Magical Mule Folk Art Studio

Made it to FINALIST!!!

2011-06-02T19:50:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited today...several weeks ago, I entered artwork in a national art competition, hosted by The Trail of Painted Ponies (http://www.trailofpaintedponies.com/).

After weeks of waiting and thousands of entries, the finalists for eight categories were announced yesterday, June 1st. My pony, "TUMBLIN' TUMBLEWEEDS" was chosen as a finalist in the "American Country" category!!! I'm so excited about this honor!! I absolutely love painting these beautiful horse figurines and I am hoping, with the help of voters, to win this competition!

PLEASE click on the link below, to be taken directly to the category page...you'll find my entry (TUMBLIN' TUMBLEWEEDS)there. If you feel that it's deserving, please vote for me!! There is some awesome talent shown in the entries, and each person should be congratulated on this achievement!!

Please pass this on to anyone you know that might help me achieve my goal!! Sincere thanks to everyone!!

http://www.trailofpaintedponies.com/artists/competitions/competition-american-country/

2011...ALREADY???

2011-01-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

Well, we've raced through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas of 2010 and now even the New Year of 2011 is behind us!! We're racing through the days here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, but can't really give an account of what we've done!! We have a new granddaughter, Isabelle Leigh, born 12/14/10...healthy and beautiful! We've had a recent visit from her big sister, Alayna, which is ALWAYS fun and at the moment we're in the midst of our 2nd BIG snow storm of the season. We enjoyed a beautiful white Christmas day, with 6-8" and then yesterday, nature gave us about 12"!! I do love to see it, but with livestock, I'm ready for it to leave after about 3 days!!

I've been painting several items through the holidays...ornaments, pendants, ACEO's and the wonderful Painted Ponies!! I'm working toward becoming an official artist with The Trail of Painted Ponies, and my imagination is in overdrive! One of my latest was titled, "My Only Wish" and sold on Ebay...also 2 commissioned pieces for a wonderful customer from California! I'm now working on a special pony that was inspired by an old Western tune!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and please leave a comment to let me know you visited! I love hearing from folks and have made many friends through my blog!! Take care!!

Cades Cove camping...

2010-10-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Since we live so close to Cades Cove, we camp there as often as we can get away from the farm. It's almost addictive, with peaceful, beautiful scenery, a wonderful campground, abundant wildlife (turkey, deer, fox, black bears (with babies, if you're lucky) and of course, the relaxing drive through the cove. This little settlement was the last area lived in by the original residents before the National Park Service bought the land. Several of the original cabins, barns and churches still stand. The cemeteries are full of old headstones, dating back several generations. On this trip, we took our sweet 3 year old granddaughter (Alayna) for her very first camp outing...for more info:
http://www.cadescove.net/camping_cades_cove.html

There's hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails too! I've ridden my mule over several of them and the best word to describe the scenery....breathtaking!! Creeks, valleys, wildlife, gorgeous flowers, ridges...you see it all!!

Alayna...morning after spending 1st night in tent! Her first words that morning..."NeeCee, I love this tent & this cot's perfect for me!" She stayed happy throughout the 4 days...

Uncle Jordan and Alayna, on the porch of the old Tipton place

The old Tipton fireplace was the perfect "frame" for this one!!

Poppa preparing his mouth-watering beef stew (campfire style)!

The old Tipton place

Whether you live nearby or across the country, this is a wonderful place to visit!!

PICS FROM AWESOME ASS ACRES!

2010-10-15T16:15:00.001-04:00

Hello again, everyone!! I feel like I might need to re-introduce myself!! I've been soooo busy here, it seems that every time I think of posting an update of what I'm doing, something else happens to keep me from it!! We've had hay baling, garden chores, canning, some illness (with my sweet mother-in-law), my gosh, when I think of everything, I give out!
Well, I've also managed to paint some, but not as much as I'd like. I thought with this post, I'll show some of our critters here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...

One of our sweet, egg laying machines...from a flock of 8 Golden Comets!

Our front sheep pasture...looking out from our front porch, on our little piece of paradise!

Our WONDERFUL flock of guineas...insects don't have a chance!!

One of our 3 Boxers...AWESOME BONNIE JANE DOE (BONNIE for short) and my sweet, sweet Soapy...she was a tiny feral kitten when our son, Jordan brought her home after finding her at the car wash!

I will post again soon...since I have dial up, it's sooooo hard to down load pics, but I love to blog and hope you'll stop in again!!

NEW Blog Addition!!

2010-07-29T09:13:00.000-04:00

Since I've started painting the painted ponies, I've decided to add another blog to display and describe them. Check it out and be sure to follow it for the new designs as I post them!!

Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to leave a comment!!

http://paintedponyoriginals.blogspot.com/2010/07/pictures-pictures.html

Something NEW!!

2010-07-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's HOT here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, but I think it's hotter in Magical Mule Folk Art Studio! I've been staying inside to beat this humidity and heat, but have I been BUSY!! About 2 months ago, I discovered the collectible figurines from "The Trail of Painted Ponies" and as I researched the different designs, I fell in love! You can order through their wonderful web site...be sure to visit!
They also offer a blank resin figurine that you can paint yourself...that has really gotten me excited!! These are wonderful gifts for kids, grandchildren, anyone that loves horses!!
I've completed 2 (Magical Mule and "Beauty" of the Mountains) and will be offering more in the near future!! I've posted pictures of both...let me know what you think!! Both are SOLD, but I'm filled with ideas for more!!

Of course, this is my very own "magical mule", Solomon! I added a little to the ears (remember this started as a horse) and painted it as close as possible to his markings which BTW, was VERY hard!!

I love this one...she has 11 different mountain flowers painted on her, with a bear on this side, looking out from a cherry tree and a raccoon on the other side sitting on a limb. Her mane and tail depict waterfalls and a mountain stream runs down her back!!

We also found a surprise in our peafowl yard last Friday...6 babies!! I didn't know if the eggs were fertile, and 6 is all she had, so the odds were against her hatching all of them, but she did! I'll be posting pictures of them soon!!

Take care and stop in again!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2010-06-20T13:43:00.002-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the great dads out there!! Thanks for the time, effort, money, advice, discipline, guidance and love that you give to raise productive, honest, hard working, self reliant, respectful kids to contribute to society! I'm married to one of them and soooo glad he's mine!! He's not only Daddy to 4 biological kids (2 girls, 2 boys), he's also Daddy to my son, who was 5 when we met. He stepped in when he was needed the most and never showed preference from one to the other. That will never be forgotten!

"To guide a child by the hand of a father is to offer the gift of tomorrow"

WHERE to begin???

2010-06-15T12:58:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, but...there's been gardening, camping, riding in the mountains, keeping the grandbaby, camping, riding in the mountains, keeping the grandbaby...oh, I think I've repeated myself, well...you know I have turned 54 since I last posted, and you can see by the sequence of events, what my priorities are!! :-)

Is it hot where you are?? I know the last few days it's been in the high 90's here and we're in the mountains. Humidity, heat, sweat (that, I hate) has kept us in the house for the most part. We go out and do our chores early in the morning, but we're back in the house ASAP. We went camping for a week at Cades Cove about 2 weeks ago and had to have cover at night...saw 11 bears - 3 momas with babies and a big male. Met up with a mule buddy (Lynda Carr) and she brought her mules over from Sevierville and we rode the Cove trail one day. Ten miles, 5 hours in the saddle with my stirrups too short...knees hurt that evening, but was fine the next day. Went riding again with her this last Friday, took my saddle, rode 12 miles, 6 hours in the saddle and went up 5000' elevation...Rich Mountain trail out of Cades Cove...BEAUTIFUL overlooks and views of the Cove and Tuckaleechee Valley, cool but humid AND NOT sore a bit (guess this ol' gal's still got it!)!! Wonderful memories with a great friend! All's great here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...the hens are laying, the rooster's crowing, the peahen's settin' (YEA!!), the peacock's struttin', (in fact, I think he's in love with me...he fans his tail feathers every time I'm around), the mules are braying, horses neighing, the goat and sheep are bleatin' and we're all healthy!! We're having fresh tomatoes, squash, beans, cucumbers from the garden, so we're eating good AND I forgot to mention that we have a new lamb. He was born while we were camping, but he's healthy and cute as a button...black and white, just like Ray, our ram. BTW, we're calling him FAA, to add to the others -- Doe, Ray, Mee!

I've also been painting "in my spare time"...several ACEO's, a couple of guineas on old roofing slates, and I'm trying my hand at a "Paint Your Own Painted Pony". I should have it finished and listed on Ebay by the end of the week.

Last, but definitely not least, we've had Alayna (our 2 1/2 yr. old grandbaby) visit twice in the last month! Her mom and dad (our son and his wife) are expecting another little one in December. Mom's doing great now, but had a few days of needing a little extra rest, so.....we were the chosen ones to entertain that sweet little girl and entertain we did!! Barbies, coloring books, story books, feeding chickens, gathering eggs, building blocks, painting, playing in the wading pool, cuddling in the rocking chair, taking naps, telling tales, a whole lot of laughing and of course, the BIG thing...riding in the golf cart around the farm, was our daily routine while she was here! Too much fun AND soooo looking forward to her next visit!! Take care, God bless and happy trails from AWESOME ASS ACRES!! I'll be posting pictures soon!!

HEEE HAWWW! BACK FROM MULE DAY IN COLUMBIA!!

2010-04-14T09:11:00.000-04:00

Well, we pulled into AWESOME ASS ACRES yesterday about 6pm, after a wonderful week in Columbia, TN! Mule Day, 2010 was a huge success, with beautiful weather (did have a tornado scare on Wed, but it passed around us), great crowds (about 240,000), excellent times with wonderful friends and memories to last 'till next year when we'll make some more!!
We started our week joining up with the wagon train on Sunday (4/4/10). Each day we travelled 18-22 miles, camped out at night, then finished up the ride by pulling into Maury County Park on Thursday. The group consisted of 18 wagons, 2 or 3 riders...about 50 participants total. The route was beautiful backroads that snaked through the countryside, meandered along mountain ridges, showcased flowering trees, vines, bushes of every kind, crossed through farm land, livestock production and introduced us to some of nicest folks middle Tennessee has to offer!! Of course, campfires burned late into the night and started coffee brewing by 4am every morning!! There were tales told, jokes laughed at, lies spread, and friendships forged. Breezy, sunny days, followed by cool nights by the creek brought relaxation for a good night's sleep to greet the next morning of harnessing, hooking up and pulling out for the day ahead! I've posted some pictures taken along the way...hope you like them!!

SPRING CLEANIN' & RE-VAMPIN'

2010-03-21T15:14:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh....yesterday was the first day of spring and it's none to soon for me!! For weeks, we've been sorting through the attic, closets, barn, kitchen cabinets...and then, yesterday, "BIG YARD SALE-- ALL MUST GO!!". That was how the signs read, but of course, there were still some things left to box up for another day. Yard sales are soooo much more work than some would imagine and after several weekends of moving sales during our re-locating from GA to TN, I don't relish the idea of preparing for one! Anyhow, we made through the weekend, and I'm rid of most of it, so I'm tickled!

I've been painting several things, trying to get ahead a little before we leave for Mule Day. Things have slowed since Christmas, but orders are still coming in, so I'm staying busy! The picture is of one of my photo albums that I've just finished...very pleased with it. It's listed on Ebay now!

I mentioned Mule Day...for those interested, it's in Columbia, TN --- April 8-11. Anyone that loves long ears or work animals, be sure to check it out. We've been going 15 years and plan to attend 'till we can't go anymore! We camp inside the park and it's UNBELIEVABLE FUN!! We're heading over on Sunday, April 4th, to ride in the wagon train. We travel 15-20 miles a day on back roads, camping out at farms along the way at night, then pulling into the park on Thursday for the kick off of the pulling, driving, western, jumping and yes, even gaited classes!! The crowds number 250,000 and you'll see mules out of every known breed of horse...Quarter, Walking, Paso Fino, Appaloosa, Paint, Belgian, Percheron...the list is endless. Every color, every size -- it's truly a AWESOME ASS event, where every bray brings a smile!! Contact me if you have any questions and I'll gladly help you out!!

I plan to re-vamp my blog page within the next few days. I need to update "favorites" and some other things...watch for NEW things soon. I also plan to post links to some really great sites for horse folks, artists, farmers, gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, pet/livestock owners, so check back with me often!! I plan to "network" more with links to Facebook, and other friendship sites. I'd love to connect with as many folks with my same interests as possible!! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my blogs...I know how busy we all are and I appreciate each visit!

CAN IT BE...????

2010-02-25T18:30:00.001-05:00

Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.

~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard~

Can it be that March is upon us?? The month when lambs are born and lions roar? Robins, blue birds, even our much anticipated purple Martin scout has visited and checked out the gourds we have hanging and waiting! It's still cold here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, but I know it won't be long before the garden's plowed and vegetables are ready to can! I'm always amazed at the changing of the seasons, but spring is my favorite. It doesn't matter one's age, everyone still looks forward to the awakening of life that spring brings...baby animals of all types, tender new sprigs of grass, flowers that burst from buds, even sounds that happen no other time of the year!

I hope you enjoy every minute of the "show" ahead...with the trials in our lives, it's such a pleasure to experience this gift of nature!

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.

~Virgil A. Kraft~

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

~Mark Twain~

"ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT DREARY..."

2010-02-16T18:29:00.001-05:00

Ah, yes, Edgar said it so well...he must have been referring to me as I paint on these dark, dismal winter days (and nights)!! It's snowed here in East Tennessee, now for several days...some days with accumulation, some days, just a dusting, but EVERY day, COLD and dreary! Okay, back to the beginning of this post...I wanted to post a picture of my latest crow/raven piece! I love the look and pose of this one and I will be adding several others to Ebay soon! Y'all stay warm and let's all look for bluebirds and daffodils soon!!

WINNER NAMED!!

2010-02-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLI LUSK, from North Carolina!! She is the lucky winner of my hand painted primitive sheep sign! I have emailed her this morning and hope to hear from her today! Kelli, if you check my blog before your email, be sure to send me your mailing address ASAP...I'll have your sign ready to go!

THANK YOU SO MUCH to all participants in this year's OWOH contest! Your comments and sweet words were very much appreciated and I thank you for your time and effort in stopping by! I look forward to this event every year and I hope that each one of you will watch for it in 2011!! Be sure to visit my blog page once in a while...I'll be offering more giveaways in the near future AND there's alot happening here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, especially with spring right around the corner!! Have a great week ahead, stay warm and safe!!

BLIZZARD in East Tennessee!!

2010-01-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

Well, it is for us!! January 29. 2010, it started snowing about 11:00 AM and by dark, we had about 6 inches!! Of course, we made our run to the store for milk, bread and Little Debbies, sandwich meat, "caught up water" - in case the power went off, got all the clothes washed, dried and folded, had fresh batteries on standby, and made sure everyone had extra quilts handy, if they got cold during the night...well, it's now after noon on January 30th and we haven't lost power, yet! It started raining last night and now, we still have snow on the ground, and it's a whole lot messier, but with ham sandwiches, honey buns for dessert, clean clothes, and new batteries, (just in case), what more do you need???
Don't forget to enter my giveaway...scroll down for the details!! Everyone stay safe and warm!!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY...Fun for ALL!!

2010-01-27T00:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that it's been a year, but the time has come for another "ONE WORLD ONE HEART" giveaway! This wonderful event is promoted to help fellow bloggers connect and it's a FUN way to meet friends and associates that share the same hobbies, ideas and interests!!
You can see that my blog reflects life here at our farm, "AWESOME ASS ACRES". The namesake of our farm and my studio (MagicalMuleFolkArt) is our sweet, smart, spotted Appaloosa mule, King Solomon. We've raised him from birth and show him throughout the southeast. My art is inspired by Solomon, along with the many other farm animals (chickens, guineas, peafowl, horses, mules, sheep, goats, dogs and cats) here AND by frequent visits by wildlife...deer, fox, raccoon, oppossum, coyote, skunk...

My giveaway item is a handpainted wooden sign, with a sheep on the front. It will come ready to hang with a piece of latigo on back!

The creator of this idea is, Lisa Swifka, of "A Whimsical Bohemian"...she started the event in 2007 and now, the participation is global! My first year to participate was 2009 and I've met some wonderful on-line friends through the process! To join our "Magic Carpet" ride, just follow the easy steps below...

Rules for One World - One Heart Giveaway:

1. The giveaway starts today, 1/25/2010 and ends at 11:59 PM on 2/15/2010...I will use "Random Generator" to choose the winner, then announce the name on my blogsite on 2/16/2010.

2. EASY to enter...just leave a comment here on my blog and you will be in the drawing!

3. EVERYONE is invited to participate! If you don't "blog", just leave your email address, so I can let you know if you win.

4. Be sure and check out the list of participants at: http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/
and visit all the other artists that are involved...SOOO MUCH TALENT, SOOO LITTLE TIME!

**BE SURE TO "FOLLOW" MY BLOG!! I will be offering other giveaways in the future!!
Take care and GOOD LUCK!!
Sharon Anderson ~~~ Magical Mule Folk Art Studio

THANKS for the memories!

2010-01-25T23:40:00.000-05:00

When you're 53 years old and you've owned, ridden or shown horses since the age of 7, it's a fair statement to say that horses have been a very BIG part of your life! My love started with Trigger (of Roy Rogers fame) and has been just as strong throughout the years as when I'd watch him on our black and white console TV. In fact, my most prized possession (in the house), is a Breyers rearing Palomino that my mom bought for me while visiting the Roy Rogers Museum in California. She was staying with her sister's family, helping with a new baby...while there, she visited the museum and was delighted when the King of Cowboys, himself walked in. As she was checking out with my Breyers, they started a conversation and he autographed my horse..."To Sharon, best of luck, Roy Rogers". No money could buy it. Then, of course, my first REAL horse was actually a pony. "Stormy" was a Welsh mare and had been outgrown by neighbors kids, so she came to live with us at the age of 8. She passed quietly at the age of 28, in the same pasture that she and I would ride through at breakneck speed. Nothing like a 10 year old sneaking out in the middle of the night and riding for a couple of hours in the moonlight. The love I felt for her was deep and lasts to this day. The days spent with horses are my best in my memory. There's something about a horse, that accentuates every emotion and every thought. Brushing, feeding, combing, talking to, smelling of, laughing with, dreaming on, pretending with, crying about...my imagination, my compassion, my love for others, my determination, my integrity, my temperament, my perspective on life, all of these, in whatever measure, I think, was made more abundant through my interaction with these wonderful animals. I want to thank each one of them for their contribution to my life...Stormy (Welsh), Tammy, Owassa (Qtr. horse mare and filly), Melody (Tennessee Walker I showed 6 years), Ranger, Angel, Roan (Walking horses), Poor Boy (timed-event Qtr.horse, owned him 22 years), Freckles (Leopard Appaloosa, dam to Solomon), Dolly, Minnie (Haflingers) and of course, my sweet mules...Solomon, Maude and ChaCha. My time here would have been so empty without these lifelong friends...they'll have my love and appreciation always!

ACEO's

2010-01-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

After 2 weeks of being sick with bronchitis, I've returned to my painting! Raccoons, mules, horses, 'possums, Valentines...it's a crazy mix, but somehow it works when you enter the world of the ACEO! What is an ACEO, you ask..."Art Card Editions and Originals," are tiny works of art in a standard trading card size of 2.5 X 3.5 inches. They make wonderful gifts and can be framed or displayed in photo albums or trading card album sleeves.
I've listed several on Ebay and am pleased that other folks like them as well as I do!! I've posted my latest, but there's more coming!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

2010-01-01T09:50:00.009-05:00

I can't believe today starts a new decade...I'm into my 6th one and though that doesn't sound bad, it really hits you when you do the multiplication!! It's been several weeks since I've posted and I have been instructed to do better!! Of course, we're all through with the Christmas season...decorating, cooking, company, wrapping, taping, eating, shopping, visiting, taking down decorations, cleaning up the wrapping and taping, tired of the cooking, regretting the eating, paying for the shopping and left with wonderful memories of the company and visiting! We were blessed with a healthy, safe Christmas, so we enjoyed the busy times! I hope each one of you were blessed, also!
During the days leading up to Christmas, I was in a frenzy painting ornaments! Each one was different, but most depicted a woodland critter...lots of raccoons, skunks, squirrels, deer, a fox and a 'possum or two. Of course I auctioned them on Ebay and I've met some wonderful, new customers/friends, through their sales! I've posted pictures of a couple of my favorites...

All of our animal crew here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, are fat and sassy! The mules and horses have their winter coats on and all are healthy and wooly! ChaCha, the baby of the bunch, had her 3rd hoof trimming this last week and of course, again was the perfect little lady! My farrier is amazed at her patience and sweet nature...let's all hope for that to continue into the spring, when she's introduced to other things, like the saddle, bridle, lounging...I'm really looking forward to working with her!
The cat population remains at 8...all healthy and doing their own thing...some are mousers, some are by-standers and some are trouble makers...but all are loved!! The dogs keep us on our toes, alerting us to anything that might be going on, that we need to know about! We have occasional night hunters during deer season and that's NOT something you want at any time, but especially when you have livestock, so even though it's hard to drag out of a warm bed, when it might be raining or in the single digits outside, it's worth it to check out why the dogs are barking!! Our chickens and peafowl are all great...I'm sure they're looking forward to spring, when the weather warms, birds sing and everything's in bloom! Our guinea flock is still on patrol around the property, so between them and the dogs, we're set for security!! Well, I think I've caught up with any news, gossip and chit-chat, so I'll close for now! I've got to go put on our collard greens, black eyed peas and cornbread for dinner! I hope everyone is blessed with not just a wonderful year in 2010, but many more ahead!

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

2009-11-28T18:55:00.000-05:00

Well, Thanksgiving was two days ago and here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, we're still recovering from turkey, pecan pie and deviled eggs! I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did! We had a full house with our friends and family, the food was excellent, and the memories are many!! Our friend, Jimmy Martin drove over from Etheridge, TN, on Monday, then on Tuesday, he, another friend, Bonnie Broughton, Larry and I, decided to visit the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, in Graham County, North Carolina. It was a beautiful drive over on the Cherohala Skyway and an amazing hike through some of the largest trees I've ever seen! The forest hosts the largest virgin stand of timber in the Eastern United States, with some of the trees dating back 400 years. Some of the enormous yellow poplars are 20 feet in diameter and stand over 100 feet tall. Joyce Kilmer is known for his poem "TREES" and this is such a fitting memorial to him.

TREES
By: Joyce Kilmer -- 1886-1918

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Jimmy and Larry

Jimmy Martin

Neat shot looking up

Jimmy and Bonnie

What a great sight to visit, if you're ever in the area! For more info, click on site below:

http://main.nc.us/graham/hiking/joycekil.html

I have so much to be thankful for...my sweet husband, my healthy, smart, wonderful children, my family, my friends, my animals, the blessing of being able to retire here in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee...the list is endless.

In fact, this year I've decided that there's NOTHING that I'm not thankful for, because every day, every joy, every heartache, every hardship, makes up this wonderful thing called life and I'm so glad to be part of it!!

I hope each and every one of you finds joy and happiness in every day, not just during the holidays! Take care and stop by again!!

CHRISTMAS SALE!!

2009-11-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

I've decided to make use of my blog site, other than the goings on, here at AWESOME ASS ACRES!! Of course, everyone knows that I paint and sell items on Ebay...now, I've decided to "franchise" my blog!! The following pieces are favorites of my Christmas buyers and I paint several throughout the season.
The first one is a mailbox topper, made out of solid wood, about 17" tall and 9" wide. It will attach to any mailbox, from standard to the oversized ones. It's finished with several coats of varnish to protect it from the elements and the ribbon and floral pieces are for outdoor use. These are really cute on your mailbox and are always "attention getters"!! The price for Rudolph -- $28.00 + $8.00 shipping.

The second picture is of my "Garden Santas". These are okra pods, dried, painted and varnished for years of use. They're ready to hang with a red satin ribbon. The price for one (1) -- $7.00 + $1.50 shipping.

I'll be glad to offer a discount if you order several. These are perfect for the folks that you want to remember with something a little different...teachers, mailman, beautician, coach, vet, sitter, co-workers...
You can email me with your order or if you have any questions. I'll be glad to take checks, money orders or PayPal.
sharonssmule@yahoo.com

I also paint pendants of all types...horses, mules, dogs...Those are $18.00 + $1.50 shipping.
Hope to hear from you in time to get these to you for the holidays!! Thanks so much!!

YOUR PICKLES ARE ON THE WAY!!

2009-10-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO ELAINE from Georgia, on being the winner of my blog giveaway!! Thanks to everyone that took the time to leave comments!! I appreciate your humor and interest!! I'll be having another giveaway in the future, so watch and be ready...never know what might be brewing here at AWESOME ASS ACRES!! Thanks again!!

Another "new" venture!

2009-10-27T15:28:00.001-04:00

A farming friend from Minnesota ordered a pendant for his daughter's birthday...wanted a Golden Retriever that looked similar to her dog, Izzy. As I said in a previous blog, I'm having lots of fun painting different dog breeds...this is my first time painting a Golden...real pleased with it!! Can't wait to hear what she thinks!!

***Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered for my "pickle giveaway"...remember to mention pickles or leave a comment on the "giveaway" post!!!

It's a Corgi Christmas!!

2009-10-27T08:17:00.001-04:00

As an artist, you sometimes get caught up with repetition and you find yourself in the proverbial "rut"! I've painted for over 20 years, met many friends through instructing classes, made a living traveling the craft show circuit and now, I've settled into selling on Ebay. It's such a world wide market and it's definitely not as strenuous as preparing for a show, with the inventory that you have to paint and have on hand. I've just recently began painting on canvas and I love it...also, I'm experimenting with different breeds of dogs! Corgi's are a fun, smart, really cute breed and although I don't currently own one, several of my friends do. That's the breed I'm having the most fun with right now, so I wanted to post the last 2 paintings that I've completed. The Christmas living room scene is sold and the snow scene is currently on Ebay. Let me know what you think...I take criticism well and suggestions are welcome!! Thanks to all!!

FALL GIVEAWAY! COMMENT TO WIN!!

2009-10-22T15:47:00.001-04:00

There's so many bloggers that offer items to be given away during certain times of the year...so I've decided to jump on the mule wagon!! As my blog sometimes mention, we have a good size garden every year, here at AWESOME ASS ACRES. We freeze, can, sell, give away vegetables, throughout the growing season and enjoy the process of it all. Our favorite canned item is, by far, my red sweet pickles. I've been using this recipe for about 20 years and it's ALWAYS a favorite of anyone that likes sweet pickles. They're sooooo good with any kind of meat dish and are a pretty addition to any meal! Crispy, sweet, would remind you of candied apples at the fair!

I will be giving away a pint jar full of these delicious, sweet, crispy pickles + the hard to find recipe!

The drawing will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 8PM, using a random number generator. I will contact the winner by email.

Directions to participate:
Each time you leave a comment on this particular post = 1 entry
Each time you leave a comment on any post on my blog AND mention pickles = 1 entry
Each time you mention my blog in your blog = 2 entries
If you pass this info on and that person gives you as a reference = 2 entries
If you leave a comment and you're a current follower OR if you become a follower = 2 entries

I'd love to get as many folks involved as possible, so tell your friends, email your contacts, spread the word any way you'd like!!! BELIEVE ME -- these pickles are worth your entry, so have fun and GOOD LUCK!!

*Due to shipping, this drawing will only apply to continental US residents.

BACK PAINTING...MORE PICS FROM TRIP!

2009-10-09T14:01:00.000-04:00

After our return from our East Coast trip, we packed up again and headed to Cades Cove, our favorite campground in the mountains! Had some rain, but it was still very relaxing and there's nothing like tent camping when it's cool weather! Big campfire every night, cozy sleeping bags, quietness all around, making new friends and those beautiful mountains!! I'm back painting today...planning on some pendants and a set of bowls for Halloween. We're hoping to head over to Etheridge, TN next weekend and help our friend, Jimmy, drive wagon tours through the Amish community there. He's covered up this time of the year...even had the pleasure of having Ms. Wynonna Judd on a tour this past week...sure wish I could've been there - you know with my singing country music and all!!! We might have worked out some kind of partnership tour, who knows!! Well, for now, my focus is on getting some pendants painted, featuring his black and white spotted Percheron draft team...Babe and Lil' Huey...I hope they'll sell for souvenirs of the tour! I've also posted a picture of Eddington, one of the standing stallions at Claiborne Farms, in Paris, KY. Take care and come back soon!!

BACK IN EAST TENNESSEE!

2009-10-01T20:14:00.001-04:00

We're back from our travelling adventure and it was a WONDERFUL trip! We have memories to last several lifetimes...beautiful sights, excellent food, gorgeous weather, great new friendships and some fabulous detours that brought us unexpected, unforgettable experiences! Too many to mention, but some were...spending the night in the middle of Chesapeake Bay on the 17 mile bridge, touring Washington, DC and having a government employee (thank you, Jean!) in the Capitol, sing "Happy Birthday" to my husband, Larry, meeting a wonderful citizen of Fall River, MA and having him offer to escort us several miles to Lizzie Borden's gravesite, eating the best clam chowder in the world, at "Chowda's" in Bar Harbour, ME,...the list is much too long for tonight, but I hope to post pics and add more tomorrow! We did end our sightseeing in Paris, KY while visiting our daughter and her family, during the last couple of days. One of our most memorable stops happened this morning...we visited the renown Claiborne Farm in Paris, KY. This 3000 acre farm was home to Secretariat and hosts his final resting spot. Six of the eleven Triple Crown winners, were conceived in Claiborne Farm's breeding barn. They house several beautiful stallions and we were privileged to visit with two...Pulpit and Eddington. John, the farm guide was absolutely wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable, polite, funny and patient with my incessant questions, he opened the racing world to us in a way, we never expected. This tour is a must for anyone that loves horses and John is worth asking for!

CATCHING UP!

2009-08-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

Wonderful rain here in East Tennessee! After the last 2 years of drought conditions, we've finally had plenty of rain this year...it's been great for our garden, flowers, hay production and of course, look what else it leaves behind!!

I've been wanting to post some pics, (not been able to catch any of that white fawn, but still trying) so, I've "captured" Jerry, our little male kitten from several posts back.

He was soooo small then, but he's really turning into a BIG cat!! He hasn't made his appointment for the "male procedure", but that's next!

Well, time's counting down for our big trip! We're sooo excited! We'll be camping every night and we LOVE to camp, so that's going to be fun, in itself! We're both wide eyed and adventurous, so to go, see and do things, we've never done is going to be a memorable time...not to mention, we're down home, stay home, deep South Johnny Rebs and we don't know what to expect past the Kentucky line!! I'm just hoping that folks can understand what we say and visa-versa!

We had our farrier out yesterday and I've got to brag on our little yearling filly mule, ChaCha! This was her second trimming and she was perfect both times!! Jeremy, (farrier) couldn't believe her manners. She's laid back and gentle and very smart. Of course, her mom, Minnie (Haflinger) is the same way. Nothing bothers her and she's there to please you! When we return from our trip, my round pen's going to be in use...I hope to have ChaCha ground driving by spring! I can't help but think about her 1/2 brother (Tango) that we lost last year (3 days old) due to a vet's misdiagnosis...he matched her EXACTLY and would've been just as sweet, I'm sure.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave a word or two, to let me know you were here!!

This one's IT!!

2009-08-24T08:34:00.003-04:00

Good morning from East Tennessee!! Once again, I've changed my user name on Ebay!! As my last post reported, Ebay insisted that I change from AWESOME-ASS-ART, so I went to ANDERSONS-AWESOME-ART...well, it's been the required 30 days, so I've now decided on my "forever" name!!!! magicalmulefolkartstudio will be my user name from now on!! I had to "refer" to my sweet Solomon somehow, so magical is as close to the perfect description of him as you can get AND it kinda goes with mule, especially since I can't use the word, ass!
BTW, there's lots going on here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...we've had a beautiful, SOLID white fawn born on the property. Early mornings and late evenings, I watch, as it and the doe wander and graze the hilltop pasture outside my studio window...I'm trying to get pictures! Also, our "herd" of sheep are doing so great! All three, (Ray, Doe, & MeeMee) have really grown since my last pics of them. We've been fencing, building and installing an automatic watering system for the mules/horses, but we're almost finished with those chores! Last, but not least, we're getting excited about our trip up the East Coast...can't wait to eat lobster!!!

NEW USER NAME ON EBAY!!

2009-07-05T22:34:00.003-04:00

Well, Ebay's "user name police" have caught up with me and insisted that I find a user name that doesn't fit in the profanity category! I was notified this weekend, given 24 hours to comply, so I hastily changed from "AWESOME ASS ART" to "ANDERSONS AWESOME ART". It's really kinda comical to me, considering the listings that I've ran across on Ebay...everything from bumper stickers to specialized adult "toys"!! There's so many artists on Ebay and the competition is fierce...I'm thinking that someone may have reported my user name, after all, I've used it for over a year! I guess they're not considering the reason behind the name!! Whatever the case may be, I'm still painting and still being inspired here at AWESOME ASS ACRES!!
Our garden's producing beans, tomatoes, squash, radishes and corn! We've put up hay this week...400+ square bales and 50+ round bales...we hope to get another cutting in the fall!
We're planning a trip up the east coast to celebrate our 25th anniversary last year (just a year late)...hopefully, we're leaving the last part of August and staying 6 weeks! This will be the longest we've ever been gone from the farm and the only trip we'll be taking for a long while. If anyone has any suggestions or tips, please leave a comment or drop me a note!! I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Take care...stop in again!

CAPTAIN & TENILLE...A BABY FAWN, TOO!

2009-06-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

Well, my sweet friend Elaine, (from Georgia) came for a visit this week. She brought me a beautiful peahen, named Tenille...(no pics, yet)!! She's now part of a trio...Captain,(formerly known as Big Bird) Tenille & Clarice! They act as if they've known each other all their life!! Both hens are laying, so maybe there'll be some babies at some point. Elaine, Bonnie (best friend since high school) and I made a trip to Michael's and found some great craft supplies on sale...brushes, wooden boxes...It's always a treat to hang out with crafting buddies!! Elaine's always said that she never knows what's going to happen when she's with me,...well...yesterday morning, our youngest son, Jordan, brought in a week old fawn (mom had been hit by a car)! We started him on lamb replacement formula, (he caught on to bottle feeding right away) and kept him until today. We contacted a re-hab facility in Knoxville and delivered him safe and sound!! I'm sooo proud that my boys are tender hearted when it comes to animals...although, you never know what they might bring home! We've bottle fed and raised baby 'possums, raccoons, rabbits, birds, and the usual kittens and puppies, now, we can add a deer to the list!

Our garden's really goin' to town!! The corn's tasselin' and we're already having fried squash on a regular basis! My lilies out front are beautiful this year! When we lived in Georgia, I had some gorgeous double day lilies...finally found some here...they are in full bloom now!

Of course, our meals lately, have included the "recommended" three "messes" of poke salad (or salit, according to my sweet mother-in-law) this spring...you know it "clarifies the blood" according to the "ol' folks"!! I know it sure was good, with some streak o'lean, corn bread, Vadalia onion and sweet tea!! We always have an abundance of the plants growing on our fence rows.

I've got to mention our flock of guineas and their latest farm patrol efforts...this morning, as I was feeding the baby deer his 6AM feeding, our guineas were making a constant racket out next to the barn. I put my boots on, walked down to the fence row and there in the tall grass was the biggest logger head snapping turtle I'd ever had the pleasure of meeting!! He looked like he would've barely fit in a bushel basket! After fussing for over 20 minutes, the guineas walked away as I walked up. I guess it was, "OK, we've alerted you, now you do what you want with the big guy!" I let him go about his merry way...I think he was headed to the creek! Hope all's well with everyone! Be sure to come back by AWESOME ASS ACRES and set a spell!!

LET'S ALL REMEMBER...

2009-05-24T17:16:00.006-04:00

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.

~Daniel Webster~

Thank you to all that have sacrificed to keep our wonderful country free and our rights protected. May God bless you and the loved ones you leave behind, while in service or in death.

NEW ADDITION OR OBSESSION??

2009-05-24T13:49:00.010-04:00

Well, we've added another feline to our group...a neighbor found this little lone survivor, in a street in town, (his siblings weren't as lucky) and brought him to AWESOME ASS ACRES. We think he's about 8-9 weeks old. We've named him Jerry and he's soooo full of himself!! I've wondered about this cat thing...the older I get, the more cats appeal to me. I've always loved them, but horses and dogs use to take top billing. Now, the felines seem to be outnumbering the equine and canines! You know, I've heard of folks that hoard 30, 40 ++++ cats and then, when they're found out about, it's off to the "funny farm", and we all know, that "farm" is nothing like our farm, here at AWESOME ASS ACRES! Somebody, anybody, (Elaine or Donna, you're the closest!) please arrange an intervention if it looks like I'm headed that way!! BTW, he's #8 and very tickled to be here!

MULES & MORE!

2009-05-17T14:25:00.007-04:00

Alot of you know by now, that we operate a small farm (AWESOME ASS ACRES) in East Tennessee, near the beautiful Smoky Mountains. We have an assortment of animals, and we love all of them, but we have a farm because of our horses and mules! I decided to post some pictures of them today on this dreary, wet Sunday!! The dark sorrel/bay is Maude, the spotted App mule, is the holder of my heart, King Solomon and the young light sorrel is our yearling, Cha-Cha. The dark chocolate is Minnie, Cha-Cha's mom and a Haflinger cross and the beauty with the blonde locks is Dolly, a full Haflinger...we ride the mules and the horses are our wagon team. Some of you have asked about our animals and I thought I'd re-introduce them!! Take care from AAA!!

'COONS AND COLTS...WHAT COULD BE CUTER???

2009-05-10T14:10:00.009-04:00

OMG!!! How have I painted this long and not tried canvas?? It just goes to show you, that age has NOTHING to do with trying something new and learning from it!! I started this piece yesterday and finished it this morning. I have it on Ebay now! It did take me several hours to complete, but I LOVE IT!! Sorry, did I sound like I was pleased with my work?...Well, I'm a big advocate of "patting yourself on the back" occasionally! I was fortunate to be raised by a daddy that re-enforced that sentiment on a daily basis and I think that it was THE most effective aspect of my childhood. He believed that if you worked hard, did your best, and then, was pleased with your end result, that you should let folks know! That's not to be confused with being arrogant and conceited, but it helps boost your self-esteem, to be able to appreciate your own dedicated involvement. That particular contribution from my daddy, has affected me in every area of my life. I worked hard in my job choices, I worked hard to have a successful marriage and I've worked hard to raise my children to be self sufficient and be as proud of their results, as I am!!

Just remember, when you're confident, you'll venture out with new things and feel that you'll succeed. If you're having trouble trying something new, JUST DO YOUR BEST and be tickled with it!! Take care from AWESOME ASS ACRES!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS!

2009-05-07T18:40:00.002-04:00

I wanted to write a post to thank folks for stopping by, reading and commenting on my blog! I've always been one to keep a journal, (hand written, in the past) and blogging has really been fun for me! I enjoy "reporting" from here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, and it's a way for friends and kin to keep up with what's going on!! It's also a great way to meet new friends that might share the same interests, lifestyle, ideas or would like to! Of course, I love it when folks comment, (that way, I know you've stopped in) and it's also fun to see where folks are from...I don't travel too far from home!! Anyhow, I wanted to say "THANK YOU" for taking the time to share my thoughts and simple times here...and please continue with your visits and comments!!

MOUSE CREEK NURSERY, RICEVILLE, TN

2009-05-05T17:46:00.006-04:00

To supplement my husband's retirement, I sit with a dear, elderly lady (Peggy)4 hours a day, Monday - Friday. She's 86 and the MOST proficient gardener I've ever met. She has a beautiful yard full of daylillies, poppies, iris, roses, begonias, azealeas, wisteria, peonies, all types of ferns...the list goes on and on! Of course, she doesn't drive any more, so come springtime, I'm her transportation to any nursery in the area!! Today, we made a trip to Mouse Creek Nursery, in Riceville, Tn, about 10 miles from my house. It was my first time, but WILL NOT be my last. I've posted some pics from our visit...I'm not sure of the different variety of flowers, but I did find the Hosta House and I'm in love...I found verigated, blue, green...all, perfect for my perennial bed around the oak tree at the corner of our house! I've added the link to their website...be sure to visit and read about the beautiful little church that they moved and restored on their property...it dates back to 1855.

http://www.mousecreekperennials.com/index.html

If you're ever in the area, be sure to look them up...it's well worth the visit! AND, if you're that close, be sure to stop by AWESOME ASS ACRES...we don't have a historical church or acres of perennials, but we do have the prettiest spotted "ass" in the country!! We'd love to have you!!

WHAT DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!

2009-05-04T21:17:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to post a picture of the same view looking toward Chilhowee Mountain...except this one was taken this morning about 9AM. The other one was taken just yesterday. I think we all need to remember the "moral" of this particular post, especially in these rough times. We all face troubles in this life, some more than others, but when it's the darkest, remember the difference a day makes! Everyone, take care!!

SOGGY SUNDAY AT AWESOME ASS ACRES!

2009-05-03T19:17:00.005-04:00

Some little Halloween kitties

One of 3 raccoon canisters

Our bell post out front

Looking toward Chilhowee Mtn

Our old church bell dated 1921

Third day of rain and more's comin'! Larry's garden's showing some green...YEAA!...the barn lot's deep in muck, but at least, I've been inside painting!! I've posted some pics that were taken today...the bell that's shown, is one that I bought at an estate sale about 20 years ago. It has a sweet history to it...thought I'd share!

My mother-in-law and I use to have a weekly tradition of shopping every yard sale within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA (our hometown, at the time). One Friday morning, we found an estate sale that had bunches of great stuff, priced right! As we wandered through the old house, Mrs. Anderson mentioned that she knew the older gentleman hosting the sale. He had married a childhood friend of hers, but had recently became widowed. He was busy with selling, so we kept shopping in the house and the barn out back. We found this old bell, along with a large cast iron wash pot. When he came to assist us with any info., he mentioned that both items had belonged to his late wife's family. His father-in-law had been a country preacher at a small, local church and that the building had burnt years ago...Mrs. Anderson stopped him at that point and said, "That bell almost got us a whippin' many a time...I know all about it". She went on to explain that after the church house burnt, her friend's daddy had put it up in his yard. When she and her friend walked home from school, they would always want to ring that big bell. Each time, the tolling would call the daddy in from the fields, thinking there was trouble of some sort and each time, he'd threatened to thrash both girls...never did, though! After that little visit in history, there's nothing that would have kept me from buying that bell...$50.00 put it in my truck and it's been in our yard ever since! To top it off, the yoke is dated 1921 and the bell was cast at the Chattanooga Foundry, long closed down! It measures 24" and still rings loud and clear!! We still use it when we need to call someone up from the "back 40"!! No wonder 2 little girls were so tempted to pull that rope!! Take care and stay dry, wherever you are...AND come back soon!!

RAMPS, LAMBS & GARDEN TIME!!

2009-04-26T18:13:00.010-04:00

Our little mountain "full-time getaway"!

Well, it's that time of year!! The annual Ramp Tramp in Reliance, Tn was held on Sat., 4/25/09. We've gone for the past 3 years and enjoyed the bluegrass bands, the crafts and of course, the meal...eggs and ramps, streak 'o lean, white beans, corn bread, sweet tea and pie! Grilled hot dogs with ramps served on top were also available. For those unfamiliar with ramps, they are a wonderful plant that grows wild in the mountains...a combination of onion and garlic! So flavorful with most any helpin' of country eatin'!! Jordan, our youngest son, has joined a long-lived tradition with several older mule riding friends from the area...they make a trek up into the mountains in Tellico, TN, spend several nights and dig ramps during the mornings and evenings. Of course, riding the mules is part of the fun, but he loves hearing the history, finding the best patches of ramps and being part of the group!

MeMe & Ray-- 3 weeks old
Ray and MeMe, our 2 newest lambs, are growing like little pigs! They are still on the bottle, 3-4 times a day and now, during the day, we're putting them in the pasture with Blossom, our pygmy nanny and the older lamb, Doe. Larry's busy with the garden, finishing up with adding fertilizer and mulch. Our fertilizer, of course, is naturally generated from our mules, horses and chickens, here at AWESOME ASS ACRES and due to the recent high winds, the mulch piles have been generously "donated" and delivered by several tree crews here in the area. We use it for soooo many things here. We put it around flowers, trees, in the garden, even in our barn hall. I have so many flowering plants that are getting ready to show their colors. One of my favorites is my "red hot poker lily". I'd never heard of these, 'till moving here and they're really spectacular...I'll post pictures when they turn flaming red!

My wisteria in the front yard

I have my wisteria out front, with an antique metal bed frame as the trellis...I'm hoping it blooms this year! We still absolutely love living here...there's so much to do, see and enjoy!

Sunrise at AWESOME ASS ACRES

This farm is an abundance of sights, sounds, smells...that inspire us every day! God surely shows his handiwork here in the mountains! It's perfect for my painting, with so much to take in!!

Jett, one of our rescues from the Humane Society...(picked her up a couple of years ago on Thurs.-was to meet the Grim Reaper on Monday!)

Painting the guineas, horses, mules, raccoons...they're all ideas that come from AWESOME ASS ACRES! It's also fun meeting the good folks that collect my work through Ebay!! Take care and come back soon!!

A LOOK AROUND AAA

2009-04-22T09:22:00.004-04:00

The weather is beautiful here at AWESOME ASS ACRES! I can barely stand to stay inside and paint...Larry's prepping the garden spot and everything's bursting in buds, blooms or foliage! The lambs are doing so well...growing and now eating 3-4 times a day! This year we finally got to hang martin gourds...always wanted to, but we'd always wait too long, didn't have the time, the gourds, wondered about location...but, this year, THANKS to a wonderful, sweet friend, Elaine, we hung 12 and already have residents!! She had several that she was planning to use, but her property was too "woodsy", so she gave them to us!! Larry used a small cable and devised the perfect way to raise and lower them for cleaning and upkeep. They hang between the house and barn and the martins seem very happy here at AWESOME ASS ACRES!! Between them and our thriving guinea flock, we should be rid of alot of pesky insects during the hot weather coming up! We're planning on 2 garden spots for corn, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, okra, eggplant, watermelon, cantalope, beets and peas. Larry's keeping close watch on the Almanac to make sure he plants when the signs are right! We're both from families that really believe in going by the signs when doing anything on the farm...from digging the well, planting the garden, weaning livestock, to castrating livestock. Past generations have taught us and now, we're passing it on to our kids.

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-11T19:01:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Sunday! For anyone that practices the Christian faith, the written description of the Resurrection is a very exciting, new beginning each year...although it follows the Crucifixion, a very sad, tragic event in Biblical history. Our family believes the Bible literally and we're glad in the fact that death could not hold our Savior in the grave. That same faith is deep inside when it comes to our own mortality...a faith that gives us comfort and strength through the loss of a loved one or friend, a faith that we lean on in sickness and need, and a faith that is strong when it comes to what happens after we're gone.
I wish all, a wonderful, healthy, blessed spring and many more to come!!

2 @ 52...Who Knew??

2009-04-10T15:08:00.003-04:00

Who knew I'd be a moma again at 52 (53 next week!)?? Yes, we've been given 2 more lamb babies this week from a friend in Knoxville! He called on Wednesday night and said that he'd had 2 sets of triplets born...one set on Tuesday and the other on Wednesday. Due to the circumstances that I've posted before, lambs grow better when there's just two...I said yes, of course, so now we have 3 babies. I met him near Knoxville yesterday, (Thursday) and picked them up. Doe is the first of my "herd"...3 months old and growing like a weed and now, Ray and Me-Me! Get it...Doe, Ray, Me...!! Ray and Me-Me are soooo tiny and soooo sweet! Ray is the black and white spotted male and Me-Me is the white female! Since they're only a couple of days old, I'm feeding them a bottle EVERY 4 hours, yes, that's day and night! Oh, how I've forgotten nightly feedings and HOW WONDERFUL breast feeding was!! These babies are still fragile with their digestion and there's alot that could go wrong, so PLEASE wish me luck!! I'm one that gets really attached to these critters around AWESOME ASS ACRES and I don't want to lose one! I've posted pics (that's normal for a proud new mom, right??), so let me know what you think!!

MORE PICS!!

2009-04-08T17:42:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to add a few more pics from Mule Day...my favorite is the chunky, chocolate mule with the lady and dog riding. The mule is 22 years old and she's had him 10 years...I think he's out of a Paso Fino mare. One shows another mini, in full harness and the grey mule was one, of a pair of wagon mules, that camped next to us. The spotted saddle mule belongs to a friend and is gaited...there were several gaited classes this year and all had great entries! For those that are surprised to hear that there are gaited mules...ALOT of folks nowadays are breeding the best jackstock to Walking Horse, Paso Fino, Foxtrotter mares and getting mules that are as smooth as silk to ride. The annual Columbia Mule Sale was held on Tuesday and we were amazed to see gaited, riding mules going for $4500.00 & up...especially when in todays market, horses are being given away! I guess that's what happens when hybrids are "in"!!

WE'RE BACK!

2009-04-07T10:14:00.005-04:00

Well, another fun time in Columbia, TN has come and gone...already looking forward to 2010! The week was filled with riding, laughing, visiting with old friends, making new ones, sittin' round the fire, tellin' tales, listening to others tell tales, more riding, seeing some BEAUTIFUL ears, hearing non-stop braying and oh yeah, a tornado evacuation! We wagon rode 28 miles from Etheridge to Columbia on Monday...the day was gorgeous, about 70* and sunny! We pulled into the park about 4:30, set up camp, and started the week there. Things were very uneventful until Thursday...a tornado touched down in Mt. Pleasant, about 8 miles away and the officials decided to evacuate the park and have us "visit" in the hallway of a nearby high school. That lasted 2 hours, with flooding, hail, wind outside, but no touch down that we know of. Several large campers that were parked in a low area of the park were sitting in water up to their windows...we felt bad for those folks, but no injury to anyone. We rolled back into AWESOME ASS ACRES this past Sunday evening, glad to be home, but already planning next year's trip! I've posted several pictures...one is of the back of our trailer, we're always surprised at the folks that want to take a picture of it!! The next is a pair of grey mules that were in a "one line, voice command" class...it was AMAZING to watch these draft mules respond to a slight built, older man as he held a LOOSE line and softly told them how to navigate an obstacle course, dragging a log behind, to boot! They also stood UNTIED, throughout the class waiting for their turn! The next one is "Shorty"...of course, I'm referring to the mule...the mountain man in front, is my husband, Larry!! Shorty is the tallest known mule in the world...he's out of a Percheron mare, 8 years old and measures 19.2". I wish Larry had gotten closer to his shoulder, but Shorty was a little antsy and didn't want to stand still. The last picture is of some miniature mules that are soooo cute...I'm afraid that I'm going to have to add a couple of those to the farm sometime in the future!!

I'm back to painting now...will be adding some more things to Ebay this week!!

Take care and let me hear from you!!

PHOTO OF A PHOTO ALBUM

2009-03-22T23:07:00.002-04:00

This post reminds me of the wonderful Seinfeld episode where Kramer has a book published for the coffee table...about coffee tables! I love Seinfeld and can watch the re-runs over and over...it seems they have an episode that matches so many of my daily life events...who knew my life could've been a sitcom???

Well, I've started painting some photo albums and they're such fun projects!! I've included raccoons, llamas, guineas, roosters, sheep and horses for the front. I finished my latest today...a pretty black and white Gypsy Vanner horse. We have friends that have decided to start raising these magnificent animals and they have a mare that's marked very similar to this one. I hope to visit their farm soon for more reference pics. This particular album is listed on Ebay now. I'm planning to paint several mule pendants this week, to take to Mule Day...last year, I sold several and folks have been asking for more this year. With gas prices, maybe my "on site" sales will get us back home!!

Well, I hope everyone's well and whatever your location, I hope you're getting a sweet taste of spring...have a great week ahead!!

SPRING...Daffodils and MULE DAY!!!!!

2009-03-20T07:18:00.004-04:00

I LOVE springtime!! There's nothing like looking out and seeing my daffodils bloomin'! Audrey, my sweet mother-in-law, calls them "Johnnyquils"...so, I always think of her when I see the first bloom! She turns 90 in August and has only recently slowed from doing her own yard work, quilting, going camping with us, and frying the BEST apple/peach pies, known of, in this hemisphere! Her mind's still as sharp as ever, with twinkling eyes and always something sweet to say! A very wonderful human being...none better!

We're also gearing up for our annual trip to Columbia, TN for Mule Day! We'll leave on Saturday, March 28 and return on Sunday, April 5. We'll head out with the wagon train on Sunday morning (March 29), travel through some of the prettiest back roads in the country for 4 days, then pull into the Maury County park on Wednesday to join the other thousands of mule enthusiasts...about 250,000 folks showed up last year!! We've made this trip for 15 years and it just seems to get better each time! Ridin', campin', campfire, great friends, long ears, and non-stop brayin'...what could be better?? Watch for pics when I return!!

ANOTHER FIRST!!

2009-03-09T17:50:00.004-04:00

These "first" happenings are fun for me!! I've been photo tagged by blackfeatherfarm and now, I'm passing it on! Be sure to stop by and check out the good folks that post these blogs...it's like pullin' up a chair and visiting a while!!

The rules are to pick your 6th photo folder and then, the 6th photo, post and blog about it...then to tag 6 others to add to the fun!! So here goes...

This picture shows a close friend of ours, Jimmy Martin, from Lawrenceburg, TN (south of Nashville) and two of his draft cross horses, Babe and Lil' Huey. They're a full brother and sister team, out of a Percheron mare and Walking Horse stud. Jimmy bought them as yearlings, and uses them for his tours through the Amish community in Etheridge, TN. He owns several teams, all black and white spotted horses of different breeds. Since Larry's retirement, we've started visiting Jimmy and driving for him when he's busy with holidays and some weekends! Then, in the winter months, he stays with us during Thanksgiving and Christmas...now, we have a "summer" destination and he has a winter getaway here!! We love staying with him a few days, driving the wagons through and visiting with the wonderful Amish families that we've met! So, if you're ever in the area, stop in and ask for him...he's always helpful with information and the tour's great...and who knows, you might even get to ride a wagon with me as the driver...!!

OK, the next six are:

Caroline at: Carolines Crafts
Christina at: Christina's Creations
melanie at: whimsical creations
Chris at: Evidence of an Artistic Life
Anji at: Anji Gallanos
Jill at: Jewelry Elegance by jill

MY FIRST!!

2009-03-01T09:46:00.015-05:00

I've just received my FIRST BLOG AWARD!! Thank you, Dottie Baltz from...
http://www.gardensandcrafts.blogspot.com/ --- Thank you for reading my blog and thank you for this award! I love reading your blog, too! Your gardening tips, and your junk "renewal" is so ingenious!! Next, I'm to list 5 things that I've found "addictive" and then, go on to award 5 others with the same award!!

**Horses - I guess addictive would be the description for this...I've ridden, owned, shown, since the age of seven (I'm 52, now)! I've now added another phase to the "addiction" in the last 15 years...mules!!

**Camping - Never camped in my life, until our "blended" family numbered 7 and travelling became too expensive with hotels...so, we decided that a tent, Coleman stove and lantern was ALOT more fun and added to our travel time!

**My granddaughter, Alayna - Never thought that would happen, either...not the fact of having grandchildren, just the fact of me becoming "addicted" to her!! BTW, she's almost 2 and the PRETTIEST, SMARTEST baby in the world!!...is my addiction showing, yet??

**Farm Life - I've always lived in the country, but now, we've really "stepped" into it!! Goats, sheep, horses, mules, cats, dogs, chickens, guineas, peafowl, a huge garden, hay production...YES..."FARM LIVIN' IS THE LIFE FOR ME"!!

**Painting - This started about 25 years ago, as a favor to a friend...it's never stopped and only gotten stronger!!

Now, to pass the award on to five more deserving folks...

http://allhorsestuff.blogspot.com/

http://lackscottadventures.blogspot.com/

http://equinemine.blogspot.com/

http://magickdiva.blogspot.com/

http://blackfeatherfarm.blogspot.com/

Thank you again, Dottie for my first ever award!!

Gallon of gas-$4.00;Gallon of milk-$3.50;Gallon of ??CAT??--PRICELESS!

2009-02-27T10:45:00.004-05:00

We have 7 farm cats here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...ALL female, ALL spayed, ALL rescues and ALL with VERY different personalities. Today, I'm going to introduce the world to our little "Pastel Calico", Scamper! She is THE MOST docile, easy-going, laid-back, gentle, NO fight cat that I've ever encountered in my life and I've had a LOT of cats!! I've used her modeling attributes with some my listings on Ebay and have received many messages that didn't refer to my item at all, but would always mention her...so she's famous in a small way!! Yesterday, I had re-organized my kitchen cabinets and had left this container out...this morning, Scamper decided it would be a wonderful place to "curl" up!! I had to catch a picture of it! Animals...what wonderful comedians, teachers, companions and BEST OF ALL, friends! I hope this brings smiles to all!

AHHHH!! New Baby at AWESOME ASS ACRES!

2009-02-18T23:25:00.007-05:00

Okay, all you sheep folks out there...pleeeease, you've got to get involved with my blog this time and LEAVE COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS...!! Last year, we found the perfect place to buy bulk feed for our critters...while there several months ago, I met a super nice guy that raised Kahtadin and St. Croix sheep. He was filling his containers at the same time as we were, when our conversation turned to our animals. I'm always asking questions about different farm animals, so we hit it off discussing sheep, mules, chickens...Long story short...he explained that when lambing started, he always dreaded when a ewe produced triplets. Apparently, two are best and the third had to be bottle fed for optimum growth. I mentioned that our sweet pygmy nanny goat, Blossom needed a buddy to share her pasture with and he offered one of the next triplets born. Welllll, that happened 3 weeks ago and as of Wednesday, 2/18/09, we're now bottle feeding and raising a very cute, baby lamb. She's snow white, but she reminds me so much of a baby deer...we've decided on the name, "Doe"! I'm feeding her twice a day now and she weighs about 15 pounds. PLEASE BE SURE TO POST ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF SHEEP OR ANY OTHER, FOR THAT MATTER...this is my first lamb, EVER, so I need input!! I'll be posting pics soon!! Thanks ahead for any info!!

CONGRATULATIONS, DOTTIE!!

2009-02-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS, DOTTIE BALTZ, from:

http://www.gardensandcrafts.blogspot.com/.

She is THE WINNER of my OWOH drawing this morning!! Dottie, thank you and every one, for stopping by my blog and entering my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!! I've enjoyed this event and look forward to participating next year!
THANK YOU, LISA for getting it started and keeping it going...it's brought alot of folks together that would never have "met", had it not been for the time, effort and organization that you put into it!

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN, DOTTIE! Hope to hear from you soon!!

NOTICE OF CUT-OFF DATE AND TIME FOR OWOH GIVEAWAY!

2009-02-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

My cut-off time and date for the OWOH giveaway, will be February 11, at 11:59PM. I will be drawing for the winner at 8:00 AM on the morning of February 12, 2009. I will post the winner's name and will send a message to the winner, within an hour of the drawing(by 9:00 AM)! Be sure to check back with my blog and check your contact info. to see you're the lucky one!!

Thanks again sooooo much for entering and leaving such sweet, heartfelt comments...I've enjoyed this experience and I look forward to next year! Thanks, too, for the smiles that each of you brought with your comments about my blog name...it's definitely an eye catcher, but so is the one that it's named after (our mule, King Solomon)!!

ALSO...now that you know where we are, get you a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and come back to AWESOME ASS ACRES, for a visit anytime...you're welcome to come often, get here early and stay late!

AWESOME IS THE DAY!!

2009-02-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today was absolutely beautiful here at AWESOME ASS ACRES!! Our bedroom faces east and the sunshine was a welcomed sight as we got stirring this morning! I've posted about our menagerie of animals here...well, some of them work for their "room & board"! We have several Golden Comet chickens and when the winter sets in, their egg laying slacks off. Well, they've left the picket line and started laying again---YEAAA!! Nothing like fresh eggs right from the source to make breakfast the best it can get...just not the same from the store!! We also sell a dozen here and there and we've started getting calls from our regular customers about the laying update! It's also the time of year for worming, shots and the usual maintenance routines for everyone in the barnyard, so Blossom, the mules, horses, chickens, peacocks, guineas, the dogs and cats were "in line" for appropriate doses of various concoctions.
I'm excited about spring coming...it's my favorite time of the year and sometimes I get ahead of myself, with anticipation. Columbia Mule Day is April 2-5, and we have to start getting ready for that, shortly after New Year. After worming and shots, Solomon will be my priority next month. He'll be groomed daily, mane trimmed, new "shoes" after being barefoot all winter, coggins blood work done, and ready for showing in April! With his color, there's always classes to be entered (and won, of course), so we pamper him, somewhat!
I've been painting several things in the last week...pendants, boxes, bowls...most have been listed and sold on Ebay. No words can express my appreciation for the folks that watch and collect my work. I'm humbled by your words of praise and your commitment to my art. Very sincerely, I say thank you!
Along with my painted pieces, I list items that I find at various sales in the area. This week, I found a beautiful, hand embroidered piece that features small birds in a tree. The fabric has been mounted to a thin piece of wood and is in excellent condition. Thousands of stitches and many hours, make up this excellent example of artistry. The colors are bright and the work is unbelievable. I love this type of hand craft...it reminds me of the doilies, table scarves, table cloths, pillowcases...that my grandmother use to create. Check it out if you'd like, it's listed now.
I'd also like to thank EVERYONE that has posted to enter my giveaway drawing on February 12th. I've had so much fun with this and have met soooo many wonderful folks! I will be drawing the lucky winner, Thursday morning at 8:00AM and will contact the winner that afternoon. Be sure to check your mail...to find out if you won!

Snowin' in East Tennessee!

2009-02-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Guinea hen and keets, on a photo album
Blossom thinking that roof's sloped just right for skiing!

View of our side pasture,from my studio window

Well, we woke up to the weather man saying "snow flurries possible" today and then we ended up with about 2 inches! The pictures posted show it after it's melted some, but it sure covered everything for a little while! It's suppose to go down into the 20's tonight, so it may get a little trying on the roads here in the mountains. Of course, we've made a mad dash to the store for milk and bread! I can't ever remember the day that we ate just milk and bread during bad weather, but we're ready if it comes to that!!

I can't believe it's already Groundhog Day...being from the south, of course, I'm putting my faith in General Beauregard Lee. He resides at the Yellow River Game Ranch, in Lilburn, GA and he says spring is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!! Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of the cold stuff...more milk and bread, of course!

The pictures I've taken is one of our side pasture and one of Blossom, our pygmy nanny goat. I was going to get one of our Boxers, but they were burrowed up in their dog house...snug as 3 bugs! Our last puppy left on Friday, headed to her new forever home in Dublin, Ga. A great family drove 6 hours up to get her and they immediately seemed to bond. It's great to see my pups go to such excellent homes! I'm also posting my latest guinea item...a small photo album that shows a hen and her babies. Folks are really fond of my guinea pieces and I'm very pleased to offer things with this farm animal, whose qualities are sometimes overlooked. I love painting different animals...if anyone has suggestions, let me know! Everyone take care, stock up on you-know-what, and thanks for stopping by AWESOME ASS ACRES, to visit a spell!!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

2009-01-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

This OWOH giveaway is soooo much fun!!! I've entered more giveaways this week, than I've ever entered in my life and the gifts offered are FABULOUS!! I just hope my luck is stoked and ready to emerge when February 12th gets here!! I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone that has taken the time from their busy day to stop by my blog and enter my drawing! You all have said some sweet things and have me checking my comments every day to see who else has visited!! I'm also visiting with everyone that I can...I have dial-up here at AWESOME ASS ACRES and my computer slows the process down somewhat, but I'm still managing to enter several drawings per day!! If you're just now stopping by, read my last post and you can get in on the fun!!

BTW, I've always enjoyed our animals here at AWESOME ASS ACRES and I love using them as reference for my painted pieces...the Haflinger mares, ChaCha, the baby mule, and most recently, our guinea fowl! I've found that several of you realize as I do, that these little farm guards are definitely worth their weight in cracked corn!! This is my latest work that features my guineas...it's an antique solid wood box that would be perfect for photos, special notes, stationary, anything you'd like!! On the front, I've painted a trio of guineas sitting on a fence rail. The box is a very pretty, deep red - great for a special Valentine!! I'll have it finished and posted on Ebay this evening! Thanks again for stopping by AWESOME ASS ACRES...come back anytime!! Sharon

One World-One Heart GiveAway!

2009-01-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

As you all can probably tell, I'm very new to "blogging" and I'm not the greatest at keeping up with all the ideas behind this wonderful concept. However, after reading other's blogs and seeing how this tool helps bring so many folks together, I've decided to try a giveaway that's part of an idea belonging to Lisa Swifka, of A Whimsical Bohemian. This is a worldwide event and is set up to help bloggers share their stories and ideas with people they know and people they meet through this endeavor. I've always wanted to try a giveaway, so I felt that now was a good time!!

My giveaway item is a handpainted natural slate wall hanging. On the front, is a spray of roses and baby's breath. It measures 5" x 7" and hangs with a piece of latigo. It'd be great to add a little color to any setting!

Rules for One World - One Heart Giveaway:

1. The giveaway starts today, 1/19/01 and ends at 11:59 PM on 2/11/09...I will announce the winner on 2/12/09!!

2. EASY to enter...just leave a comment here on my blog and you will be in the drawing!

3. EVERYONE is invited to participate! If you don't "blog", just leave your email address, so I can let you know if you win.

4. Be sure and check out http://www.oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/

and visit all the other artists that are involved...lots of creative, wonderful talent out there!! Take care and GOOD LUCK!! Sharon Anderson

IT'S GONNA GET WARMER, RIGHT??

2009-01-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

Well, it was 4* on our porch thermometer this morning...I think the last time it was down to a single digit, was about 4 years ago, while we were living in our horse trailer. Yes, that was our abode for 6 months while we built our house...from July 9 - February 22, 2005...not one of those fancy ones either. We have a Classic fully enclosed aluminum 3 horse slant...very nice for our animals. The front is a dressing room - queen size bed in the gooseneck, room to stand, maybe turn around and get your britches on or off, whatever the situation calls for! Other than that, the only extra is an in-roof air conditioner. Anyhow, we lived for 2 months with NO power or water (hottest part of the summer, of course!), then we dug a well, but showering was done at a campground about 6 miles from here. Oh well, back to the temperature...it was 9* one morning when we woke up and we sure found our clothes in a hurry!! Now today, we're snug as a bug in our little house, but oh, the memories!!
This morning I got up about 7AM and started painting...I finished a pendant, a barn wood sign, a wooden sconce with crows in a tree AND a really cute photo album with a raccoon on the front! I like all of them and I feel like I've accomplished alot today. I guess what they say about idle hands...I'm still looking forward to moving out into the new space any day! I'll be sure to post more pictures when I do!! Checking out now from AWESOME ASS ACRES!

Crows, Guineas and my space (not the website!!)

2009-01-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

Crow in a bowl!

Guinea sign

My "involved" work space now!

My view from my NEW work space!

My NEW work area! YEA!!!

Well, I've decided to post some pictures of my new studio space, even though it's not completely finished,yet! I'm so excited about this addition...if you folks could see where I paint-- oh, what the heck, I'll post pictures of that, too!! Since we moved into this house, I've painted in front of my computer...only place that I could leave my paints set up! So, we're talking about an area about half the size of a TV tray!! So far, only once have I spilled my cup of water on my keyboard...(no damage that I know of!) The pictures show the window where I'll set up my paint area...it looks out over a section of our pasture- one, where we graze our Haflingers, the other section is for our 1 pygmy nanny goat, Blossom. They all must be in the holler in this shot! The other room that I've posted is another bedroom, it's always a cruel joke to think that you actually downsize when you "retire"!! HA!!

I'm also very pleased with some "fowl" things that I've listed on Ebay...a couple of guinea signs and a bowl that has shows a crow perched in a tree, on the inside. Be sure to check them out! Thanks for stopping by AWESOME ASS ACRES...come back anytime!!

BORROWED, BLUE & PRECIOUS, TOO!

2009-01-12T19:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I've spent time in Georgia again...just overnight, but long enough to get some sweet sugar from our grandbaby, Alayna and some really sweet pictures, too! While there, I lost count of the books that I read to her...she LOVES books! All of course, are "Learn About" books...animal, colors, alphabet, numbers, vegetable, fruits, nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, the list goes on and on and on! I'm looking for her to read by the time she's 2...you know, with her Nana's genes and all!!!HA!

I've also just finished a little something different...an address book, (whatta ya know, another book) with a handpainted blue roan Arabian on the front. Okay, I've covered the blue and precious...now the borrowed...I've included a picture of one of our "outside" cats, "borrowing" some nap time on our bed, as I painted tonight! This is Josie Wales, a 2 year old calico female, that we found on the side of the road. She was very sick and very little and was "supposed" to be taken to the Humane Society the afternoon that we found her (or so I told my husband), but she ended up staying here that night and the many nights that followed! I do a little animal doctorin', so I convinced him to let me keep her long enough to get her well! In fact, I have some pictures of her the first night here, she's sleeping on his shoulder, while he watched TV...I think that kinda sealed the deal! She knew exactly who to work on with her "wiles"!! I hope everyone's well and looking forward to spring...I've noticed the stores are already stocking barbeque grills and gardening tools --never too early to look ahead, I guess!! Take care and thanks for stopping by "AWESOME ASS ACRES"!

Pendants and Puppies!!

2009-01-05T18:52:00.000-05:00

I've been busy today, finishing up 3 new pendants (now on Ebay)...my FIRST ever fox (I love it!!), a fawn Boxer, and a cute raccoon! I've also been working on some more things, but they'll be awhile, yet. As I said in my last post, we're sooooo close to being through with my studio space! I can hardly wait to start moving in! Boxer puppies were born here at AWESOME ASS ACRES in November, so they're ready to go to their new homes in the next couple weeks...they are cute, cute, cute!! Wrinkles, smashed faces and ALL!! Our female, Ritzi, has been a SUPER mom, but she's ready for them to "fly the coop", I think! I've also included a picture of our ONE inside cat (the other 6 live outside...on the porch, in the barn, in the loft...). Our son, Jordan found her at the local car wash in '07, tiny, wet, hungry and brought her home, in the middle of the night, of course. Half asleep, I first thought she was a baby 'coon, (he's brought those home, too) but after waking completely and seeing that she was indeed a kitten, she was immediately named "Soapy"...not Sophie, but you get the drift!

HAPPY 3RD DAY OF THE NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-03T15:46:00.001-05:00

Well, if you're like me, you're trying to catch up on some rest after the hectic holidays...we've celebrated with family and friends, but now, we're back to the everyday stuff! BIG NEWS for 2009 here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...we've finished my added on studio and extra bedroom!!! YEAAAAA!!! My sweet brother-in-law drove up from GA on New Year's Day and stayed until today. He, along with my husband and 2 of our boys, finished ALL of the construction, electrical, heating/air...We're putting down our flooring and we're THROUGH!! When I get my never ending inventory of painting supplies + computer and all components moved in and situated, I'll post pictures...hopefully, that'll be within the next couple weeks. I plan to start teaching some classes in the spring, so I've got to get going with it all!! I've been painting some things during the holidays...a few pendants and a wall sconce that's cute for the cat lover. I've posted some pictures and will be listing them on Ebay tonight.

It won't be long 'till we're packing up again for Mule Day in Columbia, TN and I hope to get some mule things painted for that...I always sell a bunch during the week there! Keep checking back with me for the never ending saga of farm life here...animal drama, fence building, garden planting, mule riding and oh yeah, some painting here and there!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

**PS... Don't forget to leave a comment, idea or suggestion...I'd love to hear from you!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

How I miss those little running steps and whispers coming from bedrooms down the hall to the tree! Memories bring back the times of checking the chocolate chip cookies and milk to see how much was gone, reading the note from Santa himself, to thank the little ones for the snack and being sooooo good through the year! The whole process is sweet, sad and precious all at the same time! Our "little" ones are now 22 and 24, but we still have Santa stop by! This year I woke up about 5:30, turned the oven on, and fixed made from scratch biscuits, scrambled eggs, pork chops and red-eye gravy! I then walked through the house with a jingle bell, waking everyone up to eat and open presents! We had friends spend the night, so they joined the AWESOME ASS ACRES festivities. Today, we plan to just sit and visit, laugh, talk, eat and laugh some more! I cooked a BIG pot of Brunswick stew to enjoy throughout the day, so we're good on eating!
I hope all were tickled with their treasures this morning, and I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed, healthy New Year!

The BIG Day's A-Comin'!!

2008-12-23T12:45:00.000-05:00

Well, we've cooked, baked, fried, boiled, sautee'd, marinated, sprinkled, stirred, folded, mixed, toasted, frosted, wrapped, unwrapped, laughed, cried, sang, prayed, travelled out of state, came back home, visited, talked, looked back, looked ahead and even slept a little in-between and it's not even Christmas Day yet!! On Saturday, our babies came with their babies, along with my mom and 2 of our best friends, and we enjoyed the day here at AWESOME ASS ACRES! We really christened our little house with 16 folks, the most that's ever been here at once! Our daughter's family came from Kentucky, (they've just returned to the states this year, after being missionaries in Romania for 9 years) and we were thrilled to have them stay a few days. We had ham and all the fixins', along with pecan pies, chocolate cake, jam cake, homemade candies and cookies! For Christmas day, we've decided to keep it simple, so I'm making Brunswick stew! The crowd will be less...the kids will be at their house for their own gift giving, so we plan to just relax and reflect. I sure hope that all of you have a wonderful, beautiful, safe and healthy Christmas and I hope that you also have a New Year filled with many blessings! Watch for my listings and stay in touch! I love to hear from you with messages or comments left on this site! Thanks again to every customer!! Merry Christmas!!

Wheeeeww...Is Everybody Still Full??

2008-11-29T15:19:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a beautiful, fun filled, safe, happy, wonderful Thanksgiving! I know we did, here in East Tennessee! The meal was excellent, company even better, the day relaxed and enjoyable! Two of my babies (22 & 24)were here...the other three had meals at their house. The one blessing/miracle that I'm most thankful for, is that Zachary, our 24 year old, was here to enjoy the day. Two weeks ago, he was on one of our many back roads, late at night, approaching a curve and a very old, concrete bridge crossing. A deer jumped in front of him, he swerved, missed the bridge pilings by a few feet, left the road, went down an embankment, jumped a creek and came to rest 4 feet from a power pole. The impact of jumping the creek actually broke the seam in the floor section of his '88 Oldsmobile...it's totalled. He had to crawl out of the passenger side window and walk 2 miles to the nearest house for help. Sobriety test given by the responding officer, showed no alcohol or drugs, just an accident that could have been fatal. Zachary's bruised, very sore, has a small cut above his eye, but was here to eat turkey, dressing and some of his moma's best desserts...so that's my biggest, most thankful for, miracle for this year! BTW, the seatbelt saved his life...always buckle up!
Now that the kitchen is back to normal (my sweet husband cleaned up EVERYTHING), I'm painting pendants, ornaments and working on some new signs! I've added a new ornament with Cha-Cha expressing her view of decorations, so check it out! Till next time...take care from AWESOME ASS ACRES!

BRRRRRR! It's Cold in East Tennessee!!

2008-11-17T22:19:00.000-05:00

Beautiful days, cold nights, I think it's getting close to Christmas!! Things are jumping here at AWESOME ASS ACRES...my studio is almost ready to move in, company's coming for Thanksgiving, I'm pulling out recipes of every sort (going to try some new desserts this year), we have new Boxer pups (born on 11/15), and I'm painting during the very few spare minutes!! I hope the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday brings to mind all of the wonderful things that each of us have to be thankful for, good company, good food and happy memories to think back on, in the future. In the meantime, wish me luck on my jam cake recipe!!

Trip To Ohio, Lake Eerie, Still in AWE!

2008-10-19T14:49:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago, a close friend from Georgia, asked me to travel with her to visit former neighbors that had moved back to their home state of Ohio. We left on October 11th and returned October 15th. It was a wonderful, beautiful trip...this is from someone that's never been any farther north than the Lexington, KY Horse Park!! The friends live in Pierpont, Ohio, so we drove about 11 hours up, but decided to route our trip home through W. VA, and that day, we were on the road about 15 1/2 hours. It seemed that every few miles, there was a detour or road construction, but we arrived back safe and sound and ready for an early bed time! While in Pierpont, we attended a covered bridge festival (17 covered bridges in the county), tried several restaurants (all great food) shopped at the Amish market, (found more treasures than we could haul home) and visited Lake Eerie, along with several art galleries along the lake shore and couple in one of the quaint little townships near the lake. We also were able to see several light houses along the way! Each stop was fun, interesting and different, but Lake Eerie was the most enjoyable for me. Being from LA (lower Alabama), and having lived in the south all my life, I'm use to lakes where you can see the other side...not this time! It was amazing to see something that resembled the Gulf of Mexico, but without the stickiness of salt air! It was beautiful, to say the least! We also walked the beach and looked for "lake glass". Apparently, that's the thing to do as you walk the beach and we found that lots of folks make gorgeous jewelry, wind chimes...with these naturally sanded glass pieces. I didn't find any, but did pick up a few small, very smooth stones that I'm thinking of painting on. I'm back here at AWESOME ASS ACRES now, so there'll be more painting going on. I've listed several pendants, a metal porcelain bowl, with a moma and baby raccoon, plus a fun mailbox reindeer this week on Ebay. There's more to come, I'm sure!!

Cool Weather, Halloween...Fall's a' comin!!

2008-09-07T17:52:00.000-04:00

Fall's my favorite time of the year! November will mark our 25th wedding anniversary, so it's always special when the days get shorter and the temps get cooler!! We're hoping to take a trip up the east coast...we've gone out west, but we'd sure like to order a Maine lobster, in Maine!! I've been painting several projects for Ebay, and filling some custom orders for folks, but I can't seem to get everything started and finished as quickly as I'd like. Our addition is almost completed, so I hope to start teaching some classes soon. All of our critters are doing well, we've had several hatches of guinea fowl, so we're good on "bug patrol"! We've got one more cutting of hay for this week and that will take care of that chore, till '09...we feel sooo blessed with the abundance of hay this year, as opposed to last year during the drought. I've just listed these Halloween bowls today -- "Halloween Herd" -- 4 different bowls, 4 different horses, all ready for trick or treat! I've found several of these vintage wooden bowls and I plan to paint something in all of them. Be watching!

Adding on to the house...NO fun!!

2008-07-16T21:10:00.000-04:00

We've been sooo busy so far this summer! We decided to add on to our "little house on the prairie" and it's far more than we thought it'd be! Who'd think that an extra bedroom and a shop space for me would be so time consuming and aggravating?? We've done most of the work ourselves, so that's rewarding, I think...We're toward the end of the journey now though, so maybe soon I'll be enjoying, instead of griping about the process!! I've also decided to change my Ebay user name from "equinesigns" to "awesome-ass-art". I'm trying to incorporate our farm name into my future shop and I thought this would be another step in that direction. I haven't gotten use to it yet, and who knows, I may change it again, but for right now, that's what I go by!! I've started several cat pieces and I've also painted some Halloween things and I'm loving them!! I plan to continue with cats, Halloween and other equine things, so watch for upcoming listings!

Time Out for the Grandbaby!!

2008-06-08T23:40:00.000-04:00

After getting all the hay up this last week, the oldest son called and asked me to come down for the weekend. He and his pretty wife wanted to celebrate their 4th anniversary and they needed me stay with their 9 month old daughter...my perfect granddaughter, Alayna! Oh, the joys of being the lucky one to enjoy the snuggling, and kisses of an angel on earth!! I don't know her every day moods, but during my entire visit, there was absolutely no crying or upsets. She was perfect from the time I arrived to the time I left. Was it this wonderful when mine were little?? I guess so, but I think we all get caught up in the work and worry of raising our own and overlook all the "good stuff"! I just know that I'm looking forward to another visit ASAP!! Those kisses were addictive and I've been captured without her lifting a hand!! I had great ideas to paint while there...even took some things to work on, but alas, not a stroke was made!! Too much fun having fun with Alayna! I'm back now and will be adding some more things to Ebay this week!!

Make Hay While The Sun Shines...

2008-06-04T15:26:00.000-04:00

We've been baling hay this week here at AAA! We've had to dodge some thunder storms, but we're just about finished. Last year, with the drought, hay was scarce, but this year it's beautiful and plentiful, so far! I'm working on some things that I should have on Ebay this week, so watch for them! Of course, I had to post some pics of the fields, and the mules...Maude is the sorrel and Solomon is the App. mule that we show throughout the southeast. The last one is of Cha-Cha gettin' a little sun! Look at 'dem ears!!

AWESOME'S CHA-CHA!

2008-06-03T22:05:00.000-04:00

I took these pics of Cha-Cha today and thought I'd let folks see what a little long ears looks like at 7 weeks old (her birthday was April 10th)! She's growing like a weed and is soooo smart. She's already halter broke and will let me lift and hold all 4 feet. She's wonderful with her bath and the trimmers. The dark mare is her mom, Minnie and the blond is our mare, Dolly.

Solomon Says...What's Happening At Awesome Ass Acres?

2008-06-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

Baling hay during the day and painting at night...that's the time I'm spending this week! We've been dodging thunder storms to put up 35 acres of beautiful fescue pasture and so far, so good. I'm painting on some things after dark, but bedtime sure comes early after a full day! Over Memorial Day weekend, we stopped by a llama show in White Pine, TN. I never dreamed that llamas came in so many colors, even Appaloosa! Each one was different, but all really pretty. We love that humming sound, too! I've hinted about adding a couple to our animal collection here, but my sensible half says not now. Guess I have to wait awhile! I'm working on getting some pictures of Cha-Cha, but she's not in the posing mood lately...too much fun running and stretching those long legs!!