A Quirky Treat

Hello everyone! Hope this finds you well and happy! Today I have something for you that is really neat. I realize that it is Thursday, but today I don't really want to have this be a "Trinket for Thursday." So, here we go.
Back in November CJ and I went to the OKC Museum of Art for my birthday. It was a ton of fun, and my favorite exhibit while we were there was one by Franco Mondini Ruiz whose artwork is extremely lighthearted, colorful, and fun. His artwork is quickly finding a place in my heart and is starting to be very inspirational to me as I start figuring out what direction I will take my art next. Here is a video from the opening night of his show:

Hopefully you enjoyed the video and got to see how wonderful his art is. Many times artists have trouble figuring out how to sell their artwork, but Ruiz seems to have found a unique and clever way to do that. Here is his website if you would like to check out what he is up to now:

http://francomondiniruiz.com/index.php

As you go about your day, try to be lighthearted and fun while doing your job or chores. Think of a new way to do them and try it out--maybe it is a better way. Have a great weekend everybody! Oh and remember...its the random reasons.

Princess Jawok

Hello everyone! I know that it has been a bit since my last post, but I have some very exciting news! CJ and I adopted a puppy on Saturday! She is the most adorable and gorgeous--I'm not biased at all. (haha)  Anyhoo, here's the story....

Once upon a time there was a couple who had been wanting a puppy. At first the boyfriend thought that his girlfriend was just going through a phase and thought nothing of it. But then the boyfriend started to think about how joyful his life would be with a puppy in it. Saturday afternoons romping around in the sunshine, evening walks at the park, lounging around the house all cuddled up together... so he started to participate in the wanting of a puppy. The girlfriend was happy for the change, but then after some practical thinking they both realized that getting a puppy while living in their apartment would be expensive and slightly complicated. They started "awww"ing when they saw pictures of cute little puppies and they started to search for a house with a backyard. They decided to go play with some puppies at the shelter to make sure that they were not just going through a phase, so they planned a Saturday afternoon trip. On their way to the shelter the girlfriend warned the boyfriend to be strong for she feared that the boyfriend's heart would melt with every puppy they played with. As the couple walked into the noisy dog room of the shelter they heard deep loud barks from big dogs, shrill whining from the scared dogs, squeaky yapping from the ankle biters, and as they tired to focus, their eyes landed on a little dog bouncing up and down, wagging her tail, and pawing at the gate. They looked at her card:  1/2 basset hound and 1/2 heeler.....The couple wondered if she would be too big, so they headed to the other side of the kennel. There was a little black puppy laying in the corner all curled up and shivering. Her tag said she was part cocker spaniel and part beagle, but she looked like a min lab. They took turns going inside her cage and loving on her....nothing. She just kept whimpering and ignoring them. So the couple went back over to the other side. The bouncing puppy kept watching them, pawing at her gate. She was adorable, but the couple tried not to fall for it...but then the boyfriend suggested they take her for a walk outside. They ended up going to one of the play pens and playing fetch and the sweet tail wagging puppy tricked them into falling in love with her. The girlfriend had been hit the hardest and was convincing her boyfriend to adopt the puppy today. The boyfriend didn't take much convincing, but before they decided to adopt the puppy, they had to see how big she would get. The manager said that she shouldn't get bigger than 30 lbs. so the couple adopted the adorable bouncing puppy and took her right to Petco to buy the essentials and start spoiling their little princess.

So far Jawok hasn't had any problems! She is the absolute best dog in the entire world! She is potty training and crate training so quickly, she rarely barks, and she is very intelligent. Oh and there is that cuteness factor that she has....she is precious. She has turned me into a happy dog mommy in a matter of days. It is such a great thing knowing that we rescued her from sleeping in that loud, cold, dog shelter or from roaming the streets. Jawok is our little princess and we could not be more delighted.

Right after we brought her home!

Sleeping on the couch...with her new ID tag and collar.

Posing for a pretty picture.

Relaxing after a long walk at the Botanic Gardens.

How cute is that?

Such a gorgeous girl.

Princess Jawok is loving her forever home.

Sorry for the lengthy post, and for all the sappiness, but I just can't help it. As you go about your week, let something melt your heart....it doesn't have to be a puppy, but it could be. And if you are thinking about getting a puppy, think about adopting one! Oh and remember...it's the random reasons.

Midnight Snack

Hello everyone. Before you start wondering if this is going to be another movie or something with a promise at the end about an art post, don't worry! This is an art post! It is actually one of three that I have ready to go. I will post one a day until all three are posted. My apologies for the lack of art updates on the blog. :)

Nevertheless, here is Art Post 1:3--

The assignment was to take a picture of a lit building at night, and then complete the drawing on black paper. We could use colored pencil or chalk pastel. I chose colored pencil.

This is one of the pictures I took and the one I worked from. It is of the frozen custard shop on 6th street in Stillwater, and I just loved all of the colors combined with the silhouette of the building. I hadn't ever eaten at the shop before taking this photo, but have since been there more times than I can count. It's pretty good!

I started by cropping my photo for a more interesting composition, then carefully got all of the lines with the correct angles on the paper using a pencil. When drawing architecture it is extremely important to be accurate. No matter how great your drawing is, if the building is wrong, people will know and it will be a turn off.

I have always LOVED little details that a lot of people tend to generalize in art. One example of this is bricks. To make a building look like it is covered in bricks, all that one needs to do is add a few bricks here and there...but being my complicated self, I had to add each and every brick. In the end it always turns out for the best. I also had a ton of fun with the pictures of the treats. I believe that after this photo was taken we made a trip to the custard shop for an art break/midnight snack.

Drum roll please!.......da da dadadda...dum dumm......

The finished product!

This is one of those pieces that I will love forever. It was an absolute blast to create and I love every part of it from the detail of the bricks to the ice cream to the lights at the top to the use of the black paper within the subject to the subtle shading of the umbrella. I am in LOVE! Now all I need is a good home for this piece and a fun frame.

Hopefully you enjoyed this piece, I know I have and will. Stay tuned for an art post tomorrow looking at something shiny and still and arranged....hmmm. As you go about you day, go grab yourself a treat! Whether your treat is healthy or super sweet, enjoy it--that's what life is about! Have a fabulous rest of your Tuesday! Oh...and remember...it's the random reasons.

Trinket for Thursday

Hello everyone! Today's post is a Trinket for Thursday...that is actually on a Thursday! I am a little proud that I remembered to write today, but also quite disappointed that I have neglected my blogging duties. Please forgive me. Now...moving on. I thought long and hard about what to post for today's trinket...photo, art, video...etc. I couldn't come up with a single thing that seemed interesting enough to share. Finally I came up with an idea...a completely useless list of days that is in fact, quite humorous. As you probably already know, we are now in the month of November....where did time fly? I don't know where it zoomed off to, but that is for another day. Anyhoo, I absolutely LOVE the month of November! Below is a list of "National Days" and I have highlighted and commented on some of my favorite. Enjoy!

NOVEMBER

November 1 is … Plan Your Epitaph Day

November 2 is … National Deviled Egg Day
November 3 is … Sandwich Day and Housewife's Day (This is today!)
November 4 is … Waiting For The Barbarians Day (ummm....awkward?)
November 5 is … Gunpowder Day
November 6 is … Saxophone Day and Marooned Without A Compass Day
November 7 is … National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day (um.Yum.)November 8 is … Dunce Day
November 9 is … Chaos Never Dies Day
November 10 is … Forget-Me-Not Day
November 11 is … Air Day
November 12 is … National Pizza With The Works Except Anchovies Day
November 13 is … National Indian Pudding Day
November 14 is … Operation Room Nurse Day
November 15 is … National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
November 16 is … Button Day
November 17 is … Take A Hike Day
November 18 is … Occult Day
November 19 is … Have A Bad Day Day (Ironically...this is mine and C.J.'s anniversary. It won't be a bad day!)

November 20 is … Absurdity Day (This is my birthday!)
November 21 is … World Hello Day and False Confessions Day
November 22 is … Start Your Own Country Day
November 23 is … National Cashew Day
November 24 is … Use Even If Seal Is Broken Day (This would be Thanksgiving...)
November 25 is … National Parfait Day
November 26 is … Shopping Reminder Day
November 27 is … Pins And Needles Day
November 28 is … Make Your Own Head Day
November 29 is … Square Dance Day
November 30 is … Stay At Home Because You're Well Day (Might have to celebrate this one!)

Hopefully you all enjoyed this silly little list of days. Celebrate them or not, have a wonderful November! As you go about your day, don't be afraid to be a little crazy or to celebrate something completely random. Have fun with your life! And, as always...it's the random reasons.

Domus Mea:The finished product!

Hello everyone! As most of you know I have been working all summer to turn our apartment into a home...and I am proud to say that it is finally finished! Well, for the most part anyways. I love how it has turned out...it is cute, cozy, comfortable, classy, and creative....the 5 things that I strive for when decorating for myself. It was definitely an adventure...and it took some compromising between C.J. and I, but now that it is finished I wouldn't change a single thing.

There are too many pictures for me to post on here, so check out the link below which will take you to the Facebook album. You don't have to have Facebook to see it, so no worries!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1815190145213.2102196.1403871869&l=6970b16787&type=1

 

Hope you like it, I know I do! As you all go about your day, take pride in the little things. Look at your home, is there anything that you could stare at all day long because you just love what you did with it? Don't think this is weird....it is good! You created it--enjoy it! Have a wonderful rest of your day, and remember....it's the random reasons...

No Bake Baking

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday morning! Tuesdays have always been my favorite day of the week, but that it another story, so on to the good stuff.

I have been baking all morning. I have been at the desk all morning. 20 cupcakes, 6 cakes, 3 cookies, 1 pie, and 1 brownie. I have been slightly busy. Every confection has been decorated with the utmost care and finest attention to detail--no laziness here! But...I must let you all in on a little confession--I haven't actually baked my baked goods. Nope, not even in the slightest. They are completely no baked confections.

If you haven't guessed it yet, I have been drawing.....baked goods. No, I am not just dong this for my love of pretty desserts. I am actually doing a project for a bakery's blog. So, all morning I have been sketching away several designs for the bakery to look at and decide which will be the face of their blog. Hopefully they like one of them! I tried to have a little bit of fun with them, and I am very happy with how they have turned out.

Here is a sneak peek, but so I do not ruin the blog's unveiling of the artwork, I am only going to show you all the black and white pre-sketches done with pen and ink. (one of my favorite mediums to work with!)

I can't wait to get them sent to the bakery and see what they choose!  I would have to have one of each. Get some dessert today, and enjoy it! Oh and, as always, remember...it's the random reasons.

Tied up.

Hello everyone! Hope your week has been going well! It has been a busy, but oddly fast week here, with work and getting ready for school to start. As for the apartment perfection percentage? I would give it a solid 95.6%. Almost completely ready. As for my post today, it is about a piece that boosted the percentage about 10%.

There was a big empty space on the wall in the dining room...completely unacceptable. So, a few weeks ago I started brainstorming as to what to place on the wall. My idea, to be completely honest, made me a little nervous as to how the finished product would look. I am happy to say that I am extremely thrilled with how well the final piece looks!

I started out looking for a huge frame. I checked the local antique mall first, but they were both rude and unhelpful. So....to Hobby Lobby I went! I found this wonderful (and very large!) frame in their clearance section for about $3.50. What a steal!

The frame did need some work, so I painted over the "rough" spots with some white and blue paints. I wanted the white paint to have a sort of spilled look, and then I painted blue designs on the white. These are the same blue and white paints that can be found throughout the apartment. The frame was so large that is would barely fit on the table, so some of my work had to be completed on the kitchen floor.



A look at my supplies of the day:  twine, brass studs, pretty odds and ends. 

I cut the twine to fit across the frame both in length and width.



I connected the twine to the frame with the brass studs and buttons. Then whenever there was a "major" intersection I connected it with jewelry wire and attached a pretty little trinket. This white flower is actually from a bracelet of mine that C.J. broke.



I tried to make sure that the twine went in several different directions.



The finished product....almost....Oh, and on a side note, one of my favorite things about this piece is that is seems to frame the flowers on the kitchen table.



Wondering what the project was? No worries, I am not completely crazy! I wanted something that could hold pictures and cards in an artistic and completely unique way. I like this idea for several key reasons: 1. It isn't a huge ostentatious piece. Since it is not solid and the colors are toned down, the piece doesn't take over the small space.  2. The frame keeps everything organized and in one space. It gives the space boundaries. 3. Well....I am just happy that it turned out well. I can't wait to fill the piece with more pictures!



So, as you go about your day don't let an out-of-the-box idea intimidate you. Have some faith in yourself and take a risk--chances are, it will turn out great! Oh, and remember...it's the random reasons.

Crafty Do, Crafty Does

Hello everybody! Hope you all had wonderful weekends! I have a sneak peek into the apartment for you all today! I have been limiting the amount of the apartment that I show people, just because I am waiting to show it to everyone when it is completely perfect, and it is nearly there. However, today, just my blog readers will get to see a few of the things going on in the apartment...sort of like a trailer for a movie. No worries, you still don't get to see everything!

I went home this last week, and made it back to Stillwater with some great finds that were in need of a makeover....

Salt and Pepper Shakers + Napkin Holder. These started out just black and chrome, but I transformed them to match the table and the centerpiece. Also, the salt reads: Na Cl and the pepper: Pe + (Pe) r. I just had to do something different! These were a score because I was able to get these for free from my grandma's storage unit.

Shelf with coat hooks. This was another awesome grab from my grandma's storage unit. It started out as a dark wood, and I painted it white, added some brass studs, and then glued on some pearls. It turned out to be one of my favorite pieces so far!

Coasters. These were made from some scrap canvas paper that I had in the cabinet at the apartment. I like them mainly because...1) They can be repainted. 2) They are reversible, one side girly, one side more modern art. 3) They were free and super easy!  

Glassware. I did not actually make these, but I found them in Hobby Lobby the other day for 1/2 price. What a great deal! I loved the colors and I plan on getting more. My favorite thing about them? When the morning light comes through the windows and hits them...it is beautiful. I debated on filling them or leaving them empty. When all was said and done, I ended up filling them with light colored or clear altered art supplies: silver beads in the blue bottle, clear "diamonds" in the pink, and white beads in the orange. This way they serve a purpose while still looking gorgeous! 

Pillow! I finished another pillow, in only about an hour and a half! I was excited. Only 4 more pillows to go! 

Well there you go! A sneak peek into the apartment. Get ready for the complete tour which will be coming very soon! As for today, remember that with some creativity and Modge Podge you can turn a snag from a garage sale into a one and only designer piece! Oh, and don't forget--it's the random reasons.

Guggen--huh?

Hello everyone! Hope you all are having a tip-top fabulous week! I have been in the creative mood lately, so that is an absolutely wonderful thing, and I am also very excited that I am going to the Panhandle next week. Sadly, I don't have any finished projects to show you all today, but while at the desk I have been browsing through some potential future opportunities. There are several through OSU that would be absolutely amazing, and I am fairly confident that I have a pretty good shot at getting them. The art department here has a ton of money to give to its students and not very many students who apply for it...so the odds are usually pretty great.

Today I looked at some internships at the Guggenheim. That would be absolutely AMAZING. So, I am getting pretty excited about the possibilities of the future. Can't wait to see what is in store!

Don't ever let yourself not plan and get excited for your future--it is yours for the taking! Two things to remember today: 1. Dreams do not come true, goals do. 2. Its the random reasons.

Staple. Stitch. Glue.

Hello Lovelies! So as promised, a day late, a post about something I have created. Finally, I know.

Staple. Stitch. Glue....stay tuned to find out which two get the boot!

This creation is less fine art and more practical art for the apartment. I love pillows. That is not just a random me-fact, but is, in fact, a crucial point to this post. I have always loved having a ton of throw pillows on my bed--I have even received them as Christmas gifts in the past. I don't know specifically what it is about them that brings a smile to my face, but it might be the fact that they come in so many pretty designs....or maybe it is because they are like accessories to a room...I'm not sure. Well, anyhoo, I had all these pillows and then when I moved to the apartment, I didn't want them on my bed...I wanted them to go on the couch. So, being me I could not just put bed throw pillows on a couch in my new apartment. Why? 3 reasons.

1. They are BED pillows.
2. They don't match.
3. I just needed something new. :)

So...today I am going to walk you through the process of recreating my pillows...1 step at a time. First, I went to Walmart and bought some really cute fabric squares that they sell for about $1.50 a piece. Not a bad deal, and they had a large selection of cute patterns and such....

I then went home and got everything together to start my first real sewing adventure. Usually when it comes to sewing I get frustrated and end up using fabric glue or staples....other fine art supplies. But, since pillows need to be soft and sewn...I was determined to not let any obstacle turn my project into trash...

I cut and pieced together the black and white fabric with some of the colored fabric then started making pillow cases. I made the two sides, then turned them inside out and sewed three of the edges together (like a pillow case)....

It took awhile to get into the swing of things, but by my third pillow and the last to be completed so far, I was moving pretty quickly with very few hiccups. I have about five more to complete, inverting the colored fabric and black and white fabric, so fingers crossed that they go well. I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself and my pillows, I feel as though they are sturdy enough for use and cute enough for art, but you can judge that for yourself. I am definitely no sewing expert, and do not want to make this my life's career, but it was fun to try something new.

So as you go about your week, don't be afraid to try something new. It might be a challenge, but in the end you will feel a sense of accomplishment, plus you might have something pretty to show for it! And, don't forget--it's the random reasons...

Jumbled.

Let me start by apologizing for my absence in the blogging world this last week. It might be completely terrible of me to assume that I have let people down by not posting--but just in case I have some readers, I would like to express my sincere apologies for not being reliable.

Now, as for words of wisdom I really don't have any. This week has been very busy with apartment stuff, Best Buy work, and OSU Conferences work, so I am blaming my lack of words on the fact that my brain is just a little tired. Because of this exhaustion my thoughts are all sorts of jumbled up and I am feeling as though nothing I say makes the slightest bit of sense. So I am going to post some pictures that I found and really enjoyed.

Today's picture topics:  Mason jars and flowers.

Perfectly chic and absolutely adorable.

Enjoy these pictures and  remember that sometimes you just need to stop and smell the wildflowers...and, as always, it's the random reasons.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

it's the Random Reasons.

I have noticed that my entries have started to get a little lengthy, which I apologize for. So, in an attempt to keep things light for the weekend, here is a quote which I found, really liked, and thought really said something about why it's the random reasons in life that keep life wonderful.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” --Ashley Smith

Oh, oh, oh...it's Magic

Last night was a date night. With our crazy work schedules and everything, C.J. and I have not been on a date in a long time. Yes, we see each other everyday, we usually have lunch and/or dinner with each other on a daily basis, we watch movies together at home, and other everyday tasks...we do them together. But, we had not been on a date. You know, the kind where you both get dressed up and then go do something you wouldn't normally do. The fun kind of date.

Dressing up--it is magical. There is something about getting all dolled up to go out that just makes everything so fabulous. I have realized that when I get all caught up in school and work and the monotony of it all, all I have to do to get a little bit of rejuvenation back is make an effort to get dressed up. Whether it be for a date or for no reason at all, getting all pretty seems to make things so much better. I love it! It is such an easy and fun fix to a problem.

As for the date, we went to this wonderful steakhouse in OKC (they have great steaks and delectable dessert!), then we went to a movie. It was a great evening away from our work, school, and everything else at home.

So, as you go about your day or your week, don't let things get boring. If you have to wear pearls to wash the dishes, if you feel the need to put on a cute pair of heels for work, or if you think your family needs to get dressed up for supper, do it! It does wonders. Most importantly, always remember...it's the random reasons...

Just for Dad

Yesterday on Twitter #ilovemydadeventhough was a trending topic. This is absurd. I mean I know Father's Day is coming up, but shouldn't the trending topic be #ilovemydad? What's with this "even though"? I mean, love for your dad should be completely unconditional. What do I know though? Well...my dad is awesome. He knows how to embarrass me beyond belief, we are nothing alike, he knows how to get under my skin, we have argued, and yet I always have loved him. No "even though."

My dad is silly and crazy, and when he wears shorts the sun has to use the clouds to hide the glare, but he is also dependable and supporting, and whenever anyone ever needs help, he is always there. He has always been there, and as long as he is able, he always will be. Father's Day is tomorrow. This is not my first Father's Day away from home, but it is the first one that has been preceded by a year of me being away. Throughout this last year I have had to fix things by myself. I have had to be innovative. I have had to challenge myself. I have had to suck it up and just do things that I have not wanted to do. If it weren't for my dad, I would not have known what to do. I called him about tires and oil for my car. When my brakes needed to be replaced, he dropped everything and fixed them over a weekend. He is always there for me, and he always has been.

Some things will never change. My dad is always going to try to be embarrassing, and he will usually be successful. He will always be the goofball at any event. He will never wear a tie and he will always have freakishly white legs. He will always be there for me and I will always love him. No "if's" or "and's" or "even though's". So in honor of Dad's Day, here is my dad, being his silly and obnoxious self.

Don't forget to wish your dad or closest person to a father-figure in your life a Happy Father's Day. They might be the craziest person you know, but love them no matter what...no "even though's". And, more than ever, remember, it's the random reasons...

JitterBug

Good afternoon everyone! Hope your weekends have all been delightful! I worked most of the weekend, but today is my day off from both jobs...yes, both. Hallelujah! Anyhoo, my aunt and uncle came over today and delivered the dining room table, and the tv stand. Now we can stop eating on the couch and tv can be moved from the file cabinet. Surprisingly I did not intend to blog about the apartment today, that can wait. I wanted to express my excitement about something that will hopefully be a wonderful event full of generosity, excitement, laughter, and fun.

Rock the Sock, my first baby (the second being the new apartment haha), has blossomed into so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. While I am very excited about that, I am more excited that, possibly, in a year, Rock the Sock could be hosting a first annual event that will give so much to so many people. Not just in sock donations, but in fun, community involvement, and a sense of togetherness. A few of my aunts and I have been discussing plans for this event throughout the last few days. One of my aunts mentioned having it around the end of July and doing it in memory of a very important person who is no longer with us in person. This event would be planned by several members of my family and would hopefully help bring all of us closer together. What a blessing. When thinking about this event, I can't stop thinking of new ways that it would be helping everyone involved. What a great way to honor someone who was always thinking and lending a helpful hand to others. I think he would be proud. And that is why I can't contain my excitement for this event. You don't come across opportunities like this everyday, and letting one slip through your hands is unacceptable. It will be a lot of work, and there will be obstacles to overcome, but it most certainly can be done.

For more information on Rock the Sock, check out the blog at http://warmandhappytoes.blogspot.com

As I leave you all today, don't forget that “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” Know what you want, be excited about what you want, and work your tail off to get what you want. And, as always, remember that it's the random reasons...

Hung At Last

Good morning everyone! Hope you all have been absolutely wonderful! I have been busy busy with the new apartment and work. That seems to be my life at the moment...work, work on the apartment, sleep, work...but I am loving almost every bit of it! The apartment is coming along. I still need to move my essentials over from the dorms to the new place (my art supplies and clothing), but it will get done soon I am sure. We have been cooking in the kitchen. I LOVE it! I made a cake, then some grilled cheese, and then last night we made tortellini and bread. Nothing too ambitious at the moment, but we haven't gone grocery shopping for a lot of items yet. It is crazy starting  kitchen from scratch. I am so used to cooking at my home in Guymon where the pantry is full, there are refrigerators and freezers with food in them, and the spice cabinet is bursting at the seems. Cooking in my first kitchen has proved to be a challenge because if I want something, or anything really, I have to go buy the ingredients. Oh well, I suppose it has to start somewhere. One day I will have the kitchen full of food and spices, and will not have to plan a shopping trip to make a single meal. Grilled cheese, however...I have all the ingredients for that.

Anyhoo, I did not plan on blogging about my kitchen today. What I had planned on was telling you all that my final 2D design piece, the couch, which you all have seen through the entire design process has finally been hung! I cannot express how excited I was when C.J. surprised me one morning saying that he had "kidnapped" my couch pieces. I am sure I gave him a look and he told me that he had taken them to Hobby Lobby to get framed. We went and picked them up the same afternoon. When we got home I wasted no time opening the bag they were in and checking out the frame job. The frames looked great. Everything still lined up, and then I saw it...an orange speck on the back cushion of the monochromatic blue couch. It was pastel. I got most of it off, but it still left a stain. Knowing that I could fix it (as you can fix basically ANYTHING when it comes to art) I wasn't upset about it. The framer probably forgot to clean off the table after framing a pastel piece. No big deal. C.J. was upset about this though, and took the painting into Hobby Lobby the next morning. He told me that he was completely polite to the people and ended up getting the entire frame job for free. He brought the painting home and I fixed it and then hung the three pieces up. They look so wonderful in the wall and I am so incredibly happy that they are no longer hidden away in my art bag.

So as you go about your day today work hard so that you will be able to enjoy the finished project one day! And remember...it's the random reasons...