It All Began...

with the obsession of junking. Many, many, many moons ago on a trip to First Monday in Canton, Texas there they were: 2 sets of men's legs from the waist down, and a beautiful headless/armless male mannequin. What I actually had been trying to find were female arms to use as curtain tie-backs in my living room. But instead, I found these three treasures. I knew immediately what I was going to use the legs for; of course they would be table legs! The headless/armless fellow I was not quite sure, but I knew I couldn't leave him behind. So, the sis, sis-in-law and I carry these guys across the flea market in the rain to car. (Note to self: always take a pick-up or U-Haul to Canton!). Now, visualize three near-middle age women carrying body parts in the rain. LOL.

Fast forward years and years. My little family and I, along with the mannequins, move North across the Red River and settle down. We get the land and the horses and cows, and new art obsessions of course. I start a business (new obsession) with a friend. And I discover Craig's List (another addiction)! Lo & behold I find mannequins! Well, of course, I just had to have them! My wacko friend/business partner suggests painting one. ONE! I am sure you can guess the rest of the story. I can't stop with one. After the third one, I post pictures on Facebook (obsession #_) and they are a hit. Two sold immediately and orders are coming in. Now I am really hooked. My friend (let's call her Marsha) has a booth at An Affair Of The Heart (AAOTH) and we display the mannequins with her wares. Order after order after order. These girls were a hit!

I needed more mannequins! But, luckily I had made contact with a wonderful woman in Illinois (we will call her Amy) that just happened to have exactly the type of mannequins I needed and at a fabulous price. After working 4 days at AAOTH, Marsha and I headed up to Illinois (in the rain) and purchased a bunch of mannequins. What is it with mannequins and rain? Now I am in business.

So now, I would like to take space and say "Thank You" to:

• All the people that fell in love with my art. And to those that have given the girls a new home. I am so happy to be able to create something that you love.
• The wonderful husbands that so graciously took over when Marsha and I were preparing and working AAOTH and taking that whirlwind road trip to IL.
• Marsha for being the wonderful friend and business partner in Sand-Mann, LLC, and Sanford And Manford, and Dreamin & Schemin. Painting the mannequins was not only your idea, but you are also the Queen of Bling for the girls! What will you think of next?
• My DH Randy for being patient with me and all my obsessions, and for turning a blind eye to the house and the empty refridge.
• Brooke and WiLL: Mommy is here somewhere. I love you so much!
  
• My Heavenly Father for blessing me with a wonderful family and friends, and the gift of creativity.