Meet the face
behind the posts

 

Hello there! I know there are a million other things you could be doing, but I'm so glad you decided to stop by. 

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To let you know a little about me, I am a person much like you. A person who craves more from life than just the basics.  You want the full-course meal with a delicate dessert, and I couldn't agree more. Life is too short to settle for anything less than what truly nourishes and fulfills us. Let's embark on this journey together!

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On my blog, I offer a wide range of content designed to help enrich your daily life from art, knitting, crochet, sewing, crafts, recipes, wellness, sustainable living, and faith. ​

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I am a graduate of The Academy of Art University where I earned my degree in Illustration, The Institute of Childrens Literature where I learned to write for kids and teenagers, and The New York Institute of Photography where I earned my diploma in Professional Photography. I've produced work for numerous clients, including illustrations for a children's book "Life on Robinsons Pond: Campers New Friend", and graphics for a clothing company 2Nostalgik where one of my designs was seen in People being worn by Kate Hudson. I've done graphic design pieces, various paintings and drawings of pets and people, landscapes for sale, patterns, various photography pieces, etc. I've written a childrens book "The House of Calcurachaun" which is a kids adventure story set in the Irish isle filled with folklore.

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​I first learned to knit when I was around age 7-8 by a good friend of my families, Francis Hall. Later I learned to crochet in my 20's. I found a love of yarn. I especially enjoy working with natural colors and natural fibers. I l enjoy sewing, and dabbling in other crafts such as wool designs, macrame, sculpting, and just about anything creative. There is nothing so special, gift wise, as a timeless handmade item...even if it is a gift for yourself (smile).

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The nomenclature of my blog holds profound significance, drawing from personal influences. It pays homage to my dear grandmother, who epitomized love, maternal strength, and guidance. The solid oak for me. To my Aunt Stuart, a beacon of love, inspiration, and sweetness who affectionately referred to us as her "lambs". And my darling cousin Susan, who is the collection of both, and has helped me along my path in bringing better clarity from within. Furthermore, it underscores my unwavering faith, symbolizing the duality of vulnerability and resilience inherent within me—a dichotomy that resonates throughout various stages of my life. I venture to speculate that you, too, may find resonance in this narrative. 

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Thank you for supporting Artists and Makers!! 

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Here are 13 fun facts about me:

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1. I love cemeteries because they remind me that everything is temporary. A side bonus is that you can always get a parking space at a graveyard; grand reflection can be found there. 

2. I lived in KY for the majority of my life and absolutely LOVE the small-town atmosphere. I believe we should bring back Mercantile-type stores instead of big bulk corporate stores. I said it!

3. When I was 6 and on my first school bus ride, I ended up back at the bus depot with the driver. He realized I was still sitting in my seat and asked where I needed to be. I confidently told him, "I need to be home with my grandmother, and you are going to take me." He laughed but thankfully knew my grandmother, so he promptly took me home and reassured her, saying, "You aren't going to have to worry about this one. She is going to get to where she is going."

4. I don't get giddy with celebrities. While I think it's cool to have your picture taken with them, I am not a screamer, crier, fainter, or push-my-way-through-the-crowd-to-get-a-photo person. 

5. I'm more on the crunchy side of living. I'll take holistic and fresh over processed whenever I can.

6. I love to read and learn new things. My favorite book could change at any point in time, but my current favorites are 'Chop Wood, Carry Water.' I believe every teenager should read it before entering adulthood. There are many lessons to be learned inside. Another top favorite would be 'Green Lights' by Matthew McConaughey. Of course, I also love books filled with art ,and yarn ideas.

7. I'm a sucker for sappy love stories. I absolutely adore the Hallmark channel. I know...true girl. Yeah. Yeah. My fave movie series right now is "After" from the books by Anna Todd. and The Heartland Series. All stories where love prevails. I've been told you can't live in a fantasy world. Why not? It's a better place.

8. I have a profound love for animals and nature. 

9. I was predominately raised by my grandmother (though my precious father was there too). There is such wisdom to be gained from older people who have been through life experiences. It can greatly behoove you to stop and make chatter with them; to learn some history and gain some knowledge.

10. I love singing. Not necessarily in the shower, but more in a side-seat driving kind of way.

11. Did I mention I love to learn? =). I have degree's/diploma's/certificates in various mediums, including but not limited to, interior decorating, nutrition, professional organization, art, photography, and writing. 

12. I love to create crafts and DIY projects. I'm sure you could have guessed this one =).  

13. I strongly advocate for minimizing our environmental footprint. It's crucial to protect our farmlands and the surrounding natural habitats. Our survival, as well as that of all living beings, depends on it. The lush greenery is being sacrificed for concrete, and this trend must be halted. Nature was provided by a higher power for our sustenance, yet we're disrespecting it. Concrete lacks the inherent beauty that nature offers.

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I hope you have a little better insight into who I am. Give me slow, peaceful living any day.  

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XO, Marie~

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