out I am still a woman, yippee!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/5534930107/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5534930107_3062a39041_b.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Photos by Sas photo imaging. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/5534930267/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5534930267_74936f268a_b.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />-dani<br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-80289882633624360492011-03-15T09:09:00.001-04:002011-03-15T09:09:57.212-04:00Good TimesRecently my good friend and SpookyTimeJingles business partner Wendy Leaumont and I had a fun photoshoot. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/5529284794/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5529284794_244a5a3573_o.jpg' border='0' width='481' height='367' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Being new partners in STJ and wanting to market it, we hired Sas photoimaging. As you can see we had a blast! <br />We made our hats from a YouTube tutorial, gotta love YouTube!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />-dani<br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-19333677804336296322011-03-08T15:53:00.017-05:002011-03-08T18:58:23.083-05:00and fun was had by all!This last week was fun and exciting. Great friends, Amelia from Arizona & Wendy from Louisiana flew in for a few days of fun! We found fun, beautiful & inspiring things along the way that are sure to please the artistically minded~<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5505706074_667a1ba9c4.jpg" alt="_MG_6674" width="400" height="242" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">~wendy, dani, marie, amelia~</span><br />Along our travels we stopped into to see the lovely Marie Patterson. Luckily, Marie and I only live 15 minutes from each other!<br /><br /><img style="width: 433px; height: 289px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5505120175_4b1a7d0323.jpg" alt="_MG_6706" /><br /><br />We also stopped to meet <a href="http://www.doreenkassel.com/">Doreen Kassel of Uncommon Creatures </a>and her hubster's photography studio! Very sweet that these two work together each day in their large studio space.<br /><br />We headed to New Hope, Pa and...<br /><br />~We found the giant nutcracker and it drew us in like a beacon~<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5509916911_e4eed7f5b9.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />-----------<br /><br /><a href="http://christmaspastnewhopepa.com/" title="_"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5505717722_9dae998222.jpg" alt="_MG_6711" width="333" height="500" /></a><br />http://christmaspastnewhopepa.com/<br /><br />These sugary sweet nutcrackers are reminiscent of the old Glitterville pieces. These are produced by Kurt Adler.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5509917381_0a7307ac4c.jpg" alt="photo" width="400" height="310" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">sorry for low res</span></span><br />http://christmaspastnewhopepa.com/<br /><br />While in there I saw these cuties by Janell Berryman of Pumpkinseeds Folk Art! I always get so excited whenever I see Janell's work in stores. Maybe because, I know what goes behind getting pieces into reproduction and I always find it so fun to see a dear friends work in a store!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5508363344_327dbfa33b.jpg" alt="IMG_5113" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />~We noshed @ Marsha Browns in New Hope & enjoyed the gorgeous scenery inside as well as about town~<br />http://www.marshabrownrestaurant.com/menus.asp<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5508362362_7546d7017a.jpg" alt="IMG_5104" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5507762061_790b9074a7.jpg" alt="IMG_5099" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5508360720_70b15515c6.jpg" alt="IMG_5100" width="500" height="375" /><br />Mannequin/doll display beside Love Saves the Day<br />http://www.myspace.com/lovesavesthedaystore<br />----------------------------------------<br /><br />Next we<br />Spent the day in NYC!!!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5509919845_b1a3937cd8.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5509917809_d8ff1c9dc9_m.jpg" alt="photo" width="240" height="180" /><br /><br />I love that I was with Amelia for her first trip into NYC!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5509920319_98c9ecb369.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />Time Square was UBER busy which included this guy who wanted a $1.00 per picture so he could buy weed...lol<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5505138355_df53d92f3e_m.jpg" alt="_MG_6766" width="240" height="160" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5505734200_c5041e808a.jpg" alt="_MG_6767" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br />It was funny because Amelia was just saying how she recently caught an episode of Jerseylicious and then I spotted Alexa (Glam fairy) from the show!<br />http://www.theglamfairy.com/<br />http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/jerseylicious/index.jsp<br /><br /><br /><img style="width: 299px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5510527060_b08f831153.jpg" alt="photo" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 348px; height: 463px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5510526324_84ae0e9d18.jpg" alt="photo" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5510524714_aa402dd0f6.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />Amelia (Amy) of SweetB Folk Art has a serious candy addiction.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">She was a total blur in Dylans Candy Bar! I finally caught this shot of her in what I think maybe a slap happy candy coma!?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5509923587_e0d30ab78d.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /></span>http://www.dylanscandybar.com/<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5509918465_a300e7f37b.jpg" alt="photo" width="320" height="480" /><br /><br />~I tried on fun hats in the Fashion District and can't wait to wear them at this years events~<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5505731294_f32653c534.jpg" alt="_MG_6757" width="333" height="500" /><br /><br />Happily Shopping in NYC!!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5509927901_26bd6238c7.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />We found amazing displays throughout the city. This is the Louis Vuitton display, featuring handbags created in the shape of various wildlife!<br />snake, cat, owl, raccoon, forg, crab and more! INCREDIBLE!!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5509928373_b07c52a48d.jpg" alt="photo" width="500" height="375" /><br />http://www.louisvuitton.com/<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5510531094_82ecee9e49.jpg" alt="photo" width="426" height="500" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~notice the tiny heart necklace in the roots~</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5510532730_0d4fcd97ce_z.jpg" alt="photo" width="480" height="640" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~notice the sweet lock on the doorknob~</span><br /><br />Both available at www.Tiffanys.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">These tiny lil scenes (approx. 6 inches tall) made my heart flutter..so sweet and scarily well done!</span><br /><br />-------------------------<br /><br />Next we.....<br /><br />Sunday we had to take Amelia to the airport ;(<br /><br />On the way back from the airport, Wendy and I decided to drown our sorrow's in two world famous Philly cheese steaks!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5505157367_808086093e_m.jpg" alt="_MG_6836" width="240" height="160" /><br /><br />Really nice guy's at Pat's!<br />(Wiz wit)<br />http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/location.html<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5505157561_80043782d3_m.jpg" alt="_MG_6837" width="240" height="160" /><br /><br />Versus<br /><img style="width: 296px; height: 445px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5505750380_d5f3fd9ef8.jpg" alt="_MG_6826" /><br /><br />the street at Geno's<br />(Provo Wit)<br /><br /><img style="width: 280px; height: 187px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5505155859_e1527935c7_m.jpg" alt="_MG_6830" /><br />http://www.genosteaks.com/index.html<br /><br />-------------------<br /><br />Finally, Wendy and I headed home to Casa Nelson to prepare for the next days duties which included costume changes!<br /><br />Here is a hint of what we were up to and hope to share very soon!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5510534852_5a36ae9f93.jpg" alt="photo" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />~Sas Photos~<br />http://www.sasphotoimaging.com/<br /><br /><br />So, now I am coming down from my friendship high ;) They have left and I must get back to reality ;(<br />Hope you enjoyed!!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4473877236_dab963eef1_m.jpg" alt="Stoopidgerl necklace Signature for blog" width="240" height="191" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-66166301408162156522011-02-13T12:51:00.000-05:002011-02-13T12:51:20.736-05:00Unique Display ideas<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IKYu6-VaMbE?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-7453195764251328652011-01-17T18:29:00.000-05:002011-01-17T18:29:43.959-05:00Magazine Photo Shoot<center> <br /><br />Quick little video of my new studio space in which Andrew of Wilkinson Media is shooting my studio for the magazine "Where Women Create"! <br /> <br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tGbpZlKjFDQ?fs=1" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />Truly a Magical day it was! </center>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-60523347874070121302010-10-02T15:04:00.010-04:002010-10-02T15:25:49.071-04:00So inspired by a Michael DeMeng ProjectThe current issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors has a Michael DeMeng instructional project for creating Day of The Dead Skeletal assemblage.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5045101506_1b251036ef.jpg" width="400" height="263" alt="demeng dolls" /></a>
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<br />Seeing this was the most inspired I have felt in months!!! I knew when I saw it, that I would do it! That felt like I struck gold because I have been in a dry spell.
<br />Luckily, I had been collecting "DeMeng like" materials since the Spring. I have all the materials to start a BIG ole honkin DeMeng styled project but kept chickening out b/c I knew it would take me time to do it justice. But seeing this one in CPS, I knew it was perfect for my current focusing ability.
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<br />I started it today and finished in approx 4 hours. I did not rush it, it just came together like it was meant to be. I love it! The only thing I did differently besides the finishing accessories is that I used 2 different skeletal heads to donate the sexes even more and found it added some extra interest.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5044428945_82d0099a7d.jpg" width="367" height="500" alt="My finished Demeng project" /></a>
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<br />When I purchased the Bride and Groom from AC Moore last week, I saw they were $8 a piece and refused! But I did find more ethnic bride and grooms in their clearance section for only $2 each. Luckily, I had every other material needed so it was easy to start. I used a wooden box lid for the background so that I would have that extra detail of the inset for the vintage text.
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<br />I really dremeled the edges of the wood with various bits to take away the strong sharp lines of the wood.
<br />I went with the text "The Familiar" because it rang true with my intent for the subjects. I think of my Michael and I and how we just know each other so well after 19 years...we are The Familiar.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5045052346_9855e4ebe0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""The Familiar" Day of the Dead Project" /></a>
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<br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4473877236_dab963eef1_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="Stoopidgerl necklace Signature for blog" /></a>
<br /></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-33540622346818580352010-09-15T22:51:00.015-04:002010-09-15T23:51:00.414-04:00Exciting Time of Year for meI am here resting up since my health has been scary and questionable as of late. I need to rest these bones for the big event. My 2nd annual trip to Petaluma, California (Can you scream Dreamy?) for the 15th annual Halloween and Vine Halloween Art show! This show is a personal favorite for me as it is wrapped by the cutest, quaintest, friendliest town I have ever been in America. Of course the drool worthy art is the big draw- no doubt but this charming "old town" makes it the epitome of 100% perfect for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.halloweenandvine.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjL3Fr3rQ1VYnpHSn0EAxNrFJtF6igtt_4xN7Gk16euKFB069gKYVtcMH4jMKWVmSxvbf13I2JQ7Obc1VmmQ8LodwNvKQjJUP09L21uzNU8Q2BarA9zfoVbrFEdP8PVJSP46B3RX__fS0/s400/hv+postcard+2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517345138788294210" border="0" /></a><br />Last year I was lucky enough to attend both Halloween and Vine and Ghoultide. Both represent wonderful artistry that will leave you spellbound to say the least. With my own holiday show in its first year (SpookyTime Jingles Holiday Soiree) I needed to choose which one to attend as there was no way I could do all three (boo hiss).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stjsoiree.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPWkvNVkCvrqkkjijzKZ40OotGvwu9mJx-6Oa2Fg6vwZoynn5Atkpzn-xpMOKdGB9czpp2YpAumDpYsHLhpPHAnEOINDhtwwtMrRbbF9dPajeT0zAhFDPh26b5EdFIkDZdCz-KGfeJZvX/s400/STJ+business+card+REVISED+coloured+pennants+FRONT.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517344774661436258" border="0" /></a><br />So for many reasons the choice was Halloween and Vine baby! The stellar Petaluma Antiques Faire certainly did not hurt! The day after H&V is Sunday the 26th, and the center streets of Petaluma close down for streets filled completely with gorgeous antiques! It is nothing like I have ever seen!<br />Wonderful News, that it worked out well as Halloween and Vine and SpookyTimeJingles has since partnered to help spread the word about these amazing artists and the magic they bring. It was only 2 years ago that I dreamed of being able to simply visit this Super Bowl of Halloween Shows and now to think that we have partnered is heart warming beyond compare. The owners, Ginny Betourne and Christy Silacci both seemingly come from the same school of belief as myself, that there is room for all of us in this industry and to help others along the way. These are the type of women whom make you proud to be a professional woman. No shananigans just support, Hoo-rah ladies!<br /><br />I just know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!<br /><br />There are 4 of us flying into San Fran from all over the country to meet up in Petaluma for the show. We added a few extra days this year so that we didn't lose time due to full days of travel. Plus, some of us are working the show, so we will need all the time we can get!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9UcymTVEwx2zO0NLmi1j3ed0fHBv28ySUU49v84nklU_GkkwryK-3ZygEW-goGArmmeVZfWzwdcKtz75-t4snzDs00e2d8S5GPnBpSmak-Ew6aqswk5PWOt3KatGsLMBk0PV0L89935u/s1600/21501a4224v2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9UcymTVEwx2zO0NLmi1j3ed0fHBv28ySUU49v84nklU_GkkwryK-3ZygEW-goGArmmeVZfWzwdcKtz75-t4snzDs00e2d8S5GPnBpSmak-Ew6aqswk5PWOt3KatGsLMBk0PV0L89935u/s400/21501a4224v2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517343994678361586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have rented a sweet lil cottage that sleeps 5. It will be really nice to stay in a small house versus a hotel. I am in love with this yard already!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingMvH3crLHIQHfIBd5mdWS0ZXqZ0S88BYCMw_VGuJjA11OfK7nmHZqOQ3ZSRMTpBPz32ipatC-4qwwhtnjp3iFYYhe9Egs9-TqyLwoym9ZjXZWW_3QLqeozcwHPMeYVYE8Q5Dsf_of9jb/s1600/14753a4224v2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingMvH3crLHIQHfIBd5mdWS0ZXqZ0S88BYCMw_VGuJjA11OfK7nmHZqOQ3ZSRMTpBPz32ipatC-4qwwhtnjp3iFYYhe9Egs9-TqyLwoym9ZjXZWW_3QLqeozcwHPMeYVYE8Q5Dsf_of9jb/s400/14753a4224v2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517343989763224114" border="0" /></a><br />I imagine this amazing opportunity of rooming with friends, giving us many laughs and memories to reminisce on for many years.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDQ10x-23_MnEmFiyFjdibtJ-QJEHg8lnxzGVPbMwUlC6d8konNWQIIqoR2V97ibe5NgzHFklyAcPg9tqRSMdf3GcYmQ9BNBBft2N3QU-eaxZDrKfC6FwVoZy-x3VnTddx0p77RxumJPk/s1600/14841a4224v2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDQ10x-23_MnEmFiyFjdibtJ-QJEHg8lnxzGVPbMwUlC6d8konNWQIIqoR2V97ibe5NgzHFklyAcPg9tqRSMdf3GcYmQ9BNBBft2N3QU-eaxZDrKfC6FwVoZy-x3VnTddx0p77RxumJPk/s400/14841a4224v2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517344008280770946" border="0" /></a>I can see me now asking my roomie...are you asleep yet or can I keep talking? HA!<br /></div><br />I am excited to be among such dear friends and new ones, whom I know will be dearie's too in no time flat (a girl just knows these things).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148858378488093&index=1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3kbitTuiMSqM1Up01bnc7MWLZ0kF1LmkDeaHVQDZ8A62HvA7pm7HwT4RMWeemwQrfhKXLoI0h-Xg3yYWvh01PGu3ljt37aGooAFvj3gDfKEIU7h_o9w0M8eTSXvG_wowW9XwcxoEVzYF/s400/HV+after+Party.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517342597727583538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">~click above to go to the Facebook event page or paste the link below~</span><br />http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148858378488093&index=1<br /></div><br />After the big show day of the Halloween & Vine artistry, is an after party at the Adobe Pumpkin Farm in their exquisite Halloween Barn! I LOVE this farm and I cannot imagine a better location for friends, new and old to gather, enjoy a lovely dinner and dessert served with local wines.<br /><br />If you are attending this years Halloween and Vine, please do stop by! We would love to see you! Details below:<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You can also get information about this Event at: Creating TheHive </span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://creatingthehive.com/event/1199/halloween-vine-after-party-2010">http://creatingthehive.com/event/1199/halloween-vine-after-party-2010</a></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-76598463630429399762010-09-06T17:20:00.008-04:002010-09-06T18:37:52.929-04:00Confession: Chronic Pain, Ambition & Living wellWowza, is every one else feeling the pressure of the season? I was speaking to a dear artisan friend the other day who mentioned that over the past few years they were unable to enjoy Halloween, do to the hectic work schedule this time of year brings. Shows, online markets, social networking, marketing not to mention family and everyday life.<br /><br />It really hit a cord with me. I know for a fact if I am honest with myself, I can say the same about Halloween last year. Now, Halloween and Vine and even Ghoultide later undoubtedly made it quite fun (I soo enjoy shopping Halloween art ;) but when I got home and back to the real world of hectic schedules and expectations, the razzle dazzle of my beloved holiday was tarnished. There was no time left for fun it seemed.<br /><br />This is such a sad and embarrassing thing for me to reveal. I work hard to be a machine as far a my body will allow me. I feel like it is a failure to not be enjoying the best time of year. I know that if my health was up to par that the heavy work schedule wouldn't mean a thing. You see, I have always enjoyed being an innovator even before I knew really what that meant. When I am smitten with my work it feels like fun, which means I end up devoting all time to that "work" and everything else gets neglected to some degree and I make no apologies-I just love it too much. I have never been good at balancing my home, work and social life and it is a character flaw that I wish was different for my loved ones but is not nor ever will be and I made peace with that long ago.<br /><br />What I cannot make peace with is this bloody chronic pain. I think it is the chronic pain ruining my MoJo. It was just 1.5 years ago that I got the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (aka: FM, Fibro). Leave it to me to get some disease-disorder that the medical community for over a 100 years believed was a falsehood and was simply made up in the imagination of needy women. <br />I told every specialist I saw over 12 weeks that they were wrong if they thought it was FM. You don't just wake up one day with "hospital pains" (the type of pain that the minute you feel it you know you are going to the hospital ER) always so fun, those are.<br /><br />I later learned that the FM was brought on from a serious head trauma I had just suffered 2 years prior (10 foot steel pipe was dropped on my head (frontal lobe: memory, concentration, ect.. at a home improvement store). The gift that keeps on giving.<br /> <br />So, I now fully understand the depths of chronic pain (thought I understood before.. ha!) and how it through and through changes you as a person. It even changed a chunk of my belief system. There are things I would have never considered before that I surely would now if it made the pain go away. In truth, the pain has been in a harsh flair up for many weeks now. When it is bad, the pain brings me to an ugly place that should not exist--despair. During these time I cannot help but think about how I should be enjoying the upcoming sweet & spooky season and enjoying all of the good fortune and recognition that has been coming my way. I mean this is what I work for, to reach these goals and I cannot even enjoy it but for moments at a time. <br /><br />Over the next 6 or so weeks I will be challenging myself by far the most I ever have since this illness took hold. <br />Even in great health, I believe the schedule I have made for myself would challenge Lance Armstrong. But I must secretly believe I can pull it all off because I NEVER give up. <br /><br />So, in the next 6 weeks: I shall begin dismantling my current studio all together, painting the new one and moving all of the stuff back in. Staging the new studio for a photo shoot in TWO WEEKS for my biggest interview yet(eeep), Fully Decorate the house (we have approx 40 bins of Halloween decor), a coast to coast trip for Halloween and Vine which this year is 90% work related, Our first ever SpookyTimeJingles Holiday Soiree Art Show (HU-MUNGO undertaking), our 3rd annual Nelson's Manor Halloween adult Party (this is a very large undertaking), Multiple house guests at one time which will be a blast but the house has got to look good- fat chance in hell ;), Plus all of the normal stuff that goes on day to day...woo wee! I am wiped just from typing it out ;)<br />Yet, I am not sure I would change a single solitary thing! Yet, here I sit and vent, uh I am a frustration to myself!<br /><br />So, as I prepare myself and try to align my health issues with my ambitions and learning to live well I ask for any positive thoughts and suggestions you can send my way as I try to find my way into the happy medium~<br /><br />Love & hugs~<br />dingy dani~~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-69510302540415763882010-08-31T14:30:00.012-04:002010-08-31T16:19:54.745-04:00Stampington Holiday & Celebrations Annual Issue is out and SpookyTime Jingles looks great!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSingvRMHgFuHe6CLpDIpwymLhz_iE7Zc6H1v9MA9C7PJnBbuf1gQwOuaf2xwkGwe4GT3MWSdh8g59d6l9yU0EER6EH7VPoi02IZpeYBv0Hn7aLNfRWpctgF3-ML_aejSVMead0yEbgb7y/s1600/CVR_HOL0910_xlg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSingvRMHgFuHe6CLpDIpwymLhz_iE7Zc6H1v9MA9C7PJnBbuf1gQwOuaf2xwkGwe4GT3MWSdh8g59d6l9yU0EER6EH7VPoi02IZpeYBv0Hn7aLNfRWpctgF3-ML_aejSVMead0yEbgb7y/s400/CVR_HOL0910_xlg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511668935523945970" border="0" /></a><br />I am so pleased with the Stampington Holiday and Celebrations annual issue-2010! It is their best issue yet. I am SOO happy we decided to kick up our ad campaign with them this year.<br /><br />The issue has not even officially hit the stands yet (tomorrow 9/1) and it already seems to be their best selling issue. This issue will be featured in EVERY Barnes and Nobles, nationwide through October 2010 on end caps to showcase it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >We are on the first page in..</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K7_fjfHqdICJP_TulJtap3thj5V2GgMB1fwOhS3l1dMROa44E-72RkGSeOoRTNC__Tq-IYlDLsSQecAwc4oO425v4_-ieKea-_XcLdfMTXHsO5t3dHLZCwT2UCROzOoFjZqiKkZSyHCE/s1600/Holiday+Celebrations+inside+stj+hv+cover+2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K7_fjfHqdICJP_TulJtap3thj5V2GgMB1fwOhS3l1dMROa44E-72RkGSeOoRTNC__Tq-IYlDLsSQecAwc4oO425v4_-ieKea-_XcLdfMTXHsO5t3dHLZCwT2UCROzOoFjZqiKkZSyHCE/s400/Holiday+Celebrations+inside+stj+hv+cover+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511665550987960050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">And the back cover</span></span>!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBr-5Lysw-6shmIrhMaGQ_9_Olu6XXwh-_9PffUCbxPPwl0U1Ytq0xJbwq4F3FnC2d6CNradYm081ozMqqulJPlHh7ruu5JBxxhk8H5t3N67Kk7RtgIs7YnAXWQ19C3cS8zsCoImOI6kc/s1600/Holiday+Celebrations+back+cover+2010+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBr-5Lysw-6shmIrhMaGQ_9_Olu6XXwh-_9PffUCbxPPwl0U1Ytq0xJbwq4F3FnC2d6CNradYm081ozMqqulJPlHh7ruu5JBxxhk8H5t3N67Kk7RtgIs7YnAXWQ19C3cS8zsCoImOI6kc/s400/Holiday+Celebrations+back+cover+2010+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511665539290260834" border="0" /></a><br />I know that there are VERY FEW left to order. No exaggeration. So if you plan on ordering one, I suggest you hustle up! link below to order<br /><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(95, 73, 122);font-family:Harrington;font-size:180%;" ><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.stampington.com/html/holidays_celebrations_2010.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1283274749_0">http://www.stampington.com/html/holidays_celebrations_2010.html</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(95, 73, 122);font-family:Harrington;font-size:14pt;" ><span style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Plus a big congrats to my STJ artists and friends <a href="http://halloweenalchemy.blogspot.com/">Iva Wilcox</a>, <a href="http://noodleandlou.blogspot.com/">Jenn McGlon</a>, <a href="http://thevintagesisterstudio.blogspot.com/">Tracy Nuskey-Dodson</a> and <a href="http://theholidayqueen.blogspot.com/">Melissa Valeriote</a> for their wonderful features inside this amazing issue!</span></span><br /></span></p>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-54575429845246026972010-08-30T17:58:00.004-04:002010-08-30T18:16:52.592-04:00Wonderful wake up callToday was a first...I slept in a bit after a late night and was woken up in the late morn by a friendly gentlman who is the Editor in chief of a large magazine. Kinda went like this:<br /><br />Hmmm..yes, I am Dani. <br />Yes, I would love to do a two part interview with you about SpookyTimeJingles.com. <br />Your calling from where? Really....your kind of far, how did you hear about STJ?<br /><br />You are doing a story on Halloween Collectibles and the fast growing industry that it has become for original folk art and my name keeps coming up to interview?<br />(heart and tummy are doing the mambo at this point).<br /><br />ok...<br />blah, blah, Halloween, Blah, Worlds finest artists, blah blah.<br />(I blathered on like a tween crushing on Justin Beiber)<br /><br />40 minutes later.......<br />yes we can finish this in our next conversation when you have the rest of the questions ready.<br />(he actually wants to hear more from me...holy hell!)<br /><br />Get you pictures of Halloween pieces and 3 artist referrals for additional interviews...ah sure... (who the hell do I choose?)<br /><br />Yes, I look forward to hearing from you too. Thank you~ hung up.<br /><br />SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />What a way to start the day! I love my job!!!!!~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-24716258850629169682010-08-23T02:49:00.012-04:002010-08-23T04:01:00.465-04:00My Story is featured on CRESCENDOh this week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw7nxiVg7asJYdePzjLFZz0NhFVxwocH5WiS3dfOxVjOXYteky-DL40yU-RTcoynZQOc-Tcm3adTSswTOnQpJ6YcGTG0L9LQ4cUn0z4n-ewEPLDSRAPicJXtMRxK-flNsJ1UUwWr2p-tj/s1600/CRESCENDOhHeader_Readers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 57px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw7nxiVg7asJYdePzjLFZz0NhFVxwocH5WiS3dfOxVjOXYteky-DL40yU-RTcoynZQOc-Tcm3adTSswTOnQpJ6YcGTG0L9LQ4cUn0z4n-ewEPLDSRAPicJXtMRxK-flNsJ1UUwWr2p-tj/s400/CRESCENDOhHeader_Readers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508511717558955858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Those of you who follow my seemingly never ending shenanigans, may know that I have had some fun features done about moi, moi art and SpookyTimeJingles. Well, the excitement continues with an upcoming photo shoot in September for a nationwide magazine that just blows my ever lovin mind (happy dance here)..but more about that later before I jinx it right out of the picture!<br />Ok....<br />But also, today starts my week of being featured on the uber amazing site, CRESCENDoh in their Art Saves Series!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crescendoh.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.crescendoh.com/images/FeaturedonButton.jpg" alt="Featured on CRESCENDOh.com" border="0" width="130" height="79" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/readers_share/2010/08/ambitious-designs-its-always-been-about-the-art-by-dani-nelson.html">http://blog.crescendoh.com/readers_share/2010/08/ambitious-designs-its-always-been-about-the-art-by-dani-nelson.html</a><br /></div><br />My story shared, is the short version (someday I will share the whole enchilada) of how art saved my life (sanity) after a severe head trauma 3 years ago, rehabilitation and subsequent diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (head traumas-the gift that keeps on giving).<br />Now, Crescendoh is not uber amazing simply because they are featuring moi as one of their stories...no they were way cool in my eyes before that. You see the creative Jenny Doh, former editor of MANY a Stampington Mag, created CrescenDOH (see last name;) to show that ART SAVES!<br />Her goal is a dreamy recipe of: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Creative Passion</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Authentic Community</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Focused Compassion!</span> Now, stop and reread those lovelies and marinate in them..they are good for the soul, indeedy!<br />Is she just genius to verbalize those elements so perfectly, or what!?<br /><br />For those who do know me, know just how much effort I put into building up the artist community. It is so important to me and I am somewhat unsure why I am soo driven but I am and I love it. So, when I was told I would be featured on Crescendoh, I was so pleased as Miss Doh and I seemingly have the same mindset about an art-filled community full of genuine good souls helping lift one another up! I say Hoo-rah! Thank you Jenny and the Crescendo team for sharing my story and pictures of SpookyTime Jingles artisan pieces, ads and even a fan photo!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs and Happy Creating!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">~dani~</span></span><br /></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-42126583111389535122010-08-22T15:29:00.006-04:002010-08-22T16:32:27.612-04:00SpookyTimeJingles New Group that is Open to all "creatives" on the Hive ONLY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://creatingthehive.com/signup/spookytimejingles"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 83px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeMgW9Q1FID3nkGN23gsfaDezsVmsaG6FMBI2gV4erdRdOvp144RuRcj4eTY_Z2kANVFNckBb-Sd9N2_kSmvej1QE6OxjRx3vQ8wU20wByoTFRUa7Xipllo5pe8Zw0DtQQnb7SfI2JYld/s400/hive_header_logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508319219749121122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWSQQUPm0ldiH2hkKpOpbFMQ90Xf293Ps_oGxpVjICKlJv1LkrO186DQD_hufcyy51etF0_BTyfNqal-k2lTo77hYpgayv_ncUKgVtptoQ7jGX2zDUS4pgILdSoqUwD86ShKSIDslVaxB/s1600/dani.png"><br /></a><br /><p><b>SpookyTimeJingles New Group that is Open to all "creatives" on the Hive ONLY!</b></p><p> </p><p>I have wanted to start a group for a long time now, that combines STJ artists and STJ fans who also like to share in creativity and the process..whatever that may be for you (sketching, painting, scrap booking, poetry, etc...).<br /></p><p>This type of group makes sense to me since, I often would like to add more artists to SpookyTimeJingles but cannot due to size constraints. When a marketplace gets too large in size it causes the viewer to lose interest because their is too much content to take in. Hence the reason for our 6+month wait list to join us plus we just do not have a lot of turnover.</p><p> So in creating this open group, I would so love a place where other creatives with the same interests (holidays) and goals (kindness and inspiration) as STJ could commingle and share in this holiday goodness together! I believe the HIVE has given us the perfect venue to make this happen.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>So please come join in the HIVE:</b> <a href="http://creatingthehive.com/signup/spookytimejingles" target="_blank" mce_href="http://creatingthehive.com/signup/spookytimejingles">http://creatingthehive.com/signup/spookytimejingles</a></p><p> </p><b>And then join our STJ group on The Hive: </b><a target="_blank" mce_href="http://creatingthehive.com/group/SpookyTimeJingles" href="http://creatingthehive.com/group/SpookyTimeJingles">http://creatingthehive.com/group/SpookyTimeJingles</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~Hugs & Happy Creating my friends~<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWSQQUPm0ldiH2hkKpOpbFMQ90Xf293Ps_oGxpVjICKlJv1LkrO186DQD_hufcyy51etF0_BTyfNqal-k2lTo77hYpgayv_ncUKgVtptoQ7jGX2zDUS4pgILdSoqUwD86ShKSIDslVaxB/s1600/dani.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWSQQUPm0ldiH2hkKpOpbFMQ90Xf293Ps_oGxpVjICKlJv1LkrO186DQD_hufcyy51etF0_BTyfNqal-k2lTo77hYpgayv_ncUKgVtptoQ7jGX2zDUS4pgILdSoqUwD86ShKSIDslVaxB/s400/dani.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508319224523307314" border="0" /></a>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-75231856901495623442010-08-09T22:50:00.000-04:002010-08-09T22:50:43.865-04:00When Ghosts Haunt Your Studio - In the Studio with Cate - Cloth Paper ScissorsFun Surprise to see my storage ideas featured by editor, Cate Prato of Cloth, Paper, Scissors today! thanks Cate, I REALLY enjoyed working with you and appreciate all of the coverage you have given myself and SpookyTImeJingles.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/in_the_studio_with_cate/archive/2010/08/09/when-ghosts-haunt-your-studio.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage">When Ghosts Haunt Your Studio - In the Studio with Cate - Cloth Paper Scissors</a>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-86203696391670972832010-08-05T08:38:00.008-04:002010-08-05T18:23:26.435-04:00Studio Photo Shoot Pictures that didn't make the STUDIOS magaine issue<div style="text-align: center;">So the day finally arrived when the Fall Studio's Issue came out. It was so fun to see myself in print and those pieces of who I have collected over the years.<br /><br />Below are a bunches of the pictures that I enjoyed from the photo shoot but did not make it into the magazine. The issue would have been all me if they all made it..lol<br />I hope you enjoy, I have been lucky enough to collect some amazing pieces over the years. See if you can pick out your favs ~<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4863195670_3e5f48b37c.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/4612084770_32e5eb8db6.jpg" alt="My Studio" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4862569729_137d899406.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4862565129_13cac49a09.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/4605615436_d8a17fb706.jpg" alt="My Studio Wide Angle Shot" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4863191656_bd6f8bba68.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4862562575_0f8a0cb105.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="313" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4862567863_8e58f28372.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4611473671_527c849bbd.jpg" alt="My Studio" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4863196588_b14d7a403d.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4863210304_714c377519.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/4612084744_065e60c4bd.jpg" alt="My Studio" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4863210296_54021d9cf8.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="333" height="500" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4862588859_3d8aaaa1a6.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4863192676_129d06ddb3.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4862566187_ca5cb7e09b.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/4612084798_d39a8ce427.jpg" alt="My Studio" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4863185220_5c33ecbc96.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4863189232_69b2cbfe59.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="337" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4862582149_1ed60e1bf6.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="333" height="500" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4862583203_c5187e9ef8.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4862588899_549013d07d.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4863210430_74a7e203a0.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4863205632_ce85892874.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="333" height="500" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4862585531_e87c1c1337.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4863210522_8f3739a857.jpg" alt="My Halloween Art Studio Photo Shoot 2010" width="500" height="333" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-48713459992875548922010-08-05T07:46:00.007-04:002010-08-05T07:56:32.209-04:00Getting started: Accepting Credit Cards at Shows and Everyday<span style="font-size:100%;">Yesterday, I sent an email to friends in the biz about how to get started accepting credit cards. So many thanked me that I realized I needed to share this info even further. So....<br /><br />It is a very intimidating process until someone shows you the way and suddenly you go....AH that is easy!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />So a special shout out to Iva Wilcox for her sharing of information that helped me get started 2 years ago.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span id="role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" ><span family="SANSSERIF" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Bookman Old Style;" >This info is for any artist selling at shows. You will make more money if you take credit cards..people buy more from you when they can charge some of it. Here is the info just in case.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 1: </span><br /><a rel="nofollow" title="http://www.propay.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.propay.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_4">ProPay.com</span></a><br /><br />sign up, VERY EASY application, no <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_5">credit check</span>. instant approval. ONE TIME Fee each year (not monthly) is $55.00 for up to $3000.00 of charges accepted per month!!!<br />you will get a <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_6">ATM card</span> to withdraw your money from the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_7">credit card transactions</span> within 24HOURS or have it transferred to your bank acct!!!<br /><br />You can do the entire thing via their online website when running a credit card but just in case you do not have wifi/internet connection available at your location, just order the below supplies and run the cards after the show back at home or hotel!<br />*I personally ALWAYS take a imprint of the card so I can prove I had the card in my hand and that the owner did authorize it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 2:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">Order Supplies</span><br />1) <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_8">Credit Card</span> Imprinter<br />1) pack of Slips (long ones I prefer to the shorter ones-you can always use the extra space to write on the slip)<br />1) sign saying you accept <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_9">MasterCard</span> and <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_10">Visa</span><br /><br />I bought my supplies from here:<br /><a rel="nofollow" title="http://cgi.ebay.com/BARTIZAN-CREDIT-CARD-IMPRINTER-KIT-W-SLIPS-SIGN-/380256627081?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58890fa989" target="_blank" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BARTIZAN-CREDIT-CARD-IMPRINTER-KIT-W-SLIPS-SIGN-/380256627081?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58890fa989"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281008408_11">http://cgi.ebay.com/BARTIZAN-CREDIT-CARD-IMPRINTER-KIT-W-SLIPS-SIGN-/380256627081?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58890fa989</span></a><br /><br />Total investment: is under $75.00 to accept credit cards for an ENTIRE year!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is AMAZING!<br /><br />*Side note: You can also optionally order a name plate for your business that attaches to the imprinter so that every time you swipe a credit card transaction your business name will also imprint on the sales/copy/receipt slip.<br /><br />In my opinion there is no better service for taking credit cards at this level.<br /><br />Happy selling!!<br /></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-63051768011950951192010-07-21T16:56:00.003-04:002010-07-21T16:58:24.076-04:00My 1st Magazine feature!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2TSlnjVnDNu2ypYK9AFxjACs3puSMzaG5klydMer0VBsKzLEv1STIj1MawyhbdYjVM31cVlMl5C_jFpapi_gRcDonqsdgNYAmg6b5ip3qVH7Qo4Ku0v0HGZug05LdNwp98wItUwvBSSv/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2TSlnjVnDNu2ypYK9AFxjACs3puSMzaG5klydMer0VBsKzLEv1STIj1MawyhbdYjVM31cVlMl5C_jFpapi_gRcDonqsdgNYAmg6b5ip3qVH7Qo4Ku0v0HGZug05LdNwp98wItUwvBSSv/s400/IMG_3931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496459843177433330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">this is my best Halloween pose ;)</span><br /></div><br /><br />I am soo pleased to announce that I will have a SIX page feature in the upcoming Fall issue of Studios! Studio's magazine is an extension of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and will feature my Halloween Studio. My studio is part work space and part Halloween Gallery. I worked with a wonderful photographer named <a href="http://www.wilkinsonmedia.net/index.html">Andrew Wilkinson, owner of WilkinsonMedia.net.</a><br /><br />He was wonderful and guided me through the entire process. He was even excited to shoot my studio space and liked looking at all of my collected works and especially my cabinet of curiosities. We actually live in the same town and have since attended some of the same art shows. He was kind enough to drop off a goodie bag filled with doll parts for me to alter! Amazing how things work, you just never know who you will meet and if you will make a new friend. The entire experience has been magical and I am grateful for these Happy Days!<br /><br />I really adore the fact that my favorite artists that I have collected Halloween pieces from will be seen in print in my article!! I hope it brings them some extra exposure and maybe even sales! How cool would that be?!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambitionsdesign/4816470100/" title="Table of Contents Preview of my feature in Studios Fall 2010 by AmbitionsDesign, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4816470100_6b22e10d18.jpg" alt="Table of Contents Preview of my feature in Studios Fall 2010" width="364" height="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">page 102 -A Visual Treat! Yeah, I made it to the Table of Contents too! ;)</span><br /></div><br /><br />Studios by Cloth, Paper, Scissors can be purchased at many Barnes & Noble, Joann's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby and AC Moore's. They tend to sell out quickly so you may find ordering easier.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Mixed-Media/Magazines/Studios-Fall-2010.html">You can pre-order the issue now by clicking here!<br /></a></div>~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-72593185781285901192010-06-22T10:34:00.000-04:002010-06-26T20:32:02.671-04:00Shared RandomnessIn an effort to get back to blogging I thought, why not share some randomness with you?? Here are some pictures I found on my phone, from the last few weeks. I thought it might be fun to share and perhaps even a touch cathartic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737210430/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4737210430_309467d019_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our new favorite garden center (Ash's) had this wonderfully whimsical n clever gate. I say Dreamy!!! I will copy this and know exactly where I want it ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737210632/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4737210632_3806e17ebe_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The hubster mulched all around our front yard trees. We found these vibrant Zinnia's and also grabbed some of my all time favs-Lavender, in white n purple flowers! They make me happy. I just adore the way they sway in the breeze. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736574591/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4736574591_2a636b58da_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> <br />I found our hightsy sleeping in her favorite hot spot. She is a sunbather at heart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737211078/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4737211078_ca65a20f5e_m.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Bored one night I put my face on a bunch of different photo props. I love these iPhone apps. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737211164/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4737211164_96712aa40c_m.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mr. Nelson was strangely fond of this one :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736574971/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4736574971_531c810479_m.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A pic I snapped for no apparent reason waitong in the ER for Gavin to be seen. I have an iPhone app that creates wonderfully strange environments around the shot. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737211398/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4737211398_1254f202bd_m.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />ER waiting room. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737211540/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4737211540_b2f8449e3a_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Notice the balloons way up high. <br /><br />Once at The Childrens Hospital of Philly, I would roam around at times looking for beautiful things to lift my spirits. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737211708/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4737211708_7d982a56dd_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wonderful common area for children and loved ones to share a smile. Lots to touch and feel and play with. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736575571/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4736575571_7cd6b43174_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> the elevator ceiling was lit up with a vibrant starry moon lit night. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736575769/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4736575769_750fcc5b33_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Renee Brittenbucher prints were a soothing sight for my eyes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737212220/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4737212220_f530cea921_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Just lovely spirited pieces. These reminded me that the most simplistic things can have a big impact. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736576195/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4736576195_c7ca096f3d_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737212612/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4737212612_3036462875_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Smitten as a kitten with this floor at CHOP. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736576551/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4736576551_c04b86518f_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A sweet girl dressed up as a lemon to celebrate the life and legacy of Alex of Alex's Lemonade Stand.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736576735/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4736576735_6c41b6868e_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Art All Night in Trenton each year is such a great event. Watching art created live is dreamy. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737213176/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4737213176_abb333e746_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> <br />Plus the 1000's of pieces on display from every skill level and medium is a delight!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736577091/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4736577091_f3622c08ed_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A fun lamp I wanted to bring home.<br /><br /> <br />Oooh this piece too!! I was head over heals for this photgraph of which I could not grab a decent shot of due to the glare. That is why you need to frame these things in glareless glass. You'll never even see it in your own home as normal lighting will glare it up too. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736596617/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4736596617_578a2171d9_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4737213706/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4737213706_3434f508f8_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Rory Mahon and crew heat iron and other metals until it is molten. The poured this molten iron right in front of us into the molds and created Art All Night 2010 medallions for collectors. Amazing artistry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4736577529/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4736577529_d70cc6589c_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finally, I leave you with a pic of Lisa and myself. I met Lisa through the world of STJ many months ago. We met up this week as she had oodles of goodies to gift me for use in display and marketing of our STJ Soiree this October 16th, 2010. How cool right??!! <br />Lisa was also awesome enough to help us sell raffle tickets at the convention. You just never know when you will meet a new friend!<br />Thank you Lisa for your generosity towards STJ and your friendship to me. Hugs abound!! <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-13108200868449965782010-06-18T22:05:00.001-04:002010-06-18T22:05:32.278-04:00Our FamilyHello all sweet readers. Michael and I want to thank you all for your unbelievable sweet comments, emails, texts and posts in support of our Gavin. Our Gavin is home for 3 days now. He has a long road ahead and quite possibly more bumps to come but he is in good spirits and such a level headed young man, so it has not proven to be too difficult for him to handle. <br /><br />The short version is he had contracted the common teenage virus: EBV aka Mono. The large majority never know they get mono or are only mildly affected. Needless to say Gavin got hit by the Mack truck of Mono viruses. <br />While in hospital (CHOP) they discovered some other concerns; strong possiblity of Crohns disease and a remote chance of a cancer (not blood). This harsh case of Mono may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. <br />Gavins White blood cells are very high and his platelets are pretty low. His Spleen is still enlarged (common for harsh virus cases). <br />Blood results today revealed his platelets have barely risen in numbers so more retesting on Monday.<br /><br />He is undoubtedly better compared to those super scary first days. Until his body recovers from this Mono the other specialists cannot do further testing to deny or confirm the other concerns. <br />So, it will be a few months before we have more answers. Gavin will finish his schooling at home and make up exams hopefully this summer. <br />We have been told it can be up to 6 months just to recover from the Mononucleosis. Who knew? Not me! <br /><br />Surprisingly this is seemingly ok with all of us. I think because we believe all will be ok. So for now we are going about each day as normal. The only difference is helping care for Gavin which I could do for the rest of life x a gazillion years. He is our love (Austin too ; ) and we will make it all work so he has everything he needs. <br /><br />I know a number of you have children with disorders, diseases and some of them had to pay the ultimate price. My heart breaks for each and everyone of. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Always. <br /><br />Much love & joy-<br />Dani, Mike, Gavin & Austin<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/9137262@N07/4712724179/'><img src='http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4712724179_f100bcf054_m.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153321187597321211.post-6538143934896426202010-06-10T19:59:00.004-04:002010-06-10T20:03:32.046-04:00A Scary Time UpdateI just popped into a "healing room" here on his floor. They have these rooms filled with 2 computers, sofa, round table/chairs and tv. You can put a sign on the door that says "healing in Progress" so you can be left alone. I am around the corner from Gav as he spends time with a friend who came to visit. He was cleared of "catchy cooties" so now can have all visitors.<br /><br />Saying, Thank you just seems "airless" to me...like it doesn't carry enough weight in how grateful I am for all of your prayers and well wishes. HUGS x a gazillion ;)I am doing well. 1 crying jag on the phone with Brandi yesterday when they brought up some crazy scary diseases (since ruled out) and 1 when the doctor came in to prep us for the oncologist talk. Unfortunately, I was unable to hide that jag from Gav but I was able to quickly "pump the brakes" and pull myself together.<br /><br />I got a shower today which healed me bunches.I needed to do laundry, which they offer for free here. Clean clothes and a shower and I feel so much better. So crazy how I took that for granted before.I went upstairs to the top floor- Connely Center and found they also have a great resource center so you can find any and all info on your child's illness(es). They also offer nap rooms. 10-3pm daily you can reserve a room to get rest. This will be helpful as Mr. Nelson stays at home nights with our Austin and comes back days to spend with Gavin. I can get some real rest in a real bed that doesn't remind me of medieval torture. <br /><br />I was able to borrow a nap room from 2-3pm today and although I did not sleep it was a worthy visit. They offer those same rooms at night for parents with children in the intensive unit. If one becomes available (sometimes they do), I will get a room at night which would be wonderful. Close enough to Gav to be there and still sleep in a real bed. Again, something I just took for granted.<br /><br />I am starting to feel a lil bit more comfortable here (unfortunately) and venture from the room which I am pretty sure Gav likes ;) LMAO..that poor boy. Sick and stuck living with his mother in the same room..really quite funny. A teens nightmare for sure!<br /><br />Also comical how every doctor looks at me so perplexed, stunned, shocked-they stare-no exxageration. They all think I am WAY younger than my age. Seems they all think I had him at about 10 yrs old..lmao. I suddenly feel ashamed of how young I look to some people. I know I do not look my age but I can assure them Michael is not Elvis and I am not Priscilla and married at some unfathomable age ;)<br /><br />So back to reality..tomorrow yields full body scans for Gavin with dye/contrast looking for cancer and/or proof of Crohns disease. sigh...................~dani~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17506968055658472429noreply@blogger.com11