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

 

From The Country... Art Journal Catch Up.

Hello out there!!!!

Oh, what a slice of Heaven it is, to be on Summer break! It's nice to wake up each morning, knowing that I can do anything that I desire... However, I do have some commission work to tend to (more on that in another post). I bounce out of bed bright and early, eager to play! Of course, even this requires coffee.

I did spend the first hour or so adding another layer of paint to a commission painting, but then I decided to catch up on some art journaling.

Do you recall the rooster journal entry? Well, I didn't use an entire page for the entry and I just cannot bring myself to waste any space in my art journals...

So, I did this-

I started journaling on the same page as the silly rooster entry, and spilled over onto the following page.

I like!

 

I'm so picky about my journals. I didn't want to start any new entries until I documented our Florida vacation! I like order and sequence.

Now that we are back home, we are working on our patio to create our own tropical paradise. Our patio bar has been completed. We pick up the quartz countertop Friday! The bar will also be a wonderful work station for me. We purchased some large tropical plants and pots over the weekend!

A little at a time.

That's okay. We have the rest of our lives here, together!

I must dash for now and get the chicken outside, and on the grill!

I shall return very soon!

 

Bright, Bold, Summer Colors!

Is it just me...

Or do you also get excited when you are surrounded by COLOR? I can hardly contain myself! I start snapping pictures, dashing from one bright color to the next! My head starts spinning, thinking about the colors on a canvas or in a future project. I returned home from Florida, feeling so inspired by colors!

Beautiful art displays throughout the Hyatt hotel really caught my eye. I even snapped a pic of the artist information, but unfortunately, the pic is nowhere to be found now so I cannot provide proper credit. So sorry.

I would pass by these displays daily during our stay. I would stop and take it all in. I feel sad for people who rush through life and never really stop to look at things. I observe everything. Rocks, flowers, textures, colors! I may never see that object or place ever again. I like to touch and smell!

Disneyworld is full of color and inspiration! (Disneyland in California is wonderful too... and will always be my magical place)!

Oh, so colorful tree flags at "Animal Kingdom". I love the Lion King movie. I cried. Then smiled! It's such a heartwarming show.

 

The last photo is from Epcott. Along with colorful inspiration, I also enjoyed the quick trips through several different countries!

So. What will I do with all of this color inspiration?

Well, the fantastic news is...

I now have the entire Summer to to dabble in many projects! Yesterday was the last day of school!!!! Working in a High school and being surrounded by graduating seniors, I felt as if I also graduated from school! At last, some time to rejuvenate, feel the sun on my skin, rest, think, slow down and observe even more! Today my sweetheart and I are taking a day trip to celebrate Summer! We are working on our patio (and even considering the purchase of a hot tub)... So we are going to shop for plants, pots, and colorful decor! He has also promised me a trip to a Barnes and Noble for some new art books and magazines! I want to do everything!!!! Paint, learn more about pastels, read, work in the garden and eat home grown salads!

Let the Summer vacation begin...

And surround myself in bright COLORS each and every Summer day!

Blessings to you!

 

Florida Vacation!

We have been away...

For some much needed rest and relaxation, but mostly... Some sunshine! Oh my, it has been a long Winter here in Kansas. I need to see COLOR. For too long, Kansas has been grey.

Off to Florida we went!

We stayed at this beautiful Hyatt Regency resort hotel.

Of course we experienced days of magic at the Disney parks! I can't possibly share every photo. ( I took over 300 pics)!

We saw love under the stars...

Palm trees dancing with the cool breeze.

We enjoyed quiet evenings with my family on the patio.

I tasted coffee from every restaurant!

A day at Cocoa beach provided me with a sun kissed glow.

Thanks, dad and mom!!!!!

I love you so!

Now back home...

One more week of work and then 10 days off before I begin working Summer school. ( I had not planned on working at all this Summer, but it was offered to me and I just could not turn down an elementary position)!

So much more to look forward to. Our June wedding and more family time.... And the entire month of July to play, not work!!!! Many creative ideas in my head and more sights to see!

No more grey. Kansas is green again, the sun brightly shines, and our garden is growing!

It's always nice to return home after a vacation.

Until next time...