Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Blessings!!


Hi Everyone~

I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year and
a 2011 filled with blessings!! Thank you for being
an important part of my 2010~I feel so blessed
to know all of you and look forward to our
sharing in the new year ahead.

XO
Cindy

Monday, December 27, 2010



Hi Everyone~
I hope you are having a wonderful holiday
week!

I just got great news...This "Sanctuary" piece
was chosen to be in an Etsy treasury--that
was a fun surprise!

If you would like to look at all the Sanctuary
pieces, you can click here.

Sending blessings your way,
Cindy

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Little Christmas Message



Hi Everyone--
I just wanted to wish all of you the most wonderful
Christmas. You have all been such a blessing to
me in 2010.

I hope that you will all join me in prayer for people
who are sick, suffering from financial problems,
dealing with relationship issues or finding
themselves alone for the holidays.

I pray for safety for the people of California
experiencing severe storm conditions.

I wish everyone peace in their hearts and
joy in their souls.

Merry Christmas!


XO
Cindy

P.S. That's my little Maltese, Jamie!! Notice that our gifts are on a table behind me because I don't know if he'd try to open them if I leave them under the tree!!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Enjoy the Holidays



Hi Everyone--
I hope that you all have a beautiful
Christmas...I just made this
digital art piece from vintage
graphics from the Graphics Fairy
and wanted to share it with you.

Wishing you Christmas blessings,
good health, and happiness during
this beautiful season.

XO
Cindy

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Anything is Possible


As we approach Christmas and see all the beautiful lights and signs of hope everywhere, I am reminded that with love, anything is possible.

I think if many of us look back on our lives, there have probably been times when we wondered if things would ever change...Even when we didn't, we still kept our faith.

Maybe things didn't change in our timing, but they changed nonetheless.

I can always feel the changes coming during this time of year...a time when joy and giving come to the forefront...a time of remembering those we love...a time of planning surprises just to see the joy on someone else's face...

I'm like a little kid at this time of year...what about you?

XO
Cindy

Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Little Surprise


Hi Everyone--
Today I would like to share the work of Marfi from Incipient Wings...But why? Not only because I love her work and she is a wonderful friend, but also because it is her birthday on Friday! Happy Birthday, Marfi!

And there's something else I would like to share with you...Marfi has been making adorable toys and leaving them in various places to be "found" as Christmas surprises...how precious is that? If you'd like to see some of them, they are at her blog here. I think this is so inspiring that she has decided to do this for the holidays.

I am linking this to Fearless Fridays and Spiritual Sunday.

XO
Cindy

Holiday Decorating--Homes filled with love


Hi Everyone~
The other day, I showed you pictures of my friend
Sharon's fireplace, but I didn't put the photo in
that is a close-up, so I wanted to post it today.
Isn't this beautiful?

Sharon's artistic nature is seen throughout her entire
house--and oh, do I love Christmas decorating!!

My friend Donna just got her tree
decorated~Aren't these just the
most lovely pictures?


Donna is so creative...She made garlands,
wreaths, and everything so beautiful
for the holidays...They're in her Etsy
store and on her blog.

I love all the creativity that so many people share in the blogging world. It is such an inspiration. And now, during the holidays, it has even more meaning when we contemplate the source of creativity.

When I am in the midst of my own creativity, I feel "at one" with Our Creator....I feel fully involved in "the dance" of life as colors and textures swirl in front of me.

It is a blessing to be able to express ourselves, whether it is through art, music, photography--whatever our outlet is.

I have been doubly blessed by so many of you who share your talents--and friendship--and prayers. You lift me up.

I hope that these pictures "lift you up" today as you enjoy the holidays
and all the preparations.

Love,
Cindy

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Up-Coming Blog Event!


A little birdie told me that this Thursday will be “Christmas in Dreamland” on my Whimsical Musings blog...Be all set for a Southern Christmas with all kinds of crafting goodness, including tutorials to make a last-minute gift. You won’t want to miss it because it will be lots of fun--and invite your friends because I’m sure they’d love it too!


Hugs,

Cindy

Monday, December 6, 2010

Gifts Made from the Heart!

Hi Everyone--
I have created some pieces for the holiday season--
one is for a "Christmas Day" giveaway (garland
pictured above) and the others are in my Etsy shop.


Yesterday I received the biggest surprise in the mail.
It was an adorable wallet from my friend Donnie and
her husband. It was made by a woman named Teresa.
She sells all kinds of handmade goodness in her Etsy shop
and every piece was created to help us organize
our purses! Thank you so much, Don and Donnie!

If you would like to visit Teresa's shop, it is here.


My friend Linda has simply gorgeous
items in her shop too! Here are 2 of her
handcrafted Christmas stockings. Not
only does she sew them, she is an expert
at calligraphy too. Her work is
spectacular and as you can see, her
stockings tell a story...Wouldn't
anyone just love these?


Her stockings are items that can be treasured for years to
come! To reach Linda's blog, click here. The link to
her Etsy store is on her right side bar. Once there,
you can read about these in detail.


And I just couldn't pass up the chance to show you this
amazing mantel transformation by Sharon. Isn't
it awesome?

(If you remember, Sharon is the artist who paints the
incredible portraits I shared a few days ago, but her talent
spreads throughout her entire house!) To reach Sharon's blog,
just go here. Sharon has an Etsy shop too and I
know you'd love browsing through it. It's called
"Sweetie Pies" and it's on her right side bar.

I think of what this season means and how Christmas holds
so many memories for all of us. What better way to say
"Merry Christmas" than with pieces that were made
by some very special women whose love goes into
each stitch or drop of glue?

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Weekly Wisom--Enjoy Your Inner Child

Our New Orleans Home

Christmas is a special time of year in which our “inner child” is alive and well!

And part of that is our ability to “play,” whether it be by decorating or baking--

Isn’t it wonderful?


I have so many creative friends and I wanted to share some of their creativity

with you!



Vicki's ornaments


Isn't this precious?



Julie's Christmas Collage
If you want to see an amazing
Christmas recipe, you can see
it on her blog in addition to
her art!


Donna's Christmas Wreath


Donna's French Christmas Garland--
ooo-la-la!


Linda's Decorating With Vintage Ornaments



Linda's Table Ornaments

These are only a "glimpse" of their beautiful
decorations and creations...If you'd like to see
more, just visit their blogs! (It will be worth it,
I promise!)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

New Guest Artist and Christmas Day Giveaway!

"Walking down the "hall of splendor"


Hi Everyone--
I hope that you are having a wonderful
holiday season!

I would like to introduce you to an
amazing artist named Sharon....
Just look at her paintings...Aren't
they spectacular?

They made me realize that as we go
through life, we are often observers...
And if we can touch the lives of others
in a positive way, what a blessing that
is!

Thank you all for being a special blessing to
me...and thank you, Sharon, for being
such an inspiration!

I hope you'll visit Sharon and say "hi."
Her blog is here. I know that she'd
be happy to hear from you!

Also, if you are interested in having
her paint a portrait for you, you
might want to ask her about it.
Her work is gorgeous as you
can see...

And now, without further ado, I would like to
announce my Christmas Day Giveaway for this
Shabby Cottage-style garland....

If you would like to enter to win it, just go to my
other blog to read about it...easy!

It's here.


I am linking this up to Fearless Fridays

Hugs to all of you,
Cindy





Sunday, November 28, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Enjoy the Season!


Hi Everyone,
I just completed making this tag for
Tag Tuesday and we were asked to
create something in turquoise,
red, and navy blue.

This is my creation and I made
it to honor this holiday season.
So, what is my "Weekly
Wisdom" for this week? It is
to enjoy the season--the little
things and big things...the
lights, the joy, family--all
that it means to each one
of you.

Sending love to all of you
at this holiday time!!!

XO
Cindy

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!!



Hi Everyone--
I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope
that you have a blessed holiday and weekend!

Thank you for being a blessing to me--sending
(((hugs))) your way!

I am linking this to Fearless Friday

XO
Cindy

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Express Your Thankfulness



Hi Everyone--
For this week of Thanksgiving, I would like to say
how thankful I am for all of you--I wish you
a blessed week and hope that angels will watch
over you.

This week, our attention turns to God and to
express how grateful we are for our blessings,
but I would also remind you to thank those
in your life who bring so much to it--a kind
word, a smile, encouragement--those things
that they give to you on a daily or weekly
basis.

Have a wonderful holiday--and be blessed.

Hugs,
Cindy

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Blessings to All of You

Hi Everyone--

As we approach Thanksgiving, I wanted to share
some of my latest creations with you....

And here are 2 journals that I just
completed...I have created these
to be "Gratitude" journals...a
wonderful way to count our blessings
daily. (These are available in my Etsy shop.)


"French-inspired Rosette journal"

As we come upon the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, I want to wish you a wonderful time of giving thanks with family and friends. And I want to tell you that as I count my blessings, I thank each one of you for being who you are and adding joy to my life.

I am linking this to Fearless Fridays and to Spiritual Sundays!

Hugs,
Cindy

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tag Tuesday--My Entry


Hi Everyone--

Louise’s Tag Tuesday is a fun weekly challenge. Louise has asked a guest artist, Pam, to help with the challenge. This week, we were asked to create a background for a tag.


So, I used a graphic from Shabby Cottage Studio (as some of you know, I am their Artist in Residence.) Then, I stamped it and inked the edges. So, this is not a completed tag--It is merely the background for one. (I don’t know about you, but it looks done to me!) It is pictured here resting in American moss.


But, this tag brought to mind that no matter what is going on in our lives, sometimes we are not quite aware that God is in the background helping us all along our way...What a comforting thought. So, as you look at this little creation, I hope that you will remember that you’re not alone and always have someone on your side....someone who's always in the background cheering you on through life.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Weekly Wisdom



Hi Everyone--
Here is a digital piece that I created
entitle "I Wish You Roses." (It
is watermarked.)

So, this week and I want to say that
I wish you roses, smiles, and
inner peace. May angels be
with you and greet you each
day.

Love,
Cindy

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Bringing Out the Child Within

I am having a giveaway drawing for this pink
bracelet on my other blog at:
http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com


Isn't this just too special for words?


And doesn't this just melt your heart?

When I saw these absolutely precious cards by Julie, I just knew I had to ask her to be a guest artist on this blog! Aren't they adorable? Julie is not only talented, she is so kind and her blog is an amazing place of heartfelt stories that accompany her art...so delightful! You can visit to see what I'm talking about at:


And with these cards in mind, I would like to ask you the Question of the Week---What is one of your happiest memories from childhood? I can't wait to hear what they are...

I am linking this up to Fearless Fridays!

I am also linking this up to Spiritual Sundays so everyone can play along!

And thank you, Julie for reminding us of the whimsy of childhood and the special memories it holds...

Love,
Cindy

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Believe it, Know it, Be it



Hi Everyone--
If you have ever had a dream and wondered if it could come true, I can tell you that you have THE biggest fan you could possibly imagine--and that is God.... He is there cheering you on even if you can't hear Him....He is there in your corner even if you feel alone...and He is there making all those dreams possible--Pray and see how He helps your dreams take shape. Keep doing what you're doing and you will be amazed at what doors open up...

Just remember that through prayer, your dreams are carried on the wings of angels directly to a Heavenly Father who loves you...In the past few months, I have seen His hand in everything from surgeries working out to packages getting delivered to their recipients when it appeared all hope was lost...

I have felt Him lift me up higher than my own vision could see--because through Him all things are possible. What began as a prayer blog seems to have become a testimony...how wondrous!

Oops! I think this pic is too dark to see that the metal piece on this mixed media piece I created says "Believe!"

XO
Cindy

The Lord Watches Over Us


Image credit: NASA

A long time ago, someone told me that if I look at a crescent moon, it looks like God's thumbnail....What a beautiful thought, don't you think?

I hope that you will see God's hand in everything you do today and know that He is with you. A simple prayer of "Lord, please watch over me and mine" could be powerful and make all the difference in your day.

XO
Cindy

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wishing You Miracles!



Today my prayer for all of you is to have a beautiful day filled
with miracles.

I put up this picture of the sky outside my house to remind you to
"look up" to where our answers come from...God sees us all and
hears our prayers...

It is as if the sky is one giant prayer shawl and He has
us wrapped in His care.

Wishing you all a very blessed day!

XO
Cindy

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Turning to Friends


Hi Everyone,
After this week, I have come to the conclusion that some of the most precious friends are the ones who can help us in our time of need and pray for us...(I learned that a few weeks back too when all of you prayed for Ralph--and I'll never forget it.)

My two friends, Patti and Donna whom I met while blogging prayed for me all week--and it helped more than they ever knew...Let me explain what happened...I had sent my art to an art gallery--and it got lost! ($1,000 worth of art.) I was in a total state of panic and my 2 friends prayed for me and wrote every day asking what the latest news was...I just found today that it all finally arrived safe and sound--When I sent the boxes on Monday, I was 56....By Friday, I think I was 86! lol I'm sure I aged that much, for sure!

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that if you are ever in a bind, turn to friends who turn to God with you--it makes all the difference in the world...It can change your life and your future!!!

In fact, it was so awful that I was afraid to worry anyone else with it (I didn't even tell my mom.)

Well, that's my story and I wanted to share it with you...and one more thing--Patti said the most amazing thing in one of her letters. She said that the Lord always finishes what He starts...Wow, that was powerful--and something I'll never forget.



I am probably the most grateful person on the planet right now--grateful it got there safe, grateful that I didn't look like a flake, and grateful for 2 friends who got me through this "slippery slope."

Now, there may be those of you who are thinking, "Wow, why didn't Cindy tell me?" Honestly, because I was so nervous about it. It was beyond comprehension that such a thing could happen. It went clear to a different part of the state! Well, thankfully, it's in the right hands now...

As you go about your week, I hope that you will learn to turn to God for everything...I know in this circumstance I had no other choice...and it was a valuable life lesson...I wish you all peace, love, and packages that arrive at their destinations!




Thursday, November 4, 2010

Doubly Blessed and "Weekend Question"

Hi Everyone--

I know it's been a long week, but I had no idea that when I went to post on this blog for my "Weekend Question," I did the whole post on my Whimsical Musings blog instead...lol So, I guess that maybe people there will answer my weekend question too! How funny is that? Well, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to not one, but 2 guest artists--Roselle and Nancy. (Read further and you'll understand why.)


My friend Roselle from Seaside Rose Creations is a wonderful artist and I wanted to share a picture of her precious, hand-painted Christmas bulbs--they’re available in her Etsy shop. Aren’t they just the sweetest treasures?


They got me to thinking about something...which brings me to my question for you for this week--What is one of the sweetest things that someone has ever done for you? (And I hope it will be something that caught you by surprise--something you weren’t expecting.)


Roselle actually surprised me with the sweetest package that arrived a few weeks ago...It was an envelope filled to the brim with “artist’s” treasures...vintage paper, book pages, ribbon, lace--you name it, it was in there! Sometimes, life has the nicest way of smiling at us through friends and family.


And right as I was in the midst of preparing this message, a gift arrived from my friend Nancy from The Trinket Collector--I was so surprised! She and her husband had been to Atlantic City to celebrate their wedding anniversary and she sent me Salt Water Taffy from there AND also, amazing vintage postcards--I couldn’t believe my eyes!





Every day is, indeed, a special package that we open--ours to do with what we choose...

Unwrapping gifts of caring from friends is such a delight and I can’t begin to express how

they warmed my heart.


I am linking this up to Spiritual Sundays!



I don't usually ask people to visit my Whimsical Musings blog, but I have an amazing story to tell you...I hope you'll go over and read it! It would mean a great deal to me to share my story with you!
Love,
Cindy

A Song-filled Day!



I wanted to wish all of you a song-filled day
and what better way than with a "nesting" box
that was created with a great deal of joy?

This is a piece that I just completed for the art
gallery and it is laden with music as I feel that
our homes are happier filled with music and
prayer. There is something so comforting
about a nest--I don't know why--I think
it always reminds me of the Bible verse
that tells us not to worry--that if the
Lord takes care of the birds, then surely
He will take care of us....And who could
have a lovelier song than birds?

I am linking up to Dezinaworld--

Wishing all of you a wonderful,
song-filled day!!!
Love,
Cindy

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Weekly Wisdom--Try to do what you can for others



Hi Everyone:
A few weeks ago, I heard of an amazing project called The Butterfly Effect. People are being asked to make butterflies, 1.5 million in all to represent the children killed in The Holocaust. I made 3 butterflies that made their way safely to Trudi in Canada, a wonderful artist who has decided to encourage people to make the butterflies.


In this post are the 3 butterflies I sent.


If you would like to make one, just go to Trudi's blog and see how you can participate.


It's easy, actually. You make a butterfly and send it to her...Later, they will be on display at The Holocaust Museum in Houston.

And if this is not something you want to do, as part of my "Weekly Wisdom," I would say, "This week, try to remember someone who needs something, whether it's a prayer or a kind word and try to be of assistance." I think it's important to remember this every week, but I think it is a wonderful message to start out the month of November in which we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Have a wonderful week!!
Love,
Cindy