Survival List for College

My son will be leaving for school in a few weeks and I have been trying to buy things that he will need for dorm living. So here are a few things that I have come up with:

1. laptop
2. printer
3. office supplies and plenty of notebook and printing paper
4. microwave, microwaveable cookware
5. small refrigerator
6. X-long twin sheets with comforter ( I didn't know college beds were not standard)
7. paper shredder ( kids have to careful about Identity theft happening to them)
8. portable reading lamp
9. fan
10. first aid kit
11. many prs of underwear and socks
12. lots of quarters for the washing machine and dryer
13. shower tote
14. file crate ( to file essential papers, scholarship forms and etc)
15. day planner
16. coffee maker
17. reliable good alarm clock
18. sewing kit
19. ironing board and iron
20. detergent and softener
21. laundry bag
22. trash bags
23. umbrella
24. tool set
25. thesaurus
26. dictionary

Here is a watercolor tiger cat giclee limited edition print that I have done.

Wouldn't it be nice to be ageless

I saw my parents and in-laws last week and I realized that they are getting to the point where they aren't getting around very well at all. My husband doesn't want to deal with it until it actually happens but I think we need to have a plan in case one or more of them becomes disabled. I know we are not alone being a middle class family with a kid ready to leave for college and having elderly parents that may need care in the not too distant future. I have no doubt it's going to be a tough road financially and emotionally for us. I just read the reviews on How to Care for Aging Parents
by Virginia Morris. That looks like a book that might be worthwhile to read.

Ordinary is Good

I make it a point to reread certain books that I have because I sometimes can learn something new the second or third time around. I just finished Fearless Living by Rhonda Britten. The first time I read it years ago, I didn't walk away with anything I didn't already know.
Several years ago I use to work outside the home, due to lack of funding and a young child that hated going to daycare, I became a stay at home mom. Because my identity was somewhat tied up with my job, it was difficult at times to be at home. Now I can say, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. Anyway, this book spoke to me that you don't have to be a rocket scientist or astronaut to be extraordinary. No matter what your job is, you can bring to it your own unique gifts and skills. Also Rhonda wrote on how being a waitress taught her everything she needed to know about running her own business. No matter what you do, you can give and gain in extraordinary ways.

Here is a Siberian Husky giclee print that I have done.

What is an artist?

Def. art-ist

• One, such as a painter, sculptor, or writer, who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the fine arts.
• A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill: You are an artist in the kitchen.

I have not always felt very comfortable with that title but I guess that is what I am. I do believe everyone is an artist in one area or another and also everyone has the ability to create.

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain," by Betty Edwards has some wonderful exercises that can bring out the artist in you. A friend of mine said she couldn't draw at all but she did one of the exercises which was to turn a photo upside down and then draw it. The results were phenomenal. Try it.

Here is a goldfish giclee print that comes with certificate of authenticity

My dog has been scalped!

All I wanted was my dog to get a little trim and shampoo. When we went to pick her up, she was unrecognizable. The groomer had accidently cut her hair too short in the back and so to even it out, she had to to clip her short everywhere. Thankfully the hair is starting to grow out some.


On my etsy site, I am selling watercolor cards and magnets as well as prints and handpainted tile that I have done. I can customize note card packs to reflect any 8 designs that you would like.

Here is a card example.

My carnivore plant

It looks a little sickly. Had it for a few months. We have been feeding this venus fly trap flies about once a month. I read if you feed it too many, you can kill the plant. Got the plant for the boys to enjoy and they have.

Survived !

Well, the graduation is over as well as the graduation party. Over a hundred people came and it was some work to put it on but it all went off without a hitch. Weather was beautiful and received a lot of nice compliments on food and decor which was very nice to hear. I survived!

Here is an original "Tulips in Bloom" painting done in watercolor, gouache and ink.