A New Website Home!

Dreama's Art has a new website home....and you are only a click away!! 

To head on over to my new blog/website, just click here:))

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Gettin' Webby With It/ Part II

View from My Office

Okay, I realize that this post is late, but look at the view from my office.
Exactly.
I cannot get any work done here.
Due to that and the fact that local police have now surrounded the building--
(evidently that "squatter's rights" thing has been way overrated) I have no choice but to get my buns headed back to Kentucky and the Eds.

So....why a new website, why now?

Why did I think a perm was a great idea back in the day?

I have no idea.

Okay, actually I do.  The perm was intended to help balance out that GIANT COLLAR AND BOW I WAS WEARING.

But back to the tale of the new website.
Have you ever tried living in two places at the same time? Two zip codes, two roofs, two places to keep straight?

I have been online for 4 years with two addresses.  Yep, two.  Don't ask.

My website proper (http://DreamaTollePerry.com)

And my blog (http://DreamaTollePerry.blogspot.com)

Which is like having someone over for a drink and having them go to the other house for ice.
Or doing a sleepover when the only working bathroom is at the other location.
Or
Well, you get my drift:)

I don't like doing housekeeping for two places and I really don't like sending my friends away for ice.  I decided last year that I wanted everything under one roof, one almighty url/zip code!

My single biggest reason for changing it all up though was.... I wanted more choices on the look of it.  I wanted a site that could grow with me.

It's my "home" online.  I have friends over.  I wanted it to be inviting.  I wanted to be able to move the furniture around and hang new curtains:))
The kind of place you might just kick your shoes off, sink into the "sofa" and stay awhile with me:))

In short I needed it to feel more like my house.
So with the help of some really talented people, including my daughter Desiree---I have ended up with a new home for my Eddies, art and friends to hang out that feels, as Goldilocks would say, just right!



If video does not appear, click here:)


Get your red dress out and be ready to "come on-a my house":)))
My new "home" is almost ready for guests, as in--- plan on swinging by Sunday afternoon for some "candy"!

P.S.  A tech question that one of you savvy artists posed me was what I thought of FASO (FineArtStudioOnline) ---the folks I have had my website with for the past four years but am now leaving.  I still think, based on my personal experience, they are the best way to go if you are just getting started and are intimidated by the whole online experience---my reason being they have the best tech support ever!  (They now offer the blog, newsletter and website all in one--which was not an option when I first started with them, at a reasonable monthly fee.)
Depending on your level of understanding and comfort with being online AND  how much time you have to devote to the learning curve involved ---all of this should be what helps you decide what is best for you.  The important thing to do is launch---don't wait.  Find what is the best fit for you and just do it:))

To View Available Paintings Click Here:))

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"Romancing the Sun and Gettin' Webby With It"

"Romancing the Sun"

12 x 12"oil on museum quality panel

$600

Ahhh...the hot romance that is Italy:)))  

It's totally acceptable to have love affairs with sun-warmed cobblestones, market umbrellas, blooming plants, terracotta beauties and tables in the shade----isn't it??

Please say yes 

or else I am in BIG trouble.....;)

Gettin' Webby With It

Part I 

A new website you say.

Yes.  It did seem like a good idea when it first came to me.

Something that was fresh, uncluttered and oh so easy to use.

Cut to

12 months

842 emails

and enough tech talk to melt the last few remaining brain cells I have left later

and a new website home was born:)

(And no, it's has not officially opened its doors yet.  Eddie is making last minute decisions on which pics I can use of him..)

I thought I should give you a few tips in case you are thinking of doing this yourself.

Things like what I was thinking..

WHAT WAS I THINKING??

and how to get the ball rolling in case you ever decide you have nothing better to do than drive yourself that last tenth of mile to crazy.

You first start with some amazing drawings outlining your vision, making sure to spell your own name correctly....

(artwork by daughter Desiree---

and yes, by golly, that drawing talent  does run in the family.)    

You then realize that the stick photo of yourself is never going to work 

   

so you prepare to call in the pros to come and take some photos of you in your natural habitat

...but then realize that NO ONE  should have to see that stuff in the shape it's in.

...which leads to  a frenzied studio makeover...

(I think we all remember that carnage from last year, but if not, here's the link)

before the big photo shoot.  Which unfortunately  gives Eddie time to get himself properly worked into a fur frenzy over what to wear and how he was going to pose...

So....

with that part behind me, I thought I was sailing into clear waters 

(hopefully Caribbean blue)

That's when the back-end, sneaky stuff started.

Things like.....

"The next step in the "optimization" process would be downloading,

optimizing, then re-uploading the images and possibly setting up a CDN

network (Content Delivery Network to help with the images). But since YSlow

has such a high score, I'd rather wait to see what GoDaddy can do before

performing this step (so we wouldn't have to reduce the quality of the

images in the optimization process.) 

What do you think?" (Question from savvy tech gal Karyn)

"Huh?"  (Low tech Dreama's response)

I'd like to tell you it's been a joyful learning experience.

I'd also like to tell you that I get carded routinely and am often mistaken for Julia Roberts.

Suffice it to say we have survived.

We being me and the new website.

I have so far not managed to kill it off and in return, it has promised to share my colorful insanity with you in a new and improved way:))

Next Post?

Answers to who I paid, bribed and forced to help me do this.

Why I really decided it was time.

When I expect to "flip the switch" (not to be confused with flipping the wig;)

YOU know you'll be back tomorrow.  It's kind of like watching a train wreck.  You want to look away but.....

To View Available Art, Click Here:))

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

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"Spring Faces"

"Spring Faces"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

It's awesome that we can have tulips in January...and a burst of sunshine via sunflowers:)! 

 A gentle reminder that something's always blooming somewhere:))  

I have no idea where these girls were trucked in from, but I loved seeing spring on their smiling faces!

In Other News (Dont' Miss the Really Big News Below):

I'm not gonna lie to you.  Although my second Marco Island workshop here in Florida has ended (delightful photos coming your way tomorrow) I, being the rat that I am, have decided to hide out here on the gulf coast for a few more days...weeks....or

I have no idea how long it will take authorities to get the proper papers to have me, the squatter, unwillingly removed from my accommodations, but I am not going easily.  Eddie has been messaging me on the hour about how abysmal the weather is at home.  I had actually thought about having him fly down....but then I started having flashbacks of the last time I had him at the beach....(click here for that story)

I have saved a whole slew of seats by the pool for you guys.....if there is an entire rowdy gang of us, I am sure we can fend off the authorities even longer...;)  Get to packin' man!!!

And now for the really BIG news:

My new website/blog combo is almost ready for its big reveal:))  

The amazing thing?....it's almost ready for prime time and I am still mostly sane.  

Sort of.  

Well, if you must know, I had a few....shall we say....MOMENTS...on the way to a sassy new site for you to hang out with me on, but my time here ocean side has helped smooth the kinks out.

The bruises from the head banging have almost faded away and the bald patches are starting to grow back.  

I think you're gonna love it.  If you don't, probably better keep it to yourself.  I'm still not far enough out from the experience to be considered entirely stable;))

The 7 day count down has begun!

To View Other Available Works, Click Here:))

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"Dream Time in the Garden"

"Dream Time in the Garden"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

Shady gardens are made for flowers, breakfasts and dreaming.  Sitting in the midst of blooms and tendrils, the mind finds itself unbending, unwinding and remembering that....

everything is working together for our good:))

Marco Island, Florida Workshop I

When you look out and see this on the first day of the workshop, you know it's gonna be a great day:)!!

So I have taken my time here on the island to heart, remembering the wise words of....

YOLO....you only live once!!....so I decided I had better get busy eatin'---a girl's gotta keep her strength up for the workshops....those brushes can get awfully heavy;))

Nacho Mama's Nachos:))

and  Shrimp...(please don't tell the Eddies....) got me all ready to go:))!

The place....

 The tools....

The Artists...focused and at work!

Sensational sunny sunflowers painted on the first day of the workshop:)!

Margarita, one of three talented artists who traveled from Honduras  to paint with me on sunny Marco Island:))


Paintings stacked up everywhere during the three days of painting....

with musical easels paintings adding to the collection!

From New Mexico to Colorado, Michigan to New York, Florida to Honduras

and a couple of artists who braved the ice to make it from Louisiana--we were all happy to be together painting and sharing on the island:)))

A super warm, loving and talented group of painters!

Gail, Julie, Karen, Aimee, Joanne, Margarita, Sulim, Ileana, Dianne,  Mohndera, Karen, Laura, Leigh Ann, and Jan 

And so the sun sets on the Gulf of Mexico and a whole new workshop starts in the morning with artists ready to paint the day away.  

Workshop II on Marco Island....sure wish you were here!

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

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"Magical Morning Sunshine" SOLD

"Magical Morning Sunshine"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

The sun just shines.  It doesn't ask are you happy with how I am shining....it just shines.
                                                                          ~Romiley Jack

And in its shining, it lights up the whole world

It causes things to grow....towards the light

It warms the body...and the soul

It brings us delight in things we love 

Like tulips in January

and sunny sunflowers on an ordinary day:))

Where ever you are

What ever you do

Keep shining:)

What a delight!  The first workshop of 2013 here on Marco Island.

Beautiful, highly spirited artists ....to be showcased in my next post--- photos, smiles and paintings:)!

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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"Unexpected" SOLD

"Unexpected"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$400

Beauty, loves, and letters---when they show up unexpectedly they seem to triple our pleasure!  

One of the endearing things of an Italian village...  the joyous  color riot on  the narrow side street.  

Very unexpected.  

Totally delightful!

In Other News;) 

The first of my Marco Island workshops starts in the morning!  First workshop of the new year---of course I am excited.  New artists, renewed friendships, surf, sand, no Eddies, new brushes, paint, caribbean blue, sangria, and palm trees.  And did I mention that it's 81 degrees here today???  Of course I didn't, because that would be just plain insensitive and rude to those of you wearing heavy coats and knee high boots today;))
It's cold, very cold here.
Brrrrrr.
Sorry, I am not a very convincing liar.

New Workshop Add!

Since all of 2013 workshops are filled and my 2014 schedule won't be out for a bit, I figured the only right thing to do was to add one more 3 day workshop this July...in my hometown of Paris, KY:))
All the details can be had by clicking here.   

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"Coffee Cat/ Macchiato Mouse" SOLD

"Coffee Cat/ Macchiato Mouse"

12 x 12"oil on museum quality panel

$600

Coffee, tea, or get me out of the house.  

Eddie is all jacked up on caffeine.  I don't know which of you sent him the Starbuck's card for Christmas but I'm pretty certain he did not share it with anyone.  He has been sucking down double shots of espresso macchiatos like there's no tomorrow.  

All bad behavior is now answered with, "The caffeine made me do it."  "It was the caffeine talking."  "What did you expect, I'm on my third cup of espresso."

The up side?  He is now only sleeping 14 hours a day.

The down side?  He's AWAKE and talking every one's legs off the other 10. 

Poor Phyllis doesn't have much leg to spare so this could be a problem.

P.S.  I'm off to Marco Island, Florida to teach a couple of workshops.  I'm hoping the card runs out and the caffeine withdrawals are over by the time I get back;)) 

P.S.S.  A spot has opened up in the Jan 16-18, Marco Island, FL workshop--it could be meant for you:)---if you'd like to join me click here for details.

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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Gentle Beginnings, Hello January!

Time out. 

Not exactly sitting in the corner, but Eddie Pierre, like the rest of us, is thinking new thoughts for a new time;))

We (the Eddie's and I)  have left you alone for a wee bit to enjoy your holidays, reflect on a new year and have some alone time.

We knew how much we needed it and figured you did too!

We are very proud to report after last years infamous

CHRISTMAS TREE DEBACLE...

that our tree was has already been packed away, with only a few ornaments nibbled on by one tuxedo's first Christmas.  

(Personally, I knew I couldn't take the shame of another Christmas in March.)

This year, the mantra that sits right with me is 

"Be receptive when my soul calls me to JOY."

A SIMPLE REMINDER FOR 2013

Everything I have ever desired is at the point where stillness is.

True intelligence operates silently.  Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.

 ~ E. Tolle

A Happy New Year to you, dear friend of mine.  May the road rise up to meet you.  

May you be aware of the Love that surrounds you always.

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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BE INSPIRED Adventures for the Heart

Today, it's all about you.

Grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa or some freshly brewed coffee and take 5 minutes for yourself. 

Just 5 minutes 

to breathe in hope, breathe out stress, breathe in JOY, breathe out sadness. 

As promised.... BE INSPIRED Adventures for the Heart is here! It all started with a journey of gratitude that ended up being 30 days of inspiring ways to look at life.

It's free.

It's perfect for sharing. 

It goes great with a hot drink;))

READY TO DOWNLOAD!

The book is available to read online, to download, to print out, to share with your best-est friend:))  

Spread JOY!

Click here for your free  ebook.

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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"Tuscany Outside My Door"

"Tuscany Outside My Door"

12 x 12" oil on museum quality panel

SOLD

What better vantage point to view the sweeping hillsides of vining grapes than from one sun warmed bench....Tuscany just outside my door:)!!

Lexington Workshops I and II

My last two workshops of the year made for a satisfying ending to 2012.  Held in November, here is a taste of fabulous faces and awesome artwork....

I know, I know.....aren't they simply beautiful??

Both the art and the artists:)!

My first group of November Artists:))

Betsy, Toni, Elizabeth, Cathy, Linda, Sarah, Janice, Vicki, Judy,  Alicia, Marion, Rosanne, Julie, Jan, Kathy, Sue,  Anna Hurt, Karen, and Pris

Please note...for those of you wondering....I do own other shirts.  This one has appeared in every workshop photo.  What can I say....it's BLUE!!!!!

A little musical easels artwork;))

 

Here are the second group of sassy artists....loaded and ready for action!!

Nancy, Sherry, Hallie, Lori,  Josephine, Ann R., Linda , Brenda, Sandy, Ann G., Earlene, and Marilyn.

I KNOW!!! More wonderful art and artists:)!!!

And some discussions over musical easels:))

It was fun having the delayed time to look back as I put together today's post.   What stood out when I flipped through my photos was just how blessed we all are.  For me, I have met so many outstanding people this year ---at every workshop, every gathering, every city, that I have had the privilege to teach.  I have watched as artists have mingled, supported, laughed, gathered courage, loved and painted.  

I am one lucky dog indebted to a whole slew of amazing artists.

Just don't tell Eddie.

He doesn't like to hear about any dog and certainly not one having any luck;)) 

In Other News:

Have you ever been moving and think you are almost done and then open one more closet that is filled to the top and then some??  Getting my ebook from the Gratitude Adventure month ready for prime time has felt very much like that.  I have been sooo close about 5 times and then realize there's yet one more thing to do;))  So you didn't hear it from me, but Eddie says that surely to goodness it will be ready this week!!!

There really is an ebook...;))

I honestly am excited for it to go forth and hopefully add some good to the world;))  In an effort to keep it moving and being shared, you will not need to subscribe to Dreama's Art---I am keeping it as simple and painless as possible to read, download and share:))

Lest I embarrass myself further, I will not put a firm date here, but I am HOPING for it to be this week:))   Please, DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH.....I can't handle the extra pressure;))

P.S.  I know you are busy so no pressure.  However, if you have a moment for gratitude, the little box below will allow you to share it.  You may just make someone's day:)))  Have an amazing week my friend!!

To View Available Art, Click Here:))

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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