Fun in St. Paul

Well, I'm on vacation for a few days visiting my sister and her family in St. Paul, Minnesota. My daughter Sarah came along, and we're having a great time! This is just one quick shot of Claire and her family and Sarah as we were about to go snow-tubing. Man! That was a fun time! Have YOU ever done that? Stay tuned for more pics as we enjoy our time here in this winter wonderland. There is beautiful snow all around and it keeps coming down. What are YOU doing for New Years?

My baby--Sarah

Remembering Jessica

A nightmare has been lived out this past week here in Athens, Alabama--during Christmas, that no family or friend should have to experience--the pain of losing a child. Precious Jessica Michelle Elkins was a light and joy to so many people. We always loved having her at our home. I always admired her good manners! She and my Caroline were best friends during their middle school years while they cheered together.

Jessica contracted what is believed to be bacterial meningitis. The violent attack to her body happened so fast and she is gone now almost like the snap of a finger, but we've been through the "slow motions" of hospital visits, prayer vigils, not believing that this could happen to one of our kids. But it did. She has gone on at age 15 to be missed by her loving family and huge number of friends....so hard to understand....So incredibly sad.

But we have to let our faith pick up from here--the point at which we have no understanding. We can be comforted and strengthened in the scripture Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We can't always know what good comes of bad things like this. But it's there! We have to believe it. I know that it was "good" to be at a prayer vigil with a hundred or so of Jessica's friends praying with them. I know that it is good that several of these friends are growing in their faith and understanding of God and death. That is good. Jessica has donned her wings, and will live on in our hearts--that beautiful girl.

This is Robyn, Caroline and Jessica tubing on the river last summer behind Whitney's boat. What fun that was! I can still hear their squeals of laughter...

This is Jessica and Caroline at Cheer camp several months ago.

Anyone reading, please pray for the Elkins family. Jessica leaves behind her loving parents, an older sister and a younger brother. Coping with something like this can only happen with God's mercy, love, comfort and prayers.

Read about bacterial meningitis and know the symptoms. It is a very fast progressing illness that needs immediate attention. May you be blessed!

As a side note, it might be a good time to mention a great book that will comfort those about Jessica. If you'll read at least the first 3 chapters of this book, you will see the marvelous place that awaits all believers and the place where Jessica is now. She is smiling and more radiant than ever! The book is "Ninety Minutes In Heaven" by Don Piper.

Most Awesome Christmas Tunes!

This holidays season in the midst of all the goings - on and preparations, I have kept sane by listening to some of the most beautiful music there is! I love all kinds, but during the Christmas, season choral/operatic music just moves me and stirs and comforts my soul. These guys--Il Divo are simply amazing! These photos came from their site's forum of fans. You have got to check them out! The guys are each from different countries, put together by Simon Cowell, but don't let that disinterest you! haha! He recognized their talent, good looks and marketability. Simon was right as he usually is!



My favorite song this year is Panis Angelicus which is obviously in a different language (Latin??), but the way they sing it, you know the words must have great meaning. Here are the lyrics:

Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum;
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum;
O res mirabilis!
Manducat dominum

Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.

Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum;
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum;
O res mirabilis!
Manducat dominum

Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.
Pauper, pauper

Translated into English:

Bread of Angels,
made the bread of men;
The Bread of heaven
puts an end to all symbols:
A thing wonderful!
The Lord becomes our food:
poor, a servant, and humble.
We beseech Thee,
Godhead One in Three
That Thou wilt visit us,
as we worship Thee,
lead us through Thy ways,
We who wish to reach the light
in which Thou dwellest.
Amen.

Another great singer I'm listening to this morning while I paint is Josh Groban--his new Noel CD is great too! One of my favorites on his CD is Ave Maria that includes a children's choir. Truly beautiful! Go out and get these CDs if you don't have them already!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

New Paintings in time for Christmas!

If you live near my gallery--see my painting blog for some new paintings just completed yesterday for gift-giving!

Gallery Hours for the Holidays:

Open Saturday, Dec. 22 till 5pm
Closed Sunday
Open Monday, Christmas Eve: 10 - 2pm

Closed: Dec. 26 - Jan. 3

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you!
Thank you for being such awesome clients & friends!

Today is my older brother Carl's birthday! My sister Claire shot this of him when they were in Alabama at his wonderful home sitting around the pool. Carl is one fine man--with a heart for Christ (he sponsored me on my Emmaus Walk), family, business, cycling (riding more than 60 miles at a time!) and photography. He is the one I credit getting me into more than 25 years ago. What a great big brother he is!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CARL! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

Rewards of My Newsletter!

If you received this in your inbox last week, then you know you are eligible for an incredible offer of 20% off a commissioned painting or photo shoot from me! Yes! An unheard-of deal. Just ask Mr. Butler who commissioned his painting and saved almost $300 off the price of his painting! Ten people are eligible for this offer--the FIRST 10, and only a few have come forward with their deposits. So, to take advantage of this great offer before Christmas Eve--you must submit your deposit. Don't forget! Don't miss out! My way of saying THANKS to all of my awesome clients. Merry Christmas to you all! If YOU missed out on this offer, then don't miss another one--sign up to receive my newsletter over on the right column of this blog. Join me!

Exercising to Stay Sane

OK, as you watch this, you may not can hear, but I had not exercised in probably 2 months or so when I filmed this, and let me tell you--rebounding is fun! But I got sore muscles. Yes--in my upper back and the arches of my feet. Weird places that I wasn't expecting, but it is great. Here is a website that shares the benefits of REBOUNDING. That's what it's called. My friend Marcia Whitaker shared her experience rebounding to me a while back...So there--you know my exercise of choice. As of right now... ;) What are YOU doing to exercise right now?

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

I have to say I have the best Dad in the world! He turned 73 today, and is such a joy in my life. I'm so proud of all that he has accomplished in his lifetime--such an awesome business man, father and now author as of the past few years. He has just completed his second book--it's not out yet, but his other one is: The Last Witness From a Dirt Road. Check it out--an awesome read! We celebrated Dad's birthday tonight with family gathered around and some great pizza from a local pizza place. Very nice! I hope Dad many more birthdays! I love my Dad so much!

A Warning!

Before taking your children to see The Golden Compass be sure to read what is being reviewed about the movie, the writer, etc. and know what you are getting into. I received an email that is being forwarded around and felt compelled to share the word of warning with you. Other similar reviews can be found here as well. One thing to know is that the writer, Phillip Pullman is a self-proclaimed atheist who has stated that he wants to "kill God" in the minds of humanity, beginning with children. Be warned!

Creative Spirit Full!

Praise God! He is awesome! I know that this workshop is going to be extremely blessed--this idea has been churning inside of me for some time now to teach a creativity/spirituality workshop, and I've followed the nudgings, and now the class is full weeks in advance! Ladies, thank you so much--I look forward to working with you--right along with you. It will be the very RENAISSANCE needed to begin or renew your creative spirit! GREAT THINGS TO COME!

Oh and...a Hint

...for whomever drew my name to fill my stocking! Todd? Caroline? Sarah? These awesome slipper boots....from Old Navy. Then some yummy comfy lounge pants from Victoria's Secret--Pink! And then some M MM Buble! Isn't that a great photo of him??? Who saw the feature on him on CBS Sunday Morning?

My Awesome Clients!

I have the greatest clients. If you've seen my calendar on my site, you know I'm painting "full time" right now--vs. alternating my time between painting and photography. It is GET-PAINTINGS-DONE-IN-TIME-FOR-CHRISTMAS time! And they are getting done one by one. There is a year-long waiting list for a commissioned painting. I'm learning to face that fact. I'm actually working on paintings that were commissioned in August of '06--that famous month when there were about 5 or 6 paintings commissioned in a week's time. Wow!

Last week, a client of mine from Birmingham was finally made known to me! I mean, we communicated through email then I went to photograph her home in Birmingham, and now 16 months later, we finally actually meet. It was a wonderful day when Carla came last Friday. We had lunch together at the awesome Lagniappe's Cafe right next door to my studio, then went to see my home and my parents' home--Carla is a rep for designer furnishings, etc. and is about to build a new home. So we toured around and had such a blessed time together. As I've said before, that right there is the joy of my work. Relationships! They are so meaningful to me. Our time together was the icing on the cake, having worked so hard on her house portrait. AND she loved it! That's icing too. ;)

Leslie shot this of Carla and me--isn't she cute???

And this is Dave Henry whose home is on beautiful Smith Lake. Remember seeing the beginning of this painting and the beautiful water of Smith Lake on my painting blog?? Dave was really pleased with his painting too!

Rosemary Beach Weekend!

Come the end of January, you gals out there may be ready for a getaway meant for only us gals! No boys allowed! Even better, it's at Rosemary Beach. It's a cool weekend of fun and relaxation. It's not expensive, but it is becoming popular. The event benefits the local Caring and Sharing. Read more about that part of the weekend here on their site....

My sister Claire and I have been asked to teach a painting workshop there on Friday from 8am - Noon. So read more about it, and let us know if you want to take it! It is a separate option. We'll paint ALL morning and create one painting. All supplies and snacks are included. Tuition: $175. We can only take a limited number. So enroll now! Better yet, get someone to enroll for you as a Christmas gift! Wanna see more? Here's a short video from last year...



Claire and I are also booking girlfriend photo sessions, being that we are professional photographers too! We will shoot you and your group then images will be posted online for easy viewing and ordering! Can't be any easier than that. Sessions are for one hour and are $375 for the session fee. Book by one week before that weekend and receive a $50 gift certificate toward prints-everyone in your gal group!

We had a blast at this shoot last year...

Me Excited About Getting It All Done!

Get your own MEEZ

God Bless America!

This is a short video of something that caught my eye the other day at the Volkswagen dealer where my car was being serviced. I was filled with awe watching the way our beautiful flag was flying...this was shot through glass. Enjoy!

Gifts Galore!

As the holidays approach, we are offering more gift items in the gallery. Don't miss them--they are all hand-made, hand-crafted by special artist friends of mine. I'm so blessed to have friends who support me and my art who also can create some wonderful things too.

To the left, is an ornament that celebrates Alabama football. This is the only one left at the moment. We also have Auburn and Athens ones too. These are only $8.


Yummy, yummy! Steph, also made some of her famous candy is allowing me to sell it in the gallery. You should pick up a couple of bags for yourself or a get-together you may be having! We have peppermint bark and chocolate toffee. MMmmm! Bags range in price from $4 - $6 depending on the size bag.

And our most popular gift item is an art mug--either a Huntsville one or Athens one. We have both! They are filled this holiday season with a pack of hot cocoa--ready to enjoy by the fire! $15.

Who doesn't need Christmas cards this time of year? I have in the gallery some awesome cards that are original art cards created by students at Catholic High School in Huntsville. They are so beautiful! One of my favorites is the Madonna and Child. Take your pick. They are priced beautifully at $20 for 20 cards and envelopes. Can't beat that!


Remember that you can also purchase a gift certificate in any amount toward anything we offer: a painting, a photo shoot, a workshop or any gift item! People LOVE receiving gift certificates from Carole Foret Fine Art! Call us or visit to see all that we have. You will be amazed!

Laugh for the day!! hahahaha

OK, trun your sound up--this short video is guaranteed to bring a smile, a chuckle or even a bout of laughter from YOU. My sister and friend Diane were together this summer for a short while and we were being photographed by Claire's daughter Grace (7 years old)--well, we didn't realize she was shooting a movie of us until mid-way through this. Needless to say--we are giddy and silly when we get together!

What's funny is hearing Grace direct, knowing that we didn't know she was shooting a movie. Then our Mom is shown briefly thinking we are the idiots that we are. Just funny....

5 Phone Numbers You Need to Know!

5 phone numbers you need to know

OK, I'm still on my Auburn high. Todd (my husband) sent me this cool video from the Today Show that is interesting in and of itself, but includes something cool from our alma mater--the great Auburn University. Check it out!

Another reason I love Auburn is this guy's legacy...

The One and Only Bo Jackson

Bo was at Auburn when I was there. He won the Heisman Trophy when I was there. Oh my goodness! I've never seen so much toilet paper at Toomer's--EVER, than that night. No kidding, it was 2 FEET thick in the street. That is one of my greatest memories of my time at Auburn... Bo was in my school of Home Economics, and I used to work out in the same weight room as he did when I played tennis at Auburn my sophomore year. I'm not saying I knew him, but we spoke on a few occasions....(relishing the memories for a second) And I'm sure I acted like some stupid, giddy, starstruck fan too. :) He was cool. Still is. Read this great story that Todd sent me:

Bo Knows Best

Today's Great Gift Idea

This is today's "Ultimate Comfy Cozy" Gift from our gallery! It's a grouping of 3 things--a warm, soft throw blanket, an awesome book The Last Witness From a Dirt Road, and an art mug--all for creating that cozy feel and relieving the stress of the holidays. There is one more "Ultimate Comfy Cozy" gift combo that includes the throw blanket, art mug and a Sister Grace CD. Either gift package is priced at $40. Come by and see us--supplies are limited!

MM Mm mmmm...

Nothing like one of my favorites...Wynton Marsalis. He has a great site with podcasts and lots of images and discographies. Immerse yourself!

Snapshot

It's a no-make-up-sippin-tea-from-my-AU-mug kind of day. Rainy and cold out. I declare it snapshot of yourself day! Where's yours?

Awesome Auburn Weekend!

Oh my goodness--how much better can it get? You go to Auburn, graduate, marry, have kids, grow your art career and so many years down the road, you are standing on display in the window of the coolest art gallery right next to Toomer's Corner--PAINTING! Am I dreaming? Well, no, I wasn't. And it was so much fun!!

Todd and I drove to Auburn Friday and went straight to Auburn Art . Com Gallery--it's pretty new as a physical gallery, but it has been online for a few years now, growing like crazy. They have been selling my prints for about 4 years of my paintings: Samford Hall, After the Win (Toomer's Corner), and now the Momma Goldberg's piece that I did this year. We have had great success selling these canvas reproductions, and we are having even greater success due the opening and location of this awesome gallery. Look for paper prints of these paintings at Auburnart.com soon!

Frank and Ingrid Brown own the gallery and invited me to join them for the Iron Bowl weekend. James Dean was there too! (...of Pete the Cat fame. That was so much fun being with him and his wife Kim!)

Jessie and all the girls that work at the gallery were so great and hospitable too--thank you all so much! (Jessie, where were you??)



Frank's mother Jenneth let Todd and me stay at her precious cabin for the weekend. It is a work of art itself--so quaint and cute. We loved it and appreciated the warm hospitality that Jenneth and Ingrid offered to us. The Auburn-Opelika News wrote a great article about James and my being back in Auburn. Click here to read the article. See the pics:


Below is the goody bag we found upon our arrival from Frank and Ingrid. It had cool auburnart.com t-shirts, great smelling candles and chocolate candies....and they had stocked the fridge with all sorts of great things too. How sweet is that? Thanks, y'all!


After a great lunch at Momma G's, Todd and I headed out, passing the place where it all happened last night--Auburn's 6th straight win over Alabama---WARRRRRRR EEEEAAGLE!!! Just had to do that....The stadium was surrounded by a misty fog today. I'm thankful the rain held off all weekend for such a great time. Stay tuned for some exciting news! In the meantime, jump on over to the painting blog to see the 2 pieces I painted this weekend.

What's in the Bag???

That's the question if you've seen all these black bags with hot pink tissue in them in our windows! Well I'm going to tell you some of what you can purchase as hot, cool, artsy gifts from Carole Foret Fine Art Gallery.

One of our most popular items is our art mugs which feature Carole's original paintings of 2 places: the Athens Square and the Huntsville, Alabama skyline. Both mugs are the grande size mugs made of ceramic, and they can hold lots of coffee, cocoa, tea or whatever your beverage of choice. Perfect by the fire snuggled up on your sofa! During the holidays, they will be sold with our favorite--a pack of cocoa. These are priced at $15, and that includes tax, but not shipping. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand-washing for best color retention over the years....One of my favorite things about these mugs is that your hand fits easily handling them. My husband likes these for that reason too!

Another item I'm excited about is my Dad's book. Yes, my father Bill Hunt, is an author and is becoming quite well known for his book, "The Last Witness From a Dirt Road" which he has performed lectures, book readings and even theatrical book readings from. It is a PERFECT book for the holidays. Written in the voice of Billy, this is a fictionalized memoir, written in Billy's 12 year old voice. Billy lived on a sugar cane plantation in Bunkie, Louisiana in the 40's--you must read the book and enjoy all that Billy experienced in his relationships during that time. This book has been compared to "To Kill a Mockingbird", but I say, impartially, that it is better. Others have said the same thing....Pick it up in the gallery--$12. Look for more writings as Dad has finished several short stories that are simply awesome! Read more about the book....

Another gift you may purchase at my gallery is a Sister Grace CD or tee! Yes, you can find our CD locally at my gallery as well as online at iTunes. Give the gift of ministry this holidays season!
What genre is our music? Well, we've been called "blue-eyed jazz," folk, indie-sounding--I believe we have a sound all our own. Read more about Sister Grace at their site. Oh yeah, I am one of the girls in the band--if you didn't already know! :) $15

Since this post is becoming very long, I will stop here and show more in the next day or so--including the ULTIMATE COMFY COZY artsy gift. Check back to see that!

Art House!

Art House was so much fun last Saturday night--we got to visit with some great folks who came by to network and share their art. Redwood Hill was AWESOME! They have such a beautiful bluegrass sound. This is a shot of Sister Grace playing with Redwood Hill--I see a cool concert coming after hearing us all sing and play together. Stay tuned for that. :)

Stay tuned, too, for the next Art House coming in the next couple of months or so. Check the blog often to hear when!

Glory Glory to our Auburn!

Well, it's Iron Bowl week, and you'll just have to pardon me if you're not an Auburn fan. I'm really looking forward to being down on the plains game day Saturday at Auburnart.com Gallery meeting people and painting on site and promoting my Auburn prints of Toomer's, Samford Hall and my latest one, Momma Goldbergs. James Dean (of Pete the Cat prints fame) will also be there promoting his cool prints, and I can't wait to hang out with him. Plan to meet us there--this gallery is so nice! It's new and right in the middle of all the action and next door to Toomer's drugs (great lemonade!) These "posters" above I snagged off AuburnArt.com's blog.

Spirit of Athens Site!

We are live!

www.spiritofathens.com

Check it out!
As many of you know, there is an organization revitalizing our greaty city of Athens, Alabama into a more awesome place to live. I think Athenians are so happy and excited about all that has been going on. It is evident just walking the sidewalks of our downtown square!

The site was done by us as one of our website packages that we offer to clients who are a good fit with the templates we purchase. The biggest part of the package is the professional photography that makes any site look so nice! Inquire further if you wish to find out if YOUR business is a good fit for us to do a site for you.

12 Days of Christmas!

Since Christmas is right around the corner--I know, Thanksgiving is first, but you can't start early enough on your Christmas shopping, now can you? Here are some of my personal suggestions and favorite things as well as a few things that are on my wish list! So, let's see what we have:

• J. Crew Coat-one I don't have. Feed my coat fetish....
• Very Sexy Lip Gloss (the best!) by Victoria's Secret
  
• Airline tickets to St. Paul, MN to see my sister
• A new VW Touareg since my daughter is going to inherit my current one
• Dillon Rogers gifts-like these imprinted leather bracelets!
• Garnet Hill boiled wool slippers-my favorite!
• Michael Buble--umm...concert tickets!
• Very soft robe from Bath & Body Works
  
• Auburn Football 2008 Season tickets
• A new sock monkey for my old one to play with
• A spa vacation!! (notice 2 exclamation points)
• Dinner at Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, AL! mmmm!

Share with me the top 3 things on YOUR list!

Art House Saturday Night!

Like art? Collect art? Create art? Art being painting, photography, cooking, graphic design, dancing, poetry, sculpting, music! Yes, there will be live music by Redwood Hill a cool folk band that you'll love. Sister Grace will be there too among others. We just need YOU to come. So enlarge the flyer that Leslie designed and show up. We wanna see you!

Veteran's Day--a time that I thank those who serve and have served our country and her freedom with such devotion. You soldiers have a right to be proud for that service! Thank you so much! The image below is on the MSN page of several great photos of our soldiers. It depicts the Desert Storm veterans from 1991. My brother-in-law Tom may be in the photo--are you, Tom? Tom was in bomb disposal in Desert Storm....

NEW YORK—A parade for the troops that served in Operation Desert Storm, 1991.

© Susan Meiselas / Magnum Photos

The McKenzie Sisters!

I had an awesome shoot with a group of sisters--I loved working with these gals! We shot at the beautiful convent in Cullman Alabama. The scenery was so beautiful and my subjects, so much fun! Thank you, Angela, Tricia, Jan and Sister Lynn for letting me do this. I really enjoyed lunch at All Steak too! ;) Hope you enjoy the slideshow!

Newsletter Coming Soon--Join!

I have a great number of people on my email newsletter list who receive valuable information on what is going on at my studio/gallery as well as valuable coupons when I'm offering a special. If you would like to receive this beautifully presented newsletter (with photos) in YOUR inbox just sign up and be in the know! Of course, if you keep in touch with this blog on a daily basis, then you're in the know already....I'll be sending one out in the next few days! Join us and find out some holiday specials!

Autumn Glory!

I just love this time of year for the COLOR in the trees, and I marvel at God's creativeness that He shares with us as the seasons change. His work is almost unfathomable to me at times--like this morning after taking my daughter to school, I couldn't resist stopping to shoot some of the trees in the historical district here in Athens as well as in my neighborhood. The last image of the very red tree is from a neighbor who was great about watering all summer. I am so thankful that we have some color this year since I feared we wouldn't due to the extreme drought we've been in all summer--the driest we've been since 1925 I heard....Just wanted to share.