My Kitchen Drawer: Archive

Dec 7th

Vote to decide a broadcast day!

Planning for 2012… Which day(s) would you like to see the Live Studio broadcast resume? Monday (3PM - 8PM EST) Tuesday(5PM - 10PM EST) Wednesday (10AM - 3PM EST) Thursday (3PM - 8PM EST) Friday (10AM - 3PM EST) other Comment with your vote or vote via Facebook!

Nov 28th

Broadcasting resumes

Plans are being discussed to resume broadcasting from my studio beginning in early 2012. Let us hear from you…. Who’s ready for it?

Nov 6th

Its about perspective...

Its raining… and the nearly 2yr old puppies are outside frolicking with Old Man dog and won’t come in!. Now they’ll be soaked and stinky! But you know the good news? Its raining.. and the nearly 2yr old puppies are outside frolicking with Old Man dog and won’t come in! An, hey, they’ll dry and baths will remove the stink… So I’ll just enjoy watching them...

Nov 3rd

Nov 1st

What's your motivator?

Recently a friend asked what’s motivating me to get to the gym. I don’t think I’ll EVER be “motivated to go” (I hatehateHATE to workout), but I do know I feel good about being able to say “I WENT”. What motivates YOU?

Oct 31st

What's my purpose in life?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of all who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 So often Christians struggle with finding their purpose for this life… “Why am I here? For what reason did God create me? What’s my purpose in life?” Many times the answer is determined by seeking how we are gifted and...

Apr 19th

Trust and Listen...

“Trust in God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, wherever you go, He’s the one who’ll keep you on track.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) Some of you are old enough to remember the EF Hutton commercials. For those that don’t, the scenario went something like this: Two...

Feb 15th

I'm hosting a Bible study online...

Beginning Jan 3, I’m going to do a study of the Book of Esther using both “Courage in the Face of Crisis” from Walk Thru the Bible (weekly study for 6 weeks, open to everyone) and “Becoming a Woman of Beauty & Strength” by Elizabeth George (20-min daily study for 25 days, obviously aimed toward women). I’ll host them via the FB Discussion page on Suika Fine...

Dec 3rd

Starting a new painting today!

This is the reference for the new piece. I’ve posted a little more info on the Reference page of my website.

Nov 10th

Watch

What a great insight to just a small part of who Gary is and I gotta say I adore how easily he smiles. Great work ethic and a tremendous care for people… both clearly evident. gary: VaynerMedia was featured as a place to get “hired” a few months ago on MTV. here is the video

Oct 18th

Lovin' Gourmet Library...

I love sharing quality businesses with my friends…. Want a SUPERB online gourmet store with unsurpassed excellence in customer service? Gourmet Library is IT!! I placed another order on Sunday, got an email within hours that an item was unavailable and was offered suggestions in replacement. PLUS… Casey (Assistant Manager) includes a hand-written note describing the *4* samples...

Oct 5th

New Studio update...

Things are moving along! I’m hoping to get the camera, lighting and computer moved in this weekend. That would mean broadcasting could start as early as next week! While I do have some projects awaiting my attention, I’d love for you to send me pics of things you’d like to see done! Send them to info@suikafineart.com Miss you guys!! See ya soon… <3

Sep 15th

Be brave and be Blessed...

Take my word for it… Set no limits and be *completely* open to where God wants to use you (no worries, kids, He’s going before you to prepare your way) and then, take a deep breath, dive in deep and BE BLESSED IN THE BLESSING! I promise you… you’ll soon be saying “How totally cool that He chose *ME* to do this for Him!” *\o/* If you don’t know what...

Sep 13th

"I hear giggling..."

Many of you know that I auditioned this year for the Praise Team at my church and was selected! Hooray, right? Well, sure! I’ve previously shared that my constant prayer is the one Jabez prayed, so I’m always looking to go into new territory. I love when God answers by taking me someplace new because I’m always up for an adventure. Plus, I get a front-row seat in seeing His...

Sep 2nd

When disappointment becomes JOY...

I love it when things like this happen…. 9 months ago I was sooo disappointed when a project I so deeply believed in couldn’t get the momentum needed to make it come to life. Yet, today, I find out that same project is alive and well and is being produced in the very community as was originally planned! Praise God, for His will is done even when we come up short in our efforts!...

Aug 23rd

Going 'out-of-the-box'....

I tend to write exactly as the thoughts occur in my head. It may seem disjointed to most, but that’s okay… such is life in my brain and it works just fine for me. I am as God designed me to be and I certainly make no apologies for that. Hopefully, these thoughts will be as encouraging to you, as they have been to me this morning…. First, a little background on what’s...

Aug 10th

HUGE SALE!!

NEW PRICES! I’ve just reduced everything in the gallery by 60%!! I need to make room for some new artwork, so if there’s a piece you ever thought about purchasing… NOW IS THE TIME!! Commission pieces will also be reduced, so if you’d like a personalized painting… Let’s talk! Contact me at info@suikafineart.com

Aug 9th

A First Glimpse....

Such a BEAUTIFUL wedding!!! And, how could it not be with our daughter as the Bride?! Many thanks to my brother-in-law for providing this first group of pictures so you can peek in on our very blessed day! I’ll post more once we get them from the photographer… *\o/*

Jul 23rd

Jul 1st

New painting on the horizon...

REALLY!!! My dear friend, Michael, has asked me to create a piece for him. He’s the Director of Worship at our church, so he thought something that represents ‘worship’ would be appropriate…. and I totally agree! There’s not any theme better for me than that… because all my pieces are a way for me to worship God and celebrate the gifts He has bestowed in me. ...

Jun 8th

"Where'd she go?"

Just a quick post to let you know that I’m still around… and I MISS YOU ALL!! I haven’t been painting since the Lent project finished because we were focusing on finishing the school year. And, now I’m helping with a few wedding details so that we’re able to really enjoy the time leading up to our daughter’s wedding! Another project that I’ll be working...

May 18th

"I AM the vine"

I can’t believe I’ve finally finished this! Its only, what… 2 1/2 weeks later than it should be? That’s what happens when I get a bad cold and then we fall behind in the home-school work. Duties of a mom always take priority. At least this will be installed in time for Easter celebrations! I do have 2 others completed and installed (I’ll post those later)… and I have one last painting to...

Apr 1st

"I AM" project... Week 4

It seems like I’ve been painting non-stop for weeks, its only been 2 weeks… really! But I wanted to get ahead so that the pieces can be installed to coincide with each week’s message. Week 4 of Lent will be John 15:1 - “I am the vine and my Father is the gardener.” I found a really great picture online that I’m going to use as the base reference. In John...

Mar 3rd

"I AM the light of the world"

Yes, another painting is done! And, yes, this is a different subject than what I originally started painting. But, I think it still represents John 8:12 “I AM the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life.” Thoughts?

Mar 2nd

"I AM the bread of life"

I guess week 3 wasn’t as much of a challenge as I thought… because I finished “I AM the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” ~John 6:35. It took about 8 1/2 hours. I wanted to have a wheat field and water to be part of Jesus to represent Him being the bread of life and living water…

Mar 2nd

"I AM" week 3: the challenge...

Week 3 of the “I AM” project is going to be a real challenge. Photo references are a big part of my work… its very difficult to do realism paintings from a vison in your mind because images and colors are constantly changing. This week, however, my piece will be a merging of 2 images… something I’ve never done before AND I don’t really have a solid photo...

Mar 1st

"I AM" project... Week 3

Okay, I know the project is only in its 2nd week, but I’m really in need of help to prep for Week 3’s scripture: John 6:35 “The Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry,and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” During today’s broadcast, we were discussing how that could be represented in a painting. Is it...

Feb 24th

"I AM" project... Week 2

This week’s Scripture reference is John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (NIV) In my Bible, the study note state that it is also true that “God is light” (1 John 1:5) and, as Jesus’ followers reflect the light...

Feb 22nd

1 note

"I AM the way, the truth and the life"

The first in the 7-week Lenten season project has been completed. This one was created to represent John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Would love to get your thoughts…

Feb 21st

The "I AM" project begins...

In my last post, I shared an idea that God has placed on my heart to celebrate this year’s Lenten season. Each week, I’ll do a painting… one for each of the seven “I AM” statements. My hope is to create pieces that exemplify those statements… not only reflective of my thoughts and feelings, but an image that represents our collective experience. There is...

Feb 17th

Let's create something together...

For this year’s Lenten season, my church will be doing a sermon series discussing the “I AM” statements of God. I thought that perhaps I might create some paintings to convey these statement is an artistic way. I know that God speaks in a way that is unique to each of us and our responses are just as unique, so the idea came to me that it might be interesting to create pieces...

Feb 15th

Feb 8th

Wanted: Road Trip ideas

Family knows you best… and I’m blessed to be surrounded by people who love me so much that they have no issue with telling me “[this] is what you’re best at and [this] is what you’re not.” So, I’m taking the advice and am focusing my art to architectural subjects for a while. It’ll be an adventure, for sure. So here’s how you can help…...

Jan 29th

Live Boldly!

I just saw this on a friend’s Facebook page, but it needs to be repeated…. everywhere and OFTEN!! Life is too short to wake up with regrets. ♥ So love the people who treat you right. ♥ Pray for the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy,...

Jan 27th

Happy Dance time! *\o/*

Finally finally! Today my guru, Ken Hunter of K&S Productions, was finally able to solve the major mystery that has kept me from being able to broadcast for months! Turns out is was a menu setting on the camera and neither of us could figure out how it got changed (he said it was a 4-step process). No matter… MYSTERY SOLVED AND RECTIFIED! So, now I can be back to regular broadcasting...

Jan 25th

Watch

If you’re in business today… you need to understand the terrain or you’re doomed to be lost in the desert. Employ the business standards that you, as a consumer, expect to encounter. I have always said.. its all about Relationships. Don’t get customers…. develop relationships *\o/* gary: Consumer Expectations The way we are connected to people, products, brands,...

Jan 19th

53 notes

Watch

Sooo happy for my Cutiekin @garyvee!! I don’t think there’s a more loyal fan of the Jets out there… gary: I am in SHOCK! I am so happy, AFC championship Game here I come!

Jan 18th

40 notes

Watch

Gary’s talk at LeWeb 2009. And, yes… Gary’s potty mouth showed up too. Aside from that, Gary’s on the mark about the shift in today’s world. Business or not, understanding how the world gets info and connects is KEY! As I’ve always said…. its all about relationships! Get connected and CARE! gary: My Le Web Keynote ( please note some dirty Language so...

Dec 19th

128 notes

1 tag

What's your valley 'sunshine'?

One idea I live by is… even when you’re in one of life’s valleys, the sun still shines! No matter what the situation, focus on the positive, the good, the optimistic. Granted, it won’t eliminate a ‘valley’ situation, but it will make enduring the travel a little easier… sometimes you’re even able to find a quirky way of looking at your situation...

Oct 20th

1 tag

Estampa Reserve 2005

This was suggested to me by my ‘wine guy,’ Pat, who suggested that I try it out to compare to the right-bank Bordeaux I’d had a few weeks earlier. He also shared this interesting little fact: the predominate varietal in this Chilean blend is Carmenere which was once thought to have been extinct. For years, this little vine was mistaken for Merlot despite the fact that the leaves weren’t the...

Oct 19th

1 tag

Doña Paula Shiraz-Malbec 2006

A quick little blog note: This wine is from the Mendoza providence of Argentina and the dark ruby-violet color had me hoping for dark fruit in this one. I’m happy to report that it doesn’t disappoint. This is one of those wines that I could spend all day just simply smelling…. tons of blackberry, plums, spices and black licorice. The flavor profile to me was interesting because the initial...

Oct 19th

Watch

Gary and his passion…. undeniably energetically inspiring *\o/* gary: The video trailer for my upcoming book Crush It

Sep 28th

38 notes

Aug 15th

A Journey of Forgiveness...

One day, a friend and I were discussing the parable of the Prodigal Son. She said that this is the one parable that often brings up resentment in her and that she always has difficulty accepting. The reason being, she was the one in her family that stayed home… she was the ‘good daughter.’ “So, in essence, someone can go and do whatever they please and just because they come home saying ‘I’m...

Jul 6th

1 tag

Jul 3rd

1 tag

Jun 27th

1 tag

Sunshine Report 6.27.09...

Well, this week was not a surprise. Weigh-in today reveals a .4 lb increase. But, I know why it happened and its an easy thing to avoid… I’ve been trying to prep some props for the upcoming Georgia’s Jr. Miss program and decided (once again) to forego my Wednesday night Hip Hop fitness class at the gym, so that I could try and get them ready for the artwork part. And,...

Jun 27th

1 tag

Jun 22nd