Oh, just look...

 

Oh, just look at that creamy, vibrant red!

My fingers are dirty today as I paint.

It all began early this morning. I bounced out of bed, prepared the coffee and paused to snap this photo...

You see, I always stop at this window, each morning, so that I may peek out at the sky, the pond, and our land. I never want to miss out on any magical happenings taking place on the other side of this window!

Then I saw the assembly line that I placed onto the dining room table the night before. My "to do" for today.

Christmas ornaments.

Yes, it's time if I want to stay ahead of the game. Several of these are custom ornaments for a client who orders every year...and, a year in advance.

I have some fresh ideas and changes coming soon! I will certainly tell you all about it soon!

It has been a very quiet past few days here with my hubby being away and only having myself and two dogs to tend to. We have been outdoors, in the garden...

 

Harvesting salad!

We have been walking, patio sitting, reading, playing, shadow dancing.

Thinking about this guy...

Going through more pictures from last weekend's trip...

I have enjoyed a few naps too!

Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

XO

 

Another day...same dog.

This morning I completed the bulldog painting for friend, Lori!

Yay!

The hot pink may be a bit too much, but I really wanted to keep the painting fun and playful. I have never really painted pets before so I still have much more to learn and improve on. This was a great challenge piece!

I will begin packing my bags on Tuesday, leave for Lori's house on Wednesday. We have some birthday decorations to create and some places to explore before her 50th birthday party on Saturday night!

I am packing my "big" camera and iPad so possibly, I will even do a blog post while there.

It's been a beautiful week here on the prairie with fabulous skies greeting me from our big arched windows.

I do always miss home when I go away.

I am such a creature of habit who prefers her comfort zones.

Hey! We planted our garden yesterday! I look forward to using our own grown vegetables for salads, cooking and juicing soon!

I love to try new combinations in my Breville juicer, however, still prefer the carrot juice with apples and this week, I added locally grown wheatgrass to the blend.

Nothing beats the taste of fresh juice!

Ok, dear readers.

That's all that I have for now!

I am off to varnish the bulldog painting!

Until next time...

XO

 

A Bulldog birthday...

Hello!

I'm taking a little break from painting on this Friday night. Just poured myself a cup of Joe.

I sit back and critique.

I see eyes that need corrected in addition to adding more layers of luscious acrylic paint.

Needs more highlights. Mmmmm hmmmmmm.

But, oh how fun this silly painting is!

A girl and her Bulldog.

You see, next week is my friend, Lori's 50th birthday and I will be taking a road trip to attend her party and to spend a few days.

She loves Bullodogs and now owns three.

I woke up this morning with the idea to paint a whimsical portrait of her and one of her fur babies...

If I hurry, it will be a nice surprise for her!

I started on it this afternoon.

I will continue on with this project tomorrow!

 

Hubby and I went out for Chinese this evening. One of my faves! How about you? I chose the cashew chicken.

The sun has just set.

I enjoy painting by the big kitchen windows at times. I feel more connected to nature from this view. Birds are gleefully singing...

Another super sunny Spring day here on the prairie!

Goodnight, friends!

I'll meet you right back here,

Very soon!

XO

 

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!