A New Chair
IMAGE: A Favorite Chair by Donna Childree Gotlib, Cookie Sunshine
I drew this little illustration today. Oh, how I wish that I had this one in my bedroom.
Doesn't it just feel like spring, even though it's all black and white.
More About the Fairies
You will need to scroll down to my video widget and click on the two vertical lines to turn off the music before you view the fairy video. Thanks.
Yesterday was a very fun day for us. My husband, a very proud papa, and I enjoyed brunch with his second oldest daughter who has just completed her first year in medical school. After brunch the three of us took a little stroll around downtown and found a few of the fairy doors that I told you about on Friday. This one, located at Peaceable Kingdom on Main Street, actually has windows inside that allow you to see where the fairies live. My stepdaughter graciously made a quick video of the inside. I thought you might enjoy seeing how fairies actually live! Thanks Dorothy!
Illustration Friday - Connie Loves Crafting
IMAGE: Connie Loves Crafting by Donna Childree Gotlib for Cookie Sunshine
Show and Tell - Fairies in Ann Arbor
I'll begin my show and tell today with a quick update on my Mother's progress. Many of you have been asking how she's doing. She's healing well but she is not progressing as well as her physical therapist would like. So far she is not walking. Most people who have had a broken hip would be taking steps by now. She isn't. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Image: http://www.urban-fairies.com
It's time for Show and Tell at Kelli's House again. Every Friday we share something of interest and link it to her blog. I hope you will join us. It's a lot of fun.
This week I've decided to share something a little different with you. Instead of sharing something that is in my house I thought I would share something about Ann Arbor.
It's the Fairies.
As you all know by now I really love Ann Arbor. I don't think there is any place quite as wonderful as this city. It really is a rather magical city. And I wonder sometimes if it may be because of the fairies. Yes, we have fairies here. The picture you are looking at is one of the fairie doors that can be found downtown.
Here is a bit of information about the fairie doors. According to "MyFairieDoors Shop" at etsy:
"Fairy doors started popping up all over Ann Arbor a few years ago thanks to local renowned 'fairyologist' Jonathan Wright www.urban-fairies.com The children of Ann Arbor went crazy. People started coming from all over to view these fairy doors. On Christmas of 2005 a fairy door appeared in my daughter's room. They arrived on tiny tricycles followed by fairy dust. The tricycles come and go and that's how we know the fairies are home. Soon, fairy doors started appearing in many other children's rooms around Ann Arbor and other cities across the country. The children started to write to the fairies. Sometimes the fairies even write back. The fairies leave gifts on holidays and special occasions always followed by fairy dust." If you visit this link you can view photos of a number of the fairie doors. They come and go. We never know where they will pop up next, but it's always a delight to see them.
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A Gift for You and A Challenge Too
IMAGE: The Artist Princess by Donna Childree Gotlib, aka Cookie Sunshine
The Artist Princess is a gift from me to you. You may use her freely in your work, but not used for resale. This is a 400 dpi high quality resolution image of the Artist Princess. To copy the image, simply click on the image, then when the image enlarges, right click and save it to your computer. She will print out about 8 x 10 inches. You are welcome to resize her for your creative needs. Voila!
I would enjoy seeing what you do your Princess, and might even show her off here.
NOW....The challenge I mentioned is at Chrissy Rollins blog. I hope that you will go over and pay her a visit because she has a challenge that is very dear to my heart. It involves my Mother and is one of the sweetest ideas I've ever heard of. When you reach her blog, look for the sepia tinted photograph of Elizabeth. I hope that you will visit Chrissy and that you will participate. Thanks Chrissy!
Hugs,
Cookie
More Etsy Shopping
IMAGE: Nina's Handmades
So after I ordered my purse I continued shopping and checked up on this little purse that I had been looking at yesterday. I was certain that it would be gone, but it was still there! At $9.50 this was a bargain, don't you agree? So I ordered it too. But now I'm torn. On one hand I think it would be adorable for my Mother to have. But on the other I think that I would love to have it in my new purse. It would be great for lipstick, a compact and my other makeup. Am I being selfish? I buy things for her every week. And I am picking up another pillow for her tomorrow that I had custom made for her room. I'll make a photo and show it to you.
I'll have to think it over and decide about it when they both arrive. Anyway, you should go over to Nina's Handmades too. She has so many adorable little items. Personally I'll have to see it in person to be sure, but I think this is worth at least double what I paid.
Early Morning Shopping on Etsy
IMAGE: Multiplepursenalities by Monika
In my ongoing effort to support The Handmade Pledge I did a bit of early morning shopping and found this wonderful bag for spring and summer. Just a few clicks and now it's on its way to my house in Ann Arbor. Oh, I can hardly wait!
The etsy site is called Multiplepursenalities by Monika. The hardest part was choosing from all of the wonderful fabrics. If you are looking for a new purse, this is a great place to go.
What a fun way to begin my day. I hope all of you are having a good Wednesday.
Now I'm off to check on my Mother.
Hugs,
Cookie
You're Invited to Visit My Etsy Store
A number of you have recently expressed interest in my drawings. So this morning I posted a few little dancer prints on Etsy. This is one of them. You can find them by clicking on the link, or by searching "Cookie Sunshine."
ALSO, if you are looking for absolutely ADORABLE cookies for Memorial Day, I received a note from Aunt Cakes Cookies this morning. Click over and look at what she has. So Cute!
Cake Fit for a Swashbuckler Soiree
IMAGE: Mother's Day Cake, aka Swashbuckler Soiree, Cookie Sunshine, Donna Childree Gotlib
Earlier this week as I began to think about the cake that I would create for Mother's Day I found myself visiting blogs for inspiration. My theme was quickly discovered at the blog of Donna O'Brien and The Ribboned Crown who just happened to be hosting a Swashbuckler Soiree. I decided that I would create a cake that I could take to her party.
Here it is! I used the recipe that I posted a few days ago. It's a little cake. I used six inch rounds. Each layer is three inches high and has been split in half creating four layers, filled with homemade butter cream giving the cake three luscious layers of filling and a generous frosting of buttercream before the fondant was applied.
The entire cake is handpainted with edible colors. The lower layer is wrapped in pastillage with the cake being decorated with handmade pastillage and royal icing decorations. The bowl on top is made of sugar pastillage and you'll notice that the entire cake glistens with 24 karat gold dust powder which is edible. I had planned to put handmade marzipan fruits into the bowl, unfortunately I made the bowl parchment thin. I'm afraid the fruit would have destroyed the fragile bowl immediately. In the future I'll make a sturdier bowl if I decide to fill it with marzipan.
I'm posting this as my show and tell today. It's Friday once again and it's time for Show and Tell at Kelli's Place which is great fun. You should join us!
Mike Hopper Comedy - Adult Humor
NOTICE! This video on YouTube contains adult humor. It is not intended for children. This is a video of my nephew Logan (Mike Hopper) last night at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. A number of you have expressed interest in his comedy. For those of you who are offended by adult humor, please pass this one by. I'm very proud of Logan and so thankful to have him in my life. He's an amazing young man who has given the last five years to help care for his grandmother. I really do not know what we would have done without his help, love and support. He's a wonderful person who is brilliant, talented, funny and very special to me. Mother has always loved his humor, and although she taught us not to use this type of humor, I know she would get a big kick out of his routine if she could be with us at the club and see him on stage.
Pretty Things
IMAGE: Aqualoreto Door, Quilted Farbic Wall Hanging by Margaret F. Singer, A Moment to Remember
A very close friend of mine has just opened her Etsy shop today and is making this wall hanging available for purchase. It's very difficult to see her stitching in the photo but the piece is quilted with lots of lovely detail.
You can click here to go to her blog and see the orignial photo taken by Margaret while on vacation in Aquualoreto, Italy in 2006 as well as many of her other wonderful photos.
To visit her Etsy shop, click here.
Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life
Earlier today I reached over to click and visit one of my favorite bloggers, Rue at Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life. Horrors! I realized that I didn't have Rue listed on my list of blogging favorites. You've got to meet Rue! And, you should enter her giveaway. She's painting a birdhouse for the winner.
Rue is one of those women who can do anything Martha Stewart can do, plus graciously go mudding with her husband and still look like Scarlet O'Hara. Please tell her that Cookie sent you.
Wordless Wednesday - I Sail My Own Ship
IMAGE: "I Sail My Own Ship" Collage Painting by Donna Childree Gotlib, 2004
It's Been A Nice Day
Today I found the sweetest envelope in my mailbox with this little card inside from /Vicki at Whispers of Inspiration. Thanks Vickie. It's very pretty, and your envelope was as much fun as your card!
IMAGE: Love by Vickie Coonfare, Whispers of Inspiration
IMAGE: Little Dancer by Donna Gotlib
I'm considering making some of my pieces available on ETSY. I'd like your opinions. Do you think they make nicer prints, or are they better suited as note cards?
I've been busy making cakes today. I have several designs in mind and am looking forward to working on this one.
I have six layers ready for a three tier cake that will be 10", 8" and 6" tiers. Each one should be about four inches tall when finished.
If you like butter cake, this is an amazing recipe. You have to make it twice in order to make three tiers. This will make half.
INGREDIENTS:
5 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted sweet butter, softened
5 cups sugar
6 large eggs (please buy cage free eggs)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups sour cream
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Butter and flour cake pans
3. Sift together dry ingredients
4. In a separate bowl cream butter and 4 1/2 cups sugar
5. Add vanilla
6. Add dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the sour cream
7. Put batter into prepared cake pans and sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of batter
8. Bake for one hour, or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of your cake.
9. Cool the cakes in their pans
10. Invert them onto a rack, but quickly turn them over because you'll want to protect the sugary part that is on the top.
Note: When you fill your cakes place the top sides together with the filling inbetween
Memories
Just a quick note. Mom's making progress but she's in a bit of pain. It's hard trying to recover from a broken hip and shoulder at the same time when you're dealing with Alzheimer's. She can't use a walker because of her broken shoulder.
I'm busy making a cake that I'll post as soon as it's finished.
Thanks for all of your very kind notes. I'm trying to work through my email bit by bit. I had about 150 messages in my box. I'm down to about forty. Also, thanks for the very sweet handmade cards. I would share them all here but it would take me forever to scan them. I hope you will understand. They are all appreciated!
More soon.
Hugs,
Cookie
C'est Chonette - Pillow Talk
She "rescues vintage needlepoints and artfully recreates them into today's beautiful pillows" C'est Chonette - Pillow Talk is a nice place to visit.
Cake Doodles, Cupcakes, and Feeling the Sunshine
Over the weekend I found myself sketching ideas for cakes while I visited with my Mother.
Where did the weekend go?
This morning I visited a couple of blogs before starting my day. Raised In Cotton, Oh My, Oh My!!! I could feel the sun on her linens as I looked at those photos. When you have a minute, go over there, take a look and say "hi", then visit her boutique, I'm thinking that the wire plate pedistal may be perfect for one of my little cakes. What do you think?
After you visit Raised in Cotton, Stop by A Cottage Industry to see the sweetest little cupcakes ever. These are so perfect, you can almost taste them.
Now I have to get back to work. I'm totally inspired.
Happy Monday everyone.
Hugs,
Cookie
Catching Up
I just saw that Indigo Blue is celebrating her 100th post with a giveaway today. You may still have time to enter to win. All I'm going to tell you about what she's giving away is that the fabric is really fun! You should click over and visit.
Catching up with My Blogging Pals
I was just visiting Doreen's blog, Vermont Harvest Primitives earlier this evening. She has recently changed her banner. I love it. I read and read and read. I always enjoy visiting. I've missed a lot over the past couple of weeks. Here's a quote that jumped out at me. "Every act is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence." ~Author Unknown
Show and Tell Friday - Mother's Out of the Hospital - Happy Birthday!!!
IMAGE: Elizabeth's Birthday Cake by Cookie Sunshine
I'm cheating a bit because this has been a very hectic week. This is the cake I baked for Mother's 82nd birthday. I posted it two days ago.
It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's House.
.........................
April 30, 2008
What a good day we've all had today. Mother was released from the hospital and transported back to the nursing home early this afternoon. She described the ambulance ride as "bumpity bumpity, bump." I was surprised that she didn't seem more tired. She was very happy to be back in her room and back with her friends. She has a long road ahead of her but we are fortunate and blessed to have a close and loving family.
Logan, Steven and I had a very small birthday celebration tonight in Mother's room. She had so many beautiful bouquets of flowers from friends and family from as far away as Florida and California. There were cards, balloons, gifts and well wishes too. It was a perfect homecoming for her.
As you know I have one sister, Ann. She is an RN and does contract work. It's been so difficult for her not being able to be with Mother during this time. We're looking forward to seeing her very soon. She is such an amazing person and dear soul. I really am blessed to have her in my life. I feel sad for people who don't have sisters.
We had an abundance of cake that we shared with the residents and staff. I was very pleased with how it turned out. Mother actually ate an entire slice. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely use the recipe again.
I am really exhausted. It will take me days to get through all of the email that I have received. I will begin going through it as soon as things begin to settle down a bit and I will respond.
Please continue to keep Elizabeth in your prayers. Thank you again for your kind words, prayers and thoughtfulness.
Hugs,
Cookie
PS...Again, I cheated a bit because I actually posted this two days ago and but I decided to repost it for Show and Tell so I could share Mom's cake. Show and Tell is hosted at Kelli's House. You should visit and play. You'll meet a lot of very nice people and have a lot of fun
Morning Update
I'm checking in with a very quick update. I spoke with Mother's surgeon this morning after he visited with her. She's making good progress. My job today is to coordinate with the social worker on the floor and begin talking about her physical therapy goals and making a plan to get her back home. Her nursing home has a full time physical therapist and physical therapy department. This should be to her benefit because she will be recovering at home. I have not had time this week to respond to all of the very kind and thoughtful email that I have received. But I want to thank you and let you know how much your thoughts and prayers are appreciated and I want to let you know that I have not forgotten so many of you who are going through similar situations. It may take me a long while to catch up, but I will be in touch with all of you to let you know how much you are appreciated. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and in your prayers. I'm sending good wishes your way. Thanks again. Happy week to you.
Hugs, Cookie
ps...Cookie's Treasure Hunt is taking a break until Elizabeth is settled back at the nursing home.
Doodling Until Surgery
IMAGES:Hospital Doodles by Cookie Sunshine
I doodled while I sat with my Mother as we waited for her surgery. She was in a lot of pain. Sometimes she was confused. Sometimes I was too.
We tried to talk about our memories and we also sang songs. We sang Stars Fell on Alabama, Catch A Falling Star and Put it in Your Pocket, We sang The Beautiful Tennessee Waltze, and Let Me Call You Sweetheart. We sang Chattanooga Choo Choo, Memories of You, and lots of other songs. When we couldn't remember words (a lot of the time) we hummed and smiled, and we kept singing.
I was glad that we sang because she loves music. And I realized as we sang that she is one of the reasons that I enjoy music as much as I do. We talked about her birthday that is coming up next week and the cake that I will make for her. She wants a white cake with pink trim. I remembered singing songs, reading books and coloring with her when I was a little girl. Bittersweet is the only word that really works here.
I doodled and worried until we went downstairs and they began to prep Mother for surgery. She worked hard to remain cheerful even though she was in a lot of pain.
Several years ago when my Mother found out what was happening to her she talked with me about protecting herself and planning for her future. We went to court and I became her guardian. As we waited I worried and wondered if I had done everything I needed to do for her. She is my responsibility. I needed to know that she 
was in good hands.
At that point I met her surgical team and spent about a half an hour with her lead surgeon. I learned that he has done this procedure over 800 times in the last two years. I felt much better after having the opportunity to look everyone in the eyes, shake hands with them, and talk with them a bit about my Mother and what was about to happen in the OR. I quizzed them about their experience and I finally felt comfortable leaving Mother in their hands when I walked out of the room.
My friend Peggy drove over to the hospital and kept me company until Logan and Steven arrived later in the afternoon. I didn't doodle or make any notes until after surgery was finished. She was in recovery for several hours. It was such a very long day.
Today was much, much better. Today she remained in SICU. I wasn't even able to be at the hospital all day today because I had a number of errands to run and paperwork that had to be done. I popped in and out during the day. She was in pain, but she seemed lively and even made a few jokes here and there in the midst of her confusion.
She talked with several friends and family members on the phone and even flirted with a couple of the doctors. I think they will begin getting her up soon. I'm looking forward to making her birthday cake.
PS...The final doodle was drawn by her surgeon. He showed me where the plate was going to be put and where the screws would go. This is a drawing of a right hip. Hers was the left.
Update on My Mother
Thank you all for your very kind comments and your prayers for my Mother. I'm writing a quick post to update you on her progress. I'll share more of my nervous doodles later. Tonight I'm too tired to take time to scan them.
Her surgery was yesterday. It lasted about three hours. She had a difficult time coming out of anesthesia because of how her kidneys handled the morphine. That was frightening but her doctors knew what to do. By around 9:00 p.m. she was in SICU and has been there all day today. Today was really much better than I expected although she was a bit more confused than I thought she might be. This is such an awful thing for anyone to experience but really terrible for someone who is living with Alzheimer's or dementia of any sort.
If everything goes as expected she will be out of SICU by tomorrow. We hope to have her out of the hospital by her birthday - April 30th. That's the goal. She will be 82. She has asked for a pink and white cake with pink ribbons and flowers.
Thank you again. What kind friends I have in the bloggisphere. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Love, Cookie
Broken Bones are No Fun
IMAGES: Hospital Doodling by Cookie Sunshine
My Mother was admitted to the hospital today. She fell at the nursing home and broke not only her shoulder, but also her hip. She is in an awful lot of pain and is going to have to have surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. I'm very worried about her.
I may not post much for a while. I'll carry my laptop with me tomorrow but I don't know if the hospital has wi-fi. Today I doodled while I sat with her.
Pay it Forward
I’ve had the pleasure of becoming friend with Nancy at More Than Enough since I've started blogging. The other day she posted a "Pay it Forward" challenge and I was quick to to say "I want to join in the fun". It's taken more than a few days to put my promised post here. These are the rules.
“I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I can’t say what that gift will be yet as planning it is half the fun, and you may not receive it in a flash… but I promise you it will arrive! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.”
(I’ll be getting one of hers!)
So I am inviting 3 of my readers and friends to participate in this PIF.
I borrowed this beautiful image from Nancy's blog.
THE FIRST 3 PEOPLE TO LEAVE A COMMENT
will receive a handmade gift from me. Just make the same promise on your blog, and you are in.
Have Fun!!!
Cookie
Cookie's Treasure Hunt - Week six
This weeks prize is a digital print of the original illustration, Pajama Party Girls by Cookie Sunshine. The print is copied with archival inks, on epson archival papers. The image is 5" x 7" and comes matted in an 8" x 10" white designer mat.
Here's what you need to do to win:
There are two ways for you to win. First, you need to look at the picture below. It is a snippit from one of my earlier posts this year. Find the snippit and leave a comment for me at the post where you find the snippet for your first chance to win. For your second chance, please put the Cookie's Treasure Hunt button on your blog, or create a post linking to the treasure hunt and telling your readers about it. Once you have put the button on your page, or created a post telling your readers, please go to the site where the snippit is located and leave a comment leading me to your post or the button. If you already have a button on your page and want to be included in this weeks drawing, please leave a comment at the snippit letting me know so that I will be able to include you in the drawing.
On Friday, April 25, I will assign a number to each comment received beginning with the first one received. I'll use a random number generator to come up with the winning entry.
Thanks so much for playing. If you have any questions, please contact me at Mail@CookieSunshine.com. Happy Treasure Hunt!
Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's House
Please scroll down to the audio widget, click on the two vertical bars and turn off the music before you attempt to view this video. Thanks, Cookie
I posted this a couple of days ago. A few of you have already seen it, but just a few. I've been trying to catch up all week. So, today I decided to delete the original post and enter it here for Show and Tell at Kelli's House because I really do not know that I will EVER make a cake like this again. Also, I don't know when you'll ever see me again. So, for show and tell today...this is me, and the cake. Happy Friday, Happy Weekend. Cookie
A Surprise from Frizi Lizi
Today I received a surprise in the mail from the ultra talented and very smart Frizi Lizi. How fun. The thank you note was hand made! I'm not showing you the note because it was personal, but Lizi has absolutely beautiful penmanship. She included a drawing of a cute gummbie. The orange orgami is a blow up bunny! I blew it up and it worked! It's adorable. The other piece is a cute little hat. You can see her drawing of a girl eating an ice cream cone on the back of the envelope with a flower and a note that says "Thanks for visiting my blog" - Lizi W.
Lizi, Thanks for your sweet note and all of the goodies! Hugs, Cookie
The Lord's Prayer by a two year old
Please scroll down to the audio widget, click on the two vertical lines to turn off the music before listening to the you tube video. This was shared with me by a friend today. This little girl is adorable, and they say she is only two.
Cookie's Treasure Hunt - We Have a Winner
Home Introduction Statistics Numbers Quota Testimonials FAQ Contact Premium Login What's New! True Random Number ServiceRandom Integer Generator Here are your random numbers: 3 Timestamp: 2008-04-14 23:12:51 UTC © 1998-2008 Mads Haahr Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional | Valid CSS Web Design by TSDA
I apologize for being late with this week's winner for Cookie's Treasure Hunt. The Winner this week is #3 - Toni at 3AM Designs I was told that this one was a bit more difficult. We only had nine participants who found the winning snippit, What Did The Water Give Her?
Party Plan and Treasure Hunt Update
I've spent the day today helping with the party preparations. Everything is looking so pretty and I'm really happy that I've had the opportunity to be part of this celebration. I've shared a photo of the cake although it has not yet been seen by anyone in person. It has been approved.
I've helped set the tables and put everything into place. I've picked up ribbons and other decorations and I'm busy making ribbons that will go in a number of places. This afternoon Logan was wonderful about running errands with me. We picked up last minute supplies for the party hats and goodie bags. Now we are finally getting the kitchen cleaned up after the almost eleven hour cake preparation day, and about to begin making 25 party hats and goodie bags.
In other words, I'm running a bit behind.
I'll try to get back in here and see who won Cookie's Treasure Hunt later this evening. But since I'm running behind, I'll leave the game open so that you can continue to play. I hate running behind but I do enjoy having the opportunity to participate in parties that are this much fun.
More as soon as possible.
Cookie
ps for those of you who have asked, I painted the middle layer of the cake. Also, I did a little bit of painting on the bottom layer. The ribbon and the flowers also have a little bit of shading that I did using my paint brush. I don't know how professionals do what they do. I really respect their work.
Cake Accomplished - My Show and Tell for this week
I think I would call it an "artist's cake". It's certainly not professional by any means. But I'm pleased with how it turned out and I hope that Simone is going to like it. She made my 50th birthday extra special this year. Here is her birthday cake. What do you think? I worked all day yesterday and finally got to bed at 11:00 last night.
IMAGES: Cookie Sunshine
Greeting Cards ATC Cards For a Very Good Cause
Image: Chriss Rollins
Greeting Cards CARDS FOR A GOOD CAUSE
I'M SHARING THE FOLLOWING POST THAT IS A DIRECT QUOTE FROM CHRISS ROLLINS BLOG.
I don't usually cut and paste direct quotes like this but today I am in a huge hurry because of this birtday party. Chriss has asked me to share this information and this is the best way that I know how to share it with you quickly. I WILL BE PARTICIPATING AND I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL TOO. This is Chriss' LINK http://chriss-rollins.blogspot.com
"We interupt the 'Poetry ATC's' to ask if you have a handmade card/s that you would be willing to donate to the 'Daniel George' Fund Raising Event that will be taking place on the 8th May '08...family and friends will be selling handmade cards at an 'open house tea/coffee day and the cards have been donated for the event.
Now if like me you have a stash of cards you have made and not used yet and have them in a box under the bed gathering dust.. lol.. and you would like to put 1 or more of them to good use then here is the address to send them to ....
The Daniel George Fund Raising
23 Hedworth Lane
Boldon
Tyne & Wear
NE35 9HZ
Daniel is a 15 year old who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and he knows only too well that an assistance dog can make a huge difference to the lives of disabled youngsters and when Daniels assistance dog Yogi won the 'Crufts - Friends for Life' competition he was over the moon and so proud of Yogi.
Raising funds for the dogs for the disabled has played a big part in the lives of Daniel and his family ... through fund raising for others he has met Alan Shearer, McFly and Matt Baker, Daniel also has a guest book on Jaqi's blog which he would love for you to sign.
Why not take a little time out to read more about Daniel and what HE actually does to raise money for other sufferers of DMD... by clicking on.. Jaqi's Blog and Daniel George in my fave places to visit.
Neither one of them know that I am asking for your help to raise a total of 100 cards for his friends to be able sell to help raise money to send Daniel on a special holiday to thank him for all the hard work HE has done fund raising.
Come on girls dig those cards out, we can do it. :)))
If you have a spare handmade card looking for a good home we would love you to send it for Daniel... i dont know Daniel but if sending a card or 2 will help.. count me in.
Thanx for reading.
Luv Chriss x"
Another Visit From Jean The ATC Queen
You'll need to turn the music off first before viewing this video. Scroll down and click on the two vertical lines. Thanks.
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Check out Lilly Cottage
Be sure to look for the charming painting of the purple pump on the Lilly Cottage blog. I wish I had a pair just like this to wear for Simone's purple birthday party! Too cute.
A quick post
I'm taking a quick break from my party planning activities to share something fresh, bright and fun, that I found just a minute ago. It doesn't look like it would take a lot of time to create, but it would give tons of pleasure in the studio. Check out the latest post at House Wren Studio.
Mammy T and Lizi
MammyT is introducing her Grandaughter Lizi's new blog. Lizi is eleven years old. She is a very bright, and pretty Christian girl who is insterested in meeting young girls her age and making friends in this joint project with her grandmother. Lizi loves to read, has two dogs, and collects erasers!
Busy Days Ahead
Image: Illustration by Cookie Sunshine
I'm going to be very busy between now and the weekend. It's my friends birthday. I'm in charge of decorations, cake, and goodie bags for her party.
This is the cake that I will be working on tomorrow.
You might remember the fondant cake that I made for my MIL this past fall. I shared it with you in a previous Show and Tell. Things I make seldom end up exactly like my original drawing. I usually make modifications. But this is the original plan. We're talking about three layers. 10", 8' and 6". Each is 3" high. The purple ribbon is not two tone. I just colored it that way in the illustration to give it a bit of texture. The daisies and polka dots will be cut outs that will be applied to the cake. The purple swirls will be painted onto the middle layer.
I do have a beautiful cake pedestal, however I don't think that the ten inch cake is going to fit! I'm going to have to see what I can come up with.
Yesterday I found vintage Detroit newspapers for the party hats. One is a 1945 paper! I have not had time to look at the others. I'm going to use butcher paper for the base of the hats. I plan to use markers and paint, collage and embellish them with buttons. I have no idea how they are going to look, but I like the basic concept. I'm channeling a lot of the wonderful collages I've seen on blogs I've been visiting these past few months. No doubt some of the party hats will end up with stripes and or glitter.
I'm going to be a bit quieter than usual over the next few days and I won't have as much time to check in with all of you as I normally do, but I'll be back as soon as possible. I'll pop in on Friday morning to announce the winner of Cookie's Treasure Hunt. Other than that, you won't see a lot of me before Sunday. Sending good wishes to everyone for a wonderful weekend. I'll be back with photos as soon as possible.
Hugs, Cookie
A Blog I'm Reading
Here's a Blog I'm currently reading. Some of you might find it of interest. The Biz of Creativity
Jean, Jean The ATC Voo Doo Queen
Image: Cookie Sunshine
Please meet Jean. She's the ATC Voo Doo Queen. She's sitting in the night contemplating her next trade, determined to come up with her best set yet.
Like most ATC artists, Jean puts her all into everything that she does. Quite often, ATC thoughts keep her up at night, and when they don't, she finds they follow her into her dreams.
Everyone loves Jean.
Jean is an original illustration by Cookie Sunshine. She is a combination of mixed media collage and is digitally painted. Prints will be available on etsy soon.
Pink Chalk Studio
I like the Pink Chalk Studio. Have you been there? It's worth a visit.
Suze, This One's For Uze
Image: Cookie Sunshine
Suze, This One's For Uze
I have a friend who lives in the deep south. Her name is Suze. She's a groovy girl with a groovy family and groovy tastes. She sends me groovy email and makes me smile.
Suze loves the color purple. In fact, it's her signature color.
It all began the day that she married her sweetheart, Bruce. That's the day that she discovered her love for purple.
Ever since that day, Suze has immersed herself in purple. Not only does she wear purple, she lives in purple. Once I saw a purple toilet at her home. She drives a purple car. She puts purple ornaments on her Christmas tree (no it isn't purple...not the one I saw), but she does wear a purple Santa's hat. If it comes in purple, she probably has it, unless there is something bad wrong with the idea. She probably drinks purple wine, and I'll bet she has smoked a purple cigarette at some point in her wilder days.
Suze is the grooviest girl I've ever known and one of my favorite people in the entire world.
So, I'm declaring today Purple Suze day. Suze, This One is For Uze! Thanks for making life a lot Purpler, and a little nicer so often when I check my email. I miss you. Thanks for being such a great pal.
I'll bet you didn't know that I had a computer pseudonym. How about that one!
Cookie Sunshine :-)
Don't Try This At Home
Image: Cookie Sunshine
It Is Scientifically Proven That Wearing Your Sleep Mask During Daylight Hours Can Be A Dangerous Thing..Who Knows What Dangers Lurk in the Daylight When You are Not Paying Attention.
Illustration by Cookies Sunshine
Cookie Sunshine's Treasure Hunt - Week Five
It's time for Cookie Sunshine's Treasure Hunt, Week Five. Do you play?
This weeks prize is the original illustration, Cookie's Paints. The illustration is digitally painted with Epson archival inks, printed on epson archival papers. The image is 5" x 7" and comes matted in an 8" x 10" white designer mat, sans watermark.
Here's what you need to do to win:
There are two ways for you to win. First, you need to look at the picture below. It is a snippit from one of my earlier posts this year. Find the snippit and leave a comment for me at the post where you find the snippit for your first chance to win. For your second chance, please put the Cookie's Treasure Hunt button on your blog, or create a post linking to the treasure hunt and telling your readers about it. Once you have put the button on your page, or created a post telling your readers, please go to the site where the snippit is located and leave a comment leading me to your post or the button. If you already have a button on your page and want to be included in this weeks drawing, please leave a comment at the snippit letting me know so that I will be able to include you in the drawing.
On Friday, April 11, I will assign a number to each comment received beginning with the first one received. I'll use a random number generator to come up with the winning entry.
Thanks so much for playing. If you have any questions, please contact me at Mail@CookieSunshine.com. Happy Treasure Hunt!
Here's the snippit that you need to find:
Reducing Alzheimer's Risks
I received the nicest note from Chriss-Rollins today with this attachment - Reducing Alzheimer's Risks. It's too important not to share with all of you. Chriss, thank you very much for sharing this link with me.
Hugs, Cookie
The Steggosaurus and Cookie Sunshine
Please scroll down the sidebar to the music widget and click on the two vertical lines to turn off the music before you attempt to view this video. Thanks.
A quick note of thanks toVanessa at a Fanciful Twist (one of my favorite artists and a wonderful soul) for introducing me to the mystical music of Dustin O'Halloran. This video made me cry.