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1/25/2014

Grow Your Blog Party




 Hi.  My Name is CatieAn.  I want to welcome you to my blog.   I have been blogging on and off for about 5 years now.  I love meeting new friends and finding "kindred spirits".  I am just starting Chapter 64 of my Life.

I am a retired Pediatric Oncology and Peds Intensive Care Nurse.  I am married to my best friend, my lover and my partner in this wonderful life.  We have shared 42 years together and the ride has been amazing.  We have four married children and 7 beautiful grandchildren.

My Faith, Family and Friends are the most important parts of my life. I personally know that my life is much richer for having God in it.  My life doesn't mean anything without Him or the love of family and friends.

 I have hired Gloria here to mop up the foot prints of our furry family:



  Mato

Callie


and our adopted baby Shelka.


I call myself a  mixed media Artist..........self taught.....taking a class or two here and there and picking up whatever I can along the way.  I love drawing,  pastel chalk, pen and ink, pencil.


I am drawn to faces and have an affinity for portraits.


I love to journal.

I love stained glass and took a semester at the local commuinty college.

A new passion is photography.







I also love assemblage art and pick up odds and ends wherever I can.

I have an electic decorating style and Mr. P embraces it as much as I do.

I love vintage linens and lace:

collecting buttons.

I also am drawn to busts




and vintage hats


Please meet Stella......my favorite estate sale find.  For $45  she came home with me.  She is from the 60's and owns an original Ethel Merman bathing suit.

Stella changes outfits with the holidays/seasons and gets to attend all family events that are hosted here. I know my adult children think I am nuts but the grandkids and my weekly kids love Stella. You can see here in another outfit--picked by the 'grands'  below.
I have been teaching a dozen plus children once a week.  We explore art, baking, sewing, crafts and whatever.

 This is my 7th year and some in my class are younger siblings of my first group.  John and I donate all the supplies needed so no one gets turned away.  I only take a dozen kids so I am not completely overwhelmed and everyone gets attention.  I love children and since all of our grandchildren live far away,
I can still work with them on a regular basis.


I have a neurologic pain syndrome called RSD or CRPS.  Going into my tenth year, I have had lots of challenges.
I try to live each day to the fullest.  It will not kill me but  it does cause me grief.  Most of the time I use this outside the house.

More times than I want  I have to use these.  I redecorate them every few years.


Lately I have had to use this while recovering from another joint surgery.

I love my flower gardens.  Playing in the dirt is so healing.



I love music of all genres----except for Rap.

Reading is

a favorite past time.

Join me and my favorite grandkids, put on your party hats, pull out the noise makers, and visit all the parties across the globe.


I am drawing two names for a box of vintage goodies to be mailed out on Feb. 15th.

I hope you find something that interests you and brings you back whenever you want.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you.


I want to join in thanking our host, Vicki@2 bagsfull for this world wide event.  Please follow the link below to meet and greet everyone included in the PARTY.

2 Bags Full



57 comments:

CatieAn said...

hi

Laurie said...

Good morning, CatieAn. Loved your GYB post. I have a skeleton that I dress much like you do Stella. It's so fun. Her name is Mrs. Bones. I had her when I was in xray school. My children and grandchildren get a kick out of her. By the way, I loved your journaling page. I would like to try that. Be well, my friend, and have a great time at the party!

Unknown said...

enjoyed my visit to your blog. I liked the art journal page you shared. i am now following you via G+ and email.

kathyinozarks said...

Welcome to the grow your blog party. I am Kathy of Kathyinozarks one of Vicki's helpers-greeters.
I love your art! I do allot of different things too and I'm retired now as well.So glad to have met you
Enjoy the party

hula-la said...

Oh my goodness, you stopped me dead at the button stash! Yes, I am a button hoarder...love them all and have a thing for the wonderful vintage ones that I use in some of my projects. Enjoy the blog party! Aloha from snowy, icy, frigid New York.

lynn cockrell said...

CatieAn,

What a nice post! Though I have been reading your blog for some time now and have always enjoyed it, it was nice reading a bit more about you and getting to know you a little better.

I admire how you are giving of yourself and your time to help pass on your love of art and creating to the younger ones.

It is so generous of Vicki to share her love of people and blogging with others by hosting the Grow Your Blog party.

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

Accroquilt said...

Hello! It's a pleasure to meet you today. Have a nice week-end!

vicky myers said...

Hi CatieAn, Really enjoyed reading your blog post, stopping by from GYB. Rather envious of your button jar!! Love the fact you are teaching kids - I still remember exploring art materials at an after school art club one of the Mum's out on - wonderful to foster creativity in children:)
Vicky

Victoria said...

Hi, found you through GYB. I'm envious of your button jar! The photos of your flowers are beautiful and I agree with you about playing in the dirt.

I'm following you via GFC.

Blessings,

Victoria

M.K. said...

It was fun to find you here at the party, Catie An -- blessings on you and yours! Your classes look like fun :)

Shirley said...

Hi CatieAn, I have enjoyed catching up with you tonight. I feel like I have learned more about you. I enjoyed seeing a young boy running a sewing machine. I tried to teach one of my grandsons to embroidery. The grow your blog party is so much fun. Your crutches are classy all decorated up. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Claire said...

So lovely to meet you Catiean, and to see such wonderful images from your life - and if I can look as good as you in 14 years time, I'll be a happy bunny!!
Thank you so much for stopping by yesterday and leaving a lovely comment :)
I'll certainly be back when I have more time - I'm still catching up from the GYB party...

Claire said...

PS I've become a follower and I'm also doing Liberate Your Art :)

Hettienne Grobler said...

Hi CatieAnn thank you for stopping by my blog and thus leading me to you. I am here to stay and am now following you. I love your blog, your style and what you do and how you do it. Hettienne

Donna Heber said...

Hi CatieAn,

I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is nice to meet you, Mato, Callie, and your newest baby Shelka. I knew right away from looking at your blog it had to be a Valentine design. Karen is just wonderful and she did my blog several years ago. I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

Bernadett said...

Hello,

Nice to meet you.:)
I would like to participate in your giveaway.
petitearmoire2@gmail.com

Greetings.

Bernadett

Unknown said...

Love your blog. I'm so sorry about your disabling condition but so impressed with all you do, especially sharing you passion for arts and crafts with the children.
Your photographs are beautiful.

Sowing Stitches said...

Oh I've had so much fun visiting with you on your blog! I am now a new happy follower and look forward to more of your eclectic creative posts! :)

Carol D. said...

I just can't resist becoming a follower. You hooked me with the stories on Thrifty Goodness. I love to stop at sales and what a find you made with grannies' 2 boxes. Lots of treasures. See you next time.

allthingzsewn said...

I did not know anyone did their lives in chapters besides my husband and myself. That was the first thing that drew me to you, Then the way you write, as a well known friend. then the best is how you do for the kids. I look forward to blogging with you. T

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

Oh! another button collector, I also love buttons and I do lead lighting as well. See you round.

Unknown said...

found/followed you from the gyb party - I art journal too!

can't wait to see more of what you're up to.

hope you'll stop by and visit me as well!

sandy said...

Looks like you have a full and fun life! Your bucket is FULL! It was fun getting to know you better through this post. I'm here through the GYB party!

creations.1 said...

Loved reading all about you and how you keep yourself busy (very busy)! I am your 76th follower and thank you for visiting my blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi CatieAn! Thank you again for stopping by my blog. I just love everything you do and all you have accomplished. You are truly inspirational. Your work is beautiful and man are those portraits something else! I will definitely be following your blog. Have a great evening.

Jennifer www.karmas-journey.blogspot.com

mysteryhistorymom said...

CatieAn- So nice to meet you! Where shall I start? LOVE that you teach classes for children! My goodness, how blessed they are to have you in their lives. I used to teach an American Girl (the books) class and also a Nancy Drew class. We had such fun crafting, cooking and reading together.:) I love, love, love books- just like you. How beautiful you've decorated your crutches! I would have never thought to do something like that. Genius. I also collect buttons and just received my grandmother's collection. She'll be 100 in April. Can you imagine? Do stop by my blog as I'm having a fun giveaway! I'm going to happily follow you and I hope you'll do the same.:) Lori

Anonymous said...

Good morning from a very wet Northern Ireland...lovely blog, your an animal lover..love your work..beary hugs Amanda x

Art and Sand said...

I am not a new visitor, but I saw some new things.

That journal page with the writing done around the flower is just gorgeous and I love your assemblage piece.

I like the idea of having a kids craft class. I might just think about doing that. I have the space now to do a craft class with about 5 kids at one time. Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Loved your blog! We are still making our way down the list and trying to visit all the blogs that participated!

We too love old hats, buttons, and vintage stuff. How fun that you're teaching kids to craft!

Good luck with the GYB event.

Deb and Kathy

Beth said...

Hi CatieAn, I enjoyed your post. You sound like a spunky lady! And how talented you are: your art is fantastic. I love your Stella and your furbabies. I signed on to follow your blog. Have a lovely week and hope your leg is healing well.
God bless, Beth

Sarah and Dan said...

Wonderful service you provide to all those kids!

Barbara Lilian in France said...

Hello CatieAn
Thank you for your kind comments you left on my blog from GYB party post.
I loved reading about you, I'm sorry to hear about your health problems but still find time to give so much time to the children. What a kind loving person you are. I can't wait to come back and read more about you. Like you I have a give away. your name will be entered. I'd love to be the winner of your give away.Look forward to sharing are posts and becoming fiends through our blogs.

Derrith said...

What a fun blog! I'd love to be in your drawing and am a new follower. Your mannequin head with the wide open mouth is hilarious.

okcamp said...

OMG, Stella is such a hoot. I'll be back after I make the rounds.
Diane

okcamp said...

OMG, Stella is such a hoot. I'll be back after I make the rounds.
Diane

Ida said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I had to come visit yours and I'm sure glad I did. I just became a follower. You have a great mix of stuff here on your blog and of course you love cats (and dogs) so that's a big plus in my book. I'll be visiting often.

Neesie said...

Hello CatieAn,
I'm waving from Bonnie Scotland and taking part in Vicki's GYB party.
It's great to meet you and you certainly have lots happening here...I'm not sure I could have Stella though. Don't get me wrong I think it's brilliant but I don't think I could live with her...I've always had a thing about mannequins!
I'm off to trip around the globe but will be back to see what's happening ;D
Enjoy the party!

Betty said...

What a wonderful blog you have here and family. I am your newest follower.

My Garden Diaries said...

SO nice to meet you friend! We have so much in common and I just love that shot of the kids working around the table...what a dream!!! And I like all music too....except rap! I can not wait to follow along with you on this blogging journey! Thanks so much for taking the time to pop on by!!! Nicole xoxo

Stacy said...

Love your garden photos. And I love your art and that you are teaching kids art as well! Thank you for your visit and kind words. I know I need to get on top of the watermark deal but it is seems like just one more thing to add to already time consuming process. Where is your watermark? I love Oceanside, we were there a few summers ago. One of my favorite photos from that visit will be on the blog next week.

Sparklyjools said...

Hello CatieAn,
Thank you so much for stopping by and your very sweet comments. My goodness - it all looks so much fun here! I love the photo of your walking sticks. What a wonderful idea. You are obviously a lady full of positive energy and possibilities! I am so pleased to meet you through GYB, and I am following you via Bloglovin'.
Warm wishes, Jules

Cache-Mire said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. This is my second GYB party and I had forgotten how much fun it is but also how much time it takes! But I'm glad I got to meet you. Your blog is lovely and I'll be following! Hugs, Terri

Unknown said...

Hey CatieAn, so sorry that you are injured, that is just no fun. I absolutely love your little jar scenes a few posts down. I also love to read, there is a huge reading blog community with hops and everything you should check it out. It has been lovely meeting you.

Hugs
Caroline

Jo said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog ... i adore your Stella!!! too cool for words, and yes like you i love to craft and play and enjoy it all!

Barbara said...

hello, Love!!!
been TOOOOOO LONG!!!

MWAH!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello CatieAn. I am visiting from GYBP. Your blog is lovely as are your creations.. I hope you recover quickly. Hugs Judy

nicolesender said...

Enjoyed visiting your blog. You have a very interesting blog.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Hello Oma from Oma. I'm glad that you came to visit me, I've still not finished getting around to all the GYB participants. But I sure am glad I came here and met you and your other blog with the kids just made me wish I was still working with kiddos. It looks like you're having a blast with them.
I think you and I have family, arting and a spirit of giving back in common and I have joined your blog.
See you soon, Oma Linda

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Thank you for stopping by for a visit! Your blog is great and I see we have several things in common. The GYB party has been a lot of fun and a great way to meet new friends. I look forward to blogging with you! Please put my name in for your drawing!

Jeanne said...

Hi Catiean! I am jeanne with Butterfly tales, and wanted to tell you that I am so excited to see that you have joined in my blog, and I have also signed up to follow you. It is so fun to meet another nurse, and one who loves photography too. I just got back in town for a weekend away, and will spend more time perusing your blog as soon as I get unpacked. Hugs from Texas! and looking forward to getting to know you !

Unknown said...

Fun blog and I love all the vintage items. Get well soon and keep your good work growing. Jackie

Diana said...

Hi CatieAn--thanks for visiting me via the GYB party;it's been lots of fun. I read your post and was so sad to hear about your condition--Isaid a prayer for you today. What a blessing for those 12 children to receive all that special attention and training. You're a special lady; glad to have met you, Diana

Diana said...

PS please enter me in your giveaway :)

Tisha Dolton said...

I may have to steal your idea about the carpeting stuff on the bottom of a cast. My mom broke her ankle & will be in a cast for 6 weeks. She might go crazy from not using her sewing machine.

Thought I'd stop by from the GYB list... Slowly making my way through it. Please stop by my embroidery blog if you are interested. (I'm in the 1st group)

aprilsongstress

macmillanmarie said...

What a pleasure to meet you. Your blog is wonderful. It is so nice to get to know you and our lovely family. Thanks for sharing.

overboardcreations said...

Wow I love my visit. Didn't realize that there is so much going on in cyber world. Forgive me for coming to the party at the last minute, But 600 blog reading was a little tasking. I wanted to read and get to know the girls so I did read everyone's bio. Your my 517 blog and 24 hours left to go. If you like come visit My site http://overboardcreations.blogspot.com/and contact info is http://ovr_brd@yahoo.com I believe inspiration comes from all facets of life even knowing the great people out there with wisdom and knowledge the do's and don'ts and even the wonders of life from a personal point of view. I liked you following you on goggle connect and Bloglovin you. hope to see you in the cyber neighborhood I am new to blogging so I don't have a lot posted because I got side tract with GYB party. Kind of felt it was important to have some one read my silly chatter. I can't remember a time I didn't dabble in something creative. I tried a little of everything. But, my new love these days is Card making I just love it.
Oh thanks for letting me enter your give away.

Patty Antle said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog and meeting you! You are one very creative woman and I love your creative space.