My backyard....

I had to share this beautiful moment with you - I'm not a big fan of snow.... but I do like trains...and I am fortunate enough to have a train track in my back yard.  I get to see trains going by maybe once a day, sometimes a few days pass and nothing.  Sometimes OLD trains come by and sometimes the Circus trains comes by and park down a ways and walks their animals to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, PA to their circus show area.  

I've always liked trains, and fortunately these are not too loud.  My Mom (R.I.P 8-1-2006) lived in Brady, NE for a while (I travelled there to be there with her and take care of her in 2005 when she had surgery on what was to be her demise -- her colon cancer....) She lived right near a train track which was really cool, but wow were those trains noisy! And they came through a lot!  I like my trains, they are infrequent, quiet and remind me of my Mom.... ( before the train came....)

Anyway... here's some photos of the train that came through today.  It has such a romantic look to it, doesn't it?  (ps... these photos are the property of Valerie Arena, may not be used or reproduced without permission.)  They will likely show up in some form in my Etsy shop... =)  I opened the window of my studio and leaned out to get these pictures. (just the start of it)

What is up in the studio today?

Just listed some new card sets, some adult valentine cards, a ISIS inspired bracelet and a peace notecards set on Etsy.  Check them out at http://www.arenacreative.etsy.com/  Doing a few St. Patricks Day items.  Tomorrow will list a 5 pack of Irish themed notecards.

Waiting from some copper paint to dry, it's going on a delicious set of notecards tomorrow... stay tuned!

Finished up a cute Fairy ACEO today, always looking to trade ACEO's!

I started an ACEO book today. Saw an ideal photo book at A.C. Moore's today and got it going.  I love ACEO's and wonder if I will fill the book by the end of the year.... I think I have about 8 in there now (none of mine, just what I have bought and traded with others!)

Found some wonderful additions to my supply collection at A.C. Moore's today...

It is soooo cold here in PA today.  It's been zero.  I feel sick, that is how cold it is. I am in a constant state of goosepimples. brrrr.

Arizona heat.... I always have said I don't think I could stand it again (after living there for 30 plus years)
BUT... I am beginning to change my mind.

The Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes Barre is going to be hiring/training 500 folks as dealers.  They just approved table games here in PA and the casino is ready to get started.  I put in my application, just to see if I would have any luck.  I've got an odd smattering of job applications in, it's like I am just trying to find my niche!

Here's some photos of my pooches: Warlock in the sweater, Bear in the scarf! (Both items purchased handmade from Etsy!)

Cheers!

V. @ ArenaCreative