I ain't no lamb

I have decided a new name, means new art.

And a new home to put it in.

So I'm shedding my skin here and moving on. I may be just a spec in the net spectrum but I thought I'd give ya'll a heads up.

I love you but goodbye as Langhorne would say; thanks to any fair-weather friends who would poke their noses in once in a great while.

When my new sites are up and rolling I'll throw up a link to entertain any curiosities you may have of "Oh yeah what happened to that girl?Did she ever make it?"

I made it in ways I never knew I could.

Now every February, you'll be my valentine

Been gone for a while now. Just a little catch up if you don't mind:

} The Holidays were great to us. We hosted our first legit gathering for New Years Eve; children everywhere playing, lots of food and good times.

} I received tickets to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and it was amazing! All artists were very enjoyable but I was so excited to see Anais Mitchell live, she is such a breathe of fresh air and a free thought to the music/ folk industry.

Most importantly, The Avett Brothers headlined and were like a fix of some kind. I feel like I am only moving through the times 'til the next live show. Unbelievable. Joy.

} { I have been having a lot of "Holden Caulfield" moments these days. A lot revolving around a certain social network, partially due to the big bang and re emergence of the "folk" bands on the Grammy's. I felt like a proud mama when these boys stepped out with Bob Dylan but couldn't help but feel over protective of them. Wanting to not just disregard the critics, but shield off all them phonies who don't see past a snappy tune. I FEEL this music, this band on such a personal level it's unreal. I've walked with them, screamed at their shows, and have

tirelessly played their albums on repeat to the tune of my life since we were living in NC.

When I went into bed that night and laid to see Aaron's eyes barely open, he said something so sweet. I told him no one gets it. And he said to me, " We came for salvation, we came for family, we came for all that's good that's how we'll walk away..remember?" PERFECT.

} Probably the best and most exciting news..

I am going to be MRS. CARY!

} { I will try to be brief but it was the most romantic and sensational night of my life.

It was our 5 year anniversary (see previous post) and I thought we were going to a restaurant on the corner to celebrate. Aaron had a destination programmed in the GPS as *1 so I couldn't tell where we were headed. We ended up in Detroit, at Jacoby's for dinner- which has a big significance to our relationship and is our favorite place to go in the city. Afterwards, I thought we were heading home, but he chooses *2 which took us to a theatre in Dearborn for the new Chronicles of Narnia film (The first was our very first date exactly 5 years ago). Afterwards I thought for SURE we are going home now, but nope, he hits *3 and we were off again. Pulling back into downtown Detroit I thought oh fun we are going to that cute pastry shop we love in Greektown. Aaron pulls next to the Renassaince Center and says " Here we are, I reserved a room weeks ago". I was so shocked. It was unbelievably gorgeous. We were on just about the top floor, as soon as you walked in the room the whole wall was a window looking out on the river all lit like a dream. I was in awe of the lights when he said "Kaylen," I turned around and Aaron was down on one knee. :)

This was a view from our room in the morning. I am smiling now thinking about it.

So here we are today- planning a wedding!

July 23rd 2011

It will be small, intimate, and perfect.

All the details are coming together now effortlessly after a few mishaps here and there. I am ecstatic to be his wife, and am so in love.

Hope you had a great Valentines day and felt love from your friends and family!

XOXOXO

Kay

Family Portrait for Vicki

Just finished up this painting I have been working on for the holiday. I hope this may give their family some peace through their loss this Christmas season. I enjoyed working on it for them!

5 years ago today, I took a chance on this crazy boy with long hair and huge sunglasses who was always napping in the fitting room. I fell in love with him after a night of Narnia and The Doors "Riders on the Storm" on repeat. I LOVE YOU AARON-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Enjoy the last few moments before Christmas is here!

For Vikki

This is my progress so far on the family portrait I was commissioned for. It is the first monotone painting I have done since my very first painting at CCS! I am trying to have this finished in the next few days because there are only 10 days until Christmas!!

This is our first Christmas tree together :)

She's a little wobbly, but I adore it. Thanks to my sister Ashley for donating all of the decor within our apartment this year. And a big thanks to my dear friend, Vanessa who hand-made Aaron and my stockings! (click on the link for pics!). We are brimming with holiday cheer in our little space.

I would also like to add how deeply I love/appreciate my family, extended family, friend-family and coworkers. With recent events I have been reminded how precious our time together is, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. I would like to say thank-you to John (17) who's life although short, has left a tremendous impact on so many. He has opened my eyes indefinitely.

Love,

Kaylen

Blessed

He's Here!

Jackson David Timothy Campbell

7 lbs. 13 oz.

My sweet new nephew!

Born last night, Nov. 29th.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I am so in love with the holiday season.

I'm walking a different highway

This is my set for Racheal!

8"x10"

Not sure what to name the duo yet. I am going to try to edit the rendered tail a little more when it dries. I'll post more accurate and complete photos to my website soon. Hope she likes them!

Baby, I'd take a nine to five for you.

I can't believe it is already mid November!

A lot has been happening lately, the minutes are melting away.
I now work constantly as the holiday season is heating up.
My nephew Jackson is almost here! 13 more days if my sister makes it that long.
Halloween was a good time as always, I was a fairy.
I helped throw a baby shower for Ashley.
Now I am just bustling through a few commission gigs for the holidays!

This one is for Racheal!
She is a coworker and new friend to Aaron and I out here in Shelby Township, and made a request on a couple paintings. I am repainting "Enlighten Me" on a larger canvas, and this time making a counterpart for him. A red fox! I am very excited and awaiting getting sketches approved before moving on. These two paintings I will have done in time for Thanksgiving.


Another painting I am working on is a family portrait for a client. It is a four person portrait that will be antiqued. This one is going to be more challenging, and I will have to finish a week before Christmas at least. Very busy!

On a more somber note, my sweet, little hometown has hit the news nationwide this week. A family I grew up with has been struck with tragedy and our entire community is shocked, mourning, and praying. I don't really want to feed into the sensationalism of the situation, but I am asking if you are the praying kind to pray for their healing. More and more we are seeing children taking their own lives and the lives of others. It is a rising epidemic in our country. Use this as a teaching moment to enrich your family with a love for humanity.

KAYLEN'S HOLIDAY SHOP IS OPEN! :D

I am livin' the dream.
At least that's what my retail friends and I refer to as making a means to support your dreams.
With that said I have el zero dinero so everyone gets handmade gifts yay!

This one is for my sister Nicole. Her birthday is thursday. Happy Birthday Nic!
It is of her Great Dane Daisy, who met her untimely end a few weeks ago. RIP Daisy.


Admitedly these are terrible pictures so I will have more to come.
Good Night!

Kay