We Left White County...

yes...I said we left White County! For anyone that knows my husband, he's pretty much a homebody and unless it's a golf trip overnight, doesn't like to go too much. Our 10th anniversary however, was on 08-08-08 and we decided we had to go somewhere...we both thought Eureka Springs would be nice. Neither of us had been since we were small and we both enjoy the arts, scenery and a few adult beverages with dinner, so off we went! We piled in the truck, with me driving and him telling me how to do so and made the journey...we had an absolute fit as we drove into the historic district to find the Basin Park Hotel! It was like a little village in another country and I swear you would almost think you were dreaming...the streets are a little narrow to say the least and it's not easy to maneuver for the most part, but we did manage to drive around a bit before popping into the Pied Piper Bar and Grill, a hangout for the locals. Everyone was extremely nice and it seems like most of the people that lived there had visited and not gone back home! We had the same feeling...we talked about if it wasn't for our home we love, our fabulous friends and family in Searcy and the fact you would have to drive 8-10 miles to play golf, we would have packed up and moved! We saw some beautiful artwork (I wanted to go because I needed a good, creative kick in the pants!) which made me want to go right back to painting, a ton of lovely, renovated and well maintained victorian homes and buildings and a town full of locals who are so proud of their little city, as they should be...we visited the Balcony Bar and met several people...it was extremely hot though and we all had fun as the misters came down on you and cooled you off while you were relaxing. Catherine Reed played music and was absolutely entertaining! If you're ever in Eureka, she usually plays there on Thursday or Saturday. We also met a fantastic music duo called The Golden Ticket... Joshua Irwin and Lyndsay Pruett at Chelsea's Bar...they are a very talented violionist and guitar player and write their own music. They have a bluegrass, rockabilly and kind of a new age sound. We hung out with them a few nights and really got to know them...they are 2 friends traveling across the country and playing music...they are probably the most soulful people I have ever met and it actually felt like it was meant to be...I've really never felt that way about strangers...they were very motivating to me...we bought their CD and said our goodbyes...I think about them alot and so does Rick. You just don't get that often...Eureka is kind of odd that you can drink alcohol, but yet have a very spiritual feeling as you sit in Thorncrown Chapel, the most beautiful building I've ever been in, stand in front of The Christ of the Ozarks and meeting people who are living life every day to the fullest...kind of makes you wake up and do the same...

Another reason I loved Eureka is because it's sooooo laid back...when I say laid back, that's actually an understatement. I am an extremely early riser and couldn't get a cup of coffee until about 7am! Shops don't open up until about 10:30 or 11:00 and close at 4:30 or 5:00! It seems like a ghost town at times, but under all of the buildings are bars, restaurants and places to go after everyone gets off. It's so cool! For all of these reasons that I love it...I think after a while it would drive me insane! I would however love to go back often and am going to research some galleries there that would give me a good excuse to pop up there from time to time! It is truly a magical place and I am glad we made the trip...

Remembering My Friend...

Larry who passed away on Thursday. You've read me blogging about the love I have for golf but it is in no way as big as the love Larry had for the game. When my husband (who played with Larry on the high school golf team) couldn't play with me in tournaments because of work, Larry stepped in as my "subhub" as we called him. I really loved playing with him and not just because he was a fantastic golfer, but because of his infectious, very dry sense of humor. I felt no pressure in trying to play great, but to just have a good time. If I hit a bad shot and apologized to him, he would just say "no reason to say you're sorry" and we'd move on...neither one of us however, wanted to lose! We only did once - on a card off. It was quite a bummer but we decided we did our best and it was all we could do. I grieve for the loss of a dear man and for his kids and family who are in shock. I hate that I won't see him almost everyday anymore, but I will however, carry his smiling face, his positive attitude and the memories I have with me always...never forget to tell your friends and family you love them every time you see them...you may not get another chance...

Do Guys Still Wear Ties???

I was wondering that not long ago when at "Art in the Park," (see a few posts back regarding this!) a guy comes up to me and says..."You're artwork would sure look good on a tie..." - I was extremely surprised coming from a conservative small town that someone would like abstract paintings on a tie! I was sure it wasn't possible to do, but then I discovered Zazzle....wish I wouldn't have! It is so addicting putting your designs on products! I already had my CafePress store and was keeping busy enough with that when lo and behold... Zazzle pops up and guess what they have?!? Yep, ties....now I'm not sure other than bankers, lawyers and executives that anyone still puts one on everyday, but if they want a funky one, here they are! I sure wish I remembered the guy at the park talking about art on ties in the first place......I would call him and get on to him for ever mentioning it!!!!

Just A Few Funky Ties...

A Web Award!

ok....first off, several posts ago, I mentioned that I was going to make myself blog more often...obviously from the date of the last one, I'm full of you know what! With that being said, I received a Brillante Web Promo Award and must nominate 7 other blogs that I feel worthy of an award as well! Not hard to do with all of the fabulous artists/bloggers out there! Here are my 7:

1) http://decor8blog.com - an extreme inspiration to those of us who love interior design!

2) http://designspongeonline.com - another lovely interior design blog with sneak peeks into what is hot and new and upcoming!

3) http://shuttersisters.com - beautiful and inspiring photography!

4) http://hulaseventy.blogspot.com - wonderful projects, ongoing works and moving photos!

5) http://inspiremethursday.com - just that...features inspiration we can get from every day objects!

6) http://kimberlyhurst.com/blog - all about life, business, photos and more!

7) http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com - absolutely stunning photos and great stories!

Duties when receiving these awards:

1. Put the award logo from above on blog sidebar.
2. Link to the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Add links to those seven on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you nominated.

These are just a few that I love and find great ideas and inspiration from them every time I check out their blogs....thanks to all of you....

Relay For Life Fundraiser Cookbook

My fabulous Coldwell Banker Complete Realty office has participated in the Relay For Life fundraiser for the last couple of years. We lost our dear friend and broker Richard Conley to cancer and he is still to this day missed sitting at his desk. He is, however, on our minds all of the time and I swear he watches over us. I can also guarantee that he laughs at half of what he sees. Sherry Conley, his wife, has been our broker ever since and she came up with the idea to do an office cookbook for our team to raise money with. We all thought it was a wonderful idea because most of us really enjoy cooking and share recipes all of the time anyway. Why not put them all together! She came to me and asked if I would do the cover for it...I was scared to death. This to me was something I was doing for Richard and his memory and I wanted it to look good for the short time I had to get it done. I did a collage, mixed media painting and of course, had to add Richard's precious smiling face to it. This years theme for the relay was the 80's, so we chose the song "Love Shack" as our theme - appropriate don't you think since we sell homes. You can see Sherry and our Marketing Director Wendi in our booth set up which Sherry had done to match the cookbook cover. It turned out great! I am really proud of how our office pulls together not just at work, but out in the community for such a good cause. We do this for Richard, for Sherry and the rest of the family, for us, as we've all been affected by this dreaded disease in some way and for the hope that a cure will be found someday.

It's Now My FAVORITE Time of The Year...

except for the fact that I fried myself in the sun yesterday laying out by a friend's pool! I did go and purchase sunscreen, but lo' and behold, the darn can wouldn't spray. Needless to say, I am taking it back!! Wonder if they'll pay for some aloe since it's their fault I look like a lobster!!! Just kidding...I thought I would share with you some of my favorite items from my CafePress store - you can go to http://cafepress.com/kellyvanhook and see everything, but I've posted a few samples! If you are heading out for a vacation, or just sitting by the pool, these would be great to take with you! I pretty much stay in shorts, a tank top, hat and flip flops when I'm off work...much better than jeans, sweater and cramped up feet, stuffed in boots wouldn't you say?!! I love, love, love this time of year!! Grab you a journal, tote bag, a hat or a tank and head on out!!! Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen!! P.S. Just an idea...spray it in the store to make sure it works first!