My Art Collectibles

The Fine Art of Living

2007-12-20T23:57:00.000-08:00

Fine Art of Living

It's been a couple of months since my last post. So much has happened since. I finally moved into my new home by the river, a real work of art. A panoramic view of lush, green forests, beautiful sunrises, and flocks of wild birds swooping across the sky. I've never seen so many stars at night, or heard so many crickets. It's always breezy, which makes going for walks such a pleasure. The sea is less than five minutes drive away. Mmmm, talk about the fine art of living.

Mornings are lovely here. The air is cool and a heavy mist hangs over the forest and the fields. People walk their dogs as joggers greet the day. Lots of young families here; Edna Hibel would approve. The many open fields are popular with kite-flyers, footballers, cricket players and remote-controlled plane enthusiasts. Towards evening, mouth-watering smells waft from the barbecue pits while laughter erupts from the badminton court. I love gazing out the window. There is so much life around me! Isn't this what the fine art of living is really about - enjoying the simple pleasures in life?

We're still painting our new home. When it's ready, my Edna Hibel fine art works will be displayed on the walls. We've selected elegant, soft lighting to create a relaxed setting and to show our Hibel art off at their best. It's going to be gorgeous!

Oh yes, the Edna Hibel 2007 Christmas Collection features "Magnificat". The range includes a limited edition collectible porcelain plate, a Laurel, a giclee and a collectable art tile. Isn't this "Magnificat" collector plate eye-catching?

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Original Art, Giclees & Lithographs for the Festive Season

2007-09-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Original Art, Giclees & Lithographs

It's the start of the holiday season! Cherish Collectibles, home of fine art, collectibles and gifts by Edna Hibel is gearing up with lots more beautiful products. Watch out for gorgeous fine art pieces like original oil paintings, stone lithographs, giclees and rosewood keepsake boxes. I'll show a few here in the days to come. Look out for them!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Artful Home Decor

2007-08-31T02:08:00.000-07:00

Artful Home Decor

Wall décor plays a big part in home décor. Homes without wall décor are like women without makeup – ordinary when they could be beautiful. Have you noticed how the loveliest homes are always decorated with wall art? Bare walls are dull, whereas great wall décor gives life and dimension to a home. Fine art paintings, for instance, can instantly transform the ambience of the interiors and enhance your home décor. Why settle for ‘nice’ when you can have warm and inviting, or even rich and stunning?

Experiment
Think of wall décor as playing with an empty canvas. Decorating should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many kinds of wall art, like paintings, multimedia art, giclees, lithographs on porcelain, framed art tiles and collectible plates .The advantage with such art works is that you can always move them around to suit your mood and other requirements. Much easier than changing wall colors or murals.

Budget for Wall Decor
If you want your home to look its best, set aside a budget for wall décor like wall art. Never fall for the temptation of getting a large, cheap poster or art print just for the sake of filling up empty wall space. Art reflects your taste, personality, character and status, so what you choose to display is important. Don’t shortchange yourself - always get something you enjoy and the best you can afford. With careful planning and budgeting, you can easily have home décor you can be proud of.

Choose Wall Décor Colors and Themes Carefully
Select wall art works which match your walls. If you like flexibility, paint your walls in neutral colors, like white or cream, for easy matching. Home décor should have a theme, and this applies to wall décor too. Keep this in mind when choosing wall art.

Display Wall Art Correctly
A good art piece deserves center stage. For best results, hang a large painting, giclee or other fine wall art work with its centre focus at eye level. For greater impact, leave at least one to two feet of clear wall space around it. Less is more, so avoid clutter. Hanging multiple pieces of wall art in a haphazard fashion is messy and awkward for viewing.

Enhance the Value of Your Home
Unique wall art pieces, such as genuine artist’s proofs of lithographs on porcelain plates, can be great conversation pieces, especially if they were created by an award-winning artist. Good art, unlike fads, will withstand the test of time and can even appreciate in value. It pays to be discerning with your wall décor. Beautiful home décor can actually help enhance the perceived value of a property.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Lighting Your Art Collection

2007-07-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Fine Art Lighting

My father-in-law is back home from hospital. The whole family is relieved. He's weak and can only eat tiny amounts of food, but at least he's holding it down and not throwing it up. We were afraid we were going to lose him. My husband and I still haven't told the folks about our new home. We've decided to surprise them. We've been going about quietly planning the home decor, such as choosing suitable lighting. We're taking our time over this, as we want to show off our Edna Hibel fine art works and collectibles to their best advantage.

Nothing too flashy or harsh. The lighting will be soft and elegant and, of course, energy saving. It will enhance our fine art collection and not compete with it. We'll also take care to keep our lovely art collection away from windows and direct sunlight.. UV rays can damage artworks.

Collecting fine art and collectibles is a very satisfying hobby, but curating and showcasing your art collection can be even more enjoyable. It certainly enriches the quality of my life.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Healing Art

2007-07-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Art of Healing

My father-in-law is still in hospital, recovering from colon cancer surgery. It's been a week since he was admitted. Fortunately, we managed to get a private single-bed room. When I first saw it, I was struck by how much care had gone into making the room look pleasant and comfortable. Not only was the color scheme pleasing to the eye, but soothing framed art on the walls helped made the environment more cheery and also homely. The total effect was calming and relaxing.

When I wandered around the public areas of the hospital, such as the corridors and the lobbies, I noticed that art was an integral part of the hospital's interior decoration. Framed art of comforting, positive scenes, mainly pastoral as well of smiling people, were scattered liberally on the walls.

It is good to know that some quarters of modern medicine recognise the healing power of art. Fine arts, including music and dance, speak to our souls. When selecting art for your home or office, be discerning. Avoid images which are disturbibg or negative. We get enough of that in real life. Always choose fine art works with positive messages which will inspire and lift your spirit.

Art is both therapeutic and healing. Use it wisely to enhance your home and other living spaces.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Matters of the Art

2007-07-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

Matters of the Art

My father-in-law had surgery for colon cancer today. Finding out that he had cancer came as a real shock to him. He had always assumed that he was healthy because he didn't eat much, pottered around the garden and occasionally played golf. He was supposed to have had a colon cancer check-up in January but he put it off for half a year. Maybe it was laziness, or maybe he was just afraid. Several relatives have had cancer, including me. When it's so close to home, sometimes you just don't want to know.

My grandmother died of cancer, and so did my half-brother. Two other brothers had cancer too, but they survived. It's my parents-in-law 50th wedding anniversary this year and I've been thinking about a suitable gift for them. They have a lot of tacky and tasteless things in their home, so naturally I'd like to give them some beautiful Edna Hibel fine art works and art collectibles. If I could. I'd even give them a nicer home. The sad thing is, my parents-in-law do own some lovely things, most of them gifts from friends and other people. But somehow they felt that these items were too nice to use and enjoy, so they've kept the good stuff packed away all these years while they made do with ordinary and cheap things. What a waste!

Life is so short, and you never know what will happen tomorrow. The Edna Hibel Mother's Day 2007 Collectible Plate which my husband and I gave to my mother-in-law is still packed away in its box. My parents-in-law could have enjoyed a lovelier home all these years if they didn't have such a spirit of lack and unworthiness. They have such low self-esteem. Now almost three-quarters of a century have passed for them. My husband and I will inherit their carefully-preserved precious possessions one day, beautiful items which they owned but never alowed themselves to enjoy. What a pity.

Are you denying yourself or your loved ones when you don't have to? Don't, for goodness sake! Use the fine bone china and crystal, wear your pearls and other precious jewelry, and lavish your home with beautiful things, like fine art and collectibles. Live every day splendidly and have no regrets! Live life to its fullest!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Art To Beautify The Home

2007-07-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

Art In Interior Decorating

I'm counting the days to when I get my new home by the river. I've already decided on the wall colors. They'll be rich and warm, to match my gorgeous Edna Hibel fine art works and art collectibles, such as the stunning Arte Ovales artist's proofs. I'm still looking for the perfect lamps and other lighting to complement my decor and show off my Hibel art collection. It's going to be beautiful.

I've been so excited I can hardly sleep ..... There's really no place like home. My first home was very spartan and simple. I always planned to do it up but I never got around to it. I never made use of art to dress it up. Have you noiced how much character and personality a home with art has? It just gives it a whole new dimension and makes it extra special.

Life is precious and every day is a gift from God. Even if you don't entertain very much you should create a wonderful home environment just for your own daily pleasure. Beautiful art doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Hibel's art pieces and collectibles, for instance, are very reasonably priced.

My new home will be decorated with lovely Edna Hibel fine art works and art collectibles. I can hardly wait to start having guests over!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Art Conservation Basics

2007-07-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Protect Your Art Works and Art Collectibles

The weather has been really strange lately worldwide. There's flooding in some places and drought in others. It's been terribly hot and humid where I live. Thank God for air-conditioning. Not only does it keep people functioning but it also helps to protect sensitive items like fine artwork and art collectibles. I have temperature and humidity-controlled dry cabinets too. Great for small items.

After you’ve spent precious time and resources building up an art collection, it would be a shame to have its value depreciate because of a lack if knowledge of proper care and conservation for works of art. Some ageing is natural and acceptable to a certain degree, but deterioration or damage due to negligence is not, especially when it can be avoided.

You’ve probably seen what humidity, light and mold can do to photo prints and film. The same environmental conditions which inflict this kind of damage threatens your art pieces. In fact, with the worsening environment, art works are more in danger than ever before. Even modern lifestyles pose a threat. Have you noticed how art galleries and museums discourage the use of flash cameras and other artificial light sources in the presence of their exhibits?

As the curator of your own collection, you would be well-advised to protect your art pieces from the following hazards:

Pollution
Dust, dirt, human bodily fluids and oils (such as perspiration) and acids are corrosive and discoloring to art. The first three elements are obvious, but where do acids come from? These can be found in household cleaners, air fresheners, chemicals found in furniture, carpets, curtains, appliances, packaging and even the air. Direct skin contact is also damaging to art, which is why handling art works with bare hands should be avoided.

Humidity
This may be good for the skin but the same cannot be said to be true for art. Humidity, moisture or dampness cultivates mold and causes foxing, or brown spotting on the art. Storerooms are typically humid and poorly-ventilated, the perfect breeding ground for these evils, as well as vermin like silverfish and cockroaches. Even paintings and prints displayed on walls can be destroyed by the wormholes or worm tracks of silverfish. Check any art on display regularly for any potential problems.

Heat
A very dry environment can also be damaging to art. Constant humidity of less than 40% can make art works, especially paper or textile-based ones, brittle and very fragile. Humidity should range from 40% to 60%. Modern living environments in cooler climates widely use central heating or radiators which may make conditions far too dry for delicate art. To minimize the problem, try placing bowls of water on radiators.

Radical fluctuations in temperature can cause items to expand and contract. Art should preferably be kept at a constant temperature, just like in special exhibition rooms in museums.

Light
Art cannot be appreciated without light but too much light is detrimental to art, as the UV found in both natural and artificial light fades colors and details.

Protective Options
So what can you do to protect your art collection? You can try to keep your art pieces in a relatively pollutant-free, temperature, light and humidity-controlled environment. This may involve:
- purchasing and installing special boxes, chests, cabinets or folders
- designating a special purpose-built room or area for your collection
- renting specialized storage space designed for housing delicate art

Some protective options, such a metal cabinets, are rather ugly, but they will protect your valuable items more effectively than, say, wood. Not all materials are equal; acrylic plastic is preferred to glass, and acid-free paper is better than normal paper. You’ll find some examples here:
http://www.home-museum.com/How-To-Arts/how-to_contents.htm

The variables can be confusing, so seek the advice of an art specialist or archiving expert to get started on the right foot.

If you keep your lovely art works safely tucked away under lock and key, you will not have the pleasure of displaying and admiring them. That would be like having the cake and not being able to eat it. Find a balance that suits your requirements.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Home Is Where the Art Is

2007-06-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

My New Home

I just bought a new home and I'm thrilled to bits by it. It's by the river and the forest and, during the weekends, the waters teem with leisure boats and water skiers. There's a big field next to my home which is perfect for walking my dog and kite-flying, and it's also popular with footballers. The view from the large floor-to-ceiling windows is a work of art in itself.

Jesus is so good. I thought I would have to arrange for a small mortgage, but the stock market has been soaring so now I'll be able to pay fully in cash! It's a miracle, considering how rapidly property prices have been escalating in my area. Hopefully, I'll move in by mid-September. I've already been imagining how I will decorate my new home and where I'll put all my lovely Edna Hibel fine art collectibles. I know that my Hibel Arte Ovales artist's proofs will have a prominent position in my hall. Their golden tones will fit in perfectly with the warm tones of my decor.

I can hardly wait!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotations

2007-05-13T09:34:00.002-07:00

Only One Mother

"Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens
and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters,
aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world."
Kate Douglas Wiggin

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quotation for Mother's Day

2007-05-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Poetry

"One lamp - thy mother's love - amid the stars
Shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before
The throne of God, burn through eternity –
Holy - as it was lit and lent thee here."
Nathaniel Parker Willis

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quote

2007-05-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Mighty Moms

“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.”
Barbara Kingsolver

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotations

2007-05-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Real Mothers

What's a REAL mother? The person who actually gave birth to the child? Here's food for thought:

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
Oprah Winfrey

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-05-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

A Mother's Love

“A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.”
Helen Steiner Rice, “A Mother’s Love”

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quote

2007-05-08T02:52:00.000-07:00

World's Best Teacher

“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”
Stevie Wonder

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Moms Rule!

"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."
William Ross Wallace

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sculptor of Lives

"Children are the sum of what mothers contribute to their lives."
Unknown

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quote

2007-05-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mom, Make It Better

When it hurts, sometimes the best medicine is mum's love and support:

"Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother."
Unknown, Original Poems for Infant Minds "My Mother"

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quotation for Mother's Day

2007-05-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

A Wonderful Mother

People eulogise mothers in different ways, some through song, others through poetry. Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel is known for honoring motherhood through her beautiful artwork. No wonder Hibel's fine art, collectibles and gifts like her annual Mother's Day porcelain collector plates are so popular.

“GOD made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine,
And He molded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks, fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.”
Pat O’Reilly, “A Wonderful Mother”

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Older Mothers

"I love old mothers -- mothers with white hair
And kindly eyes, and lips grown softly sweet
With murmured blessings over sleeping babes."
Charles S. Ross

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-05-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

God Bless Mothers

"Heaven is at the feet of Mothers."
Arab Proverb

Amen!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-05-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mom's Pride & Joy

"There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it."
Chinese Proverb

Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel is known for her beautiful illustrations of children. A mother herself, and also a grandmother and a great-grandmother, all children are lovely in her eyes. The quintessential mother.

What child hasn't squirmed as his mum shows him off? If that's your kind of mom, be grateful. Too many children don't have mothers to care for them. Thank God for yours.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotations

2007-04-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Secret of Success

Women, whether mothers or wives, are often said to be the power behind the throne. It's true that having a supportive mother makes it much easier to succeed in life, as this next Mother's Day quotation acknowledges:

“No man succeeds without a good woman behind him. Wife or mother, if it is both, he is twice blessed indeed.”
Harold McMillan

If you are blessed with a loving and supportive mom, or if your wife is there all the way for you and the kids, let her know how much you appreciate her!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-04-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

A Mother's Love

“Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.”
Sarah Malin, “A Mother's Love”

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Self-Sacrificing Mothers

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."
Tenneva Jordan

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-04-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Modern Working Mothers

Working moms have a tough time. They're expected to be superwomen, juggling both home and career, with never a hair out of place. How do they do it? It takes attitude:

“I am a working mother who has set goals to accomplish a lot in this world. I want my wardrobe to be beautiful, sexy and comfortable, all at the same time.”
Angelina Jolie

You go, girl!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mom-Speak

‘It is true that you may occasionally overhear a mother say
"Children must have their naps,
It's mother who knows best."
When what she really means by that
Is that she needs a rest.’
Donna Evleth

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-04-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

What Is A Mother?

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.
Howard Johnson, “M-O-T-H-E-R”

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

Stay At Home Moms

My mother loved to shop. Her six childrten gave her plenty of excuses to go shopping. Mom loved to buy pretty clothes, sweet-smelling soaps and fine dusting powder. She loved to dress us up for parties, she loved to play the piano, she loved to draw pictures of roses, and she loved to bake. The kitchen was always full of wonderful smells which I will never forget.

Mom married when she was sixteen and she never worked outside of the home. Dad took care of providing for all of us. He worked long hours every day and we hardly ever saw him. Mum missed him and was lonely, so she filled her days with fussing over the children. She was a traditional mother, embodied in the following quotation for Mother's Day:

“Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Mom's Home Remedy

When you're feeling down, it's amazing how a hug and kiss can make everything better. Many families are held together, and many hurdels overcome, by mother's love.

“And yet of all the home remedies,
A good wife and mother is still the best.”
Kin Hubbard

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Today's Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Mom's Home Cooking

“My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it.”
Buddy Hackett

Wow, his mum must have had the same cookbook my mum had.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Quote for Mother's Day

2007-04-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Give Mom A Break

If you have fond memories of family holidays, here's why:

“A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by mother, who sees that the others get it.”
Marcelene Cox

Next time you catch mum lying on the sofa, remember what she had to put up with for years.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quote

2007-04-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

Working Mothers

Actually, the term 'working mother' is a misnomer. In practice, virtually all mothers are working mothers. Very few moms can afford the luxury of sitting around and doing nothing. Still, here's a Mother's Day quotation for those mums who work away from the home:

"I think we're seeing in working mothers a change from “Thank God it's Friday” to “Thank God it's Monday.” If any working mother has not experienced that feeling, her children are not adolescent."
Ann Diehl

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Any Perfect Mothers Out There?

My mom's not perfect. Neither is my mother-in-law. It's not easy being a mum. My mom got married when she was sixteen. Barely an adult. Not long after her wedding, she decided that married life didn't suit her after all, so she ran away back home to her parents. They sorted her out quick and sent her right back to her new husband. Although she didn't like it, she had to grow up.

No, mum's not perfect, but she did what she could. I'll never forget castor oil and how she shoved it down my mouth! To me it was torture - to mom it was love. So here's today's Mother's Day message:

“The most important thing she’d learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.”
Jill Churchill

God bless mothers everywhere!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Today's Mother's Day Quote

2007-04-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

World's Best Teacher

“The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.”
Henry Ward Beecher

As little children, we see the world through our mothers' eyes. Napoleon Bonaparte was wise in saying:

“Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons.”

Lessons wrapped in mother's love are never forgotten.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

A Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Pangs After Childbirth

"A mother is never cocky or proud, because she knows the school principal may call at any minute to report that her child has just driven a motorcycle through the gymnasium."
Mary Kay Blakeley

Ah, the joys of motherhood! No wonder there's a Mother's Day - it's a chance to make it up to mom!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Moms and Motherhood in Art

2007-04-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

Moms and Motherhood

If there's anyone who epitomises moms everywhere, and lives and breathes mothehood, it's got to be Edna Hibel. This award-winning American artist provided a good life for her numerous children, grandchilden and great-grandchildren with her prolific art, often depicting her favorite theme: family. Mothers and children from many cultures are tenderly illustrated in Hibel's famous lithographs and serigraphs, porcelain collectibles plates and ceramic art tiles. In typical Hibel style, they glow with love and radiate inner peace.

In January, Edna Hibel celebrated her 90th birthday - and she's still working and going strong! The following statement would make a good Mother's Day quotation for her and other super mums like herself:

“A mother who is really a mother is never free.”
Honore de Balzac

Edna Hibel's Mother's Day 2007 art, collectibles and gifts collection marks her 90th birthday. Her "Edna and Ande" Mother's Day 2007 collectible porcelain plate is particularly special, as it is named after her and one of her sons. Since she started creating collector's plates in 1973, no plate has ever had this honor.

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Today's Mother's Day Quotation

2007-04-15T07:56:00.001-07:00

Essence of Motherhood

“This is part of the essence of motherhood, watching your kid grow into her own person and not being able to do anything about it. Otherwise, children would be nothing more than pets.”
Heather Armstrong

I don't think moms ever find it easy to let their children grow into their own persons. To my mother, I'm forever a kid. Sounds familiar?

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Mother's Day Quotation For Today

2007-04-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

World's Best Cook

Isn't it amazing how some moms can whip up a meal for an army? This next Mothers Day quotation sums this up nicely:

“When my mother had to get dinner for 8 she'd just make enough for 16 and only serve half.”
Gracie Allen

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

MOTHER'S DAY COLLECTIBLE QUOTATIONS

2007-04-13T03:43:00.000-07:00

Quotes for Mother's Day

While preparing Edna Hibel's Mother's Day 2007 art, collectibles and gifts collection for my website, Cherish Collectibles, I came across some great quotations about mothers and mothering, just in time for Mother's Day, which is only three weeks away. I've decided to post these quotes daily, as there are so many good ones. Enjoy!

“Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease.”
Lisa Alther

How true!

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

EDNA HIBEL MOTHERS' DAY 2007 COLLECTION

2007-04-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

Edna Hibel Mother's Day 2007 Collectible Plate & More

My Edna Hibel Mothers' Day 2007 Collection is finally on my website, Cherish Collectibles. This series is extra special because the "Edna and Ande" 2007 Mother's Day image commemorates Hibel's 90th birthday and it is also named after Edna Hibel and one of her sons, Andy. "Ande" is Edna in reverse and that name would have been given to her daughter, had she not had Andy instead. Isn't this Mother's Day 2007 porcelain collectible plate sweet?

As usual, this year's range is very pretty, and I'm tempted to shop at my own online store myself! I'm torn between the Hibel porcelain collectible plate, art tile and ornament, and the mug, coasters, and cutting board really complete the set too. Oh dear! Do have a look, and tell me what you think.

Today's my hubby's birthday. If my mother-in-law did one thing right in her life, it was to have Andrew. He has brought me so much joy and strength. We have been through many dark times together, times I couldn't have faced without him. In my church, we're reminded to think of our mothers-in-law as mothers-in-grace. Just for bringing Andrew into the world, my mum-in-law certainly deserves this accolade.

Tonight, the whole family will be going out to dinner to celebrate Andrew's birthday. I do appreciate my husband's parents, even though we've had our differences. They're not well-to-do but they've done their best. I'd really like to give my mother-in-law, or rather mother-in-grace, something really nice for Mother's Day. She's not into fine art or art collectibles, so what will it be? Hmmmm......

Carol
Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Fine Art Investment : Rare Artist's Proofs of Hibel Arte Ovales

2007-03-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Fine Art Investment

A handful of Artist’s Proofs of a rare, sold-out series by an internationally-decorated award-winning artist have just been made available to fine art investors. This is an exciting opportunity to own artwork created by
renowned American artist Edna Hibel, who turned 90 years old in January, 2007.

In 2001, Hibel became the first American female artist to receive the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts, a prestigious international award granted only once every three years, capping over 70 years of a career as a versatile artist and top fine art colorist.

Particularly renowned for her stone lithography, Edna Hibel’s art work has sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her commissioned fine art includes paintings for the White House, the UN World Food Program and the Foundations of the US National Archives. Many of her spectacular masterpieces have already been sold. Even many of her fine art collectibles and unique gifts, such as her collectible plates, are sold out.

Cherish Collectibles has managed to acquire several Artist’s Proofs of Edna Hibel’s rarest Arte Ovale porcelain creations. These unusually-shaped plates are actually original lithographs transferred to Rosenthal’s finest-quality Bavarian porcelain, using a secret process developed by Hibel. There were three designs in the series, set against three different kinds of backgrounds – white, cobalt blue and, the rarest of all, 24K Gold.

All our Artist’s Proofs feature the rarest 24K Gold version. Only 300 plates in each design were ever made with the 24K Gold background, and all are sold out. Cherish Collectibles holds the Artist’s Proofs for the 24K Gold versions of the Taro-Kun Arte Ovales and the Xin Xin of the High Mountains Arte Ovales. We are selling these fine art investments online on a first-come-first-served basis at http://www.cherishcollectibles.com

For more information, please contact Carol Chua at enquiries@cherishcollectibles.com or call 65-93890190

Cherish Collectibles
Home of Fine Art, Collectibles & Gifts by Award-winning American artist Edna Hibel

Blessed New Year

2007-01-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

Blessed New Year!

How quickly a year passes! It's already 2007 and January is almost over. I wanted to write earlier on in the month, but I'm in the midst of looking for a new home now and I've also been busy with new business opportunities as well as guests from out of town. Before we move on to February, I'd like to share these wishes with you for a great year ahead:

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Carol
Award-winning art and art collectibles

Art Collectibles on Noah's Ark

2006-12-27T00:12:00.000-08:00

Art Collectibles on Noah's Ark

What an eventful year 2006 has been. My father passed away two days after Valentine's Day, I launched a new online jewelry retail store, developed a new jewelry line, moved home a couple of weeks ago, relocated my office, and the third-heaviest rainfall and flooding in the recorded history of the area where I live destroyed many businesses and properties just last week. It's been challenging but my Noah's Ark, Jesus Christ, has kept my online art collectibles store, Cherish Collectibles, afloat.

This year's Christmas shoppng rush seemed more frenzied than before. I hated to disappoint my customers, but when they tried to place their orders at Cherish Collectibles just a week before Christmas, many popular Edna Hibel art collectibles - like collectible plates and collectible marble boxes - were totally out of stock. Some customers were irate, but there was nothing I could do, other than offer alternatives. Sigh, why do people shop at the last minute?

So much has happened that my head has been spinning. Now I'm looking for a new home, and that's taking up a lot of time. I can hardly wait to have my own home again, and decorate it with my beautiful Edna Hibel art collectibles. Life is full of trials, but with Jesus' love and help, I know that I can overcome, and my future is as bright as the promises of God. He is faithful so 2007 will be a great year!

Edna Hibel Holiday Collection

2006-10-31T03:30:00.000-08:00

Edna Hibel Holiday Collection

How quickly a year goes by! There's only two more months till the end of the year and Edna Hibel's latest art collectibles in her beautiful holiday collections has been released. Once again, the images are heartfelt and powerful.

I've been so busy that it's become increasingly difficult to maintain this blog. Somehow or other, I always seem to be chasing my tail. From what I can tell, it's going to get much busier, so I apologise if I don't write as frequently as I would like to.

My idea of a perfect day is to have absolutely nothing to do but relax and enjoy myself in my lovely home, admiring my lovely art collectibles and Edna Hibel artwork. while I indulge in a leisurely tea. Sheer bliss!

Maybe next year ...

Document Your Art & Art Collectibles

2006-09-30T00:09:00.001-07:00

Document Your Art & Art Collectibles

I get numerous enquiries from people asking about the history and value of Edna Hibel art and art collectibles which they have inherited. Obviously, too many art collectors are not disciplined enough to keep the proper documentation with their artworks and art collectibles. Sadly, because of this, the people who inherit these art pieces often junk them, not being aware of their value.

Every piece of information which accompanies an artwork or art collectible increases its value. Receipts, related gallery programmes, photographs, news clippings, and any other related documents should always be organised and kept where they can be easily found. Did you know that such documents can even have value themselves, in time to come? Think of the Titanic.

Be a smart and responsible art collector. Document your artworks and art collectibles.

Art & Art Collectibles for Real People

2006-08-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

Art & Art Collectibles For Real People

In the last couple of months, I've been dealing with a customer who wants to decorate her home with art and art collectibles with a strong family theme. As this lady and her husband have a young son and daughter, she wants a family portrait featuring a father, mother, boy and girl, and two smaller pictures showing a boy and a girl.

Not only do the pictures have to be of a certain theme, but they also need to fit her color scheme and specific wall spaces in her home. Hence, the pictures also have to be of certain dimensions. This couple also have to work within a budget. They are fans of Hibel art and art collectibles, and they've already purchased a large giclee.

Helping my customers find what they want is often a challenge but, at the same time, always a pleasure. It's really satisfying when my customers are happy with the service at Cherish Collectibles. They're always amazed at the range of Edna Hibel art, collectibles and gifts I can offer them. I've even had enquiries about the value of an artwork or collectible piece, and also what to do with a collection that has been inherited. Whatever the query, I try to help.

To be in the service industry, you must be patient and be prepared to serve. Of course, it helps if you're dealing with beautiful things like Hibel art, collectibles and gifts. The main problem is resisting the temptation to acquire more for yourself!

Collecting Art & Art Collectibles

2006-08-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

Collecting Art & Art Collectibles

What's the difference between owning a valuable art collectibles collection and owning junk? Simple. A lot of thought, research and planning go into the former. If you enjoy collecting art collectibles, you can add value to this hobby by learning how to plan your art and art collectibles collection.

I've written a guide about how to collect art for both pleasure and profit. The principles can also be applied to collecting art collectibles. If you're interested, drop me a note and I'll send it to you.

Don't collect junk. Build an art collectibles collection which has value.

Art Collectibles Career

2006-07-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

ART COLLECTIBLES CAREER

If anyone had every told me that I would have a career in art and art collectibles one day, I would have pooh-paahed the idea. Take it another step further, if anyone had said that I would be making a living retailing art and art collectibles on the internet, I would have been incredulous. The internet had no meaning to many of us just over a decade ago, and today it's so much a part of our lives.

Because of the internet, I am able to operate an art gallery featuring fine art and art collectibles, and it's open 24 hours a day to customers worldwide. While I'm cuddled up snugly in my bed at night, people I don't know are free to wander through my art gallery and browse through Edna Hibel's lovely art collectibles. They can view exquisite artwork from the comfort of their homes. How amazing is that?

It used to be that you had to have quiite a lot of money to own an art and art collectibles store like Cherish Collectibles. Not anymore. The internet has made it possible for ordinary people like me, and you, to participate in and enjoy the world of art and art collectibles.

Best Art Collectibles Fan

2006-07-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

BEST ART COLLECTIBLES FAN

Do you know who is my best Hibel art collectibles fan? Me. I have to practically tie my hands to prevent myself from acquiring yet another gorgeous artwork or art collectible for my personal collection. I guess this is healthy. After all, how can I retail something in Cherish Collectibles which I don't absolutely love myself, right?

There's just something about a beautiful piece of art, or even art collectibles like Hibel's collectible plates. Art enriches life and touches the soul. Beautiful art also enhances your living space. Next time you think of getting a memento to mark a special event or occasion, treating someone special or even yourself, or improving your home decor, have a look at the lovely art, collectibles and gifts at Cherish Collectibles. They will surely bring a smile to your lips every time you see them.

Rather than buy several cheap pieces, it's better to save up to buy one item of real quality and value. Think about jewelry. Which would you rather receive? The real thing or fake stuff? You should be just as discerning about art and art collectibles.

I've come across too many true-life stories about people who were found dead in their homes surrounded by rubbish, even though they could have afforded better things in their lives, including a much nicer environment. Life's too precious to waste it on crap. Live it up! Just like vacations and fine dining, exquisite art and art collectibles are meant for enjoyment.

2006-06-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

COLLECTIBLE MEMORIES

Everybody has interesting stories to tell about their mothers. When I was working on my art collectibles website recently, I had an inspiration - why not capture these stories on my website?

Cherish Collectibles is really all about appreciating and cherishing the really important people in our lives, particularly our mothers, children and family. Multiple award-winning artist Edna Hibel conveys this beautifully through her exquisite art and collectibles.

Not everyone is artistic, but everyone can share a story about their loved ones. If you have a story you'd like to tell about your mom or motherhood in general, or perhaps even a story about your child or childhood, please contact me at enquiries@cherishcollectibles.com. I'd love to hear from you!

I plan to publish a collection of these stories. Turn your memories into collectible memories and start writing today!

2006-06-27T03:14:00.000-07:00

WHY ART COLLECTIBLES?

In many ways, human beings are like bower birds. We like to collect pretty things and use them to beautify our homes. This probably explains the perennial appeal of art collectibles. Not all collectibles have such aesthetic value.

Everyone is a collector but not everyone collects the same things. Not all collections have value either. As a young girl, I loved to collect seashells and interesting-looking pebbles. I still have many of my finds today, but I know they're not worth anything. But I keep them anyway because they remind me of happy days by the beach, and lazy vacations. My marine collectibles make me smile at the warmth of the memories they evoke.

Collectibles say something about their owners and their values. My parents-in-law, for instance, are crazy about golf so they like to collect golf-themed objects. My recently-departed father appreciated Chinese art, so that's what he collected. One of my brothers is a collectible plate die-hard, while one of my sisters likes miniatures. My mum collects money, but that's another story.

Collecting should develop naturally. It should stem from a genuine interest in something. There are women who have a passion for butterfly jewelry. Life is short. Go for what pleases you. Your collection should have meaning and also, ideally, tell a story.

People who appreciate Edna Hibel art and collectibles invariably have strong family values. They enjoy the romantic, old-world charm of Hibel's art collectibles, and Hibel's lavish artistic style. Sterile modern minimalism is not for them.

Art collectibles like these touch hearts with their loving depiction of mothers and children. As gifts, they tell the recipients that they are loved and appreciated. What do your collectibles say about you?

2006-06-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

NO REGRETS

When I was an undergraduate, I played the piano and sang with a Christian group in university. One day, we were supposed to visit an elderly, bedridden woman in her home. All the arrangements were made, and we promised we would be there. It rained that day, not heavily but enough to make the day a lazy one, the kind that makes you feel like lounging around at home. The hours went by, and we got lazier and lazier. Finally, it was evening, and we told ourselves that it was too late to visit the old woman. We could always visit her another day.

We never did get to visit that lady. She died that night. We were shell-shocked when we got the news. Her son told me that she had been so excited when she heard that she would be having guests that she had made a painstaking effort to put on nice clothes - no mean feat considering her frail condition. She had even sat up for a little while on her bed. She passed away waiting for us to show up.

That experience left a deep inprint on my soul. I have never forgotten that I made a promise to someone who died disappointed, waiting for me to honor that promise. Actions speak louder than words, and that lesson taught me that my words were hollow without action. And my life as a Christian was weak if I could not make the time and effort to show love and compassion.

You know that saying about regretting what you have NOT done in life, rather than what you HAVE done? That's so true. I would like to say that I was transformed after that experience, and that I never procrastinated again and that I always did what I planned to do. And that I always made time for someone who needed a listening ear and a loving touch.

But, sadly, that's not true. I have been lazy again on many occasions, and I have put things off far too many times. This Friday will mark four months since my father passed away, and this Sunday will be Father's Day. My father had worked hard all his life to support his family. His financial commitments and various health problems had made it virtually impossible for him to travel or go on vacation. I had planned to bring him on a one-day driving trip just across the border, but I never did. There always seemed to be other priorities, or I was just put off by his grouchiness.

For the same reasons, I always meant to spend more time with my father, but failed to do so. I had discovered nice restaurants which I meant to bring him to, but I never got around to it. In the last few months of his life, when he was very ill and hospitalized, I spent more time with my father than I had ever spent in typical years. It occurred to me the other day that I had never once brought my father out for his birthday. I'm the youngest in a family of eight and I always assumed that somebody would take care of that. In fact, most of the time it was my father who arranged dinner at a restaurant on his birthday, and it was he who personally called all of my siblings, one by one, to come for his birthday dinner.

I could have taken my dad out for lunch, at least, on his birthday. But I never did. And now it's too late.

Good intentions are worthless without action. Time goes by too fast, and we are left with regrets. Is there something you've always wanted to to, but have been putting off? Perhaps you've always wanted to start a business, or learn how to swim. When I started Cherish Collectibles and Silver Butterfly Jewelry, it was a few years later than I had hoped for, but at least I did it! Don't waste another day! Do something about it NOW! Or perhaps there's someone you've been meaning to call or see. Maybe you've been meaning to see your dad this Father's Day. What are you waiting for? Pick up that phone!

Don't end your life with a pile of regrets. Take concrete action today. Follow these steps:

Draw up a list of things you've been planning to do and people you've been planning to call upon.
Write this title right on the top of the page : "NO MORE REGRETS!".
Act on those items on your list, one by one, and cross them out as you take action on them.
Put the list in a prominent place, where you'll always be able to see it.

One step at a time, you can make every month meaningful and satisfying. NO MORE REGRETS!

2006-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

VACATION LESSON 5

One more lesson I took away from my recent vacation - stay at the best hotel you can afford. The one I chose was one of the priciest and most luxurious, but it was well worth it. The bed was one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in, with lots of fluffy down pillows, and bedding padded with more down. Absolute bliss!

Service, of course, was impeccable. There was even free internet connection throughout my stay. The real test came on the last night. There was a massive district-wide power failure which plunged the streets and all buildings into darkness. But my hotel had its own back-up power supply. And the internet connection continued to work perfectly! As all my businesses are web-based, this is something I consider essential. I was able to check on my websites even while others in the neighbourhood fretted and fumed.

Don't ever short-change yourself. To get great results, you need quality input. Aim for the best, in yourself in and in life.

2006-05-30T03:46:00.000-07:00

VACATION LESSONS

I'm back! That was a great vacation - sun, sea, luxury living. And I have a patchy tan to show for it, the result of applying insufficient sunblock lotion. I bought a lot of gorgeous pearl jewelry too, some from certified jewelry shops and some from vendors on the beach. All of it was real, except for one necklace. The lady who sold me the fake pearls must have done a little dance right after I left. But really, I had no-one but myself to blame. Being in internet marketing, I should have known better.

Lesson 1 from my vacation
Do Your Homework Before Buying

I did do my homework, which is why I bought most of my pearl jewelry from the certified retailers. However, I let my guard down during a full-day cruise which took me to a tiny island populated mainly by beach vendors. We were given only half-an-hour on the island. Coupled with the pressure tactics of the vendors, that resulted in me making some hasty purchases. I didn't even check if the pearls were genuine. When you buy something, do you know how to verify if you're getting the real thing, or even a fair deal? Make sure you do before you part with your hard-earned money.

Lesson 2 from my vacation
Don't Buy Anything Under Duress

When you're stressed out, you won't be able to think clearly. I've lived long enough to know that if something is meant for me, it will still be there when I come back. Otherwise, there's always something better waiting around the corner. Always.

Lesson 3
Set Your Standards High

Always go for the best that you can afford. A red flag should go up when something seems too cheap. You may have to pay more for quality, but you'll certainly be getting better value. Learn to recognise quality. The pearls I purchased from the certified jeweller are just stunning. I'm now considering featuring them in my jewelry website Silver Butterfly Jewelry.

Lesson 4
Start And Complete The Job Properly

Remember my patchy tan? I was sunburnt because I did not apply my sunblock cream thoroughly and evenly. My body hurt for days after that and my skin peeled, and I'm still patchy 3 weeks later. I had been particular enough to buy a good-quality, reputable sunblock cream, but I had failed to use it correctly. So I paid the price for my negligence.

As an internet marketer, I set pretty high standards for myself. I'm always looking at how to improve my websites. I want to offer my customers only good-quality products, and I want them to be happy with their purchases from my websites. As a consumer myself, I hate to be short-changed. So, as a business-owner, it's important to me that my customers are treated the way that I would like to be treated as a consumer - fairly and honestly.

For an internet marketing business to succeed long term, in a pool full of crocodiles, that's the best website promotion strategy there is.

2006-04-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

EDNA HIBEL'S MOTHER'S DAY COLLECTIBLE PLATE

The Edna Hibel collectible plate for Mother's Day 2006, Angela and Aundre, has proven to be very popular. Everybody seems to be ordering it. Obviously, Mother's Day being just around the corner must have a lot to do with it. It makes me happy to know that people everywhere are remembering their moms.

And what better way than with a beautiful porcelain collectible plate capturing a tender moment between mother and child? Mom will feel loved everytime she sees it. No wonder collectible plates have become a much-loved aspect of home decorating. Nothing quite says 'home sweet home' like a wall, or display cabinet, full of lovely plates.

I'm going to need a bigger home for myself, as I adore such cottage charm home decorating myself. I can just see it now, a house on top of a hill, with a large garden, perhaps overlooking a lake. Every room will be filled with gorgeous art and collectibles. Now that's stylish living! Mmmm...

I have to prepare dinner now. Before I go, here are some more quotations about moms, just in time for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

“What do girls do who haven't any mothers to help them through their troubles?”
Louisa May Alcott

“Where there is a mother in the home, matters go well”.
Amos Bronson Alcott

“Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a Mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that Mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.”
Cecil Frances Alexander, Hymn

“You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear;
To-morrow 'ill be the happiest time of all the glad New-year;
Of all the glad New-year, mother, the maddest merriest day;
For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May.”
Lord Tennyson Alfred

“When my mother had to get dinner for 8 she'd just make enough for 16 and only serve half.”
Gracie Allen

“Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease.”
Lisa Alther

“This is part of the essence of motherhood, watching your kid grow into her own person and not being able to do anything about it. Otherwise, children would be nothing more than pets.”

2006-04-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

EDNA HIBEL MOTHERS' DAY 2006 COLLECTION

My Edna Hibel Mothers' Day 2006 Collection is finally on my website, Cherish Collectibles. I must say that this year's range is very pretty, and I'm tempted to shop at my own online store myself! I'm torn between the collectible plate, art tile and ornament, and the mug, coasters, and cutting board really complete the set too. Oh dear! Do have a look, and tell me what you think.

Meanwhile, have a laugh at these quotations about Mom, just in time for Mothers' Day. I think they're a scream!

THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME
*My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE-"If you're going to kill each other do it outside-I just finished cleaning."

*My mother taught me RELIGION-"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

*My mother taught me TIME TRAVEL-"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to kick you into the middle of next week."

*My mother taught me LOGIC-"Because I said so, that's why."

*My mother taught me FORESIGHT-"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

*My mother taught me IRONY-"Keep laughing and I'll *give* you something to cry about."

*My mother taught me OSMOSIS-"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

*My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM-"Will you look at the dirt on the back on your neck!"

*My mother taught me STAMINA-"You'll sit there till all that spinach is finished."

*My mother taught me about WEATHER-"It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."

*My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS-"If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming towards you; would you then listen."

*My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY-"If I've told you once I've told you a million times-Don't Exaggerate!!!"

*My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE-" I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

*My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION-"Stop acting like your father."

*My mother taught me about ENVY-"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

THANKS, MUM!
Unknown

2006-04-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

FIND MONEY MAKING KEYWORDS IN MINUTES

INTERNET MARKETING WITH KEYWORD ELITE

I've been using Keywrd Elite for just a few days and I must say that I'm impressed with how fast it comes up with profitable keywords. It's great at finding money-making niches, at affordable keyword bidding prices.

Keyword Elite even enables me to spy on my competitors' PPC campaigns. I know what keywords they're bidding on, and what keywords they're not. This helps me to find profitable keyword niches where I will have no competitors. Really neat!

I run several websites, some selling physical products and others e-products. Knowing effective website promotion techniques is vital in this business. Tools like Keyword Elite make website marketing more stategic and targeted. Relying on search engine optimization techniques alone is slow. You can't use just one method to increase website traffic.

Keyword Elite has been pretty reliable where researching the big pay per click boys, Google and Yahoo, are concerned, but not so accurate with smaller ones like Enhance. Still, it's been worth the money as I wouldn't have been able to draw up such huge and extensive keyword lists on my own. By the way, did you know that there are websites which actually sell these keyword lists? Now you can create your own list of money-making keywords, as long as you have a keyword search tool like Keyword Elite.

In the old dinosaur days, it would have taken me ages to do such extensive keyword research. Not only has Keyword Elite helped me to attract affordable targeted website traffic to my various websites, but it's also helping to generate AdSense profits. Internet marketing has suddenly become easier, and more fun!

2006-03-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

KEYWORD ELITE REVIEW -

KEYWORD ESPIONAGE TO RULE THE INTERNET

Demolish your competition! Keyword Elite has arrived. This keyword analysis software knocks out all other keyword research tools from the ring! It really gets targeted website traffic flowing. I bought my Keyword Elite just hours after its launch, and I'm absolutely floored by it. This baby is fast! The valuable secrets it has been revealing has been making my head spin. If this keyword tool had existed when I first started my internet businesses, I could have saved time, money and effort, and made money more quickly and easily too!

Masterminded by the creators of SEOelite, a great SEO analysis tool, Keyword Elite is really keyword spy ware for those looking to rule the internet through keyword espionage. Keyword Elite combines the power of SEO analysis with the ability to zero in on money-making pay-per-click keywords, and spy on competitors’ Google Adwords campaigns too.

Why is this important? If you’re serious about getting ahead of the internet marketing game, you need to know how to manipulate keywords to your advantage. Search engines are content-driven, so choosing the right keywords can help you relegate your competitors to the sidelines, while you make buckets of money at the same time. Keyword Elite gives you the power to reel in profitable website traffic.

I’ve certainly spent buckets of money in my search for programs which will turn websites into money-making machines. I’ll bet you have too.

Doing keyword research is normally very time-consuming, and involves a lot of guess work. You have to spend time and money testing various keywords and markets, before you can see any success. There are keyword research tools which will help you save some effort, but I must say that Keyword Elite totally outclasses them.

In a matter of hours, it helps you draw up a killer keyword strategy which can actually start making money for you within days. The icing on the cake is that you’ll optimize your websites so that they will be indexed and receive a higher search engine ranking as well. Yell profitable website traffic!

How does Keyword Elite achieve this? Through five projects in the software:

1. Analyze Pay Per Click Listings (Project #1) - Helps you easily find low-cost and high to moderate traffic keywords that will make you money. Are you starting to dream yet? Yell profitable website traffic again!

2. Create A Keyword List (Project #2) - Builds keyword lists of 50,000+ keywords for your website needs. You enter a word or a phrase, such as ‘insurance’, and Keyword Elite starts building. It will allow you to add a word at the beginning or the end of certain words or phrases, to help you make your list more targeted. That’s a really handy feature. You can even filter out certain words, such as ‘free’, to weed out undesirable visitors. Gets rid of the tire kickers right away! Now this is targeting website traffic the smart way.

3. Select A Keyword List (Project #3) - You can quickly grab your keyword list and prepare it for your Google Adwords campaigns and page builder software. With just a couple of clicks you're done. To create keyword lists with exact matches, you can add quotation marks, brackets, commas etc.

4. Analyze Keyword Competition (Project #4) - Allows you to quickly see how hard it will be to rank well for a specific search term. You can easily see if your competition is ranked well by "accident", or if they're going to be tough to outrank. This can save you hours of wasted research time. This is where you can really flex your muscles with Keyword Elite. Do a keyword search, and the software will find the top websites (as many or as few as you like) carrying that term. You’ll even find out how often that keyword or phrase is searched. Sites that rank high for the keywords searched can also be checked for their Google Page Rank. An essential tool for those doing SEO strategizing and website traffic analysis.

5. Spy on AdWords Competition (Project #5) – This feature alone can make you huge profits. Keyword Elite lets you spy on your competitors’ AdWords campaign! Monitor which keywords your competitors are bidding on in Google AdWords, and for how long. You can then take that list of guaranteed profitable keywords and plug them into your own AdWords campaign. Saves you a bundle of money and time doing market research and keyword testing! Simply key in the URL of a product you’re interested in, and include a keyword list, to uncover cool information like the AdWords ad copy, and whether the website running the AdWords campaign is the product owner or an affiliate. Are you ready for serious money making website traffic?

The creators of Keyword Elite are so confident that users will be so bowled over by this keyword spy ware that they actually offer a money-back guarantee. I don’t think they’ll be making many refunds because, going by initial reports, users started raking in the cash just a few days after putting Keyword Elite into action.

Keyword Elite is a must-have keyword analysis tool for those :

- Looking to drive targeted traffic to their websites
- Conducting Search Engine Optimization
- Searching for market niches
- Doing market research
- Wanting to build targeted opt-in e-mail lists
- Running Google Adwords with affiliate programs
- Wanting to profit from websites combining pay-per-click campaigns with Google Adsense

Keyword Elite can be set to update you with the latest data automatically, so you’re always a step ahead of the rest. In the highly-competitive world of internet marketing, you need this edge. Get ready for money making website traffic!

2006-03-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

THE MOTHER’S DAY STORY

Mother’s Day is celebrated by many countries on the second Sunday of May. It’s origins may be traced back to spring celebrations in ancient Greece which were held to honor the Mother of the Gods, Rhea. The introduction and spread of Christianity throughout Europe eventually led to a change in focus, where the Mother Church was honored instead of pagan gods or goddesses.

In the 1600s, mothers in England were remembered on the fourth Sunday of Lent, the forty-day period leading up to Easter. This day became known as Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday was so revered that the servants of the wealthy were actually given that day off to spend with their mothers. Such family reunions were often celebrated with a special cake called the Mothering Cake.

It was in 1872 that a special Mother’s Day was suggested by the lyricist of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, Julia Ward Howe. She envisaged it as a day dedicated to peace. Mother’s Day meetings were organized annually by her in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ana Jarvis from Philadelphia is credited with crusading to have Mother’s Day recognized at the national level. In 1907, she persuaded her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, to honor mothers on the second Sunday of May, which was the second anniversary of her mother’s death. By the following year, Philadelphia was also celebrating Mother’s Day.

Ms Jarvis and her supporters besieged politicians, ministers and businessmen as they continued their campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day. Thanks to their efforts, Mother’s Day was marked in almost every state in the USA by 1911. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

Let mum know how much she means to you with a special Mother's Day gift from Edna Hibel’s 2006 Mother’s Day Collection! If you’re a mother, celebrate the mother and child bond with an Edna Hibel mother daughter or mother son keepsake from http:/www.cherishcollectibles.com.

A mother and grandmother herself, Edna Hibel’s favorite artistic theme is family. She is particularly famous for her heartwarming depictions of the mother daughter and mother son relationship. In typical Hibel style, mothers and children in her artwork glow with love and radiate inner peace.

Precious moments are tenderly captured in Edna Hibel’s mother and child art and collectibles - precious moments to treasure forever.

2006-03-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

CHERISH YOUR LOVED ONES

Christopher Reeve's wife, Dana Reeve, has just died of lung cancer, only one-and-a-half years after Christopher Reeve passed away. Dana was an amazing woman who faithfully cared for her husband after he was paralysed from an accident, even though his paralysis was so extensive that he could not even breathe without the help of a respirator.

What heartache she must have suffered these last few years! The stress obviously took its toll on her. She loved her husband to the very end, even at the expense of her own well-being. Not all spouses can be as faithful and loving in the face of such trials.

Just last week, I heard that a young wife from my town broke under the stress of being the main caregiver for her semi-paralysed husband, venting her frustration daily by abusing him both verbally and physically. The abuse culminated in a particularly vicious attack one night when she beat her husband in bed, kicked him off and continued her attack with a broom, wielding it with such fury that her grandmother intervened by using her own body as a shield to try to protect the poor invalid husband.

Edna Hibel, the award-winning artist whose products I feature in my website Cherish Collectibles, is known for her romantic, Impressionist/Renaissance-style depiction of loving families and humanity. The tenderness, warmth and devotion portrayed in her artwork is somehow comforting in a world which is hurting from broken relationships and violence. That probably explains why Hibel art and collectibles have been popular for decades. Hibel's work reminds us all of good old-fashioned values, and precious family bonds.

If only people would focus on cherishing their loved ones more, while they still have them, rather then looking out for flaws. Life is too short to be wasting a single moment. I know Christopher and Dana Reeve would agree.

Live richly, love deeply. The storms of life will always threaten, but you'll survive if you build your relationships on strong foundations.

Mother's Day without Dad

2006-03-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

MOTHER'S DAY WITHOUT DAD

Mother's Day is coming, so I really must get started on featuring the Edna Hibel 2006 Mother's Day Collection on my art, collectibles and gifts website Cherish Collectibles. When you operate a retail website like mine, you have to prepare for each holiday or festive period months in advance. I'm running a little late, due to my father's long illness and recent passing.

My dad left this world just a few days after my mother's birthday, and only two days after Valentine's Day. I had meant to make my mum a birthday cake. Cheesecake, actually, with the addition of her favorite fruit. Dad's rapid deterioration scuttled those plans. I had already purchased all the ingredients. In all the anxiety and hurry, I had forgotten to put the cream in the fridge. My husband, Andrew, noticed it on the table outside the kitchen four days later. The weather had been unusually warm, so we wrote the cream off. For some reason anyway, Andrew decided to put it in the fridge.

Amazingly, when I checked the cream a couple of days ago, it was fine, and absolutely delicious. Life is so unpredictable. Those that don’t seem to have a hope of lasting, survive, And the ones that you take for granted and think will always be around, eventually fade into the night.

Dad made it a point to celebrate Mum's birthday in a fancy restaurant every year. It was always the same restaurant, and he always ordered her favorite dishes. This year, he was so sick that Mum missed her annual birthday treat for the first time ever. I thought that I would try to make it up to her by making her a special birthday cake. But that didn't materialise either when Dad took a turn for the worse.

When we realized that Dad wasn't going to make it, Andrew and I bought a box of my mum's favorite pastries on the way to the hospital, right after we picked her up. Dad treated my mum to those pastries every weekend, stopping only when he became seriously ill. During Dad's last moments, we told him that Mum had her favorite pastries with her, and that he shouldn't worry about her. We would take care of her, and she would always have her favorite things to enjoy.

This will be Mum's first Mother's Day without Dad. Dad's shoes are too big to fill, but I'll try my best.

2006-02-28T00:27:00.000-08:00

FUTURE BOSS

Procrastination is such a sad word. There are so many things which I wish I could have done with my father, but now it's too late. So many thoughts which I should have shared. So many things which I should have said. Like how much I loved him, how I was so proud of him, and how I was sorry for the times he was hurt.

I wish I had told him about my web businesses, such as my art, collectibles and gifts site Cherish Collectibles. I had been planning to, but I had been waiting for the right time. My dad didn't understand the internet, or the concept of online business. He was a self-made man, who did business the traditional brick-and-mortar way. He worked very hard all his life to support his parents, our family, and the family of his elder brother who died when his children were stil very young. Dad had to start working when he was only 17.

Every dollar Dad earned was through blood, sweat and tears. I think he would have been intrigued to know that I'm making good money from an online risk-free revenue system. He would have found it hard to believe that you could actually earn as much as US$6,000 a month by spending just two hours a day on the internet, risk-free and legally. And that there was an easy-to-use software program to help spot these money-making opportunities throughout the day, everyday. I don't think my dad even knew what software was.

Dad believed in getting a good education and finding a stable job. Unemployment never bothered him, because he was a resourceful man, and knew how to develop multiple sources of income. I guess I inherited that trait from him. He was proud to be able to earn his own money. He loathed the idea of borrowing from anyone, even the banks.

By the time Dad was in his twenties, he was his own boss, with several employees. He treated his staff well, and his sacrifices gave us all a good life. Years ago, when I was an employee with a petro-chemical corporation, I dreamed of being my own boss someday, in the hopefully not-too-distant future. I wanted my dad to be proud of me, and not worry anymore about whether I could support myself. My dad had inspired me to be a future boss.

I promised myself that when I made it eventually, I would help those who were financially burdened by sharing my revenue-generating secrets. And so I started teaching friends how to make money daily online recently, just a few days after my dad passed away shortly after Valentine's Day. I'm glad I did, because it's been a blessing to many.

Dad had a big heart, and he alawys liked to help people. I know that he would have approved. I only wish that I had launched this online revenue stream sooner, and told my dad about it while he was still alive. It would have made him so proud of me, and given him peace of mind. Well, he's happy in Heaven now, safe in the arms of Jesus. Hopefully, he knows.

2006-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

A PRECIOUS LIFE

I can't believe he's really gone. Dad was cremated yesterday, and his ashes are now in an urn placed next to my middle brother's urn. I know that the two of them are enjoying eternity with Jesus in Heaven right now, but my heart still aches.

During the memorial services for my dad, my siblings spoke about my father's life and about the kind of person he was. As the youngest child in a family of eight, there were many things about my dad that I never knew. Dad was an astute, self-made businessman, but I never knew that he had also been artistic, with a penchant for drawing ships. My late brother inherited Dad's artistic flair, while my youngest brother was influenced by his love for the sea and so took up a career in shipping.

Dad was also musically-inclined, and loved to play a certain stringed folk instrument. That came to an end over 20 years ago, when he had a stroke. While all of my brother and sisters had music lessons, music did not sing in our souls as it did in him, as my youngest brother, David, proved during the last memorial service for my father. David's trumpet rendition of the Last Post, while poignant, reminded us all of why the family dogs always howled in protest during his practice sessions. There must have been occasions when Dad regretted giving him that trumpet. A rational father would not have placed such a lethal weapon in a young boy's hands, but Dad knew that David's heart had been set on that silver trumpet, so love won the day.

I love animals, and I probably got that from my father. Our family home had been like a mini-zoo, bustling with dogs, cats, parrots, canaries, pigeons, guinea pigs, rabbits and various kinds of fishes. Dad often brought stray dogs home for us to care for. When one of my beloved dogs died when I was very young, he promptly got a puppy to help heal my broken heart. The puppy threw up in his car on the way home, but Dad never complained. He just wanted me to be happy.

All the dogs and cats which I have acquired since my childhood have either been strays or rescued from the pound. I have never bought any fancy pets from pet shops, because my dad taught me to have compassion for unwanted animals, as he did. Dad was a shelter for many living creatures.

Dad was generous to a fault. I found out during one of the memorial services that, when my father's older brother died of a terminal illness, Dad quietly supported his children until they were old enough to look after themselves. Family was important to my father, but his heart had room for others as well. He often opened up his wallet to help those who were financially strapped, going through bad patches, or who were just starting out in business. A man of few words, his kindness touched many lives. As a testimony to this, people from all walks of life turned up for dad's viewing to wish him farewell.

I learned so much about my dad during these last few days. How I regret now that I never really got to know him when he was still alive. How I wish that I could have spent more time with him. If only I hadn't been so preoccupied with my own life. Dad had been very lonely, sad and sick for the last couple of years of his life, especially since my middle brother passed away. But he never complained, and he never asked for anything. He knew we had our own lives, and he wanted us to be happy, as always.

Dad, I didn't deserve you. I miss you. I'm glad you're safe in the arms of Jesus now.

All my love,

Carol

2006-02-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

NEW BEGINNINGS

My dad passed away on February 16 this week, just two days after Valentine's Day. My family and I spent Valentine's Day in the intensive care unit of the hospital, watching my father struggle to live. It broke our hearts to see him that way.

Dad loved us all dearly, although he never once said it, so we wanted to be there for him during his last moments. By Wednesday afternoon, on February 15, it didn't seem possible that he would survive the night. Although he seemed barely conscious by then, I asked Jesus to keep him alive until my sister, who lived overseas, could see him one last time, and I asked my dad to wait for her.

Right after my sister touched down from Australia around 3 a.m. in the morning, we brought her to the hospital, only making a small detour to pick up my mum from her home. When we arrived at the ICU and walked up to my father's bed, his vital signs started to weaken. We had made it just in time.

Dad spent four more precious hours with us, as the entire family gathered together. There wasn't time to say all the things we wanted to say, and should have said when he was well and we had the opportunity. Mum was totally at a loss for words. She just sat by his bed, holding his hand. Whenever she grew tired and let go, I held his hand. During dad's long illness, he always looked for someone to hold his hand. Sometimes, when words fail, touch can speak volumes.

A doctor pronounced my dad's passing at 8.08 a.m. My beloved husband, Andrew, pointed out the significance of the time to me a while later. In the Bible, numbers have meaning, and Andrew reminded me that '8' signifies 'new beginnings'. In fact, my father's hospital room number was '8' as well. What comfort I drew from that revelation!

My father became a Christian only about 20 years ago. In John 3:16 in the Bible we are told :

"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

New beginnings. My dear dad has moved on to his new life in Heaven with Jesus. He has a new body and he will never be sick or suffer any more. He can walk, run, eat whatever he likes, and do whatever he enjoys. Right now, he's probably having a great time with my brother who left this earthly life on Valentine's Day three years ago. One day, we'll all be reunited in Heaven.

Dad has a whole new life - eternal life - ahead of him to enjoy. I'm so happy for him. See you again, Dad! We love you!

Love,

Carol

2006-02-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

TAKING BABY STEPS

Gosh! It's almost Valentine's Day! Wasn't it just New Year's Day not too long ago? It's raining outside, and I'm watching the rain trickle down the window pane, while my cat, Billy, does a spot of mountain-climbing on my chairback. Just 10 minutes ago, he knocked a pile of papers off my desk. I've been meaning to get around to clearing up my desk, but I can never seem to find the time.

My desk has been a mess for as long as I can remember. Every year, I tell myself that I should clear it up at the end of every project, or perhaps during a nice long holiday break. Talking about my desk, I really must remember to take down the Christmas wreath at the front door. It's been hanging there for three Christmasses now. Then there's the Christmas decorations in the hall ....

I try not to think about New Year resolutions because I don't have a great track record in keeping them. But I've been thinking about that saying that goes something like if you keep doing exactly the same thing you'll keep getting the same results. So I've decided to try taking baby steps. Even if I only do one new thing a month, that's something right? And if I only lose one pound a month, that will still be something to celebrate after 12 months, true?

Last month, for the first time ever, I submitted an article to several publishers for publication. I like to write, although I may not be the best writer in the world. I don't know how my article will fare, but I'm hopeful. At least I made a start. I used to work in public relations for a huge MNC, but corporate life isn't my calling. My dream is to make it on my own, in whatever I do.

When January was drawing to a close, I decided to do a tree-top walk. You know, the type where you slog for miles to get into the rainforest, dragging yourself up slopes and staircases, only to teeter across a narrow suspension bridge an eternity long over majestic trees which seem as tall as skyscrapers. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I have a morbid fear of heights. That's why I made myself go for the tree-top walk. I was so terrified that I couldn't look down or enjoy the view around me. My legs were like jelly, so I'm surprised I managed to make it across the bridge. Well, I made a start. Next time, I'll try to look around while on the bridge. Hopefully.

This blog is my first blog ever, and this post is my very first. Up until about a year ago, I didn't know what a blog was. Somehow, I know this is going to be a good year. The past eight years have been filed with so much heartbreak. Perhaps I'll share some details in future posts (or postings?). I'm learning, and I'll move on, with God's help.

Be Blessed,

CarolCandy
www.CherishCollectibles.com
Art Collectibles by Edna Hibel