New Year Greetings to All!

Can you believe 2007 is almost ended??? As a child I heard adults saying things like "Time flies by so quickly.", "The older I get the shorter the day.", and "Every year gets shorter and shorter!" I never understood what they were talking about, as I'm sure everyone of you can relate to and remember also. NOW I UNDERSTAND! It is true. There truly is so much to do and so little time to accomplish it.

The Lord has showered me with blessings in 2007 and I am so very grateful. He has continually clothed me, fed me, and sheltered me from the storms (both literally and figuratively) this year, all the while teaching me some powerful, wonderful, and sometimes difficult lessons. I never wanted to experience some of these things, and yet, I am so much better off having been through them and learning from them. I am thankful for it all. Even more, I am thankful for a loving God, who guides me through all of it.

3 Paintings and A Quick Note to All

5x16 watercolor Moleskine

Wow! How far away I have been!!! I hope you all have continued to visit and I apologize to those who have and found no new posts. Lots of things are happening here at home and we have some huge changes coming real soon, but more about that later. For now, I wanted to share with you a few new paintings. Above is just a quick sketch done in my wc Moleskine and below I repeated the painting on 11x14 paper. Of course, no two paintings are ever alike, I like them both. What do you think???

11x14 watercolor

Never Let Go, 11x14 watercolor

I have always been drawn to the Bible story of the woman with an issue of blood that is recorded in Matthew 9:20-21 and in Mark 6:56. "Wherever He entered into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well."

Just to touch the hem of Jesus' garment!!! Imagine. I trust Him and I know that no matter what happens to me here on earth, no matter how difficult life may be, I can hold on to the hem of His garment today by reading God's word and obeying Him. What a wonderful and precious blessing that is!

Please do come back again! It will be a couple of months before I can get back to regular and consistent posting, but please don't give up on me. I so enjoy sharing with you all!

Another Bird Story

Being delinquent about posting here has made me feel quite cranky. To all of those who visit regularly, I apologize. I'll tell you it hasn't been for lack of desire, but rather, just too busy to get even one painting completed! I have several projects in the works and will post them as I am able.
All of my life I have had a loving interest in penmanship, calligraphy, and lettering. Oh, my poor parents! how frustrated they must have felt with all of the paper waste! You see, as a child, I remember my school projects and homework had to be "perfect" (at least, in presentation) and if the very first letter written was not acceptable by my standards I would simply wad up the page and throw it away. Sometimes this took 1/2 a ream! LOL!!! And so, my attraction for beautiful penmanship grew. I never did take instruction in calligraphy or any other form of lettering arts through the years, but have been self-taught. I did let the interest and obsession wain over the years, but recently, it has been revived and there are not enough books (or paper, possibly) on the subject in our tiny local library. I have purchased a couple of pens with italic nibs and a wonderful fountain pen with a very springy and flexible nib that I am anxious to put to work. It needs a new sac and just a thorough "once over" though...something that I do not feel qualified to do. Look for some artistic lettering posts in the future here.
I must tell you a funny story! I wish I had pics to post, but alas, I did not have my camera ready. Whilst flitting around the house doing chores and getting ready for my watercolor class the other morning, I noticed Miss Kitty running back and forth from window to window. I looked out to see what was so interesting to her and found that there was a huge flock of Starlings flying and diving about just outside. I didn't think much of it. I went out to get in my car a couple hours later to leave for class and was given quite a shock. My car (which btw, is new) was covered (and I do mean, covered) in bird poop!!! I was not parked under any trees or electrical lines, as you might expect, but those Starlings had decided to swarm my car and leave me parting gifts anyway. I could hardly see through the front window and even the door handle was covered! I didn't have time to spray it down at the moment, so headed out to class. I stopped at the coffee house on the way and the girls at the shop were rolling laughing as I pulled up. One of the girls said "If you don't have time to wash that off, I'd suggest taking the backroads. It's embarassing!" It really was funny! I kept thinking "Have you ever had one of those days when you just felt like you'd been c____ed on?" Well, I did. There's something about birds................

Kitty, Chef in the Kitchen, and My Guide

Life here on the Oregon coast is pretty wonderful lately. I haven't been posting regularly lately, because so much is going on in our neck of the woods and for the most part, I have to say everything has been good, good, good. Since moving to our new place in August, we have had many "visitors" to our home, all with the hopes that we would be keeping a bottomless dish of cat food on our porch. Yes, cats are abundant in our neighborhood! I warned the cat lover in our household that he was not to start feeding them and he took it to heart for a good 2 months, I'd say, until a little female revealed that she was living under the church building next door AND that she was starving. After a few bowls of milk and a morsel of left-over cod, she decided to follow us home and she has not left since. She now has run of the house (though she never strays far from the "princess chair", where she lounges and bathes herself regularly) during the day and then she promptly wants out at night. The arrangement works well for all of us, so far. I was talking with a friend about this new arrangement and she made the remark "All strays that you take in are 1. pregnant, 2. full of fleas, 3. wormy, or 4. all of the above." Miss Kitty is quite clean, but also quite PREGNANT!!!! I'm not sure how we will deal with that, but all in all, we like our new guest. I'll try to post a picture of her soon.
It has been a treat this week to have our son home, in good spirits, and to see his love of cooking at work in our kitchen! Today we will be feasting on a wonderful smelling pot roast with all of the trimmings.
My Guide, My God. He is so good and His love never ceases to amaze me! In the turmoil of this life, I am thankful, beyond description for His goodness and peace of mind he provides to me and my family.

There's something about birds...

Western Tananger, watercolor 11x15
There's something about birds that I just thoroughly enjoy painting! I've noticed that I keep getting drawn back to them in my paintings.

Hooked.....line & sinker

Aside from all of the busy-ness and business of life, I have been playing with a couple of "new to me" fountain pens. I joined the Fountain Pen Network and have been obsessively researching everything there is to know about fountain pens. Absolutely wonderful!!!! I even have received absolute approval from my dear hubby to persue this beautiful art. Yesterday he and I had to make a trip to Eugene to visit a friend in the hospital (that's another story) and we stopped into the local pen shop, Pensations. The clerk there handed me a Namiki Falcon and instantaneously a thrilling shiver went up my spine! Oh My! What a beautiful pen! The nib has a nice flex to it, producing lovely line variations. I handed it to Larry and his immediate comment was "This pen sells itself." Understandably though, at a retail price of $175, it did not sell itself to us yesterday. There are so many beautiful pens in the world, you can easily acquire many wonderful writers for less than $50.
I have also been playing with brush lettering on my watercolor paintings and that has been fun too. The other day I painted these rabbits (notice the spelling) and being not extremely pleased with the painting itself, I decided to play with lettering on it with a small flat wc brush. I was so focused on the lettering itself...well, you can see for yourself the error made. I aced spelling and english throughout my school years, but you wouldn't know it by this painting. LOL!
I also am very interested to begin learning Spencerian and Copperplate Script. It is so lovely! And I have completed a painting with just that in mind, so watch for it in the future here on my blog.

I Won! How Fun!

I really am so honored to have been selected as the winner to last weeks "Bird" challenge!! There were so many wonderful and talented entries. Do visit Monday Artday to see my entry, but also, to check out some great work from other artists!

I'm posting this a day late, but as they say.... better than never!

1. Illicit :: affair


2. Go :: into all the world and preach the gospel
   


3. Jacket :: coat


4. Blow :: hard


5. Coach :: trainer


6. Effort :: discipline


7. Leadership :: example


8. Snore :: a rough night


9. Fearless :: brave
   


10. Network :: resource

Lilac and Rambling.........

Okay, well it seems like I have been away for a long time, but really, I haven't been away at all. I have just been busy and tired. Needless to say, but my paintbrushes have been getting thirsty also. I feel so neglectful! But, after being up till 1:30 a.m. doing our books and then wide awake this morning at 5:30 a.m., I did manage to go to my watercolor class and amazing to me, managed to accomplish this little painting in my Moleskine. This picture does not do it justice at all. All of the purples, blues and pinks blend so much nicer than what it is showing here. Also, it is a pen & ink. You can't really tell here, can you?
I also have a couple larger paintings I am working on, but I have gotten to "a dead zone" in my mind on them, so they are set aside for a bit of time.
Keep coming back! And thank you so much for visiting!

I WANNA WIN!!!!

5 Minutes for Mom is doing another Giveaway!!!! This time it is for the new Casio EX-Z75. The highlight is it's PINK in recognition of October Breast Cancer Awareness month. I really, really want this. But, you too, can go and sign up to win.

Busy-ness, New Wheels, & An Apple a Day

1. I have not posted any paintings this week as my life has been so busy!!! It's just been one thing after another, it seems. In the midst of the whirlwind yesterday, I thought, "I wish this could stop!" But, after more thinking I realized that if life were not busy most of the time, then I would have to learn to make myself busy, in order that I didn't get bored. Funny how that works?! It is a blessing to have the health to be able keep moving.

2. One of the things that kept me on Friday was the purchasing of a new vehicle. Now that is a blessing! I'm thrilled with the ride! Also, for the most part, the experience with the dealer and salesman was quite pleasant. I have experienced worse.

3. I bought some beautiful apples this week and have been faithfully eating one a day. Yummm! they are so good! Like the old saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." (the updated 21st century saying goes like this, "An apple a day, peeled, keeps the doctor away.")

1. Cluster :: group

2. Announcement :: birth

3. Respect :: honor

4. Incident :: accident

5. Accordian :: musician

6. Drunk :: slobbering

7. If :: only

8. Dexter :: thick glasses and fountain pen?

9. Wedding :: dress

10. Gambling :: greed

WC Class, Peacocks, & Crab Puffs

1. Watercolor class was such a joy today. I have missed the last 2 weeks due to being sick with a cold and today was just so much fun! The ladies in class are all so dear and it is delightful to see what all of them are working on and how they improve with each week that passes.

2. After doing the little peacock in my sketchbook, I decided to work on a large painting of a peacock. I accomplished much on it today and it is coming along quite well. I should be able to post it in a couple of days.

3. When my hubby got home this afternoon, the temperature was dropping and it was actually turning cold. His suggestion and solution to warm up? A cup of hot tea at the local Chinese food restaurant. And dinner. I really like Crab Puffs!

A New Sketch

I just had to post again today! I had a bit of time before dinner and while the subject was napping, so I did a sketch of him (from a picture). I'd never done a portrait sketch before, let alone one with ink. I thought it turned out pretty good...considering it's being my first. He says it makes him look fat. mmmm.... Well, this will take more practice, I can see.

Art as Therapy and Just Doodling.....

I remember, many years ago, that I used to doodle everytime I was on the phone. I don't think I do that much anymore, in fact, I haven't been doodling at all! In retrospect, I think that was during a time in my young life that I didn't have many pressures on me (or, at least, I didn't think I did ???) and the carefree artistic side of me had no problem with attempting art. It seems that I woke up one morning and life had become chaotic and stiff and I found myself struggling along like so many others...and the doodling (the attempt to create) was GONE! Suddenly, I had this need to get back into my artistic self....I needed the therapy. The good news is that last night while on the phone, I doodled! And it felt so good. Even the conversation was more lively and pleasant. Below I've posted my "telephone doodles" (watercolor washes were added this morning). So, what is it about creating art that is so therapeutic? Please leave your comments and tell me why art is therapeutic for you.

A Pumpkin Vignette & My New Pet

Stumbled upon a fun little gadget yesterday and just had to adopt it! Scroll down and in the sidebar you will find my new pet, a virtual pet created by BunnyHeroLabs. I just thought this little tiger was adorable, so I brought him "home" and named him Zipper. Turn your speakers on and give hi a pet........he has a great purring motor! Also, click on the More tab and feed him a steak!

1. Crook :: thief
   
2. Career :: lifestyle
   
3. Freckles :: spots
   
4. Scramble :: eggs
   
5. Mistake :: error
   
6. Telephone :: booth
   
7. Thank you :: No, thank you!
   
8. Obstruction :: walls
   
9. 24/7 :: all day, everyday
   
10. SciFi :: thriller
    

3 Sketches

New pens, Monday Artday, and Garden-Fresh

1. If you've been reading my posts lately, you will know that I have been bit by the "sketching bug". Well, I just did not have a pen that I liked for sketching, but now I have a new 6 pc Sakura Pigma Micron set in black! I am excited to get started sketching with these and we'll see the results.

2. This morning I received a sweet comment on yesterday's post from Ronni over at Monday Artday. She has a wonderful weekly art challenge to sign up for and some of the participants work is really good. Thinking I might give that a try......will be fun, anyway!

3. While fighting with this nasty cold all week, it has been such a blessing to have fresh garden tomatoes for dinner every night! Yummmmmy! A dear old friend loaded my hubby up with them earlier this week as a gift for little 'ole me.

At Least, I Have Time for Painting

Yes, I still have this yuchy cold, but I'm managing to play with my paints and brushes in-between naps.

Moleskine & Oh, Peacock Feathers!

Oh, Peacock Feathers!
WC, 5 x 16

I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through many artist's blogs and websites and viewing their watercolor sketchbooks. So much so, that I have been "bitten by the sketch bug"! So, yesterday my 4 (yes, 4) Moleskine Watercolor Sketchbooks arrived and like a child in a candy store, I immediately began the task of filling it up. So much fun! and the pressure to perform with perfection was not present at all. As you see here, my first sketch is that of a peacock. The paints I used were from my Sakura Koi Pocket Field Box. Of course the whole thing was experimental.... my first impression of the paper in the Moleskine is not real good, but I'll keep experimenting. The Koi paints also are not my favorite, but I do like their intensity. I'm just not used to working with pan paints. More experimentation is called for.

I also ordered a 3 x 5 Moleskine Daily Planner, specifically for the purpose of "re-loading" it. I've never done any bookbinding before, but Martha at Trumpetvine Travels has inspired me with her sketchbooks and complete instructions to "re-loading these little Moleskines with watercolor paper. I'll let you know how it all turns out, once I find the time to give it a try.

Well, off to Bible study and then to my watercolor class this afternoon!!!! Have a wonderful day!

Pink Dyson Giveaway

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a pink (yes, I said Pink) Dyson vacuum. Just imagine........! Go sign up now.

These are exclusively available at Target. With every pink Dyson purchase, Dyson and Target will donate $40 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Blog Rush

I am not very "puter literate" and this blogging sometimes gets the best of me. Getting visitors to my blog is always a bit mind-boggling to me. I know that in the blogger world, that is the whole point...getting people to your blog! So I'm going to give this fairly new thing a try.....Nancy Standlee, over at her Art Blog turned me on to Blog Rush and I'm going to give it a try. It's all about driving traffic.

1. Singles :: bar
2. Blaze :: o' glory
3. Sandwich :: fixin's
4. Outside :: in
5. Gooey :: sticky
6. Industry :: leaders
7. Exclusive :: only
8. Warranty :: sticker
9. Magical :: wand
10. Heels :: shoes

In a Flower Garden

In a Flower Garden
WC, 5 x 7

Fall Fenceline

Fall Fenceline, WC 5 x 7

Between outbursts of coughing and blowing my drippy nose last night, I managed to get this little watercolor done. Hope you enjoy it! More is coming, so check back soon.

One Day too Late!

Carrie Louise at Organized Chaos is a wonderful artist and today she gave a sketch away in a random drawing. I tried to get in on the fun, but was one day too late! Maybe she will do another drawing in the future. You have to check her out!

Hmmmm....

Hmmmm.... I am having great difficulty focusing this week, as I have come down with a most terrible cold accompanied by the dreaded cough and achy bones. Yesterday, I spent all day in my jammies and mostly curled up in bed. As I wrote in an earlier post, yesterday was the day I was supposed to go on a jaunt with my dear mum. This cold was a great disappointment, since I didn't want to share it with her and I get to spend so little time with her. But, I think I'm coming around this morning, so I think I'll be taking some time to paint today.

Black & White, Preparing for Winter, and Young & Healthy Bones

1. It has become a ritual (of sorts) that early each morning, just before the sun creeps over the mountains to illuminate the day, I step out on our front porch. I like how the steam from the cup of coffee swirls up around my face as I slowly sip on it. Here is where I begin my day in prayer and listen to the world around me waken. The past few weeks I have watched a woman walk by rather briskly every morning. I know it is part of her "new weight loss routine" and if I had the nerve to speak to her I would tell her "You go, girl!", but it is actually dark at that time of morning, and I fear that if I spoke to her from the front covered porch, I might actually frighten her, so I don't. This morning, I saw her coming up the street a bit slower than usual and I wondered if she was losing her "spunk" or if perhaps she had injured herself. I was thrilled to see that it was not an injury to body or spirit, but tagging along behind her was a new little black & white puppy, no bigger than a teacup. I was glad to see that she has acquired a walking buddy!

2. My mother and I were out running errands a few weeks ago and while in a store, she wanted to look at the selection of puzzles. She told me "Winter is coming and I want to have a few on hand" Well, to my delight I found a collection of puzzles (88, to be exact) in the home of a friend who is just as delighted to part with them as I will be to take a few off of her hands. So, dear Mother, I will be bringing you a winters worth of puzzles!

3. When I begin to moan about my aches and pains, I just observe those around me who really have physical ailments that cause them pain and suffering and then I see my complaints with new perspective. In the past 3 weeks, two of my dear friends have broken hips! Oh how blessed and thankful I am to be young and healthy!!!!!

1. Rita :: Hayworth
2. Comedy :: laugh
3. Polar :: bear
4. Idiots :: stupid
5. Perception :: view
6. Infected :: sick
7. Fake :: deceiving
8. Relating :: understood
9. Distraction :: off-course
10. Gamble :: risk

Dust If You Must

Ran across this wonderful poem, Dust If You Must
It reminds us all that sometimes you absolutely must take time for yourself and others and to not worry about the small stuff, like dust particles.

Front Porch Sitting, Liberty, and An Invite

1. Yesterday a dear old friend (and I do sincerely mean old-er at 81) asked hubby and I to come over this morning to pick up a little something he had for us. We went over to visit him earlier today and to our surprise he had built a picnic table for our front porch!!! Thoughtful and ever so kind is he. After bringing it home we proceeded to sit down at our new picnic table, drink iced tea and watch the world go by in our little neighborhood. Oh, how sweet are the small pleasures in life!!! Only to get better when our dear old friend can join us.

2. The Lord has blessed me with dear friends 'round about me! Liberty lives on the other side of our backyard fence and she is the proud owner of Cuthbert, the rooster, that I wrote about in an earlier post. I love to sit and just chit-chat with her; I love to listen to all the wonderful and funny stories and glean bits of wisdom from her.

3. Thrilled to receive an invite to go on a little jaunt with my mother next week!

Dork : dingbat
Refurbished : junk
Basket : case
Mousse : chocolate pudding
Studio : watercolor
8 ball : pool
Masking tape : sticky
Love : bug
Wilder : Gene
Lindsey : Lohan

Bluebonnet Farm

Bluebonnet Farm, watercolor, 11 x 15

Too Much Fun

I have found myself scribbling away with the new widget I placed here on my blog a week ago. To get your own widget for your blog, go to Offtype.Net . I will be posting my "scribbles" weekly under the Scribbles topic and you can see what fun I'm having. Please feel free to scribble away and then let me know in the comments.

Art Scribble Paint #2 (click here)

Scrabble ::

words

1. NyQuil ::
yuch!

2. Roadtrip ::
blues

3. Idiot ::
thoughtless

4. Bandages ::
ouch!

5. Series ::
finale

6. Summer ::
breeze

7. Prompt ::
help

8. September ::
Fall

9. Chicken ::
'n dumplings

Amazing and Beautiful!

This is an amazing video of Ethan Winer playing 37 separate cello parts to create one song. He even plays the percussion parts on his cello. It was recorded on 23 tracks using 37 plug-in effects. He spent hundreds of hours on this project so its worth a listen.

Funny that BLUE is not my Favorite Color

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

The Next Best Thing to Being There, Venting, and Watercolor Class

1. It is still remarkable to me that through the modern invention of the telephone I can talk to someone 1500 miles away and they will sound like they are in the same room with me! It truly is a blessing that my dear and long-time friend, that I have not seen or spoken to in years, rang me up this morning and it just felt like old times. She sounded the same as I remember and I'm pleased to know she is happy and doing so well. The telephone. It really is The Next Best Thing to Being There!

2. According to my dear hubby, I can cook up a batch of old-fashioned Fried Chicken tonight. The contractors are here, as I write, installing a range hood and vented outside through the roof. I never liked cooking in a kitchen without a fan to draw the odors and fine grease spatters out! After all, I just painted. So, dear hubby may be correct....Fried Chicken may be on the menu tonight.

3. Am always happy and excited when another round of watercolor classes begins! Starting Tuesday I will be back at it and am anxious to learn new techniques and striving to perfect the skills I have.

To all of you who cast your vote to name my studio......the winner is:

Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy this little illustration I have created.

Art Paint Scribble #1 (click here)

Writing Letters, Job, and More Fun

1. Poured myself a cuppa tea and sat down to write a letter to a long-time friend. A pen, a sheet of paper and a postage stamp......yup! an old-fashion hand-written letter! It felt good and I think I'll do it again!

2. My dear son arrived home this afternoon, with a smile on his face, and announced that he has a new job! Wonderful! New and fresh starts are always good for the soul!

3. Found something fun for you, my friends, to do while you're here visiting! In the sidebar there is a new gadget (really a widget) to play with. Go ahead scribble in it, draw me a picture (a nice one) and click the save button. It will be saved online.

Found something new and fun!

Hey if you like to sketch, check out Sketch Swap

The Coffee or The Cup

My father sent this to me and I'd like to share it with all of you. There are times that I do not enjoy "looking into the mirror" and seeing my reflection, but we all must do so, if we are to mature and find joy and happiness in this life here.

The Coffee or The Cup!

This really is profound, I am going to try and keep this in mind the next time I feel "stressed".....

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Fresh Bread, Little Helper, and Puppy

1. The aroma of fresh bread (foccacia w/parmesan, to be exact) from the oven. Mmmmm...so good, in fact, I bought one and when I got into the car, I tore off a large chunk and proceeded to eat it right away! So much for dinner...................:)

2. I went grocery shopping this morning and a young boy of about 12 approached me in front of the soups and asked "Where is the tomato soup?" I pointed it out and he grabbed two large cans and took off running. The next aisle over there he was again and asked me where another item was, grabbed it and took off running! This continued throughout my shopping and I observed him several times with his arms loaded down. When I got to the check-out stand there he was with a shopping cart piled high. He was alone, so I asked him if he got all of his shopping done, to which he replied "Yes, but I am worn out." As I pushed my cart out to unload my groceries, there he was again! This time unloading them into the back of a beat up pick-up. As he climbed into the truck (on the passenger side) I heard him say to the elderly woman in the driver's seat "That was sure fun, Grandma!"

3. A small yellow lab puppy on a leash, running round 'n round his owner's legs! I had to laugh!

My parents, Drive, and Memes

1. I believe that my parents are wonderful! I'm thankful that the good Lord placed me in their care and that they gave me the knowledge they have, that they love me, and now that "I'm all grown up" I can recognize it. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

2. After yesterday's overcast and soggy skies, I was thrilled to awake to sunshine! Driving in the beautiful sunshine is always refreshing!

3. I have been looking at several "Memes" to use on my blog, but was always a bit disappointed to find that they had no real value, no purpose, no meaning to me. What is a “meme”, you ask? According to Merriam-Webster Online, it is: An idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.
In my opinion, that may be good...or, it may be bad! I wanted to find one that I could learn something from, that would cause me to think and maybe, just maybe, may cause my readers to think also. Finally, I believe I have found one that could be of use here. So, every Tuesday will be devoted to the Meme of my choice. And the winner is....................................Starting next Tuesday!

Is It a Bird?, New Blog Friends, and a little Jaunt

1. The little neighbor cat, whom I have aptly named Little Bell (since she wears a little bell on her collar) came to visit this morning. After saying hello and getting the daily pet, she jumped onto the fence and into the tree where she sat like a bird and watched the traffic meander by for 1/2 an hour.

2. I am enjoying a couple new friends I have met at Blog Catalog . Be sure to visit!

3. What a treat to go visiting loved ones!

Summer Showers, First Day of the Week, and the Votes Are In

1. All through the night, I could hear the water trickling down the water-spout outside my window. Not hard, but steady. Over my morning cup of coffee I watched the birds bathing in the "street baths" and puddles and acting happy as a lark (giggle). Summer showers are such a blessing. Giving life and refreshment to all that is living!

2. Today is the Lord's Day! Today I am blessed to assemble with the Lord's people and worship the one and only, true and living God.

3. Thank you to all who have cast your vote in order to help me name my painting studio. It has been neck n' neck throughout the last 2 weeks, but this morning one name has pulled ahead.............................(drum roll)........................THE WATER BUCKET STUDIO!

Rooster

Rooster, watercolor, 11 x 15

Whew! It's been awhile since I've posted a watercolor painting. I hope you enjoy this one I finished this morning.

Manners, Growth and Little Pilots

1. Today, my son brought home a very nice young man to meet me. A young man from the midwest with the nicest manners a mother could hope for. My son is polite also and I am happy to see that he is befriending young men who are aware of their place and show respect to others.

2. My own personal growth has become a priority and focus for me. Especially the use of my tongue. I don't have a problem with the language I choose to use, but where and when I voice my opinion or thoughts. It feels good to be able to walk away from a conversation without kicking myself for the things I have said that were destructive, uninvited, or even useless to the other person.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:35-37

Notice, the Lord said "...........every idle word..............." Sure, makes me want to be careful!

3. This past week when I go out to the porch in the mornings, I have been watching the hummingbirds. They are frantically storing up "fuel" for the long migration in the fall. They are fun to watch and amazing little pilots too!

Liberty, Mary, and Thursday Tacos

Name my studio! Only 2 days left to cast your vote!

1. My elderly neighbor, Liberty, is a wonderful little gal! Such a joy to talk with and she is the proud owner of my "alarm clock".....Cuthbert, the rooster that I wrote about in an earlier post.

2. I received a sweet comment on yesterday's post from Mary over at Across the Pond . I really do enjoy hearing from my readers, so keep the comments coming!

3. My dear hubby and I really like homemade tacos. We were talking this evening and we find it funny that we always seem to fix tacos on Thursdays and it's just one of the meals that we both enjoy fixing together.

To Know Me is to Love Me

I'm not a snob, but, I may be an INTROVERT. I found this description of myself at Crazy Dust in My Coffee

Introversion

"Remember, someone you know, respect, and interact with every day is an introvert, and you are probably driving this person nuts."

~ Jonathan Rauch

"I am an introvert.

This means that I prefer to be by myself. It’s not that I can’t or won’t talk with other people, it’s just that to recharge my batteries I need lots of time away from people. In solitude and quiet self-reflection. Alone.

This does not mean that I am weird or strange. It just means that I process information differently than extroverts do. Introverts think then speak, while extroverts think while speaking. It’s that simple.

This does not mean that I don’t care about others. It just means that hearing about the details of day-to-day existence for someone else tires me, so I don’t clamor to hear about someone else's life. Hence, you’ll get very few phone calls and very little chitchat from me. People wear me out.

This does not mean that I never socialize and that I am shy. It just means that I prefer smaller groups of people over larger groups of people. When faced with parties and big events I tend to fade into the background and/or get very quiet because I feel uncomfortable with all the movement and shallow talking that is going on around me. I get tired.

And finally, this does not mean that I am aloof or haughty. It just means that I look at things more deeply and then measure my words more slowly than extroverts. In reality, I’m the flexible, independent, responsible, creative and reflective soul who sits on the curb watching the parade go by, cheering the extroverts on, trying to make sense of it all. . . and wondering when I’ll be able to get back home to recharge."

Yard Work, Cast Iron, and Myrna Loy

1. Nobody can say that I am an avid gardener or even one who spends very much time with my fingers in the dirt, but it is a joy to awake on a summer morning and be blessed with the energy, time, and desire to do just that. Yesterday was glorious as my dear hubby was painting a bench for our porch (not too difficult of labor as to break open the cut he recently acquired) and I was trimming the shrubs, pulling weeds and "sprucing up" the yard! It is just a blessing to have a yard that I can call my own! Can't wait for spring!

2. Mmmmm..... a scrumptious pot roast cooked in an old, deep cast iron roaster (my latest garage sale find)!

3. Has been a treat to watch some old Myrna Loy movies. One of my favorites is Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Go to MSN Myrna Loy
for a full listing of her films and other information.

Access, Birds, and Simple Things

1. Several days ago I woke up to find that my computer monitor had died in the middle of the night and I have been without internet access ever since. I know you all know how that makes one feel.......panic, at a loss, confusion, etc.! I quickly called around for prices and to my dismay found that the only thing that will fit into our budget at the moment, is an old CRT! Horror!!!! No Way!!!!! So after several days of being "detached", today I quickly ran to purchase the dreaded monstrosity (a box, 15 x 19) for $1 and placed it on my desk. It takes up my entire desk, so that I have to hold the keyboard on my lap, BUT I am connected again and I can write to all of you and let you know what I have been enduring. :) LOL!!!!! It is good to have internet access, once again!

2. Birdies, birdies, birdies! They are flying up and trying to get inside the birdhouses, even as my dear hubby is in the process of hanging them! They must make claim to the new homes before winter is upon them, I guess.

3. Why must the world make the simplest things in life so complicated? I must remind myself to BREATHE slowly......BREATHE slowly.......this is a simple thing.

My son, Ladies who know when to give a hug, The End Call button

1. I love my son. I will support my son. I know my son will make right and good choices for himself and they will be pleasing to God.

2. It is wonderful and endearing when with a group of ladies, one will just know, instinctively, when you are in need of a hug, a squeeze of the hand, or just a kind word.

3. I am so thankful for telephones. They are very handy when you need to call a friend over for a cup of tea and crumpets, ask the doctor for an appointment, find out what movies are playing, etc. But I also am thankful for the End Call button! I don't know about of you, but I have noticed a new fad in telemarketing. The incessant "Customer Appreciation" calls are on the rise! You know how they go......."Hello Mrs. So-and-So. I'm Buffy with such-and-such company and I am not selling anything today, but our company noticed you are such a wonderful customer we would like to show you our appreciation by sending you free coupons in the mail. I assure you there are no strings attached. In 30 days we will enroll you in our free coupon program that will be delivered promptly to your home every month to use as you wish. Your credit card will only be charged $5.99. " The first 4 or 5 calls like this I was very polite, but when every company you have ever heard of begins calling with the same blathering, I will be honest, I have lost my polite tone with them. Just today I interrupted the caller and told her to not bother with her speel, as I was not interested in her offer and that I was only interested in her taking my name and number off her list. Her reply? "Oh! Don't get upset! I'll call you back tomorrow!" So much for customer appreciation. Needless to say, I am thankful for the End Call button.

New window coverings, Bell, and Solitude

1. Had a lovely pair of vintage drapes and nowhere to hang them. Since they were 96" long, I didn't want to be cutting them up. I knew I would be able to use them one day. They measured 42" wide at the bottom and 24" wide at the top w/pleats. Well, in the new home I didn't have any coverings for our sliding glass door off the dining room, so I had a FLASH! I opened up the pleats, cut 9" off the top and sewed these into tabs and TA! DA!, I now have a beautiful window covering for the dining room. :)

2. The cat that lives across the street is a fun one to watch, especially in the morning. We have alot of birds in the neighborhood and she sits under a wooden bike jump ramp, waiting for the birds to fly in close to her. She comes flying out from under it, with paws swinging! The problem is she can never catch her prey.........she wears a bell (thus, the name I have given her).

3. For the past 1 1/2 years we have lived in the noisiest places! One block off a major highway, in the middle of town, and 1/2 a block from the local "watering hole". Then on a major thoroughfare, where the speed is posted 45, but the drivers travel at 60 and up. Today, I am taking in the peaceful quiet and solitude on our block (other than Cuthbert crowing and Bell's bell) ............. mmmmm, it's very refreshing!

Word from a friend, Visit from a friend, and Painting Time

1. Yesterday I opened my email and was thrilled to have received word from a dear friend that she would be arriving today and would stop in for coffee and a nice visit. Who would pass up on that?

2. And yet, another friend (a new one) called this morning and announced that she would be visiting today also! In fact, she just left and I'm so glad she came by. It is so good to have friends!!!

3. I love my new studio and have finally wet my brushes again! Will post a new painting in a couple of days, so check back.

Cuthbert in the A.M., Sunshine, and My Studio

To those who in the past became loyal readers of my blog, only to find out that I did not keep up with it, I apologize and hope that you will come back again. After several months of steering away from my 3 Blessings a Day, I am re-committing to meditating on the blessings I receive from The Lord daily and posting here more frequently. I also want to begin posting more paintings also. I have so much to be thankful for and I could never count them all.....they are innumerable!

1. In our new home, waking up in the morning is such a pleasurable treat! The little elderly lady that lives behind us has a pet rooster named Cuthbert. Besides the fact, that I love those old names, I also appreciate Cuthbert. Anywhere between 4:30 and 6:30 AM every morning, he starts off his crowing and sometimes it can go on for an hour. So far, Cuthbert has caused me to awake with a smile on my face every morning!!!!!!! There is something so sweet about awaking to the sound of him crowing; it is far better than any man-made alarm clock.

2. Bright, beautiful and healing light streaming in through the living room window in the morning!

3. I have spent the last year painting at the kitchen table. Dragging my paint and supplies out and then stuffing it all away when the dinner bell rings. I've had no where to store my paintings. But, today, I have my own room. My own painting studio, where I can leave it all out and paint whenever I want! WOW! Please, help me name it by voting in the Voting Booth to your right.

I DIDN'T LIFT A FINGER TODAY!

Well, of course, I have lifted a finger today! BUT, I did not do any heavy lifting, hammering, shoving boxes, or any labor involving anything beyond what I wanted to do. Wonderful! Once in awhile and especially after spending the last 2 1/2 wks prepping our new home (scrubbing, painting, carpeting, and did I say, scrubbing?) and of course the enjoyable moving itself, one MUST have a bit of respite. And, I am very pleased with the outcome of our new home; it does feel like a place of refuge. Above and below gives you a small peek of the parlor ( giggle.........the living room ).


This morning, a new and dear friend came for coffee and she brought the muffins and we just sat and talked. Getting to know one another better is so important in order for a friendship to grow, I think. I was so surprised and pleased when she brought me a gift of a teacup and saucer from her own collection; what a sweet gift! She also brought me a dishcloth hand crocheted by her daughter. Who could ask for a more lovely friendship?

Let's see.......I did a load or two of laundry, put 3 artichokes in the crockpot to cook, ran a few quick errands, and then curled up on the sofa to begin a new read.

A few minutes ago, I got up and entered my "new watercolor studio" and checked out a blog I've been enjoying reading....Lynne's Little Corner of the World . It's a book blog and if you are a reader, you should visit her there. I think you might enjoy it too.

BTW, I have been contemplating a name for my watercolor studio. I have narrowed it down to 2 possibilities and I would like your opinion. Just so you know, as you can see in the pictures of my studio, on my painting table my water bowl (dish, receptacle, whatever) is an old porcelain enamel "potty", so that is where the inspiration for my 2 choices have come from. I've placed a voting poll on the side, so PLEASE VOTE and help me out!


I wanted to tell you that soon I will have a new 37" Flat-panel LCD HDTV from Best Buy! How's that for positive thinking? LOL! Really, you can enter to win one at 5 Minutes for Mom
Go ahead! Someone will win it!

It is so good to be back! I have been away from my blog for so long and I am planning to blog and paint more frequently now, so keep checking back!

Speed Painting in Watercolors

Wonderful to watch...if he'd only slow down a bit! LOL!

Painting Still

Primrose Pots, watercolor, 11 x 15

A Rose is a Rose, watercolor, 11 x 15

With the wonderful arrival of summer I am looking forward to some nice walks on the beach, but I have been so busy with the set-up and arrangement of our new home, all of the added chores and errands that come with moving, and exploring this new and delightful community I have not had one moment to do that. I did go sit on the beach a few weeks ago, when Darrell (my brother) and Karen came to visit, but I really do need to go and collect some seashells soon. I have not given up painting.....FORBID!!!!!!! Our watercolor group has taken a short vacation for the summer months, but I know all of them are continuing to paint just as I am.
Above are two paintings that I completed recently. With my cheap little Kodak I struggle to get a "straight" picture of my paintings, but I wanted to share these with all of you. I hope you enjoy!

Cup o' Tea?

Cup o' Tea?, watercolor, 7 x 11

Whew! I didn't realize that so much time has passed since I posted here last! I apologize to all of you who have been regularly visiting here. I have been painting along the theme of "tea" lately and I hope you enjoy today's painting. This came out pretty light after I loaded it on my computer and I still have some darker shadows to add, but I wanted to give you all something to peek at.

I will be busy for the next couple of weeks, as we are moving!!!!! Yeah! I have been looking forward to this day for some time now. So, I will see you again, as soon as we get settled and hooked back up once again!

Fifteen People I Would Like to Meet

1. Jesus

2. the apostle, Paul

3. President George W. Bush

4. First Lady Laura Bush

5. Oprah Winfrey

6. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine on Seinfeld)

7. Alan Alda

8. Regis Philbin

9. Glenn Beck

10. Fred Dalton Thompson (Republican Senator; Law and Order)

11. Robert Duvall

12. Tasha Tudor

13. Sydney Poitier

14. Denzel Washington

15. Katie Couric

So, there you have it! 15 people I would like to meet. There are so many others that would be interesting to sit down and chat with, but when put to the test, they didn't come to mind. Who do you want to meet????

I have been painting and have a few WIP's and a couple of very exciting things happening in my life, but posting them will have to wait for now. Please come back to visit!

15 Things In My Fridge

Just for fun............

1. orange juice
2. milk
3. leftover porkchop
4. grape juice
5. salsa
6. mayo
7. 3 bell peppers
8. lettuce
9. cheese
10. 2 tomatoes
11. eggs
12. cottage cheese
13. thawing chicken
14. bottled water
15. pickles

So, there you have it! Now if someone would just come home and cook!!!!! :)
What's in your fridge??? See you next Friday!

A Birthday Gift

My dear mother's birthday was fast approaching and I didn't have a card, so I quickly painted these Iris' for her and made it into a card. I hope you enjoy it as much as she did....I know she did because she called me, gushing!!! Happy Birthday, Mom.

For Goodness Sake

While speaking with a friend this morning, a subject was touched on that I have pondered on many times in the past and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you. Feel free to let me know what you think.

Through my own experiences I have found that when offering to help someone or just offering to do something for someone, they often reply with "Oh thank you, but I don't need help" or "Oh, I don't want to impose on you! You shouldn't do that." To my shame, I also have responded in this way many times.

In Galations 1:2, we read: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. And in verse 10, we read: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In Philippians 2:3-4, we read: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

And so, my thought (or question) is this. Could I hinder someone's personal growth and cause them to stumble, if everytime they offer a helping hand or desire to do something kind and good, I shut them down and do not give them opportunity to do so? Human nature is such that upon consistent rejection many will tend to stop offering deeds of kindness. Also, if I consistently reject help or kindness, am I really proclaiming I am not in need at all? Do I not need God? Do I not need my fellow brethren? Did not Christ organize His church in such a way as to provide one another with help and encouragement??

This is not to say that there are times and situations, when one just needs to tackle something on his own. And yes, there are times when, for practical purposes, one cannot help. Good sense and a desire to do what is good and right has to come into play.

So the next time someone offers to help you or do something good and kind toward you, graciously accept with a smile and thank God for dwelling in them. And do the same; offer to help someone in need or just do something kind and good to a fellow human being.

A Touch of Spring

A Touch of Spring, wc, 11 x 15

A tribute to my dear internet friend, Taylor Bush, who has encouraged me along in so many ways. I have learned so much from her! Visit her wonderful website at http://zoeartist.net

Family, 75 years, & Deer

On Saturday we drove to my parents home and my brothers and wives, nieces and nephews, etc. all converged on my father for his surprise 75th birthday party. My mother had planned it well and he was truly surprised. We all had alot of fun and enjoyed a nice lunch together. We had never been able to get everyone together all at the same time, so it was wonderful to grab a photo while we had the chance. I think, most importantly, my father had a wonderful time! Below is the painting that my mother commissioned me to paint for him. I have never done a landscape and this one was quite a challenge with the rainbow. I know it needs alot of work on the values, but after several attempts, my time (and patience) had run out. It does look very nice framed and matted. Dad likes it and that is what is important to me.
Yesterday afternoon I was pleasantly surprised as I stepped out on our deck! Our little deer friends were back and grazing in the yard below. I have not seen them in a few months.

A Place to Call Home

1. As some of you know, we have been looking to move to Florence (not in Italy, unfortunately, but just as well, on the beautiful Oregon coast). Well, it looks like we are going to be able to do that soon. I'll keep you updated as it all unfolds. Once again, as always, the Lord is sooooo good!!!

2. Watercolor class today! I know many of you tire of hearing about my class, but it is so important to me. It is my "therapy", my "respite", my "fun, fun, fun"!!!

3. We took our sweet kitty, Scooter, to the vet to be spayed last week and she healing up well. It is just a joy to watch her! You can see her sweet face here.