Purple Iris, 2'x2', Photography, $45.00

Purple Iris

We Are Going On The Family Feud

Portia, Latrice, Vicki, Micah, Valeta, Karen
LET'S GO BUSSEY!

My sister Portia had the ingenius idea to send out an email blast to all of us to see if anyone would be interested in auditioning for the "Family Feud."  She is an avid viewer of this game-show as were our parents when we were growing up.  To her surprise, "Everyone replied with a resounding 'Yes,' and where do we need to be?"  So on May 5, 2013, right before Mother's Day, 11 am, at the Atlanta Civic Center, conference room E, we tried out for the Family Feud.  

People from all over the southeast came out, filling several conference rooms to play a fun-filled game of Family Feud.  Families attending were from Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana.  The Bussey family played against the Ruiz family.  The game was intense and we answered mock questions such as "Name a way a person could acquire a large sum of money."  Trying not to get a strike, I was fortunate enough to answer correctly with the answer of "Inheritance."  During the round of play, we were being video taped and from this audition tape, the decision makers would review it and inform us via postcard within 3-6 weeks if we would gain a true appearance on the Family Feud.

After several telephone calls, text messages, and emails from all of us asking if she received the postcard in the mail, on June 17th the postcard finally arrived.  When Portia called me to let me know that she had received the postcard, I could hear an echo in my head of us chanting with large cheesy smiles on our faces, "We're going on THE FEUD!"

Following our audition, we all enjoyed brunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room.  All of us are children and grandchildren of siblings, and we know and appreciate true southern cuisine.  Mary Mac's Tea Room was established in 1945 by Mrs. Mary MacKenzie.  Following World War II, Mrs. MacKenzie was an enterprising woman in search of a living.  Now owned by hand-picked successor John Ferrell, Mary Mac's Tea Room offers a quaint, southern atmosphere with food preparation still done like when their doors first opened.  The establishment offers the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken, pork chops done right, ribs dripping with savory, tangy sauce, fish, shrimp, oysters and more than 30 fresh vegetables including fried okra and true macaroni-and-cheese.  It was a nice time for all of us to get together, break bread, have good conversation, and catch up with one another face-to-face.  Like a true Sunday go-to-meeting dinner.  

So look for The Bussey Family on the Family Feud and wish us luck!

Etsy Craft Party At Cacao-Atlanta

Cacao-Atlanta

What a great combination?  Chocolate, handcrafting and a great get-together.  On June 20, 2013, Etsy launched a community craft day. The Etsy Craft Party brings together handcrafters in Atlanta to express why art is important for our community and indulge in some of the world's finest chocolate.  Cacao-Atlanta creates some of the finest chocolate in the world and we definitely indulged.  Noting my love for cooking, creating, and eating, it was an honor for owner Kristen Hard to allow us to gather at Cacao on Peachtree Road and craft together.  As a formally trained chef, Hard discovered her niche as a chocolatiere after watching Carribbean women crush the cacao bean with their bare hands, and discovering the many aspects of chocolate.

Our organizer for the Etsy Craft Party was Stella Tompkins and she did a great job of bringing us together.  It was nice to meet other crafters who had talents including theatre arts, fashion design, collage art and mixed media, metalsmithing, glass beads, and hand bags.  If you get a chance, check out their work.  These talents include Neci Harmon, Valeta Goode, Makeila Wardlaw, Paula Guerin, Marcy Lamberson, and Marnie Wardlaw.  Everyone's style is unique and different.  In addition, we had the greatest service person at Cacao-Atlanta by the name of Tricia whose first love is theatre acting.

It was a pleasure ladies to meet you all.  

Hope we all get together again.  

Have fun doing what you love.

Stella Tompkins-Etsy Craft Party Organizer

Cacao-Atlanta owner- Kristen Hard

And The Winners Are...

Best In Show:  Kevin Horvath, 'One To Many,' ceramics

Best Faculty:  Sharon Weiss, 'Pomegranate Pair,' pastel

Best Student:  Janis Patterson, 'Tiny Tea,' ceramics

Peoples' Choice:  Sherry Robinson, 'Peacock,' oil on canvas

Honorable Mentions:

Sam Alexander, 'Intersection,' watercolor

Jenny Baughman, 'Lirael,' necklace

Terry J. England, 'Architect Crow,' mixed media

Here are the winners of the Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition.  

Thanks to all that came out to the opening reception.  

We were blown away by the flood of support.  

Stay tuned for information on upcoming events.  These artisans love their craft and it shows.  

The exhibit lasts from June 14 through August 17, 2013.

Great Community Support For The Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition

Thank you to all that attended the Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition's Opening Reception and for making it a success. We had hundreds of people there to show support for local artists. As informed by instructor Kristen Wilder, the event was the largest for the gallery.  Ninety one artists displayed their talents and the love of their craft in this show.  Sculpture, paintings, pottery and jewelry were among the different pieces on exhibit.  All selections were made by juror Michael Rooks of The High Museum of Art-Atlanta.  This display will be available for viewing and purchases from June 14 -August 17, 2013.  The Spruill Gallery & Gift Shop is located at 4681 Ashford-Dunwood Rd., Atlanta, GA 30338, 770-394-4019.  The pieces that I have available are called "Sphere" and" Simplicity."

Artist - Valeta Goode

Featured Artist - Norm Citron

Tim and Me

Featured Artists

Instructors/Artists Joanne Hernandez & Kristen Wilder

Sign of Hope @ The Spruill Gallery

And What Is The Jury's Verdict?

The Jury has decided to accept my jewelry designs into the Spruill Arts Student Faculty Juried Exhibition, June 14 - August 17, 2013. When Jennifer called to let me know that two of my pieces were selected for the exhibit, I was tickled pink.  It was hard enough to complete my pieces by the deadline of May 23, 2013 by 5 p.m. with all the finishing touches, but waiting to hear the selections from juror Michael Rooks is a totally different ball game.

Mr. Michael Rooks is the Wieland Family Curator Of Modern & Contemporary Art at The High Museum Of Art Atlanta.  Need I say anything more?  This is the boost my ego needed.  Every now and again, inspiration and creativity do not come so easily.  The news today definitely makes me feel better.

To stir the pot a little more, the exhibit will award prizes to its participants.   This exhibition will also showcase all mediums currently being produced at the Spruill Center For The Arts.  Prizes include:  

Best In Show

Best Faculty

Best Student

2 Honorable Mentions

People's Choice

Prizes will be awarded at the Opening Reception, Thursday, June 13, 2013, 6-9 p.m. at the Spruill Gallery, located at 4681 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA  30338, 770-394-4019.

Last but not least, I'd like to tip my hat off to the Spruill Center's Educational Center.  The administrators and instructors are like family.  It's a great place to learn, fellowship, and test the waters with your creativity.    Kristen, Terri, Mindy, Jennifer, Susan, Tom, Bob and the list goes on, are great people to work with and are great community craftivists that keep the arts active, vibrant and alive in the Atlanta community.  

Support the arts at the Spruill Center!  We hope to see you at the Opening Reception.  

Earn Some Extra Cash

Money has been a little tight for me every now and again.  I've been out of Corporate America for a little while now and needed to make sure my mortgage and bills were paid.  I had to also make sure food was on the table and other basic necessities were taken care of while working on my jewelry designs as well.  It's amazing how your mind will spin into a tizzy when your ends don't quite meet.   I have a suggestion about making things balance a little better.  Take a look at signing up for www.instantpaydaynetwork.com/vjg30 as a means of making some extra money, there are no out of pocket expenses, and it's an honest day's work from the comfort of your own home.  I think it'll help.

p.s. For the U.S. & Canada

A Note To Mommy...

Mrs. Annie Willie Bussey Goode

Happy Mother's Day Mommy.  You are all that a child could wish for.  God so truly blessed me to have you as my Mother.  Not all women are fit or designed to hold the title of Mother, but you have bestowed all the best of this honor upon me.  All my life I have tried to emulate you as best I could but I am still working to make myself better.  By protecting, nurturing, loving, teaching, demonstrating, supporting, advising, counseling, and praying with and for me: these are just a few of the words used to describe how you taught me to be a woman.  These lessons learned still come to mind while trying to carve out my place in this world and become a better person.  I miss and love you so much.  I know you and God guide my footsteps.  I can feel it.  Thank you for talking with me in my dreams.  I cannot wait to see, touch, and talk with you again.  
Oh, what a glorious day it will be.    

I Love You Mommy!

Happy Mother's Day  

Vote for Jawan Mathis

Back in November 2012, I posted an article with videos about talented vocalist Jawan Mathis from Savannah, GA.  He is now in a talent contest for best male vocalist on Savannah Industry Night.  This is the talent search organization's second anniversary of showcasing Savannah area talent.  Vote for him at www.industrynightsav.wix.com/vote.
The deadline to cast your vote is April 20, 2013.

Good Luck Jawan

Can You Sit A Spell?

Just wanted to let you know that I have added more designs to my online website www.cmeicuoriginals.etsy.com.  Please drop to the bottom of this page to see the new designs and buy.  If you have a commission request for a design, I would love to hear about it.  Please provide feedback on what you think about my jewelry designs or any of the articles from the blog.

I have been blessed, so far, to live the dream I have always wanted; creating beautiful jewelry and photographs.  Over the last few months, I have met a lot of people with similar interests and we seem to feed off of one another to empower, support and encourage each other.  Thanks to you all.  

Everyday I always take a deep breath, give thanks to God, set forth a plan of action, and tweak or fine tune my objectives along the way.  Social media, studio time, freelance writing and Photoshop are taking up a great deal of my time as of late.  I have had some great obstacles placed in front of me and hopefully with the grace of God, I will overcome them without being ruffed up too much. This is a daunting task when you want to make your own way, be self sufficient and punch your own clock.  I would love to hear your pearls of wisdom as I don't know it all but would definitely appreciate hearing and learning from you.  

Love always,

V     

www.cmeicuoriginals.etsy.com

I wanted to invite you to take a look at my new jewelry designs at www.cmeicuoriginals.etsy.com.  Let me know if you like them or not.  Thanks to all of my family, friends, and customers for your cheers of support.

                                                                    I hope you like.

Spring Is In The Air...

"Amaryllis"

"Teal & White Crystals"
Necklace & Earrings in
Sterling Silver

"Daffodil"

"Tea Time"
Green Jade Earrings in
Sterling Silver

Here are a few new photographs and jewelry designs.  For any inquiries, please send me an email.  All pieces are original, handcrafted, one of a kind creations by c.me.i.c.u. originals.  Flower photographs come in postcards as well as posters.  Thanks for your support at the Spruill Gallery.  We all had a great time!

Rated ART - For Everyone

"Ilithyia"
Copper & Red Jade Necklace

The Spruill Center for the Arts is celebrating the New Year with new works from students and instructors in the Spruill Center Hallway Gallery.  This exhibit is Rated ART - For Everyone.  The event lasts from February 7 - April 11, 2013 and a Reception will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 6-8 pm.  I have 3 pieces in this exhibit.  Please show your support for the arts through the purchase of an artist's contribution to support the Spruill Center.  "Ilithyia" is one of my exhibited pieces.  Others include "Naevia" and "A Little Tybee."
Please show your support of the arts with a purchase.  Thank you.

Introducing Jawan Mathis

Singing since the age of 2 or 3 in the choir at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Savannah, GA,  Jawan Mathis has pure, raw vocal talent.  And according to his viewers' YouTube comments, the ladies don't think he's bad on the eyes either.

Jawan notes his mother, Angela Mathis and his grandfather, Moses as his biggest fans.  They have inspired him to sing what he feels and to sing from the heart.  His grandfather was the lead vocalist of The Gospel Crusaders.  Though he never saw his grandfather perform, Jawan would listen to his taped recordings and try to imitate what he heard.  In addition, his Aunt Frankie Mae Wright was a talented artist as a background singer for the group Parliament.  Singing is definitely interwoven through several generations.

J.A.M.'s talent mirrors that of Maxwell and Trey Songz but definitely with his own eclectic spin and flavor.  Mathis listens to old school crooners such as Sam Cook, Smokie Robinson, and Donny Hathaway.  Noting that he is of a younger generation than his predecessors,  Jawan adds musical genres of jazz, soul, r&b, hip-hop, gospel, and rock&roll into his vocal stylings.

As a keyboard musician, and learning to master the guitar, Jawan has been seen across the local and national stage.  He's been on local television programs throughout Savannah and Atlanta, as well as "It's Showtime, At The Apollo" in Harlem, NY and the Ricky Smiley Show.  With singing and entertaining in his blood, Jawan Mathis is ready to go to the next level.  How does he get in front of the right people to make it happen?

I am also an admiring fan.

Let us know here at ThePreferredLife.blogspot.com what you think of
Jawan's (J.A.M.) singing by leaving a comment!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'd like to wish all of you and your families a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.  I have my grand-baby here with me visiting from Dallas, Texas.  She is right by my side in every step that I take while trying to prepare a feast for the family.  My husband and I are troopers.  While the kids are out having a good time catching up with friends from high school and college,  we're holding down the fort preparing our holiday meal.  Sister-in-law and husband, Kellene and Johnny are passed out.  My nephew Jimmy and his wife Wendy will be in from New York later this morning.

If I do brag myself, old hubby and I having a good time with a few cocktails in hand, listening to "Cruisin" by Smoky Robinson and dancing a cool two step.  The feast is great.  Let me tell you about the menu: Turkey, Crown Roast, Oyster Dressing, Pole Beans, Collard Greens, Giblet Gravy, Potato Salad, Macaroni & Cheese, Shrimp & Crab Crepes, House Salad, Oyster Roll, Sweet Potato Pie, Cheesecake, Pound Cake, Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port, Moscato, Iced Tea, Citrus Punch.  Now that's just the meal.  The hors d'oeuvres are pretty fantastic as well.

I am truly blessed to be loved.  I love my family right back.  Thank you Jesus.  I wish you all love, peace, happiness, and understanding.  Enjoy your time with family and friends making new memories and enjoying traditions of the past.

Happy Thanksgiving!

p.s. Pictures to follow soon.






  

Happy Birthday Sheila

Tony & Sheila 

A wonderful time was had by all. Long time family friend and business woman, Sheila Smith celebrated her 50th birthday on November 17, 2012. Gorgeous and stylish as always, Sheila held her gala at Spiveys Creations in Decatur, GA. With approximately six outfit changes, at least by my count, Sheila was beautiful all night. Donning Chanel, Gucci, and several local Atlanta-based designers, Sheila's style came shining through.

Derrick Spivey

It was great to see old friends gather together to celebrate Sheila. We had a night filled with laughter, great food, cocktails, dancing to old school R&B classics, and reminiscing of days past. The event was surrounded by beautiful sculptures by musician, artist, and gallery owner Derrick Spivey.

Joe & Elza

With Sheila's creative talents as a hair stylist and business woman and Derrick as an artist and musician, it's clear the collaboration was an ideal choice to hold this party. Sheila has been a hair stylist in the Atlanta area for decades. Specializing in hair design, personal styling and make-up artistry, Sheila is the successful owner of My Space Hair Studio. Derrick Spivey is metal sculpture artist, musician (Zendrum), and owner of Spiveys Creations. The large, well designed interior displays his eclectic taste in different mediums.

Sheila's husband, Anthony Smith, is a long time family friend and barber to the men in my family. As a master barber in Decatur, Tony has been a long time established businessman in Decatur also. Currently his spot is located at Beauty Exposed serving both women and men clients. Definitely top of the line.

Thanks to Tony and Sheila for a great time and more memories to add to the list. I also want to say again to dear friend Sheila Smith, Happy Birthday.

Tim & Valeta

Honoring Our Veterans

Sergeant William H. Carney was born on February 29, 1840 in Norfolk, VA. He escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and found his father living in Massachusetts. He and his father bought the rest of his family out of slavery. During the American Civil War, William enlisted with the Massachusetts Regiment after meeting a white man named William Carney, who gave him his last name so that he could enlist. Carney, of Company C, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (colored) was the first African American to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. He earned the medal for action at Fort Wagner, SC on July 18, 1863. He received the Medal of Honor for saving the American flag and planting it on the parapet after being wounded several times. Upon returning to Union lines, he turned over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, saying “Boys, I only did my duty, the old flag never touched the ground.” The Medal of Honor was not issued to Sergeant William Harvey Carney until May 23, 1900, 37 years later.

Joseph Medicine Crow-High Bird was born October 27, 1913 near Lodge Grass, Montana. He is a renowned Crow historian, anthropologist, and author. Crow-High Bird joined the army, becoming a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division. He completed all four tasks required to become a War Chief while fighting in WWII. Those tasks included (1) disarming the German enemy and (2) defeating him in hand-to-hand combat, and he led a successful war party (3) stealing an enemy horse, (4) and made a midnight raid to steal horses from a battalion of German officers. He is the last member of the Crow tribe to become a War Chief. On June 25, 2008, he received two military decorations, the Bronze Star and the Lègion d’honneur. Senators Max Baucus, Jon Tester, and Mike Enzi introduced a bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal; however, the bill did not garner the required sponsorship of two-thirds of the Senate to move forward Congressional Gold Medal legislation. On August 12, 2009, Joseph Medicine Crow-High Bird received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the U.S.A.’s highest civilian honor) from President Barack Obama. Mr. Crow-High Bird turned 99 years old on October 27, 2012.

Senator Daniel Ken Inouye was born September 7, 1924 in Honolulu, HI. He is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S. history. At the age of 88, Inouye is the second-oldest current U.S. senator, after 88 year old Frank Lautenburg of New Jersey. He is also a WWII Medal of Honor recipient. Inouye was at the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. When the U.S. Army dropped its ban on Japanese-Americans in 1943, Inouye enlisted in the Army. He was assigned to the Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team which is considered to be the most decorated infantry regiment in U.S. Army history. When fighting in France and Italy, two silver dollars, several grenades, and the Thompson submachine gun were Inouye’s weapons of choice. In the Vosges Mountains region of France, where his regiment was sent to relieve the Lost Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment, Inouye had 2 silver dollars stacked in his shirt pocket stopping a bullet from piercing his chest directly above the heart. During an assault led by Inouye on a ridge near San Terenzo in Tuscany, Italy, Germans opened fire from three covered positions and shot him in the stomach. Ignoring his wound, Inouye proceeded to attack and destroy the first gun nest with hand grenades and his Thompson submachine gun. Still refusing treatment, the second enemy gun post was destroyed by the 442nd. Crawling within 10 yards of the final German bunker, Inouye was shot in the right elbow which held his last, cocked grenade. With most of his arm severed, Inouye demanded that his soldiers keep back, and he pried the live grenade from his right hand with his left. As the German aimed his rifle to kill Inouye, he tossed the grenade with his left hand and destroyed the bunker. Inouye’s right arm was amputated in a field hospital without proper anesthesia. He had been given too much morphine and it was feared that any more would lower his blood pressure enough to kill him. While foregoing his career goals as a surgeon due to his war injuries, Senator Daniel Ken Inouye received his degree in Political Science under the GI Bill, followed by a law degree from George Washington University Law School.

This is how America was built! Thank you.

Thank You

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you that participated in the "$25 Cash Back & You Get Great Stuff" promotion offered by thepreferredlife.blogspot.com. I hope that you enjoyed your shopping excursion. Please look for more offers coming soon where we continue to offer great deals from great retailers. Have a wonderful weekend.

Again, Thank You!

Election Day! In God, We Trust!

It was cold and rainy this morning. Leaves were on the ground in beautiful shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. I left home around 6:40 am today to cast my ballot for the President of The United States Of America. Gospel was playing on my car radio. I needed a little spiritual uplifting this morning.

I have taken note that people have such polarizing views of where the nation stands today and where it should be headed. As I was driving to my polling location, I saw houses with foreclosure notices in the yard, people were walking in this nasty weather trying to get to their next destination, and the line was forming waiting for the polling center to open.

Upon taking my place in line, I saw folks standing in sandals, some with coats, some with umbrellas, children bundled up on mom or dad's hip, poll workers kindly offering coffee and doughnuts to knock off the chill. During the wait, I overheard small bits of conversation among those standing in line. People were talking about what documents they needed to have in hand to cast their vote, how one driver hit the pastor's parking space marker when trying to park his truck, and assisting a handicapped woman get to the front of the line as she just had knee surgery.

While in line at the polling precinct, my thoughts and prayers went out to the survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Some people are voting in tents as their polling locales were destroyed, not to think of their homes, and others had been offered the option to cast their ballots online. In these super-storm areas, some have to wait for hours, or go out of state, just to get a tank of gas so they can get to the polls today. I admire their resiliency.

Obama and Romney have scurried between different states, during the last hours of campaigning, trying to emphasize why they should be the next Commander-In-Chief. Options have been presented to the American People via debate, campaign ads, interviews, previous work history, and today, We The People, make our voices heard in the booth.

I know these are trying times right now for a lot of people, but please get to the polls the best way you can. Cast your ballot for your candidate of choice, and cast your ballot with conviction. According to history, this is not the first time Americans have been challenged with hard economic times, and I do not think that it will be the last. Keep the faith.

And believe it or not, while writing this post, I am listening to the gospel song "Smile" by Kirk Franklin. This song was on the 2011 album "Hello Fear." So to all of those reading this entry, and going through tough times on this Election Day, say hello to fear with a smile. In God, We Trust.

Amen!

4 Days Left For The "$25 Cash Back And You Get Great Stuff"

Don't forget that the "$25 Cash Back And You Get Great Stuff" offer ends on Friday, November 9, 2012. When you buy product(s) totaling $175 or more from a retailer shown on the right side of this blog, thepreferredlife.blogspot.com will give you $25 cash back with proof of purchase. You get great gifts for the holidays, a birthday, or that special occasion from a great group of retailers. You have the choice of custom golf clubs for your husband, romantic travel excursions, educational gifts for the teacher or student, electronic gifts or toys for yourself or the kids, or fine jewelry for that special someone, and a whole lot more. Plus, remember to take advantage of the great discounts and free shipping for all the items that you purchase. Browse around at your leisure to find the special items for those that are special in your life.

Thanks to you all and have fun.