Artist PlayDate: Fabulous Artists, Fabulous Blogs and a Few Fabulous Awards for Us All

ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to an unexpected situation, I need to ask that all entries for this week's Sweet Treat come in by 11pm EST tonight. I know the end of the day is different for everyone and normally that's fine but tomorrow I have to attend an event so I will have to leave early and I want to be sure I get the Sweet Treat to you before I depart. So sorry if this causes any inconvenience for anyone. Can't wait to see all the entries - so far they are ...magnificent!

Today's Artist PlayDate has been postponed as the artist that was set to be featured had a situation arise that was way beyond her control. Please join me in sending well wishes. We will be seeing her in the coming weeks. For now, I send healing thoughts and hope that you are on the mend soon!

Over the last few weeks, I have been given a few blog awards. These awards celebrate the Thursday Sweet Treat, its fabulous participants and fantastic cheering section. I want to thank each person that has sent an award along and introduce you to each artist so that you can send some blog love back.

The Sisterhood Award was given to me by ClayItAgain/12MidnightOils. This talented, warm, friendly artist creates oil paint landscapes and sculpts in clay. ClayItAgain says, "I can paint a landscape on any surface (at least I haven't found a surface yet that I can't paint on). I love polymer clay and it's versatility. I can duplicate anything in polymer. From miniature food and furniture to functional items such as jewelry, art dolls, and home decor."

Now the rules for this award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 5 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

It was nearly impossible to pick 5 blogs because I read many that I love. I want to list everyone! Between Artist PlayDates and other fun things that will be coming I will be listing more blogs...so here is a start of some fun ones that I think you will enjoy.

1. Anji Gallanos - I am always amazed at what I learn when I visit her blog.

2. Live Through the Lens - I love the way she captures people in ordinary moments and makes those moments extraordinary.

3. What I Made Today - Oh this blog is just filled with yummy things.

4. Shhh...Confessions of an Artist: Lunatiger - you are invited to be delighted.

5. GottaLoveMom - I always feel like I'm reading a book when I read her posts.

I'd like to thank the witty, wonderful, inspiring artist AGoodWitchToo over at The Copper Cauldron for giving me the Kreativ Blogger award! The Copper Cauldron specializes in handmade artisan soaps that are made in small batch quantities to ensure quality using ingredients your skin will love. The soap is out of this world!

The rules for this award are to pass it on to 5 other great blogs and let them know. Here are the five blogs I'd like to pass this award onto...

1. The Return of Son of Incogneato - out of the ordinary fun.

2. Always Adorable in Action - truly inspired blog.

3. CeejayBags - great bags, great lady.

4. Fine Mess Pottery - challenging herself to create 100 mugs in 100 days...awesome

5. Dorset Hill Beads - super beads and terrific theme guessing.

Finally, I'd like to thank the incredible, funny, truly creative artist Agathe at Le Bar du Vent for awarding me an 'Honest Scrap' Award! She creates gorgeous one of a kind pieces of jewelry and accessories. Her work incorporates sealife, flower, natural creatures, and travel theme among others.The game goes like this:

1. Pick 7 or so blogs that make you happy

2. Let them know and post their names on your blog.

3. List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Honest things about me:

1. I think the most incredible conversations happen after midnight when the the business of the day has quieted, the blanket of night is pulled tightly around you, and it feels like you and the other person are only ones in the entire world that are awake.

2. In Nursery School, I convinced a little boy that a gerbil turd was an uncovered M&M and he bit into it. I often wonder if he remembers that.

3. Some days I want to be on Dancing with the Stars.

4. Sometimes, when I can't sleep, I still put a flashlight under my pillow and read. It makes me feel like a kid again.

5. I laugh alot. I'm known for it. I once tried to be more serious, more adult and tried to laugh less. Note to self - that doesn't work. It just explodes out of you. I believe laughter is the music that makes the soul dance.

6. Once upon a magical time, I believed I could get to C.S. Lewis' Narnia through my closet. Despite the black and blues from running into the back wall of my closet, I still like to believe it's there somewhere.

7. When I'm not singing, I conduct interviews in the shower. I like to pretend I'm being interviewed by Ellen or Oprah. I've even written about my insanity - Rub-a-dub-dub, Ellen is in my tub

8. I feel guilty about 99% of the time that someone or something is not getting the attention it deserves.

9. Right now, I wish I was in Hawaii surfing...not that I have ever surfed ...I just really want to.

10. I ate a cupcake for breakfast this morning. Why? Because life is too short not to celebrate every moment (at least that's what I told my hips)

Now for some fun, inspiring, thought-provoking blogs....

1. What Kate Did Next - great writing..leaves you thinking

2. Our Name is Blog - hilarious blog

3. Writing in the Water - inspired writing

4. My Creative Journey - a beautiful journey unfolding

5. Doobleh-vay - each post is a new adventure

6. Robynsart - gorgeous work, deeply moving

7. Mama's Village - scrumptous, inspiring tidbits

Thank you again for thinking of me and the incredible artists who make the Thursday Sweet Treat such a beautiful place.

Please visit these artists and their blogs and share a little love!