So it has been quite awhile since I bloggity-blogged, but there has been so much going on in the life of this little 'ol fair-haired Texan, time has been hard to come by!
New(ish) car
New tattoo
New responsibilities at the office
New friendships
New apartment (coming June 2012;)
New, new, new!
It's amazing to see how God uses so many painful and confusing experiences to make things new again....
Isaiah 43....Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing new things!
One of my favs, Ms. Audra Mae, has a line in one of her songs that goes '...but you're too scared of getting stung to get what you want!'
A few weeks ago I let myself get a little scared of some new things...and I regret it! I closed up shop, shut the front door and kept my head down. The worst part of it all was that I robbed myself the joy of being true to myself. I am not a shy, quiet, soft-spoken person, but all of a sudden fear of the unknown and doubts about getting hurt caused me to be a watered-down mish-mash version of myself!
Being scared gets you nowhere but lost in the Land of What-If....'What-if I get hurt? What-if it ends up being a mistake? What-if I regret it later?' The Land of What-If...nobody ever considers the 'What-if its amazing? What-if it's everything I want it to be? What-if it's exactly where God wants me?"
Anyone who knows me (or even anyone who thinks they know me) knows that I love Miranda Lambert...another song lyric for all y'all: "I guess if you don't jump you'll never know if you can fly..."
If you don't stop yourself from being scared, you'll cheat yourself of so very much...
So in the spirit of spring and new things...my new attitude is to trust Him and not be scared of life...it's going to happen one way or the other, may as well enjoy every little bit of it you can!
In the world of art, I have been immensely blessed with numerous sales and quite a few commissions! Nothing makes me happier than seeing art I loved creating being placed in a loving home to be enjoyed. If only painting could be a full-time career! The Etsy shoppe http://www.etsy.com/people/ems2911?ref=si_pr is a little low, so I will be getting some new pictures and pieces up as soon as possible! I've actually been trying to 'get rid' of lots of pieces, so if you're interested shoot me an email and we can discuss negotiating prices....
Monday, April 2, 2012
Thursday, November 17, 2011
'Hey Cinderella! Step up your game!" Or, "How to Be a Better Princess"
Dear Cinderella’s Point of Contact:
3-
I’m sure Prince Charming is just that: charming.
But really, it takes a lot more character to fall for a guy who looks as though
he could flat out eat you. Belle did that. I’m just sayin’…
I hope you take these suggestions in the manner in which they were intended. I mean only to help you become the best princess that you can be, so as to be an even better role model for females world-wide (like Belle is). I thank you very much for your time and consideration of these matters and finally come to the main point of this missive: I really like fairy tale princesses and would appreciate your autograph, or those of any friends you may have that are regents as well….I know you know them….I have proof:
My name is Emily Nicoll and I am a long-time admirer of you
and your people (fairy tale princesses in general). I am studying to be an
adolescent counselor and the impact you and your people (again, fairy tale
princesses) have on young girls is extensive. I gained an address that may
serve as a point of contact for you through a friend of mine, so I hope this
finds you well. There are a couple of
matters I wish to discuss with you.
First and foremost in the interest of full disclosure and
honesty (which, as a princess I know you value greatly) I must inform you that
while you are appreciated, you are not my favorite princess. I do apologize for
any hurt that may cause, but my guilt is assuaged with the knowledge that many
claim you as their favorite regent.
Please do not misunderstand; I greatly respect all you have
done in your life, what with the cleaning oh-so-much, training woodland
creatures to make beautiful dresses for you, devising intricate escape plans,
(Hello! Pumpkin Coach?!?!? BRILLIANT!), and then living within close quarters
with people you generally detest. On top of all of this, I can personally
identify with the pain you experienced at having your favorite pair of shoes
absolutely destroyed (I just buried my favorite pair of cowboys boots…it’s a
hardship, I know).
But we women of the 21st century are looking for
a little bit more in our princesses, so I thought I might share with you some
pointers on how you might become a bit more popular with the 20-something set.
One of your fellow royals exhibits some of the qualities
that I think may benefit you if applied to your own life these days. I’m sure
you are familiar with Belle. I would very much like to point out a few things
that Belle has accomplished, or traits she possesses, that perhaps you may find
beneficial if you were to add them to your repertoire:
1-
Belle reads. A lot. She broadens her horizons
and expands her mind, promoting education in young women, something that not
too long ago we females were denied on some of the most basic levels. Now that you are living happily ever after,
how about initiating some educational grants for the young women of the realm?
2-
She works. Now as I stated earlier, I understand
that you cleaned oh-so-much for your step-mother, but Belle-well, she helps her
father INVENT things. Whole new machines are created with her assistance! Why
don’t you try to figure out how to market that Pumpkin Coach, eh?
4- When the tough gets goin’, Belle throws herself into the thick of it! When Gaston decided to storm the castle and kill the Beast, Belle went after him, threw some fists and got her hands a little dirty. May I point out that you, Madame Cinderella, cried in the tower when you thought all hope was lost for love? Something to consider.
5- Belle can ride a horse. His name is Felipe. You can’t. Every proper princess should know how to ride a horse.
Thank you so much for your magnanimous consideration and time. I have included my home and business addresses below should you feel the desire to contact me. Have a blessed and pleasant day.
With many thanks in advance-
Emily Elizabeth Nicoll
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I began playing with paints again a few months ago after a little break...life got in the way of being creative! But I had these two pieces to share...'Autumn' & 'Movement'! I'm a pretty lucky duck sometimes...one of my best girls is a fabulous photographer and was in town a few weeks ago...she graciously did a few showcase shots of some of my work including these newest pieces! Check them out on Etsy and Ms. Brooke at :
'Autumn'
"Movement"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84629593/movement?ref=v1_other_2
Thursday, October 6, 2011
A little extra randomness never hurt ANYONE
A few more....they just keep coming back to me....
*Not all of these are about me, nor from me
"Boys never want a toy until another boy wants to play with it"
"I'm not superstitious. But I am a little stitious."
"When you're stressed out and can't face life...you just shop"
"Nobody ever listens to me! When the package is this pretty no one ever pays attention to what's inside!"
"Get out of the bitter barn and play in the hay!"
"Have a little class ladies! Wrap the gift!"
-"Getting along with people is like Madison Avenue..a two-way street!"
-"Madison is one-way..."
"You're non-verbal communications are REALLY loud"
"Yes. I do frequently burst out into song"
"I'd be more inclined to grow up if I saw that it worked out better for others"
"My vocabulary get extensively more intelligent sounding the more liquor I consume"
*Not all of these are about me, nor from me
"Boys never want a toy until another boy wants to play with it"
"I'm not superstitious. But I am a little stitious."
"When you're stressed out and can't face life...you just shop"
"Nobody ever listens to me! When the package is this pretty no one ever pays attention to what's inside!"
"Get out of the bitter barn and play in the hay!"
"Have a little class ladies! Wrap the gift!"
-"Getting along with people is like Madison Avenue..a two-way street!"
-"Madison is one-way..."
"You're non-verbal communications are REALLY loud"
"Yes. I do frequently burst out into song"
"I'd be more inclined to grow up if I saw that it worked out better for others"
"My vocabulary get extensively more intelligent sounding the more liquor I consume"
"She needs therapy-the kind of therapy that only kicking a bucket and meeting sweet Jesus can supply..."-B.S. Robinson
We all remember the ‘Chicken Soup for the
Soul’ obsession of the 90’s right? Every type of person on this green earth
could have their own version of soul-satisfying chicken soup….Chicken Soup
for the Slightly-Obsessive Compulsive, Blonde, Texan with a Bum Knee, Amazing
Friends and a Great Family but Who Also has a History of Falling for Jerks,
Shopping Too Much, and Loving to Paint. See? Look at that! A Chicken Soup
book JUST for me!
But I digress-
One year as a youngster Santa brought me a
fabulous little book call Wit and Wisdom from the Peanut Butter Gang. It is FAR superior to all those soupy tomes
and I loved it so much as a kiddo, that I actually did my 3rd grade
book report on it. I have collected random quotes and musings from all around
me ever since….If I know you, love you, or have stood next to you in line for a
cup of coffee, be warned, you may have been documented…..
“Alis
volat propriis”
"If you were a book, you'd be a book of poetry"
“It's
hard not to be romantic about baseball.”
"Just be wrong. Just stand there in your wrongness and be wrong and get used to it"
“Set
fire to the room. Do it now.”
"I don't believe anyone can waste their time, they're just getting prepared for the next thing"
“It
was pretty baller. Because ‘baller’ is the word that best describes Renaissance
paintings’
“Why
anyone cares about the Kardashians at all is totally beyond me.”
“I.
Love. Texas. ...just saying."-"Well, I guess I can't hide my crazy...
-"I don't think you're tryingthat hard..."
| <><> |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Self Acctualization Lessons Learned: I am Pretty Corny (Part I)
I just spent the weekend with a dear friend who actually happens to be my oldest Amiga, in both length of acquaintance and actual years spent on earth. It was one of those weekends when there was actually enough time to do nothing and something all in two days, a time filled with serious sharing and wine-fueled laughter. I felt awesomely lucky as I drove home on Sunday night, pondering the corny sweetness that comes with old, dear friends. I then observed worlds collide between two people I know;one of my closest friends visited Las Vegas this past weekend...yes, I was a bit jealous, I must admit, but I got even more green-eyed when I noticed on the ever-updating Twitter feed that a sweet friend of mine from high school (who is currently driving cross-country from LA to South FLA) was stopping in Vegas that very night, and that their paths were bound to cross! To top off the Friendship-A-Palooza going on in my little blonde head, I am getting the chance to visit another dear friend in honor of her birthing her second fabulous son next weekend.
In true Emily fashion, I mentally constructed a list of all the ways I have discovered what real friendship truly is, the lessons I have learned from the women around me....
A Real Friend:
-NEVER says 'I told you so'
-Waits over an hour with you for a tattoo, even when they aren't getting one and even when it only takes 10 minutes get the actual tattoo
-Knows how you drink your margaritas
-Tells you what you don't want to hear, but probably need to hear
-Overlooks hormonal witchiness
-Can list your favorite foods
-Will go ahead and let you say 'Thank you!' and take motherhood credit when someone comments on how cute their kid is as you're holding them, knowing part of you is savoring the moment in case its the only chance you get to be a "mom"
-Totally knows who your celebrity crush is (and may or may not announce that name to the entire checkout line at Walmart, see below)
-Goes to Walmart past 11:00 p.m. with you, for a myriad of reasons
-Agrees when you blame your mother for something that is going wrong in your life, even when your mother is not even remotely to blame for said disaster
-Has completed a thought or sentence of yours once or twice
-Checks in for updates about your life, i.e. how your family is doing, what's going on with work and if you're drinking red or white wine these days
-Tells you when you really need to 'cut something out' of your life for stress relief purposes even when they know that 'something' could mean less texting with them for a bit
-Listens to the really long voicemail you left when you butt or purse dialed, just in case you actually say something worthwhile somewhere in it
-Realizes that pedicure chairs have the same effect as a therapist's office
-Makes the effort to be in your life
-Forgives you when you slack off on making the effort to be in theirs
-Checks out your stupid blog
I realize some of these lessons learned are excruciatingly specific to my girls....go ahead and make your own list someday...
In true Emily fashion, I mentally constructed a list of all the ways I have discovered what real friendship truly is, the lessons I have learned from the women around me....
A Real Friend:
-NEVER says 'I told you so'
-Waits over an hour with you for a tattoo, even when they aren't getting one and even when it only takes 10 minutes get the actual tattoo
-Knows how you drink your margaritas
-Tells you what you don't want to hear, but probably need to hear
-Overlooks hormonal witchiness
-Can list your favorite foods
-Will go ahead and let you say 'Thank you!' and take motherhood credit when someone comments on how cute their kid is as you're holding them, knowing part of you is savoring the moment in case its the only chance you get to be a "mom"
-Totally knows who your celebrity crush is (and may or may not announce that name to the entire checkout line at Walmart, see below)
-Goes to Walmart past 11:00 p.m. with you, for a myriad of reasons
-Agrees when you blame your mother for something that is going wrong in your life, even when your mother is not even remotely to blame for said disaster
-Has completed a thought or sentence of yours once or twice
-Checks in for updates about your life, i.e. how your family is doing, what's going on with work and if you're drinking red or white wine these days
-Tells you when you really need to 'cut something out' of your life for stress relief purposes even when they know that 'something' could mean less texting with them for a bit
-Listens to the really long voicemail you left when you butt or purse dialed, just in case you actually say something worthwhile somewhere in it
-Realizes that pedicure chairs have the same effect as a therapist's office
-Makes the effort to be in your life
-Forgives you when you slack off on making the effort to be in theirs
-Checks out your stupid blog
I realize some of these lessons learned are excruciatingly specific to my girls....go ahead and make your own list someday...
Friday, August 5, 2011
"The Texas Sky is the biggest one I've seen
But it still ain't big enough for you and me
All the things that make you mad
And all the baggage in your past
Don't leave much room for a girl like me to be
So I'll fill her up with hope and worn-out dreams…"
I’ve been told my entire life that growing up is hard to do… the hard decisions will come….the heartaches are inevitable….but all things will work out for the best….time is a healer….
Is 25 considered grown up, yet?
You ever been stuck in a moment that seems never-ending, unstoppable, heart-wrenching? Thinking about life a year from that moment is like looking at a mountain and being asked to move it with your mind, or being given a cat and asked to train it to do the Macarena….it’s a thought that seems impossible…but every night the sun sets and dreams are dreamed, and then the sun rises…and before you know it, you’ve made it a week, a month, and then a year.
What a difference a year makes…
God is good. I am loved. Keep moving on to stay strong. Done, and done.
But it still ain't big enough for you and me
All the things that make you mad
And all the baggage in your past
Don't leave much room for a girl like me to be
So I'll fill her up with hope and worn-out dreams…"
I’ve been told my entire life that growing up is hard to do… the hard decisions will come….the heartaches are inevitable….but all things will work out for the best….time is a healer….
Is 25 considered grown up, yet?
You ever been stuck in a moment that seems never-ending, unstoppable, heart-wrenching? Thinking about life a year from that moment is like looking at a mountain and being asked to move it with your mind, or being given a cat and asked to train it to do the Macarena….it’s a thought that seems impossible…but every night the sun sets and dreams are dreamed, and then the sun rises…and before you know it, you’ve made it a week, a month, and then a year.
What a difference a year makes…
God is good. I am loved. Keep moving on to stay strong. Done, and done.
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