Happy New Year

It is that time of year again. Yes, right here in small town USA the only place that hosts a watermelon drop to celebrate the coming of the new year. We are gathering with some of our friends for libations then we will walk downtown for the second annual watermelon drop.

Yes, blogger friends this is the second time we get to witness such a grand celebration. Last year at the first drop there were 9 melons that emerged from this big watermelon and went splat on the ground. Much cheering and some jeering went along with the drop but everyone was happy to witness such a spectacle. Of course there were fireworks afterward too. So even though it will be cold we will gather with the other folks to watch 10 watermelons go splat and to see the sky light up with fireworks. I hope you all have something to entertain youself tonight as you ring in the new year. I wish you all a Happy Healthy Creative New Year.

Animal Wednesday - Black Flamingo

A friend of mine had a party. I knew she had asked for some black flamingos for Christmas (long story) for a good cause.  So as a thank you I made this card.  Happy Animal Wednesday.

Cactus Monday - Sam and Pam

Sam and Pam would like to wish you a Happy New Year.  They hope you have a Healthy, Prosperous, Creative  2010. For more Cactus Monday fun go here.

Nutcrackers

Our house has been invaded by Nutcrackers.  No one wants to take the credit for this interesting phenom.  I thought I would sketch a couple of them while watching football today. They are so colorful and cheerful.

Haiku Bones - Regret

There is a new Haiku bog with weekly prompts called Haiku Bones if any of you like to write haiku or read haiku this looks like it will be a good place to go.  This is only their third week so if you want to try something new and exciting go here.

The third week prompt is Regret.

So many years
by myself
running wild

Mother is drugged
children raising themselves
soul feels empty



Distance between hearts
empty spaces treacherous
love slowly fills 

Merry Christmas

This is a picture of Luna with her new Christmas Collar on.  She was feeling quite cute and ready to party.  She started dancing and singing so I took a short video of her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrMFAV2tNSg

I don't know how some of you can put a Youtube video directly onto a blog but I have learned how to upload but the upload is sideways.  Hmmmmm.... None the less Luna wanted to wish you all  a Merry Christmas but specially to Snuffles, Sjimmie, Oliver, Vinny, Coal and Apollo.  If you have a few minutes you might like to go to the above site and have a look.  I hope you have a fun day planned whether it is with gobs of family and friends or with a good book and video.  Merry Christmas !!!!

Thankful Thursday - Christmas Style

I can't tell you how delighted I have been this past week. I have received such beautiful cards from several of my Blogger Friends.   These are a few of the people that have inspired me so much during the past year.  To receive a personal card from them just made my season.

They deserve closer inspection.  I want you all to be able to enjoy them as much as I do.  This one if from Teri at Teri's Painted Daisies.  Teri is as full of generosity and encouragement as anyone could ask for as a friend.  Thank you so much Teri for your continued support.

This beautiful scene begins to depict the beautiful reflective power of friendship that Lolo at Studiololo has bestowed upon me.  She also enclosed in this card an ATC of a flock of her sacred Ravens that I just adore.  I am ever grateful.

This card is from one of my newest Blogging Friends.  Kate Worley from Kate's Corner.  She is such an inspiration to me.  I met her through ArtySoulSisters book exchange of which I could go through a whole other post of thank yous for people met and experiences had.

Dear Mim at Auntie Mims is always such an inspiration.  She has me doing the Animal Wednesday, thinking of riding my bike and such wonderful fish pictures and Miss Em adventures. 

Last but certainly not least Vero at Aufil du Jardin is a lady that cares for her garden and sews the most wonderful clothes.  My goodness, I have even almost gotten out my sewing machine for a stich or two.  This sweet post card sew by Vero is just the most thoughtful piece.  Luna and I both love it.

I just can't thank you all enough for your personal touch to my holiday. 

Animal Wednesday - Mockingbird

At the back edge of our garden there is a chain link fence section that I have been trying to hide by growing vines on it. I have a female Bittersweet Celastrus scandens 'Indian Maiden'.  I didn't think it would ever bear fruit because you are supposed to have a male and female plant to get the fruit. Luckily someplace in the neighborhood there must be a male because this winter the vine is full of fruit. Which brings me to the Mockingbird that has laid claim to this vine and all property in the near vicinity. It is fun watching the Mocker chase away any unsuspecting bird that comes near what it thinks as its very own panty full of a berries.  HAW to all.

Cactus Monday - Pot of cacti

I was with my Dearly Beloved at an appointment the other day and the fellow he was seeing had a pot of half dead cacti in a pot.  So while they were conducting their business I sketched the cactus. I added a little color when I got home.  Happy Cactus Monday to one and all.

Walk at the Park

This week we had quite an eventful walk at the park.  When we first started our walk as we normally do we saw an adult Bald Eagle cruising up the river.  They nest not far from this area and we have been seeing them more the past year.  It is about time for them to begin their courtship.

Further on we were walking quietly up the road when I thought Luna was just going to the end of the leash to relieve herself, all of a sudden I hear the loudest snarl and she started growling and about dragging me.  She happened upon a Racoon that was trying its best to avoid us by lying low in the leaves. I didn't even see it. Of course Luna did.  It was a good thing she was on her leash.  I would have had a dog to take to the vet no doubt.  The Racoon was having nothing to do with her and she wasn't backing down.  I pulled her to me and the Racoon took the opportunity to run up a tree and stare at us. It was outraged obviously by how the poor creature screached and snarled. I had never heard such a sound out of a racoon before.  Needless to say Luna checked out the tree again today as we walked by. The racoon was no where to be found thankfully.

I hope you are all finished with your shopping, wrapping and are able to enjoy the rest of the build up to the big day.

Blooming Tuesday

Here is a page out of my nature journal.  It has a bud on a honeysuckle that is still hanging on in the cold. Just as the titmous is hanging on for dear life. The wind was blowing like crazy when this bit of orange caught my eye out the kitchen window.  The timouse was sitting there with a sunflower seed in its bill. Happy Blooming Tuesday to all.

Cactus Monday - Mammillaria

Mammillaria hutchisoniana ssp. louisiae.  Happy Cactus Monday to you all.

Doggie Thursday by Luna

I just read Snuffles's account of having to learn to get along with Miss Maggie.  I just wanted to show Snuffles he isn't the only one with Little People Problems.  Just look at what I had to put up with on Thanksgiving Day. 

This one kept trying to take my picture. You know how I hate that.

This one everyone kept saying how cute she was just because she could walk around. Gosh I walked for years now. No one says I'm cute.  And skirt. What is a skirt they all kept saying looked so cute??

The only thing worse than little people around is having little doggie friends strutting around the garden.

I really don't mind having Oly around.  He is so small he doens't take up much room, except when we ride in the truck.  My seat is almost too small for both of us.  It is worth the scrunch because this ride usually means we are headed to the park for a nice long walk.

I hope all you doggies out there have a good holiday.  Cheers, Luna

Animal Wednesday - Mim's Page

This is a twofer today. I have here my page for Mim's book which has a fish on it on one side for Animal Wednesday.  It also has a couple of haikus on it.

On the back side of the page it has a piece of work that goes with the haikus that also has butterflies.  So all kinds of animals for Animal Wednesday.  HAW to all.

To see more about our Arty Soul Sisters book you can go here.

Blooming Tuesday - Evergreens

This is a drawing of one of the arrangements I made for our christmas decor.  Three silver candles surrounded by evergreen boughs and some silver balls and mirrored/beaded garland.  Happy Blooming Tuesday to all.

Cactus Monday - Sam & Pam

As you can see with this page of sketches Sam and Pam came to mind as they were decorating their christmas tree.  Tis the season for such activities.  The rest of the scratches on this page are random thoughts as I relaxed Sunday evening.  Happy Cactus Monday to you all. For more Cactus Monday thoughts and jots go to Teri's Painted Daisies.

Thankful Thursday - Joyce's Pendant

I am so thankful that I have such creative friends.  One of them carved the pendant on this necklace and the other did the bead work.  Thank you ladies for being so good to me.  I now have a part of you with me at all times. The carved pendant is so beautiful. You can feel the gentle soul that put knife to wood. Just marvelous.

Animal Wednesday - Talisman

I have had my sewing machine out some lately.  A strange thing for me to do since me and the machine doesn't exactly see eye to eye on most occasions.  Anyway I have had a facination with Art Dolls. This coming from a girl that didn't ever play with dolls. I think it is all the details that I like about them. I like details.  Ok...stay with me now...  I have a friend that is having a rough time with her job.  I decide to make her a talisman.  Something to keep her calm. 

My Friend's dogs and cat are her tranquilizing method. So much love from them. I had her house mate send me a few sandwich bags of her dogs/cat fur and I stuffed this talisman with it. Then I beaded and added a dog in her arms.  I hope this gives her focus on the uplifting part of her life and not the strife.

Happy Animal Wednesday to all.

Blooming Tuesday - Lynn's Page

Here is the front of the page I did for Lynn's Book. Since Lynn is a master seamstress I got the ole sewing machine out and did a stitch or two for her. This page depicts the giving heart of all of us and each lady is holding in her hands things she loves as I see it on their blog since I haven't met any of them in person. I have a bee and smiley bead, Joss has a zebra and Snuffles in hand, Suki has a house and basket of flowers, Mim has fish in each hand, Caroline has a palm tree and the sun, Marianne has Sjimmie and ying/yang, Lolo has a raven and flower w/butterfly, Katy has a cat and flower and Lynn has a sewing machine, thread and thimble in hand. Each lady has her initial as a necklace. The beaded jet stream shows to which lady their books go to. The blue object in the middle represents the world. There is a seed packet and a dove of peace on the world.

It was so heavy I glued it to a heavy watercolor paper. The back has a Haiku I wrote along with some stamps and watercolors.   There is a California Poppy on this side hence the Blooming Tuesday connection.

If you would like to see what the Traveling book is all about you can go here.  Happy Blooming Tuesday.

The Last

Here is the last of the pumpkins.  I sort of hate to give up this time of year as it is one of my favorites. What with the temperatures finally going down to their winter ranges I guess it is time for me to look forward to winter...   I should have added a cactus in the window sill or something.  Must get busy this morning so I wish you all  Happy Cactus Monday anyway.

Thankful Thursday

I don't remember who thought up the idea of Thankful Thursday but it certainly falls on the proper day this month.  Thanksgiving is always on Thursday. I don't know who thought this up either but I am glad they coincide.  I am so thankful for the marvelous ABC ATC exchange. So much  beautiful art alphabetically inspired. This Y and the lovely extras came from Marianne. Of course we recognise her mandala style in these.  Even in the card with the adorable pooch that they came in.

But this has come to an end. The veritable sewing Queen, Lynn,  sent me this Z to conclude this venture.

Gina was celebrating her Bogaversary and gave away one of her fancy bags. As her generous heart did not want to disappoint those that didn't get a bag she sent marvelous ATCs as a consolation prize. Gina doesn't realize that she is the prize we enjoy most.

Speaking of prizes. The most lovely Surprise came from the desert region.  The talented atc tatooer (is that a word?) Margaret sent a beautiful fall atc. 

On this official day of Giving Thanks I can't thank you all enough for being a part of my blog family. I don't mean just the people listed above but all of the wonderful bloggy people that I visit every day while having my cup of tea.

Animal Wednesday - Dove

Yes, life has been crazy for me the past few weeks. More happening at work. Then I got a wild hair to decorate for christmas at our house for Thanksgiving since my family is coming here.  They live out of town far enough that they don't make it up here to see our decorations. So yes, I did it to myself. Ha... I have been doing mostly scratches in my sketchbook with what ever pen happens to be around. I guess I am craving some peace in my life right now. HAW  and peace to you all.

Page for Katie Jane's Book

Here is my page for Katie Jane's Book. Her book is about nature. A subject that if you read my blog any at all you know that I love nature.  This page has a watercolor sky with dried flowers, ferns and feathers. I will be getting this sent to Lolo today (Tuesday). 

Ancient Murrelet and Little Gull

We had lots of excitement this weekend.  We hear about an Ancient Murrelet and a Little Gull being seen at Tiscorni Park, St Joseph, MI.  I didn't need much encouragement to jump into the car for the 5.5hour drive to try to see it.  Luckily both birds were viewed at close range even if not for long. This is the sketch I did on the way home.  The Ancient Murrelet was a bird I had only seen one other time and the Little Gull was a Lifer (never seen before). Yipeee.....

Animal Wedensday - Frog

Happy Animal Wedensday to you all.  I am like this little frog I drew, barely keeping my head above water. 

Thankful Thursday - Guilt-free doodling

A friend of mine gave me several magazines to browse through. Family Circle had a little article that has made me quite happy.  You see it states that if you  doodle while listening to a lecture or in a meeting you will actually remember 29% more of what is said.  At least that is how I read it. It is actually about a study regarding children doodling during class.  After all we are all just older children. If you click on this photo you can read the small print.

Animal Wednesday - Spotted Owl

The wintering owls are beginning to migrate.  I tried a pencil drawing of one.   Lots of detail to try to capture.  HAW everyone.

Blooming Tuesday - Rose

This is a rose that I painted on a card to send to a blogger friend that is very ill.  It is a rose from her garden that she pictured on her blog. She said that it was her favorite.  While my colors are true to her photo it is close. I think she will enjoy it. I want her to have roses all winter. Happy Blooming Tuesday.

Sunday Scribbles

It seems that on Sunday while watching football games or just relaxing I get a page of scribbles.  These scribbles usually bring to mind something I want to improve in my drawing.  Like faces.  Some people can make such interesting faces when just seeming to doodle.  Mine always seem the same.  Same eyes, Same mouth. Faces are so intersting to me.  Especially the eyes.  I hope you are having a restful Sunday and you can sit and scribble or do just what ever your heart desires today.  Cheers.

Animal Wedensday - Robin's Bee

Robin at Robin's Nesting Place takes the most fantastic photos.  They often inspire me to a little sketch. She is so generous with her work.  You should go take a look at her work. Happy Animal Wednesday.

Happy Halloween

How long has it been since you have carved a pumpkin?  For us it had been a l-o-n-g time.  So when we were invited to a pumpkin carving party...well, we had to do one ahead of time to be prepared.

I always wanted a fancy cut out.  We bought one of those kits with patterns

and various knives, scrapers, drills.  Surprisingly all of these little plastic tools worked good.

We ended up with fun pumpkins to display.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

For more pumpkin carving you can go here.