Swept away...

Hello!

Oh my. Again! I have been swept away by Summer and all of its offerings.

We recently returned back home after a week long vacation. In my quiet moments, I'm documenting all of our sights and activities.

I always pack my personal art journal and a small bag of supplies, with good intentions...

but rarely do I actually get to the art journal. I am a person who believes in "being present and in the moment". I do not want to miss out on something beautiful and significant in my life because I was texting on my phone, on Facebook, or distracted by something else. I see it too often- people missing out on a conversation or a lovely meal because their heads are down, viewing a phone screen. That phone will be there after the event!

I find it to be sad. These moments cannot be re-lived. Even when I dine out, I want to focus on the food. The flavors and textures. I do tend to always snap a quick photo of my meal!

Although art journaling can be a very positive part of our travels, I simply prefer to play "miss photographer" while taking it all in and visiting with my husband! I get so tickled just watching him, seeing his excitement when he is exploring a new place!

 

By evening, we are exhausted in our hotel room... Otherwise, I would do some art journaling then and glue ticket stubs onto the pages.

But hey! Because I'm doing it AFTER the vacation, I get to go to these great places, all over again, right?

So...

Would you like to see a few pictures from our journey?

So glad that you said, "yes"! (giggle.giggle).

Chicago, Illinois.

Indiana for some RZR riding in the dirt and mud!

Niagara Falls. New York and Canada!

Friends, it was so breath-taking. I just listened and breathed. The rainbows made Niagara Falls extra special!

We are always happy to also be back to our prairie home and in our normal routines again.

Painting.

This was the first stop on our vacation. A place called, "Hannibal, Missouri". Home of Mark Twain.

This is the building that I am working on in my art journal.

 

Until next time,

Be safe and have a happy 4th of July!

 

Pianos with Parents...

Hello out there!

Time flies when we are having fun, doesn't it?

We enjoyed a Memorial Day weekend, filled with colorful events, good food, a trip to the farmers' market, exploring... with my fantastic parents who came to visit!

A miniature train display was quite the sight...

 

But I must say that the "Pianos on Parade", held at Union Station (an old train depot), in Kansas City, was my personal favorite.

The artists painted the pianos right there, for us to enjoy!

Once the pianos are completed, they will then go to the local business that sponsored them.

How cool is that?

Take a look...

Although I took many more photos, you get the idea. They were amazing!

I love hanging out with mom and dad. I miss them already.

I'm back to painting. Something colorful!

Of course, there is a story behind the skulls...

but I'm just too tired to tell.

It must be all of this rain that we have had here on the prairie.

Until next time,

XO

 

Quiet moments and the red fox...

Hello to you!

It's been awhile, hasn't it?

There isn't a day go by that I don't think about blogging but then I find myself involved in so many other things,... all creativity gone by evening. I have always enjoyed keeping a blog, even if only my eyes view it. For me, it has been a tremendous part of my creative process and so very therapeutic. I suppose that we all experience times such as this. Quiet times.

Less time spent on computers and iPads....

More time to look around and see.

Hubby and I did go exploring this past weekend! With the warmer temperatures now, I am more eager to be out and about, indulging in other passions such as photography, gardening, farmers' markets, travel, or just a simple stroll down to our pond.

When not painting, I enjoy just living a country life. Plucking fresh strawberries from the vines...

watching sunsets, butterflies and cows. Seriously, it's a different lifestyle that I best describe as "serene". I want to capture and savor each and every moment!

Ok. On to some art!

I paint every week day so here a a few of my latest works.

I will end this post with a quick prairie story.

Just a couple of nights ago, hubby and I were returning home from an evening drive. As we made the turn onto our property...I saw, for the first time in my life, up close...

A RED FOX!

He looked right at me and seemed startled by our presence. He paused for a moment and then scurried away! Ironically, I had just painted these acrylic foxes on this very day!

TRUE STORY.

Until next time, my friend.

Xo

 

 

 

 

Easter Blessings!

April!

Oh, isn't it so uplifting to see all of the pretty pastels and budding trees again?

Today I regret not having my camera or even my iPhone with me...

But I was only going to the mailbox when I saw them...

baby ducks swimming in our pond! Yes! Of course I stopped. I watched them for a moment. Smiling. I wondered where they came from and where might momma duck be? I just hope that they will be safe.

We have had heavy rain for two nights. I hear frogs moving into the valley, by the creek behind our house.

As you know, April showers bring May flowers and I believe this because the bulbs that I planted in the Fall are popping up from the earth.

I have played outside on the nice days that we had earlier in the week. On cooler days, I have played indoors. Painting and making my own paper flowers!

Aren't they fun?

Postcards. ACEO's. In between my commission work.

We haven't any plans for Easter but we will see our family very soon!

How about you?

Whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful day and I'm sending watercolor Easter blessings your way!

XO

 

A weekend of favorites...

The weatherman told us that we would be enjoying warmer temperatures here on the prairie.

He fibbed.

So...

After a Friday night out to eat sushi with my handsome hubby...

We returned back to our cozy home.

In sweats.

I have lounged in my favorite chair.

With my favorite beverage.

Painting tiny watercolor postcards.

This is how I remain happy and content during the cold months. Oh, I also squeeze in afternoon slumbers on the weekends. Waiting for sunshine.

Tell me. What do you do to survive the cold and grey periods?

I shall pour yet another cup of Joe.

For me, this has been a weekend of favorites indeed!

Enjoy!!!

 

Traveling Art...

It thrills me to share my art and to know that it is being shipped to so many different states! I'm not just referring to commission work, although this charming, hand painted hippie suitcase was a commission...

Traveling to Texas soon...

But I also find joy in swapping art.

If you read my blog regularly, you are aware that I recently joined in on some creative online challenges and exchanges. I also did a blog post showing off my new Midori Traveler's notebook. Oh, my! I don't know how I ever got along without this Midori planner. I use it daily for sketching inspiration, taking notes, keeping track of events, swaps and due dates. I store packages of sticky notes inside the zippered pouch (sold separately) and jot down addresses of clients and art swap recipients and then stick them in my Midori. When post office day rolls around, it's so nice to have these addresses ready to stick onto the boxes and cover with clear shipping tape!

Now...

there is a Midori "Round Robin" taking place and I am happy to be a part of this fun event!

If you are wondering just what a "Round Robin" is...

A group of artists agree to the responsibilities involved (deadlines, shipping, tracking), and ship their journal (in this event, a Midori notebook), to the first artist on their list. In return, I received this notebook from another participant. This is a passport size Midori notebook... and it came to me from Canada! How cool is that?

So, I kept the notebook for one week and added some art to it's pages.

Now I ship the notebook to the next artist on my list to do the same. You may view our traveling notebooks on Instagram #thetravelingnotebook.

Once the notebooks have traveled to each participant, our original notebook is returned.... Filled with art from various artists from all around the world. That is a "Round Robin" event! It's been several years since I have been involved in one so I really am enjoying this all over again!

Here is a peek at another art swap I shipped to California last week-

The theme was "Bird quotes".

And I am currently working on some post card swaps...

Do you allow your art to travel?

It's so rewarding!

We must make time to play, right?

Wishing you a fabulous day!