Sharing a thought...

I was conversing with my oldest daughter, who has recently been promoted to a managerial position with the large insurance company that I too used to be part of. I'm happy for her success within the company...for her. But, I am so, so, so glad that I am no longer part of all of that.
Maybe I just wasn't 'corporate material'...I certainly couldn't handle the constant...and most inconsistent...changes. I always figure, 'why fix something that isn't broken....?'
I was fearful that my spirit would be broken if I stayed beyond the seven years I managed to withstand. What a good choice for me...granted, I didn't walk away with much retirement...and I was severely penalized for taking it...instead of waiting until I was retirement age....but...oh well. It gave me almost two years with my husband that I wouldn't have had if I had continued to stay. And, one of those years we didn't even have to think about the cancer and all that we were facing....what a blessing my early 'retirement' turned out to be.

I HAVE A TREASURY...in Treasury West.

I haven't done a Treasury in months...as busy as I am, I still thought I'd like to try to get one...if possible. Since I didn't have long to wait...in the Treasury West...I decided to grab one.

It WAS titled...'Gorgeous Shades of Browns'

I really love various combinations of browns, blacks and golds....especially when combined...so this is 'more or less'...selections with those colors in mind. Catch it quick...it ends in 2 days...late Saturday or very early Sunday am.

And...yes I did include one of Jaime's paintings in my Treasury...because I love it and it is what inspired me to do this Treasury.

THE TREASURY IS NO LONGER LINKABLE...SO ALL LINKS AND MINIS HAVE BEEN REMOVED SINCE THEY CAN NOT BE ACCESSED.

I'm a Recycler...

I've always been somewhat of a recycler...even before we knew there was a problem with overflowing landfills..non biodegradables..the ozone layer and global warming. My family just said I was a 'pack rat'...it's true. I hate to throw things away...especially if I can find some use for it..maybe not right away..but, sometime in the future.

I have saved egg cartons, magazines, newspapers, grocery bags, boxes that things come in, cologne bottle lids, scraps of material....you name it...I tend to save it. And, I find uses for many of the items I've packed away.

I use cardboard from various boxes, to keep my art prints from bending during mailing. I'll even reuse bubble envelopes if I can.

My husband used to tell me no, when I asked if I could ride along to the landfill...he just knew I'd find something 'useful' to tote back home...it felt a little like 'treasure hunting'

I am on a quest...

I am not only organizing my work spaces...I am attempting to organize all of my 'computer work'.

I write two blogs on a (more or less) regular basis...this one and my Rustic Goth one.... then another two or three...on a much-much less regular basis. (I know that is not good grammar..but, I usually say what I mean to say...even if it isn't grammatically accurate...even in my writing.)

Anyway...I also have several art sites...not including my two Etsy shops...that I list on..from time to time. These include: (without links)

Art Wanted

Art Cards Wanted

ArtByUs

Art.Com

My Art Space

Flickr

Facebook

Zazzle CMZ

Zazzle Tuscan Art

and...a few more I don't have time to list.

Most of the sites I am on I signed with several years ago...but, for some reason...I recently added a new site to my list...

iCraft.Com

My goal with the iCraft site...is to list some exclusive to iCraft pieces. I still have some work to do on achieving this... I think if I can organize things like I should, I will be able to pull it off.

My quest is...to organize my time, so that I can spend the right amount of time needed for everything that I am doing....and also...to eliminate anything that just doesn't work for me anymore....like..Cafe Press.

Print Give Away....Drawing

June has become, for me, a very tough month personally. So, I've decided this year I am going to do some things different. For one thing...I'm going to spend a lot of time organizing, blogging, painting...and much, much more.

I am also going to have the first 'print give away'...

The way this will work....

1. Visit my CMZ Art Etsy Shop

2. Leave a comment on this blog with the name of your favorite print..from my shop.

3. June 15th, I will randomly draw the winner from the comments.

4. I will cut and paste the winner's 'comment' in my June 16th blog.

5. Check back to see if you are the winner. If you are...email your address to me...cmzart@yahoo.com

6. I will ship your print within the next day or two of your correspondence.

I've included a photo of a few pieces currently listed in my Shop with this post.

A Few of my Favorites

I have a few favorite blogs that I read, as often as I can grab a few spare minutes here and there. I especially like those that make me feel as though I know the writer...even if I have never even exchanged an email.
I thought I'd post a few links to some of my favorite blogs...
Memories are Made of This


Inside A Black Apple


Suzi Blu


Kitty Genius


A Fanciful Twist

These are but a few of the blogs that I enjoy visiting from time to time. I thought I'd share with you!

Finally.....

...most of my 'stuff' is now moved to the second floor...the walls and floors are covered with plastic drop cloths...my main work table is up...

that's about all I have done...but, it's a start...

I should be up and operational by the end of the week:)