Outside my kitchen window

Messyfish was asking what is outside your kitchen window. I must say I don't stand in front of my kitchen window very often. I do peek out to see what the dog is up to from time to time. There is a screen on the window. It is a small window, probably 33 inches wide. If I look straight out this is what I see. You can see the flowers that are in the window box this year. They haven't grown much in the short time they have been in the window box.

If you stand in front of this little window and look to the left this is what you see. The business end of the patio is here. There is a door from the kitchen that aligns with the archway. We pop in and out of the house to grill.

If you stand in front of this little window and look to the right you see toward the other end of the patio. You can't quite see the right side of the patio because it is a long patio.

What can you see out your kitchen window??

Rose for my Seester

I painted this rose for my Sister after she sent me a photo of several of her roses. She said this was her favorite "this year".   She has lots of beautiful roses.  I hope to surprise her with this on her birthday since we don't purchase gifts for one another any more.  After all I didn't purchase this.  I put it in a  frame that has no decorative frame around it. 

Doing this little project made me realize I need to paint roses more often. I can't seem to "see" the center to get it quite right. Oh well, it is the thought that counts.  Now I have to think of something to do for my daughter. She has been wanting me to do somthing for her for some time. I just can't think of anything. It makes me so mad at myself.  I hope you all are having a nice weekend.

Magnolia

Yes, it has taken me forever to get my page finished but here it is. Our Magnolia is all its glory.

I wanted to show the different stages of the bloom.

I hope to be improving my painting what with using this larger paper etc. I hate the way these pages accept paint. There is no flow. Where you spread your paint is where it stays. Very frustrating.  I will be looking for a better book or making my own maybe.

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Good morning and Happy Thankful Thursday to all.  I have been feeling so blessed this fine day.

Marianne at Mandalas and More sent me this delightful owl sitting in the moon light. Such a wise happy soul.

Teri at Teri's Painted Daisies was feeling very creative when she sent my "R" ABC ATC2 exchange. She also sent one of her popsicle stick bookmarks. I just love the patterns on both sides.  It works well in my garden journal.

Thank you so much ladies.  I also want to thank eveyrone that pops by for a visit and leaves me a comment. It makes me so happy.  Cheers.

New Tools

The last time I was out shopping I picked up this package of pre cut ATC papers.  They are made by an Italian company called Fabriano. I sort of felt silly buying these precuts but boy am I glad I did. I just love this paper. I am going to find out where I can purchase larger sheets.  The watercolor seems to flow on it.  I have never experienced a paper quite like this. The box doesn't give me any information other than the size so I can't tell you what it is made of but I can tell you I like it.  Have any of you ever used these?  What do you think?