Tuesday, January 26, 2010

One World One Heart International Blog Give Away 2010



Welcome to my blog! I'm so happy to meet you. This is my first time participating in this global blog event. 


I am offering two people one of my handmade cards, seen below. They are blank inside and can be used for any occasion. 



 

Both cards are hand stamped with permanent ink over an original design using a variety of colors of alcohol inks. I used layers of card stock which were then adhered to a quality Strathmore card, with a matching envelope. Both cards measure 5" x 7" and are sealed in plastic.

Two names will be drawn on Feb. 15, 2010.

To Enter
All you have to do is leave a comment below, along with your email address, so I can contact you if you win. If I have no way of reaching you, I will have to choose someone else.


Who Can Enter
This promotion is for Bloggers Only, so you must have an active blog to enter. 




Lisa from Whimsical Bohemian created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. 2007 had roughly 85-90 participants and many connections were made because of it. Many of those friendships are still going strong.

In 2008, that number about tripled. In 2009 there were 911 participants. To say Lisa was amazed is an understatement. 28 countries were represented in the 2009 event as well.


This is more than wanting to win something, that is only the means. In the end it's about finding kindred spirits. Someone who may be fairly new to blogging, not sure how to navigate, find others and have others find them. Some are long time bloggers and in some cases well known in the blogging community. Whatever the case it brings all of them together. 


This is an INTERNATIONAL event that has and had participants from the US, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Malaysia, Brazil, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, England,Wales, Slovenia and more. It transcends geographical location, socio economics, political affiliation and religious beliefs. It's a coming together like the giant community we are on this planet. 

If only it took a simple giveaway to create PEACE everywhere, in the mean time here we give from our hearts. We are not solving the worlds problems nor are we curing anything nor are we changing the world. We are merely generating a closer community between humans through blogging. Lisa says, "What more could I ask for, my little idea has surpassed my wildest dreams of what it could become."

Thank you for participating! 
Happy Blog Hopping! 
Don't forget to leave a comment to win my cards!


Monday, January 18, 2010

Golden Globes 2010


I admit it. I love award shows. But I especially love the majors, like Sunday  night's 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. I love the glamour of the fashions – the gorgeous gowns, the sparking jewelry and the beautiful hair. Plus, there’s always a few fashion faux pas. 
This particular ceremony showed more cleavage than any show in ages! Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but Mariah Carey and Joan from Mad Med looked ready to spill out at any second.

 
 
Top to bottom: Christina Hendricks, Mariah Carey and Fergie
The timing of The Globes was very welcome and returned the smile to my face, after watching a horrible football playoff game. The favored San Diego Chargers lost to the New York Jets in a crushing defeat. That was difficult to watch and even harder to accept that, yet again, we lost in the first round. UGH!

Cher and Christina Aguilera
The ceremonies were held in Los Angeles, where water fell from the sky. Umbrellas helped to keep the stars from getting soggy, but I noticed a few hairdo’s fell flat as the night wore on.
My favorite part is the elegant, classic ladies, like Meryl Streep, Sophia Loren, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet. Each of them looked lovely and practically regal.




 
 Top to bottom: Helen Mirren, Sophia Loren and Kate Winslet
Meryl was a double nominee and won for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, for Julie and Julia. I really enjoyed that movie and her performance in it. You can’t go wrong in black.

Meryl Streep
Sandra Bullock was also a double nominee and won for Best Actress in a Drama for Blind Side. I loved Sandy’s diaphanous, rich purple gown.

Sandra Bullock
Mo’Nique was the first winner of the evening, with a Best Supporting Actress award for Precious. She gave a teary eyed acceptance speech.

Mo'Nique

It was no big surprise when Avatar won for Best Picture for a Drama, while James Cameron picked up the Best Director prize. The shocker was The Hangover winning for Best Picture for a Comedy or Musical.

The Cast of The Hangover


Cast of Avatar




Top to bottom: James Cameron, Jeff Bridges and Robert Downey Jr.
Jeff Bridges picked up a statue for Best Actor in a Drama for Crazy Heart; while Robert Downey Jr. won Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for Sherlock Holmes.
The cool thing about The Golden Globe Awards is combining television with movies into one show. The Best TV Shows were deemed to be: Mad Men (for the third time) and the brand new Glee. Gray Gardens won for Best Movie made for TV.

The Cast of Glee

The Cast of Mad Men
Best Actress nods went to Toni Collette for United States of Tara and to Julianna Marguilies for The Good Wife. Chloe Sevigny won Big Love and Drew Barrymore for Gray Gardens.

 



Top to Bottom: Drew Barrymore, Chloe Sevigny, Toni Collette, Juilianna Marguilies
Best Actors winners in TV were Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock, Michael C. Hall for Dexter and John Lithgow for Dexter. I’m so happy Dexter himself finally won on his third nomination.  I was making fun of his dorky hat; only to find out he’s battling cancer and wore it to cover the effects of chemo.  Yes, I’m an idiot. We have to wait until September for the next season of Dexter.  John Lithgow was outstanding as the special guest star in this past season. He was particularly scary in his role and way too believable.


Martin Scorsese received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, presented by his pals Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Dinero.

 

 And last but not least, the funny and dapper host of the show, Ricky Gervaise.


Here are a few more photo's from the show.

Halle Berry



Alicja Bachleda and Colin Farrel


Paul McCartney


Kevin Bacon

Next Big Daddy Award Show = The Oscars! Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Despite Losing My Job, I've Registered for New Art Classes!


Two Black Birds: 8x10”, Wood Panel
From Julie’s Prichard’s Real Time Class in March/09
SOLD!!


Despite losing my job last week, I decided to go ahead and register for some art classes. I had planned on signing up for these before I lost the best radio job I’ve ever had on 01/03/10. It was on my list of art goals for 2010, so I can't shorten the list this soon in the year. I know they are an investment in my future and will bring me so much joy in the present. I am staying positive and have a ton of hope about my future!


Two of my favorite teachers, Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen, have teamed up and are teaching an online class all about color. I have taken real time classes with each of them, so I could not allow myself to miss this exciting opportunity. This class is all about color.



Lesson 32: 8x10”, Wood Panel
From Julie’s Prichard’s Real Time Class in March/09.
SOLD!!

If you aren’t familiar with Ms. Cozen, she’s a working artist for Golden Acrylic Paints and this woman knows color! I am 100% certain my knowledge of color will go through the roof by the time I’m finished with their lessons. The first video lesson will be posted Jan. 24th, but you can register anytime.

Click here to read about the online class, watch a video with Chris and Julie, check out the supply list and sign up for it yourself.



Lesson 8: 9x12" Stretch Canvas
From Julie Prichards Online Class, Layered Love, July/09

I also signed up for Chris Cozen’s weekend classes at Stamping Details in Poway, which is in North San Diego County, CA. It's slated for the last weekend in Feb. 26, 27 and 28, 2010.

Here's a run down on the classes being offered:
Fri. 02/26 pm - Developing your Backgrounds: Layering Color over Color
Sat.02/27 am - Design Elements in Mixed Media Applications; Sat.02/27 pm - Collage Composition & Construction
Sun. 02/28 am - Deconstructed Screen Printing on Paper & Fabric.


Texture Painting #1: 8x8" Stretched Canvas 
from Chris Cozen’s class Aug/09
For sale: $100

I’m taking the first three classes, which looks as if I’ll have six completed paintings to show for it. I’d love to take the fourth class on Sunday as well, but didn’t think I should push it. If you’d like to make a donation to my art education, please email me at Nreeba@aol.com to make arrangements. You’ve always wanted to become a benefactor to the arts haven’t you?!



Texture Painting #2: 8x8" Stretched Canvas 
from Chris Cozen’s class Aug/09.
For Sale: $100

Chris Cozen has written two books and is expecting her third publication to be for available for sale sometime next month. I own both and cherish them. They aren't thick books, but each page is jammed packed with more information than most books have with three times as many pages.




I also found out about a FREE online Watercolor Class!!
Click here for the link

I'm so happy and very grateful there are so many wonderful teachers living and working in San Diego! My sister Melanee lives in a small town in PA and therefore, doesn't have access to great teachers like I do. But she's taking Julie and Chris's class with me. It will be fun to paint with her again, even though it's online and not in person. I wish she would win the lottery so she could move to San Diego too!!




Fabric Circles Aug. 2009
from Chris Cozen’s class Aug/09
For Sale: $75

I hope you are fulfilling your Art Goals for 2010 and living an authentic, artistic life too! Stay positive and thanks for visiting my blog.



Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Love and Inspiration

Since I lost my job last week, I've heard from friends far and wide. A long tme radio pal of mine, Marilyn, got laid off more than a year ago and moved to Phoenix, AZ. She found part-time work in radio there and was thoughtful enough to send me this incredible story.

"God's Wings"






A little something to put things in perspective...





After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.





One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick . When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.





She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast ... because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.





'He will cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you will find refuge.' (Psalm 91:4)





Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.





Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special. To realize the value of a friend... lose one.



Pacific Northwest feather artist, Julie Thompson has been doing this since 1990. If you'd like to know more about her and how much they cost:  Click here for the website: FeatherLady.net. They are naturally molted peackcock wing-feathers.

I thought it was remarkable that someone imagined painting on such a canvas and then figured out how to do it. People can be incredibly resourceful when so inspired. What's inspired you lately?

I hope this story makes you stop and think about all the love in your own life and truly appreciate what you have.  That's what it did for me. I've been inspired by all the love and support from thousands of friends and listeners during this time of change in my life.  Thanks for caring - it's touched me more than you'll ever know.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Sharing Words of Love, Caring and Support! Plus Paintings for Sale



Hungry eyes: 9x12" Canvas, Mixed Media Painting
The first painting I ever sold. My colleague Chainsaw bought it Aug-2009.


SOLD!! Dragon Fly Dream: 9x12" canvas, $60.00


Dear Friends,
I noticed there were 800 hits on my blog yesterday, the same day "The DSC" got fired. Yes, Dave, Shelly, Chainsaw, plus me, Boyer and Emily got fired from our long time radio job. I've been on the show for 15 of the 20 years it's been together. I'm sure the bulk of the hits were mostly from DSC Listeners looking for information and trying to find out what happened and what the heck is going on. So I want to share some things with all of you.

Every piece of art you see on this page is for sale, except for the one on top on this page, which Chainsaw purchased. Each one is an original created by me. Also, each of the greeting cards on the previous post is for sale for $5.00 each. Feel free to email me with any questions about prices at NReeba@aol.com. Serious inquiries only please. Otherwise, I welcome your comments after this post. 

I added links at the bottom of the page where you can read what people are writing about us and fan pages for you to connect with other listeners.
~Thank you ~


Salmon Botanicals: 16x 20" Canvas, $150.00

This is the note I wrote Monday night on Face Book.

Hi Everyone,
I gained about 125 new "friends" on Face Book and Twitter today! Thank you for that and welcome! I'm happy to tell you anything I can, which isn't much, sorry to say. Yes, I'm unemployed. No, I don't have any severance pay this time and still no benefits. No, I don't have anyone to support me. No, I don't have anything else lined up. Yes, I'm doing well. I plan to file for unemployment this time, write a shiny, new resume and I have someone making a demo tape for me. No idea what will happen or where I will end up. But I know God has a plan for me.


I am remaining positive and that's what I need from each of you. Please think only positive thoughts for me. I know a lot of you are angry, sad, hurt, depressed, and unhappy - I have been reading your posts all day. I am trying to respond to as many as I can. I am overwhelmed by your love, support and loyalty. Your caring has given me a full heart and brought tears of joy to my eyes.

You are the best listeners/fans/friends anyone could ever hope to have and I appreciate each one of you. Thank you for reaching out to me and showing me so much love. I will miss making you laugh every day.  ~Ruthie~ xoxo

(As of Thursday night, I have received 3600 hits on my blog since I got fired, more than 600 new friends on Facebook and 400 new followers on Twitter! You guys are the best!)


SOLD!!! Blue Circles: 8x10" Canvas, $125.00
The following are some of the hundred's of comments people have left me, so you can see more of what I'm referring to in my note on FaceBook.



I would give a kidney for you to come back, let me know if that helps! Maybe even a portion of my liver! That grows back, right? ZB


Ruthie I'm so sorry that you and the gang are gone (for now, hopefully). Your story is so inspirational - both from the recovery side and the "budding artist" side. I thought of you this weekend while at Dick Blick's. I already miss your laugh :) Please hurry back... -FS


What a sad awakening this morning! What happened to the DSC? Are you going to pop up elsewhere? Hope you are good! -APR


Ruthie, you know you are so loved, women want to be with you, guys want to be with you, so flexible, we like that about you! You do know this big ass window just opened even if it breaks our heart that the DSC door was closed. peace! –CO



Green Dreams: 8x8" canvas, $75.00

KNOW you're loved. When a door closes it's for a reason BUT another will open & it has a reason too. It's a new chapter, design & write your greatest piece yet! LOVE YOUR SHOW BABY!


The day the laughter died. Radio is dead in Sandy Eggo. -CM

love your attitude..and love your show....please give each other hugs from all your fans..


I'm so devastated. So devastated. 20 years of the best d@mn show to ever hit radio airwaves.... gone. I knew it would happen sooner or later. I'm crying a tear for you all, DSCshow. You've affected so many chapters of my life in such good ways. My thoughts, my heart, and God be with you. -MO


Seriously....my day has been all fuzzy without you all. I keep shaking my head.... I'm sorry and sad. -TLR


So glad you have your creative art talent to fall back onto at this time. I'm in the same boat, No "real job", no benefits...but thank goodness I have my music to help get me through the tough times until something comes along...Please hurry up !!!


Ruthie,I love you & am your biggest fan! I know something good is going to happen with this situation. My thoughts & prayers are with you! –DVD


What am I going to do without your laugh!! There is No Good Mornings any more!!! Does this mean a DSC move to another channel or a DSC Total break up? We Love you guyes!!! DSC, God Bless you and your family!!! -LBB


What a shock to wake up to...so happy to have been witnessing the ascendance of your personal star though! I know it hasn't reached its apex yet, either. -RP


Ruthie wow I still can't beleive you guys aren't on the air. I have been a faithful listener for many years & you guys always get me thru the day. My family and I always go home and talk about what was on the DSC that morning. Hope you guys get back on the air soon. Please let us know when and where you'll be. Love you and miss you... -EBL


My morning was not the same and never will be. I can't get over the fact that you and DSC are not on KGB anymore!:( I really miss you guys; the show got my day started. What now? –SP


Purple Dreams: 8x8" canvas, $75.00

We love you, and thank you for all the fun and laughter. Good luck!! -LS



Love you Ruthie! Your strength and positive attitude is what gives a lot of people inspiration to overcome what Life throws at them. You are a role model. Muah...


start selling all that art ruthie!!!! do any of the gang... DSC, emilito, boyer... have a plan, or did they all retire with this action... if there is a plan to work somewhere else, lets hope they bring you too!!!!! good luck, god does have a plan!! -MM


I am sad that there is no DSC !!!


Been a fan since the Dawn Patrol! What am I going to do now? What are you going to do? The show was like family! Missing all of you!! -RH


Phoenix.. reborn to something fresh and good... I'm optimistic –QTJ


Pink Dreams: 8x8" Canvas, $75.00
 Or all 3 of the Dream Series for  $200.00

If you haven't already, I've got a book for you ... LIFE IS A VERB: 37 days to Wake Up, Be Mindful and Live Intentionally (author: Patti Digh) ... let me know if you have it or not, and if NOT, I will see that you get one ASAP. Love you -- Davi



Oh Ruthie.....this is awful! There are stations that can match the KGB music but NONE that came close to the DSC...keep us posted. I have nothing but positive thoughts for you!! -JKP


Ditto, Ditto...Just got out of my car and was sooo saddened by no DSC and Ruth 66. Well, when one door closes, another one opens....Much love and prayers to you. -SR


Will follow you anywhere Ruthie and the rest of the DSC gang! Love to you all!! -CA


Sending you lots of love and good thoughts, Ruthie. Selfishly hoping you guys will all land on another station and rise again. Mornings just aren't the same without you guys!! –PJ

Texture #1: 8x8" Canvas, $100.00

Dear Nina, I'm hard to shock but the departure of the DSC is shocking. Is the earth also spinning backwards? I heard via SDRadio.net and immediately came here to FB to find out the real deal. Your sunny attitude is an inspiration. Yes, you are going to be just fine. You've been through the worst of it already, haven't you? I guess it was the dress rerehearsal. It's a privilege to know you and what a pleasure it was working with you all those years ago.


Attention folks: this woman is a FANTASTIC employee, co-worker, and energy booster to the people around her. Snap her up! -GF

I can't believe it! You guys will surely be missed...until you return somewhere else! No one can replace the DSC (and you). I looked forward to tuning in each morning. So sad! The best of luck to you in your job search. -AH


You are extremely talented and you will be okay! How about giving "Private lessons" to people that need help with Public Speaking? I am sending you "Good Vibes"! –PK




Texture #2: 8x18" Canvas, $100.00
Or both of the Texture Paintings for $180.00


Ruthie you have more than 125 new friends, you have friends all around the world. And we all wish you the best and know we will be hearing more from you. Give Dave, Shelley and Chainsaw our best wishes also.


The DSC may be gone for now, but we still have you on FB and your cool web site. And we will miss Voice in the Head too. -SL


Ruthie, I was absolutely heartbroken this morning when I heard you and all my friends on the DSC were gone from KGB. I even missed Boyer!! Come back to us! TMD



Was laid off in Oct last year... I need you and DSC to keep me sane and smiling every morning... I hope I will find you on a San Diego station soon. -CM


My coffee tasted differently without the DSC. :( -LFM


San Diego is a town in mourning....don't know what you've lost til it's gone. -DSR


Pink Watercolor Flowers

There were hundreds of messages like this all over FaceBook and Twitter; many to me personally. I did not include the angry ones or the ones which criticized my former employer. The point of this post is to show you the love I've been getting. I wanted to show you why I've been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and caring from listeners, fans and friends. It helped more than you will know. On days where I might have trouble staying positive, I will return to this page and my spirit will feel lighter again.


Get Happy: 8x10" Canvas, Mixed Media, $60.00

People are writing about us!
Click here to read a web site created for Fans of DSC

Click here to read a fan page on FaceBook, "Bring back Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw"

Click here to read "Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw Fans" page on Face Book

Click here to read "We Want DSC Back" Fan Page on Facebook
Click here to read a story in the local radio column and click on Media Bites.

Click here to read a story from the local paper

Click here to read a story on the front page of the local paper

Click here to read about us on a gossip blog written by a listener


Mixed Media Fabric Painting: 12x12 on Paper, $75.00


You can "friend" me on FaceBook at "Nina Ruthie" and "follow me" on Twitter at "Ruthie66." The links are on the right side of this blog.


Flower Girl: 6x4-/2" on Paper with Mat


 Thank you again for you love and support. It means more than you will ever know. I love you guys so much and thank you for being there for me during the interesting time in another chapter of my life. Remember - think only positive thoughts about this! Cream rises to the top and - so will I. Thanks for visiting my blog. Please stop back again for updates. ~Ruthie~

Vintage Fish: 8x10" Canvas, $60.00