Victoria Lynn Hall

And The Valentine's Day Cat Card Winner Is...

2012-02-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to this year's winner of the annual Battle of the Valentine's Day Cat Cards, Snuggle Cat! It was a very close race for awhile but I'm glad that Snuggles won out in the end (not that I'm playing favorites or anything). In fact, though second in sales to the all time champion, Sarcastic Cat, Snuggle Cat was the "most popular" Valentine's Day Cat overall this year.

Our runner up this year was On My Mind Cat who just edged out Basket Case Cat at the last minute. And our newcomer, Sassy Cat, made a very respectable showing, I think she is definitely one to watch next year!

Of course, you don't have to wait until next Valentine's Day to give a cute cat card. You'll be happy to know that all of our contestants have all occasion, just for fun and friendship, versions of their card as well. Hurray!

Sarcastic Cat All Occasion Card by time2see
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"You're Always On My Mind" Cat Greeting Card by time2see
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Basket Case Cat Friendship Card by Victoreeah
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Sassy Cat & Froggy Friendship Card by time2see
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My Journal & Joni

2012-02-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

Butterfly Collage Journal 3 Ring Binder by Victoreeah
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There is no sunny weather for me tocomplain about today. Though still mild for this time of year, thedays have been slightly more winter like. I was finally able tocarve out some free time to spend with a few of my favorite things, mainlymy journal and my Joni Mitchell CD’s.

Anyone curious as to what I writein my journal would probably be disappointed if they actually read it. I do a lot of “stream of consciousness”type of writing, recording my thoughts as they come to me. Moreoften than not those thoughts are boring, superficial, negative andsometimes just plain depressing.

There are moments when I am tempted totry and write more profound or positive entries in my journals butthat would defeat the purpose of writing them for me. Instead I findthat, by purging myself of my more mundane or troubling thoughts andfeelings this way, I am actually able to get at what is waitingbehind them. After journaling for a few hours or over the course ofa few days, I discover that my mind is much clearer and more open toreceive new ideas, positive insights and creative solutions. I tryto jot those things down too but usually by the time I get to thatpoint I am ready to stop writing and to start creating.

So why does this ritual require that Ilisten to Joni Mitchell? I sort of wondered that myself until I readan interview with the musician/artist where she said, “I sing mysorrow and I paint my joy”. Since I find it difficult to hit manyof the notes that Joni does, perhaps writing in my journal is just myway of singing along.

Classic Rock Is My Second Language Notebook by kchippie
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Fairy Tales And Other True Stories Custom Journal by Victoreeah
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Moonlight and Magic Custom Dream Journal by Victoreeah
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Life Is Better With Art Notebook by Victoriart
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An Artist's Life: Priorities by time2see
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Warm Winter Blues

2012-02-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Blue Skies and Blue Mist Seed Head

All the leaves are brown...but the sky is blue, not gray. We have been having the mildest winter ever and it is really getting on my nerves. Yesterday when I got out of bed it was already 60 degrees and sunny outside and all I could think was, "Not this again. Now I have to go outside."

A Winter Home

I know I shouldn't complain about good weather but I had big plans for this winter. I was going to spend lots of time in my studio painting and by the fireplace reading. I was going to sit in my favorite chair with my cat and a blanket and write in my journal while listening to Joni Mitchell for countless hours. I was not even going to contemplate going outside unless I ran out of art supplies or chocolate and I was absolutely not going to go anywhere near my garden.

My friend Albert (the one who is still a Cardinal)

But like John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans". So yesterday, I visited my garden in January for the first time ever. There were no hummingbirds or butterflies to keep me company but I did encounter a cardinal who looked down at me from his perch in a tree with an expression that seemed to say "can you believe this weather we're having?"

Limelight Hydrangeas make great dried flowers

There were no vibrant flowers but I could still see beauty in the dried blooms and seed heads.

Star Magnolia Flower Bud

I also thought the buds on my shrubs and trees were beautiful though seeing them this early does not bode well for flowers and fruit in spring or summer. What was not in the least bit appealing were the weeds. I suppose it is too much to hope that a hard freeze would kill those off.

Shadows and Light

So even though it wasn't what I planned on doing, I really enjoyed the fresh air, the sunshine and seeing my garden from a new perspective. I even enjoyed the little bit of work that I did. That being said, today I decided to enjoy the mild temperatures in a way that was a little less physically demanding. I went shopping for paint and chocolate. After all, this weather can not last forever, might as well be proactive.

The Purple Garden 2012 by time2see
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"Grow" Garden Angel by Victoreeah
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Dogwood Flower Photography Print by time2see
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"Hint Of Nature" Photography Art with Quote by time2see
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My Many Faces - Portraits of a Painter

2012-01-28T15:54:00.000-08:00


A few of my many faces

"I Will Only Nurture My Finest Thoughts"

Painting for me is mostly animprovisational process. Even when I have some preconceived notionof what I want to create, I am often led onto a path that strays frommy initial vision. My pals Lucky Mistakes and Happy Accidents showup a lot on these journeys and I am always thrilled to see them.

"I Am Here"

I create intuitively, so it's rare thatI reference a model, picture or any sort of reality outside my innerworld. Lucky for me, my inner world is heavily populated. I didn'tknow just how many friends I had there until I started painting.

"Tears For Georgie"

These friends don't talk while I'mpainting them but they do speak to me in their own way. They don't have names but they seem to have feelings, just like you and I.

"Glamour Girl"

Occasionally, someone will say one ofmy portraits reminds them of someone they know. Sometimes one or twoof them is mistaken for a celebrity. Ultimately they can be whoeveror whatever you want them to be.

Once in a blue moon, I paint someonewho lives outside as well as inside my own mind. In these cases,they are also someone that I know by heart.

Left to Right: "Me, Only Bolder", "Hippie" & "Sixx"

"To Wonder Is Wise"

"The Wildest Dreams"

So unless I know you by heart Iprobably won't be painting your portrait. However, you still mightfind a part of yourself in one or more of the portraits I do paint.

"The Wildest Dreams" Art by Victoriart
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"To Wonder Is Wise" Art by Victoriart
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"I Am Here" Art By Victoria Lynn Hall by Victoriart
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Battle of the Valentine's Day Cat Cards

2012-01-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Sarcastic Cat Valentine's Day Card by Victoria Lynn Hall at time2see

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It's that time of year again. Time for another epic battle between Sarcastic Cat and Snuggle Cat in a Valentine's day card showdown...but really, who am I kidding? We all know that Sarcastic Cat is going to win just like he does every year. Not that Snuggle Cat doesn't put up a good fight but alas, he is no match for the the potent combination of cuteness and sarcasm that is Sarcastic Cat.

So I am making the executive decision to just go ahead and declare the Sarcastic Cat Valentine's Day Card the champion of all time and introduce some new competition for this year's race. The winning card will be decided by sales but you can also support your favorite by clicking on it below to visit the product page. There you can also click the "like" button or share it via the Facebook and Twitter buttons. Of course, I will be rooting for Snuggle Cat.

I will announce the winner and runners up after Valentine's Day.

And the nominees are:

Come snuggle Valentine by Victoreeah

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On My Mind Cat Valentine's Day Card by time2see

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Basket Case Cat Valentine Greeting by Victoreeah
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Sassy Cat and Froggy Valentine's Day Card by time2see
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I Don't Do Dishes (and other shocking confessions)

2012-01-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

"I'm Not Washing The Dishes" Dishwasher Magnet by Victoreeah
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As a general rule, I don't do dishes. There was a time not so long ago when I would have been ashamed to admit such a thing but its actually kind of freeing to say now. So while I'm at it, I don't really do laundry either. That's right, you heard me.

Here's another (not so) shocking confession: I love anything and everything creative. My heroes, mentors and muses are all artists, writers, musicians, actors or figments of my (or someone else's) imagination. I love to paint, draw, write, craft, decorate, dance and dream. I suppose I have yet to create a true masterpiece but I feel that I am progressing as an artist and I would say that my ability to express myself creatively is one of my best traits. Still, as much as I have always valued creativity, I haven't always lived as if I did.

It's hard to believe now but for many years I behaved as if I believed that what defined my value as a human being was what I looked like and how well I kept my house. Not that there is anything wrong with wanting to look your best or desiring a clean and organized environment but these issues consumed so much more of my time and energy than they deserved. What's more is that this was inconsistent with what I truly believed and valued. I certainly never judged other people by such superficial criteria. Looking back, It was almost as if some wicked spell had been cast upon me. Then one day, thanks to my muse, the spell was broken.

It had been awhile since I had painted and my muse had been nagging me about it. I went as far as purchasing some new canvases, even set one up on my easel but somehow when it came time to actually paint, I kept finding "more important" things to do. Finally when I began to tackle a stack of dirty dishes in the sink, my muse appeared, looking superior and annoyed (picture "Endora" from Bewitched).

"For Jupiter's sake," she said with a pointed stare, "Do you work for me? Yes or no?" And I knew that she was not asking that casually. She was presenting me with a very important choice. If I said no I would probably lose her forever and if I said yes, I was going to have to start taking her, and myself as an artist, a lot more seriously. Ultimately, it was not a difficult decision. I said yes, put down the dishes and followed her to my studio where we worked well into the night.

It's not like I haven't done any housework since then. I still aspire to some semblance of order and cleanliness. It just isn't my main focus or motivation any longer. In fact, I find that the more I focus my energy on what I love to do, the more the rest of my life seems to fall into place around that. For instance, now that my Hippie husband handles most of the dish washing duties, I find him even more attractive. It turns out that being a "slave to the muse" isn't such a bad job after all.

"I'm Not Washing The Dishes" Dishwasher Magnet by Victoreeah
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Creative Minds T-shirt by Victoreeah
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I Just Do What The Muse Tells Me by Victoreeah
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Mermaid Muse VictoriaLynnHall.com Promo by Victoreeah
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Slave ToThe Muse, VictoriaLynnHall.com Promo by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 30: The Best of the Rest

2011-12-03T06:27:00.001-08:00

So here we are on the last day of this project. It has certainly been fun and enlightening for me and I hope it has been for at least some of you too.

When I chose 30 days for this project it was sort of arbitrary. It wasn't until day 4 or 5 when I thought I better count my card designs and make sure I had that many. I did but beyond that late step nothing about this was really planned. Each day I chose a card somewhat randomly and wrote about whatever thought process it seemed to inspire in me. It only occurred to me after Day 29 that I now had the pressure of choosing only one card from more than a dozen designs left. I've decided to solve this dilemma by choosing my 5 favorites and presenting them each with a short commentary below.

Thanks again for reading.

Christmas Is Kindness by kchippie

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Christmas Is Kindness, it seems like such a simple, obvious statement but all you have to do is attend a late night Black Friday sale to see how easy it is to forget this. It gets away from me sometimes too but luckily something always reminds me that the best thing about Christmas is all the opportunities it presents to do something nice for other people.

Click Here to see more products with this design at Hippie's Shop.

Peppermint Cat Holiday Greeting Card by Victoreeah

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My cat Baby Boy is pictured on this card. He had another name once but now we just call him Baby Boy, even though he is 15. The Holidays can be a little challenging for him because he has epilepsy. Most of the time it is controlled with medication but you know how people sometimes describe Holiday excitement by saying "there is an electricity in the air", well my vet says there is something to that and it actually triggers seizures. So in our household we dial down the excitement as much as we can and concentrate on the cozy and comfy.

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Elves At Work Holiday Greeting by time2see

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I snuck a picture of this sign outside Santa's workshop. Its kind of a ridiculous sign considering all that loud heavy metal music the elves listen to while they work. I guess Santa doesn't know about that. Anyway, the unique thing about this card is that the message on the inside rhymes. That's unique for me because I have often expressed a marked disdain for rhyming cards but for some reason I just couldn't help myself with this one. Fortunately, its easy to change the message with one of your own.

"The Messenger" Fine Art Holiday Greeting by Victoriart

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This card features an image of my painting of the Angel Gabriel. In my understanding and imaginings Gabriel is androgynous, all knowing, intimidating but somehow familiar and not unfriendly. I hope that I captured all that because I like Gabriel. I think he/she had a very pivotal role in the story of the birth of Jesus. He/she tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." and then gives her the low down on all that's about to happen. She was a teenager at the time, so just imagine if she had been all insecure and self doubting and thought, "this crazy angel has no idea what he is talking about." There might have been a whole different story. This is why it is important to believe in yourself and be able to take a compliment, especially when its coming from an androgynous, all knowing angel. Just saying.

See more Angel paintings and stuff by clicking here.

Winey Cat Christmas "...And To All Some Good Wine" by Victoreeah

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This one is sort of self explanatory. I find it funny that whenever I mention wine on my facebook status, the next thing I know I start to see ads for rehab clinics on the right hand side of the page. The thing is, as much as I love wine I really don't drink it all that much. For the most part it is reserved for special meals and special occassions. There just happens to be a few more of those around the holidays and I am all the merrier for that. ;)

Click here to visit Winey Cat's Winey Christmas Shop for more Winey Winey Cat Christmas Stuff.

Okay so there you have it, I can cross my 30 days of Holiday Cards blog posts off my perpetual to do list. Yay! Now...what will I blog about tomorrow? Hmm...

30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 29: The Glory Of Imperfection

2011-11-30T13:07:00.001-08:00

Angel Art Christmas Card by Victoriart

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Today I am featuring my "Angel Art" Christmas card. On the front is an image of a recent painting I did entitled "Angel of Imperfection" and inside it reads, "Happy, Joyful, Wonderful Christmas!" (or change to your own message.)

There was a time when I required the perfect circumstances before I would even attempt a painting. I needed to have all my other tasks and chores done, my studio needed to be clean and I needed a clear mind and a positive attitude. This ensured that I very rarely painted. In fact, the only times I did paint was when my desire to do so led me to override and rebel against these requirements. Slowly, I realized the requirements had to go. Now I'm proud to say I finished my last painting while in my bathrobe at 4 o'clock the morning of Thanksgiving in a messy studio when I had a million other things to do, which was absolutely the perfect time.

That was a victory but I am still a recovering perfectionist when it comes to painting and a lot of other things, including Christmas. I suspect many people suffer frustration this time of year due to high expectations and a perceived need to buy the perfect present, have the perfectly decorated house, host the perfect party or make the perfect meal. Very rarely do things work out the way we plan them but most of the time they do indeed work out, sometimes even for the better if we are patient enough to adjust and look for the blessing in every circumstance. Sometimes a last minute gift is a big hit, a broken ornament becomes part of a beautiful mosaic, a snowstorm allows a party to be more intimate and relaxed or a burnt turkey leads to the best pizza you've ever had.

Like some of the best Christmas presents, life's gifts don't always come neatly wrapped in beautiful paper with a color coordinated bow. Life can be messy, chaotic and full of challenges and it is often all the more glorious for it.

"Angel Of Imperfection" Art by Victoria Lynn Hall by Victoriart
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"Angel Of Imperfection" Art by Victoria Lynn Hall by Victoriart
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"Angel Of Imperfection" Art by Victoria Lynn Hall by Victoriart
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 28: Christmas Cats

2011-11-29T00:32:00.001-08:00

3 Wise Cats - Peace, Love, Christmas - Holiday by Victoreeah

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Today's card is my "3 Wise Cats" Christmas Card. It features my drawing of 3 Wise Cats, one holding a peace sign, one snuggling with a heart and one hugging a toy Christmas tree. Inside it reads, "Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours" (or personalize with your own text).

Christmas is a fun time for cats but this can be somewhat challenging for the people they own. After many years of being trained by my feline children, I feel that I have learned a lot about the delicate combination of holidays and cats. Here are a few of my tips for new or frustrated Christmas cat trainees:

1. Two words: Shatterproof ornaments (note that this is not the same as a chew proof or claw proof ornaments). If you are really set on using glass ornaments, use them sparingly, set them high up on the tree and secure them to a sturdy branch with a pipe cleaner or floral wire (this is a good idea for all ornaments).

2. If you have kittens or especially mischievous cats, do not decorate the bottom third of the tree. As my cats get older, I am able to put ornaments lower but if you look closely you'll see what is there is slightly worn or tattered. In fact, I put a few "distressed" bows where my cat Motley can reach them so he can live up to his reputation as a bad boy without destroying anything new or valuable.

3. Either wrap your presents behind closed doors away from your cats or have plenty of "decoy ribbon" on hand. I save ribbon from my presents each year so that when wrapping time comes around I have plenty to distract idle paws with. I also have some retired gift boxes (boxes my cats destroyed on previous holidays) for my cat Isabelle to climb into.

4. Don't put any presents underneath the tree until the last possible moment. It really is best that all wrapped presents remain in a secure area until you want them to be opened. If you are worried about it looking bare underneath the tree, no worries, just put a tree skirt there and your cats will be happy to occupy the area for you.

5. Learn to enjoy or at least accept a little chaos. If you have been owned by cats for more than a few days, you have probably realized that nothing in your home or your life is ever going to be neat, orderly or cat hair free ever again. This is true during the Holidays as well. Your cats will eventually convince you that this is for the best. After all, they are perfect, so nothing else really needs to be.

I hope these tips help you and your ~~feline rulers~~ adoring feline children to have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Cat Underneath The Tree Christmas Card by Victoreeah
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Christmas Cat by Victoreeah
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3 Wise Cats - Peace, Love, Christmas - Holiday by Victoreeah
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Christmas Cat Holiday Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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3 Wise Cats - Peace, Love, Christmas - Holiday by Victoreeah
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Christmas Cat by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 27: Gratitude

2011-11-23T18:50:00.001-08:00

"Gratitude" Angel Art by Victoriart

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It is almost Thanksgiving and I have so very much to be thankful for. Among the many, many blessings in my life are the people I have gotten to know through my involvement in the Zazzle marketplace and community. These are people who are striving for the same achievements I am but still recognize that we are all unique in our talents and contributions and that we can all benefit from supporting each others' efforts. I also have come to know that, in addition to being amazingly talented and intelligent, they are all genuinely kind and beautiful souls.

As a small token of my appreciation for their encouragement and support, I thought I would share some of their Holiday cards below. Thanks so much for reading and have a Happy Thanksgiving (or a wonderful Thursday).

The Holidays Come And Go So Quickly by dradcliffe
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Merry & Bright Holiday Stripes Folded Christmas by TheSpottedOlive
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Let It Snow by rdwnggrl
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Impossible Gift Stack by trennea
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Christmas Penguins by Ricaso_Occasions
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Merry Bubba by myrtieshuman
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Elegant Christmas Cards Sparkling Trees Red by Rewards4life
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Corporate Christmas Cards by XmasMall

Vintage Santa Claus Making Toys Christmas Greeting by TheVintageVamp
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 26: You Get What You Give

2011-11-22T13:47:00.001-08:00

Holiday Mailbox by time2see

Today's card is my "Holiday Mailbox" card. This card features a photo I took of my neighbors beautifully decorated mailbox one snowy morning a few years ago. This is a great card to give to your mail delivery person or favorite post office clerk. This can be a busy and demanding time for them and I'm sure they would appreciate it.

I know people that simply don't send holiday cards to anyone. Sometimes I envy them. Sometimes I'm grateful to them because they are one less person I have to send a card to. It isn't so much that someone has to send me a card every year to stay on my Christmas card list, I'm not keeping score or anything. It is just that if they don't see the value of sending Holiday cards then I assume they won't appreciate the value of getting one.

It can sometimes seem like a hassle and an added expense but I really love sending out my cards each year. In what can be a very hectic season for me, it is an opportunity to slow down and take the time to think of all the wonderful people in my life. In what can be a time when it is tempting to focus on what I lack materially, it is an opportunity to literally count my blessings and be grateful for how rich my life is with friendship, family and wonderful Holiday memories.

I know that I probably send out more cards than I receive each year but by the grace of that Holiday magic, I still manage to get something more than what I give.

Holiday Mailbox Postage by time2see
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Holiday Mailbox by time2see
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Holiday Mailbox Postcard by time2see
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 25: Holiday Fantasy

2011-11-21T17:00:00.001-08:00

Magic Holiday Elf Greeting Card by Victoreeah

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Today I am featuring my Magical Holiday Elf Greeting Card. On the front is my "Berry and Bright Elf" digital painting and inside it reads, "Wishing You A Magical Holiday Season" (or personalize with your own message).

I guess I do a lot of what is termed "fantasy art"; fairies, mermaids, elves and the like. However, to me these creatures are very real. Not that I think I am going to run into a band of fairies at the coffee shop or see a unicorn at the zoo but I know them when and where I do see them, and so do you. These things exist in books, films, all forms of art and they exist in our collective imaginations. I myself was raised on fairy tales and these stories and images are to me like another language, a way to capture and express feelings and experiences of the magic I can find in an ordinary day if I take the time to notice it.

It's easier to see "fantasy" images this time of year. Elves and flying reindeer and any number of mystical beings come out of the woodwork and invade shopping malls and television screens and yes, even holiday cards. I suppose you can see them as advertising gimmicks or silly characters that entertain gullible children but I don't. I see them as very wise and dear friends.

Magic Holiday Elf Believe Greeting Card by Victoreeah
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Magic Elf Holiday Postage by Victoreeah
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Magical Holiday Elf by Victoreeah
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Magical Holiday Elf Art by Victoreeah
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Berry & Bright Magical Winter Elf Holiday by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 24: Beware The Evil Elf

2011-11-20T13:53:00.001-08:00

Evil Elf Belated Christmas by kchippie

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Today I am featuring the Evil Elf Belated Christmas Card from Hippie's Shop. On the front it says "The Evil Elf Stole Christmas" and inside it reads, "At Least That Is My Excuse. Merry Belated Christmas and Have A Happy New Year."

I know what you're thinking, "it's not even Thanksgiving yet and she's already talking about a Belated Christmas card?". I know it seems like you have a lot of time to get ready for Christmas but you really don't, that's just what the Evil Elf wants you to believe. You see, the Evil Elf steals time. It lulls you into a false sense of security and complacency. "You still have plenty of time to send out your Holiday cards," it tells you, "You've got most of your shopping done. Relax, watch Rudolph, have some eggnog and look, there's pie!"

And the next thing you know, it's Christmas Eve and you only managed to send out half of your cards and you are making the executive decision to re-gift year old fruit bread to Aunt Sally.

Hopefully, you will heed my warning and not let this happen to you, but if it does, you know who to blame:

THE EVIL ELF!

Evil Elf by kchippie
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Evil Elf Square Holiday by kchippie
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Evil Elf Holiday by kchippie
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Evil Elf Holiday by kchippie
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 23: Holiday Dressing

2011-11-19T14:32:00.001-08:00

"Holiday Dressing" Bright and Beautiful by Victoreeah

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Today, I am featuring my "Holiday Dressing" Card. On the front is my drawing of a girl whose fashion ensemble resembles a very stylish Christmas tree and inside it reads, "Wishing You A Bright And Beautiful Season With All The Trimmings" (or change to your own text).

It is the weekend before Thanksgiving and my Hippie Husband and I have started doing some Christmas decorating. We won't turn on any lights until Thursday evening but I like to get a bit of a head start on these things. I must admit I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree in the front room of our home. I have a very strict color scheme and theme and there are no exceptions. However, in other areas of our house the decorating rules are less stern, especially when it comes to decorating Elvis.

That's right, I said decorating Elvis, as in Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. Hippie and I are big fans. We had an Elvis impersonator sing at our Vegas wedding, we went to Graceland for our 1st Anniversary and as an anniversary gift another year, my parents gave us a large ceramic bust of The King himself. It had a place of honor in our last home but we never could find a good place for it in this one. So every year around this time we place it on the counter separating our kitchen from the living room and decorate it with some sparkly garland, lights and a few ornaments. It stays up there through January 8th, The King's Birthday, which is also an official holiday in our family.

So now I am eager to get back to decorating. Think I'll go put on some Elvis music (not the Christmas album, that's for the official lighting ceremony on Thursday night) and get to it. Thanks so much for reading...oops, I mean "Thank you, thankyouverymuch."

"Holiday Dressing" Happy Holidays by Victoreeah
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"Holiday Dressing" Bright and Beautiful by Victoreeah
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"Holiday Dressing" Bright & Beautiful by Victoreeah
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"Holiday Dressing" Happy Holidays by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 22: The Face Of Compassion

2011-11-18T17:08:00.001-08:00

Christ's Compassion Christmas Card by Victoreeah
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Today I am featuring my “Christ'sCompassion” Christmas Card. On the front of it is my “Christ'sCompassion” digital painting and inside it reads, “May the gloryof Christmas awaken the compassion that God has placed in the hearts ofall His children.”

I have been hesitant to feature orwrite about my thoughts on this card because I know many people aresensitive when it comes to religion. For example, I know that thereare people who are offended by what they deem “inaccurate”artistic representations of Jesus Christ. My mental image of Christand thus, my painting, is likely influenced in part by thoserepresentations and also movies like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and“Jesus Of Nazareth”.

I know that there are scholars andreligious experts that might disagree, but I don't think anyone can reallyknow what Jesus Christ looked like and I don't think it matters. Infact, many Christians believe that, in addition to being a historicaland religious figure, that “The Christ” is actually the divinespirit that lives in all human beings. If you believe this, then youwill see him in everyone.

As to what I believe, to put it simply, I believe in compassion.

Compassion Postage by Victoreeah
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"Christ's Compassion" Art by Victoreeah
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Christ's Compassion by Victoreeah
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Christ's Compassion by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 21: All I Want For Christmas

2011-11-17T12:54:00.001-08:00

Wine Diva's "Just The Wine" Fabulous Christmas by Victoreeah

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Today's card is the Wine Diva's "Just The Wine" Fabulous Christmas card from Wine Diva's Fabulous Christmas Shop. On the front is the Wine Diva in her fabulous Santa hat and it says, "I Don't Need A Man To Bring Me Jewelry, Candy and Fine Wine At Christmas Time To Know How FABULOUS I am", inside it reads, "Just The Wine Will Do. Have A Fabulous Holiday!" (All text fields customizable).

Hippie is always joking about what a cheap date I am. He asked me what I wanted for Valentine's Day this year and I said 5 dollars and a trip to the local thrift store. We had a "who can find the strangest item" contest and I also found some unbelievable bargains, best Valentine's Day ever!

Barring that example, in my opinion I am not a cheap date at all. In fact, I consider myself very high maintenance when it comes to holiday gifts. I'm not going to be happy with some generic, run of the mill sparkly thing anyone can buy at the nearest shopping mall, no matter how much money it cost. Call me a Diva, but I want something personal, something that is unique to who I am, something that says, "I get you." Believe me, that doesn't come cheap. That's going to cost someone some time, thought and creativity. But you know what? I'm worth it.

Wine Diva Fabulous Christmas by Victoreeah
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Wine Diva Fabulous Christmas by Victoreeah
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Wine Diva Custom Gold Star Dedication Award by Victoreeah
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Wine Diva Fabulous Christmas Tank Top by Victoreeah
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Wine Diva's Fabulous Christmas Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 20: Winter Solstice

2011-11-16T14:20:00.001-08:00

Winter Solstice Greeting Card by Victoreeah

Today I am featuring my "Winter Solstice Greeting Card". On the front is my digital painting of "The Winter Queen" and inside it reads, "Bright Blessings For A Merry Solstice" (or change to your own text).

Winter Solstice, also known as the first day of winter, marks the shortest day of the year, also the point at which the days start growing longer, and occurs some time between December 20th and December 23rd. Many ancient religions celebrate this day. It is even thought that early Christian churches chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus around this time as a way of adding Christian significance to existing pagan celebrations, equating the rebirth of the sun to the birth of the son of God.

Since the beginning of time it seems, mankind has put so much emphasis on the differences between our various religions, resulting in petty arguments at best and senseless acts of violence at worst. The world would be such a better place if instead we could all recognize and be united by the many things that all religions have in common. I think the Winter Holiday Season is a great opportunity to do just that.

So I wish you a Merry Solstice and a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah or a Happy Kwanzaa, and I am grateful that we all have so many reasons to celebrate this season.

The Winter Queen Postage by Victoreeah
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"The Winter Queen" Art by Victoreeah
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The Winter Solstice Queen by Victoreeah
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The Winter Queen by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 19: In Good Hands

2011-11-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

In Good Hands Holiday Greeting Card by Victoreeah

Today's card is my "In Good Hands" Holiday Greeting Card. On the front of it is a digital painting depicting an angel holding up the planet Earth. Inside it reads, "Peace On Earth" (or customize with your own text).

If you watch the news or read too much of it on the Internet, it isn't hard to think sometimes that this world is going to hell in a hand basket. And yet in my daily interactions with people and this planet, I don't find that to be the case at all. I find that in general people are kind, generous and helpful and I find that this world is continually astonishing me with its beauty.

Perhaps it is because good in people and beauty in nature is the norm that we find evil and disaster so noteworthy and fascinating at times. Certainly we need to be aware of these things, if only so that we can respond to these aberrations with our innate goodness, and we always do.

So while my painting shows one angel holding up the world, she is symbolic of millions. The world is indeed in good hands, it is in ours.

In Good Hands Postage by Victoreeah
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In Good Hands by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 18: Give Peace A Chance

2011-11-13T12:44:00.001-08:00

Peace Mermaid Holiday Dreams by Victoreeah

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Today I am featuring my Peace Mermaid Holiday Dreams card. It features a peacefully sleeping mermaid on the front and inside it reads, "May All Your Holiday Dreams Come True" (or personalize with your own message).

Hippie and I are big fans of peace and many of our designs feature the word or the sign. In some ways I suppose they both represent the sixties/seventies era or a political ideal but peace has always been more of a personal thing for me.

I think of peace as something I practice, an active process of making decisions that considers the greater good. That doesn't mean my response to every conflict is to light incense, chant or go do some yoga. It just means that I try to do the right thing and that often means taking some quiet time to figure out what the right thing to do is.

Of course I don't always succeed. I can get caught up in my own selfish concerns and react hastily or defensively at times. What I am learning is that, when I behave that way, the person I most hurt is myself. What I am learning is that the practice of peace is not just a way of being kind to others but also a way of being kind to myself. I can't think of a more fitting sentiment for the Holiday Season than that.

Peace Mermaid Holiday Dreams by Victoreeah
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Peace Mermaid (Holiday Dreams) by Victoreeah
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Peace Mermaid Pajama Top by Victoreeah
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Peace Mermaid Holiday Dreams by Victoreeah

30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 17: A Claus To Believe In

2011-11-12T14:30:00.001-08:00

"Colorful Claus" Digital Art Santa Holiday Card by Victoreeah
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Today's card is my "Colorful Claus" Santa Art card. On the front it pictures my colorful digital painting of Santa and inside it reads "May all your holiday wishes come true" (or customize with your own text).

I was probably around six years old when I realized "the truth" about Santa Claus but I remained in denial until I was much older. I told myself it was because I didn't want to spoil my parents' fun but I also didn't want to spoil my own. However, even long after the proverbial cat was out of the bag, I would still get one or two presents where the tag read, "from Santa" (with handwriting that looked suspiciously like my Mother's) and I still do (the handwriting now looking suspiciously like my husband's).

I know some people think that encouraging children to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy is perpetuating some big lie and failing to prepare them for the harsh realities of the world. I'm not as cynical as that but sometimes I wonder why we need these external figures to represent the spirit of our own generosity. Perhaps it is an exercise in selflessness; a way to practice and know the joy of giving to others without claiming the credit; a method of blessing others freely and anonymously with no expectations of receiving anything in return.

If that is the case, then I very much still believe in Santa Claus and I hope I always will.

"Colorful Claus" Digital Art Santa by Victoreeah
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A Gift From Santa Gift Stickers by Victoreeah
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From The Desk of Santa Claus by Victoreeah
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"Colorful Claus" Santa Art by Victoreeah
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"Colorful Claus" Digital Art Santa by Victoreeah
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I Believe In Santa Kids T-Shirt by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 16: Lean Santa, Fat Christmas

2011-11-11T13:33:00.001-08:00

Lean Santa Christmas Greeting Card by Victoreeah

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Today I am featuring my Lean Santa Christmas Greeting Card. On the front is my drawing of a lean Santa along with the words, "Christmas may be a little leaner on the presents this year". Inside, Santa is holding a heart where his "jolly" belly once was and it reads, "But it will still be fat on love."

I have to admit that when I was child, Christmas was pretty much all about the loot. Or so I thought. The funny thing is that when I look back at the Holidays of my childhood, it is very rare that I even remember the gifts I was given. What I most remember is the laughter, all those funny stories that seem to create themselves whenever my family gathers together for anything. Another thing that stands out to me are the traditions, the things we did every Holiday that I always looked forward to. And of course I remember feeling special and loved, which was in part due to the presents, but not because of their monetary or material value but just the fact that someone cared enough about me to give me anything at all.

I hear a lot of talk about how the Holidays are going to be a tough time this year due to the economy. I even found myself talking that way recently. But what I realized while thinking about this card is that the Holidays are actually one thing that this economy can not diminish for me. There are things that cost money in this life like food, shelter and doctors visits. But laughter, tradition and even generosity often cost only attention, effort and creativity. No matter how small my gift giving budget is this year, I can afford to be lavish with those three things. I can afford a Christmas that is "fat on love."

Healthy Santa Custom Veggie Plate by Victoreeah
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Lean Santa "Eat Healthy And Be Merry" Apron by Victoreeah
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Lean Santa - Eat Healthy And Be Merry by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 15: Do Not Unravel Before Christmas

2011-11-10T14:16:00.001-08:00

Do Not Unravel Before Christmas - Christmas Queen by Victoreeah

So I am now at the halfway point of this blog project and, as much as I enjoy sharing my cards, thoughts and memories with you each day, a part of me has to wonder, "What was I thinking?" I mean, did I really need another daily task at this time in my life? Do you have any idea how long my to do list is this time of year? Long. Longer than long. Neverending. Perpetual. And why is that, do you ask?

Because I keep adding things to it. I don't know what is wrong with me but the Holidays seem to bring out my inner over achiever. I turn the calendar to November and suddenly I am filled with this urge to make more work for myself. And it's not just that I want to design a million Holiday cards, create hand made Holiday gifts and decorations, find new recipes for Holiday cookies and adorn my house with so many lights that it looks like it belongs on the Las Vegas strip. I also suddenly want to improve myself and everything around me. If I ever get around to making Holiday cookies this year I will probably burn them because I will be too busy learning how to speak French or replacing the tile in my bathroom.

Eventually, I know my sanity will return, most likely after some kind of meltdown over a tragic wrapping paper shortage or glitter glue mishap. I will slowly come to realize that I can't do everything and that nothing and no one is perfect. Then I will allow myself to open the bottle of wine I was saving for when everything on my wretched to do list was crossed off and raise a glass in honor of all I have managed to accomplish this year, savoring the knowledge that it was enough.

And that is how I will keep myself from "Unraveling Before Christmas". How about you?

Christmas Queen by Victoreeah
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Do Not Unravel Before Christmas - Christmas Queen by Victoreeah
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Do Not Unravel Before ChristmasGift Labels by Victoreeah
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The Christmas Queen Holiday Wrapping Party by Victoreeah
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Do Not Unravel Before Christmas - Christmas Queen by Victoreeah

30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 14: Holiday Wishes

2011-11-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wish - Holiday Mermaid Greeting Card by Victoreeah
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Today I am featuring my Holiday Wish Mermaid Card. On the front of it is a whimsical mermaid along with the word "Wish". Inside it reads: "May All Your Holiday Wishes Come True"(or personalize with your own message).

We have all heard that expression, "Be careful what you wish for," and I think that is wise to a certain extent. Most certainly if you have just let a Genie out of a bottle, you need to spend your wishes wisely, because I hear those guys can be real tricky. However, I also think wishing is a great exercise in imagination and a way to figure out the answer to one of life's most important questions: What do I really want?

For example, the way I made my Christmas wish list every year when I was a kid was I would go through the Sears catalog several times. On the first pass I would put a star next to everything I liked - expensive jewelry, clothes and shoes that were for adults, riding lawnmowers - I put absolutely no limit or restrictions on myself. On the second pass, I had more realistic criteria, putting a check mark next to the stars on things I thought there was even the slightest chance my parents might actually buy me. Finally I would circle the three to five things I wanted most. I didn't expect to get everything I circled but I wanted to leave my possibilities open and be surprised by what my parents actually got me. Some years there were things I circled that I was pretty sure I wouldn't get, like the stereo I really, really wanted when I was twelve, but I did in fact get it, one of the best Christmases ever!

As you can see, wishing for me back then was serious business and it still is. Especially now, when it seems I have to work a lot harder to make my wishes come true, I am indeed "careful what I wish for". And yet that doesn't mean I'm careful not to wish too often, too big or too bold. It just means that I know that the wishes that I am able to make with all my heart and soul are the ones most likely to come true.

Wish Holiday Postage by Victoreeah
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Wish Holiday Mermaid by Victoreeah
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Wish Holiday Mermaid by Victoreeah
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Wish Holiday Mermaid by Victoreeah
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Wish Holiday Mermaid by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 13: Dream Angel

2011-11-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Dream Angel Art Holiday Greeting by Victoriart
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Today's card features an image of my "Dream Angel" painting, part of my Earth Angels series from a couple of years back which also includes the Gratitude Angel and the Blessed Angel.

Dreaming is a theme that runs through a lot of my art. I am a firm believer in the power of dreaming, especially the kind you do when you are awake. To me, it is the first, essential step to accomplishing anything in life. Some people might think I am being lazy if they saw me sitting in my chair in my studio, seemingly staring out the window, but I always say that this is how I do my most important work. Taking the time to just sit and contemplate all the possibilities my imagination has to offer, I often discover ideas and solutions I'm certain I would have missed otherwise.

So if there is one idea I hope the dreamers in my paintings convey, it is probably this: time spent dreaming is never wasted.

Dream Angel Art by Victoriart
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Dream Angel Art by Victoriart
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Dream Angel Art by Victoriart
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Dream Angel Art by Victoriart
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Dream Angel Art by Victoriart
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 12: Sparkle Cat, Behind The Cuteness

2011-11-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

Sparkle Cat Photography Holiday Greeting by Victoreeah
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Today's card is my "Sparkle Cat" Holiday card. It features my cat Bart on the front with the words, "The Holidays Are Here" and inside it reads, "It's Time To Sparkle".

Bart certainly knows how to sparkle and shine. He is the most photogenic of my cats and is featured on many popular cards & gifts, even his very own calendar. He also has his own Squidoo page and a video on YouTube. Bart's admiring public looks at him and sees only his cuteness; his big eyes, his little freckled nose. What they don't know is what he is like away from the camera and they may be shocked by what I am about to reveal.

Sad to say, success has very much spoiled Bart. He has become increasingly more bossy and demanding. If I am even the slightest bit late feeding him his dinner I am loudly reprimanded. His ego knows no bounds. He acts as if the entire house and everyone living in it exists solely for him and he has claimed all the furniture as his own. His attitude is often aloof and superior but he expects me to be available at all times in case he requires care or affection.

In other words, he is a cat (and he really is very cute and very sweet, when he wants to be).

A Little Sparkle Cat Holiday Greeting Card by Victoreeah
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Sparkle Cat New Year Card by Victoreeah
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Sparkle Cat Holiday Postage by Victoreeah
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Sparkle Cat by Victoreeah
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Sparkle Cat Holiday by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 11: Christmas Magic

2011-11-06T02:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Magic Is Everywhere by time2see
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Today I am featuring my "Christmas Magic Is Everywhere" Card. I took the photograph that appears on this card through a store window while out Christmas shopping several years ago. I love the way the reflection makes it seem that the Santa figure is barely there, like he is appearing suddenly out of nowhere, as if by magic.

The holidays can truly be a magical time. Sometimes, however, I get a little blinded by the glitz and glamour of it. The lights, decorations and shiny packages greatly appeal to my inner child, who is a 14 year old girl obsessed with glitter and all things lime green. I sometimes have to reign myself in, step away from the wrapping paper that coordinates with the ribbon that compliments the tree skirt that would provide a nice contrast to the carefully planned but seemingly casually placed ornaments on my Christmas tree, and remind myself what the magic of the season is really all about.

It may take a little while for the fog of decorating madness to lift but eventually I remember that the true magic of the Holidays lies in it's spirit of warmth and generosity and the time spent with friends and family. That and, of course, pie. :)

Santa Sighting Postage by time2see
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Santa Sighting by time2see
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Santa Sighting by time2see
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Santa Sighting by time2see
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 10: Abundant Blessings

2011-11-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Abundant Blessings "Winter Rose" Holiday Card by Victoreeah
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Today I am featuring my Abundant Blessings Holiday Card. On the front my "Winter Rose" Garden Angel appears along with the words, "Winter is a time to tend to the garden within our hearts and minds and be grateful for the abundant blessings there." Inside it reads, "Wishing you a joyful season and a blessed new year."

As I mentioned in my previous post, one thing I like about Winter is that it gets me out of my gardening chores. Still, I do miss my flowers, my wildlife friends and just being outside without shivering. Spring can not come too early for me but in the meantime I like to take the opportunity to work on the inside, and I don't just mean the housework, but also my own inner life.

How do I do that? I spend a lot of time writing in my journal, weeding out my negative thoughts and nurturing the positive ones. I also love to sit by the fireplace in the evening and read books, allowing their stories and ideas to take root in my mind. But most of all, Winter is my time to paint, with the hope of seeing some seed of potential within me grow and blossom in full color on the canvas.

So as much as I complain about the cold and dark days of Winter, it truly does bring me an abundance of blessings. I hope it does the same for you and your loved ones this and every year.

Garden Angel Winter Rose Postage by Victoreeah
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Garden Angel "Winter Rose" Stickers by Victoreeah
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Winter Rose "Winter Is A Time..." quote Gardener's by Victoreeah
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Winter Rose Garden Angel Holiday Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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Garden Angel "Bloom" Poster by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 9: Winter Wrapping

2011-11-04T04:23:00.000-07:00

"Winter Wrapping" Art Holiday Greeting by Victoriart
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Today's card features an image of my painting "Winter Wrapping".

That's right, I said the W word. As far as I'm concerned Winter always comes too early and stays too late. My local meteorologist started talking about snow in the forecast on the news today and I turned off the television in disgust and denial.

Still there are a few good things about Winter. The Holidays, for one. Also, it gives me a break from gardening. There are times in the middle of summer when I am sweating and being bitten by bugs while pulling up weeds obviously planted by evil fairies that I will say to myself, "remember this when you feel tempted to complain about Winter." Of course, I complain anyway.

But the best thing about Winter and the cooler, cold, frigid, arctic weather is the opportunity to adorn yourself with winter fashion accessories. I have always loved hats, scarves and gloves, I think because I relish the opportunity to color coordinate just about anything. When I was a kid I would say I wanted to go out and play in the snow just as an excuse to wear my new pink hat or purple scarf. Then I would stay outside about five minutes. Seriously, they expected me to play with snow? That stuff is wet and cold!

So, whether it is a stylish coat, a soft sweater or a cozy blanket, I hope you enjoy your Winter wrapping this year and that it keeps you warm and comfortable until Spring finally arrives again.

"Winter Wrapping" Art by Victoriart
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"Winter Wrapping" Art by Victoriart
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"Winter Wrapping" Art by Victoriart
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"Winter Wrapping" Art Gift Labels by Victoriart
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 8: Don't Stop Believing

2011-11-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Holiday Dragonfly Fairy Greeting Card by Victoreeah
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Today I am featuring my Believe Dragonfly Fairy Holiday Card. Daphne the Dragonfly Fairy is a character inspired by my painting "As Wise As The Dragonflies." She appears in many different designs in my shop and is popular with kids and kids at heart.

I think fairies fascinate and delight people because they represent what is possible when we use our imaginations. When I was younger I felt that I got mixed messages about the power of imagination. As a child, I was taken to Disney World and Disney Movies and encouraged to watch shows like Sesame Street but as I grew older I felt that my own creativity and whimsical nature was not always valued. I would hear people say things like, "you're not living in the real world" and, "that's not real, that's just your imagination."

I'm sure that on some level I needed to hear these criticisms. In the long run they may have helped me learn how to balance my imaginings and dreams with the hard work and practicality necessary to make them come true. I'm glad, however, that I did not let them convince me to see my imaginative and creative abilities as flaws. I'm grateful to all the people in my life and in the world who inspired me and taught me how to "Believe", in my imagination and in myself.

Believe Holiday Dragonfly Fairy Postage by Victoreeah
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Believe Holiday Dragonfly Fairy Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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Believe Holiday Dragonfly Fairy by Victoreeah
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Holiday Dragonfly Fairy Kid's Shirt by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 7: Sending Light

2011-11-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

"Sending Light" Holiday Greeting Card by Victoreeah

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Today I am featuring my "Sending Light" Holiday art card. This is another holiday card that I have sent to my own friends and family.

I live some distance away from most of my family and many of my friends so I often get homesick during the holidays. I think this digital painting was probably born out of my wish to be able to send myself or some part of myself along with each card. I wanted this card to be more than just a Holiday hello, for it to somehow send the love, light & laughter I wish I could share in person.

Of course no card can really do that. But along with some phone conversations and great memories, I think it helped me feel less far away from everyone. I hope it has done the same for those who have purchased it and sent it to their own loved ones.

Sending Light Holiday Stickers by Victoreeah
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Sending Light Holiday Postage by Victoreeah
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"Sending Light" Holiday Art by Victoreeah
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"Sending Light" Holiday Art by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 6: Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree

2011-11-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree by kchippie

Today I am featuring the "Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree" Card from Hippie's Shop, a Zazzle shop that my Husband Hippie and I work on together. Sometimes he comes up with specific ideas for designs and other times I am just inspired by something he does or says or just who he is.

The day I first created this drawing, I was trying to decide what kind of Christmas Tree I wanted that year. We had been using a very old, sad artificial tree for years and it was time to consider other options. So I asked Hippie, "If you could have any kind of Christmas tree, what would it be?"

Before I finished asking the question, I had a strong suspicion what his answer might be. We have been married more than 13 years now and have lived together in two homes and every time any kind of decorating issue comes up, we always have the same conversation. For example, when I was deciding what color to paint the kitchen walls, I said to him, "I think I might paint the kitchen walls yellow, what do you think?" And my husband, who in addition to being a Hippie is also an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders (whose colors are silver and black) , replied, "I think we should paint them silver and black." To which I cheerfully declared, "Okay, yellow it is!"

Then there was the time when we were looking at floor tile in the home improvement store and I said, "I just don't see anything I like." And he said, "That's because they don't have anything in silver and black."

You get the picture.

So imagine my surprise when, after being asked what kind of Christmas Tree he would like, Mr. Raider Nation Hippie replied, "Oh, I don't know, A happy one, I guess."

And I was so pleased with and inspired by his answer that I decided to create Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree right then and there.

Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree by kchippie
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Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree by kchippie
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Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree by kchippie
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Hippie's Happy Christmas Tree by kchippie
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 5: Tales of A Christmas Diva

2011-10-31T04:29:00.000-07:00

Christmas Diva Cat Photography by time2see

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Today's card features a true Christmas Diva, our cat Isabelle. She's a diva the rest of the year as well. We have other cats but her majesty doesn't seem to be aware of this. In her mind everything is about her and she is very offended when we pretend otherwise.

This photograph of her was taken at Christmas a few years ago while we were opening our presents. We used to buy presents for our feline kids but we quickly realized that the ribbons, bows, paper and boxes were presents enough for them. Still, the other cats would not appreciate it if we tried to drape them with garland or put bows on their head but Isabelle loves it. That day I remember she acted as if we were adorning her with jewels and a crown and she was very proud to have her picture taken with them. Eventually she discarded these treasures so she could combat some wrapping paper and then she arranged herself inside a gift box and fell asleep.

Isabelle turned 15 this year but she is still very active commanding our attention like the diva and the very precious gift that she is. I can't wait to see what she will do this Christmas.

"Precious Gift" Cat Photography Holiday Card by time2see
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"Precious Gift" Cat Photography Holiday by time2see

Christmas Diva Cat Photography by time2see
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 4: We Wish You A Creative Christmas

2011-10-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

Create Mermaid Muse Creative Christmas by Victoreeah

Today's featured card is my "Create Muse Mermaid Creative Christmas Card" from my Imagine Mermaid and Friends line. This card celebrates the thing I love most about the Holidays, the opportunity and inspiration it provides for creativity.

Now, I certainly don't need an excuse to break out the glitter and the glue gun but I'm sure my love of these things began with Holiday craft projects when I was a kid. I treasure my memories of sitting at my Grandmother Jane's dining room table, helping her make ornaments out of oyster shells, old holiday card images, glitter, ribbon and glue. We also made ornaments from small food tins. My Grandmother learned the value of recycling and repurposing during the great depression but I wasn't aware of that at the time. I just thought she was brilliant and fun.

During the current economic climate, I know a lot of people may not be able to afford to buy gifts or decorations or even super cool Holiday cards by awesome artists like me. While I certainly look forward to a more prosperous economy, I think this is an opportunity for people to discover or rediscover their own resourcefulness and ingenuity. In other words, just as the card says, I truly do wish everyone a creative Christmas and a crafty New Year because I know firsthand how joyful they can be.

We Wish You A Creative Christmas Mermaid by Victoreeah
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We Wish You A Creative Christmas Mermaid Deluxe by Victoreeah
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Creative Christmas Mermaid Holiday Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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Creative Christmas Mermaid - Holiday Craft Event by Victoreeah
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Creative Christmas Mermaid by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 3: Groovy Peace Angel

2011-10-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Groovy Peace Angel by Victoreeah
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Today's featured holiday card is my Groovy Peace Angel design. It was inspired by sixties pop art, something I am a big fan of. I am quite fond of this design and even used a version of it as my own Holiday card several years ago. The funny thing is that when I think of this card what I remember is the one person who didn't like it.

Of course this person didn't come right out and say they didn't like it but made a point of telling me that it was "interesting" in a way that very obviously conveyed their disapproval. I think many creative people encounter this kind of criticism. There have been a few times when someone has described my work as "interesting", "imaginative" or the ever popular, "wow that's deep" with a snicker or a roll of the eyes to make sure I know they didn't mean it as a compliment. As an artist, I know I can't expect everyone to like everything I do but there was a time when these sorts of remarks in particular would bother me.

What I have learned since, however, is that even when these remarks are meant to be insulting, they are in fact very high compliments. I certainly mean for my work to be interesting, imaginative and deep. Those words hold no negative connotation for me. The fact that they do for other people says more about them than it does about my work. If they had said, "wow, this is boring, trite and shallow, I really like it!", I would not be flattered. So now when I encounter that kind of criticism I smile brightly, say thank you and walk away feeling groovy, peaceful and proud of my work.

Groovy Peace Angel by Victoreeah
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Groovy Peace Angel by Victoreeah
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Groovy Peace Angel by Victoreeah
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Groovy Peace Angel Holiday Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 2: Christmas Angel

2011-10-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

Christmas Angel Thank You Cards by Victoreeah

The Christmas Angel on this card, also known as the "pink angel" and the "facing the sun angel", is one of my more popular digital art paintings. It has a special place in my heart because it is a favorite of my niece Kt and always reminds me of her.

On this card, the angel is accompanied by the words, "We see our angels more clearly at Christmas but deep in our hearts we know that they are always there." On the inside it reads, "Thank you for being one of the angels in my life. Merry Christmas."

This card is meant for the friends in your life who just always seem to be there when you need them most, the family members that are always giving of themselves to others or someone who has assisted or guided you through challenging times. I'm sure that you have at least a few of these special people on your Christmas card list this year, I'm blessed to be able to say that I do too.

"Facing The Sun" Angel Art by Victoreeah
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"Facing The Sun" Angel Holiday Gift Labels by Victoreeah
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Face The Sun Angel Postage by Victoreeah
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Angel Wings Card by Victoreeah
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Christmas Angel Square Stickers by Victoreeah
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30 Days of Holiday Cards - Day 1: Untouched Snow

2011-10-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

I just looked at the calendar and realized it is only four weeks until Thanksgiving. That leaves plenty of time for the rest of my Holiday shopping (I hope) but its got me thinking about what I am going to do for a Christmas Card this year. I thought for a little inspiration (and so I don't repeat myself) I would take a look at all the Holiday Cards I have created on Zazzle over the years. Doing this brought some thoughts and memories to mind, so I decided I would also share them with you over the next thirty days. Starting with this one:

Untouched Snow Holiday Greeting Card by Victoreeah
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I originally posted my Untouched Snow Holiday Card to my Zazzle Shop in November of 2008 but the artwork is much older, probably from about 2001. That was when I first started experimenting with digital art with a now obsolete program that came with a now obsolete computer. I later went back and improved on many of those early works when I got better tools but this one didn't seem to require it. It was inspired by the feeling I used to get as a kid when I would wake up in the middle of the night and look out my window to see a fresh blanket of snow under the moonlight. I have a few of the "blank inside" version of these cards in my home inventory because they are suitable for almost any winter occasion or late additions to some one's Christmas Card list.

Untouched Snow Postage Stamp by Victoreeah
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"Untouched Snow" Digital Art Holiday Postcard by Victoreeah
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Untouched Snow Poster by Victoreeah
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Where Disney's Dreams Began

2011-10-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

While out exploring rural Missouri theother day, my husband and I stumbled upon the small, historic town ofMarceline, MO. Marceline's claim to fame is that it was the boyhoodhome of Walt Disney. Being a life long fan of all things Disney,including Walt Disney World (where I went several times to seek outmy idol Mickey) I could not resist a visit to this town.

The main attraction was the Walt DisneyHometown Museum, located in the old train depot which was saved fromdemolition by the town members. Our guide, one of those townmembers who volunteers at the museum, was kind enough to tell usabout the building as well as give us a tour of the main displayswhich tell the story of Walt Disney's presence in the town, both as aboy and his subsequent visits after achieving fame.

Two stories she told us stand out tome. The first was a cute story of how young Walt painted artwork onthe side of the family home with what he thought was black paint, butturned out to be tar. Who else would mistake tar for paint butsomeone whose first instinct was to create with whatever materials hehad on hand?

The other story was that Walt's fatherdid not approve of his artistic endeavors, not just because of thepermanent tar doodles marring his house, but because he felt that noone could earn a living by drawing silly pictures. In keeping withthis belief, Elias Disney refused to spend any of the family's hardearned money on any sort of art supplies for his son. Fortunately anAunt encouraged his talent and sent him paper and pencils so that hecould continue to develop it. Hearing this put tears in my eyes andreminded me what a powerful influence one person's kindness can trulybe.

Walt's father did liveto see that his son's artistic and imaginative talentsdid indeed earn him a living.

To learn more about Marceline and theattractions there, visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum web site.

I Believe In The Magic Of Kindness Kid's T-shirt by Victoreeah
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Nice is NOT the Same as Wimpy Disney by disney
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Classic Mickey Mouse by disney
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Halloween Brews & Potions

2011-10-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. It wins the prize in my book for the most creative Holiday and it is my favorite one to decorate for. I'm actually running a little behind on that this year. Normally by now I would have put up purple lights and cobwebs on my porch but before I could begin I received my latest Zazzle order in the mail. I ordered three sheets of Halloween Stickers that I designed with a few projects in mind. I was so excited and impressed by how great they turned out (if I do say so myself) that I decided the purple lights could wait. Here's the projects I have completed so far:

Witches Brew

I have managed to collect a lot of interesting bottles and containers over the years. All this bright green bottle needed was one of my large Wine Witch "Witches Brew" Stickers to make it Halloween ready.

These stickers would also look great on a black cauldron punch bowl & the smaller size could be put on glasses or party cups.

I also used my Witches Brew Stickers to create a sleeve for a bottle of wine. I just cut some scrapbook paper I had (to approx. 5 1/2" x 10") and wrapped it around the bottle, securing it with tape on the back, then placed my sticker on top of that.

I think a bottle of good wine decorated like this would make a great gift for the host or hostess of any Halloween parties you attend.

Vampire Love Potion

Another wine bottle sleeve I created with the large size of my Vampire Love Potion Stickers. Perfect for a romantic Halloween date with your favorite vamp! :)

And last but not least, I placed small, round Vampire Love Potion Stickers on smaller bottles that I filled with rose water to create the perfect Halloween perfume. I plan on making a few more of these for some vampire obsessed teenage girls that I know.

If you like these projects, its not too late for you to order any of my Halloween Stickers at Zazzle or create your own. Just make sure that you select the size you want (6 large or 20 small) before adding them to your cart.

Happy Creating & Happy Halloween,
Victoria

Vampire Love Potion Halloween Round Stickers by Victoreeah
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Vampire Love Potion Halloween Stickers by Victoreeah
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Wine Witch "Witches Brew" Halloween Wine by Victoreeah
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Art = Happiness

2011-09-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Art makes me so happy sometimes. I woke up today and was instantly in a good mood because the first thing I saw was this:

It's my "Kindred Spirits" Butterfly Photography Print that I ordered from my own Zazzle Photography Shop. Previously that frame contained a print of "Lancelot And Guinevere" by Herbert James Draper. While it is one of my favorite paintings and fits with the era and style of my home, I felt that after 5 years of looking at it every day it was time for a change. I wanted something that was more modern and fresh while still fitting in with the vintage - garden - cottage style of my room. When I created this image I knew I had found it.

When this print arrived, I was a little nervous. I have always been delighted with the prints I have ordered on Zazzle and have heard nothing but rave reviews from friends and customers but this time I ordered the basic matte finish instead of the semi gloss. I made the right choice. The paper was slightly thinner than what I was used to but the printing was beautiful. The basic glass of my old frame created a glare sometimes with the other print but with the dark, matte background of this print it has more of a mirror effect. I actually love how it reflects my favorite chandelier:

If you have a framed print or other work of art that is starting to gather dust on your walls, I highly recommend switching it out for something new. It is amazing how one simple change like this can give a room a whole new feel. This print has given my room a bold dose of drama while still evoking a sense of calm and serenity. I know it will continue to remind me of the warmth and wonder I find in my garden long after winter arrives.

Kindred Spirits Butterfly Photography Full Bleed by time2see
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"Glory" Morning Glory Full Bleed Print by time2see
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"Ruby" Hummingbird Photography Print by time2see
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An Artist's Life (Part 2)

2011-08-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am often tempted to separate my “Life” from my creative life, as if creativity was something I only practiced in front of a canvas or from behind a lens. The fact is that, even before I audaciously declared myself an “Artist” and devoted my time to artist type things, I have always behaved creatively. It was only after I began taking myself seriously as said “Artist” that I began judging seemingly more mundane activities as outside the artistic realm.

In truth, there is no activity in my life that does not involve or serve my creativity, if I allow it to. And the fact that my creative life informs and enhances my “Life” is something I have witnessed too many times to doubt.

I think that being an artist is as much about learning how to see possibilities instead of problems and make miracles out of mistakes as it is about producing pictures or paintings. In that way, I believe everyone could benefit from living “An Artist's Life”.

Still, I would rather paint than do the dishes (just saying).

Creativity Is Served Here Photography Poster by time2see
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An Artist's Life: Work Clothes Photography Poster by time2see
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"I'm Not Washing The Dishes" Dishwasher Magnet by Victoreeah
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An Artist's Life (Part 1)

2011-07-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

According to my Mother, I have not always been a creative person. The story goes that, during parent's night at my elementary school, my 1^st grade teacher told both my mother and father that I was too serious of a child. She suggested that they buy me some art supplies and encourage me to be more creative. Needless to say, they followed her advice and thus began my creative life.

I don't have a clear memory of these events but I don't doubt this story is true. In fact, I still encounter that far too serious child at times within me. Every time I do I want to find that teacher and go give her a big hug. If it wasn't for her I quite honestly believe I would have sunk down into the depths of existential despair long ago.

Creativity is my therapy, my religion, my sustenance and my calling. Living a creative life, however, is not without it's challenges. More about those challenges later but for now let me just say, thank you Mrs. W., wherever you are, for introducing me to “An Artist's Life”.

An Artist's Life: Endless Possibilities Poster by time2see
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CTRL+X & CTRL+V vs. Scissors & Paste by Victoreeah
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Create Colorful Mermaid Muse by Victoreeah
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The Mermaid Tree

2011-04-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my mermaid tree. Can you see the mermaid in it or is it just me? Sometimes I see things a little differently than most people. Sometimes I feel that I am a lot different from a lot of people. Most of the time, I am okay with that. But one day a few years ago I was sitting on my porch feeling out of place. In that moment, It seemed that being an East Coast girl in a Midwest world was something akin to being a creature from another planet. That is when I saw the mermaid in the tree. At first it made me feel homesick to see her there. After all, when you see a mermaid, you immediately think of oceans and I was as far away from one of those as I was from friends, family and everything else that was in that place that I thought of as home. And yet the mermaid herself didn't seem to be missing the ocean. In fact she looked quite beautiful, and even seemed more special somehow, in the unlikely setting of the tree. I knew I had to paint her.

I painted the mermaid in the tree several times before I felt I had captured the essence of her in my “Out Of Water” painting. As I was doing this I got to know her very well and she taught me a lot of things. She taught me that being different can be beautiful and that beauty is often found in unexpected places. Perhaps most importantly, she taught me that it's up to me to make my place in this world and to make it a place I can carry with me, so that home is always wherever I happen to be.

"Out Of Water" Mermaid Large Print by Victoriart
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"Out Of Water" Mermaid Art by Victoriart
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Mermaid Out Of Water Encouragement Card by Victoriart
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Autumn Mermaid "When You Belong To Yourself..." by Victoreeah
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Be Yourself by kchippie
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Songs About Art

2011-02-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Although all musical compositions are works of art, here are a few of my favorite songs that reference art or artists in one way or another:

“Michelangelo” by EmmyLou Harris
From the album “Red Dirt Girl”

Last night I dreamed about you / I dreamed that you were older / You were looking like Picasso / With a scar across your shoulder / You were kneeling by the river / You were digging up the bodies /Buried long ago / Michelangelo

A beautiful song that came to EmmyLou Harris in a dream. From the lyrics, I suspect it wasn't really Michelangelo she was dreaming about but her words certainly evoke a lot of imagery. I can easily imagine the scenes they describe as paintings hung on a gallery wall.

“The Painter” by Neil Young
From the album “Prairie Wind”

The painter stood / Before her work / She looked around everywhere / She saw the pictures and she painted them / She picked the colors from the air

While the opening lyrics above seem rather basic, it gets a lot deeper from there. To me this is a song about the triumphs and pitfalls of the creative process, of which I'm sure Neil Young knows much about. “If you follow every dream / You might get lost”...I think that's something every artist needs to hear at some time or another.

Click here to see the video for "The Painter" on AOL Music.

“There Goes My Inspiration” by Utopia
From the album “Utopia”

Me and Gaugin used to party down / I was hung in The Louvre, I was Renoir's pal / Vincent Van Gogh used to joke with me / Now they don't come 'round

This name dropping little ditty by Todd Rundgren's Utopia is about an artist who has lost his muse. Who hasn't been there before?!

“Masterpiece of Loneliness” by John Waite
From the album "Figure in a Landscape"

But I bought a paint box and some brushes/ to pass the time since you've been gone/ It's a portrait of a broken man / And the colors always run

To me, John Waite's voice is a work of art in itself. Here he sings hauntingly and beautifully of an artist attempting to pass the time with “a paintbox and some brushes” only to find himself confronted by his own inner state. Again, who hasn't been there before?!

“A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell
From the album “Blue”

On the back of a carton coaster / In the blue TV screen light / I drew a map of Canada / Oh Canada /With your face sketched on it twice

I have read in various sources that this song is partly about Leonard Cohen and partly about James Taylor. I guess it is more of a love song than a song about art but there are those lines, “I am a lonely painter/ I live in a box of paints” and she is indeed a painter. She also wrote a song about Van Gogh: “Turbulent Indigo”.

These are just the first few songs about art that sprang to my mind, I'm sure there are plenty more great ones that just haven't occurred to me. Do you have a favorite “art song”? I'd love to hear from you.

Life Is Better With Music Art Poster by Victoriart
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Many Moods Many Genres by Victoreeah
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Classic Rock is my second language CD Label by kchippie
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Snuggle Cat Vs. Sarcastic Cat Update

2011-02-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

The results are in, and while I don't plan to tell my cat Bart this, the winner by a landslide is Sarcastic Cat. Snuggle Cat gave a valiant effort and was even ahead for a very short time but in the end was no match for the power of snarkiness and sarcasm.

Fortunately for me, Sarcastic Cat And Snuggle Cat are not just for Valentine's Day but are here to tolerate me and snuggle with me every day of the year in the form of Bart. And you can still enjoy them both through their all occasion cards and other products.

You can also learn more about Bart on his Squidoo Page: His Majesty the Cat

Hope everybody had a great Valentine's Day.

Sarcastic Cat All Occasion Card by time2see
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"Come Snuggle" Everyday Card by Victoreeah
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Snuggle Cat Vs. Sarcastic Cat

2011-01-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

A war is being waged in my Zazzle stores. Two sides of my multi-faceted feline child, Bart, are battling for supremacy in the form of two different Valentine's Day cards. The first card represents Bart's sweet and cuddly aspect - also known as Snuggle Cat. While the second card is more aligned to Bart's attitude when he is not among blankets or people who worship him - we call him Sarcastic Cat.

So far, the popularity of these cards has been relatively even but if I had to give an edge to one, it would be to Sarcastic Cat. While The Snuggle Cat Card has more votes, The Sarcastic Cat Card has had more sales recently. I'm not sure if I should be disturbed by this trend or not. I love all of Barty's personalities (with the possible exception of the one that scratches woodwork) but I have to admit that Snuggle Cat is my favorite.

So what do you think? Snuggle Cat or Sarcastic Cat? Leave me a comment or click on the cards below and cast a vote for your favorite just beneath the picture on the product page. I'll let you know which one emerges victorious after Valentine's Day.

Come snuggle Valentine by Victoreeah
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Sarcastic Cat Valentine's Day Card by time2see
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A letter to my muse

2010-08-18T03:22:00.000-07:00

"Creativity Is Served Here" Photography Poster
available at Zazzle.com/time2see*/

Dear Muse,

I'm on to you. I know that you are somehow responsible for the untimely demise of the television opposite the comfy couch in my living room. Call me paranoid but my intermittent computer, internet and cell phone problems seem to have your name written all over them too. I am becoming convinced that you are not merely a muse, but a tireless, trickster spirit who will stop at nothing until I spend my every waking hour making some kind of art.

So I just wanted to say thank you and keep up the good work.

Love,
Victoria

Appeasing The Muse Week 3

2010-07-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

"Hold On To Your Hat" By Victoria Lynn Hall
Available at Zazzle.com/Victoriart*/

I probably should apologize for calling my muse a bitch. As much as I hate to admit it, it turns out that she actually knows what she's doing. For example, when she commanded me to complete one painting per week she was actually putting an end to a long standing argument between us. Her side of that argument was that painting should be the top priority in my life right now. My response has always been that I have too many “more important” things to do.

I realize now that when I accepted her one painting per week demand, I lost that argument forever. . . and I've never been so happy to be wrong.

To complete one painting each week, I have had to make painting a priority in my life. To complete one painting every week, I have had to make painting more important. And all those other “more important” things I have to do? They get done in the miraculous amount of extra time I've found between colors, between ideas and between the times when I am disgusted with my last brush stroke and ready to brave the next one.

Somehow by making painting more important it has become more important. Perhaps, as my muse insists, it always was. Not because of what I bring to the canvas so much but more because of what bringing things to the canvas does for my life.

Happy creating, indeed.

Victoria

Appeasing The Muse Week 2

2010-07-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Imagination Note Card by Victoria Lynn Hall

Available at Zazzle.com/Victoreeah*

I didn't complete one painting this week . . . I completed five. Five gloriously but unmistakably flawed paintings that I wouldn't dare show to anyone besides my husband and my cats. I don't like these paintings very much but I do love them because I took risks on them, I experimented with them, I learned from them and I am inspired by them. So like I said, I completed five very successful paintings this week. Even my muse has to be happy with that.

She is also pleased that I am working on a sixth painting. Although it won't be finished for a few days so she, and you, will have to wait until next week to see how this one turns out.

Until then, happy creating!

Victoria

Appeasing The Muse Week 1

2010-06-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

To Wonder Is Wise (Appeasing The Muse Wk1) Poster by Victoria Lynn Hall
Available at Zazzle.com/Victoriart*

One painting every week, the muse commanded. This didn't seem so daunting at first. I've completed a painting in a week before...once...maybe twice. After this week, however, I realized that to do it consistently I am going to have to devote a lot more time to the canvas. This may take some time away from other activities, like cleaning the house.

Hmm, maybe my muse does love me after all.

Happy creating everyone!
Victoria

Conversations With My Muse #2

2010-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

"The Wildest Dreams" By Victoria Lynn Hall

Available at Zazzle.com/Victoriart*

I received the following message from my Muse this morning:

Dear Mortal whom I tolerate for the sake of art,

You are hereby commanded to complete one painting every week. They won't all be good but they will all be good for you.

Yours Truly,
The Muse

Wow, she is such a bitch.

I better get busy. Happy creating everyone!

Victoria

Believing in fairy tales...

2010-06-02T03:51:00.000-07:00

Rapunzel's New Plan Poster By Victoria Lynn Hall

Looking at my art and designs you might think that I am a card carrying fairy tale fanatic but I actually have sort of a love/hate relationship with fairy tales. I, like so many girls, was raised on them and they did indeed cast a spell on me that will probably never fully be lifted. The older I get, however, the more my perspective on them changes.

For example, when I first saw “Snow White” as a little girl, I was so frightened by the wicked queen that I ran screaming out of the theater. Now (thanks in no small part to Disney's expert marketing) I find the “Villains” of these tales more likable or at least more sympathetic than I ever expected to.

It's the Princesses that frighten me now. They just have so many issues. Cinderella has low self esteem, there is something not right with Snow White and don't even get me started on that lazy Sleeping Beauty. I mean sure, they are all nice people who perhaps deserve their happy fates but they just don't seem that motivated to me. In fact, if it wasn't for their princes or their fairy godmothers, they would have been in real trouble. Truly, I would be surprised if their “happily ever afters” were achieved without at least a few years of therapy.

The bottom line is, these women were poor role models for me. I think I am perfectly justified in blaming them for spending far too many years waiting for a Knight on a shining Harley to show up and rescue me. Eventually, however, I realized I wasn't nor did I want to be a princess in need of saving.

And yet, I still want the fairytale. I just find that ruby slippers are more comfortable than the glass ones. I want to be less like Cinderella and more like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” now. She didn't need a prince or a fairy godmother to save her. All she needed was a little reminding of the power she already had within her. I think ultimately, that's all any of us really need to create our own happily ever after.

So yes, I believe in fairy tales but more than them, I believe in me and I believe in you.

Ever After Digital Art Print by Victoria Lynn Hall

"Potential" Frog Prince Print By Victoria Lynn Hall

Princess of Kindness T-shirt by Victoria Lynn Hall

Fairytale Quote Photography Print By Victoria Lynn Hall

Kindred Spirits

2010-04-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dragonfly Fairy Friendship Card by Victoria Lynn Hall

You can have thousands of Twitter followers and Facebook Friends but, if you are lucky, there will still likely be only a handful of people in your life that you can really trust with your heart. In our quest for success, fulfillment & recognition, we may at times take this for granted. Spending our efforts reaching out to new people and broaden our social circle can often rob of us of the time we spend with those who have always been right by our side. Even people who have hurt or betrayed us can sometimes occupy our thoughts more than those who have been steadfastly loyal and loving to us.

Perhaps it is true that you can't have too many friends, but they will not all be Kindred Spirits. So while you are making new connections, make sure you are also honoring the tried and true ones. Make sure those who know and love you best are getting your best efforts too.

Darkness Fades

2010-01-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

"Darkness Fades" Available on Posters, Prints & Greeting Cards at Zazzle.com/Victoriart

Everyone has a dark side and dark days. But Everyone also has a light inside them. To be a friend means that when someone experiences or acts from darkness, it is your job to remind them of their light. To be a friend means that you do not react to their darkness but you respond with your light.

Conversations with my muse #1

2010-01-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

I Just Do What The Muse Tells Me Poster

So I asked my muse why she always has to wake me up in the middle of the night with her crazy ideas and she said, "That is the only time you really listen to me."

And I said, "What about all those times I sit in front of a blank canvas waiting for you and you never show?"

"That," she said, "is me giving you time off."

And so my wish for my fellow artists and creative people today is that your muse is more reliable and less demanding and snarky than mine.

Happy Creating!
Victoria

Planning a wedding?

2009-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I get an inquiry about wedding designs and products. I rarely design anything specifically for weddings. However, there are so many talented designers on Zazzle.com who create lovely, wedding themed, customizable stamps, save the date cards, stationary and more. Here are links to a few shops that I highly recommend for anyone who is planning a wedding.

Two Hearts Wedding Shoppe™ offers a simply elegant selection of custom wedding postage, save the date cards, wedding invitations, envelope seals, wedding party buttons & favors, cute bridal party t-shirts and other keepsakes for your celebration.

Here's just one example of what you will find there:

Victorian Romance Save The Date Announcement by twoheartsshoppe
create invitations at zazzle

Kustom by Kris Bridal Boutique - Coordinate your wedding on a budget, but without compromising style. From Save the Date cards and Invitation sets, to address labels and favor cards your big day will be perfectly matched with your budget.

Here's one of my favorites from this shop:

Royalty Save the Date by KrispysKingdom
Browse Royalty bridal suite from kbk Postcards

Ujean's Whimsical World - This collection of wedding designs is truly unique and wonderfully whimsical.

I really love this design:

Two Hearts: Save the Date(modified version) by daphne1024
Browse Save the date postcards Postcards

I am confident you will find just the right designs for you in one of these outstanding shops but if you want to see even more, there are many, many, many more to choose from. Just click here to go to Zazzle's main wedding page.

And if you want to check out the few items of mine which are wedding related, click here.

Congratulations and best wishes,
Victoria

When I Paint...

2009-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

"My Soul Is A Rainbow"
Print available at Zazzle.com/victoriart

When I paint there seems to be only a tiny part of me that knows what I am doing. Some quiet spark that I am barely aware of dancing in the back of my mind, in my gut, in the corner of my eye. It is very certain about what it wants, very confident that if I follow its instructions there will be some worthwhile outcome. The rest of me isn't so sure. A big splash of red there? Really? Well, okay.

There are numerous reasons why I started painting but I keep painting because I want to know that part of me better. I hope that by doing so I will learn to recognize it, listen to it and trust it in other areas of my life.

Always Make New Mistakes

2009-07-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have a large magnet that hangs on the magnetic dry erase board above my easel that reads, in bold black letters, ALWAYS MAKE NEW MISTAKES. I bought it years ago and I'm not sure I anticipated what those words have come to mean to me now.

As a self taught artist, I make a lot of mistakes. Some of them I come to see as happy accidents, others are just accidents. When I make one of those kind of mistakes, it is easy to get discouraged. I have made a few of them lately, so that is just how I was feeling earlier today. Then I saw my magnet. ALWAYS MAKE NEW MISTAKES.

I did a quick inventory, were these new mistakes? Since I am working on a new project with different mediums than I am used to it was not hard to conclude that they were. Reflecting further, I was able to see how each mistake I have made has taught me how to better work with these mediums. It made me realize that making new mistakes was more or less an inevitable part of trying and learning new things.

In life, as well as in art, we are sometimes afraid to try new things for fear of making a mistake. ALWAYS MAKE NEW MISTAKES is a wonderfully liberating "SO WHAT?" in the face of that fear. ALWAYS MAKE NEW MISTAKES is a command that can remind us that as long as we are trying and learning new things, we are successful. In other words, as long as our mistakes are new, they are well worth making.

I Will Only Nurture My Finest Thoughts

2009-07-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

I don't think anything limits us human beings more than our own fearful and negative thoughts. At the same time, I don't believe in policing our thoughts to the extent of eliminating all but the prettiest ones. There will be weeds in every garden no matter how vigilant we are. Trying to thwart them all just robs us of the energy we need to plant the positive seeds and nurture them to their fullest potential.

"I Will Only Nurture My Finest Thoughts" By Victoria Lynn Hall - available on a poster, full bleed print or greeting card at zazzle.com/victoriart

Affirmations

2009-06-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

I have new products at my Zazzle Art Store that feature images of my latest series of paintings: Affirmations. My intent was to create positive, life affirming images that celebrated the feminine spirit.

The affirmations reflect thought processes I was going through at the time of painting these pieces and preceded the images, except for in one instance.

"Thou shalt not dream small" began as just a vague idea that I was going to paint on a 12x24 canvas. Then the very large canvas I had bought several months before caught my eye. That is when that commandment came to me and the full idea for the painting. I hope it inspires you to make your goals a little grander.

See the whole series at my Zazzle Art Store: http://www.zazzle.com/victoriart

Wine Women Designs

2009-05-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

You can now visit my Wine Women Designs business at WineWomenDesigns.com. This site has its own blog where you can read about a new custom product line that I created. You can also get to know the Wine Women Characters - Wine Goddess, Wine Diva, Wine Princess and Wine Vixen and more designs that celebrate women and the wine they love.

Testing, Testing...

2009-05-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

This is my first foray into official blogging. We'll see how it goes.

Currently I am reworking my web site at VictoriaLynnHall.com for a re-launch very soon and plan to make this blog an integral part of it.

Until then you can view my wide variety of art and designs at peace-n-love.com.