Sunshine Award

                                                               The Sunshine Award


Have any of you when you were little kids, pretended you just won the academy award? I would use my curling iron as the microphone and imagined myself in a long flowing gown that twinkled with sequins.

No I didn’t win the academy award, nonetheless it is always a delight to be appreciated and encouraged by other fellow Artists.
Thank You so much to Guy Magallanes for his encouraging words about my photography and for sending me the Sunshine award. Guy is a fellow photographer, an amazing artist and he is also an art instructor. Visit his blog by clicking on his name above to see his fabulous artwork!


The rules for accepting this award are:

• Post the logo on your blog or in your post or both
• Pass this onto 12 bloggers
• Link them in your post
• Let them know they've been awarded
• Link the person who awarded you in the first place

(these are listed in no particular order)


1. Joanne Giesbrecht is one of those people that I have never met in person but feel like I've known her forever. We met through "blogland" and it has been a joy to have her in my life for too many reasons to list!! She is an amazing watercolor artist, her photography has won awards and she is also a speaker. I think she does it all!! Check out her blog and see her fabulous artwork!


2.Liz Holm is another friend I've met through blogland. Liz's artwork will blow your mind!  Her artwork is poetry in the form oil paints and sketches. Her caliber of expertise in art is beyond impressive but her humble heart and love for life is why I wanted to send this to her. You are an inspiration Liz.  


3. Tracey Clarke paints with passion and intensity. When I first saw Tracey's work I was hooked and intrigue. Tracey engages deeply into her art. She is a deep thinker and her artwork reflects those contemplative gears in motion. I have enjoyed getting to know her through blogland and have been touched by her passion for life, God, His creatures and the arts.


4.Ross Lynem is an creative and accomplished watercolor artist. It was about a year ago or so when I received an encouraging comment from Mr.Lynem. SO I had to check out his blog and wow! The colors, textures and creative compositions are absolute eye candy!


5. William Hawkins is menagerie of gifts and talents. (I bet he laughs when he reads this) Bill is a musician, writer and an incredibly gifted artist. My husband bought me a painting of Bill's for our 21 year anniversary. I look at it every morning and I am just thrilled to own a "Paco" original. His heart seems as big as his gifts and abilities. Check out his blog and see the man who paints the clouds like no other!!! PS Paco, we still need to get you and your wife back to Oregon so we can go fishing.


6. Jimmy Pickering will be rolling his eyes at me. Jimmy is my cousin but I am convinced we were brother and sister separated at birth. As young geeky kids obsessed with art and photography we would go on photo shoots all over the Oregon landscape. I wish I would have taken my photography as seriously back then, as he took his art work. Jimmy has more talent in his little pinky than I have in my whole entire being. He is an accomplished artist and author. His work can be seen at Walt Disney Studios (and at Disneyland), Universal Studios, galleries in New York, Chicago and you can find his books all over Amazon.com......just to mention a few insignificant places. (wink wink) But what makes me really proud of you Jimmy? You are a kind man whose heart is humble and caring....don't ever let that change.


7. Sarah is a fellow photographer and animal lover. I met Sarah almost a year ago when she wrote a comment on my blog. She is a sparkplug and I love her passion and creative curiosity for photography. Sarah you keep it up my friend, someday I'll be reading about your famous works in photography. Don't forget you ol'lady friend in Oregon who knew you were awesome!?! :)


8. Sandy Coughlin a long time friend and not so reluctant entertainer. Sandy is one of those people who makes food, family and entertaining an beautiful art form.She has a passion for helping people overcome the obstacles and fears of entertaining. I must admit I have two left feet when it come to the kitchen and domestic things but Sandy is like Ginger Rogers when she waltzes into that realm of entertaining and hospitality. She has a gorgeous book that is coming out soon called "Reluctant Entertainer, The: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality"


9.Kristen Parr is an aspiring writer and author. Her ability to be real about life's issue combined with her intelligence, love for God and quick witted sense of humor make her a joy to read. I know right now it feels like blood,sweat and tears to get started, but don't give up on your dreams. Keep writing....you've got it my friend.


10. Gaby lives in Germany. She is a master of "altered art" and her cards are full of texture, colorful inks and rich soulful images. I have tried my hand at doing altered art and it was NOT EASY to do! Gaby you have a gift and I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations!! 


11. Megan Coyle is a collage artist. The truth is I don't know her but I admire and I'm so fascinated with her work.


DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....last but not least.


12. Carol Carter is an inspiration. I don't know Carol, but her artwork is a fresh breath of colors and artistic brilliance!! I just love her work.


Well Friends, I hope you get a chance to check out these some of these blogs and maybe even write someone a note of appreciation and encouragement. I'll leave you with a few of my favorite encouraging quotes. :)




"Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting." ~C. Morley~


"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did." ~N. G.~


"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~J. B.~


"There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream."~Author Unknown~


"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." ~E. N.~