Addison

I just completed a painting for a client. She asked me if I would call her because she wanted to share with me, the story...

a very sad story as to why she wanted me to paint for her granddaughter.

With each brushstroke, I thought about this very small child and the trauma in which she suffered. I thought about her room, all decorated in pink with ladybug accents.

I felt as if I knew this child and what an honor it was to be painting...

just for HER. 

Addison is HER name.

Priorities...

Once school was out I thought that I would have more time for the neglected things, such as my blog...

NOT!

(However, I cannot deny the fact that blogging is no longer high on my priority list).

Of course I love sharing, reading other artists' blogs when I can, and being a part of this whole blogging community...

but I also love so many other things in my life such as working in the garden, reading a good book, cooking, and spending time with Paul. I find that I no longer want to sit in front of a laptop screen! I want to be in the NOW and live joyfully in these other moments & interests.

Yes, I think about shutting down my blog. Closing this chapter...

I have blogged since 2006 (In a Shabby Kind Of Way blog), so I've "been there, done that". I have met wonderful friends/ artists just by blogging. It seems that many of them have also closed their blogging chapters and moved on.

I shall continue to ponder this. 

I have been on the go and keeping busy ever since that final week of school!

May 18th, 19th, & 20th Paul and I went back to our hometown to see my only niece graduate from High School! It was great to be around family again!

Then, on May 25th through Memorial Day...

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS where we met my dear cousin, Tonya, and her hubby, Garry.

The 4 of us shared a condo, got crazy dirty while riding the beautiful trails...

got wet in crystal clear spring water!

Us gals also spent a glorious day shopping in the historical downtown district! We dined, we laughed...

we loved! (Even with a dirt-covered face)! 

(Paul & Garry).

After our lovely get-away, I settled into an art routine at home.

I have had 2 custom paintings for clients to work on. One completed...shipped!

Of course I DO make time for my art journal and some fun paintings! I just love the bright colors on my silly owls!!!!

There has also been time for shopping for patio lights and a big hammock, decorating the patio, cooking out, shopping for a new car, making gifts, planning our family vacation with my parents, un-boxing more of my belongings, baking fluffy cakes...

laying in the hammock.

Yes. These things are all very high on my priority list!

Umbrella Bliss!

And so the rain continues...

as does my umbrella bliss!

I have painted several of them over the weekend. This piece is 11"x 14", watercolor.

It's so colorful and makes me smile!

Although I am not quite finished with small detail work...

I did add some clouds.

Rain is always so inspiring for me!

Rain love...

We have had much rain here!

With the rain...

comes bursting berries...

Watercolor inspirations...

beautiful roses on our newly planted rose bushes!

I paint more. (I love, love, love umbrellas)!

With the rain...

the pond rises.

Our lettuce is very happy!

Corn is also doing well.

Oh, I see melons peeking out from the soil!

I continue to paint!

Greetings!

So many events and celebrations!

In addition to 2 weddings, I am also working on gifts & greeting cards for Mother's Day and my only niece's graduation! Oh, I am so very excited to be returning back to my hometown and spending a few days with my family in May!

Dena is a childhood friend who just married Brad on Friday! Brad is a high school classmate. I wish you both a life time of happiness! The card is in the mail!

I really enjoy making greeting cards. There's just something so wonderful about these smaller projects...that mean so much! I find myself thinking about the recipient  throughout the entire process.

The Mother's Day card was inspired by the beautiful Sunflower arrangement that Paul surprised me with Friday night when I returned home from work! Because he was leaving for a weekend of hobbies & fun...

He wanted me to have some cheery things beside me while I plunged into a quiet world of CREATIVITY! He also bought me a bag of some really good coffee!

Paul is safely home. I'm back to my weekly routine of waking early, showering... waiting to see if I get a call to substitute... or not. If not... 

it's an art day usually!

Wishing everyone out there a perfect day!

I'm still here...

I think about my blog... Untouched. Something that I once looked forward to every day. For me, my blog was a form a journaling and it always felt uplifting to share new art and thoughts. I still thrive on all of that, but as we grow...
Move forward, our priorities also change.
I have moved so much in my adult life, it's been a challenge for me to stay consistent. ( this is how the name of my Vagabond blog came about)! Always moving and living out of suitcases. Never knowing where HOME is.
Through all transitions, the one thing that I do know for certain is that I am an artist who is always true to herself. Although I'm not blogging about my daily accomplishments, I am working on new artistic goals and being an artist every day! I am living a wonderfully, creative life and branching out into new directions! In fact, life has never been more perfect!
I'm feeling more "grounded" these days. At THIS moment, my suitcases and boxes are pretty much unpacked and I have no desire to roam! There's just no place like HOME.... And I hope that I have finally found that permanent place to call my home.
Starting a new life altogether is not easy. I must applaud myself. After divorce at age 45, I was devastated and confused, but I have learned so much about flexibility and embracing change. Along with change.... Comes a new and better YOU.
I have been in my new town for about 7 months now. (this town anyway). I am working, although still patiently waiting full time employment with a wonderful school! Until then, I have decided that I can and will be a "substitute"! I will take Summers off to teach art classes and create! I will enjoy my garden and look forward to the big family vacation in June! It is what it is.... And I can honestly say, it's ALL good!
I am also going to blog more during the Summer months. I am also trying, for the very first time,... Blogging from my iPhone. You see, out here in Mayberry, we do not have Internet so to speak. We do have an air card that allows me only 5 gigabytes per month- another reason why I do not blog much. Once again, it's okay! I'm simply learning new ways to carry out my passion!
For now, I continue to experiment with blogging apps via iPhone. I am having some difficulties with photos and welcome any tips!!!! How can I get crisp, clear, large photos uploaded using only an iPhone app?!!!!!
Until next time,

Here are my latest ART JOURNAL entries! I will share more (with oh, so fancy wording).... at another time SOON!

Enjoy the journey!

Missy

Play...

Creativity may be found anywhere, at any place...

even at work!

I carry a camera in my bag at all times, however, this photo was shot using my iPhone as I watched my school children play. This little girl looked so cute, romping on the playground equipment in her frilly skirt...

I saw an opportunity to get creative... and to also make work even more enjoyable!

I too, love to PLAY!