New Etsy Storefront and Vintage Postcards

Today I uploaded a few Neiman-Marcus vintage postcards and added a storefront to my store.

Take a little looksy . . .

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageDefinition?ga_search_query=vintage+definition&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Aim Number 4: Art

From time to time this year I will chime in and let you know how I am doing with my "aim of the year". Aim number four for me this year is to further my own education in art. So to get started I signed up for an oil painting class. I have never painted with oils because they are expensive and I have no idea of what to do with them. On the first day of class I painted several oranges and a little pot. I am learning to mostly work with the light and see value. You can can see what I did on the first day of class below.

It's amazing that even through this experience how you can learn so much about yourself. There are some seriously talented painters in the class and I found myself not wanting to go to the class on the second day. I realized it was because I was feeling inferior and I was fearful. When I realized what I was feeling I knew I had to go because I want to try and learn new things and I was surprised and how quickly I became fearful. I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7). I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to realize truth. Besides I am meeting some neat people in the class and who knows what sort of adventure He has me on.

Giving Oil Painting a Go!

Wintery Walk

Yesterday . . . just to be brave (and to get a little exercise) , Adam and I went for a walk in the below freezing weather. I just decided that we can't let this weather win us and make us stay totally inside.

So I bribed Adam with a steaming glass of hot chocolate upon our return and he decided to come! We got all bundled up and ventured out on a walk. Here's a few pics:

Here's us trying to smile, but there was a slight freezing wind in our faces.

And now we are over halfway done, so I am doing a dance!

We walked up where you can view the river, it's pretty amazing looking, but burr!

Frozen Beach.

The Aim of the Year

Earlier this year, January 2nd, I sat down and wrote out a few ideas for what I want to accomplish this year. They are not in order of importance nor are they all of equal importance. They just reflect what is on my mind right now and what things I want to either step into for the first time or continue to step into this year. You can tell I hesitate to use the cliche word "GOAL" b/c it's not a pass or fail kind of a thing for me, it is however hard to put this out for the whole word to see. oh well!! :)

1. Continue blogging

2. Get a job

3. Further education in art therapy

4. Continue my own education in art

5. Deepen my relationship in my marriage

6. Journal with the intention of writing out what I am thinking

7. Pray for my husband daily

8. Continue to develop new relationships

9. Read new books in areas of interest

10. Read and daily apply scripture

I have Gone Etsy!

So if you know me . . . you know that it was only a matter of time before this happened. I mean it's in my bones. I post about it all the time. I am a lover of vintage and of crafting. So you had to know that I would do it. Right? I have opened a shop on www.etsy.com. If you don't know what ETSY is . . . well then check it out ASAP.

I have named my shop Vintage Definition I will be selling Vintage Items and Handcrafted items inspired by Vintage. As of this post I have one item on my shop. It's a beautiful rose broach, vintage of course.

Here is the direct link to my site:

http://www.etsy.com/people/VintageDefinition

And a sneak peak of THE item I have on my site (more pics of this item on site), more coming later today!

Sugars!

I love, love making sugar cookies at Christmas time! I made some to take to Dallas! So I thought I'd give you a look!

I'd made the dough ahead of time and stuck it in the freezer box. I usually make the dough and freeze it in packets of three. I then bring it to room temperature. The recipe I use makes thick, delicous cookies! So yum. Time to give her a roll.

Then I cut the cookies and popped em' in and outta the oven. Delish.

I make a Royal Frosting for my sugars. It whips up beautifully and then you can go color crazy. This time I just made blue and white.

Time to ice the sugars and give them some pizzaz! Favorite decorations for cookies are from William Sonoma.

Grab the milk! This plate is full and it is only 1/3 the dough!

If you want the recipe for the sugars or the frosting, just e-mail me at kimmybrooke@gmail.com and I'm happy to send.

Back From Dallas

Sorry I have been I little MIA. We went to Dallas for Thanksgiving and I'm bad about 2 Things.

1. Blogging when I travel

2. Taking pictures when I travel

So I have already decided those are two goals for 2011 that I am already going to start working on! During our Dallas trip I was just so grateful to be home with my family and friends that I didn't really feel like stopping to bust out the camera. Now I wish I would have done that more. That is something I need to work on more.

It was so great to be home with friends and family and it did a world of good for my heart and soul. Also, it did something pretty cool. When we left, it made our home here feel more like home. I was still sad to leave family and friends, but I was excited for our home here and what the Lord is establishing for us here.

One thing I have been praying since we left Dallas is that wherever we set up our physical home that I can remember that my home is is Him. That as I meet new people and get connected He would meet my needs, but that ultimately I would turn to Him first and that I would long for Him. This has been hard and I have fell flat on my face a few times, but I pray that as I get up each time he is building me into a stronger woman for him.

We did take a few pics though, I'm editing them and will share them soon.