fat jak originals

Spooky Time Jingles peek.....

2008-09-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all your kind words from my last post. I am forging ahead and taking your advice. Soon, I will be creating in a quiet house, counting the minutes until I pick up my kids...and then having to be the referee 10 minutes after they come home... a day in the life of a sahm!! So with all this change happening I'll just share a photo I took when my littlest went to her first day of preschool...it melted my heart She was soooo brave and walked right into her classroom, turned around and said "bye mom" I was strong for her and then I peeked in her classroom a bit after she walked away. So, the first day was a success....I know she will love her new classmates and all the fun things the will do. We even got are first of many art projects on our refrigerator. Can you tell I am a proud momma? Thanks again for the moms who are bit ahead of me, your advice is greatly appreciated!

So...it's that time again... Spooky Time Jingles will be offering new goodies for the month of September. Click on the new avatar at the top to go to the site....pieces will be available on the 13th, I can't wait!! I'm like a kid in a candy store...such phenomenal artists!!! Here is one of the pieces...if you rembember I snapped a pic just of her legs in an earlier post......say hello to bat girl. She has a tart pan as her dress. I love home made Halloween costumes. So, that is where I got my inspiration from....tell me what you think?

I am hoping to take some better pics....it was a bit overcast today. So don't think your advice was all for nothing. I know it's not the greatest pic....I am trying!!! So I hope you like her...she makes me smile. It will be hard to part with her...do you ever get that way about your art? So I am on a roll with homemade costume kids. I have a few more sketched out...so hopefully they will make it to clay. So before I go, here is a shot of my girls last year at halloween....I made their costumes...hence the inspiration I guess :o) I was even one too....my hubby was the farmer. (get it...farmer with his chicks...i thought it was funny). My son would NOT be a chicken (who can blame him). If you look at the picture you can see he is the headless horseman...it was a cool costume! So, at least I got to have fun with my girls. I know it won't last so I will relish in it now...I hope you get a good laugh.....

Yes.....we have already started planning our costumes for this year......happy creating everyone!!
Talk to you soon~jackie

Lots of starts....

2008-08-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

Well, this was the start of a new school year. So many emotions for me. I was excited that my two older ones wouldn't be fighting ever 10 minutes. They get along most of the time, but summers are tough when they are with each other all the time... I am surprised I have any hair left. My youngest starts preschool next Tuesday, so this week was getting to know the teacher and having to get her suppiles for this new endeavor. I'm sad that all my babies are growing up too fast. My middle daughter started 1st grade and going to school all day for the first time.....scary! It's like you throw them out there and just hope they will be ok. I know its tough, but when I was standing by her in line with all her peers......she just looked so small and innocent and I know how kids will be and tease and be mean...it just breaks my heart. I know, I'm here when they come home and can't be with them all the time, but it's rough. I know, I know some of you are thinking.....cut the cord, girl. I am very proud of my crew, but it's too many firsts for this mom to handle. So sorry for laying it all out and not talking about more excited art stuff. So more.....

My oldest started his last first day of elementry school. I remember dropping him off in kindergarten and can't believe the years have flown by....so darn quickly. Now, with the blink of the eye, he is the big dog of the school, but next year he will start junior high...even MORE scary for me to think about...ugh!!!!! So, with all these starts.....I do have some of my own art stuff happening too. Which is kinda good, so I don't dwell on my kidos and just weep some more. I accepted an offer from a store on the east coast. She sent me pictures of her shop and I was just thrilled, but scared all at the same time. I get so nervous shipping my products and not being able to go to the shoppe and see her new items and peek at mine....all so scary for me!! I know, I must forge ahead and try to get my art seen by others...hopefully putting a smile on their faces too :) So, today as I sit by the computer and ponder all these things...in silence mind you, my house is very VERY quiet, I am very excited, sad, nervous...all of these crazy emotions, but the fall is coming and I welcome it with open arms. I will embrace it and try not to cry that much.....thanks for listening. I do have some new pieces for the sites I participate on.....so here is a tid bit of what's coming, I hope you enjoy! Check back soon for some fall goodies!!!Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!! Goodbye summer, my legs will miss you terribly!

Hugs, Jackie

Hello Friends....

2008-08-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all you advice on my picture taking. I am taking it all in, writing a ton of notes...so I don't forget and hopefully they will work for my next month's offerings. So thanks again for all the great tips. See, I secretly knew not all artists are NOT MEAN...and will offer their advice to help their fellow artists. So thanks a BUNCH it means a lot!!!!

I feel very humbled Kim Hardt gave me a blog award...I love going to see her creations...she always has they most detailed gang of new delights....eye candy for sure. Hop on over to her blog and check them out!! Thanks Kim, you are a sweetie!!

On to more eye candy, if you hop on over to Soft in the Head's blog She is having an amazing giveaway....yes GIVE-A-WAY!! Stop by and see them....you wont be sorry! Here is a is just one of her giveaways....ohh I want her :) Love, love the polka dots!!

Hurry...what are you still reading my blog for go and enter her giveaway. The winner will be pulled September 1st. Good luck! I will be having a fall giveaway too. I'm close to my 50th blog post. So I have started something special the occasion. Take care and I will be back soon :o)

Jackie

My Tools....and a sneek peek...I know again!

2008-08-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I have been tagged by the lovely Kim Hardt. I am supposed to tell you what tools I use in my artwork. Well, I love gadgets.....gadgets for my kitchen, gadgets for my garden, gadgets for everything and having them for my art is no exception. Here is a picture of just a few.

I have a old fashion thingy...I don't know the proper name, but I know it's pretty old. My aunt used to have a bunch of tools and when I came across this one, I fell in love. It's the silver one on the right. Inside the top (the wide bulky part) is about 9 bits. You put it into the top and then when you give it force...good ol' elbow power, it digs a hole into the wood. I love it, I use it on almost ever piece I make, because I use dowels to start my figures out. Then, I have needle nose pliers...the mini ones. I love mine, they're pink, plus my husband will never use um'(so that means they won't get lost). Next, I have huge dog nail clippers....I know kinda strange, but they cut dowels easily and smoothly. I don't use these on my dog, he has his own pair, but sometimes you find something because you can't find what you usually use and use it. This worked and it worked WELL!! Next, I have toothpicks...I use them a ton, I buy them at the dollar store....1500 for a buck!! Nice tool, for paint...small details and adding glue!! Lastly, I have only one hand in the picture...I just couldn't find the other one. Just kidding, the other one is holding the complicated tool that I don't like....my camera.! UGGH!! I think my hands are my best tool.....I smooth and smooth with my fingers and I just love getting them dirty!! Thanks Kim for inviting me to play...this was fun. I hope you enjoyed my tools. Here's a sneek peek of what I have been working on with all my fancy tools.....lol!! Enjoy your day :)

A little help and a sneak peak!

2008-08-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so frustrated you wanted to pack it all in? I'm having problems taking pictures of my art. I simply CAN NOT do it. I have tried and tried...and I think it's becoming worse. I go to other blogs and many of you have such wonderful pictures. I get so inspired, but mine never turn out :( So any helpful tips (even tell me what camera you have) I would welcome, PLEASE :)

Just some info: I have a Canon Power Shot S3 IS....I think it's too much for me and what I need, but then I don't know. I don't know camera's or computers....ughh.... when your trying to sell your art those are two things you can't be bad at! Sorry for the negativity and souriness....I would just like to get better. So I will forge ahead and any help...send my way! Thanks a bunch~I should add...if you have ever given me advice before.... I did listen, I even wrote it down so I wouldn't forget....but I'm just a seriously bad picture taker...uggh again!

So in that area I will share what I'm talking about...here is a sneek peek.

The first piece will be listed on the new site I have been telling you about with awesome artists, Spooky Time Jingles. I have three Halloween pieces and 4 Christmas pieces that will debut in 2 days on the 13th. There 's doorprizes and free shippng...come on by and support handmade. Here is one of my offerings.....this little guy is a part of a Halloween Box....he was so fun to make!Boo.......did he scare you? He makes me laugh....

Next is a piece I just added to my Etsy Shoppe.....click the red shoes on the side of my blog to see more....

Here is scaredy cat and she is so sweet...I just love her facial expression. Wish you could see her detail a bit better...maybe you can help me in the photography area........please! Have a great day everyone. Talk to you soon, Jackie

Fun in the Mud!

2008-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post. My husband and I did a buddy race over the weekend and we had a blast.

It's a 7 mile course with running and biking in trails and lots of MUD...then at the finish line you have to dig...like army crawl through the mud pit to cross the finish line. It was so much fun, I can't wait till next year to do it again. Here's a peek of us....of course I had more mud on me then my husband.....it was so much fun and just hilarious. You could even wear a costume....there was a husband and wife team that was "Thing #1 & 2" from Dr. Suess that was my favorite. Enjoy the pic.....get a good laugh and if you want to do it with your buddy check out the site. It's all over the country so it's bound to be close to ya!

Check back soon...almost time for Spooky Time Jingles and I have some holiday goodies almost finished. My debut will be the 13th, I'm sooo excited to be apart of this great site. Take care, Jackie

Big Annoucement!!

2008-07-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend has flown by. Still painting, we are finishing up with the small details. Shutters, eves, and window trim. That seems to be taking the longest. I will snap a few pictures when we are finished. I won't bore with anymore house stuff......I do have a big annoucement to make!

So, on to the more exciting news....I have joined a group of artists. I am so thrilled to be apart of such great talent. The group is called Spooky Time Jingle. The slogan is so cute..."where spooky and sweet commingle". It's Halloween and Christmas one of a kinds for your home and the all year round collector.....which I am! I love both of those seasons and I think its a grand idea to do all year long. Dani from Ambition Designs is the founder and she has done an amazing job on the site. The site will have new art every 13th of the month. I will be debuting on August 13th and I am soooo excited. They also have a blog. Check it out and I invite you to join me next month and see all the great offerings from everyone.

Well that's it for now...I have a special swap I'm working on and of course the giveaway is coming...check back soon!! Enjoy the day! jackie

Two posts in one week...WOW!!

2008-07-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I know two posts in one week....that's big for me.

We are in our cool basement....its in the nineties here and its muggy outside.

Trying to stay cool and relax. Well for a little bit. We are repainting our house.....I shouldn't say we. My husband is doing most of the work. I am the beverage girl, sandwich maker...suntan lotion girl and all around fetch it girl. Today we are almost 1/2 done. We went with a new color....are house was white and we went with a olive green with cream trim and black shutters....kind of a shocker I hope it turns out ok. I think it will be ok, the color is bold but lovely. We have an old house...not too old (i secretly want to have an old cottage style home) Ours is like the 70's trac homes. This is the last update we are doing before we put it on the market. I know, I know...bad timing , but since we like the area we are not in a hurry and want to stay around here...just a want a different style home. So that is what we are doing this week....no rain in the forecast just hot and sticky. So since I'm not making sandwiches right now I'm blogging :) whoooo!!

So I was reflecting on my last post...sorry for no pictures of the awesome chocolate cherry after workout protein smoothie...next time I won't forget to take a picture.

Today after my workout I made a 3 egg white omelet....its just not your plain jane omelet.

*3 Egg Omelet*

- 3 egg whites

-hand full of fresh spinach

-grape or cherry tomatoes halved

-1/2 yellow pepper diced

- 2 cloves of diced garlic...less if you want

-1 tbsp of grapeseed oil

- cracked pepper to taste

In a skillet...I prefer cast iron, add oil and heat over low/med heat.

I use grapeseed oil for the high heat factor......it wont burn or change the benefits of the oil.

Toss in spinach and then I like to wait a minute....I usually start chopping then.

Add garlic, yellow pepper and tomatoes.

Saute down and add pepper.....then whisk egg whites and add to skillet.

Scramble up and enjoy....I add a bit more pepper to the end.

A close up of the goodness....mmm

The yellow pepper adds a crunch and the benefits of yellow peppers are great. Did you know a yellow pepper has 365% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C....I know it packs a punch! An orange only has 93%. Since your body doesn't store Vitamin C its safe to get a up to 25 times the daily value (75mg) each day! I know...I have tons a facts like this.....I love reading up on nutrition and how our bodies use what we put in it :) Food for thought I guess....
Thanks for letting me spill this out as I sign off....I'm heading back outside to check on my husband and paint more trim. I know this wasn't too exciting, but I still have an announcement coming....and I also saw that I'm close to my 50th post. So that means more exciting news... I'm definitely doing a give away. Check back soon, take and enjoy the day! Bye Jackie

Inspired by friends...a true gift!

2008-07-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....
I hope everyones Fourth went out like a bang.....sorry I just had to do it..HAHA.

We spent ours with friends and saw an awesome firework show. While the show was going on I even leaned over to my husband and said this never gets old...does it for any of you? I still feel like a kid sitting on a blanket in awww of the booms and colors...simply breathtaking. I also ran in the early morning hours....so I started the 4th with my own little bang. This was my first race since I was injuried in the winter...and it felt wonderful. It was just a 4 mile race. I even place 6th in my age group...whooo...my goal was just to not walk and I never imagined I would place in my age group. Since my injury I have changed my lifestyle...I should say my whole family's. We have begun working out and eating "clean". It feels amazing...plus I have lost 30 pounds. Great incentive and lots of fun to go shopping again! So if your interested in great recipes, go to Clean Eating...its a magazine I picked up at Walmart. It's a branch off from a womens fitness magazine called Oxygen...two great publications and lots of inspiration. I know if I can do it with three little ones anyone can. Here's one of my favorite after workout drinks....

Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake:
- 1 Scoop of Chocolate Protein powder ( I use Fit&Fiber35)
- 1/2 cup of frozen dark sweet cherries
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup of rice milk
- few ice cubes...if desired....mix in a blender and enjoy! So tasty and good for you!
Especially if your chocoholic like me...mmmmm!

This recipe was concocted by Michelle...from BlackBerryBriar with a twist by me.
With my love of chocolate and the sweetness from the dark cherries it's like having chocolate covered cherry ice cream...minus all the bad stuff!

I know I'm rambling, but I had such a great visit with a friend. It was so nice to connect with someone that understands. We are both moms, and have a passion for art, but struggle with all the everyday up and downs of raising a family and trying to continue our passion or even feel creative. Ya know when you even get a chance to get out in blogland and see all the other awesome blogs and amazing talents...sometimes its hard. Especially when maybe your things are not selling.... or your feeling like your stuff stinks. Well, my awesome and talented friend Michelle from Blackberry Briar even bluntly put out on her blog to just "quit". It's funny because we have chatted on the phone and I have leaned on her many times and expressed giving up and packing up my studio for good. I have also expressed this to another good friend Elaine from Artiful Spirit. Which to my surprise every artist goes through this...even the best of them. I will say I know this sounds bad, but when you admire these artists and when they say thay have the same thoughts.....well that makes you feel "normal". As normal as an artist can feel...haha! I am lucky enough to call these gals friends and I feel grateful to have them in my corner. So in this journey if you popped over to Michelle's blog she mentioned a book I recommended to her...It's so great and uplifting. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. A short read...but this book packs a punch!! Great words for any artist...someone that feels the pressure or sorta "writers block". Here is tiny bit of what is worth picking up this book....

"The most pernicious aspect of procrastionation is that it can become a habit. We don't just put off our lives today; we put them off till our deathbed.
Never forget: This moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance.
This second, we can sit down and do our work."

I truly think each and everyone of has a gift from God....we MUST use it and not be led by Resistance. This journey is hard, but I hope I can walk through it gracefully or at least stumble among great company and be lifted by you...my artist friends!! A special thanks to Michelle for your kind words...you truly made my day, Tink :) Thanks for letting me ramble...you know, somethings you just have to type out...and get off your chest :)

I promise my next post will be a bit more joyful....I have a surprise...I'm very excited to share with you. Stay tuned and take care till next time, Jackie

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-07-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday!

Take care....enjoy the day :)

Dog Days of Summer and Down By the Creek...

2008-06-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Our doggy Chomper.....sitting pretty for a picture

Hi Everyone....

I know its been awhile. Summer is always jammed packed. We seem to be on the go....

I haven't been on the computer lately, so I thought I would steal a chance to leave a note.

We have had family in and had a weekend wedding to attend in Apple River, Illinois. We seemed to be flying by the seats of our pants. Can you believe its July tomorrow. Oh My!! I wish I can lay around like our doggies.....

Here is our puppy Finn at Millenium Park, Chicago

We visited with family that came in and we had a blast!!

Here is our baby dancing in the water!

We had so much fun with all of our family and going to see our friends exhange vows...but I am glad to have a week to recover. Until next weekend.....any big plans for the 4th? We always get together with friends and go see "the booms" as the kids call them. A true essence of summer!! I love it.

So during the dog days of summer the kids always like to go exploring....we had a great adventure day down by the creek. Most of these days are not planned and its fun going with the flow of what the kids want to do.....most of the time its stuff like this. With having two girls and a boy....so it's never a dull moment. Here are the boys catching frogs......do you think we caught any??

Yes, we did!! This was my youngest daughters first experience seeing a frog up close......she would rather see them like this.....
.....but the boys...they love this stuff. Here is my son up close and personal with one of the critters. ***DISCLAIMER***no animals were injuried during the photo opt :) they were caught and released into their natural habitats :)
Even though at the end of the day we were covered in mud we had a blast......here is my daughter looking for more froggies

She is actually holding river rocks she collected during the course of the day....mommy tip, if you choose to have fun down at the creek. Take the rocks out of your car......we left them in the car overnight and the next day the car smelled like lake...kinda icky!
Lastly...here was a critter we spotted watching us frolic in his home....he was very gracious and didn't come any closer....the kids would of seen mommy run away. I get kinda scared around these rodents....eeek!! So sorry I haven't been around much lately.....things to explore and lots of fun to have!! Summer always seems to fly by. I hope everyone has a safe holiday! Check out Glitter and Grunge tomorrow. New updates and I can't wait to see all the artists goodies! Here's a sneak peek of mine. Happy 4th everyone...take care~

Summer has began.....yippee!!

2008-06-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone.....

I know its been a while since we chatted. We have busy with end of year picnics, school plays and soccer games. The last day of school was yesterday and we celebrated our kids promotions to the next grade with going to the creek for a picnic. We had PB & J's and then took our shoes off and with our trusty nets caught frogs and craw daddies.....oh yeah it was a great time!! My middle child which is a girl...is soooo it this and likes to catch critters and name them! We of course let them go and no one was hurt by our exploring. Our youngest doesn't like mud and sat in her stroller with a paper towel and water bottle wiping the mud off her toes...it was quite comical!

So....change of subect, jump on by glitter and grunge and check out all the great offerings this month by all the amazing artists! So GREAT!! Here is what I have, Uncle Ellie. I hope everyone enjoys the summer. I know our calendar is already filling up....take time to hear the birds, smell the flowers and eat an ice cream cone with your kids...I know I am :) Talk to you soon, take care...Jackie

So the storm has passed...I think!

2008-04-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

So over the weekend we (I shouldn't say we...my husband) fixed all the house wounds.

Our water heater was replaced...our dryer is working, so I guess I have to get to the piles(mounds)...ugh! Our shower is working.....and I think that's all I mentioned to ya in the last post. So with things in working order I am sitting here writing to you....ha! I should be doing laundry or taking a nice hot shower, but I am noodling in blogland. That's so easy for me to do. I love all the eye candy!!

It's been really cold here the last few days....we even had snow yesterday, yes I typed SNOW! When will it pass.....I think soon, hopefully. So I took a fewer pictures of a squirrel yesterday....

I know I should of been doing laundry...but I was just gazing at this little critter. How funny is he...just lying around.

I know I get a kick out of the littlest things, but this little guy made me smile. We even have a couple of ducks that the girls and I feed everyday and this little brave creature comes up too....I'm no snow white, so once he gets a little close we go inside. I am so a chicken when it comes to squirrels. We once had baby squirrels in our roof.....last year's house wound, my hubby had to fix that too, it never ends. But we had a family of squirrels living in the roof.....one day the babies got out and well....to my surprise, when I turned to go down my hallway, I saw this...see the picture below....eeek....the window was open too! I was so scared.....and the stairwell was right at the window, so I couldn't go down the stairs or scream because the screen was they only thing between me and this tiny thing!! I was soooo scared...it took some courage, but I eventually ran downstairs!

Well, my husband wanted to go and catch the squirrels himself, and I just envisioned this grown man falling off the roof and hurting himself, so I called the critter line...I forgot the proper name, the company that comes and gets pests or babies off your premise....for lots of money! So, it took three days to coax the mama into the cage...she was so smart she kept tricking the cage and getting the food. The man told us grey squirrels are the most aggressive and the smartest of the squirrel family. The man finally had to bring back the baby and within 20 minutes the mama came and finally was reunited with her family. The man took them to a forest park.....not close to our home, thank goodness! So, I was happy they moved on and my hubby didn't fall off the roof.....wouldn't that have been a funny picture. Just kidding.....I guess I still laugh when my husband tells that story of me scared out of my mind and him wanting to be a hero with a broom and fishing net! I hope your laughing with me girls!

Have a wonderful day...and I didn't know where this blog entry would take me. I hope you enjoyed my little nature story. Take care, jackie

Blah Blah Blah...I am so boring!

2008-04-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

Ha...I am so boring, but can I tell you I am just laughing thinking about what I am about to say.....our house has been crazy the last few days. We are having a new roof put on and ya know when you try to do a home improvemnt project...some thing else breaks, well at least in our house this happens A LOT!! First, our furnace broke.....I wouldn't be too upset with the weather getting a bit nicer, but the nights are still cold...brrrr. Then out dryer breaks....this wouldn't bother me either, but the piles add up quickly with a family of five...add our little one things she's a fashion queen and changes her wardrobe two or three times a day...so its like a family of eight..ugh!! Thirdly our bathroom shower faucet is leaking and the water is coming down to the second floor bathroom...oh my. Oh yeah, remember the roof is being done too....this is madness! I will have to bragh a bit...my handy husband fixed them...not all, but the most important ones.....the furnace and dryer and the roof will be done tomorrow. The bathroom will be fixed soon, at least no water in the walls. I'm a nut and always scared of mold, YUCK! So, we are showering still, but have to downstairs to the other bathroom, so kudos to my hubby! Even with all that he fixes it all and says what next.....I get my strength from him, I would of cracked under that pressure, for sure!

So, quick change of subject......I have been in a creative lull...low, just a plain funk. It's been a for a while now. Do you ever feel that way? A good friend of mine told me that when an artist evolves or is about to go through a change in their art they go through a slump...so that was very encouraging to me, because that is the way I feel. So I dont have pictures of what I have been doing...because I haven't been too creative....a lot of projects started but none finished or worth showing, at least in my thoughts...of funk! I did snap a picture of my middle daughter's jeans....another pair of capris. We couldn't find her white mary janes so she wore these.

The have green apples, stripes, and polka dots...they are so fun for the spring!! So I hope you didn't mind the rant....I hope to snap out of the fog and get back to business....lol! I will leave you with a sneak peak of a project I am working on for a friend getting married in June.....I know it's a crummy picture, but I am still working on some of the details :) enjoy the day friends, jackie

What month is it.....

2008-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's April already. We picked up soccer schedules and my head started to spin....I think my head will fall off when our third baby starts sports..oh my! Between practices and games we are booked up almost everyday until June. I do love it and to see my son going over his schedule like he won the lottery puts a smile on my face. He lives...eats and sleeps for soccer. I didn't play soccer when I was younger, I played softball....so I don't know where he gets this enthusiaum, but I do love watching him and the games are getting so exciting.

April came into our neck of the woods with a storm....and I loved it....and least it wasn't snow :)

The wind blew and it was so calming. The grass is turning greener and my lillies are even budding through the ground...yippee!! A few years ago, I transpanted lillies from the side of our house to around our deck.....I really thought it wouldn't work....I still get amazed every year that they come back and they bring friends! I know they are hearty, but I don't have a green thumb at all. So I plan to do a small...really small garden this year....I'll post my progress. Here's a picture of a one of my lilies last year.....

This inspiration came from when I first visited my husband uncles home. He is retired and lives in a retirement community. He lost his wife and lives alone. He is a true gardener....here in the midwest we get to have summer flowers and gardens only for a few months, but when I see his magical creations I wish we can have them longer. He is such a great gardner, a few churches commision him and he is busy all summer long....oh yeah forgot to mention he is in his eighties and rides his bike around town. A true inspriation! I will leave you with some shots I took a over the summer last year....I hope you enjoy them and happy April!! These lovelies were at one of the churches he does....I love hydrangas!

This is one side of his home. I know it's not close...but remember I'm challenged in the picture taking...ugh! It's truly is a wonderful garden...I hope one day I can get enough courage to plant and have a magical place like this! Maybe after all the soccer balls stop rolling around my yard...hehe! Take care, Jackie

Happy Easter Everyone....and a special wish!

2008-03-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I know this is the first weekend of spring...but here in the midwest we have been blanketed with more snow, ugh!!

We will have the egg hunt indoors, but we will still celebrate :) I have listed my Etsy shop....yay.

I know finally huh....I have only listed a few items, but plan to list more. I will keep you updated!

The link is below:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5686960

I will add my link to the blog soon...again computer challenged and can't figure it out :(

So back to the to wish...today is my little girls birthday. She turned three today, yes a spring baby. She was a pure delight from the moment we found out we were expecting. We were told we had less then 5% chance of getting pregnant.....we'll I think we surprised our doctors. Even after having a 3 hour surgery...which was supposed to be a routine 20 minute procedure. My ovaries were attached to my stomach...sorry for the visual..they gave us grime news and said it was unlikely I would be able to conceive again. Well....we thought we would try and God would watch over us, well God graced us with a perfect angel! She has been such a joy to our family. Here is a rare picture of me and the kids...dont laugh, its hours after having a c-section, but I love the smile on my sons face...my daughters dazed look, and my new addition sleeping through it all....which she still does to this day! Today we celebrated her birth and what an awesome weekend with Easter weekend too. Happy birthday love!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Take care and many blessings, Jackie

Horton Hears an Etsy Shoppe is Coming!!

2008-03-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get stumped even before you even write the title.

I do all the time......being creative with words is a challenge with me.

I know, you know I have more then one challenge....lol!! So thanks for bearing with me.

Today, the girls and I saw the hilarious movie Horton Hears a Hoo!! What a cute story and the graphics amaze me. They even make the movies funny for us big kids....my oldest would say...why are you laughing? ....so the humor is for both young and old.....my oldest daughter is 6.

A must see in my book and if you have little ones...it kept them entertained the whole entire time. My baby girl turns three next week and she stayed in her own chair the entire time (and she wasn't a sleep on my arm or me)....whoo HOO!!

So, I havent posted in a bit because as the title reads....I'm working on opening an Etsy shoppe.

I know, I think I am the last to jump on this wonderful band wagon...but better late than never, right! I'm very excited and WOW it's taken me a lonnnnnggggg time! I am hoping to have 7-9 new pieces and I have been very busy!! I have found a new energy. My physical therapy is going very well and I am hardly having pain.....I don't want to be too boastful, but I feel good. Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers!! So I will leave with a sneak peek. I will post when the shoppe opens, hopefully by Monday or Tuesday. Have a wonderful evening....hugs, Jackie

Spring Bunny Chick

You Make My Day!

2008-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

You Make My Day Award...me...really me..."I graciously accept this award on behalf of"....

Oh, I am just kidding...LOL, I was envisioning accepting this award like I'm in a fancy sequence ball gown at the Oscars. I'm actually wearing sneakers, running pants and a long sleeve shirt. Just giving you a funny visual. I do thank Colleen for Frostings and Sparkles for her kind words....which I send right back to you. I think the same about you and can't believe were are somewhat neighbors and we met in Blogland!! Thanks so much! So, I think I am supposed to either tell you seven random things or pass the award on.....so I will do BOTH!

1. I love eating Synder Pretzels and drinking orange juice....yummy

maybe I should take a break and go get some......

2. Ok, I am back from my snack break....I love vintage toys, a gift I get from dad.

I love seeing them in mixed media, flea markets and of course garage sales :)

3. I'm not a girly girl.....but I have a thing jewelry.....can't afford diamonds

but I like handmade jewerly....especially on ETSY!!

4.I'm growing out my hair......ugh I am in the ugly stage....YUCK!!

5.My business name "FAT JAK" is really a spin off my kids

I was told I would NEVER become pregnant and the Lord blessed me with three angels

Jake, Alexis, and Katie Reese...So it's a play on words....Fat=Blessed and Jak=Jackie plus my kids first intial.

6.LOVE LOVE LOVE sushi.....my husband thinks it's gross, so I don't get to eat it as often as I'd like....but I truly love it.....did I say that already....hmmmm I guess I am just really hungry.
Plus I finished all my pretzels and oj.

7.I threw pottery in college and this is why I have a love for clay. I didn't have the means or time to be away from my children so I bought paper clay at Micheal's one day and taught myself handbuilding.....thus my start into my whimisical world...plus my kiddos inspire me EVERYDAY!!

Well...there you have it. I am feeling better and the healing is a slow process, but my heart is staying positive. Thanks for all your thoughts and notes....it was a daily blessing...thank you!!

I hope you had a chance to get over to Glitter and Grunge and see all the new artists and their fantastic work. Thanks for all your orders and I hope you enjoy your new spring additions!!

I leave with another bunny....hope he makes you smile, enjoy Jackie
Ohhh.....I pass this award on to all who comes and reads my silly blog....tag your it!
Have a great day......and you truly make my day :)

Happy Leap Day!!

2008-02-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Leap Day.....

An extra day of winter in my neck of the words.....but dreaming of spring!!

I have new bunnies, take a peek...

These guys will be over at Glitter and Grunge tomorrow....along with my bunny boxes.I am struggling with my pictures....tried all day with different light even a light box. This is a real challenge for me.....I should be more frank..."I stink at picture taking...ugh!!" So this is the best and I know its crummy.....

So does everyone know why we celebrate Leap Day?? I actually didn't.

Brief History of Leap Day
In ancient Rome, leap day was on February 24 due to February being the last month of the calendar. The original Roman calendar added an extra month every few years to maintain the correct seasonal changes. The Julian calendar was implemented in 45 BCE, resulting in a leap day being added to the end of February every four years. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII refined the Julian calendar with a new rule that a century year is not a leap year unless it is evenly divisible by 400. The introduction of the Gregorian calendar was observed in some countries including Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. The conversion took longer for other countries such as Great Britain (1752) and Lithuania (1915).

How fun, huh! Well... Happy Birthday to all you Leapers......Have a great day!!! Jackie

Bunnies are coming.....

2008-02-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

As more snow has blanketed us and yet more to come tonight....I'm wishing of spring. I have a few bunnies that I'm slowly working on. I even started doing things a bit differently because of my injury. I now sit on a chair and have all my work station at eye level...so I don't strain my neck...ugh! I am staying positive, but I admit its driving me crazy :O I can only do a bit at a time....so its a very slow process. This is not a pity party so I will quickly change the subject....

Ohh....I do want to mention thank you a bunch...for your support and prayers...it means A LOT!!

I am reading a few books....another thing to help me be still and heal my injury, but I'm not mentioning that...oh my. So back to my book....so great. This book resonated with me and I think everyone should take a peek at it.....I won't give too much away, but you will have a different outlook on life and your conscious thought choices. I'm talking so much about this book, my husband keeps saying, "are ya done"....he wants to read it with all my babblin' So if you have a chance go grab a copy :)

So as I was fumbling through pictures and I found more bunnies.....so I will bounce them in here and give you a sneak peek on whats to come on Friday. My new pieces will be up on Glitter and Grunge. I will post them here too....I'm not as fast a bunny, more like a turtle....so check back on Friday!

This sweet fella is coming out of a polka dotted hat. He is just as ready for spring as I am!!!

These sweet bunny boxes are ready to be filled with yummy chocolates!!!!!
So I hope you have a hoppin day and check back tomorrow....for more to bounce in and celebrate spring!!! Take Care...Jackie

Moon man......and therapy...yikes!!

2008-02-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Did you see the moon during the week. The kids were so excited, we watched as the shadow appeared. What a neat night to watch the lunar eclipse. My husband took pictures....but they were a bit blurry. We are both bad picture people...I know you know that from my side because my pictures are always icky, such a challenge for me. So if you missed it check out Sam I Am's Blog....she takes amazing photos and has one of the moon. So great!! Here is my moon man....he simply holds a star and reads,..."If you Believe".

So thanks for all your support and I wish I was on the moon weightless and maybe pain free. I have been going through some lumps lately. I have two herniated discs in my neck and some degenerative bone loss in my neck. So, I am going to physical therapy...because I'm too scared of surgery...yikes!! Sitting straight up and standing relieves my pain.....so sitting writing to you all relieves the pain. Laying down and sleeping are the worst.....so if I ramble, it's because of pure exhaustion.....my family has been a huge support and I love you all for your amazing help. I "do believe" I will get better. Reading blogs and having such great friends is a blessing....thank you all!! I am laughing through my tears :) Stay safe and enjoy the day!! Jackie

A cup of inspiration please!

2008-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

New art and some needed inspiration. I love quotes, words and collage. So, I decided to do a big dollie and add quotes. Well this challenge lifted me up when I needed lifting up! Little did I know....The dollie is very tall almost 18 inches tall. She has copper wings and buttons down her back. Her hands spoke to me the most and I feel she stands tall with grace. There is a small vintage skelton key on her chest. This represents so much...and the words are just what I needed!

I know my photo is hard to read so I will leave you with the quotes....."In every single moment there is significance. Wonder is sprinkled all around us" Flavia

"Believe in Yourself"

"People will love you for your honesty within your soul"

"Live Joyfully"

Thanks for letting me share. I am doing Easter goodies and hope to post soon! I hope you have a wonderful evening......take care and be inspired! Jackie

Winner.....And a HUGE Thank You too!!

2008-02-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I wanted to start this entry by saying I had so much fun! I had to start writing down the blogs I want to go back and visit...otherwise my family wouldn't of seen mom for a few days! The talent and generousity was so overwhelming and I was honored to be part of such a great giveaway.
SO I will get down to business........my daughter had fun punching out the circles....if I would have had a heart punch I would of been more festive. We numbered all the circles so it would be fair. She shuffled and shuffled and with bit of encouragement she finally picked one. Then I counted down my list of comments. The winner of my giveaway (#10) was none only the host of the giveaway Lisa S. Congrats Congrats!!! I hope you enjoy the love dolllie and I hope you come back for a visit. It was pleasure meeting you and it was a GREAT giveaway!!!
So, if you came and entered the blog...thank you...thank you!! All the comments were so sweet and the art blog world is simply amazing and I'm feeling the love!! Thanks again and I plan on having more giveaways...I caught the love bug! Have a wonderful night! Come back and visit again. Hugs....Jackie

Will You be My Valentine!!

2008-02-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Five days until Valentine's...4 days until I pull the name for the drawing! I am sooo excited.

I have had so much fun going to other blogs. I can sit here for hours and noodle around. I must be productive so I had to push myself away from the computer. I did manage to create one more Valentine goody. This little lady's cost is 65.00 and that includes her love expenses to you! So if you haven't hopped on my love train....details are in the post below to win my love dollie. Have fun and you too will be addicted to all the great participates and their blogs.

Have a great weekend everyone!! jackie
spread the love!!

One World - One Heart Giveaway....Hoorah!!

2008-02-07T20:29:00.001-08:00

Yes...I am posting twice in one day. I just couldn't wait until tomorrow. I had the chance to noodle around in blogland and ironically I was inspired by Noodle and Lou's blog. She is having a giveaway (go stop by). This giveaway is a chance to see others in blogland and meet new people. Plus, see the creativity of others...well I'm in and just love the concept. Here is my giveaway....it's a sweet little candy container box. She is holding a sweet little red heart and has been antiqued for a vintage look. Her box reads, "I love you" and LOVE LOVE LOVE down the front. Can you tell I am very exciting about this and....I feel the love. I hope you participate or just feel the love from all the artists that are participating. Thanks Jenn, I am so glad I stopped by tonight. So here's the details.....leave a comment (make sure to add a link or email, so I can get back intouch with you)...and on the 13th, I'll draw a name and send this sweet little package to the winner. If you want to participate or find other giveaways click here. Have a wonderful night!!