AdventureLand...

The first two pages of my travel journal.

I had good intentions of filling this journal with bits and pieces of cherished moments roaming from Kansas, Memphis, Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC, New Jersey, New York, Maryland...

however, it just didn't happen. Possibly, it seemed priority to simply take it all in and enjoy the company of those whom I was sharing the beauty with, rather than spend time documenting each step of the way. Naturally, when my family was here for Spring break just last month, I wanted to savor every single minute of each day with just them...not my travel journal!

The time seems "right" now, to begin my travel-art journal, afterall, ADVENTURE is now a huge part of my daily lifestyle, even if it involves only a quick walk down the trail!

My friend, Laura, is here visiting from Florida, and because she and I both share the same interests, she too, will be adding momentos to her travel journal. I have no excuses to not work on my journal now!

These are a few of the photos that I captured on our first day out together as we walked locally.

I am surrounded by beauty here, in this new place called home. I never seem to get bored with the local atmosphere. I find new photo opportunities on every path that I take!

Today I have chosen to stay behind as Laura and another friend explore Washington, DC. The three of us will re-connect on Saturday so this allows me some creative time alone to prepare for the big adventure.

I woke at 6:30 am, brewed the morning coffee. I sipped it slowly...while sitting outside on the deck. I greeted the tiny birds and enjoyed their songs.

 I live amongst the most beautiful finds...

right here.

Inspired by Blue...

I have been re-decorating my bedroom. I tend to stay with soft blue and white for my "serenity room" because it always looks so pure, fresh, clean.

The walls are all white...

and bare.

I decided to paint this canvas for the bedroom.

Still working on it, but getting closer to being finished so I thought I'd go ahead and share!

I used acrylic paints, and even used "Shiva" oil crayons on some of the detail. These oil sticks are amazing, but messy!

I'm having difficulties getting her nose just right so for now, I'll walk away from the painting and go for a walk or something!

Wishing you a perfect day!

Summer wishes...

One day it's raining, the next day it's sunny,...

one day it's chilly out, the next day it's warm.

I wish for Summer sun, tank tops, and beaches!

Until then...

I will create my own Summer.

Pamper...pamper...pamper!

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh! It's the weekend!

It was a very productive week for me. In addition to my recent etsy listings, I was also working on some custom orders. This one was especially fun to do...

and quite fitting because just yesterday, I went to a local salon to get pampered a little! (My hair has really been neglected)!

I do have 2 more custom paintings to fulfill but for now, I think I will get on with this beautiful day because I hear the birds calling me!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, and be sure to pamper yourself a bit!

My wonderland...

The coffee tastes so good this morning! I've added a dash of cinnamon to the already perfect, Starbuck's Italian blend. As I sip, I see the sun peeking through the little windows of my art space. Of course, I have already been busy with today's assembly line of "Wonderland" cards. Because it is such a beautiful day outside (no rain), I don't think that I'll do any etsy shop listings. I want to be out and about, exploring my own wonderland! I want to take colorful pictures and collect nature findings from the ground! I may even stumble upon some friendly Gnomes.
Believe!

"City Girl" returns...

Busy day here in the studio!

Another assembly line, and, another appearance from, "City Girl"! I shared City Girl with you all on my former blog, "In A Shabby Kind Of Way". She was a published, mixed media piece in the Jan./Feb 2010 issue of "Somerset Studio". Big honor, as I am a big Somerset Studio reader and fan!

"City Girl" is now available for purchase on 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards, right here!

I have added a special touch to her hat!

And, packaged her up nicely in a pretty, organza gift bag.

The colors on these photos appear to be a little dull. She is much more vibrant!

Perfect for Mother's Day, bridesmaids gifts, shower gifts, birthdays...

or just because!

It's been raining here again.

I want to be outside, exploring. Maybe I will grab my umbrella and go anyway!

How's your weather?

Comments welcome!

Chocolate Inspiration...

Inspiration can come from anywhere, anything.

Because the weather has been so perfect here these past few days, I have spent more time outside!

Over the weekend, I visited this local bakery. It's a wonderful bakery, filled with the prettiest pastries, at a very nice price! For $3.95...

You can have a mini key lime pie tart all to yourself! (I did just that)!

Or, you may have this very loaded chocolate delight, for the same price.

I had one of those as well.

I take my fork and gently begin to break open this treasure...

it was more than I even imagined!

So rich and so fluffy!

Yes, I gained a couple of pounds, I'm sure...

but I also left the bakery with a huge smile on my face and some inspiration for these yummy cards! The cards may be purchased in my etsy shop!

Treat yourself to some good!