Congratulations!

Congratulations go out to Debbie Rogers of Madison who was watching this morning and called in as the first caller to the studio to win a spot in the January 29th Wine & Paint Night being held at my studio!  Debbie, thank you for watching and responding quickly--I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you to ALL those who called in!  I was overwhelmed at the response!  Come by the studio and gallery for a visit--I would love to meet you.  And keep watching Georgi on Saturday mornings.  I am usually on the 4th Saturday, and you never know what I'll be offering. ;)

Newsflash!

Carole will be appearing on WAFF 48 news with Georgi Bragg in the morning announcing something special!  YOU could be a winner! Don't miss it! 8am-9am UNLESS there is breaking news of some sort.  You know how TV can go...This is another shot from a different appearance.  Carole usually appears the 4th Saturday morning of each month. Usually. ;)

10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy

Looking over a few blogs today,  I came across a great article on Daniel Pink's blog on keys to happiness and found them to be so true:

1. Savor the present moment!
2. Don't keep up with Joneses
3. Don't regard money so highly
4. Strive for meaningful goals
5. Be highly motivated
6. Smile though your heart is...
7. Treasure family and friends
8. Feel gratitude and share it
9. Let exercise be your drug 
10. Give give give

The whole article/blogpost is worth reading.  I looked up Daniel Pink after my niece mentioned his latest book "A Whole New Mind" that I plan to read soon.  Anyone read it?  Hope these truths are helpful to you as you chill over the holidays and ponder the year past and the year anticipated...Be blessed!

Great Music on Lazy Day

As I pick up the cookie plates, pack up the large coffee pot from my Christmas Eve coffee, I'm listening to a great musician (over my sound system provided by my husband--playing from my iPod!). She is Sandra McCracken.  Check her out and see if her words don't get you thinking and centered.  She is such an incredible songwriter and was on tour with other awesome, incredible artists Sara Groves, Brandon Heath, Charlie Peacock and Derek Webb for the Art Music Justice tour.  The CD "Grvity Love" can be purchased here on Amazon.

Christmas Time

I love making cookies with my daughters every Christmas.  We took time last night to do that and watch Elf--it was fun!  Gus even got into the spirit too.  You'll have to check out his video, giving a bit of dialogue about the whole event.  It is indeed time to slow down and enjoy family and friends and relish in what God gave us as we celebrate Christmas--a Savior!!

And the most wonderful thing to me at Christmas time is MUSIC!  I have attended and been a part of (with my band Sister Grace) about 9 concerts.  The grand finale was First Baptist Church's "Athens Christmas" and it was truly awe-inspiring.  I love going with my Dad to that each year, and it was simply beautiful, ringing in the lovely meaning of Christmas.  Thanks to Ryan Leffel for directing the Celebration Choir--he and they are so talented!  Below is the spectacular scenery in the sanctuary from the balcony.

As far as recorded music, I have discovered some great new albums and enjoyed older ones as well, but I think my favorite this year is Sarah McLauchlin's Wintersong.

Frank Stitts!

One good thing about shopping this time of year is...well, not much.  BUT!  Last night as I headed to the mall, I knew of an event at Williams Sonoma that was going on, and I happened to make it just in time--imagine that!  Frank Stitts came to talk and cook and sign his latest book Bottega Recipes.  I love Bottega so much and this was going to be a treat to meet the chef who has single-handedly brought rich, regionally grown food to our Southern table.  I loved hearing him discuss the local dairy near Anniston where he gets his milk/dairy products, and the farm that he has developed where he has goats, chickens to grow his own sources of food.  I find that a really cool thing, and I love when people take pride in where they live, and take the local area and let it burst with pride, that which can grow and thrive.  We can truly enjoy to the fullest where we live.  I thought it was funny and true, how he very nicely implied that any restauranteur who uses precut, pre-chopped garlic is not...he never said, but he meant that there's no excuse! I agree.  There is no excuse for not cutting your own cloves of garlic for your fresh pasta.  He went on to say that it is is best used within a half hour that it is cut.  I learned alot, and really enjoyed his being in our area.  I felt really excited about my girls night out at Stitts' Bottega after Christmas that I am planning.

Huge Sale on...

Hurry!! There is a huge sale on another of my favorite things this time of year--corduroys at J. Crew.  Today is the day to rack up on great buys.  I think Santa has already chosen a pair for me!  Other items are marked waaaaaay down too. Sharing this info could cost you alot, but that is your reward for checking in here on the Artful Living Blog.  Stay tuned for all kinds of wonderful tidbits of info!