Happy Summer!

Oh, dear.

I have done it again.

I have allowed myself to get swept away by Summer bliss...

losing track of days gone by.

 

Instead of blogging, I have been sipping organic tea on the front porch...

day dreaming.

I have followed crazy vines, searching for surprises.

Squeeling with joy when the first white pumpkin was spotted!

Did I tell you that I planted oodles and oodles of pumpkins?

Blue pumpkins, white pumpkins, tiny ornamental pumpkins, and of course, traditional orange pumpkins.

Two very plump, orange pumpkins have made their appearance since these photos were taken!

I never thought that I would say this because I am such a Summer girl...

but I am wishing for Fall to hurry and come.

I'm already thinking of creative Fall to do's!

But this Summer has certainly been a fun one.

I have tried on cool clothes in this very cool dressing room!

Bold colors bursting with bohemian designs...

it's enough to convince me to purchase all of the wonderful pants and tops, some having this same kind of flare!

It's so much fun to twist around and twirl while wearing big bell bottom pants and ruffled sleeves!

I never feel too old to do just that.

If clothing makes me smile...

it's meant to be.

After a sushi lunch with a nice, new girly friend...

I returned back to my prairie home, swinging my large shopping bags!

I have also changed up my routine this Summer.

Hubby and I wake early and enjoy our coffee together. He then goes a few yards away to his work.

I put on my athletic wear (no, I'm not at all athletic)...

and head out for a morning jog and walk.

I do both.

Jog.

Walk.

Jog.

Walk.

 

I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle and even going organic around here.

I will share more on that in a different post!

Some times I even have two fur babies tagging along!

I love this new routine. It's working well for me and has actually made my work days so much more productive.

Once back home, (and still early in the morning), I get my shower and get busy in the studio.

I am more inspired, happier, and even more creative. Really.

I think that because I am so observant of the wild flowers and colors that I see while out, it changes my whole frame of mind! I want more and more color, beauty...

and I can capture all of that again and again with paints and a brush! (In a sense).

Yes, I have also kept quite busy with work.

More and more commission work comes my way and I am still pinching myself just to see if this is all really happening for me!

Friends, I'm currently blessed with the biggest commission piece that has made me nervous, stressed, excited, eager, then joyful! I have remained focused on this piece- Monday through Friday.

A few evening hours were spent on this commissioned piece.

I love the stories that comes with each request.

I have also enjoyed simply being married to my best friend.

Today we had a lunch date out...

More sushi for me...

along with some sugar free dessert!

Note: this was not one of my choices!

Happy Summer to you!

 

Hello, February, 47...and MORE snow!

Hello, friends!

What have you been doing to pass these Winter months?

Possibly it is not cold where you reside...

but it was a mere 14 degrees in my world today, with another fresh blanket of snow.

Even our pond is covered in white.

Beautiful, it is.

Even more beautiful when one can peek at Winter through windows of a toasty, warm house.

Although we do have both central air and heat in our home...

we prefer to use our wood burning stove for heat.

Hubby works hard to cut enough wood to get us through an entire Winter.

Now that I am working from home, I have taken over his job of waking in the middle of the night to stoke the fire and replenish the wood so that the house will remain warm by morning. This allows him to sleep through the night. (I squeeze in a day time nap, if needed)!

I feel like a real pioneer woman.

I love country living.

We are such home bodies, us two.

When I asked him what he would like to do to celebrate his 47th Birthday on Saturday, he replied, "just stay in". I sighed with relief.

I put a roast in the crockpot along with potatoes, onion, and peppers....

and of course, I had already purchased a German chocolate cake and candles. (Too busy with painting to bake this year's cake)!

The party was on!

It was a lovely party of two.

I also did some painting.

 

I love, love, love these boho colors!

We ended Birthday night with a pay per view movie of his choice.

Hello, February and another year of celebration...

and another round of snow.

I will see you again real soon!

 

The Birthday Post...

Hello, dear ones!

Well, today I am another year older!

What a perfect date to begin a brand new art journal, don't you think?

The very first page...

Welcoming another year of life.

It's really been just a typical day. Up at 4:00 am...

Work.

My sweetheart gave me my Birthday gift on Friday. The iPad mini to keep in my work bag. Love it!!! I use my 3rd generation iPad so much, but really did not want to take it to work. The mini is perfect for that!

On Saturday night we indulged in a Birthday buffet.

Treats.

Sweets...

And more treats!

Since my parents had gifted me with a gift card a few weeks ago, to a hobby store...

I purchased some hydrus watercolors, online. They arrived in time for some birthday painting!

Love, love, love!

Thank you, dad and mom! Xo

The colors are very vibrant.

 

I can't believe that I'm now 48 years old. The years are going by quicker and quicker. Yikes!

A short post tonight.

The old Birthday girl is tired. All partied out!

Until next time...

Blessings to you!

 

Sweet Itty Bitty...

Hello and happy Friday!!!

There's just something joyful about Fridays.

Around here, we wake up excited on a Friday morning. My sweetheart greets my morning face by blurting out, "it's Friday, baby"!

We know that this day of the week is the start of some serious play, rest, road trips, and eating sweet desserts!

What girl doesn't adore a pretty dessert adorned with sugary fluff?

I also love to paint desserts.

I finished another itty bitty canvas last night.

I'm working with acrylics, which I must confess...

Is difficult for me.

Watercolors are my thing!

Yet, I try.

I never limit my boundaries in art. I explore all mediums.

I enjoy every minute.

Just as I enjoyed tasting each one of these sweet treats.

Yes, when we go to a buffet, we sample as many desserts possible.

I take a few bites...

He takes a few bites.

We trade desserts back and forth.

Aren't they lovely?

(I do not allow any bites until after I have photographed each dessert)!

I must go pack my overnight bag now.

We are going to meet my family...

And get my sweet niece settled into her new college home.

Oh my, where have the years gone?

We will laugh and dine...

And eat desserts!

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

 

Missy's Mad Tea Party... Come on In!

The invitations were delivered, one by one...

I watched from behind the bushes with excitement as ribbons were un-tied, envelopes opened, and smiles appeared on each recipients' face. Yes! They would attend!

"Attend what", you ask.

It's that most wonderful event that comes once a year!

It is a Mad Tea Party that all began by Vanessa dear! I will provide you with her link at the end of this post!

For now I must dash. We must not be late!!!!

I dig deep into my trunks for the finer treasures that I store-

My china, my fancy linens, hats, and bags.

Ah ha!

There it is!

My tea party purse!!!

How do I look? Aren't the feathers just grand?

Off to another trunk I go. It's the trunk that holds my tea sets...

And a bit of magic too. Shhhhhh.

I reach for each piece and dust them off clean.

After draping the table with a crisp table cloth, I begin setting each place for each special guest.

Oh my, oh my...

I look at the clock.

I have run out of time and desperately need help!

Hmmmm.

It never fails me, when I'm in a pinch.

My magical wand...

Just watch this!

I wave it around and say a few words.

Wa la!

We now have a true tea party with fluffy, pink cakes...

And cups filled with hot tea, ready for sipping!

Have you tried this one?

It's a dreamy delight!

I have saved the very best tea for you!

Filled with blessings and love...

And may all of your dreams come true!

Hurry, hurry!

Drink it up!

I want to thank you for dropping by!

I love how the blogging community comes together for fun and creativity!

A big, big thank you to the charming Vanessa, who hosts this event each year...

This being the 6th!!!!

You can visit Vanessa right here.

Be sure and view the right side of her web page for a list of all Mad Tea Party participants.

Grab a cup of tea...

Or two,

Click on each participant's link to "blog hop" from one fabulous tea party to the next!

I plan to sit down and visit each one...

But for now I must go.

There's a knock at the door and my guests have arrived!