A Traveling Twist...

Home Sweet Home!

I find myself whispering these words,under my breath, often this week!

A trip to visit my now 50 year old friend, Lori, turned out to be a 9 day journey to 2 different cities in Kansas...

and not really knowing exactly when I would be returning back home since I was a passenger!

We will start the story in Wichita, Kansas.

 

Once I arrived at Lori's house, we did not waste any time in starting on the huge, wood photo booth bus for her hippie themed 50th birthday party!

We painted for two days, on her patio. We had sunshine, we had a few patches of grey, overcast skies. We had 70's music playing.

We had wonderful grilled meals, along with oh so pretty salads.

We had fun and good conversation.

Once the project was completed, we did get out to a few shops in Old Town.

I did not get to stay for the big birthday bash.

My uncle passed away...

So on to my home town I went to attend the funeral service and to enjoy time with my family.

I absolutely love hanging out with my parents!

We spent a couple of days exploring small surrounding towns, visiting antique malls and shops. We dined out, visited friends. Found serenity and I always find a new appreciation for the landmarks that I passed nearly daily for 45 years... but never really observed.

It's the little things and this place, these people...

Will always be "home" also.

Home sweet home.

Back in my own bed at night, loving our newly remodeled kitchen and living room!

Trying to get our home clean now and re-decorated has been my primary focus. Laundry, grocery shopping too!

My wonderful hubby and I catch up over coffee and food from "The Waffle House" on a cold, rainy night in between errands.

I am trying to get back into my routine, but have committed to some substituting at school. (Now just wishing to be done with that because I need my quiet, creative lifestyle more so).

I know me.

I long to just journal with a cup of tea.

No commitments for awhile.

Soon.

Very soon.

I hope that you are loving life!

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

 

Simple, Silly Life...

Hello, friends!

How are you?

Well, August flew by rather quickly...

and I became another year older.

My sweet husband left a chalkboard message for me, beside my coffee pot, on the morning of my birth date.

I have never minded aging...

up until this year. Maybe a little last year, but not like this. 49. That's just too close to 50!

Art journal time has been badly needed these days.

If you keep your own journal, you totally get where I am coming from.

Just jotting down the day's events and some scribbling seems to help with my balancing act.

Commissions continue to come my way, therefor, I do not journal as much as I'd like to.

On my birthday, I did play, of course!

And...

today being Friday,

By gosh, I'm at it again and it feels fantastic!

It's been a cool, rainy day.

I did work this morning, but then this afternoon the urge came over me. You know...

when our mind plays tricks on us. I absolutely love those chilly Fall days, all wrapped up in a fluffy blanket with a hot cup of coffee and my paints. My Molskine journal. So, it suddenly became a real Fall day (in my head), and so the art journaling began.

Watercolor pumpkins that fold out and hold secret messages inside.

Wet brushes swooshing over the pages.

Colors spreading in directions, all of their own.

Pure joy for this girl. (I refuse to say woman at this time). "Girl" just sounds more fun, and fun is what I shall have!

Hours have passed and I'm still painting, cutting, pasting, and smiling.

Some may call it a waste of time.

For me, art journaling is one of the best ways to spend time. It's a part of myself, poured onto the pages of a sleek, black book.

Maybe some day my journals will be in the hands of others. Possibly my niece or a relative. I do hope that they will enjoy my ramblings about life!

I so love life.

The simple things, like grabbing my camera at 6:30 am and dashing out the front door to capture this amazing sunrise.

Just look at those rays!

No editing on these photos. These are all natural and true.

It was absolutely worth being outside, in my pajamas for this. (And I know that I looked silly)!

What silly simple things do you do to love your life?

Please, share!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

XO

 

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!

 

Cake...

I am always inspired by events, celebrations... and cake! As I prepared for Paul's Birthday I found myself painting pretty pastries and mixing paints to create the perfect "chocolate frosting" color. I am always captivated by the fluffy, swirly icing... the texture and the perfect peaks!

I started this 5"x7" watercolor card last night while eating leftover cake! (Another great thing about Birthdays is leftover cake and ice cream)!

This chocolate cake is from a journal entry last week.

And more art journaling.

Because I journal and paint nearly daily, I do not wish to be confined to my art room. I prefer portability. I move from room to room, and during Summer months, I prefer to be outdoors.

This works for me-

Isn't it great?

It will even hold my iPad and iPhone!

It was back to work today. I was ready to get back into routine again. I seem to get more done when I am working. Strange, but true. After work, I did two loads of laundry, painted, made a hair appointment for Friday, ate supper, blogged! I'm not always creative and energetic when working, but I do believe that during time off I just prefer to pamper myself with rest. I give myself permission to do absolutely nothing on days off. Once in work mode... I work, I create, I cook, clean, and juggle! Of course, I am now wearing down. Time to read for awhile before bed. Oh, and I might just enjoy a piece of cake with some hot tea.

Sweet dreams to all!