Mirapelo Art

So, I've finally opened up shop on Etsy. I'm both thrilled and terrified by the prospect of complete strangers seeing my artwork, but it's what I feel is the best way to begin this part of the Journey.

I seriously don't know what I'm doing; the painting, the shop, all of it - I'm going in blind, but I'm not alone. I'm backed up by my Father, supported on both sides by my husband and son, and cheered for on the sidelines by my friends. Now, if only I could scavenge a bit of confidence in myself...

I'm running out of canvases!

Help, help!! I'm out of canvas and I've still got paint on my brush!

Seriously though... it's kind of true. I've got two more paintings ready to sell, a third on the easel for Da Boy that's at halfway and only 2 canvases left. I'm almost afraid to use them, in case I get commissioned for a piece. Although, it's highly doubtful that would happen, considering it hasn't yet, but hey - ya never know!

Here are my latest paintings. 

Butterfly Heaven

9"x9" acrylics on canvas

For Sale: $50

Salvation is Here

16"x20" acrylics on canvas

for sale: $125

There is paint on my heart

I've started painting again. Well, I don't know if 'again' is really the word. I started painting about two years ago, but I only did one picture and ended up hating it. It's been hanging in my bathroom since then, and I despair every time I see it. I have been told it's not that bad and it's kinda cool with the texture in the background and for the most part I agree, it's just that I know I could have done it better, but I didn't even try.

You see, I've always wanted to be a painter, but there's just one problem... I can't draw. Literally cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, I even have difficulty with even-sided squares and round circles. But, I thought maybe, if I tried painting... it would be easier. I have all these pictures and designs in my head, I just can't get them to my hand.

So, I finally convinced myself and Mr. Man that I wanted to try again. I got all my supplies together, estimated what I needed to buy to get started, did some research, set everything up, and began. This is what came out of that effort.

"Butterflies"

Acrylics on Canvas

8"x10"

I was extremely proud of this picture... even as it was drying I knew I loved it. I was planning on listing it on my Etsy shop (which I have only just set-up and haven't used yet) and attempting to sell it. But first, I wanted opinions. Confirmation that it was good. So... I posted it on Facebook. Low and behold - people seemed to like it! I talked about selling it, wondering what my friends thought I should ask for it. Then .. the amazing thing happened... I was contacted by a very good friend of mine Alice D. She wants to buy it for a friend of hers that saw the painting and loved it! $50 dollars and wham - I've sold my very first painting! I am to deliver the painting tomorrow at church, where she will pay me for it (in cash, thank you very much!) Also, we've been talking about a butterfly painting for her.  

squeeeee!!

I've painted a few others, I even got Da Boy into it! Here are a couple of my other works - yes they are in a different style, but I'm trying out new things, I want to see what I like doing the most.

"From Afar"

Acrylics on frame back

11"x14"

"Mark 1:10" 

Acrylics on cardboard

5"x7"

Please, tell me what you think of my work. If you don't like them I'll kill you don't worry, I can take it! Just give me your honest opinions!

Post-It Note Tuesday 6/29/2KX

Wordful Wednesday-Phone Photo Memories

Isn't taking pictures with your phone so much fun?! I love it, I just wish I had a better phone, and therefore, a better camera in it. Here are my favorite camera shots from my lousy phone. I'm hoping to get a better phone soon, so maybe next time I'll have better pics for you! I did my best to make these photos better through photoshop - at least now you can see what the pictures are of!

Da Boy - we called him "Spike" for 2 days

(5-6 months ago)

Self portrait - my new haircut

(6 months ago maybe?)

(2009) Mr. Man makin' a funny at a restaurant.

(2009) I told them "Make nice funny faces"

(to boys 'nice' = calm)

Mr. Man and Sissy T at her

going away party in SoCal (2009)

 Adso when he was teensy. He was so friggin cute.

(2008) 

Sora, the day we brought him home. No, his head

really isn't that blurry. (2009)

Da Boy at Grandma's house, making pancakes

(Thanksgiving 2009)

Me - 2nd place as a Faerie for Halloween at

Casino Fandango (2008)

Da Boy on his best behavior waiting in the 

church office. (2009)

The one in which Da Boy steals my camera

 I plugged in the camera this morning to upload a photo of Da Boy I had taken last Wednesday, the day before he left for his birth dad's house. Then I saw that he had gotten all "photographer" on me again and took 97 pictures with it when I asked him to bring me the camera. 97 yeah. Most of which were out of focus snaps of the TV and the cats. Oh, and his feet. He did, however, get a couple of Mr. Man and I that aren't too bad at all! Here are the pics I had planned to post, and a few of his best shots.

**** Da Boy's Photoshoot starts below!!****

iSparkle Designs - Grand Opening

I'm very proud to present iSparkle Designs - a blog design shop!



I am very excited about this new venture of mine and I am inviting all of my readers to head over there and "follow" that blog as well. You can get there by clicking the button above. Check it out - enter the giveaway, look at the catalog, maybe even order a new design for your blog. The first giveaway starts at 9am today (in about 30 minutes).

Can't wait to see you there!
~Miranda

Weekend of Awesome

Happy Monday, all! I can only hope your weekend was as full of awesome as ours was! Friday night, Mr. Man and Da Boy got crazy doing laundry, and I couldn't resist grabbing the camera. Most of the pictures that we took (Da Boy snagged the camera from me and snapped several) didn't turn out too well, seems like my camera doesn't do 'action' very well! :)

This is how it all started! 

Yes, that's Da Boy as Mr. Man dumps all the clean laundry on him

Then came the "sock fight"

I only wish I had thought to do a video instead of photos. 

Would have been epic!

Saturday, Mr. Man, Da Boy and I hopped in the car and drove over to the Nevada State Railroad Museum for our first family train ride.

As they blew the train whistle and I snapped this pic,  I realized how awesome it is to be Da Boy's Mom.

After the train ride, we gave Day Boy the first installment of his allowance - Three whole dollars per week, for doing his chore list. Which, by the way, is no simple task! It includes helping with dishes, taking out his trash and helping with the laundry (hence the sock fight above!). He's been doing great, so he got his allowance.  We took him to Target and he picked out some Hot Wheels cars and paid for them himself. I've never seen him prouder. Wish I'd had the camera with me for that! 

Later that afternoon we hooked up with my "adopted" parents, Alice and Lou, for church. Service and worship were amazing, as usual, and Pastor Bill really hit the nail on the head with some points about staying with God's plan, even when it seems like it's changing. It really made me think about this new blog design business I'm opening (tomorrow, hint-hint). But, we'll talk about that later...

After church, the whole famn-damily went to the chinese restaurant for dinner and then we headed out to see the Comstock Cowboys perform at the Carson City Rendezvous.  It was a lot of fun (except the part where Da Boy ran away, off into the grass all the way to the cars before I finally caught up with him and just about whacked him one in public!) The music was great and all the ladies and gentlemen in their costumes were wonderful.

Sunday we took it easy, and enjoyed a yummy dinner out in our front yard. It was pretty laid-back for the most part, and today it's "catch up" time. The grand opening for iSparkle Designs is tomorrow, and needless to say - I'm not ready. But - it'll work for now, and I think as long as I can get some more followers on that blog, it'll turn out just fine. Time for me to go, however, Da Boy is chanting "I unnnnry" at me and begging for lunch.

Good News and Better News

The good news is... Mr. Man and I started a new class at church last night called "Church History". I've been looking forward to this class for months now, ever since they first started talking about offering it. So, we grabbed our bibles and headed to class, after dropping Da Boy off at the church child care room. Besides the teacher, our class totaled 11 people. We were given the book "The Church in History" by B.K. Kuiper and with that and a Power Point, we got to work. This class is exactly what I've been praying for; an in-depth study of the Christian church, from Jesus to modern time, including a study in the denominations.

I'm so happy that we signed up for this class, it's going to be difficult; we are already in a growth group, plus regular church and our own daily devotionals, also Mr. Man is in a men's group studying the Book of Mark. I spent 2 hours last night, transcribing my notes and the power point to a notebook, and that was just for the first class! But, I think it'll be good for us, and I'm happy to see that Mr. Man is also excited about it.


The better news is.... the test results are in and I don't have to have surgery on my back! Can I get a woot woot?!  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go read the post in which I explain whats wrong. I was pretty worried to have this test done, alone, but it turned out that it was no big deal and I'm just a wussy. Go me. I took Da Boy over to a friend's house for a bit, and he had a blast. The doctor that did the test was wonderful, very kind and gentle. Yes, he gave me the "if you don't quit smoking you are going to die" lecture, but I don't mind that, especially since Mr. Man and I are trying to quit. This test was really uber important because basically it would tell us if there was any nerve damage in my back or legs, and if so,  I would need surgery. But... there's not any! Just irritation, which I can alleviate with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds and quitting smoking. I really believe that God heard all of our prayers, and also the prayers of our friends. Some might call it luck, or even Fate... but I know the truth. I have been so blessed in this life, and I know that God wouldn't let me down this time.

Chariots of Fire

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
2 Kings 6:16-17

I've been struggling hard for the last week to remember this passage. It seems like the Enemy has been gunning for me lately, and I feel my defenses being routed. I keep falling into his traps and pitfalls, and it's getting harder and harder to get back up and doggedly march on. I worry all the time; about my body, money (or lack thereof), my family, my husband's job, my church, my friends, my relationship with God... everything. I don't really have cause to worry so much about these things, considering most of them are fine and will take care of themselves. But I can't help it. I lay awake at night praying, asking God for some kind of sign, maybe a letter in the mail saying "Relax, daughter, I really do have everything in hand." Or even just a text, you know - "I got dis 4U no worryz k?" I mean really, would it be so hard for Him to make those chariots visible to me once in awhile? I know they are there - I know that He's got my back in this fight. I wish I could just get out of this funk - I feel like I'm in the middle of a bad dream and can't wake up.

The problem with the whole thing is this - there's absolutely NO reason for me to feel this way! My life is really super good right now! I have an amazing husband, a fantastic son, and a wonderful home to live in! I've been blessed with friends that really care for me and for whom I care deeply. A church family that has brought me to Christ and taught me that no one need ever feel alone. How can I even think of feeling depressed?! I don't know, but somehow I still do. I find myself getting angry, frustrated and anxious for no apparent reasons, quite a bit more frequently than is called for. It seems I can't avoid it, or control it. I try to pray it away and end up just mentally listing all the reasons I feel unloved, ignored, angry or slighted. Then I get mad at myself for complaining (because I know my complaints are unfounded) and start the cycle over again.

So where are my Chariots of Fire? God's army backing me up against the enemy? I know they are there... I just wish God would open my eyes to them.

The good, the bad, and the walker

This last week has just been crazy. My epidural for my back has failed, and there are some days where I cannot walk unsupported. I've borrowed a walker from a friend and have been using that when the pain gets out of control. I went to see Dr. Jones on Thursday and after talking with him (He couldn't believe I have this disease and am only 30 years old) he set up an EMG test for me. The problem with that, is that it's on Tuesday and I have no one to watch Da Boy. This test includes a bunch of needles and some pain, so I can't have him sitting there watching.

The good in all this is that Da Boy is back with us, and it's been Ah-maaaazing! I don't know where my hope would be with Mr. Man and Da Boy. They take such good care of me when I'm hurting, and have both been pouring on the love for Mama. I am indeed the world's luckiest woman in this area.

I have good days, they aren't all pain-filled and miserable. Sometimes, I don't take any pain meds at all. Other days, I only survive because of them. I cannot know what the future holds for me, but I DO know that I am not alone. I have you, my faithful readers (wink wink, nudge nudge), my loving family, my good friends, my coffee, and my God.

Best of Twitter

Best Twitter one liners EVER from two of my favorite Tweets! 


All quotes below belong to _DannyEvans_ & Phoernicia

What's awesome about the oil spill is that now we can eat the tuna out of the can and then dump the "water" its packed in into the gas tank.


Fibbing can turn into a lie ability.



He told me he made a six-figure salary and that impressed me. I later found out there's a decimal involved 



Sometimes when I watch "19 Kids and Counting" I can feel the two snipped ends of my vas deferens high-fiving each other.

 

Unless life also gives you water and sugar, your lemonade's gonna suck.

 

I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet.

 

You can change your Levis but not your genes.

 

People are so uptight! So I misinterpreted the term "exploratory committee." My bad. But my pants are back on now so just chill out.

 

The Duggar woman is pregnant with kid number 20 so they're changing the name of the show to "It's Not A Uterus; It's A Clown Car."

 

I'm not calling my mom on Mother's Day because the best gift is another opportunity for her say, "Would it kill you to call your mother?"

 

Thanks, honey. Nothing says Happy 40th quite like a new plastic cover for the spare tire on the back of my CRV. #WishIWasKidding

 

Sometimes Tom Petty sounds like Bob Dylan on nitrous oxide. 

 

No, that's not a mondo, white-headed zit on my face. It's a small skin tee-pee where I like to store my mayonnaise. I call it "Miracle Lip."

 

I'm the only dad at gymnastics class this morning, which would be awesome if I'd worn my pink unitard.

 

My grandfather is hard of hearing and he reads lips. I don't mind him reading my lips, but he uses one of those yellow highlighters. Yuck!

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

  

Things that make me smile

There are so many things in my life that make me smile, but sometimes, I can't think of a single one. I get sad or depressed, worried and anxious, and just need a little 'pick-me-up'. Here are some of my favorite one-liners from our family that make me smile again...


From Da Boy:

"Mom, can I have more milk in my bowl, but no more Wucky Charms?"
"Dear God, bless us to eat our food and help us to go to church. Dear God, Amen"
"Mommy, I think you're booiful"
"Can you put my car in your purse, and my rock...and can I had one bubble dum?"


From Mr. Man:


"How's my sexy woman of God?"
" I don't have to have sweet dreams, I have you."
"You wanna be an archaeologist...we can get a metal detector, and a shovel, go out in the backyard..."
"3 hairs" (he knows what I'm talkin' about)

I love my boys!

Getting to know you

The questions..

1. Do you have a fetish?
2. Do you sing in the shower?
3. Who was your first crush?
4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have?
5. Do you sleep naked?
6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
7. What's the first thing you do when you go online?
8. Summer is.....?




 1. Do you have a fetish? I don't know if it counts as a 'fetish' or not, but I love me some Lindt Chocolate Truffles. You have no idea. It should be a fetish, more like an addiction.


2. Do you sing in the shower? I have, but I don't do it regularly.


3. Who was your first crush? My very first crush was on a little boy whose name was Lenny. We were in preschool together and he kissed me.


4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ - all good things will follow that.


5. Do you sleep naked? *sigh* Yes, why yes I do. It's too uncomfortable to sleep in PJs, I feel like I'm sleeping on a pile of laundry.


6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Pick at my teeth, scratch my head...


7. What's the first thing you do when you go online? Check Facebook, twitter, email and blog comments.


8. Summer is.....? Not ever coming. Today it's about 50 degrees outside with the wind blowing and rain clouds hovering.


Want to join in the fun? Go to  http://www.mannland5.com/2010/05/getting-to-know-you_23.html
and link up with her!