Debbie Overton Designs

We've Moved!!!!

As an artist and creative entrepreneur I am excited to share with you - Debbie Overton Designs has a new home.  I have combined both of my blogs (MMCA Marketplace & DOD) under one roof in order to free up some of the maintaining of two blogs/websites/facebook/twitter & etc. This will allow me more time to promote other artists and their artful journey while at the same time allow me - the artist - time to follow my own creative ventures. 

I hope you will join me at Debbie Overton ~ Fresh Approach connecting Art & Business.  All the blog posts and comments have been moved to our new home.  Thanks for visiting and hope to see you at FA!

Debbie

Taking Care of Hubby

Thank you for stopping by!  I have been out of pocket for the most part for the past 3 to 4 weeks due to my own health problems as well as Steve having some problems.  During the past 2 weeks he has been taken to the ER via ambulance from work and then admited 2 days later with chest pains again.  We saw a wonderful cardiologist today and after 4 hrs of history, EKG, Ultra Sound and more he is scheduled for a coronary arteriogram tomorrow.  We know there is some heart damage and hope that should he have to have anything beyond the heart cath they can use stents.   Best case is there is no blockage and as she put it a "magic pill" and some changes to keep it that way.  Worse case is that stents will not fix the problem(s) and they transfer him to Jacksonville for surgery.  Now is when we wish we were back in Arkansas close to family, but we will make it knowing God will not give me more than I can handle on my own.  As I told the kids, say an extra prayer, think positive thoughts and should you hear someone pacing the floor, that would be me as I can't sit still for very long!  Hope to be back sooner rather than later.

Debbie

You are exactly where you belong!

The past two years have been an eye opener for me in more ways than one.  I had to make decisions that not only would change me as a person, but as an artist and businesswoman.  Some of them were hard, some took longer than others but all were in my best interest.  I put me, me and me ahead of what others wanted or needed.  That was new for me and still a process I deal with from time to time.

In trying to simplify and slow down the things and happenings around me I have discovered what is important to me.  Over the past several months I made some decisions that will change the direction of where I thought I wanted to go with my art and business, and have had to remind myself I am doing this for me and no one else.  Will this change make me happy?  You can bet your next piece of art on it!  I already am!

I received the above handwritten message from my friend Christine Mason Miller last week after she posted here about knowing exactly where she belonged.  Christine had written a series of "You are..." messages and placed each of these little treasures in a sealed envelope and offered one to anyone that requested one.  She simply pulled one out, added an address and now I too, know exactly where I belong!

Stay tuned for unfolding changes......

Debbie

Keep Fresh Flowers Nearby

 

Yesterday afternoon as I was trying to work through 100's of emails all needing my attention, I heard what I knew was the sound of the FedEx or UPS truck backing into my driveway.  My mind went into over-drive trying to think of what I had ordered!  Next thing I heard was the doorbell ring and the FedEx guy running back to his truck.  I opened the door to find a small brown box with the return address of Globe Pequot Press and then I spotted the words FOUR-WORD SELF-HELP printed on the label.  I must have been a little loud with excitement as Seth came out of his room to see what was going on.  He had heard the doorbell and thought when I opened the door one of our friendly little lizzards had run into the house.  No not today, probably because I scared it to death when I saw who the box was from.

Back in April I shared with you here my art submission had been hand-selected for inclusion in Patti Digh's upcoming book.  It has been somewhere around 8 months since this project started for me and today I received my copy of this wonderful book.  Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives fills this little 5 x 7" book page after page with Patti's words and art illustrated by artists from around the world.  I spent well over an hour enjoying the art and four word quotes Patti gave each of us to illustrate.  

When I first heard from Patti I was one of the hand-selected artists to participate in this project I was thrilled.  The day I received my assignment, I could not believe how lucky I was.  My four-word phrase was “keep fresh flowers nearby.”  A few days before while visiting with the surgeon I had been seeing for the past 7 months, he asked, what is one thing you enjoy that you no longer do for yourself? I told him I loved having fresh flowers but that was the last thing I had on my mind as I was dealing with a stomach of ulcers that had all but gotten me down.  Thanks to Patti, my assigned phrase and doctor’s orders, I once again was working on keeping fresh flowers nearby.  I drew, painted, collaged and then I got my camera out.  Now each time I see flowers, I think of Patti’s assignment and how this little four-word phrase has been such a stress relief for me.

This little book would make a perfect gift for yourself or someone special in your life.  The book is due in stores in September or you can pre-order it here or by clicking on the book cover.

Debbie
  
  

Happy Dancing to "CREATIVE IS A VERB"!!!

So excited to share my artwork has been selected for inclusion in Patti Digh's upcoming book, CREATIVE IS A VERB: If You're Alive, You're Creative, set for publication in November 2010.

I think this calls for a celebration and since Steve is out of town, I bet Seth would love to take his Mom out to dinner or atleast cook for me!

Debbie

Women and The Sea

Claire Murray launched La Vie Clairemagazine in 2004 to celebrate women living creative lives pursuing their passions.  I was hooked with the premier issue and have not missed a single copy since.  Over the years she has profiled women artists, crafters, sailors, entrepreneurs and designers.  All of these women had something in common; they were enchanted by the sea and had built their lives around this inspiration.  Ms. Murray took this concept and Women and The Sea was born telling the tales of sixteen women. 

Women and The Sea is a beautiful Coffee Table Book filled with beautiful pictures and stories of some of the most amazing women.

For those that have followed me here and on Facebook, you know the past year has been very stressful dealing with health problems.  One of my goals written in my journal while I was getting the Iron IV treatments was once I made it through the treatments I would purchase the book as a reward for myself. 

I am not sure if the treatments are a thing of the past yet as the week following my last one my iron levels started dropping again and I am once again awaiting the results of more extensive blood work.  But I am beyond thrilled because last Wednesday I came home to find a box sitting by my front door and inside I had been gifted with a personalized signed copy of Women and The Sea.  Inscribed was "Debbie, Hope you enjoy my new book ~ All the Best in the future. ~ Claire Murray". I sat there holding that book as close to my heart as one could hold something.  It means more to me than words can describe and because it was given to me in such a gracious way I will always cherish it.

The timing could not have been better.  I had just found out a few hours earlier that one of the skin biopsies I had done the week before was indeed the first stage of melanoma but once again I am thrilled because it was found early and the biopsy edges were clear!

While I am patiently waiting on the test results, I am enjoying pursuing the pages of my book and thinking of the woman whose love of the sea is as great as mine.  Visit La Vie Claire to learn more about the magazine, the book and everything Claire Murray offers to those of us that love the sea.

Debbie

Happy 4th of July!!!

 

A few weeks ago I was thanking someone for bringing back some wonderful childhood memories and one of those memories was riding in the car with the windows down holding a big colorful pinwheel just to the edge of the window so that I would not loose it.  I can even remember making my own pinwheels and running around the house and yard to see if they would spin around and around.  And yes they did.  I did a search for pinwheels and came across several sites, but the etsy shop of Rule 42 was my favorite.  Check it out if you are looking for something fun for your next party or get-together.

Hope you have a fun July 4th weekend.  Make new memories and cherish the old ones.

Debbie

 

Art Biz Coach close-out SALE

It is no secret I think Alyson Stanfield is one of the best resources for artists and the Art Biz Coach is selling all of her current audio programs for artists up to 38% off through July 16th.  Are you ready to "Clear Out Your Inbox Once and For All" or "Install Your Art Exhibit Like a Pro" or maybe "Gain Art Career Insight from Artists with Experience"?  These are just a few of the MP3 audio downloads available for purchase.  I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from Alyson and her websites are filled with great resources.  Ready to shop?

Click on the image or HERE to be taken to the sale!

Live the life you have imagined!

 

Dream Boogie with SARK

Best-selling author and artist SARK (aka Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is inviting anyone to attend the first class of the Summer 2010 Session of Dream Boogie with SARK for free, just so you can experience "Dream Boogie" first-hand and see what it's all about, without any cost or obligation. 

SARK has been teaching workshops all around the world for over 25 years, but Dream Boogie is actually her very first live teleclass series. It’s a dream productivity program that is packed with inspiration and innovation to help you move from dreaming to DOing.  

In addition to the free call on Wednesday, you can enjoy some fun, free "Dream Boogie" samples, including audio snippets of inspiring interviews, colorful SARK videos, workbook downloads, some really inspiring audio testimonials where actual participants share their about their "dance from DREAMing to DOing" and other funky little goodies for your dream.

This is a truly unique opportunity to work directly with SARK, and, under her guidance and mentorship, accelerate your business, project, or idea that is ready for growth and exciting results, while ALSO balancing this success with a wonderful life overflowing with new self-love and self care practices.  I encourage you to sign up for the free call on Wednesday, June 16, and spend a wonderful evening with your dream!