Carlos! What beautiful shoes you have!

Thanks to my sister Tricia for letting me know about a fabulous deal going on today at Carlosshoes.com! Can I just say that I didn't know Carlos Santana made shoes?!

These puppies will be gracing my feet in a week or so when they come in. Originally priced at $89.00, I got these gems for a whopping $26!

My favorite part? They look like a couch. And I LOVE that.

Hopefully they come in before Valentine's Day - my little toesies will take the cold if it means my feet will be looking fabulous!

Thank You Hot Toddie

This past Sunday I was enjoying a nice dinner with my parents at their house when we got into some pretty deep conversations about certain mindsets and outlooks on different situations. Specifically the balance between 2 different people and why it works. For example - my brother is very calm, quiet and chill while his wife is running on all pistons all the time. Todd and I are very much the same as that. He's real laid back and lets things happen, living 1 day at a time, choosing his battles wisely. Me? Well, let's say I don't exactly operate that way. I also have all pistons firing and am constantly moving. In my brain, I have a tendency to think that if it's the way I did something years ago, that's the way it should be done now. Not necessarily true, as I'm finding out.

I was entertaining my parents by telling them the hilarious, quirky way Todd does things. Todd, I love you. LOL but you do things so different, which sometimes makes my brain hurt. However - you amaze me, in a good way :) So enjoy, while I tell tales of your quirky, yet desirable ways.

The analogy I used - because of course the moment I need to give an example, all the weird things you do escaped my brain - was that you could sit down on your chair, but there's a book on said chair. Instead of moving the book because it's in the way or because it'll be uncomfortable to sit on, you just sit on the book. Right on top of it. And it doesn't phase you! And for that reason, you completely baffle my brain.

A perfect example - a couple weeks ago, Todd came over with a bottle of wine. Very sweet, I know. So when Todd poured us a couple glasses of wine, he returns to the living room, with the wine not in wine glasses, as one would suspect, but in coffee mugs. Of course, me being the person I am, immediately got up with the mugs in tow and exclaimed, "Todd! I do have wine glasses you know!"

Todd stopped me before I reached the kitchen and asked me why it mattered what kind of glass it's in. It's all going to the same place. So, I retreated back to the living room and drank my wine out of my coffee mug, inspired.

It didn't hit me until this past weekend that it really is a unique way of looking at life. Todd does so many things that are unusual, but it makes so much sense! Todd is very fortunate to have an outlook on life like he does. He chooses his battles wisely and doesn't let little stuff bother him. He knows it's not worth getting upset over and you know what? He'll probably live to be 110 because he doesn't let the stupid stuff stress him out.

I'm making an honest effort to become more like that. I'm actually pretty easy going for the most part. But there are a little things that get under my skin. Todd, I know when you read this, you'll probably give me that head-tilt and look like, "Yeah right, Robin - you? Easy going?!" The truth is, everything I'm not easy going about is something that Todd does lol. But that's why we are so compatible.

Todd teaches me how to combat those little things and I'm teaching him stuff too. I can't think of anything right now, but I know there's some things. :) We are a good balance and that's why things work so well for us.

So Todd, thank you for teaching me a different outlook on life and setting an example for most people to follow when going through their daily lives. Most of it is just not worth getting upset over, and yes, it took me 2 years with you to realize that. But hey - better late than never.

I mean, 2 years is long time.

Congratulations to me and Todd! Todd and and I have reached our 2 year anniversary! We had a fun filled day for sure. He made me lunch, which is huge in itself ;) then we did a little shopping in the gateway quarter downtown. After that, we headed to Sungs for a drink or 2 before freezing our tails off at the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. I was a little bummed out this time around because they are doing construction on the Cat House, therefore it wasn't open to the public. We did, however, get some souvenir mugs for our hot chocolate. :)

Always a good sight - my man cooking for me :)

It was cold!!!

Todd did a great job with my gift this year - beautiful turquoise earrings and a bracelet to go with it. He also got me some Eye of Ra earrings!





I gave Todd a bracelet that I found at Mr. Grim's Nostalgic Nook down in New Richmond, Ohio, from a little day trip we took this summer. It's a silver ID bracelet, so I had it engraved with our anniversary date, 12-27-08. I also drew him a picture of the Joker, whom he absolutely loves.


It's been a wonderful 2 years and I can't wait to celebrate another New Year with Todd!

Where's the motivation? I don't know.

These days, I'm struggling to stay motivated to get my work done. I've got a painting on the easel right now that needs to be done asap. But what am I doing? Writing about it. Which typically is the last step of my process before I get so fed up with myself for not painting, that I just finally get up and put the paint brush to the canvas.

Mr. T is waiting for me as we speak, but as I look at the work I've done so far, and realize that the amount of work still left to do (which isn't a lot by the way), is still not enough for me to loosen the ever so tight grip that my extremely comfortable chaise lounge chair has on me. ::Sigh::

Not to mention, I still have quite a few other freelance projects that need working on. I don't have the overwhelmed, all-I-can-do-is-sit-here-and-cry kind of feeling about it, however, I still know they need to be done, and I'm still... sitting... and writing about it.

Maybe it was the Puppy Pilots children's book project that sucked it all out of me. As much fun as that project was, I have never worked harder on a project in the small time frame I was given - all of 3 weeks to take 13 pages of illustrations, from concept stages to final full color plus the book cover, front and back. All while continuing my regular life consisting of a full time job, another project of painting a mural at a daycare, moving out of the apartment I was living in and dealing with the death of my very first pet ever, Missi, who I got when I was 7. Those 3 weeks were hell, and a very big THANK YOU to Todd who helped me through the very emotional, very stressed out roller coaster ride I was on.

The book however, should be a success - and I will be receiving my copy of the book shortly in the mail from Duke Morgan, who is the author, and a very talented voiceover and production extraordinaire from Las Vegas. I will update you when the book gets here!

Back to my the-filing-cabinet-fell-over-in-my-head unorganized spew of a blog post.

The sad reality is, that I'm kind of exhausted with freelance work. I can't remember the last time I did any artwork for me. For my portfolio. For Dutch's. People are buying my work, and I couldn't be happier. Except that the work is leaving the shop and nothing is coming back in to replace it. I love doing freelance work. I love painting specific things for people and seeing their faces light up when I hand them the completed piece of work - it makes me happy to be a part of something that is so special to them. Now, having said that, I haven't painted anything for me. I don't have any downtime to do such a thing. And what's worse - I haven't even had the desire to. Because as soon as I get the thought in my head that I want to paint something for me, then I remember that I have freelance work to do and people are waiting for it. Which in turn, extinguishes the desire to do anything for me.

I hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot by putting this in cyber ink, but after Christmas, I think I'm going to take some time off of freelance work. I need to focus on doing what I need to do to progress my career in art. I want to paint more for me; I want to paint because I genuinely want to, and not because I have to do it for someone else. I have a legitimate business now, R.Ewers Designs, LLC, that I need to do something with. Todd and I have all these ideas and things going on in our heads, and I don't have the time, nor the desire to pursue after working all day, and then doing freelance. It sucks, but I've really just become unmotivated.

Todd and I saw the Social Network last night and we both walked out of there with the wheels in our heads moving. I told Todd that within the year, I want to get my business started and make something out of myself before I turn 30. Now, 30 is still 5 years away, but we all know how much of a procrastinator I am and I have to give myself ample time! ;)

So what will my New Year's Resolution be for next year? Focus on myself and my artwork and to not feel pressured into saying 'yes' every time someone asks me to do a project for them. I've got to learn how to say 'no'.

Call me 'Official' and I'll Answer!

It's official - You're reading the blog of the proud Principle Member and Owner of R.Ewers Designs, LLC. I am a small business owner in the state of Ohio everyone!! Go me! Thanks for everyone's support and I can't wait for you all to see some things I've got under way. Good things are happening ladies and gentlemen! :)

Also, my apologies for being away - I was relaxing on the beach in Destin last week with my family. Read an amazing book - The Last Lecture - and it's definitely got me kick started on kicking procrastination in the butt. I know, I know - we have a love/hate relationship; procrastination and me.



Great news - I've been hired to illustrate a children's book this week! As soon as I believe it's legally ok, I'll post some sketches and jib jab so you can see.

Working on a mural sketch for a friend - that will be done tonight and I'll post the prelim sketch shortly.

Also did a painting of the beach in Destin - almost done with that too!

Busy busy busy! And just to keep me going - check out the song of the week - this definitely get's me pumped to keep moving!

What happens when your plate is full? Become part of the 'Clean Plate Club'!

Or maybe that just applies to food - that's what my dad always said anyway.

But my plate is definitely full and I'm loving it!!

I've decided I'm moving again; I can't wait to start over in a new place, furnish it and have a bigger kitchen. Yesterday, my Elizabeth Taylor drawing sold at Dutch's Pony Keg- super excited about that. I'm doing a Frank Sinatra piece now to replace that one. I've also decided I'm writing a book. I won't put anything up about it just yet - I've starting writing my first thoughts down, but before I introduce any excerpts to the world, I want something more solid. Surely you understand!

Next weekend, Todd and I are going to Chicago to visit a friend - it'll be our first road trip together, although he'll be sleeping the entire time since I'm picking him up after he gets off work at 5am.

The week after that I'm going to Florida with my family - my first real vacation in 6 years! When I say 'real' I mean - literally laying on the beach with nothing to do - no planner telling me I have to do anything, but just making sure that I get the sand and salt off my skin before dinner. So pumped!

Below is a drawing that I did, a tattoo design for my friend Josh. He's a Cincinnati boy at heart which I think is great! Who dey!


Recently I did the River Sweep - talk about a fun experience! Cleaning up the banks of the Ohio River was so liberating and motivational!

Me and my bags of trash!

My friend Linda and I found this bean sprout thing growing on the completely sodded (and gross I might add) upholstery of what we assumed to be the carpet of a car which was hiding underneath some rocks. I was going to take it home and plant it but by the end of the day, I had forgotten all about it!

I know one of my previous posts talked about the Shepard Fairey party at CAC. What I don't think I mentioned was that the day after, all the event pictures were posted on Cincinnati.com - I just happened to be featured on the front page of Cincinnati.com too! I met Tesse (pictured with me) that night at the party - who turned our to be a super cool chick!



Well, off to finish my drawing of Frankie boy and go apartment hunting later!

Life couldn't be better right now and I'm so excited for all the possibilities in my future.

I know it's been a while...

But here are pictures of my living room... FINALLY. I got it all cleaned up and ready.. so enjoy!

Also, check out CincyChic.com for my spotlight interview! Interviewed and written by Linda Palacios. Thanks Linda!!!



The 'artsy' word above my door was an idea I had when I was shopping at Urban Outfitters. I kept watching these letters until they went on sale, but unfortunately, I never knew what I wanted to spell. So I asked my mom to describe me in 1 word; 5 letters. 'Artsy' was what she came back with! I found the letters and wasn't too pleased with the preexisting design on each letter. I found an old Rolling Stone magazine and traced the letters on random pages, cut them out and rubber cemented them on. And there you have it! Brand new letters - made inexpensively.


Oh the couch. Yes it's a futon... and I hope to have an actual real live couch soon. There's a retro furniture store downtown I plan on visiting soon to pick up a stylish new couch. Until then, I decided to cover up the drab neutral color with a blanket that has coordinating colors to my pillows (which I also got at Urban Outfitters.. love it there!)


My table, which was featured on CincyChic.com has made a huge improvement to my apartment. You can check out the previous post on it below. I love my books. I think I need to make a trip to Ikea to get a new bookshelf.. this one is starting to bow!


My art studio, which also has already been featured on my blog, is always a hard area for me to keep clean. But then again, who really cares? It's where art is made! Also, check out the most recent painting.. Dave Matthews for Gilpin's.. still drying!


My awesome leopard print chaise lounge chair and my sweet 'White Star Line' promotional poster for Titanic I got at the Titanic exhibit at the Museum Center a few years ago.


I love this little lamp! I got this at Ikea, of course. I liked them so much that I got one for each of my girlfriends for Christmas this past year! They come in a bunch of colors too.


I hope I can help you get inspired to get creative with your own home and make it your personal, inspirational, comfy place!

R.I.P. Adam Peak

This week, a very good friend of mine was killed in Afghanistan. Lance Cpl. Adam D. Peak was 25.. just a year older than me. We met a few years back and always had fun together. I remember the day he told me he enlisted into the Marines. I couldn't believe it - I was secretly praying that he would change his mind and back out. But the Marines took a boy and turned him into a fine, upstanding man. Todd and I attended his funeral today; those bagpipes get me everytime. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the cemetery. But I plan on visiting him. That way I get to spend some more time with him. It's kinda funny; he gave me an ankh ring and pair of ankh earrings for my birthday one year - an ankh means eternal life to the Egyptians.. hmm.. everything does happen for a reason. Now every time I wear them I'll have Adam living on, hanging out with me.

To commemorate his memory, I drew a portrait of him as a gift to his family. They absolutely loved it, and put it up on display during his visitation. For your viewing pleasure..



Adam's remains returning home:



And a few pictures of us acting goofy at Cheeseburger in Paradise just last year:



I heard a great quote today from one of his Marine Corps brothers..

"Heaven needed a party, and they picked the right guy."

Miss you buddy - I'll see ya again one day.

We did it!

Todd and I have reached a huge milestone in our lives! Our 1 year anniversary was this past January. Todd and I have grown so much since we met; both wild and crazy, and now I find it hard to believe that I ever lived without him.

We met at Sully's, a bar downtown that has since been closed. I won't give you the all the details, but I was dancing on the bar and he was serving shots! Almost 3 years later, we are happily together, loving life!

Todd has played such an important roll in all aspects of my life. He has helped tremendously with my artwork, given me new outlooks on life and the situations that I encounter.

We spent our anniversary going to the Art Museum, then to the Festival of Lights, which it snowed for the first time this winter and it was so perfect! To finish the night off, we had dinner at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. SO amazing.

Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo

Montgomery Inn Boathouse

And to top it off, he bought the most beautiful diamond earrings!!!

I love you Hot Toddie... you are the best thing that ever happened to me!

The new apartment

Like I mentioned before, I've moved again! I still have quite a few projects that I need to accomplish. (Thanks Design Sponge for the inspiration!) But I'll show you what I've done so far!

I was inspired by Amy (who writes for Pikaland) who wrote a entry for Decor8 by her use of the Expedit shelving units from IKEA. So I went hog wild and bought 2 of them! Here is how I used them:

My dresser - with the drawers for my socks and 'unmentionables' lol.

My counter space in my kitchen. My kitchen has NO counter space and is literally the hallway that connects my living room to my bedroom. I also went from 25 kitchen cabinets in my old place to 7 cabinets in this new place, so I have put my dishes and cups in here as well. In the drawers, I put my tupperware, dish towels, and other kitchen utensils.

Here's my bedroom..not finished yet - my brand new bedspread is currently bagged up and awaiting a trip to the laundromat because unfortunately it got infested with fleas! So this is my old one, but my new one matches the brown and pink pillow shams that you see now.. And I still need to get curtains and put more stuff on the walls.





Here's my kitchen.. NO counter space as I said.




That's all for now! I'll post more as I get it done!

Struggling

Life has been hard this last month. I always say, "We all have the same 24 hours in a day, it's all in how you use it." Mainly because I'm always so busy that I never take the whole 'I don't have time' excuse. Well, it looks like the preacher has learned her lesson. I've hit my yearly quota for breakdowns and meltdowns in the last month alone. I just want to go ahead and say thanks to my wonderful, amazing, sexy support system, Todd. Yes baby, I know I'm a handful - lucky you, you get me for a long while! My parents have also been awesome in helping me sort my heavy load out. I've made a few decisions in my life in the last day, there are going to be major changes.

I haven't picked up a paintbrush in 2 months. Let me repeat myself. 2 MONTHS. That's just absolutely ridiculous. This week, I'm busting out and starting, and finishing my freelance projects, and then back to my easel. I've got to finish the Beatles and work on some new endeavors. I've been in touch with Jeff Ruby's office, so wish me luck - maybe something will come from this!

I put a streak of purple in my hair... see??


Ok, so not that noticeable, but I notice it! Something different! Anyway, I'll be putting more work up as I get it done - oh and pictures of my new apartment.. yes; I moved... AGAIN. I'm so done with moving. This time, I'm not painting the walls in there. I hate repainting them when I have to move out. My word, that's annoying.