so much to blog about!

So last night around 11:30 when i finally closed up shop for the night, i went to bed and started opening my Valentine's day cards from my one on one card swap. i have to tell you, it was so fun! however, i quickly became overwhelmed with emotion and actually burst out in tears, because i think everyone really went beyond the call of duty. i just sent out these tiny little (although cute) vintage Valentine's Day cards and what i got in return was in no comparison. i got beautiful handmade cards, gifts, handmade earrings, a sewn card hanging, a beautifully heart shaped box filled with goodies, a Charlotte doll/spoon pendant and more. i am used to be the one who goes the extra mile and i just didn't see this coming; so from the bottom of my heart, i want to thank you for thinking of me- i truly am so grateful.

I also want to add that a few of the cards that i sent out were returned to me because of the tiny envelope i used. those cards are being resent tomorrow. however, if in a few days you haven't received a card from me (and you were suppose to), would you please contact me? i'd rather send another out belated then you not ever get one! that would upset me.
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also, don't forget about the "ice resin" blog hop that started today brought to you by Objects and Elements. (it's perfect timing with all this frozen ice and snow all over the ground!) i spent my morning going to each blog to see how the other participants use ice resin in their artwork. so many creative ideas and brillant art! and how fun is this? one of the participants, Marie Dodd, lives not 10 minutes from me; so that was fun to meet her! you can see my ice resin piece here.
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So OWOH ended yesterday and today through random number generator, i was able to pick my winner. congratulations to Kathy of Artful Musings! this was OWOH's biggest year yet, with 1,088 participants representing 40 different countries!

i also had a second "secret" drawing for a very special blogger. she goes by the name of pixie. i made something special for her, so she is the 2nd winner of my OWOH giveaway. (but i'm not going to post a picture of what she won yet because i don't want her to see it!) Pixie is the daughter of a friend of mine and she is only 10! she wanted to start blogging and i have to say, i think that is quite cool. if you have a minute, stop by and say hello to Pixie; tell her Kecia told you all about her blog (just so mom knows where the traffic is coming from)
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and just for fun, enjoy this picture of dillon and his girlfriend from yesterday. he called me down to take their picture and this is what i saw!



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ok, lastly (this post just goes on and on!) i'm leaving on wednesday for las vegas! i am attending artnsoul and getting to see some good friends and my dad, who is driving in from Fallon, Nevada (near Reno) 2 days beforehand just to see me! looking forward to the camaraderie, soaking with Leighanna and Katie and some good old fashion silly fun. Once Artnsoul is over, i will be leaving for California where i will be teaching 2 classes at Gilding the Lily before returning home on March 1st! i'll do my best to stay in touch, but i'm not taking my laptop with me!

blog giveaway!

I've been feeling a little lonely on my blog lately as i've noticed the comments dropping off considerably. supposedly there are 181 readers blog readers out there and i want to hear from you! i know many of you like to stay quiet and just read, but once in awhile, it is nice to know if someone is paying attention to what i am saying! I've decided to give back and am hosting a blog giveaway starting tonight until Friday, Dec. 11th. you will win a pendant similar to the one in the picture below (that comes on a chain), only using the initials of your choice. you can give this as a gift or keep for yourself - it is up to you. i will create it in enough time to get it to you in case you want to give it as a gift.
what do you have to do? just leave me a comment. let me know that you are here and keeping up with me! i thought it'd be fun to talk about our Christmas wish lists. what is on your wish list this year? it can be ridiculous, silly, practical, wishful thinking - whatever! i just want to hear from you. my only other rule is that you have to comment here, on my blog, not on my facebook page when the feed shows up on my wall!



So what is on my christmas wish list this year? I would love a gift certificate to dick blick and then walk into their store and buy anything i wanted without worrying about the final tally! my fantasy Christmas wish would be to go to Spain with a group of artsy girls who also have the same desire to go there. i also have a secret Christmas wish that i will keep to myself as it is a wish just for me. feel free to pass this blog giveaway along in the spirit of giving.

And to my regular commenters, i just want to say thank you!