Patience, Pickles, and Piggin’ Out

My dependency on dill pickles is nothing new. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, then this one to the left probably says it all. 

I’ve been anxious and incredibly excited just thinking about the moment that I could finally share the news that I’m eating like a little piglet because…

I AM PREGNANT!!!

As women all over the world get pregnant every day, this might not seem like a particularly special achievement.  But if you know me personally or possibly ever read between the lines on this blog – then you know for me – it is.

Can you believe it’s been almost seven years?  Yes, SEVEN long years of trying, hoping, crying, waiting, praying, and yet, NEVER giving up hope.  Out of all the dreams I’ve aspired to make come true, realizing my dream of becoming a MOM has been one of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced.

JUST A LITTLE PATIENCE

If you’ve ever struggled with fertility issues, then you understand firsthand the sadness that comes from not being able to conceive. Couple that with all of your closest friends having babies during this time and a brother who, without seemingly any effort whatsoever, had FOUR girls…no doubt, there have been days when I could barely handle the heartache.

Although I am pretty good about not showing my internal struggles, perceptive friends could sense my emotional turmoil.  Especially because I’m one of those girls who has always pictured myself as a mom.  I’ve been thinking of baby names since I was five and I think my friends and family would agree – kids respond to me.  Kinda like horses do.  It’s hard to explain, but they both seem to know and trust instinctively that I love them.

It’s why I could never, ever wrap my head around the idea that I wasn’t meant to have my own children. 

Perhaps after waiting that long, most people, or at least less determined ones, would have called it quits.  But I’m a business woman, an entrepreneur, an artist – to make a living this way – means I depend on my self discipline, persistence, creativity and vision to make things happen.   So it was out of the question for me to accept that I was unable to have kids.

Despite appearances, I’m a bit rebellious and always have been. Not in a bad way though (so says me)…but in a way that makes me go against convention, encourages me to be different, never listening to anyone who told me I couldn’t do something, who pays no mind to naysayers, who has been out to prove to the world (and most likely myself) that I could do WHATEVER I set my mind to. 

All it takes is a tremendous amount of faith and just a little patience.

FULL OF POSSIBILITIES

Never think in terms of limitations, only see the possibilities.

Years ago, after I was struck by the hit and run driver who ripped my leg apart from my body, left me lying in the middle of the road, and bleeding to death – I was told, after two life saving transfusions and a nine hour surgery to try to put all the pieces back together – that I would never walk again.

With all due respect to the doctors – I didn’t believe them.

I guess that’s how I felt about infertility, too.

In fact, some might say that I wasn’t “really trying” over all these years because I wouldn’t seek medical intervention. I never saw a fertility specialist, much to the chagrin of my OB-GYN who was certain that if the endometriosis was removed I’d increase my chances. Plus, I never once read a message board or forum discussing the topic of infertility.  Perhaps I’ve been in denial.  But I just so badly wanted to believe, like everything else, that Bob and I would figure this out on our own.

Not to mention, the clinical aspect removed the whole romance notion out of how I always thought I would conceive.  I actually preferred to adopt. Maybe because IVF would have solidified that I had a problem, I don’t know.  Morally, I’m not the least bit opposed, but emotionally, I couldn’t admit that I might need some help.  My extreme independence has always been a bit of a double-edged sword.

So, at the beginning of this year, a new decade, a fresh start full of possibilities – I made a commitment to myself, my husband and my entire family.  I would finally ease up on the 80 hour work weeks and seek the expertise of a Fertility Specialist.

PURPLE BOWS

The first appointment at the Texas Fertility Center was standard issue stuff.  Family history, medical history and my sex life.

The next objectives were to:

1. Get a transvaginal ultrasound.
2. Take antibiotics in preparation for the labs.
3. My husband, Bob would have semen analysis done.
4. I would have blood work done on day 3 of my next period.
5. Then an HSG – a hysterosalpingogram – which I still don’t know how to say.  This was scheduled for day 10 of my next cycle.

The ultrasound was first. 

It was a cold winter morning, so I wore my tall black leather over-the-knee boots.  I also had long over-the-knee socks with teeny purple bows peeking out of the top of the boots.  This is what I had on with my hopsital gown.  Up in the stirrups with my boots and bare naked butt hanging over the edge of the table, holding Bob’s hand.

I mean, c’mon, what could be hotter more romantic than that?

Looking at the screen, the doctor notes that my left ovary had released the egg approximately two days ago.  Yay for my left ovary.  It RULES.

My right ovary, on the other hand, is twisted.  Hanging out in the back of my body with my kidneys, it has a mind of its own.  My uterus is also situated on my far right hand side…being pulled by scar tissue. My right leg is the one that was tortured in my accident too.  I had surgery on my right boob in October, my GOD, my right side sucks!

I swear…my left side of my body belongs to me.  The right side is like it’s inhabited by my evil twin.

PREPARATION

Never before have I been so anxious to get my period.  It was only a mere two weeks away since I had just ovulated. 

I was more than ready to get things moving and my next step was to get day 3 blood work done.  In fact, I think I was making myself sick with worry about all the upcoming tests.  I was immediately nauseated and completely exhausted.

I couldn’t concentrate.  I promised to repair and complete the INSPIRE painting and name the winner.  Which I still haven’t done.

I was supposed to do two interviews in the press.  I missed them both. 

I sort of disappeared from Facebook and Twitter, hadn’t talked to any of my friends in weeks and postponed my upcoming Atlanta A La Mode show because I just didn’t have the energy.  The fumes in the studio were making me sick.  I couldn’t sleep at night.  I guess the idea that I was getting ready to go through in vitro had me so nervous that I just wasn’t functioning like my normal workaholic self.

I felt weird. Scared even. I had no idea what was wrong with me.  That is…until I noticed my GINORMOUS boobs.  Not the, I’m about to start my period big boobs…but huge swollen boobs (that on my then 93 lb frame) looked ridiculouly gigantic.

But could it be? Almost seven years later, Bob and I go to our first fertility appointment together and BAM get pregnant before we even begin treatment?  I’m an overachiever and all, but really, this is unreal. 

For years, pregnancy tests have been brutal.  Anticipation had led to so much disappointment.  So, it’s hard to convey the joy of seeing those two pink lines. When I did – I dropped to my knees and bawled like a baby.

The longest day of my life was that day, waiting for Bob to come home. 

I can hardly believe it – I’m going to be a MOM!!!  In May, around Mother’s Day, we will find out if it’s a boy or a girl.  OMG!!  I can’t believe it.

PRAYERS PLEASE

Just shy of two months, it’s probably too soon to share with the world. Ideally, I’d love to wait until the 6 month mark to make sure everything was fine. 

But my whole life had to change in an instant.  My business, my manufacturing, the ability to make our products, to use the chemicals and solvents that I use every day – it has all come to a screeching halt.  The finished products are completely non-toxic, but all the steps that go into making them, all of the elements that have to come together to create those little works are much more hazardous than one might assume.

I have so many decisions to make.  I have to figure out what I’m going to do.  We make everything in house.  It’s always been with utmost pride when I tell people we make everything right here in the Sugarluxe Studio.

Over the last five years, I’ve tried three different factories in the US.  None have been capable of mass producing our card cases and compacts because they are very labor intensive, the materials are expensive, and they are time consuming to complete.

So, I’m at a crossroads.  The decision to stop all accessories production in the studio has been an easy one.  Like beer, coffee, and sushi, I stopped immediately. The truth is I can’t breathe, I get lightheaded and that’s simply not healthy for me or the baby.  I can’t wear a respirator because it makes getting oxygen in too difficult. 

But how I’m going to continue…or possibly not continue making Sugarluxe accessories…is something that is still undecided.

That’s why I’m sharing the news now.

For those who have been patiently waiting for me to announce the winner of INSPIRE – thank you!  Someone is getting that painting.  I promise. 

For those stores and customers whose orders we’ve had had to cancel, I’m so sorry. 

Until some time in the forseeable future, production of any new accessories not in stock (not including art) is on hold.  I’ve waited WAY too long for the opportunity to have a baby.  I’m not taking any chances. The sacrifice of everything I’ve built, the possibility of losing future business…none of that matters right now.

This is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life.  I can resume with my product manufacturing and development later.  And if history has taught me anything – it’s that every challenge I’ve faced in business has created an opportunity for me to figure out a solution that – in the long run - always makes everything better.

So, my hope is that you will continue to follow me on my journey, however it may unfold.

I’ve dedicated my life to trying to live as an example of the philosophies I teach.  Where would I be without gratitude, hope, faith, confidence, kindness, and a bit of rebelliousness thrown in for good measure?

Sticking to these principles, talking about them constantly, incorporating these beliefs into all of my art is a huge part of the reason I’ve never given up.  I made myself accountable to walk the talk.  It’s not that I’ve never been stricken with doubt, depression or despair, I have. But my work and faith helped to fuel my hope.

I can attest to the fact that both professionally and personally, the most cherished things in life are certainly those for which you’ve worked the hardest.

Please send us good luck wishes…we are so excited for this next SWEET chapter in our lives.

Over the Rainbow: Dreams You Dare to Dream Really Do Come True

Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
A dark cloud has been looming.  Not only did this month mark the anniversary date of my life-altering accident, but fertility continues to elude me, and a few weeks ago, I discovered a dreadful lump.

To read more about my personal scare with Breast Cancer, you can check out this revealing Facebook post – Sugarluxe Loves Boobs.

Since that time, I’ve had surgery and I’m on the mend.  I am so thankful that we were able to detect this sizable mass early enough to eliminate it before it became unruly.  I feel extremely fortunate.

It’s no use screaming at a time like this! No one will hear you… Help! HELP!
But honestly, even the little stuff adds up.  Like when the unique building that housed my big, fabulous studio was condemned this summer and we were given less than two weeks to completely relocate and try to remain operational. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but unexpected and exhausting.

If you were really great and powerful, you’d keep your promises!
Or the following month, when I realized that the publisher of Rare Magazine, Taylor Perkins, was going to be in willful breach of our contract – essentially stealing money right out of my pocket and making the huge miscalculation that I would sit back and take it.

Little men behind the curtain, bad, mean witches and flying monkeys aside, I try my hardest to stay focused on following my own yellow brick road. 

This is why I love the Wizard of Oz. Like the movie, life itself is an epic journey. And I, like Dorothy, am a dreamer. I believe anything is possible.

Yet, there is no doubt – to overcome your detractors, to survive, to be successful – takes heart, requires brains, and massive amounts of courage.

That’s the beauty of this tale:  You don’t need to be given these traits; you just have to find them within yourself. They’re already there.

—————————————————  70th Anniversary Celebration ————————————————–

And it’s why I so thoroughly enjoyed creating this Sugarluxe interpretation over the last few months.  In the midst of any turmoil, I find refuge in painting a world filled with hope and happy moments.

I’m thrilled to complete and present my piece for the Warner Bros. Anniversary celebration. 2009 marked the 70th Anniversary of this classic movie and as the year draws to a close, I’m excited to unveil my tribute to the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

In fact, over a month ago, while I was still working on the conceptualization of Dorothy and Toto in my signature style, I decided to play a game on Facebook with Sugarluxe Fans.

It was so much fun and Tiffany Bymaster was our big winner.  I’ve since learned more about Tiffany who is an incredible pro-celebrity/movie makeup artist in Los Angeles.  How fitting that she would win the piece dedicated to one of the most beloved movies ever made!

She has also waited patiently to receive the VERY first signed and numbered piece. And now that it’s on the way to her, I finally get to make these giclee artist’s prints available to you, too.

• Title:  Dreamgirl
• Collector’s Edition: Signed, Dated, and Numbered Limited Edition of 70
• Media:  Pigment and Metallic Inks with Watercolor on Archival Museum Grade Fine Art Paper

Can be ordered as ready to frame in black or white mat:
8 ply (very thick) 16 x 20, Beveled Edge, Premium Mat with Acid-Free Mounting Board

If you love the Wizard of Oz like I do, or know someone who does, this vibrant 70th Anniversary Artwork will be sure to please for years to come.  Exclusive to Sugarluxe, you can find out more details at www.sugarluxe.com.

Until next time…I’m off to find some place where there isn’t any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place?

Sunshine and Sparkles Inspire a Brand New Spring Art Special

Ready for me to pour some sugar on you?  How about a Buy One Get One FREE special? 

I just love days like this.  Where I live…it’s 74 degrees, sunny and bright with a nice cool breeze.  Yes, this is definitely my kind of day.

So, I’m feeling good, despite the work overload.  The sunshine is spilling into the studio making everything that much more sparkly, too. Perhaps that explains why I thought it was time to take a break from my busy schedule.

Well, I’m not officially taking a break.  I don’t even really understand the word “break”.  But I am back here on the blog to share some Sugarluxe-y goodness again.

Since it’s my favorite time of year - I just had to come up with an idea today to spread a little of this beautiful sunshine.

In fact, I couldn’t be more pleased about the Sugarluxe website overhaul we did recently because it allows us to implement so many more fabulous offerings for our friends.

Over the past few years, we would put together about 4 VIP deals a year – one per quarter at the most.  It wasn’t that I didn’t have all kinds of things I wanted to do.  It was simply that the website was so painstakingly manual, we just didn’t have the time to make all the necessary changes required to do it more often.  Now, instead of two weeks to change everything in our programming and spread the word about our specials…we can put together something sweet in as little as one day. 

Well, honestly?  A dedicated day to any project right now is still demanding on what little time I seem to have, but if it means I get to come over to the blog and do something extra nice for the people I adore…then it is TOTALLY worth it.

 

———————————————————— HERE’S WHAT TO DO ———————————————————

Select any size Archival Art Paper Print from the Sugarluxe Website (only) and get a giclee paper print in the same size/format for free!  YAY!

If you own a Sugarluxe Gallery Wrapped Canvas and have thought about anchoring the artwork with some smaller framed pieces – NOW is the time to do it.  Or, if you haven’t started your Sugarluxe Collection yet, but you’ve been dying to get that first little piece – NOW you can get two for one.  Either way, it’s a nice little bonus.

1. Be sure to add a comment in the Customer Comments section at the bottom of the check out page – mention that you want the Spring Art Special.
2. Tell us which ADDITIONAL print you’ve selected and would like to add to your order. 
3. Complete your purchase and your TWO new prints will arrive together. 

It’s that easy!

Please note:  This special expired on 4.31.09

—————————————————  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  ——————————————

What is an Archival Giclee Paper Print?
Unlike posters on thin stock paper (oh, and by the way, I love posters so not knocking them – these are just not posters). Our prints are genuine Sugarluxe painting reproductions created on premium archival Museum Grade Fine Art Paper. This paper has been made since 1819 by the oldest paper mill in the country.

What is the Museum Fine Art Paper like?
This smooth 100% Cotton Rag Fine Art Paper feels thick, rich and gives a deep gorgeous color to the images.  Plus, it is naturally acid and lignin free. It is also buffered for added stability and treated with a special UV protective coating to ensure that the colors remain constant over time.  In addition, it is recommended that you mat and/or frame your Sugarluxe print in order to enhance its longevity.

Why don’t you mat and/or frame these prints at Sugarluxe?
Product line decisions are often based on the wonderful feedback and input we receive from customers around the world.  Because we do ship globally, and we have stockists in a number of countries who wanted to carry Sugarluxe Art in addition to our accessories, I was determined to find a way to maintain the integrity of a valued art print, but make it so that it is easy and affordable to ship. 

And – I also like to offer flexibility.  If we mat and frame the piece for you –  it might not work for your decor and that is limiting its potential to work well within your space.  Since we are not a frame shop, we leave that work to the professionals who make a living, matting and framing art.  That way, you get exactly what you want.

I want a bigger print, but 13 inch openings on pre-made mats are sometimes hard to find. What do you suggest?
First – that’s true.  And square mats are harder to locate, too.  But the mat does make the whole piece a bit more substantial. Plus, our prints with a mat and frame look fantastic.  We have twelve pieces installed like this in the studio right now.

What I do is go to the framing section of my local Michaels (not just because that’s my last name) or once you’re familiar with what you need, better prices can be found online at Blick Art Materials (love this place the most and it’s where I buy all my canvases, supplies, mats and they have great, inexpensive frames, too). 

Then, I just pick out a piece of “Mat Board”.  If you don’t know where to find it, the good people in the frame area will show you.  Ask to have an opening cut to fit the size (should be a bit smaller than the actual print size so that it is easier to line up if you’re framing it yourself – best to take in your print if this is the first time you’ve done this and they can make sure there is a good fit when they do the cuts) and really, that’s all there is to it.  If you just get a plain white cut mat with no fancy stacking…it’s about $5-7 (which is definitely less than the pre-cut mats!)

Why not just mount the print?
You could…but if you want me to leave you a personal note on the back, you’ll never see it again…mounting can prove to be a pain in the long run because it will be fully adhered to another surface.  In archival framing, the mats are not glued to the piece or backing, but are hinged to the backing with tape.  If you want to choose a proper mat board and don’t want to spend the money on cotton fiber museum board, choose Conservation or Archival Mat Board.  It is constructed of 100% pure high alpha cellulose (wood pulp) and treated to be inert for up to 300 years. This is the highest quality paper matboard available.

Why don’t you just sign the front of the print then?
I do.  If you choose that option when ordering, I will definitely hand-sign the piece on the front.  When you select a signed piece…I often write a private, personal note on the back for you, too.  If you want my personal note to you ON THE FRONT of your print, be sure to select the option for “White Border” when choosing your print so that it leaves me some room to write you a message.  Just be sure to make that special request in the comments section when checking out. The great news is that a white border piece saves you money over ordering a full-bleed, edge to edge print.  

Can I buy more than one print with this month’s special and still get the two for one?
Absolutely.  For every print you purchase, you get another one for FREE.  No limits on quantities…but this is for retail (not wholesale) purchases only and is not retroactive to previous purchases.

Well, I guess that’s it for now…

Spring is in the air.  So, I sure hope you have a fantastic week full of sunshine!

Vote NOW for the Woman Who Should Win Soul Sista

Four weeks of contests and blogging, and FREEBIES and oh yes, by the way, running the company, managing people, creating new art, producing products, negotiating deals, meeting the needs of retailers, the demands of my publisher, doing more interviews, delivering new projects and getting ready to go to DC next week to speak in front of Congress (ooh – that’s a long, totally separate story) has me ready to explode into a million little pieces.

But then you stopped by here for a solid month…sending love, encouragement and the most excellent feedback an artist could ever want to hear. During the long hours and facing my endless list of to dos – it was such a pleasure to read the amazing comments over the past few weeks – they really kept me going.

I know without a doubt, that even though we had 10 LUCKY WINNERS last month…there are still people who will not be happy (with me) about not winning a prize.  That was the hardest thing about holding these great giveaways.  I want to reward everyone.  But I trust that you understand that isn’t feasible.  I guess what I mean…is that I hope that the generosity is contagious even if you didn’t win – this time.

You see…I believe in the Golden Rule, the Law of Reciprocity, Karma or any other cosmic, universal meme that suggests you get what you give.  Point is, you proved it to me ALL month long.  Did I seriously have time for the giveways? Not really. But what I received in return from offering these prizes is a tremendous amount of support which is very valuable to me! And so it seems – it always comes full circle.

I feel very fortunate that you helped to spread the word about what we are doing here at Sugarluxe.

This brand is more than just pretty pictures.  It is to me, above all else, about a personal, fundamental philosophy built on the belief that extreme determination coupled with kindness, confidence and consideration can be the key to success. And if you know me AT ALL, you see that message is “baked” into everything I create.  So what thrilled me the most was the support and kind competitive spirit you showed each other during this FIERCE competition.

And as MUCH as I greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts…there were a few LADIES who truly worked it like nobody’s business.  Through our analytics software, we were able to track all referring links into both the blog and our main website. These awesome ‘Sugarluxe Girls’ worked very hard (and very creatively, I might add) to spread the word about Sugarluxe and their tenacity was revealed in the results.

I couldn’t let this go unnoticed!  It’s not to take away from so many who put forth great effort too…please know that.  This last minute GIFT IDEA is just another way for me to extend my gratitude to someone who really went the extra mile.

Call me crazy…but this is something I just have to do.  So, for now…another bad ass prize!

One of the top girls will win this:

• 40″ x 40″ Gallery Wrapped Canvas – Soul Sista by Sugarluxe
• Signed & Numbered – AP 1/1
• Embedded with Six Genuine Swarovski Crystals
• With a Personal Note to Winner on the Back
• Also Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

You may have seen pictures on the website this summer when I was actually going to offer this version online.  But for those who pay closest attention…you might have noticed that it went away.  That’s because, just like the Ruby Moon | Cheers Darling piece…I decided to keep this one for the studio.  The version for sale online is the original Soul Sista – so again – this gift/giveaway is another One of a Kind!

For those of you following the updates on Facebook Saturday night…you knew that I gave out one more hint.  (Oh wait! – You didn’t know that I gave insider tips?) – That’s why it’s good to become friends on Facebook where I share lots of little secrets. It was announced on my Facebook Profile as a NOTE entitled:

If you’re playing to WIN at Sugarluxe, you should probably read this…

Well – as you know by now – Stean P. worked his butt off and earned the Grand Prize!  And those who were right on his tail?  (These names are in no particular order):

1. Ebony Y.
2. Jori B.
3. Jette M.

——————————————————–  VOTING STARTS NOW ——————————————————–

These women deserve a round of cyber-applause for their ingenuity and such genuine affection for Sugarluxe. With that said, I now leave it in your hands to choose who should win this awesome Soul Sista Canvas.  For another sneak peek… you can see this piece in the studio - remember this picture at the bottom of the post?  I sure am gonna have some bare walls after all this giveaway goodness!! Voting closes at 11:59 on Friday, March 6th.

P.S.  Ladies – I already know that you are FANTASTIC!  But in order for everyone else to get a good vibe – feel free to use the comments section below to convince your fellow commenters why the WINNER should be YOU!

Every vote is tracked to prevent fraudulent clicks and other artificial means of inflating the results.

Good Luck!

——————————————————–  AND ONE MORE THING ——————————————————–

To everyone else who participated all month long during the Sugarluxe 4 Year Anniversary Giveaways – THANK YOU AGAIN!

I never want anyone to walk away completely empty-handed.  So below I’ve included the code for an exclusive coupon worth 50% OFF any ONE item in the Sugarluxe Shop.  It’s only valid for a very limited time and it’s not a total FREEBIE – but hey – like my mom always says, it’s better than nothin’…

Plus, over the next few months we will definitely be coming up with additional contests.  So, be sure to stay in touch to take advantage of future opportunities.

Special Delivery: New Internshipments Are Here

After selecting 64 stellar resumes to review and then holding two sets of group interviews we finally decided on two sweet, very smart girlies for our Sugarluxe Spring Internship Program. They = Hurray!

Both just completed training and now work about 15-20 hours a week. Unpaid.

FREE LABOR? Maybe to some.

For me – the process of finding the perfect candidate is not unlike the glycolic peel I recently put myself through. At first you kind of dread it, you invariably find a few flakes along the way, but because you endured the procedure, in a matter of weeks it pays off…there’s a renewed youthfulness and everything feels FRESH again!

Plus — every intern I’ve had — ROCKS! Why? They:

1. are more open to change.
2. have no sense of entitlement.
3. bring great, new ideas.
4. are eager and enthusiastic (which makes my day so much better!)
5. show ambition, rather than drowning me in utter complacency.

But really caring about and developing a University Intern is a ton of work…if you’re like me and want to make a long lasting impact, it’s worth every minute.

Here’s the thing… Read more