Coffee & wine corks...

Oh, my! Summer sure does keep us hopping, doesn't it? A good kind of hopping, I might add!

Before I share anymore, I will show you my latest project. I refer to these kind of projects as "fun art". Art that comes with no commitment or deadline. Art that allows me to also experiment and play with other goodies such as beads, in this case. It has been a perfect creation to help me to ease back into some painting after returning from a trip...

Just some patio sitting and dabbling.

Ta da!

Wine cork key chains!

You may have seen these in shops or on the Internet, just as I had. I was instantly intrigued by them, especially after holding one in my hand this past weekend while in Branson, MO. (Much cuter in person)! I wanted to make them, however, I do not enjoy copying creations of others. If I am going to call myself an artist, I choose to behave as one! So, I began to think about these darling key chains and challenged myself to be inspired by them, yet make them my own by adding something to them that I had not yet seen. Well, it did not take long before I realized that by using the corks as my canvas, I could add my own special touch with tiny paintings on them! And so...

It began.

From there, I have been bombarded with special orders through my Facebook group. (A huge thanks to those are are keeping me joyfully busy)!

By the way, on Friday I will be giving three of my key chains away to three people so if you have not yet joined "Missy Trent Art", I invite you to do so!

 

I have not played with beads and charms in ages! How fun!

Speaking of fun...

My husband and I took a little road trip last weekend to Hollister and Branson, MO. We met up with some friends and enjoyed a weekend filled with shopping, dining, flea markets, antiquing, music, and of course, coffee!

I highly recommend the "Vintage Paris Coffee & Wine Cafe" in Hollister, MO.

I absolutely loved the "Van Gogh" coffee! (Lavender and honey). Simply the best coffee that I have put to my lips! I could have sit in this cozy coffee house for hours.

Isn't it beautiful? (And yes, I find him to be easy on the eyes also)!

Now, back home...

I continue to treat myself to great coffee and recently purchase a "Chemex" pour over coffee pot.

The little things that make us feel special!

It's quite pretty but I find that my coffee gets cold quickly in the vessel. Have you ever used one and do you have any advice on how to solve this issue? Please, comment and tell me how to love this pot!!! Thank you in advance.

I will leave you with my rainy morning view as I was waiting for my slow pour coffee!

Until next time...

XO

 

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

 

Beneath the big, open sky...

Hello!

I do hope that you had a nice Memorial Day weekend!

We have just returned from a little get-away so this morning I am returning to my routine...

beginning the day with my art journal and coffee, from the patio.

I just cannot get enough of this beautiful weather.

I reflect on our trip to Branson and West Plains, MO.

Nature.

 

An old school house from the past.

One of my favorite tv shows growing up, was "Little House on the Prairie".

Once entering the school house, I was taken back...

And thinking about Laura Ingalls Wilder. I am quite curious about Mansfield, Missouri, where the Ingalls family moved to in 1894 and established home, in which they called, "Rocky Ridge Farm". I must visit Mansfield soon!

To think...

That these desks were once occupied by students in knickers and handmade dresses and school bells rang manually from a one room school house with an out house located behind the building. At times, I believe that I belonged there myself... living a true prairie lifestyle!

There is simply something very grande and uplifting about being beneath a big, open sky with only nature and a few structures...or not.

I always return back home feeling so inspired and more balanced.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Until next time...

XO

 

A new backpack...

Hello, hello!

It happens about this time each year.

My urge to be outdoors and to explore excites me beyond words!

And, because when we do take more road trips throughout the Summer and the journeys are always very unpredictable, I need to carry a lot of stuff...

On my back.

Yes, I prefer a backpack during these warm months, spent outside. Backpacks, I find, free up my arms so that I may snap photos or shop with ease. I can carry a jacket in my backpack, a bottle of water, a book, my camera, my art journal. They are a must for me and this year, I decided that it was time for a new one!

I chose a backpack from Sakroots, along with a matching crossbody cell phone bag with a removable strap. (These are great for keeping in a backpack and removing for quick trips into the convenience store or a restaurant).

Can you tell that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of these purchases?

On this quiet Sunday night, I'm enjoying some bonding time with my watercolors and art journal.

It's been a very laid back weekend. I even started a new book!

I hope that your weekend has been peaceful.

I would love to hear all about it in the comments!

Enjoy!

XO

 

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