I love this photo because it captures so many emotions. I am happy and free and in love. This is me most evenings with the man that I love, adore, respect and can't get enough of. Most Friday nights, most nights for that matter, involve me painting with this man by my side. I love to work next to him, just hanging out, watching tv, joking, laughing talking. From the moment he leaves in the morning I miss him until he gets back. We make up excuses and find ways to meet during the day. A lunch here, an errand there. He gets off work early whenever he can. He will take work home so he can work next to me while I paint. We joke that we are addicted to each other. And I am not sure there is a better way to describe it. I will tell the whole story of how we met someday. Today is just about the overwhelming love I have for this man and how happy he makes me. I have never known emotions and feelings like this before and I can't get enough. I find myslef thinking of things to make him happy, ways to make him smile. I just want to return to him what he gives to me. He makes everything shinier, brighter, happier. To say I feel lucky to have found him does not even begin to explain how I feel. The only comparable feelings I have are that for my children. I have known this man for 2 years and loved him for just over a year now. It was about this time last year that I first whispered three words that absolutely terrified me to say. And now, he, like my children, are a part of me now. Part of my children's lives now. And I cannot imagine life without him. I simply adore him. And yes, am addicted to him. I love you baby!

Who out there cross stitches? I need a guinea pig to try something for me. If you do and want to help me on a project, email me please! michelle@abeytacreative.com

danka!

talk later! the house rocks! the kids LOVE it! they are currently flying to New Mexico with their grandparents to see the Balloon Festival. Lucky dogs! I didn't get invited, just the grandchildren....what's up with that?!?!

"We reviewed your submission and were impressed with your talent. Your
artwork, unfortunately, does not meet our agency's need at present. We
will retain a sample of your work should our future needs change."


Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
-Sir Winston Churchill

Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
-Sir Winston Churchill

No artist out there you are looking at, admiring, wishing you could be like, has the success you hope for, has not had this happen MANY TIMES. Trust me. And it hurts every time. Just as much as the first time. But it is still worth doing over and over and over for the "Yes." Don't be too scared to try. Just do what I do, take a deep breath, maybe cry a bit, pout a bit, swear you are going to quit this art nonsense and get a 'real job,'then get over it and move on. Oh, and a shot of vodka doesn't hurt either.

Can't show you the inside until the kids see it. They come home today!! I am so excited for them to see it!!!!