Monday, July 15, 2013

My Big Secret

"Celebration" original watercolor by Carrie Waller

All weekend long I have been harboring a secret.  Have you ever received information that just doesn't seem real, like you'll wake up and it was all a dream.  Last week I received a call from Daniel Smith Art Supply Co.  I didn't answer either time they called because it was an 800 #, finally the Director of Sales left me a message.  I called back and got her voice mail.  We finally touched base around 4:30 Thursday afternoon.  She said "Are you sitting down?", "You are the Grand Prize winner of the 11th Annual online art competition.  My mind went spinning in a thousand directions.  "Are you sure?" I replied.  "Yes, she said and why haven't you been answering the phone."  She was thrilled to get to call the winners and was dying for me to answer the phone.  So I have won a trip for 2 to Seattle, $1000 spending money and a full art studio, which from the contest rules it states it's a full shawn taboret.  The package is worth $10,500.  They're calling back with the details.   I'm almost equally excited because Laurin McCracken won last year and I am a huge fan of his work.

I'm thrilled and still a bit in shock!  And I really hope they make the official announcement soon, just so I can see it in writing:)  Oh and my painting will be on the Daniel Smith catalog going out August 1st.  Somebody pinch me!!!!

Thank you to everyone that voted to get my painting into the final round.  Seriously, I'm still in shock!!

Carrie

47 comments:

  1. Oh Congratulations, Carrie!!! Seattle is my favorite city and I so miss living up in that area. And a new studio too? How awesome is that? And I know you more than deserve it. Your work is amazing.

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    1. Thank you so much Sherry! I haven't been to Seattle. It's funny to win this now because my sister and brother in-law lived there for 5 years and just moved. I'm excited to visit!!

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  2. How awesome, Carrie, congratulations. The taboret is just the portable studio you need, too. :)

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    1. Thank you Carol! I just wasn't sure if the taboret would be practical for me, but I'm sure I'll love it!

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  3. Oh my, oh my, oh MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is just AWESOME news!!!!!!! No wonder you're in shock! And it couldn't happen to anyone more deserving!! So, can you move this studio around? Because you move house a lot don't you? Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased for you and I must say, I'm not one bit surprised that you won - I'm only excited! :0)

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    1. Sandra, thank you so much! You are such an awesome support:) I'm still a little shocked, I'm sure it will sink in at some point!

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  4. Congratulations Carrie that's fantastic!!!

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  5. Yay and pinch pinch!! That is amazing and so well deserved- love your work and so happy for you!! Can't wait to hear more about it and what a joyful time for you!! Yipppeeeeeeeeee!

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  6. Oh that is so great! Your artwork is wonderful and you deserve this so much!!!! Congrats!

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    1. Thank you so much Carole! I think most of the artists that entered were deserving but I am thrilled! Never in a million years did I think grand prize!

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  7. Congrats Carrie! That is fantastic news! You've earned it, beautiful work!!

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  8. hooray!!!! lovely news!!!! and so deserving!!!

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    1. Thanks Carol! I waited until I was done with all my presentation prep to announce:)) Now I can relax!!

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  9. Awesome.. C O N G R T U L A T I O N S..... :)

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  10. WOW!!! SO many Congratulations to a VERY deserving person. Not just because you are a wonderful artist (YOU ARE DEFINITELY) but because you are such a kind person.
    xokp

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  11. That's "priceless" news - you are of course very deserving. You are not only gifted but passionate and hard-working. I will keep you in my thoughts that it all works out!
    xoxo
    pve

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  12. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! That is such an awesome honor Carrie!!! And you completely 100% deserve it. :D :D :D SO happy for you!!!

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  13. So very THRILLED for you Carrie!!!!! Congratulations!!!!

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  14. Wow!!! Tremendous news! Congrats to you Carrie--so well deserved!

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  15. Congrats Carrie and wow what a prize!

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  16. The judges really know their stuff! You are a fantastic artist whose paintings epitomize sparkle and pizzazz. Congratulations, Carrie!!!

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  17. Fabulous and such a well deserved honor!!! So happy for you. :)

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  18. WOW!!! Many, many congratulations!!! You are so deserving of this great honor!! I'm so thrilled for you!!

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  19. Congratulations! So thrilled for you.

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  20. Fandastic! I am very very happy for you! I am a fun of your work too!

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  21. Carrie!!! WOW!! That is fantastic and congratulations!! I SOOOOO happy for you!! Well deserved!!! You are amazing!!!

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  22. Congratulations Carrie!!!!! It is well deserved, you do such amazing work!

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  23. Carrie! I am sooooo happy for you! And it is well deserved!

    Liz

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  24. Congratulations! So very very happy for you and this wonderful boost of encouragement!!!!! Your work is beautiful!

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  25. Congratulations! Well deserved!

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  26. Carrie...congratulations!!! This is awesome news, and you so deserve this honor. Your glass is just the best and this is so exciting for you...just love your reds!

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  27. Congratulations, Carrie!!!! this is amazing news and you certainly deserve it!

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  28. Absolutly.awesome. congratulations!!!!!!!

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  29. CONGRATULATIONS! My that must have been hard not to get on the roof and scream that out! So well deserved! Can't wait to see a post all about your adventure and can't wait to see all the "stuff" your prize got you. This is just fabulous.

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  30. Congratulations Carrie!! You are such an inspiration to me.

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  31. This is really fantastic and well deserved!!! Congratulations Carrie!

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  32. Such fantastic news! You've worked hard for this.... Hearty Congratulations! Looking forward to your next posts & the goodies you'll get!

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  33. I am sooo happy the news is out and I say this every time ... YOU DESERVE IT!!! Congrats Carrie. It couldn't happen to a nicer person. You are SOOO talented!

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  34. CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE!!!!!!! Your work deserves this honor! SOOOO Happy for YOU!!!

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  35. Carrie I am so happy for you! Congratulations it must be so overwhelming and exciting! You certainly deserve it :)

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  36. Wow - didn't I tell you your art career would take off!! Keep up your wonderful work with all of your new art supplies. No telling what will come next!

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  37. great news carrie ...many congratulations !

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