Follow and Be Followed

One of today's social media and cyber-networking most powerful tool is Twitter. 

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read each others' updates, known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters, displayed on the author's profile page and delivered to other users - known as followers - who have subscribed to them. (from Wikipedia).

It's a useful service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

But with millions of Tweeters out there, how do you stand out?  

The answer - Personalize your Twitter Page with Custom Backgrounds. If you're tweeting about your business, it's an effective way to brand your company and promote your service and products.

I've been privileged to design GoFetchGifts.com and PlainJaneandCo's Twitter Pages.  You can get your own custom twitter backgrounds here.

Remember though, that Twitter is a community.  Be mindful and respectful at all times by posting only relevant and informative tweets.  Follow the web adage, 'Thou shalt never spam.'

You're always welcome to follow me on Twitter.

To Remember

'O'er the Land of the Free'

Acrylic on Canvas by Sherie Sloane (c) 2009

I've been pondering on what to paint for the upcoming Fourth of July.  I wanted to make it simple, yet still portrays the spirit of patriotism.  

Both my husband and I came from military families.  Celebrating Independence Day is not just a day of merry-making for us, but a time to remember both our dads who served their countries.

I've been playing the Star Spangled Banner in my mind and the line "O'er the land of the free..." hits a chord in my heart.  

May this painting remind all of us to cherish the freedom we enjoy today and remember those who fought for it.

Dad, Thank You.

Shadows of Summer

Shadows of Summer

Acrylic on Canvas. Painted today.

Capturing the elusive warmth of Summer in canvas.

Everyone around is asking 'Shouldn't it be in the 90's (degrees) already at this time of the year?'.  Should be, but the weatherman said this will be the coolest and rainiest Summer in history of Chicago.  

Got to make the most of it then, or else, Indian Summer will be what's left.  Then comes the bitter chill of winter.  

I'd rather have this than those.  At least for now.

Passport to the World

This weekend, bring the family to the Chicago Children's Museum for days of creative and fun-filled events.  

Travel eleven thousand miles to the Philippines in Southeast Asia and explore the country's colorful sights, sounds and arts.

Take the kids and kids-at-heart on Sunday, June 14 from 1:00-2:00 pm for an interactive, hands-on painting workshop and demo by yours truly.  

Your Passport is waiting.  See you there!

Crafty Cooking

Chicken Pasta with Homemade Pesto

My craftiness has extended to the kitchen, and no one's complaining (thankfully).  In fact, everyone leaves the dining table smiling.  

Thanks to online recipes, I'm able to whip up meals that are healthy and tasty.  For lunch today, I made chicken pasta with homemade pesto.  Love the sound of 'home-made', reminds me of my own mom's home cooking.  

I got the basil pesto recipe from 'Simply Recipes'.  I used whole grain pasta and sauteed the chicken in olive oil with onions and bell peppers.  Then, I put about a cup and  a half of the pesto.  A little dash of salt and fresh ground black pepper and lunch is served.

Simple, fast, healthy and delicious. Oopps, gotta wipe that pesto from our little man's chin.

Bon appetit!

Dad

A Father's Day Poem  by Sherie Sloane

Dad and our little man, watching the sunset.

One of my favorite random shot.

Because of you

I am steadfast and strong

Carrying on through the storm

Because of you

I knew right from wrong

Learning when to drift along

Because of you

I found courage in fear

Daring trepidation in tiers

Because of you

I stood up after a fall

Recognizing I never lost it all

Because of you

I triumphed after each loss

Applauding wisdom amidst the cost

Because of you

I am cherished and spirit's free

Living and loving in higher degree

Advance Happy Father's Day to all dads out there.  

I wrote this poem last year, thinking about my own Dad and all the years he stood by us through good times and tough ones.  

Dad, this is for you.  May our love reach you in heaven.  I miss you, we all do.

Feel free to copy the poem (please include author's name) and give it to the special men in your lives.

 

Meet the Morning Artist

Oak Park Avenue by Sherie Sloane

Watercolor on Paper, 18 x 24 inches.

Mark your calendar.

On June 27, the Vogt Visual Arts Center in Tinley Park, Illinois will have its Inaugural Juried Art Show and Sale from 10 am to 3 pm.  

Bring the family to meet local artists and tour the  beautiful Oak Park Avenue.  

I'll be there, so stop by and say hello.  See you there!

Click here for more information.