My morning workout...

Hello!

As I sit here typing, I can see the outside view from the big arched window in our dining room.

On a typical day, I am out for my morning walk and jog...

Taking in all of the beauty that surrounds me here on the prairie.

Today is different.

It is a cooler morning.

The wind is harsh.

The sky is darkening.

I tell myself to just go!

Put on those running shoes and toughen up.

But then, I take another sip of my coffee. It's oh, so hot and filled with goodness.

I have unfinished business to tend to with my art journal and new watercolor pencils.

But my thighs are getting flabby.

Should I?

Should I dig out my fuzzy thermal underwear and go out?

Afterall, it's not snowing...

Or raining as it was yesterday when I skipped my exercise routine.

My mind is bouncing all over the place this morning. (One would consider that in itself a good workout)!

Yesterday I had a genuine excuse.

I had a morning hair appointment.

Do you like my stripes?

*giggle*

I needed some change.

Later in the day, I had a date with my hubby.

Nothing fancy.

In fact, it's just an A&W/ Long John Silvers. Fast food...

But so retro.

More photo opportunities!

Oh dear.

The sky is nearly black now.

I need another cup of coffee...

or a brisk walk.

Enjoy your day!

XO

 

Too good not to share...

Fall has officially arrived!

A big hello to you...

and to the spooky month of October!

I get extremely camera happy this time of year and find myself photographing pumpkin displays when I am out shopping. True story.

Displays make lovely photographs, don't you agree?

While out shopping, hubby and I also stumbled upon something that is just too good not to share with you!

(If you are a coffee drinker, that is).

 

Normally, we do not buy flavored coffee because we really do prefer a plain ol' cup of joe with our choice of flavored creamer. We are strange like that...

one morning we may be in the mood for a simple French vanilla...

but by evening, we may want Irish cream or caramel macchiato in our coffee.

However, when we saw the clearance shelf in the store for "Blueberry Muffin" coffee, $1.00...

we both agreed that it was certainly worth a try for that price.

So, "how good was it", you may be wondering.

Oh, my.

 

Friends, this coffee, topped off with vanilla creamer, is absolutely heavenly and too good not to share!

It also earned a spot in my art journal!

That's how good it was!

It does not have a fruity taste. It's a sweet coffee and very smooth. I'm so glad that we picked up two bags and I plan on trying more flavors from the bakery series, including more Blueberry Muffin!

I painted in my art journal using Faber-Castell watercolor pencils, Albrecht Durer-

Something else that is seriously too good not to share!

I splurged and chose the full set of 120 pencils. After reading such wonderful reviews, I felt confident in my decision. (I went back and forth with sets and added single pencils to my cart as well... For two days). Do you do that?

When I opened the metal box, my eyes lit up.

Color does that to me!

This metal box holds three layers of beautiful watercolor pencils.

I will say that I have no regrets and I'm very pleased with my purchase.

The pencils are creamy, vibrant and don't seem to leave a pencil mark residue on the paintings after water has been added.

Once again, all paintings shown in this post have been created with these Faber-Castell watercolor pencils.

I will close for now. My work for the day is done.

I'm now sipping on a cup of Blueberry muffin coffee and ready to play again with the new pencils!

This is a perfect day!

 

 

Seaside Dreamin'...

Hello, out there!

Are you loving Your Summer?

I certainly am, but I must confess...

I don't feel like it's Summer yet. Because I am a school employee,and have been for years now, I am used to having Summers off. With this little Summer school job, I am still answering to an alarm clock way early in the morning and when I arrive back home, I'm tired. (Getting older)! It's a challenge to spark creativity, but I push myself. I also should be enjoying these few weeks before our wedding, and focusing on wedding & honeymoon details...

But I'm burned out and exhausted.

I am so looking forward to our special day and spending time with family....

And I can't wait to walk barefoot on hot sand and relax to the sound of splashing waves, with my sweetheart!

I wish the time would arrive already (and Summer school would be completed), so that I could truly be on Summer vacation!!! I have so much to look forward to! I'm so blessed...

But just like my students, I want it all NOW! (She sticks out her bottom lip and pouts).

Ok.

The hissy fit is over! (Or shall I call it, "the Missy fit")? It has a nice ring to it, ey?

Journal, journal, journal!

My personal sounding board and dear friend.

 

I will dream that the day has come and that Paul and I are gathering beautiful seashells along the shoreline!

 

Oh, I would just flip if I found a sand dollar or a really unique shell for our collection!

For this journal page I started out with the Gelato sticks (background), wet. I really should have added more layers for a more vibrant color, but I wanted to sketch and paint the seashells NOW! I am really on my last nerve! Lol.

 

I painted most of the shells with Twinkling H2o's. The photos do not show the shimmer. These watercolors are so much fun and perfect for those paintings that need some sparkle, such as shells! Just look at all of the choices for pearalized effect? Lovely.

I adore all things ocean/ beachy.

 

This is our garden tub in the master bathroom. I told you about the shells that my dad picked up...

I kept them.

Put some in this vase, with a lucky bamboo plant!

These plants are great. Just keep water in the vase. That's it. About once a month I freshen up the water!

 

I like to look at pretty things while soaking in a bubble bath! It's also nice to think of my dad, walking in the sand, picking up each and every one of these shells.

 

Yes, I do love the ocean. The sandy beaches.

 

And HIM!

Until next time,

XO

 

Gelato Sticks...

Ok. I will admit.

I am an addict.

I cannot ever have enough art supplies.

When I hear of a new medium, I'm instantly on the computer, reading all about the product...

Reviews, how it works, etc.

My dear friend, Lori, told me about Gelato paint sticks.

I liked what I read. I even watched some fun You Tube tutorials.

Yes, I had to try them out for myself!

 

They arrived just yesterday so I haven't had much time to really play with them, but I did dabble a bit.

I ordered the set of 28 colors, directly from the Faber-Castell website. (One day I will figure out how to link you up... I'm using the Blogsy app on my iPad). The Gelatos arrived in a lovely, floral pattern box.

 

They look like Chapstick!

You may use them wet or dry.

I did both on this quick painting.

A closer look-

 

I like!

The colors are wonderful! Some are even metallic.

 

You can rub them in, layer the colors, apply them directly to a rubber stamp and stamp with them.... Then spray water onto the stamped image for a quick watercolor image! I could go on and on about various uses and techniques...

Which I will be saving to try out with Lori in person!!!! She ordered a set too and we have set a date for a girls' weekend in July!

Go check out the Gelatos!

Happy creating!