Living Room's New Do and a Boy Named Sue

So, I skipped a day writing yesterday...

Why, you ask?

Because I was completely and totally absorbed in finishing a painting for my living room.  Not a super crazy detailed realistic kind of thing like I usually like to do... no, this one was a just a funky little design I derived from a pillow on my couch.

I did it in acrylics, and it was FUN!  I spread a sheet out on my living room floor as a drop cloth, turned on the Hallmark channel (my absolute favorite!), listened to reruns of Little House on the Prairie, Who's the Boss, Empty Nest, and Golden Girls all day, and painted... all... day... looooong.

I only got up for necessities.  Like taking my boys out, eating, and going for a run.

Today my elbows are sore, and my back is killing me, but I think it was worth it.  I'm pleased with the new "fun" feeling I get when I walk in the room.  Before I just had a dull piece that I bought.  It matched, but the colors were so muted that it made me tired to look at it.  I feel like this is just the opposite, so here it is.  What do you think?

It's three separate canvases  hung together. 

Here's the living room before and after...

Do you think it changes the mood of the room?  Or is it too busy?  I haven't completely made up my mind.

I figure if I decide I don't like it, then I'll just sell it in my Etsy shop.  I had so much fun painting this one that I may be adding more things like it to my shop soon.  If you have a design that you would like to see on canvas to accent a room, e-mail me or contact me through Etsy.  I'd love to create something just for you!

While I was spending so much time in my living room yesterday painting, I noticed a family member that I've yet to introduce to you guys.  My beta fish.  

Meet Sue.

Yes, I do know that beta fish with the long, flowing, beautiful tails are males.  Then why Sue?  Well, a fish was the first pet I decided to get in our new place.  To me, a house just isn't a home without a pet, so I got a simple, easy to care for fish for starters.  The first guy I brought home had what I thought to be a nice manly name... I believe it was Wilson.  Well, Mr. Wilson lived with me a grand total of about 48 hours before he kicked the bucket.  When I decided to get another, I decided he needed a tougher name in order to have a better chance of making it.  

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a fan of country music, and if there's one thing I learned from country music, it's that a boy named Sue is going to grow up to be tough.  (Johnny Cash's song "A Boy Named Sue" spells it all out for you... if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend hunting it down for a listen.  It's pretty much a life necessity.)  

I named my new fish Sue, and I think it worked.  He's been living with me for over a year now, and he's still going strong.  I'm sure it was the name that made him so tough.  

So, now you've met my whole little family,  it's time to take my 4-legged fellas for a walk.  Happy Hump Day!