Niceness

Have you ever had a day where you wondered "why can't people just be nice?". I started my day on the phone calling our insurance company to tell them that the check was mailed out today and please don't cancel our insurance. The woman on the phone was SO NICE. After a very pleasant phone conversation where she assured me that she would make a note in the file and not to worry. . From there, it all went downhill. By the end of the day I was practically in tears. I had many more phone conversations during the day from my "real job" and not one of them was nice. I couldn't wait to get home to paint. I had to express my feelings with paint or I was going to have a real pitty party. Painting takes me to my happy place. I felt much better after painting these two pictures and wanted to show them to you.

I realized, I want to live in a world where people are nice....

So Happy!

First, I have posted some new pictures. The 2 I have posted were sold in less than twenty-four hours to a friend - so they will not even make it to my etsy site. Love that.

Second, I am so happy! Yesterday, my idol and the main reason I am where I am today, Kelly Rae Roberts announced her on-line course is open for registration!!! I can't begin to say how excited I am to finally get the chance to learn directly from her and have the opportunity to interact with her. She is truly an amazing person. And the biggest heart. All these thoughts about her and I have never met her in person. If you get a chance, head on over to her site to read all about this course at kellyraeroberts.com

ox, mary ann

Spring is in the Air

Today was one of those perfect days.....the sun was shining, flowers are blooming, it was a perfect 70 degree day and you just live to be outside. Today we took the kids to Newburyport, Massachusetts and it was spectacular. There were lots of people out and about, but not the summer crowds. There are so many cute shops and galleries, I can't wait to go back when I can linger. .....

I'm posting a few paintings to see what you think. I keep plugging away hoping people out there like what I am doing.

ox, mary ann

In an Instant

Sorry I've been out of the loop this week. Something unexpected happened. My oldest son who is in 8th grade made the JV baseball team this year. In his first game pitching, he had an incredible game (I know I'm his mom, but seriously, he did.) He allowed 2 hits and had 11 strikeouts! He is in 8th grade and was playing against 10th graders!!! Anyway, we were thrilled for him. After dinner, he was outside for a while and came in....instantly I could tell something was wrong. He said he fell skateboarding, but was okay. His wrist hurt. We put a bag of frozen veggies on it and after 15 minutes, he was really in pain. 3 Hours later we left the ER in a splint and an Xray showing the break......so, poor kid had such a great start to the season and in a split second it was over. I have spent most of the week thinking about how fragile life is. How quickly your path can change courses when you least expect it. So many people are suffering the loss of a loved one, a job, a house........ We are fortunate that he will heal and be able to play next season.

Needless to say, not much else has been accomplished this week on the art front.

ox, mary ann

First Paintings

Here are some of my earlier paintings for you all to see. i had been making jewelry for about 6 years and while i love making jewelry, i have to admit i was getting bored and was looking for another creative outlet. once i started painting it was like a damn had burst and i couldn't stop. it's been over a year and i am finally at a place where i have a little more confidence and am ready to share what i have been doing. what do you think?

ox, mary ann

OOOps....you can tell I am new to this.....I forgot to post a picture of one of my Make Your Own Magic necklaces for you all to see.....

Here is one:

Make Your Own Magic Necklaces!!!

Just wanted to let the blogging world know that I just posted custom "Make Your Own Magic" necklaces in the Etsy Shop, which you can get to by visiting www.dahliasbydesign.etsy.com

I am so excited to offer these and can't wait to see what art people put together. You can choose any 2 pieces or our artwork for the front and back and we will coordinate a mix of beads, including vintage beads, semi-precious stone, pearls and Czech glass......I have made over a dozen for myself and always get comments because they are so unique!!!

Would love to hear what people think.......

ox, mary ann

The Plunge

Greetings! I am so excited to finally be a part of this community. I have finally mustered up the courage to just begin. I have wanted to join for so long but have been scared to start.

I live in New Hampshire with my husband, two sons, two cats and 1 dog. By day I work with my husband at his law practice - and by night I create. I started a jewelry making business over 5 years ago and started a business with a friend 3 years ago (more on that later) called Dahlias by Design. You can find us on etsy at: www.dahliasbydesign.etsy.com. I spend most of my days figuring out how to turn my passion of creating into a full time gig..........

For now, bear with me as I learn how to post, insert pictures and learn html......

Here is a picture of one of my most recent paintings. Let me know what you think!

ox,

Mary Ann