i usually think i'm great: tied up with string: artist

yep, my friends, it is time for my first ever favorite things post! i included the exclamation point because i am excited to write it and i am trying to instill excitement in you to read it. so make me feel as if my time has not been put to waste and GET EXCITED! this "tied up with string" post will just focus on one favorite thing - but such an incredible thing!

ARTIST: ABERNATHY BLAND

i know this ultra-cool artist here in richmond. abernathy bland recently had an art show at which doug and i purchased several prints. we purchased them for a playroom, but her prints are adult and child friendly! i LOVE her whimsical style, as well as the nuggets of wisdom her art portrays. i think, though, that i most love how abby's art encourages me to be me and to celebrate the quirkiness of me! oh, yes, and adventure - she definitely encourages adventure! as if all of this wasn't awesome enough, she writes a blog, as well (seriously, the chick can do it all!). just the title of her blog makes you want to read it! so, people, visit her blog at Riding Bareback Beside a Train. If you want to see all of her work, go here - - and buy something! :) Below are some of my favorites!

this is one of the ones i purchased for a playroom or for mia's room. also, shhhhhh, i am going to get one in card format to send to my twin sister. corrie, act surprised when you get it! :)

this is one that i plan on purchasing in the future when i have a little corner all to myself for photography, crafts, etc. i think it is hilarious!

i sooooooo want to get this print one day. this is called "dream big. dream embarrassing big."

how funny is this piece?

i am having a very difficult time making myself stop posting pictures of her work, because i love it so much and it is so hard to pick just one thing, but i hope that i have convinced you to visit her blog and website. amazing could be hanging in your house very soon! to wrap up this post, i have to tell you about a recent project abby completed. we are mutual friends with a couple who just had a baby. before their little bundle arrived, they hired abby to paint a mural in his nursery. so, two pictures below of the elephant in the room and then two pictures of mia at the art show!