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This is THE Teleclass Series to take - presented by my friend Nancy!

If you've never gotten into FaceBook or MySpace or other Social Networking, you are missing out on one of the easiest, "funnest" ways to market your business!

Or maybe you've been teetering on the edge of jumping into the fray, not knowing where to turn or who to trust to teach you the ropes...!

My friend Nancy Marmolejo is the one who got me to try MySpace, and then to "graduate" to using other social networking sites to help grow my business.

(So far, FaceBook is one of my favorites! I've really enjoyed promoting my art there and have some fans already!)

Now she has announced her latest teleclass starting August 5 to help entrepreneurs get in the spotlight using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. This will be premium, trust me.

Nancy is a well-known PR, media, and social networking strategist, and I got to meet her up close and personal at a workshop last year. Her integrity really stood out to me.

Nancy enjoys a flurry of free PR and effortless marketing using social networking, now she's ready to share her secrets with others. I know I want in on this one!

How to Get Free Publicity and Attact New Clients With the Power of Social Networking, happens August 5, 7, 12, and 14. Here's a link to learn more:
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2515301

Nancy's got 3 info packed teleclass sessions lined up plus a bonus Q and A call. Whether you're a newbie to social networking or an experienced user who wants more profitable results, Nancy is the person to talk to.

Here's the link one more time, but hurry up because space is limited!
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2515301

Green Smoothies Rock!

I've got my granddaughter Georgia loving and guzzling green smoothies--yes! It's so cute, it's hysterical! (This one had spinach, bananas, and oj.) We kept passing the glass back and forth, sharing, we both love them so much!

From the first sip to full on chug-a-luggin it, here she is at her finest!

With a final self-hug, she declares, "I love green smoothies!"

I learned about green smoothies from my coach friend, Vicky White. You may recall an early post on this blog where I highly recommend her programs. Vicky is all about inner AND outer Feng Shui - the path to great energy includes decluttering, all kinds! Click on this link to see more about Vicky.

http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=736391

The more time went by, the longer I took...

Wow, amazing how quickly time flies by. The more time went by since I last posted here, the longer I took to get current with ya'll. I could just call it a vacation, but I was still here!

Over on my art blog, I explained my procrastination as due to wanting to have the most recent painting done and available for the next post. But I'm not sure if I'm done tweaking it yet! I'm calling it, "Chaos, in Color!"

Every week, I can see changes in Georgia's ability to talk and put different ideas together. Recently I let her have at it with a real paintbrush and some of my paint! She was in her glory! What a hoot to watch! I'll have to share that photo with you too. Funny thing, though - even though I gave her lots to choose from, she consistently picked similar shades of blue.

So now we're more caught up!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, or FaceBook, or FriendFeed!

The Right Place at the Right Time

Hop on over to www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com to read a very kind testimonial from one of my first customers to purchase a giclee reproduction of "Cloud Dance."

It is amazing what just the right painting hanging in just the right place can do for a person! I feel honored to be able to share my art work in this way.

Meanwhile, the Browns are preparing for a little sun in another state. We've had the opportunity to visit Arizona a couple times already this past year, so it's starting to look like a pattern--a good one--and definitely will be the right place at the right time for us!

A few days will be doing some touristy things, and the rest will be a three day business building workshop for me. Check back in several days, and I'll give you an update!

In the meantime, take a peak at a post in the "older posts" section at the bottom of this page. Keep clicking older posts till you find the one for January 10, 2008. That's me and my marketing coach, Kendall Summerhawk, known as the horse whisperer for businesses. Click here if you'd like to what she has to offer small business owners. http://www.cartville.com/app/?af=546548

This is it!

Finally, here it is! This is the exact link to see what I was talking about in the previous post! www.lifedesignstrategies.com/blog/?p=37

Vicky has featured one of my favorite paintings, "Cloud Dance," on her blog, and it is such an honor! I'm still flushed with eager self-consciousness!

(You can see some of my other paintings at http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ .)

But if you go straight to my friend Vicky's blog today www.lifedesignstrategies.com/blog/?p=45 , you'll find a very "out there" post on perkiness and being sized right! That post is a hoot, and I don't mean a hooter! (You have to know how introverted she is to get the humor here!)

In any case, I really recommend you check out Vicky's programs too. Her clutter-busting coaching circle (which I joined several months ago) has been instrumental in my proclaiming that I am now a professional artist and going ahead and having my first painting scanned to make high quality giclee reproductions!

To see Vicky's products and programs, click on http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=736391 . Working with Vicky as a coach is a real treat!

I won't spill the beans yet!

I'm really excited about being featured on my good friend's blog in just a few days!

This is all about my art being featured and how I finally got going on having my paintings reproduced for sale. Now to some of you, that might sound familiar, as I have posted on this blog about that very subject. (So there's a clue if you're in the mood to read the archives! Hint: Click on the link below that says, "Older Posts.")

When the post is up, I'll return here and give you the exact link to read all about it!

Stay tuned!

Snowing (again) at the end of March!

What an interesting week it has been!

We've had big, fluffy snowflakes falling three or more days this past week! And that was after some unseasonably warm weather in February (no complaints there).

We even went out in it a couple evenings ago and took a decent walk, having some fun with the camera.

Although it was very wet, the snow stuck to the ground long enough to pile up a few inches, and still covered our car in the morning. A soggy wall of slush!

I have to say, it is quite charming to see the pink cherry blossoms in full bloom providing a backdrop for swirling frozen white "petals" of snow! (There's my fascination with color again, pink and white in this case.)

The mountains around here have been looking fresh with their dusting of white powder, suggesting a trek to the upper lands might be in order!

Join the fun at Sheryl Brown Art!

Come on over to http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ and join the fun! I've been inviting feedback and votes between two paintings, and now I've added a new one called, "Love in Motion!" http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/thanks-for-votes-now-heres-love-in.html

Meanwhile, I've been letting my granddaughter, Georgia, into my better art pens, and she's showing promise as a color expert herself!

Help me decide which one next!

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Drop on over to my art blog and let me know which of these two paintings you would like to see reproduced next.

"Serenity Rising (from the Deep)" is at this link http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/which-one-will-be-next.html

and "Calm in the Eye of the Storm" is at this link http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/and-here-is-door-2.html . Your feedback will be so appreciated!

I'm very pleased to say that "Cloud Dance" has been showing up on walls here, there, and everywhere! The latest is at my office!

Introducing a separate Art blog!

Well, I did it! I set up a separate blog http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ to focus on the art.

Not to say I won't continue to post art here from time to time, but the other one will make it easy if you've just got art on your mind! And might particularly want to make an order!

Sheryl's Sunrays will continue to be my general, all-purpose, this is what I'm all about in general, whatever-is-on-my-mind kind of blog. How does that sound?

There is so much to learn about the latest in technology, we just can't keep up with all of it--we have to pick and choose. And I have to admit, I'm far more interested in the communication aspect than anything else. (That must be code for "I just wanna talk!")

So even though I feel a bit nervous getting in over my head with more things to keep organized and maintained, I'm sticking my neck out, and adding a blog!

I have to say, blogspot is pretty user friendly. Being a "What you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) kind of thing, and all. But there are times I can't figure out why the paragraph spacing won't work (so I apologize for where those paragraphs are all crammed together!).

In any case, we're all learning together, right? Press on!

Another pair!

You may notice these two photos are of the same area, but one is closer and at a slight angle.

Look closely in the center of the bubble and think of what you see there.

Keep in mind that when I was painting, I was just swirling a bunch of color with my paintbrush, and the only shapes I had in mind were three dimensional spheres, like bubbles. Then I was giving them some irridescent reflections with other colors.

So when I went back to it, I began to notice something like a mother and child--then I looked again, and it seemed like it could be two parents gazing at two infants.

Make of it what you will, I think of the family unit as being protected and kept together. Nice and cozy feeling, isn't it? Let's call this series, "The Nuclear Family," Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown.

Pairs, "Grandma's Joy"

I was cruising through some old digital photos of paintings I did a few years back, and came upon a treat.

These two photos are close up's of one of the largest paintings I have ever attempted. It measures 30"x40" overall, and the close up's each cover only about a few inches square.

What a different effect it has getting this zoomed in look.

So now I've found a series of Pairs that match up nicely which I'll be posting in the next few days.

My original intent with this one was to paint something to express my joy at the anticipation of becoming a grandma back in the summer of 2006 (since I seem to be on that theme this week!) (and you thought I might change the subject, eh?), and so I named it "Grandma's Joy" (Copyright, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown). I kept trying to think of a better title, wondering if that sounded too cheesy, but heck, I do tend to be cheesy, so there it is.

I never was overly satisfied with the painting (looked something like bouncing beach balls), and it never seemed quite done; but knowing my tendency to overwork things, I haven't added to it since. Maybe the beauty in it is the close up view, and how everything in life adds up to make an imperfect, yet workable whole. Does this sound like some kind of life lesson?

Well, there you have it--those are my musings for now. Stay tuned....

Being a grandmother rocks!

Here's a cheesy smile from my very sweet granddaughter, Georgia! She's more than two and a half, so soon I'll need to start saying almost 3 years old! Growing up so fast! Today her mother told me she gives the other little kids in the daycare goodbye hugs when it's time to go home!

Among our activities together, of course, is messing around with colored pens and paper. I have a nice little collection already of another budding artist! And of course, when the weather is fine (which it sure has been lately) going outdoors is always a great option. Larry and I were having a chuckle at remembering her antics last summer in the cold lake--she had no fear and didn't mind the cold in the least! It was actually a bit of a challenge to convince her it was time to get warm and dry!

Okay, I know that had nothing to do about business building or relationship tips, per se, but you got another glimpse into my world!

Discover a great way to clear your space!

My amazing friend, Vicky White, has created just about the best online community of fellow clutter busters around! Here is a supportive, caring, and creative group that will help see you through to the completion of your goals to make your home or office an inviting and efficient space! Since I've joined, I have made huge strides in making these things happen in my space, and I'm looking forward to more of the same.

You can click on the link in the heading or the blue cloud graphic above to go explore and see what Vicky and her coaching is all about. (And she can help you Feng Shui your space in no time!) Get started by checking out her free ebook, and see what you think.

In the picture, we are standing by a small lake right at sunset--great colors, wouldn't you agree?

PS This is the coaching group I referred to in my January 15th post that propelled me to "going pro" as an artist, quite literally, by getting my painting, Cloud Dance, reproduced and available for sale!

(You can see Cloud Dance in my January 23rd post by clicking on January under "Archives" on the right side of this page or by clicking on this link http://sunraysheryl.blogspot.com/2008/01/after-rain.html.)

Sweetheart Jamboree 2008! (and 2003)

This was definitely a weekend to kick up our heels, in more ways than one!

Saturday we went to the Sweetheart Jamboree for the Dinner Show and then open dance after. We bumped into a lot of our friends, and had a good time all in all.

Here we are at the table (photo on right), but sorry, no pics of us live in action on the dance floor this time! So as a consolation, on the left is a fun shot of us from the same event 5 whole years ago--in 2003! Where does time fly?!!

Oh, and a really nice comment from a dancing gal buddy we've known since when I was barely learning to dance was that our styles have really melded together!

Then this afternoon, we walked around Green Lake (well known to Seattle-ites) in the sun, sun, sun, sunshine! Could almost have been tricked into thinking it was Spring!

And just think, tomorrow we are hoping to go cross-country skiing. Our seasonal thinking may be flip-flopping here, but our heads are still on straight! (I promise!)

This is my Valentine!

Here's me and my sweetiepie, Larry, after our Valentine's dinner out. (Now is that look mischievous or what?)

We met at a dance back in '99, and have been going strong ever since! I thought it would be cool to post a picture of us dancing, then I remembered the one I had in mind was pre-digital camera! So when I get it scanned, you'll get to see us in action on the dance floor!

Our favorite dance is West Coast Swing, but Cha Cha and Waltz are close seconds for me. And East Coast Swing and Country Two Step are always fun. Okay, so we love 'em all (but don't know how to Tango!) (even though "it takes two to Tango!")!

Notice the rebels that we are, not wearing red or pink! (Well, actually, I am wearing a pale rose quartz necklace....)

Thank you, Linda-Ann!

What a great day we had on Sunday in Langley, BC with Linda-Ann's horse, Rio!

Several of us gals joined Linda-Ann Bowling at her horse ranch for a potluck after we spent time outside learning how she uses horses in her coaching business. Horses are such sensitive creatures that they mirror back what's going on inside us.

Here I am with Rio after a session of grooming and then walking Rio around the corral. I came away with a renewed idea of keeping balance in my relationships. Because I am such a relationship person, I can spend a lot of time focusing on others' needs, not always minding my own. Rio also reflected back to me a certain cautiousness I have in moving my business forward. I tend to want to stay out of the limelight, and to avoid taking too much risk (at least in certain areas).

Okay, I know my close friends and family are now chuckling at that because I'm not too shy. I do love to show off my art and to get a laugh out of people with my corny sense of humor. I actually have been known to get up in front of people and talk. But when it comes to formal public speaking or being considered an expert at what I do, I tend to downplay myself a bit, and maybe stand in the sidelines.

So, folks, there you have it! True Confessions of a "Psycho" Therapist!! (I've been wanting to put that in print for years! The "psycho" therapist joke, I mean!) (Just remember, you heard it here first!) (That is the name of my autobiography to be written before I'm 70.)

You can learn more about Linda-Ann's work on her website http://www.equine-imity.com/ . There's an excellent description of how horses are prey animals that you definitely should go read! She has other cool stuff there too, and does spa-like retreats.

Thanks again, Linda-Ann, we had a blast!

Art definitely runs in our family! Look at Sara's "Stained Glass"!

Yes, the gift of painting is shared by more than one of my family members, and the one I'd like to feature today is my niece, Sara Bremner.

Now she's a gal I've known all her life, more than sweet sixteen years (closer to 18), and more than sweet!

This brilliantly colored painting is entitled, "Stained Glass" Copyright 2008 by Sara Bremner, All Rights Reserved.

(Oh, and I must apologize, Sara, your initials got cut off when we took the photo this evening. Yeah, we share the same intials, SB!) (And since we don't live in the same town, state/province, or even country, I can't quickly re-photo it tonight!)

There is another of Sara's paintings I love, but the photo did not come out too well, so I'll hold you in suspense for that one.

(Here is one reason I love my new professional art scanner/reproducer--the reproductions come out so precisely--but that will be for another post!)

In the meantime, if you'd like to see more of Sara's art work, check out her FaceBook profile which I'll add here in due time!

(PS Tuesday--Note the link in Sara's comment.)

Confessions of a Midnight Owl!

Maybe someone should start a Midnight Owls Anonymous Group! Well, here's my contribution...

Ode to Midnight Madness

At night I hate to go to sleep,
My mind is oh, so brilliant.
But when I finally nod my head...
When morning comes, I Love my bed!

Copyright 2008, Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved

Anybody else out there relate?