Earthtone Studios

Winnie

 

In Loving memory of Winnie..... October 1997  - June 19, 2009 

                                      "a women's best friend"

changing things up a bit...

back in the studio.. yeah!! i will be moving to http://sue-simpson.blogspot.com/ . hope to see you there.

hi

for those of you who have emailed me. thanks tons! haven't been around for awhile. nov., dec., jan. my mom had  a heart attach each month. jan. 31, my husband's best friend, kids considered an uncle and someone dear to my heart, died in his sleep at age 44. unexpected. my father-in-law's dementia became worse. as i tried to stay out of the situation because honestly, i didn't think my husband or sister-in-law were doing anything about it or to help their mom...my mother-in-law sat me down at the hospital one afternoon (as he was having a procedure) and with tears in her eyes (she doesn't cry) pleaded for help. since then we have moved them to a wonderful retirement home. she is so happy and they both deserve this great place. he is having trouble adjusting. at the same time my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, stage four. oh..i also went back to work at the end of january.

life...has been a challenge. my hubby was suffering from terrible anxiety attacks. once we got his parents moved...and he was put on some meds for everyday..he's better. my fibro and ra...unless you are familiar with these diseases...you probably won't understand but i've had some nasty flares.

all in all though...life is good. yes, this is life. i am watching my mom, the woman who i took for granted at times, saw her faults before her goods, loved, cared for and who has cared for me is dying. she's frail, it's tough. my father-in-law says he is going to now buy a car and take his driving test. he has no business driving but won't let it go. my kids, they are good. we are expecting another grand baby. a boy, jack. he is due two days after his big sister jessica's birthday.

i am considering shutting down this blog. i haven't checked the traffic on it in months. i haven't done any art work in months. i have moved my studio to the spare bedroom. i set up a table just for the encaustic. i do plan to do more work. i enjoy it so.  sigh..   take care of you.  Sue

Loving Mixed Media..

Re-working!

When a piece just doesn't sing.

"Oh, but i never know when to stop"

Ah... but it needed that.

 

as you can see, this needs some cropping and my husbands special computer touch. Just wanted to share.....I hope you are doing well.   much love,  sue

this piece was so fun. texture, texture. depth...ah the beauty of it.

   

This is a great cause and terrific sale.....Search Etsy or check out the Beeswax team website

I will be donating 5% of all Sales in the month of February. You can purchase my art in my Etsy store.

I appreciate your friendship, patronage and comments!!  Sue

thinking of you...........

 

He always said "love you guys" and "we're family". Tonight I remember Sunday evening dinners and a movie, weekends with his boys, the boys being a part of our family.  I thought we'd have much more time, more years..........

The love of my life.....

This is my hubby....a little video taken by Matt's son Ray. I believe it was about three years ago.

My world has changed.........

I tried to make a quick post yesterday...in between running around and a wonderful dinner with my husbands sister and husband. My darn computer kept locking up... My world has changed since then. I do still plan on sharing a wonderful artist with you and his art...but my husband got a call this morning and his very best friend died in his sleep last night. He was just 44 years young. My heart aches for his wife, a wonderful, loving and caring woman. My heart aches for my husband and the loss of his "drummer" and one of his best friends. I rejoice knowing that Matthew is in heaven. His wife said "he always wanted to play for the King". He now has the drum set that no other could compare to and is at peace. We will all miss him terribly. He lived life large. My two youngest grew up with him and see him as an uncle. Matthew, I will miss you and never forget you.   Love, Sue

I am going to be a grandma...again!!!

Yep, we went to dinner this evening to celebrate my sister and husbands birthday. Fifteen of us at the table and our son-in-law stands up and says "may I have your attention please, we have an announcement to make". He said my face lit up as soon as he stood up and started to speak. We have been waiting almost three years for a baby sister or brother for our sweet Jessica (our granddaughter). I am so excited. What a gift. This weekend to boot. Prayers go out for a healthy baby and healthy momma. Did I mention that I am totally thrilled!! I haven't full out cried yet...yet.  :)   Sue

 

5" x 5" Encaustic painting, on birch wood.     Encaustic = 100% pure beeswax, damar resin and pigments. ...Tranquility...

Remembering my twins..........

When you are the neediest,
He is the most sufficient.
When you are completely helpless,
He is the most helpful.
When you feel totally dependent,
He is absolutely dependable.
When you are the weakest,
He is the most able.
When you are the most alone,
He is intimately present.
When you feel you are the least,
He is the greatest.
When you feel the most useless,
He is preparing you.
When it is the darkest,
He is the only Light you need.
When you feel the least secure,
He is your Rock and Fortress.
When you are the most humble,
He is the most gracious.
When you can't,
He can.
~Author Unknown

 

I have been reflecting a lot these past few days on the fact that it was twenty five years ago that  my daughter Jessica died and also the day my daughter Melissa was born. This Sunday will be 25 years since that day and time in my life. The above poem was taken from a  blog I "just happened" upon tonight. I say it that way because I know things really don't "just happen". I find the owner of this blog amazing.  After reading her post ..what they didn't tell us...I will spend the next 25 plus years looking at the good that has come from those days, the love, understanding and growth.

 

p.s. about the blog linked above..i find this mom to be amazing. she has some links like ..be..what they didn't tell us..and more. amazing, loving, encouraging and in my prayers.