This is my most recent finished piece.  I started it before I become very ill and physically disabled (I don't care to get into all the details of my health).  I didn't know if I'd ever be able to do any artwork again because of the physical challenges.  It's been a slow process, but my health has improved a bit.  I am able to do some painting now (on "good" days) , though it's a slow process as I am limited to how much I can do in a day and I have to stop frequently to lie down.  Even though I'm not able to put in the long hours of painting I did in the past I am thrilled to be able to paint again.  Anyway...this painting I started before I became too ill to paint.  I never knew if it would get finished or if I'd paint again at all.  Normally there's a sort of "high" that goes with finishing a piece, but this one was extra special.  It felt like a sort of victory...a triumph over illness/disability.  I'm happy to report that I've started another painting.  It will be my first painting done from start to finish since become ill. It will also be a special one.    Thanks for looking!!

(forgive my poor photography skills!  this piece is very bright in real life and the colors are very rich)

Way cool!  I just got the book "Calligraphy School" and am about to start learning.  Glad to hear you enjoy it so much.  I hope I do too.  Glad to know the Gothic alphabet is the easiest to start with.  Thanks for sharing your work!      (By the way....I vote we keep the heart smilies year round!)     

This is absolutely wonderful!  I wonder if you might post a close up of one of the color squares?       This has me wanting to make a quilt!   Well done!

I recently became physically disabled and must use a walker when I leave the house.  I use one of the rollators too (with a seat so I can take breaks).  This bag looks really cool! Looks like you did a top notch job! 

WOW!! Thank you so much for this!!!  My sewing stuff is all in storage right now.  As soon as I'm in my own place and set up for sewing this will be this first piece of clothing I make.  Really awesome!! Thanks!  Very generous to post the pattern! XOXO    It's absolutely beautiful!

I want this super duper bad!!!  I added it to pinterest, facebook, and Etsy favorites.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!

Thank you all for taking the time to check it out and for your lovely comments! 
 I'm now starting a series of ocean animals which should be lots of fun.

First art exhibit-woohoo!  I am a self taught artist and wanted to show my work for the experience more than anything.  I will have my work up for the entire month of October at a local cafe.  I hung up everything last night and took some pics this morning.  (Planning to go back to re-take pics when I have a little more time and can take better pics).  I'm REALLY pleased with how it turned out and am really glad I did it.  I learned a lot and am looking forward to doing more.  Everything has a price tag, but I'm not really concerned with selling.  Mostly I just wanted the experience and opportunity to learn.  Also I did it 'cuz it took me waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone and challenged me in many ways.  Thanks so much for sharing this exciting event with me!!

(even more pics on Flickr):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparklerama/sets/72157631686805827/

Beautiful!  I am envious of your beautiful manicure.  My hands and nails always look terrible because I'm always painting.  I've learned it's pointless for me to polish mine 'cuz they just get all painty and messy right away.  So...I'll just admire yours.       Really great job!

Love it!!