ART Event by Veterans and Families

Friday, May 11, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  

Lake-McHenry Veterans & Family Services (VFS) Drop-In Center, 5330 W. Elm St.(120), McHenry, IL Tel: 815-322-2620

Add to my calendar

Come and join Lake-McHenry Veterans & Family Services (VFS) for an evening of ART, MUSIC, POETRY and more. Artists that are Military, Veterans & Family of Veterans will showcase their work.

Featured Artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner from Soldner Fine Art Studio will exhibit her original oil paintings from her PORTRAITS OF AMERICAN VETERANS PROJECT.

Artists Work on display:
- Paul Turnbaugh
- Larry Bychowski
- David Sourile of ARTiBILITY- Others

Art donated for the event by:
- Mark Titre of GodBlesstheTroops.com
- by Marty Smith III
- Gazebo Quilters-Quilts of Valor
- Others

WHAT: ARTist Gala Event
WHEN: MAY 11th, 2012 at 5:30pm-8:30pm
WHERE: Lake-McHenry Veterans & Family Services (VFS) Drop-In Center
5330 W. Elm St.(120), McHenry, IL

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK at  http://www.facebook.com/mcvfs

Contact: Kevin Russell, 815-322-2620, kevin.russell@mcvfs.org

Craft Fair for TOYS for TOTS - Cancelled

Dear Vendors/Friends/Sponsors,

Due to multiple unforeseen circumstances our Craft Fair to benefit Toys for Tots will have to be cancelled.  We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

We had several vendors reserve spaces but then said they were unable to pay for the space.  Unfortunately one sponsor had over promised and therefore we were not able to get the space we needed for this event.   This was a strictly NFP event and can not be possible without the support of sponsors and vendors.   I thank you dearly for your help and willingness to participate.

We will do this event next year - but will start very early.  There will be corporate sponsors (already lining up) and we might already have a willing sponsor for the space.

Any payments made by PayPal you can cancel - or we will hit the refund button to initiate the refund.  Checks that were not deposited will be returned asap.  Any that were deposited will be refunded via refund check.

If you would like to have your check or PayPal payment stay as a donation for Toys for Tots please let me know no later than 3pm Tuesday Nov. 29th, 2011 otherwise I will refund/mail at that time.
I am one of the Coordinators for Toys for Tots via Marine Corps League #1009

YOU CAN STILL MAKE DONATIONS VIA DONATE BUTTON ON THE BLOG.
Also I have multiple items that will be auctioned/sold off that were donations from other artists / crafters and businesses throughout the year.  Look for the page soon.  you can find great gifts and support a great cause.  It will be a Virtual Craft Fair.  All proceeds will go to Toys for Tots.

Once again our sincerest apologies and THANK YOU for your help.
Anna

Craft Fair for TOYS for TOTS

Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since blogged but you all know how that goes.
Most of you may know I am a US Marine Corps Veteran and a member of the Marine Corps League #1009.
This means that every year I am involved with the TOYS for TOTS program.
Every year we collect new unwrapped toys that get distributed to kids in need.  Along with several events that I will participate in - we decided to start an annual Craft Show in support of Toys for Tots.   This is a great way to do some shopping and support a great cause.  I am also collecting donated items to be raffled off and/or sold from my fellow Crafters that are unable to attend.  Sponsors & Gift Certificates are also welcome.

1st Annual Craft Fair for Toys for Tots.

When: Saturday, December 3, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm  
Where: The Crystal Lake Commons on Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL

Crafters (handmade), Craft suppliers, vintage sellers, not-for-profits/charities will be on hand to make your holiday shopping a wonderful experience.  Also people that are looking to have a table to provide services are welcome.  (Ex: Face painting, make-a-craft, feather locks, artists, etc).  Shop for one of a kind items or crafty things for the home while supporting the Toys for Tots program.

All of the booth & sponsor fees as well as toys & money collected at the door goes to T4T. (Vendors sales go to vendors)

Approximately 10,000 sq ft space near Josephs Market and Hobby Lobby will be used for this event.  There will be raffles - donated items for sale and giveaways as well as professional football players on-hand to draw a crowd.  It will be an unBearable experience to say the least.  And don't forget there will be Toys for Tots / Marines in uniform. { I know Ladies calm down }

VENDORS:
15x8 and 10x8 spaces.
Electric avail at no extra cost, first come first served.
Space is LIMITED to types of items you will sell
or the services that you will provide the day of the fair.
Bring your own tables/setup/chairs OR tables can be rented.

Sorry, no resellers unless you fit the categories above.
No food items for sale, samples only.

Deadline for SPONSORS/VENDORS 

is November 12 
(EXTENDED but EMAIL ASAP-Reserve Spot)

VISIT the event Facebook Page at 

CRAFT FAIR FOR TOYS FOR TOTS 

For more information and an application, contact T4TCraftFair@gmail.com

Event is provided by Anna at ARTIBILITY, Kerrie at DONI DIVINI 
Sponsored by Sideline Marketing

DONATIONS can be mailed to
Anna Sourile
c/o T4T Fair
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

Challenges of illness and self employment

Challenges of illness and self employment.

So the title is pretty much self-explanatory right?!?
Sure.  Add being a Mom, wife, friend and everything else and it can become almost impossible. 

I have been dealing with Lupus (SLE) since i have served in the US. Marine Corps back in the 90's.  It has been an up and down battle with symptoms, a diagnoses and proper treatment since then.  Finally a diagnoses was made with SLE in 2002 while I struggled with major symptoms and bad headaches.  The doctors insisted it is a symptom of Lupus and nothing more.  I said i didn't feel right dropping things and slurring speech at times and was so extremely tired that one day I slept for 30+ hours after dragging my leg to walk up the stairs.  Days later it showed during a highly requested MRI by me that I had suffered a stroke (TIA).  This is something they thought could not happen since i am so young (in my 20's) & since I look so healthy and do everything right.  Not a smoker, exercises, no high blood pressure - no signs, right?  Wrong.  Obviously it did not discriminate in my case.

After my doctors at the time figured it was just a "little" stroke and I was so young they told me not to worry about it.   Well i was not about to wait for a big one to prove them wrong so I sought the advice or a Neurologist.  he checked to make sure it was not a tumor and after more testing said I was a BIG stroke waiting to happen with 5 clots in the back of my neck about to move up.  We were planning on having a baby but were struggling and could not figure out why.  he then said if you were preganant you would have never had this TIA but a major stroke.

WOW was all i could think of.
I guess sometimes things just happen for a reason & you have to Thank for those unanswered Prayers.  It so happened that I had a PFO which is basically a hole in the heart.  The combination of Lupus and PFO was enough to cause a stroke.  So after that order and the PFO Closure the recovery put a bit of strain on the finances and daily living.

This is when we decided to start our own business while my husband was still working nights and we were planning on having a baby.  he was very handy and I had worked in construction for years so naturally a Handyman & Remodeling company was a good fit.  Thank goodness we did since he lost his job a while later because he exhausted his FMLA to care for me and the baby.  Yes we finally had a baby - high risk but overall no complications for both of us.

Now some years later the economy is well......it just is in shambles.  Our business suffered as did my part-time job which was in construction.  I began to make crafts and jewelry as a hobby in hopes of someday being able to work from home.  That was so wonderful to do since I have been an artists most of my life. Only problems are that when i have a Lupus Flare it is very hard to do anything at all.  Now I am having some other issues that may or may not be related that basically debilitate me for hours to days or weeks.  This is not only difficult on me but my husband has to pull double duty and the kids miss their Mommy.  I say to myself everyday - if we only had someone to help with the daily stuff like dishes or cleaning it would be a God send.  What takes me 3 hours while i am ill takes someone just a fraction of that time.

So when you think of the "challenges of illness and self employment" I hope you think of not only the financial set backs (no holiday or vacation pay) but the other burdens that keep someone that is creative or full of energy from feeling the joy of doing their craft and providing for the family.

Anna

Epiphany of the Day: Fiving up on Facebook

So here it is !!! Epiphany of the Day:
I am giving up on Facebook Pages!!!!!!!  (OK kind of) - less than 1% of fans see any posts and before the upgrade it was great for sales (which now have almost completely stopped) and it was wonderful for making connection - still is.  But being completely self employed (this & SIRRELL, INC.) means you can't count on a regular check-so i am selling as much as i can (supplies-destash-ready made items-some tools)

I am still going to make jewelry and still will do fundraisers as well as paint, crotchet, craft, woodwork and anything & everything creative---just stepping back a bit to declutter-reemphasize-revamp myself and where I want to go......not only with this but with my life....our families life.

Not feeling well and at times having trouble walking, staying awake, or holding onto things can be well.....a challenge.  Just getting ready in the morning during these times are trying at best.  Worst is when everything hurts even when you comb your hair and there is really nothing you can do about it.

ADAPT & OVERCOME is a Marine's motto "Semper Gumby" - Always flexible!!! yup that is what i have to be.

Just wanted to share this with you and hope you stay a fan for a very long time as new things will come and good things will happen.
I just know it!
Anna

Blog Giveaway ALERT

Have you been to  

Pine Cone Tea Cup's blog lately?!?!

Well hurry on over---- 

She is hosting a giveaway for her "girlie" Lisa over at ToldUso !!

The prize???.....any hat from her shop...or a custom hat of your choosing!!

 

(and there are so many to chose from)

 

This is one of my Favs - why?? - well because I have one :) 

Hurry deadline is midnight March 10th :)

* GOOD LUCK *

Anna

WINNERS announced

Thank you everyone that entered my BLOG GIVEAWAY.
Winner were chosen using Random.org and were "thrown in the pot" 3 times some with multiple entries and this is what happened.


the WINNERS are:
((((( Drum roll please))))

My camera necklace WINNER is:  Talia Halliday from CONDUIT PRESS
Just tell me what "lens" color you'd like 

   




 
My hand stamped Tree of Life necklace WINNER is: Susan Koutalakis
Let me know the name you'd like on it and metal color choice-
copper/g.silver/brass/bronze




 

and the WINNER of an ImageBlok from Magnetic BlokHaus is: Diana Garcia from LA BELLA MIA
Email me image in JPG format of what you'd like on the blok

CONGRATULATIONS to you all!!!
You can email me your info and your addy's where to send your gifts to Anna@ARTIBILITY.com.


Stay tuned for the next giveaway when we reach 2000 fans and one that will be run by a popular Mommy blog :)

Anna :)

Do you know me?? GIVEAWAY

So it is time for a new GIVEAWAY

HOORAY - We've reached 2200 fans on Twitter 650 ♥ on Etsy and we're almost at 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-)

Each person that enters will have a chance to win my camera necklace, a hand stamped Tree of Life necklace, and an ImageBlok from Magnetic BlokHaus 

Once a winner is chosen for one item then everyone gets another chance for the next item :)

There are several chances for you to enter and some people have already earned 1 entry via last week's game  called "What is this Creation?"

Here are the rules:  1 items from each category = ONE entry 

Example: Category #1 item #3 and Category #2 and #2 = 1 entry

You can choose any combination and as many times per day.

#1 DO YOU KNOW MY SOCIAL SITES & STATUS?? 

(post reply on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Become a fan on Facebook or  Twitter and repost/retweet this blog post. (Don't forget to TAG me or POST link below or I won't know you did it)
2. Visit my Etsy Store and post what is you favorite item.
3. Visit my ArtFire Store and post what is you favorite item.

#2 DO YOU KNOW ME?? (post replies on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Tell me what Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces I served in.
2. Name at least 1 Organization I support and donate to.
3. What is my 1st name?
4. What other language (s) do I speak??
5. What was the answer to "What is this creation"

Most of the answers you will find on my bio on social sites or by just "listening in" 
Many of you are fans already so that is easy just add from category #2 and you have an entry, :)


Good Luck----oh and it will run until I reach 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-) then a winner will be chosen by Random.org.
So hurry spread the word and hope you answer faster then most. (Entries will not be accepted after 12:00afternoon or 12:00midnight the day we reach 1400 (central US time) -this is to help the delay with international posts and new fans)


and Thank You!!!

Anna

GIVEAWAY

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Did you hear about the giveaway that Lisa from TOLDUSO 

is hosting on her BLOG for

  The Pine Cone Tea Cup

The winner will get this beautiful pillow which she hand stitched her self with the famous word Love
The Giveaway runs NOW until Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Winner will be announced onThursday the 24th

 SO HURRY !!!!!

So I asked everyone to guess on the below post on facebook - it is for my upcoming giveaway.

POSTED from FACEBOOK

"What do you think this creative thing is???"

"HINT:  Ok so what do you think of when your 5 year old is quiet in his room??? Hmmmmm!!! Well he is VERY creative and usually cuts his shirts or pants, draws on the walls-his body or clothes, cuts out my coupons.... but this time it was something COMPLETELY different - have you seen the pic? it involves SCISSORS and..............."

You all had some great ideas and creative imaginations........

" Did he give his stuffed animals a haircut? " "cut his sisters hair? " "Are you making feathers?" "my guess is a guinea pig" "It looks like my mess the other day when I trimmed the fur on my winter boots...LOL!" "Did he watch Edward Scissorhands recently?"

BUT the answer is neither - HE TRIMMED HIS DOG's "LADY's" HAIR ........... plus

HIS OWN BANGS 

BOYS!!!!! gotta love them.

So now that you know --- i have a surprise for you.    To everyone that guessed CORRECTLY (DOG or OWN hair is ok) you get 1 FREE ENTRY to my next GIVEAWAY Plus $5 off anything $10 and up in my ETSY or ARTFIRE store.

***** CONGRATS ***** 

and Thanks for playing "What do you think this creative thing is???"

Anna

FACEBOOK UPGRADE - some results

Hello All,

So i am trying a test (several of them actually)  

i hope it helps you a bit while going through the "madness" of FB and their ever changing .....well changes :)

Some TESTS & RESULTS: 

1.  I posted one status as ARTIBILITY on ARTIBILITY page and the other as Anna and i wanted to see who sees what post and all.

Fan comment:

Eileen of http://www.facebook.com/paintingbyeileen says:

"Guess what, when I am signed in under paintingbyeileen I no longer see it, why is that? And I get notifications on my page, when I am signed in that way but not as Eileen, oh my Lord, how confusing is this? Maybe that is why no one is seeing me, this is not good!"

2.  I tried to post or comments on others pages that i AM A FAN of as ARTIBILITY and i could not - some i had to relike and some just didn't let me - said i didn't have permissions

Fan comment:

Stephanie M. of http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Little-Bluebirds/156287686067 says:

"Interesting...when I come to your page under my personal page I'm able to comment. I can't comment on this page under my fan page unless I "like" this page first. "Liking" a page while as a fan page adds that page to your page's "likes" and apparently we can only add 500 pages to our fan page "likes". No wonder my head is spinning!" 

KM from http://www.facebook.com/kraftymaxoriginals says:

"Here is the big things I have found out so far this morning. IF you are on as your FAN PAGE identity then you can fan up to 500 people, however, fan pages can NOT write on anyone else wall unless they are already a fan. YOUR favorite PAGES from your fan pages have now been AUTOMATICALLY LIKED and you are now FAN'S of them through your FAN PAGE - this will take away from the 500 listed above. That all being said I know there are MANY more things, issues and FUN to keep us going for about 2 years, but my best suggestion is that until all the kinks and changes are worked out DO NOT FAN anyone other than those you really need to. ...COMMENT on peoples pages - personal or fan pages - with your PERSONAL identity and try not to get so mad you through the computer out the window! I hope I helped. 

P>S> there are a couple of changes you need to make on all your FAN Page - you need to do these under BOTH your personalities!! THIS IS ALL VIA YOUR FAN PAGE 1. go to edit page make sure the ONLY ADMINS'... box is UN CHECKED. 2. make sure there are NO countries listed as COUNTRY RESTRICTIONS These are very important, and again, you need to do them under BOTH your personal and Fan page identity ON your FAN PAGE!! ~KM"

3.  I could not see peeps that were my favs in my feed as ARTIBILITY - what i do see is that when you are a page you have to CHANGE YOUR SETTINGS (where MOST RECENT IS) there is a edit options area - you choose whether you want to ONLY see pages/PPL you interact with the most - just favs or EVERYONE :) Even though you did it before - you might have to redo it

Fan comment:

Heather F. of http://www.facebook.com/thepineconeteacup  says:

"Ok, only the pages you had marked as favorites by your fan page will show in your feeds when you are in as you fan page. Does that make sense? So I can see you as both, but it's only because your page was a favorite of The Pine Cone Tea Cup."

4. Edit/review you PAGE settings - on mine it changed to something i didn't change it to (category) - my biz was listed as business/plumbing HAHAHAHA

Fan comment:

Christina K  of http://www.facebook.com/designsbyck said: 

"mine was airport! LOL"  

5.  Although you shortened your PAGE some of your page names are no longer short - you can do this by going to http://www.facebook.com/username

6. I just noticed too that if you fanned a page and hit like or commented you will get a notification when someone comments on that page or person under your PERSONAL.  if you do the same under PAGE - then you get separate notifications - don't forget to refresh when you switch or you'll get errors :)

7. Some apps like ARTFIRE & ETSY didn't work - on mine I redid the apps as ARTIBILITY - maybe that helps? Some just don't load at all some take long time (and i work on a very fast Mac) so if your landing page is your store CHANGE IT ASAP (suggestion of course)

8.   I commented on something, and it's showed my comment on my Wall. Who can see this story? Info from FACEBOOK PAGES/HELP - The only people that can see the story about your comment are those who can see the content you commented on. For example, if you commented on a photo that only you and your friend can see, only you and your friend would be able to see the story on your Wall.

9.  AWESOME - using page as ARTIBILITY when i hit share on my items i share with my fans instead of personal page - Kudos for the @facebook

10.  when ppl post to your wall - switch to ADMIN VIEW to see it - wonder how tagging will work now - also as ADMIN you see your hidden posts - this is in place of the SPAM - check often most ppl's posts ended up there

Thanks to all that commented and did my test and gave their suggestions, opinions and shared info.  FACEBOOK has a page for this - but as the kinks are straightened out we all need to share what our pages are doing - many of us have own FAN PAGES but we are also each other's customers and fans.

Lets hold hands (no not sing kumbaya LOL) but to help one another be successful.

Thank you & enjoy the ride,

Anna

Disclaimer:  comments - post & suggestions are merele just that and do not reflect the comment - opinion & suggestion of Facebook or any other individual-page or company unless specified

Not a good Day

Today is just not a good day ------ i am exhausted from being sick - as soon as i recover form a cold or flu i get it again.  Lupus really really sucks-always does but more so now.

Last month i was weak and clumsy again but it subsided.
It is so hard to make plans and be creative when you have trouble combing your hair because it hurts or you ca not grip a hair brush....let alone hammer and drill......and we all know i have accidents when i am well :)


I will be posting some great new ideas - plus the fundraisers I want to be part of or that are dear to my heart - new blog page inspired by "Julie & Julie" the movie - as well as a huge clearance on my already made jewelry........
I need to start fresh - clean and with a new look on the future.......
Well as soon as i can get my sickness somewhat under control.

Enjoy your week and (((Achooo))) stay healthy
Anna

New Year & Thanks

Hello everyone,

WOW this holiday season was the 1st really busy season I have had and i was not fully prepared for it but did my best with what i had.  I hope to have made some memorable gifts.  They all took some sweat, love & tears....at times more than i wished to share.  A couple of drilled fingers and nails, some glued pliers to hair .....ehhh it's all good :)

I hope everyone had a great Holiday, Christmas and soon to be New Year!
I don't like resolutions for end of the year since i try to do them as i "error" my ways or thinking.  But definitely wishing you a very happy, safe, loving New Year with lots of ideas, possibilities and most of all love......love from others, to others and for yourself.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with this year's fundraisers and Toys for Tots (which money raised will continue to deposit into our T4T fund-i was told we can raise money all year long)

HOPES for the New Year:
I will have lots of new ideas, new jewelry lines and featured artists in the next year.
I am also looking into creating a custom high end line that i hope everyone will like.
Revamping and reorganizing some things for a more streamlined ordering process besides ETSY, ARTFIRE and well FACEBOOK

Thank you and see you in 2011
Anna

In need of Donations-Crafters-Celebs-Designers

As your kids open their gifts this Holiday....please remember that there are the children that will not open even one gift.  It is not the "item" that makes the difference but the thought that no one is thinking about them.  Kids don't care or worry about money all they know is that on days like their birthday and during the Holidays it is the only time they are Oh SO SPECIAL.

Some children that receive the toys collected or money raised are from low-income families as well as in hospitals, foster care or just going through a rough time.  Maybe you are one of these families -please consider signing up at your local organization (Church, DCFS, or local T4T area)

All items that are donated by you (100% of the proceeds) will go to the cause.
I am running this fundraiser with the help of our Marine Corps League which will be on Nov 21, 2010 in Chicago suburbs which will be at The handmade Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show (All info in previous posts)

I am still in need of donations of hand crafted (or other) item.  If you make jewelry, clothing, accessories, blankets, pillows, aprons, hats, purses, photographs, quilts or have extra supplies to spare (gift boxes, bags, bows, ribbon, etc).  It will all be used for this and only this reason.  If items do not sell at this show i will carry it over to the next show and online and still 100% of the proceeds will go to buy toys.

Any celebrities interested in mailing in an autographed picture, a signed item, or if you are crafty ... a craft - please do so.  It is greatly appreciated.  Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made out to Marine Corps League 1009 mailed to addy below as well

Deadline to mail in items is Nov. 15th, 2010

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

Thank you,
Anna M. Sourile
ARTIBILITY

Donations are coming in - still looking for more items

Hello Everyone,

It is still almost 2 months before my fundraiser & Toys for Tots dive at the HJFAS (show) but I have a big goal-very BIG.  I want this to be the largest collection of donated items, toys and funds by an individual ever! Ok at least in our Marine Corps League LOL.  Yea I am a bit of an overachiever. :) 

I have big plans for the items that will get donated too.  I have received many beautiful and creative things and will post pics and links as well.  There is a surprise though.  I will take some awesome pics of your items - as best as I can - original and maybe edited and I will send them to you to use in your Etsy shop, ArtFire shop or Website or just for fun.  All I will do is write my name on the bottom so that I copyright the images for your use.  What do you think of that?

I am hoping more people will be willing to donate items if they get something in return and then there are the ones that just want to because well.....they want to.  Either way I just wanted to do something for you all!

I will be a vendor at this show and so the Show producer donated an extra table just for your goodies.  I really need to just get a P.O. box opened to make it easier as well.   If you are interested in donating a craft or item you made just let me know.

So far we have items coming from all over the US & the world.  Some from TX, VA, CA, NJ, NY, Chicago, MI, MT, FL (4 diff. items), as well as Canada & Estonia.
I just can't believe it.

✿ ✿ ✿ FUNDRAISER INFO ✿ ✿ ✿

As most of you know I am a US Marine Corps Veteran and an active member of several organizations that we do a lot of volunteer work. I am very actively involved in our Marine Corps League which some of you may know for the work that they do during Toys 4 Tots, military/veterans/family assistance, care packages & so much more. You can visit the links below for more info.

I am collecting donations of items from fellow jewelry artists - designers - crafters - clothiers - painters - sculptors & more. Items will be sold at several fairs as well as online with all of the proceeds going to the fundraiser. Monetary donations are always welcome and can be sent directly to the address that i provide to you below. Any items that you would like to donate please contact me at DONATE@ARTIBILITY.com - or i will post my PO Box addy a bit later.

Any item that you like to create or think someone would appreciate - no theme is necessary.....any value is greatly appreciated - even supplies that I can make something with is welcome. Or if you want to send a Toy for T4T that is also wonderful.  The next sale of donated items i will have on Nov. 21st during a jewelry show I am attending and I will also have a sponsored Toys 4 Tots drive.

Here is the info on the organization the funds from the sales will go to. 
http://www.mchenrycountymcl.com/ or you can donate online to our Toys for Tots program or T4T DONATION

Any and all items donated should have your business card and info of shop/store/artists attached so that everyone can see who was the kind soul that donated them and so ppl can order more items from you.
If you have your own packaging, logos etc please use it & send them - I just want to make sure visually it looks like a gift and i won't need to buy additional items.

and THANK YOU from the bottom, top & middle of my heart :)
Anna

My FAV QUOTE of the Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY! via FACEBOOK

"Excellence doesn't just happen. It must be forged, tested and used. It must be passed down... and woven into the very fabric of our souls - until it becomes .....our nature." 

~ General Charles C. Krulak ~ 

31st Commandment of the Marine Corps (he put on my chevrons for my meritorious mast & promotion-not as Commandant)

SEMPER FI!!!

help on blog

Ok this is my 1st blog via blogger - how am i doing--hmmm not sure since i don' know what this will look like

I create a blog in word press and after an upgrade - it basically vanished

Yippee for me

now checking if links work
so ARTIBILITY & ARTIBILITY STYLES
and FACEBOOK & TWITTER