My Handy Dandy Notebook

Where would I be without my NOTEBOOK? Good Lord, I'd hate to imagine!

I've been keeping NOTEBOOKS for most of CC's Whimsies career. Prior to having my own business, I used a Daytimer..mainly to C.Y.A, however I realized the importance of accomplishing things via documentation. As an independant business person, only YOU can keep yourself on track, tell yourself "good job", and ultimately watch your goals materialize.

Every morning, I make coffee, grab the newspaper, and then make my list in the Notebook. Sometimes it's just simple things, however being able to cross something off the list, builds some confidence and momentum that will build to something bigger.

I always make a weekly goal of 4 or 5 things that I incorporate into the 7 days... Those things always feel great to cross off. My goal is to be able to write a few one year goals, and that's what this Blog journey is all about.... figuring those out!

I LOVE Friday the 13th's!!!

Yes, today is one of several Friday the 13th's in 2012. The Elf and I got married on the 13th (not a Friday), however we've had several Friday the 13th Wedding Anniversaries in the past 27 years. I've always considered our finding each other and going through life together as one of the best blessings that I've been given, so the 13th is LUCKY for me...no matter what day of the week....

This brings me to my thought of the day.... Isn't life and all of it's magic (and sometimes not so magic :), just an exercise in PERCEPTION. Our attitudes and beliefs make any situation "GREAT" or "BAD" depending on how we want to perceive it! Yesterday was a prime example that I was a grumpy pants from the start. Why? Well, there were several reasons, but normally I don't get my panties in a bunch over them....

I'm a big believer if you have nothing nice to say, then don't saything at all.... hence, NO POST yesterday. Yes, I realize I will have days in the coming year that I'm going to post something that makes me frustrated or angry, however on Day 3 of my journey, I didn't want to go there. LOL!

Ultimately I ironed out my "grumpy pants" by making my mind STOP and list 5 things that I am thankful for...breathed in and out...and decided to give myself a break for the day. I know it was for the best because I woke up this morning with a CREATIVE BRAINSTORM! Ahhhhh, now that's what's best with a cup of coffee!

FEAR!

I consider this thing called "FEAR" the #1 Life Inhibitor.... A human will never fufill their life's ultimate potential with this bad boy called in FEAR in their life!

As much as I know this, this bad boy does play havoc in my life. I know as we age, we naturally become more "cautious" because we just know or have seen some really crappy stuff! That's why kids do "dumb" stuff because they are FEARLESS!! Yes, kids "just don't know better" and "they will figure it out".... but maybe we need to be a LOT more like them!

I've always considered myself a risk taker and have gambled on my future quite a bit in the past. Sadly, though in the last 4 years, I've gambled and lost over and over again. Why? I don't know...however I do believe all things happen for a reason and the out come was as it was suppose to be..... But it does leave scars and I need a lot of "aloe vera"... LOL!

As an artist you've got to be FEARLESS...especially if you want to make a business out of it, which I DO!!! The biggest poison to fear is "DONT OVER THINK IT"... My first thing I'm working on, and I know this will take lots of practice. My mind is constantly running 180 mph, however I must keep my mind in a positive direction...working towards goals and dreams.... I guess that's why this FOG BANK is KILLING ME. The only way to defeat FEAR is to keep believing in your dreams.

So for today... Do something that makes you uncomfortable..... I did! I kicked and screamed inside, but I got through it.... JUST DO IT! Until tomorrow... Christy

Hello and Welcome to my journey of "STARTING OVER" with life, ART, and dreams. In the past 4 1/2 years I've lost my "rocks" (my dad and one of my best friends and muse, Penny), my mother and brother, and most importantly, the ability to DREAM.
Without the ability to dream, you find yourself adrift in the open sea, amidst a severe fog bank, and NO COMPASS!!! Yep, I'm totally LOST!!

In 371 days I will be turning 50 years old... As I realize this could be "mid-life" or "three quarters" of life, it also could be so much less than that... So it's time to scream CARPE DIEM and commit myself to finding my compass, and getting the hell out of this foggy sea!!!

I will be using this blog as a journal of my daily ponderings, giggles, frustrations, "happy happys", and my WINGS again. I hope you will stop on by every now and then to laugh, cry, have a cocktail, smack your computer, bitch, and ultimately see that you are NOT ALONE in this crazy world. So until tomorrow....

CARPE DIEM!!!

Welcome AG Blog Hoppers!!!

In case this is your first time to CC's Whimsies.... WELCOME to my little corner of CRAZY!!! LOL! I'm really looking forward to this Summer's Classes with all you!

If by chance you would like to try your hand at WHIMSIE MAKING before June, I will be offering my first and only SPRING WHIMSIE WORKSHOP on LEAP YEAR... February 29th, 2012.... What will be making you wonder.... Well... A LEAP YEAR LAPIN... of course!

Lots of details to follow, so if you are interested, Please email or send message here... "HOPPING TO SEE YOU IN CLASS"..... Sneaky Peek for all you AG Blog Hoppers to my Summer Sessions:

Winter Whimsie ONLINE CLASS Opens 11/12/11

I hope you won't miss my SECOND ONLINE WORKSHOP...featuring Santa Claus and a BONUS of Cindy Lou Who! Eight weeks of online access to ME and teaching you all I know about my years of sculpting, painting, and mixed media. Register now at WINTER WHIMSIE ONLINE WORKSHOP!

I'm so Proud.....

To have a Whimsie in the Summer Art Doll Quarterly hitting newstands May 1st, 2011... Look for this cover:
And this Whimsie inside:

Newest Spring Offerings... Selling FAST!

Spring Whimsies Available

Please meet "Sherbet the Sleeping Gerber Daisy". I am just diggin' her colors and think she's a great herald to Spring. Adopt her now for $58.00.

In addition to Sherbet, my very special SANDMAN has been listed for sale on a brand new site: DOLL TOWN!!! Grab the beverage of choice and take a gander.. You will love it!
Lots, and lots to do...... so must get HOPPING! Until next time, Keep your Wings High and Dry!

Good Lord... It's been a long time...

There is A LOT happening here in Whimsieville, which I will update several exciting announcements very soon...

I shall start with ONE today... ART CAMP SPRING is coming up and I will be TEACHING along side of several wonderful artists. Please check out Terri's site for availability for Spring, however the FALL DATES have been released: October 6th through the 10th, 2011.... I would love to enjoy the weekend with you!

Many NEW Whimsies will be released in the next 2 weeks... Until then... Have a wonderful EVERYTHING!

OOAK Christmas Whimsies ending EBAY tonight!

Papa Elf Stocking Hanger and hand painted stocking ending tonight.... As well as, a Snow Fairy, the Caged Fairy of Dreams, and HUGE German Glass Glittered Hearts for decorating... All end tonight at 5:00 PST/8:00 EST... CLICK HERE to my auctions.

A Sneak Peek of just ONE of the Christmas Beauties coming this week!

CC's Whimsies' Pay IT Forward FRIDAYS!!

Kids…. It’s TOUGH out THERE! I know this isn’t news to you, but it‘s just high time I said it! We are barraged with BAD NEWS and stress daily. At times, I would like to pull the curtains, build higher fences, and never pay attention to anything outside of these four walls for a very long time!

As a full-time artist and family caretaker I struggle with how I can “make a difference” through my art and daily life. Our family income is barely above the water line of poverty (LOL…sad but true), and my time is spent trying to create art and take care of those around me. This can no longer be an excuse! I must do better to be more aware of opportunities to make a difference….no matter how small!

I know my Whimsies bring smiles to the savaged hearts, and small moments of peace and hope to many. If you, or someone you know, needs a little reminder that you are thinking of them and that they matter, please leave a note here or on FACEBOOK, and I will contact you. I will send a little of my “heART” in your behalf or to you. I will do as many as I can each Friday, and hopefully, if we all think about a way that each of us can lift the wings of someone you know, or even a stranger, our World will be much brighter. Pay it Forward FRIDAYS… Lift the Wings of Another!!!

It's GREAT to BE EIGHT SALE has begun!

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v339/ccswhimsies/WhimsiesNEW/?action=view¤t=3435502f.pbw

Whimsies range from 108 to 18..... A VERY SPECIAL CELEBRATION thanking each of you for making my dreams possible! Email me at ccswhimsies@msn.com with your Whimsie selections!

*It's GREAT to be EIGHT" CC's Whimsies B-DAY

It's a SPECIAL day in my world... It's CC's Whimsies 8th Birthday!!! It was eight years ago today, I left my full-time stock brokerage job to pursue my dreams of living an ARTFUL life. In order to celebrate this special 8th birthday, I will be offering a prize giveaway, special birthday prices on OOAK WHIMSIES, and a look back through the years. Thank you all who love what I do and have loved me through all the highs and lows of the past 8 years!

Tonight at 8:00pm EST, I will release 8 WHIMSIES at a very special price. Please email me, at ccswhimsies@msn.com in order to adopt, and I will review the times for all winners! Complete the following questions, via comments, and you will be entered to win a prize!!!!

Do you know what Steampunk is?
1. yes
2. no

Do you follow/read Blogs...

1. Daily
2. A couple of times a week
3. Occasionally,
4. FACEBOOK first

If you LOVE a OOAK pc of art, does the shipping charge decide whether to buy or not to buy?
1. yes
2. no

Where do you buy your Folk ARt?
1. EBAY
2. ETSY
3. Internet Sites
4. Folk Art Shows
5. Galleries

Do you take Art Workshops/Classes

1. yes
2. no

Workshop Piece in Centralia, WA 7/11/10

Here she is... Isabelle.... You can make her at the July 11th, 2010 Workshop... Or purchase her at the PFATT Marketplace .....Her friend Igamus is also there...

COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP

I am teaching my first Workshop this year in Chehalis, Washington, on Sunday, July 11th, from 9:30am to 5:00pm with Terri Brush. A sweetheart of a lady whom I've known for many years has invited me to teach. This one day ART Retreat will be held at Terri Brush's studio. A long time thought in my head that I have finally created just for this class! Each of you will create and complete a Halloween "Advent" Calendar for you and yours to enjoy for years to come. We will travel the Mixed Media map with techniques in sculpting with paper clay, painting with acrylics, and collage to produce something MAGICAL for your home. Handy supplies to bring with you would be collage papers, co-ordinating buttons, and if you have a favorite paint brush..... I will post a picture of your project when available. The Cost of this One Day Workshop is $140.00

Seats are already getting filled, so HURRY if you are interested in playing with me on July 11th... I've included a PAYPAL shopping button, for your convenience... Much happiness and peace to you! Christy

Well, It's been TOO LONG!

It's been a sad time and an end to a sad Chapter in my life..... I know that sounds pretty down, however it's ALL UP FROM HERE!!! I am soooooo ready to be rid of the constant stress and thoughts over the welfare of my Mom and her belongings, and I am almost there!

I have lots of exciting news and upcoming "UPPERS" in the coming months... First of which, ART CAMP this weekend with my hostess Terri Brush. Terri has assembled some very talented teachers and students from all around the country. I am so looking forward to this!



I do have a few more surprises up sleeves, but I will save that for next time. I would like to share one of my cuties that I just finished from my new jewelry line.. Drucella Dragonfly... Also here's a recent pic of my "puppy" Conan O' Meyers who is now 1 year old! Enjoy each day and love all around you!

A Special Tree for a Special Friend On Valentines

Tonight a very special friend will be honored in an EBAY auction in her honor... My Friend Penny McAllister has been struck with Acute Leukemia which was another "hit" to my Whimsie heart in December. All of the Pfatties on EBAY have joined together and made a tree fitting the Queen of Happiness... Please enjoy the slideshow, and please bid on our TRIBUTE to Penny...

November Pfatt Marketplace

Tonight at 9pm PST the PFATT Marketplace will be released, and what Whimsies will appear???? Well, Dancing Sugar Plum Fairies for your home and Christmas tree. They are very happy and bright... Just what the Dr. ordered!

My world is pretty jumbled now and hoping one day I will be able to look back thankfully that I LIVED through it. Thankfully, I have my husband and Elf, Greg, who is my rock and keeps pinning my wings on....even when they seem to blow away sometimes....

Vixen the Kissing Elf

The Winds of Whimsie have conjured a Magical Creature... VIXEN the Kissing Elf. She has her own beautiful stocking, but she could hold mistletoe over doorways for your own magical moments! Vixen is available on EBAY through Sunday evening at 8:30 EST CLICKHERE to bring some her Winter Magic to you!