about marnie : happy beautiful creative life

If daydreaming were an art form, I’d have a MFA. Of course, the diploma would be filled with confetti, smell like dark chocolate truffles, be decorated with doodles, and play the soundtrack from Toy Story ad nauseam. Sending my mind adrift, letting my imagination play, and granting my creative spirit freedom are the very things that feed my soul while a rainbow of colors course through my veins. I can see the very thing I want to make or write swimming about in my head—and cannot wait to begin the process. I’ve found nothing as powerful as feeling an idea slam into my body and fill me with energy and focus. What a joyful and invigorating and fulfilling way to live!

I am a writer, dreamer, illustrator, imaginer, designer, artist, mother, wife, friend, wisher, and believer. I spend my time creating images and products and eBooks that celebrate the beauty of everyday life or writing about creativity, happiness, and inspiration. My studio is filled with books and artwork and objects that vitalize me as well as hosting the necessary supplies and technology to complete my tasks. I still giggle when I think about my bounty and cannot help but smile.

My computer is my voice; my creations are my heart; and my blog is my spirit. I share all of them with open arms and a whispered message of happiness and blessings. I wish for you to feel the warmth of inspiration; the peace of purpose; and the wealth of enchantment—and to spend every day in laughter.

Hey sports fans: It’s time for the first installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! I know you are terribly excited to learn odd bits of information about me – lol

Question number one: What collection decorates my kitchen?   ♣ Red roosters   ♦ English cottages   ♥ Blue pottery   ♠ French country

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Meet Michael: He’s my guy. Imagine the All-American-Hero personality of Buzz Lightyear morphed with the subtly and power of a Mac truck. Michael is Type-A all the way; a bundle of energy and ideas combined with a little-boy-enthusiasm for sports and video games. He’s not shy about making decisions, sharing his opinion, or standing up for the underdog. His soft spot: Our daughters are his pride and joy.

This year Michael celebrates the twentieth anniversary of joining the Navy—first as enlisted; now as an officer. His career has taken him to war zones, to submarines, to a ship, and a multitude of airplanes. He loves the adventure of his job as well as the pride of serving his country.

Hey kids: It’s time for the second installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! More excitement, more drama—well, just more. :D

Question number two: Following Michael’s military career, where have we not lived?   ♣ Italy   ♦ Hawaii   ♥ Puerto Rico   ♠ Spain

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Meet Ashley: She’s my firstborn. Part MacGyver and part Ellie (from the movie Up), Ashley greets the day with a smile and her sunshiny attitude. She’s talented, imaginative, smart, loyal, and cheeky (I say this with love – lol). Ash is quick to laugh and happy to help out her friends.

Ashley’s spirit shines brightly: One of those people that can literally light up a room. I am excited to see what amazing ideas and brilliant designs she will bring to the world.

Hey readers, can you believe it: It’s time for the third installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! I couldn’t resist, and decided to extend the fun to my kiddos. I’m sure they will approve (or we could keep it our little secret).

Question number three: Where does Ashley attend college?   ♣ Southwestern Oklahoma State University   ♦ University of Oklahoma   ♥ Tulsa University   ♠ Oklahoma State University

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Not every mom is able to declare it and mean it: I am proud to say Ashley and Alyssa are my daughters. I was truly blessed the day I was given the gift of my children, and my happiest moments have been spent with them. I love how we always end up laughing until we cry, how we can talk about anything, and how we always know how much we mean to each other.

Hey friends and neighbors: It’s time for the fourth installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! Spilling the beans, oh, I mean bragging about my offspring was so much fun, I’m repeating the pleasure.

Question number four: Where did both my girls graduate from high school?   ♣ Weatherford, OK   ♦ Ft. Meade, MD   ♥ Ridgecrest, CA   ♠ Wahiawa, HI

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Meet Alyssa: She’s my baby. Combine Unsinkable Molly Brown and an Amazon warrior—that is all Alyssa. She is sharp, strong, determined, animated, and passionate. Lys has a smile that can stop traffic, a clever mind, and a sharp wit. She has an engaging personality that allows her to make friends quickly and make everyone feel welcome.

Alyssa is a ball of fire and I am excited to see how her generous intelligence and tireless energy will impact all our lives.

Hey blog enthusiasts: It’s time for the fifth installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! Ashley was my first victim, err, subject. It’s only fair for Alyssa to share the spotlight.

Question number five: What is Alyssa’s field of study?   ♣ Physical therapy   ♦ Paralegal   ♥ Journalism   ♠ Accounting

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

As a child, I enjoyed taking vacations and seeing new and wondrous sights. As an adult, Michael’s career has provided a fresh environment every couple of years, and our children have benefitted from the experience the different cultures, flavors, colors, and peoples this beautiful blue world has to offer. Where will we live or visit next? Only the Navy knows – lol.

Hey cyber gypsies: It’s time for the sixth installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! Well enough about the younger Adams’. Let’s talk about me - lol.

Question number six: What is my favorite part of Michael’s military career?   ♣ Relocating frequently   ♦ Travelling to different areas   ♥ Meeting new people   ♠ Shopping at the commissary

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Inspiration is truly all around, and I never know what will spark a the beginning of a project. I love translating the patterns, colors, and textures floating around in my mind into a viable product—molding and shaping until it literally comes to life. Working digitally, I am able to use all of my favorite tools, photos, doodles, and notes to meld them into a cohesive whole. I write everything down because you never know what a small snippet of information might turn out to be after experimentation in my laboratory. :D

Hey digi junkies: It’s time for the seventh installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! All work and no play? When you love what you do, everyday is a pleasure. And my commute, gosh I hate to brag, but it’s only about seventeen steps.

Question number seven: Which of the following do I use in my design work?   ♣ Photoshop CS5   ♦ Illustrator CS5   ♥ InDesign CS5   ♠ Nikon D90 DSLR

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.

Putting pencil to paper—whether it be in words or images—is my all time favorite thing to do. I’m a grand champion doodler known for capturing the personality of characters with my lighthearted whimsical style, quick lines, and pops of color. Converting these drawings into digital stickers, shapes, and brushes is a fun way for me to make my work available to more people.

Hey imagination aficionados: It’s time for the eighth and final installment of Random Marnie Trivia!!?!! Golly, after all this sharing and bonding, I hate to see it come to an end. Please, don’t shed a tear—I’ll be around nearly every day on my blog. Stop by and say “howdy.”

Question number eight: When am I most inspired and most creative?   ♣ Six in the morning   ♦ Mid-morning   ♥ Mid-afternoon   ♠ After midnight

Are you curious to know the answer? Hover your mouse here.