I have been nose to the grinder in the past few weeks as I have been working hard on some projects and really wanted to update everyone. Grab your favorite drink and listen in what I have been working on. First on the list…
I wanted to start by taking a moment and say thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who read and visit my blog and follow me on social media. This year has been one big tumble down the rabbit hole, in both a good way and a bad way. I don`t share much of my personal life, because I believe in sharing the best of you. Regardless of what I believe in, I am human. I cry. I laugh. I try my best and sometimes succeed. Sometimes not so much.
A year ago, I started to have symptoms of what I thought was exhaustion. After a few doctor`s visits and symptoms getting worse, he diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. Though I was glad I had a name to my ails, I think I was in shock for three months just by virtue of the diagnosis. It was like admitting defeat.
I am, by all definitions, doing better as I adjust to take care of myself a better way. Learning healthy ways of living and thinking.
This is by no means an excuse for me, but rather a reason to try harder. I am more determined to living and enjoying life than I have ever been before. And if you have stuck it out with me, through my months of silence and non-posting, I want to thank you for your patience and loyalty to me and my work. It means the world to me.
I am illustrating a book! Ajshay James is a super passionate, energetic and positive to the tenth-power girl. Her calling is to teach others how to be fiscally sound. Her zest for life has always been there, even as she survived brain cancer. She lives for teaching how to be financially self sufficient and a savvy saver and has led her to write a series of children`s books that feature the gorgeous character of Ms. Pig E. Bank$.
This tale has a wonderful lesson for children of all ages. Even I as draw and paint through the scenes, I have learned its lesson too. I am proud to be part of this project and am super blessed to be part of Ajshay`s winning team. (Hi April!!)
I recently designed a Munny doll for a non-profit I would like to talk about. The indieXhibit is a non-profit organization that facilitates brand awareness through celebrity gifting events. I have been involved for quite a few years and love the girls that run the show.
So when I was asked if I would donate a Munny, I said:”But of course, darling!” These girls work super hard to set up at each event and put aside their “star struck” to mingle with the stars and push independent brands.
Miss Miau is sparkly kitty with real Swarovski Crystals, soft doll hair, a feather boa and a tulle tutu. Oh she comes with the purse you see there.
They will be doing this again next year so gear up and join them at http://www.TheindieXhibit.org!!
I love gowns!! Dresses with puffy skirts are my weakness. Thankfully Michelle Rene has been kind enough to help quell my dress obsession by letting me draw gowns in her studio. Michelle Rene is amazing. Sweet, classy and sophisticated, this sewing maven is as gifted as my mother.
The dress you see above… Michelle Rene redesigned it and recreated it for her client who had found a gem in the rough and she didn`t quite like. I want to get married again just so she could make the gown for me. Love you Michelle!!
XOXO
Elaine
