Weekly Update no.12

Hello friends, 

Last week, I mentioned that I was setting off to Texas to attend the funeral of one of the best men I've ever known, my Uncle Jim. It was probably one of the hardest things I've experienced since the death of my mother. The trip as a whole, wasn't that terrible. I had the pleasure of spending time with family members that I haven't seen in over a decade, and I got to meet some of my cousins' children...my second...and third cousins. Honestly, it was a beautiful thing to see so many generations in one place, even if it was for such a dark moment. The Karnes Clan doesn't often get these moments where we are all in one place, so this was quite the sight. 

We drove down, so this was an epic journey. 20 hours down there, and 20 hours back in the car with my dad, another one of my uncles, and my 6'0-something Bryan. He was so cramped up by the end of our journey, but then again any giant that has to squeeze into a tiny box for 20 hours would be. But, that gave him ample time to work on studding one of his vests more, and he even did a little sketching. I love that our life together has become so creative...from all the weirdness that goes on at fright nights in October to decorating our home, and just the fun little projects we do together. He really does encourage my creative soul. 

During our time down there, I promised Bryan if he helped me get through this I would do my best to fit in just a bit of fun. One of the days, after we had finished up with everything we had to do that day, we went to down town Palestine and did a little antiquing. We stopped at a few little shops, and even an art gallery that sold wine...Granny Muffin Wine. We picked up a few little treasures, along with a few bottles of wine, on the way. 

There were big laughs, old memories shared, and many tears shed for a great man this week. Overall, it was a very hard week...but it is my mission in life to find happiness where ever I travel...in what ever circumstances are thrown upon my shoulder. My heart is still with my family down in Texas as our clan readjusts and shifts into a new era. And, my heart is with my sweet Uncle Jim as he joins my mother, and grandparents in heaven for a beer. I know they're watching over us, keeping an eye on us, and criticizing my every move like they always did. Thanks for keeping my ass in check up there, y'all. 

Here's to better weeks to come. 

xo. Holly Erinn 

Peg Leg Porker

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this was one of the neighbors' cat that kinda adopted us while we were down there.

Granny Muffin Wines

Weekly Update no.11

Hello friends, 

It's been a few really crazy few days. This past week, since last we spoke, has definitely had its up's and down's. Later this week, I'll be flying to Texas to attend my eldest uncle's funeral. He passed away either this week from cancer. The whole family is doing their best to make it down and rally around each other in this dark moment. Our family may not talk as much or as often as we should, but there's never been a moment in our minds that we weren't proud to be apart of the Karnes clan. 

The beginning of the the week was a blast though! Bryan and I went to the way pool, which most of the photos above are from. We went to celebrate our dear friend Mark's birthday...even though we lost him for most of the day because it's such a huge pool! I haven't had that much fun swimming in a long time. Bryan was being the biggest goof that day, and had me cracking up the whole time. I love how silly he can be some times, my big silly bear...*le sigh*... he's also been super helpful around the house lately too! Before we moved, I'd never seen him be so handy. He's really stepped up his game since the move, and I'm really proud of him. 

I wish I could say things have settled down but things are crazy as ever around here. I've been keeping myself sane with drawing and my little fur babies. My office is slowly coming together, so I've been spending a good bit of time in there. Once I get my shelves figured out and get all my knick knacks organized, I'll give you guys a little photo tour. It's pretty cute in there so far! 

Did you post about anything cool this week? Leave me a link below! 

And, check out my Pinterest page! Let's pin together!! hhaha! 

xo. Holly Erinn 

Big Changes 'Round These Parts!

**this is gonna be a long one, folks**

Hello friends! 

Well, as per usual I have taken another long break from blogging. For a while, I kept wondering why I do this, why can't I keep my blog running for more than a few months...why do I get bored with my writing? I was going strong from January to March with some of my favorite posts I've ever written like the Josh Ritter appearance on the Jukebox, A Jean Vest Journey, and some of my Weekly Update posts like this.  Accidentally, I took a short break back in March that ended up being an extra long break up until now. In that time, I really sat with the idea of my blog and explored all aspects, questioning myself and my motives behind it. I did a lot of reading. There's so much to learn from our fellow bloggers, and the gals that have paved the way before us. My largest board on Pinterest is my Blogging & Business board.  I've got almost 500 pins on there that are mainly 'how to blog better' type posts. Reading about how other people found their focus and their tips on the subject really had me thinking about the path that this little corner of the internet I have here is going. 

I've been flying under the name Happinessbrand since about 2013. It was born after my first blog Order & Chaos, a blog that I ran with a few friends of mine, died. There was a lack of balance in the effort that was being put out and I basically got burned out, eventually wanting to branch out on my own. Happinessbrand was my answer to that... I was looking for happiness and I figured this would be a good place to start on creating my own. And, I did! Over the years, this brand has served me well, and I've created some things that I am EXTREMELY proud of. But as the years go on, I've grown....and I've grown out of the Happinessbrand name, and what it stood for.  I'm thankful for the years that I've had with my brand and what it has afforded me to do, but it's time for a change! 

I begin to analyze what really makes me happy, especially when it came to blogging. What sparked a passion in me, and what did not? What posts during the week did I dread writing, which posts were a pain in the ass to write? It was those fluffy curated posts that mainly came from other people's photos and posts. Everyone writes those, I thought....so why am I? Don't I have something better to offer? Don't I have something better to say? Enough with these curated, under-inspired posts...what am I doing?! I need to make some shit!! 

I've found through my personal blogging exploration that I am most excited and inspired to write when I am sharing my art, or making a craft and sharing the process! Those are the posts I love. They drive me to make things, and in a way force me to draw more...there's a reason to do things like that when I blog! That is what drives me! I'm tired of trying to blog like I'm some one else, or attempting to have a blog that, well, just isn't me. 

So, my friends, this brings me to my point...Happinessbrand is phasing out and a new identity will be rolling in. I have chosen to rebrand the blog with a new name, logo, look and feel....even the content will be a bit different. I want this blog to feel like me again. I need to stop being 'trendy' and trying to write about 'trendy' topics. I am a hippie, a bohemian, a free spirit-- and this blog does not reflect that at the moment. Recently, I've been getting back to my roots and finding out who I really am. Ideally, I want this to be a home for more thoughtful, honest content and exploding with color and art! It's taking a little longer than I would like, only because I lost all of my editing programs like Photoshop when my good computer died, but we're working around that. My brother is going to let me use his computer, and I think I'm going to get a cheap-y version just to make things work for the rebrand. Until then, the name will stay Happinessbrand and I will keep you guys up to date on the progress. I've chosen a name already, but we'll take about that in a bit. 

This rebranding will happen in stages, and I'll share each step of the process with you guys as I go along. I'll announce the new name in a separate, more official post. We recently moved and I'm currently in the process of putting together my new office, and the rest of our new home. It's mine and Bry's first home, and it's been quite the undertaking. So, things have been put on hold in a way while we get everything in order. But, I'm still working behind the scenes to plan content, and gather information and ideas. This has been in the works for a few months now, I've felt this deep urge that something wasn't right here on the blog--something just didn't fit-didn't work. And now, that I've figured that thing out...things are going to set off like a wild fire! 

You read all these posts from big bloggers that have their shit together...most of them tell you 'find your focus, find your focus'! And up until recently, I didn't think that was very important. I just figured, I could blog about anything I want at anytime and that would work. And, for a moment it did....but I couldn't keep up with it. I wasn't inspired. I didn't have the passion to continue writing like that. I was trying to be someone I'm not...we'll talk more about that later too! I've got a whole post planned on that subject. 

I've also found out through my 'trying to blog like someone else' phase that blogger burn out is a real thing, a real pain in the ass thing. I was trying to have a new post up every day, it was driving me nuts--just too much pressure. Trying to juggle a full time job, an Etsy shop, and this blog on top of attempting to have some sort of social life was a bit too much when I was trying to make this blog run full time. I had put too much on my plate, and I was crumbling. So in addition to rebranding, bringing you better content--I will also be cutting down on the number of posts that go out each week. Each post will be thoughtful, and the best quality content I can possibly put out there. And, that's the main goal! Instead of trying to pump out massive amounts of sub-par quality shit, I want to bring you the best I can make! 

If you've made it through this whole post, congrats and thank you for reading down this far. I know this post is incredibly text heavy, but I had a lot to say on the matter. So, in addition to all these changes, I want to invite you all to feel free to comment, question, and voice your concerns! This blog is mainly about my journey in the art world, my view on social issues, and my pursuit of a more colorful world--but I also want to harvest a sense of community. That's a huge part of the rebranding. I want to develop a tribe a creative souls that crave color, and live for social justice, a tribe that enjoys creating a beautiful world around them and strives to learn as much as they can! If that sounds like something you'd be into, stick around...become part of the family! 

xoxo, Holly Erinn 

Life Lately: June/ July pt. 1

Hello friends, 

I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted anything. June and the beginning of July have just been insane. With picnics, festivals, markets, and numerous family engagements, Bryan and I have been so busy! I also just finished up a huge children's book that has been consuming my life since probably April. I'll be sharing more of that in a later post! But anyways...I wanted to share a few snap shots of the past few weeks. The top photo is in front of the waterfall at Westmorland County Art's and Heritage Festival. We went with dad again for the second year in a row. That place is sooooo fun! We always have the best time up there with dad out on the boats, eating too much junk food, and browsing all the amazing art and handmades. Including that fucking killer sweater I'm wearing! 

I also included a couple snaps from the 4th. We spend the day with his family, which was the first time I met most of them. It was pretty nerve wracking but meeting new people is always like that for me. They're all really sweet thou, and truly made me feel welcome. His little grandma is the cutest thing. I loved talking with her, the sweetheart never stops smiling. We went to his cousin's wedding this past weekend too. That was probably the fanciest wedding I'd ever been to. 

The rest of the photos following, are of recent projects and items that will be listed in the shop soon. Until then, check out all the rest of the stash! I've got a bunch of photos to share still in Life Lately pt. 2! So stay tuned for more adorableness! 

What have you guys been up to? Have you blogged about your adventures lately? Share with me down in the comments, I love checking out what you guys have been up to! 

xo. holly erinn 

Life Lately: Where The F**K Have You Been, Holly?!

Hello friends!!

It's been a hot minute since my last post, and I've gathered a bunch of projects, photos, and stories to share with you since my break.  Bryan and I went to Tekko this past weekend. It was a blast, but then again it always is with him! Also, I've recently been contracted to illustrate a children's book for a wonderful author in the Pittsburgh area. Once I get a little more done, I'm going to do a big post talking more about it.  The above photo of me sketching at my desk, and the 3 photos just below are just the book!




Got some new ink added to my right arm. I have a large piece on my right forearm, and eventually I want everything to flow together and meet. For now, I'm really happy with my birds. There's meaning behind everything (of course!) and I'll explain that with better photos once it heals completely. I've got some scabby birds now haha!



Sewing has always been a favorite hobby of mine. I've got big plans for the store, and yes, sewing is a huge part of it. The above 3 photos are of sketches, and 2 projects I've been working on. The sketches are just few of many designs that I plan to create this summer for my shop. EEEEk!!! The idea of tiny threads, pretty pink, sheer fabrics, and intricate, delicate stitching gets me all excited like a rave kid on designer drugs when the bass drops!!


There's been a lot of art-ing around these parts lately too! The cat lady poster can be purchased HERE!



I started on a new adventure not too long ago. David and I started recording videos for my Youtube Channel. Most of them are really simple, and uncut. They're really fun, and have a certain reality that I feel like you don't find in most corners of our internet. I'm always trying to give balance to the beauty of the internet. There's hooping videos, a reoccurring segment "Car Vlog" that has most recently featured several weird conversations with David, Bryan, and even my awesome Dad!! Check it out HERE!



Since the springing of the Spring Season, I've introduced and listed 10 new crowns to the shop. They're all different sizes, closures, and colors. They also come in a wide range of prices! Check out all the big beautiful crowns HERE!



Bryan's beard is getting longer and longer. My viking gets so many compliments on his beastly facial hair. You should have seen and heard all the weirdness that came up to us at Tekko just to tell Bry they loved his beard hahaha! Also, I'm proud to announce I've made a few sales from my Etsy Shop. And I would like to officially thank everyone who has EVER made a purchase from Happinessbrand!!! IT MEANS THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE TO ME!!! I can't tell you how fucking excited I get when I get that stellar email saying someone has bought something from the shop. Holy cow, I get butterflies. The post office has become my favorite place hahahhaa!!!



And, speaking of the shop....one last shameless plug! There's several new pieces of jewelry, and a few new pieces of art up for grabs. There's also a huge huge huge stock of products, and art that need to be listed. I'm planning on doing a huge shoot soon in preparation of the huge restock! But, for now, check out all the goodness that is listed by going HERE!