i got new glasses!
and i like them!
These glasses were a looong time coming. I was quoted a price over $600 for new glasses when I lived in WV, a few years ago. They told me that my right eye was changing rapidly, and the glasses probably wouldn’t last me a year. And, my eyeglasses are crazy hard to make because my prescription is so difficult, that’s why the high price. But, there was no way I could afford that much money, and Blue Cross would only pay for the doctor visit, not the glasses. So, I got contacts instead, and waited on getting new glasses. Well, the contacts ran out long ago..before we moved back here, actually, and I’ve been been walking around bumping into things for about four years now.
Recently, my sight got worse, and I found it hard to function. I couldn’t see. I’m blind in my left eye, anyway. I’ve never had any depth perception. My right eye has an astigmatism. I can see the computer screen fine, but anything nearer or farther away was nothing but a blur. I was afraid to drive. I couldn’t read a book, the newspaper or a menu. I couldn’t work on small art pieces. I had bought some cheap reading glasses, but it wasn’t cutting it anymore. It was frustrating. So, I got my eyes tested again, and got my prescription.
Then I started saving up money because I figured it was going to cost $600 or $700, right? And, then I found JustEyewear, and even with line-less bifocals it only cost me $120!! I got protective covering, and all that stuff..and I am thrilled with the glasses. The order took a lot longer than it said it would on the website..like over a month. But, I don’t care. I can SEE!! And, Blue Cross paid the doctor visit, except for $25, so my entire bill ended up $145.00..that’s it!!
So, if you’re looking for affordable glasses, check them out. I am really happy with them, and will go back soon to buy another pair.
Happy New Year!
Greg is still on vacation, and that always throws me off from blogging, painting, and everything. We saw the new year in together, watching Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on CNN. OMGosh..hilarious!! Some people were complaining on Twitter that she undressed, down to her bra and panties, and their kids were watching. But hey..it’s Kathy Griffin..what do you expect?? She’s not a school teacher. heh. Put your kids to bed, and let the adults enjoy the fun. Greg and I were rolling around on the couch, howling. So freaking funny!!
We went out into the country, and shot some photos of cows. And, I thought about the changes I want to make this year. I don’t do resolutions. I am too flaky, and it’s never done me any good in the past. So, I avoid even trying.
Her Name is Grace
sold!
thank you!
All I know is I’m working on a new series right now on cardboard..and it will be a lot like the $10 art series or the Plain Jane Series, although the price will be higher, but not as high as my portraits. I’m aiming for 100 new ones, if I don’t run out of cardboard. lol I don’t want to work on any serious paintings right now, unless I get a custom order, which I’m kinda hoping won’t happen. I know that’s not a good thing to say for business, but..
Honestly, for now, I just want to play, loosen up, and not take everything so seriously. And, since Christmas is over, my chance of getting a commission right now is probably slim to none.
I don’t believe that every painting has to be better than the one before. I’m sure I’ll tire of my fun, playful series again, and go back to more serious paintings..but for the beginning of 2012, I’m going to pull out my crayons, inexpensive paint, and play!!
Conan O’Brien original portrait painting
So, I’m doing the end of the year tidying up thing, like most artists do. Finishing paintings that somehow got pushed aside for other more important paintings, and listing the paintings that have been sitting in a pile for a year (or more). Lots of new stuff in my shop!!
This year I started working much smarter. I no longer take so much time on a painting, and I finish what I start, for the most part. Last year, I had over 35 paintings unfinished at the end of December. !!! I’m still new at this, and at that time, I had no idea what I was doing. I don’t think I could grasp the concept of ‘start a painting and keep painting until it’s finished’. lol It took me about 6 months into 2011 to finish that giant mess that I started in 2010. It was not joyful in the least.
Once a painting has been sitting around in a pile, neglected/rejected, I don’t want to finish it. It was a horrible way to start out a new year..finishing old projects that I no longer had the energy or desire to do. So, this year I only have 3 to finish, but I have quite a few to get listed.
Conan O’Brien original portrait painting
Which leads me to this Conan O’Brien painting. It’s been more than a year since I finished painting it. It’s been sitting that long because I just couldn’t put a price tag on it. I once told my friend, Mary, I would never sell it because of all the time I put into it. It took me over a month to complete this painting. It was a hard lesson for me to learn. Now I paint much smarter, and it doesn’t take me nearly as long to finish a portrait.
Conan O’Brien original portrait painting
Well, enough time has passed now. The memory of how long this painting took me is starting to fade. A little. I have finally offered it for sale.
Conan O’Brien original portrait painting
Oh, my! The weather has been so gorgeous here. Today it will be 60F, and I’ll be spending some time out on the back porch with my book. Love love this weather!!
Little girl with black hair, wearing white jacket, and paisley skirt holding a snow bird in her hand. Original painting.
9×12 on wrapped canvas
staples in back
sides are painted black
Snow Bird is for sale now in my Etsy shop.
