Debbie Overton Designs

Time to Celebrate

I love this photo taken with my BlackBerry this morning while driving in a light rain heading into the bright sun.  Although the rain didn't last long the sun did and it has been a gorgeous day here in SE GA.  At the end of this highway just before you hit the ocean you will find my wonderful doctor of which gave me a good report.  Stress is down and the ulcers are showing signs of healing.  I don't have to see him again for 3 months as long as I continue on the meds and continue to have more good days than bad ones.  In order to have good days I am focusing on me, myself and I.  I am doing things I have neglected for sometime, walking almost every morning, focusing on my art and doing things I have wanted to try but always put off for another day because I felt there were other things more important. 

The photo above will be used in the online class "Point and Shoot Journaling" by LK Ludwig I have been taking.  The class is about using your own photos in your journals and artwork!  Love.  Love.  Love this class so much that I am giving members of MMCA a chance to win one.  MMCAcelebrated its 5th Birthday this past Saturday and we are celebrating with a blog party. 

My goal then and now was to bring a group of artists together to share their collective knowledge, exchange ideas and techniques as well as mentor to each other.

I have seen many artists come and go, some came wanting to learn while others already had many years of experience behind them. We have given many the encouragement to spread their wings and fly. Many of the names you see today being published and talked about among the blogs or facebook have graced our doors and we have been a stepping stone for many in their art adventures. As MMCA continues to move forward into another year, I look forward to what is still ahead.

Thanks to each and everyone that has had a part in making MMCA a successful art group over the years!

If you are a member of MMCA be sure to check out the forum to see how you can be a part of the party and have a chance to win this great class.  If you would like to join MMCA we would love to have you.

What do 26 & 9 have in common?

Twenty-six years ago I gave birth to the young man on the right after 26 hours of labor!  Seth and Kaycee are very lucky they are here after that is all I can say!  My birthday boy called me this morning on his way down to his grandparents and we had a wonderful hour long talk and then another one on his way back to his place.  He had taken the day off and was sure Granna would have him something for his birthday, but Granna and Papa were not home!  That's why you should call your grandparents before you head their way if you want special treats even on your birthday!  Colby I know you will read this sooner or later as I am sure KC will call you to say, Mom blogged about you! Wish we could spend the day with you, but glad you have so many friends to spend it with. 

Colby had been his Papa's co-pilot since he was just a baby and had a love for flying + an opportunity to fly when ever he wanted thanks to his Papa.  He started taking lessons at 13 and did his solo on his 16th birthday and then his solo cross-country at 17.   My daddy owned the aviation service and he or one of the instructors would fly down to our house and Colby would fly them back almost every weekend.  It was not unusual for Colby to bring one of the planes back to Crossett for a few days.  Colby has moved on from flying planes to fast cars, for his own transportation and prefers to fly first class now!

In the picture above is Colby at 17 and Mr. Jeff.  We met Jeff and Lisa right after we moved to Crossett, Lisa cut our hair for 17 yrs and our kids went to school and played baseball together.  Jeff had never flown before and wanted Colbyto take him up one day and 9 years ago Colby took Mr. Jeff on his first flight.  They looked like kids standing in front of that plane that day.  I don't know which was more excited, Jeff getting to go up for the first time or Colby being the one to take him. 

Jeff we know you have been through some trying times and as you start your 4th round of chemo our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa and the kids.

Happy Birthday Colby!  You are one of three reasons why being a Mom makes everyday special.

 

 

Nurturing brings you earned Blooms

Where did summer go?  Is it really already September?  This summer was just a blur for me with so much going on, but the health problems I dealt with most of the summer are beginning to show signs of improvement.  De-stressing is easier said than done, but I am so happy to say I have let go of things that were sucking energy of me and replaced them with things I enjoy.  I have made it over to the beach atleast 3 or 4 days a week for the past month.  Spent some time on the road with Steve a few weeks ago and didn't even carry my laptop!  He has a few trips scheduled in the coming weeks and I am thinking I may just have to see what those trips have in store for me.  And our week at Myrtle Beach will be here before I know it or atleast I hope it is!

I have worked on some art projects for upcoming exhibits, delivered two mixed media works to St. Simons Glynn Art Juried Show to be on display until the end of the month.  Been playing with some new techniques and new mediums.  I made a list of projects and then broke those projects down into tasks.  It is amazing how quickly things go when you have a plan.  Yes, I went back to my tried and tested and works business knowledge.  The Student Artist program through the marketplace is coming together and hopefully will be  in full force very soon.  Changes are in the works for the Marketplace itself and I am working on some major updates to my website.  Funny how your own personal sites and obligations get put on the back burner while you take care of everyone else. 

Someone said to me this past week "one of the things that I admire about you is you are a leader and not a follower!  You always put others needs before yourself."   To me that was a great compliment and one that I have always been told and don't take lightly.  I was taught, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Well we all know sometimes you don't get back what you give, but that's okay as I am a true believer in payback.  You get what you deserve sooner or later, good or bad.

Today I hope I continue to receive a few more of those gorgeous red Gerber Daisies.  Each morning I look out my window as I work on the computer to see how many survived the night.

Creatively,

Happy 4th Everyone!

 

Birthday Wishes and Surprises

I can hear you now....ooohhh....hhhhaaaaa....where did you get that gorgeous journal?  It was a birthday surprise from my friend Sue Pieper and it was wrapped in that yummy wine lace!  I had seen Sue's handmade journals online a while back and thought they were wonderful, but wonderful and gorgeous do not even come close to describing them.  I opened the box as giddy as a kid in the candy store....pulling out the package that had been so carefully wrapped in lace.  As I pulled the lace away from the journal you could have heard me gasp and then let out OM-Gosh! this is the most beautiful journal I have ever seen.  The greens and blues are so rich and so me!   And it is filled with wonderful watercolor paper torn so delicately and the details from the embellishments to the eyelets to the stitching are nothing less of perfect.  Sue thank you for a gift that I will treasure each day as I fill it with words and snippets and the things that make me happy!

Sue is working on some to put in her Marketplace shop, so keep an eye out....they will be there soon.  Oh and the lace is perfect for the workshop I am taking over at Collage Camp with the talented KC Willis.

Thank you to each of you that posted on my wall over on Facebook and sent me emails and phone calls and cards.  It was a great feeling to come home to find my inbox filled with birthday wishes.  More about my birthday get-a-way and the treasures I found in a day or so.

Birthday & Mother's Day Giveaway

It's time for a giveaway to celebrate my Birthday, May 4th and Mother's Day, May 10th!  If you would like to have your name included in a random drawing for a fine art print of my original artwork "Mixed Feelings" visit my MMCA Marketplace Shop, come back here and leave a comment telling me which piece in my shop is your favorite.  The print is 8"x8", gallery matted, titled and signed, ready to frame in a standard 11"x14" frame.

• Visit my MP Shop.
• Come back here & leave a comment that includes your favorite from my shop.
• Make sure I have a way to contact you.
• Only one entry per person.
• Comments to be included in drawing end May 10th at midnight EST.

Winner will be announced on May 11th!

Please feel free to share with your friends!

Updated May 11th:  This giveaway is closed!

And the winner is Seth author of The Altered Page

 

Thank you to each one that visited my Marketplace Shop and came back to leave a comment with your favorite.  And thank you for all the Birthday wishes!

 

What does the Metal Tag say?

Can you guess what this wonderful little train case is called? My kids gave it to me for Christmas with a note that said....Don't know why you like these things, but we knew it would make you happy!

  And they were right! I like the fact that this Paper Wood Train Case has some of the paper peeling off and inside it has signs of being used many times.

So many great things are happening in my life right now and I want to share with you my friends. Everyone that leaves a comment within this post AND can tell me what the little Metal Tag on my train case reads will have their name dropped into the case before I fill it with vintage treasures.

On Sunday February 1st we will be celebrating out middle child's 21st birthday. After the celebrating I will have him draw a name out of the case and the lucky winner will receive a surprise package from me, but remember I must be able to contact you to get your mailing address.

As the owner and founder of the MMCA Marketplace I am  excited to tell you about a new feature starting on or around February 8th.  We have the beginning of a great list of guests that have agreed to be featured on the Marketplace Blog.  You will find the list in the right upper sidebar of the MP Blog.  Sign up for our newsletter if you don't want to miss out on any of these wonderful interviews.

Have you guessed what the train case is called yet?  How about who makes it?

 

Believe

A little snippet from one of the pieces I recently finished.  Whether you Believe or not Christmas is just around the corner and you better be ready naughty or nice! 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my parents flying in and our college kids + girlfriends and boyfriends filling our home for 7 days.  We spent time together over on the islands shopping, walking the beach, eating at our favorite places, cooking some of our family favorites, watching holiday movies and just having a good time with those that we love.  Everyone is now back at home or their college apartments and I am trying to catch up on things.

Orders need to be filled, commissions are in the final stages, updates to MMCA and the Marketplace need to be made, newsletters are ready to go out when the time is right, finishing up the news media blast outs, and a few emails and social networking to catch up on and I can start all over again.  Marketing yourself is a never ending job as those of you that beat the bushes day in and day out know!

Believe and it can be done!

Remembering.....

Road Trip

For those that can't find the time for a little road trip....here are a few of my favorite photos from last Saturday's road trip along the  east coast from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine Beach.

Fernandina Beach....One of those great little beach houses had a "For Sale" sign in front and I told Steve I could see me there....He just laughed and kept driving!  Imagine That!  Looking at the boardwalk it looks as though the beach is way out there when it is probably only 300 feet or so.  I would love to walk out my door, down a boardwalk and step on the beach everyday.  Some day I keep telling myself this too will happen.  Everything happens for a reason and this is not my time!

  

 

  St. Johns River Ferry....I love riding the ferry over the St. Johns river.  It docks at Fort Goerge Island and runs across to Mayport Village.  It is a short ride, but always fun.

  A1A runs along the Atlantic Ocean.  Your windshield will actually cover with the mist blowing in.  There are some gorgeous homes along this route.  You step out the front door and you are on the highway, but step out the back and you are on the beach!

 

St. Augustine Beach Weddings.....One in the downtown historic district and the other on the beach. 

We watched from the pier as this one was taking place just as the sun was starting to set.

   More photos at St. Augustine Beach and in the Historic downtown area including one of a couple having engagement photos made.  It was fun to watch them as they kicked off their shoes, rolled up the jeans and danced and played in the waters edge in their crisp white shirts.  The best one was when he picked her up and swirled her around and around.  You could here them laughing and enjoying the moment.

 

Here we are crossing the Historic Lion Bridge in St. Augustine as we are leaving. 

Another bridge, can't remember which one it is coming into St. Augustine.  

 

I have seen this little "bead" sign many times but not being a jewelry artist I have never really had the desire to venture in even though it is right next door to one of the other shops I visit each time we are down.  But I decided to go in today....OVERWHELMING is just one word to describe it and you bead girls know what I am talking about.  There were beads everywhere, rows, shelves, boxes, bowls, hanging....each one calling out touch me!  I will share more about the bead store another day.

 

Flying creatures everywhere but this one was sitting there as if he wanted his photo taken.  He would turn his head back and forth as you snapped the camera and never moved as I got closer and closer.  I do believe he was enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

Then as the sun was setting we decided to call it a day and head back north toward home.  

 

 

It was a wonderful day on the road, a few great stops here and there, tons on photos to remember the day, and lots of heartfelt conversing between us.  Everyone needs a little road trip to remember it is the little things in life that mean so much.

We are headed down to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island Saturday for some fun, shopping, strolling and visiting with an art friend + to check out the building up of the beach.  Here they are working on it last week.  It was fun and interesting to see how they do it.

   

Hope you enjoyed your little road trip.  Have a great weekend and I will see you next week.