My great friend, Beth http://bethleintz.typepad.com/ did the nicest thing for me. (Or maybe she did it for herself so she wouldn’t have to listen to me whine about not having a banner over and over??) She is buying me a banner for my blog for my birthday! I should have just gone ahead and done it myself, after drooling over all the great ones I see out there, but I was being cheap. Like I tend to be.
- I dig junk out of dumpsters or pick up trash along the road to fix up.
- I make old things work instead of buying new.
- I cut my dog’s hair myself instead of taking them to a groomer, even though people make fun of the way the dogs look when I am done.
- I buy clothes at Goodwill or garage sales, when I can, clearance at TJMAxx when Goodwill doesn’t have any I need.
- I drink store brand cola
- I horde my best paper collage supplies because I don’t want to waste them (what good are they in a drawer?)
- I pick up rocks along the side of the road to use in my landscaping
- I buy my paint when it goes on sale half price at the surplus store, then make do with what colors they have
- I willingly go only to restaurants I have a coupon for, I go under protest without one
- I am CHEAP. I try to pretend that I am thrifty- but I know the truth- I AM CHEAP.
- Did I mention that my husband has a great job, and I do pretty good too? I’ve had mural jobs that pay over $1,500 a day. Well, not everyday, that is for sure, but hey, I am employable. I am not poor, I am cheap, there is a big diff. I’ve been poor before, so I know. Hey, maybe that is why I am so cheap now? You can take the girl out of the trailer, but you can’t take the trailer out of the girl.
But, I have a generous friend, and she has given me a very nice gift that I was too cheap to give myself. I’m busily sketching away to make the banner just exactly what I have been day dreaming about. Thanks, Beth!
Another thoughtful friend, Jen, 
(what would we have if we didn’t have friends?) took this photo for me on the day that my fairy grandbaby, Sugar Wings, was born. She photographed the sunset over my house that day, and what do you think was there??? My dog, Sparkle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at this cloud- it is a leaping Dorkie!
Here is a picture of Sparkle for you to compare. Imagine her without the frou frou stuff, and leaping away, like she’d really rather be doing instead of being dressed up like an idiot, I mean, like a princess.
One more thing, thanks to all the inquiries about the blue bucket, it is going to Mrs. Staggs, http://ahappymiscellany.typepad.com/ how kind of her to ask to buy it. I might try to paint a few more, they are fun to do.
I finished this painting today, wanted to use soft, dreamy colors and keep it simple. It is a mix of watercolor and acrylic paint on watercolor paper.
Hey, one thing I am not cheap about is gifts. I love to give presents. So don’t forget about the May Bucket Giveaway, it is not too late to enter- and I have more to add to it! Also, looks like we will have a 2nd place prize –to be announced.
Wow, a puppy in the sky!
Ya know, I love your since of style!!!!!! Looking at your art work is like a fairy tale!!!!!!
I can see it, I can see it!!!! Sparkle in the sky–wow–what a photo. And yes, what would we do without our friends. I also like your philosophy about being cheap. You are frugal and creative.
Cheryl Sims
What a nice friend!! Can’t wait to see your new blog banner!! Fun fun!
Ok, you know me pretty well..the banner birthday present was partially because I knew you wanted it (because you talked about it ALL THE TIME)and I wanted to get you something you really wanted; and partly because I was tired of listening to you talk about it ALL THE TIME.<--teasing you, Karkie I can't wait to see what you come up with!
What a blessing your friend is! Actually, I wondered why a creative woman like you didn’t have a banner at the top of her blog. Now I know. I think there’s a difference between “doing with what you have” and being cheap. Also mix creativity in with it and you’ve got something much different than cheap.
The frolicking dorkie — yes, I do see it!
And your art Karla! Beautiful. It reminds me a little bit of the bowl of roses picture that hangs above hubby’s & my bed. Here’s a link to it:
http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/14n/i004P.html
It’s not nearly as pretty here as it is “in person.”
~Jody
Karla, I hate to hog seeing all your great creations when my blogger friends could be viewing you also, so I am going to tag you. This means that you need to post on your blog 7 unknown facts about yourself and then tag 7 other bloggers to tell about themselves. It is kinda fun to think up what to write and then read what others have written. Also your work is awesome and more people need to see it and sign up for the May basket (which I want to win!!!). Have fun.
Cheryl Sims
Yeah, you’re cheap. But is that a bad thing? I don’t think so! It’s better to live below your means. AND it means that your friends can give you good gifts. And the best gift is the kind that someone would never get for themselves, but will appreciate it so much as I’m sure you will.
Thanks for visiting my blog ’cause now I found yours! I think the little dog is adorable all dressed up and your painting is gorgeous. I’ll definitely be back!
how in the world do you get your Dorkies to stand still (especially with outfits/accessories) long enough to take their picture? My naughty Daisy REFUSES to pose for me!
I just have to tell you I shop (or not!) exactly like you described! It makes for a happy husband too. I learned from a pro but I hate watching her be so cheap…I’m not quite as bad.
That bucket is perfect for Mrs. Staggs! You are certainly talented.