I want to thank Michael McCrea, from sohohelpdesk.net, for writing such a lovely blog post about me and my roommate, Peter. It’s so sweet!

If you want to get an idea of what I was doing before all this Soniei’s Contemporary Art business, and where I met my friend Peter over 5 years ago (CDI), you must read this blog post called “Soniei’s Contemporary Art and Information Technology“.

Michael, you’re the best! I do miss the days when we used to hang out at CDI* College!

PS. For those who have bought my art for the past few years, you might be surprised that I used to be an Oracle Developer (relational database management system… say what?).

PPS. For all of you out there… if you can’t pronounce ‘Soniei’, you can always call me Melissa. Or Jimmy, or sexy nerd girl, or whatever you prefer.

*CDI College of Business & Technology, where the IT peeps chillax yo.

Many thanks to Peter Cyr who busted his behind the past week* to work on my new website for free! Jaw dropping talent!

Mr. Cyr, I still can’t believe how generous you are! Thank you so much for believing in me and my dream!!

Oh, and thank you for helping me out every way that you can. Seriously… MERCI!!!! My goal in life is to someday become your sugar-mamma.

Also, a big thank you to my parents. How many times did I call to say, “Moooooom, Daaaaaad” and they said, “How much do you need?” My financials haven’t been the greatest in the past year (do I really have to mention the economy?) and they never once told me to quit being an artist when my business went from bad to badder to badderer to badderest. I’ll pay you back every penny, and more, someday. I’ll be your sugar-daughter.

And Delia Comeau, she’s the reason I’m not naked. Seriously, everyone should thank her for this!! I’m on a super strict budget and she gives me awesome hand-me-down clothes. Also, thank you for understanding that I never have the time or money to go out but you keep being my friend. Hopefully, someday I get to be your sugar-friend.

You guys are the best and I love you all very much!!!

Also, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of those who have bid on my paintings on ebay in the past!! You keep my dream alive and strong!

*2 full weekends included… plus working a full time job!

I’m going to be very honest… pride aside.

Times are very slow, the economy is ROUGH, and now I understand the meaning of starving artist.  I’m so touched by all the people who STILL believe in me and support me as an artist!!! I only wish the student loan people would support me just as much. lol

For all those affected by the economy just as I am, stay strong!!! Let’s hope that things will look up sooner than later!! (more…)

I’ve been a personal care worker, a tourist guide, an ESL teacher, a research assistant, a computer programmer, etc. etc. etc. I’ve had so many diverse jobs. Although some jobs were very fulfilling in the ‘help your community’ kind of way, I was always waiting and craving time off. Weekends never came fast enough, and Mondays came too soon. I was trying to be grateful for all that I had in my life, but if I took one hard look at myself I knew I was miserable.

I remember saying to myself several years ago, “If this is what working is all about, I can’t wait to retire”. (more…)