It's been SO long.. Wow.. almost a full 2 years since I've really updated. I've added random photos here and there.. but wow.. so much has been missed here. I'm going to try and make an effort to be more active on this front, since it's where I started and what gave me so much courage and support to make it where I am now.

So, the list of what I've been up to:

I moved to the country!! We got a little house in the country, cheap rent, at a dead end, only 2 neighbors in sight and a whole forest to explore! So excited for spring to come around so I can start working on turning this house into a garden-covered home!

Worked at Bernheim (www.bernheim.org) for 2 Springs in now as a paid Intern. I really love working here, this place is close to my soul, its where I got married and my husband also works there. Our whole life has revolved around it for a long time now. I did design work, photomanipulation, simple ads, upkeep on signs around the ground. I got to hike a lot and eat my lunches outside.. it's really a dream job. I'm hoping they get another grant to get me back again this spring, but that has yet to be determined.

I started teaching. Yes, me. The one that said "I don't want to do art and end up teaching." Yet, here I am. I am only doing some simple adult education Watercolor Pencil classes, nothing too professional or demanding. It's really more like a workshop than a class, with 4 2 hour classes. I'm starting my second set of classes this spring and am actually looking forward to it. After the first set, I feel a lot more confidant about doing it, and feeling like I have a stronger grasp on how to do it.

I've been painting, watercolor, like crazy. I have lots of new work I need to post. I've been working a lot with geometry, nature, symmetry and reflections. I will be posting a lot of it in the next few weeks.

I've started in on a lot of crafty things since moving into the new house. I really have a chance to make this place beautiful so I'm working on organizing my library, growing lots of plants indoors, and doing crafty pretty things to spruce it up. The kitchen is in owls, the living room is psychadelic, and the library is just peaceful.. I'm getting ready to redo the bedroom in bohemian chic - moroccon influenced, pillows everywhere.. I just love it here, and I love that I can express my creativity through my house finally!

Lots of updated websites and links so here they are:

Website: www.wix.com/toolaree/home
Tumblr: toolaree.tumblr.com
FB: www.facebook.com/toolareeart
G+: plus.google.com/b/111805787903…
twitter: #toolaree


Also: I have lots and lots of prints available here: www.artflakes.com/en/shop/tool…

Alright.. so I've been avoiding updating my Journal because I didn't want to lose all of my precious Subscription pretty-ness that I no longer have right now. But, alas, it is the new year, and 6 months since my last entry, and I feel like I owe it to you guys to update!! XD If there are some contests going on you think I should enter, let me know! I need to win a subscription somehow..

So Im offering some Prints now! toolaree.deviantart.com/prints… Ive been doing a ton of Traditional work and Ive put most of my better pieces up for sale, along with a new 2010 Calendar!!! www.deviantart.com/print/10060… Im hoping to make more Prints Available soon, im going to go through my manipulations and look through all the stocks I've used and find the ones that allow prints, plus allow prints of the things of I've done of Friends and Family!

Ive also taken a huge interest in the groups here on dA, let me know of some good ones you enjoy! Also, Im going to try and be more active on here, and keep up with my deviations!!! I've been slacking, and that is hopefully going to change!!!

So, since I havent updated since the State Fair, I should let you guys know what I've been up to, right?? The State Fair went AWESOME, me and My hubby kicked ass and took names, hung up nearly half the gallery (1000's of pieces) ourselves, and took it all down too!! It was a fun experience, and next year we are both going to work together (as he just volunteered) so WHOOT! money for something fun!

This whole last year has been CRAZY!! Lots of Potlucks, art therapy nights, camping, and an amazing Group of Artists and Healers has popped out of the wood work all around me. It seems like everyday I'm meeting some new phenomenal artist, and we are all sharing creativity and ability, and inspiring each other!!

I've been creating art in a prolific manner, and I'm hoping it continues!! My husband recently got a job at Bernheim Forest, which if you live in Kentucky you may have heard of it, but if not, www.bernheim.org/ . He LOVES it there, being a farmer at heart, and a nature lover in general he is having a blast! After he started working there he mentioned to me a 3 month Graphic Design Internship was available, so I applied for it about a month ago.. a few days ago (on my birthday, the 6th, no less!) I got a call for an interview (this tuesday)!!!! Im super excited, and super nervous. I've NEVER put together a portfolio for something like this, so I got 18 decent prints showing my range in skill and medium, and Im going to arrange them in a portfolio case tonight.. Any suggestions for the interview?? Do you think I should take my piercings out? How do you organize your portfolios? Im nervous as an old lady.. and probably overthinking things.. but any advice would be much appreciated!!!!

New projects on the horizon:
An Art Jam with a big group of friends! If you are in the Louisville area, let me know if you are interested!!
Va Va Valentine Burlesque - advertising and invitation design for a friend! thealleytheater.org/site/


So, that's life at the moment!! How are You guys out there???



My Facebook: www.facebook.com/toolaree
My Art Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/TOOLare…
Myspace: www.myspace.com/toolaree
Lastfm: www.last.fm/user/Velvetrain02
Email: Toolaree@yahoo.com