A Potpourri of Art

The Butterfly

2010-09-01T12:20:00.004-04:00

Went to a wedding in Asheville this past weekend...in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina...on the opposite side of the state where I live. I'm a coastal girl...love the smell of the salty air of the coast...but right now is not a good time to be near the ocean...with Earl headed this way...and who knows where that hurricane may end up going. It's still hot around here which is about 100 miles in from the coast. It's too hot to be outside very long during the day...so sitting under the ceiling fan in the air conditioning is really nice. Makes me wonder how we stood it back in the "old days" when we had NO air conditioning.

The wedding was a very gala affair with lots of excellent food to eat. During the outdoor ceremony which took place outdoors at Lake Eden at Black Mountain, a monarch butterfly flew over the bride and groom. I so wish I had had my camera in my hand at that moment...but instead, a friend was taking photos...and he didn't see the butterfly.

The butterfly symbolizes new life and in some cultures, is considered to bring luck. How appropriate for a young couple getting married and beginning a new life together.

2010-08-11T13:28:00.006-04:00

Last night, around 9:30 pm, I went out in my yard and took a photo of my moon flowers that were blooming. I could hardly see the flowers...only a blur on my camera, but I knew that using the flash would allow the blooms to show up.

This is the first time we've had that many blooms at one time. When I downloaded all of the photos to my computer, one of the photos really caught my eye. There on one of the flowers was "something" and at first, I thought it was a hummingbird...but after zooming in, I see that it's not. I have cropped the flower and have added it below.

After doing some online searching, I found out it is a Cyborg Spy Moth. See the bottom photo from foxnews.com

Flowers from my son's yard

2010-07-07T21:03:00.002-04:00

This flower caught my eye the way the afternoon sun was shining on the flower and the leaves.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spider Lily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Petunias on the Fourth of July

~~~~~~~~~~~

Petunias

2010-06-28T18:13:00.004-04:00

Such beautiful petunias blooming on my deck. This is the first time I've had any color other than purple in my petunias. So gorgeous!

My Moon Flower bloomed...

2010-06-03T07:44:00.003-04:00

My moon flower bloomed last night...how beautiful!

Took the first two photos around 8:00 pm last night...

Went out and took the following photos this morning around 7:30 am...in full bloom!

Puppy Dog Sitting Adventures

2010-06-01T23:13:00.003-04:00

My husband, Gene, did some "puppy dog sitting" this afternoon while I was gone to play music. They both have crates but he didn't have them in their crates. When he first missed them, he started looking all over the house...finally found them both in the middle of the bed...and this is a HIGH bed. He got them back downstairs and blocked the stairs.

Then he got busy fixing a squash casserole. He decided he'd better check on the dogs...and found Bella sitting in the middle of the dining room table. All of the chairs were under the table...except for one which was out just a wee bit. Apparently, it was just enough for her to climb in the chair and onto the table.

When it came time to take them out in the yard for a while, he opened the door for them to go out. Usually, they take their time going down the steps...but all of a sudden, they took off...one went running in one direction...and the other one took off in a different direction..headed down the driveway. That's the one he started chasing first...since she was following Sadie, the brown lab who lives next door. Finally, he got them both and got them in the yard.

When he got them back in the house, he decided they needed a nap in their crates.

Two Dogs - One Crate

2010-05-31T21:37:00.002-04:00

We have two crates and two dogs...but both dogs get in the same crate. They're so funny!

First toys...

2010-05-28T20:59:00.003-04:00

These two rescue dogs have never had toys before...so we introduced them to a rope and a soft ball. They're learning to play. Buster at the top has the ball...and Bella has the rope...but they kept switching back and forth.

Playing Together

2010-05-28T20:52:00.003-04:00

Bella and Buster are beginning to play together...took this photo last night.

"Keeper of the Food"

2010-05-28T19:52:00.006-04:00

Here's a couple of photos of Bella on Tuesday when she wouldn't let Buster have anything to eat. She was guarding the bowl...and she was "using her eyes" for control...establishing her position as the "queen". Even after he walked away, she still stayed close to the food.

The saga continues...

2010-05-28T19:37:00.002-04:00

Wednesday:

Bella woke me up at 5:30 am ...came downstairs to find her on the dining room table. I had forgotten to put the chair under the table before I went to bed. What's with the dining room table? I have two friends and both of their Cavaliers will get on the dining room table if they leave the chair out.

By afternoon, both dogs seemed okay with each other...and were running down the steps to go to the yard...and then running back up the steps to come back in. They knew they'd get a treat when they came in...but the treats are tiny...and they're healthy.

Yesterday and today were good days with the two of them...running around the yard and playing together a bit...mind you, I said "a bit". Bella doesn't do much playing at all, so I'm pleased with any running around the yard that they do.

This morning, Bella woke me up at 5:00 am...would not quit barking. I decided to come down and check on her...so I slipped downstairs very quietly...and realized what was wrong. The wind was blowing pretty strong outside and our outside "motion light" was apparently going on and off...and I guess she was afraid there might be a "booger in the yard".

Trouble in Paradise...

2010-05-25T17:57:00.003-04:00

There seems to be trouble in paradise...Bella's not happy. She's been sad today and a little miffed at me. I'm giving her way more attention than the new dog...but he's had surgery and I'm having to carry him up and down the steps...so now Bella has quit walking down the steps...wants me to carry her, too. She's staying in the kitchen, guarding all the food...and either growls at him or glares at him when he gets close to her. She's ate more today than she has any day since I've had her.

Definitely need another bed..

2010-05-25T09:09:00.003-04:00

Bella (on right) is being mighty good natured about sharing her bed...but we definitely need to get another one.

First night in a new house...

2010-05-25T07:27:00.007-04:00

I put the "new dog" in the kennel for the night...since he's used to being outside all the time...and didn't hear a peep out of either him or Bella all night long. I've got to get him a "real bed" though...since he wants Bella's bed...not his nice soft comfy pillow. Bella's such a good dog, she lets him have her bed.

Also I've learned he does NOT want to be a "yard dog" anymore...he's found the comforts of the house to be more to his liking. If I leave him in the yard, he barks...and he's figured out how to slip through the bars on the fence (since he's so skinny) and run up the steps to the dining room door. He's a little booger. We've either got to fatten him up quickly...or put something between those posts so he can't get through.

A new addition...Sammy!

2010-05-24T22:07:00.004-04:00

Well, we have adopted another Cavalier rescue dog...Sammy. He's 15 months, full grown, weighs only 8 pounds but the vet says he should weigh about 11 to 12 pounds...so he's been struggling to get enough food to eat. It just upsets me to see how some people treat animals...but he's a lucky little fellow...because he's in a good home, now.

He and Bella took to each other just fine. In fact, it wasn't long before he crawled in her bed behind her and went to sleep. Bella just looked at him and went back to sleep. Later, I brought Sadie (my neighbor's chocolate lab) in to meet Sammy. I think he's going to be just fine.

Developing a personality!

2010-05-23T11:25:00.003-04:00

Wow..it's so good seeing Bella developing her personality...she's so cute! It's such a shame she missed out on all that when "growing up"...getting stuck in a puppy mill...ugh! She doesn't even know "how to play". She and I have really bonded. She follows me from room to room....wants to be close!

Play Ball!

2010-05-22T08:06:00.002-04:00

Charlie, 15 mos, loves to kick a ball.

5:00 am...

2010-05-21T08:56:00.002-04:00

These Cavaliers love to be with people...and Bella follows me from room to room...and sits by my side when I'm working on something. She's very needy when it comes to not wanting to be by herself...but not at 5:00 am. Apparently she wanted some company...or maybe she heard a noise outside...not sure what was the reason, but at 5:00 am she decided it was time for me to get up and be with her. She didn't want to go out...just wanted me in the living room with her...so I spent what was left of the "night" sleeping on the couch.

Bella..."who's training who"

2010-05-19T07:27:00.007-04:00

We've had Bella now for one week...and I'm trying to decide "who's training who"...LOL Since she's 5 years old and kind of set in her ways...and I'm a bit older and kind of set in my ways...sometimes we're having a "battle of the wills"....but we're working on it. She'll go up and down the stairs here in the house to find me, but when I'm ready for her to go "outside"...you can forget that, unless I carry her down the steps and out in the yard (my poor aching back)...but now, she will come back up on her own...since I walk away and leave her outside... and she certainly does not want to be out there by herself. So...we are progressing...yeah!

She's really getting used to us...no where near as skittish, but she's still a little cautious around us. She loves to lay beside me where ever I'm sitting or working...so I have to be careful when I stand up...not to step on her. When we walk into the room, she wags her tail and hind end...showing her excitement at seeing us.

This morning, when I came downstairs, I was expecting to see Bella either in the recliner (that she thinks is hers)...or in her bed in the living room where she usually is...or laying in the kitchen floor where she likes to lay right in the doorway where she can keep an eye on all rooms....BUT...no Bella. Gosh..I wondered, where can that dog be! ...when I heard the noise of some papers rustling and there right in the middle of the dining room table sat Bella. I had my laptop on the table there where I was working last night...and I had left my chair away from the table. Well...I'll have to remember to push the chair in under the table from now on.

Bella

2010-05-17T08:29:00.006-04:00

Here's Bella...a 5 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue dog that we rescued last week. Bella had been a puppy mill dog and not treated very well....but now she lives with us and we're working with her to get her used to people. She's got such a sweet nature and learns very quickly. She is having to learn to walk on a leash, go up and down stairs, and trust humans.

Sadie and her cat, "Geraldine"

2010-04-29T21:10:00.004-04:00

My little dachshund, Chloe, died in January and a few days later, this black cat started hanging around out house. The cat was skinny, so we started leaving cat food on the porch. We decided it was a female and we named her Geraldine. Well....she has become "our cat"...and then we found out this past week, that "she" used to live next door with our neighbors....but I don't think they mind sharing Geraldine with us. Also, Sadie is their lab...but Sadie is about half ours, too. She comes over every morning for a dog treat...sleeps over here on our porch at night...and has a ferocious sounding bark. One day last week, it turned cold...and stayed that way the entire day. I walked out on the porch several times and each time, Sadie and Geraldine were curled up beside each other snoozing.

Charlie and Ben

2009-12-12T08:49:00.004-05:00

Here's Charlie....wonder what he's thinking!!! He's 10 months old in this photo that I took over Thanksgiving.

And here's Ben...looking through the wish book! Ben's 3-1/2 years old...another Thanksgiving photo!

Sweet Brudders!!!

2009-10-14T09:31:00.003-04:00

They are so cute and so sweet...my two grandbabies...Charlie and Ben!

Mobile test post...

2009-09-30T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hyacinth Bean Vine

2009-09-23T09:42:00.003-04:00

One of my favorites from my garden this year are the Hyacinth Bean Vines that I planted from beans that I got from my sister who lives in the western part of NC. I was not even sure they would grow here closer to the coast...but it's beautiful and the butterflies love the blossoms.

New photo of Ben and Charlie...

2009-09-16T17:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a new photo of the grandbabies...Ben can hardly wait for Charlie to get big enough for them to play together all the time. Ben's 3-1/2 years...and Charlie's 7-1/2 months.

This is so funny, I just had to share it...

2009-08-17T20:53:00.005-04:00

Children's Science Exam

If you need a good laugh, try reading through these children's science exam answers...

Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery. (The kid gets an A+ for this answer!)

Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.

Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? ( e.g., abdomen)
A: The body is consisted into three parts -- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels A, E, I, O, and U.

Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.

Q: What does 'varicose' mean?
A: Nearby.

Q: Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarian Section.'
A: The Caesarian Section is a district in Rome.

Q: What does the word 'benign' mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

New photo of Ben and Charlie...

2009-08-17T20:45:00.002-04:00

Ginger, my daughter-in-law, just sent me this photo of my grandbabies...Ben and Charlie. Ben is a bit over 3 years and Charlie's 7 months old. My cousin saw this photo...wrote me telling me it would be a good advertisement for Cosco! Aren't they so cute and sweet...it's about time for me to go for another visit!

Rain all week...brings cooler weather!

2009-08-14T11:26:00.006-04:00

Time seems to be flying...and no painting done lately...but making the jewelry is paying off. I went to a music workshop last weekend and sold a lot of the jewelry that I'd made. We've had rain all week and I've been engrossed in reading several books I checked out from the library. Schools are getting back in session and that means fall is on it's way.

This instrument is called an Oud. The young man played it
last Saturday at the music workshop. First time I've
ever seen one.

And here I find....

2009-08-05T07:40:00.002-04:00

Another month gone by without a posting...things sure get busy from time to time. I've been traveling, visiting, making jewelry to sell, playing music...and recuperating from a back injury...which is beginning to get better. I have two music students learning to play the mountain dulcimer. This has been fun. I've been taking a break from painting...but my painting students will soon return as the weather cools and I'll be back to my painting. Do you find that life goes in cycles...or is just me?

Squirrel on my Yankee Flipper bird feeder

2009-07-07T13:10:00.003-04:00

If you want to see something funny, you should check out my YouTube video of a squirrel trying to eat the bird seed from my Yankee Flipper bird feeder. It's the first time I've seen a squirrel actually trying to do this.
Squirrel and the Yankee Flipper bird feeder

Where has time gone!

2009-07-07T13:04:00.003-04:00

Hard to believe it's been almost a month since I last posted...but there's been lots going on. Since my last post, I've been busy, busy, busy making enameled dulcimer jewelry...getting it ready to take to a week long dulcimer workshop in the NC mountains...where...not only did I take classes, but also had a chance to sell my jewelry at their market. Did great...sold lots...and came home with 4 orders. For the past week, I've been busy getting those orders finished and out in the mail. No time for painting...but hopefully, I can put away my enameling supplies and get back to my watercolors.

We've got BABIES!!!

2009-06-10T09:32:00.001-04:00

A couple of posts ago...I added some photos showing where some wrens made a nest in our Topsy-Turvy tomato plant holder. We didn't think the eggs would hatch....since it rains in it and we've continued to water the plant...but we've got babies. Mama wren is so busy flying in and out feeding those babies. It's so enjoyable watching them.

Squashini...Squachini...Zuquash...what do you think?

2009-06-05T21:21:00.002-04:00

Here's a stange looking veggie I picked from a yellow squash plant in my yard. We don't even have any zucchini planted this year...and none of our neighbors have any planted either.

Odd Place for a Wren's Nest

2009-05-25T10:26:00.005-04:00

We recently bought one of the "topsy-turvy" tomato planters and hung it on our deck. After the tomato plant was a pretty good size, along came a bad storm with lots of wind and the tomato plant broke off. We added a new tomato plant and along came Mr. and Mrs. Wren and decided..."hmmmm, what a nice place to build a nest and raise a family!" We water it from the upper deck and every time we start adding water...out they fly...and as soon as we move away from it...back they come. What determined little birds they are. Not sure whether the eggs will hatch...but we'll see.

More painting on the Pink Rose

2009-05-17T08:25:00.002-04:00

I did a bit more painting on the pink rose...not sure how much more I'll add to it...but maybe a bit more on the bottom leaves on left. I don't want them to be in focus as much as the leaves on the right...I'm still thinking on it.

Pink rose - unfinished

2009-05-16T16:33:00.008-04:00

Another rose I found blooming in my son's yard...couldn't resist painting it in watercolor. It's not finished...I've been painting on it a little bit every day.

Mighty Like a Rose

2009-05-12T17:25:00.006-04:00

I visited my son a couple of weeks ago and took some photos of his beautiful roses. Here's one that I painted in watercolor.

Geranium Painting

2009-05-08T09:02:00.002-04:00

I bought some geraniums for my deck and this was the first one to bloom...thought I'd try to capture it in watercolor before planting it.

My yard...the last of the azaleas...

2009-05-06T22:32:00.004-04:00

(image after learning to adjust the colors and values of my scans)

(first scan prior to learning to adjust colors and values)

Finally, I've had a chance to do some more painting...finished this one tonight.

Added note: I've been playing around with my new printer/scanner...trying to figure out how to get the colors in the image to look more like the painting. The top image is MUCH better.

Onions in colored pencil

2009-04-29T08:05:00.000-04:00

Another colored pencil drawing of some onions.

Flower Garden

2009-04-28T10:29:00.004-04:00

Another quick loosely painted watercolor of a flower garden.

Quick loosely painted flowers...

2009-04-27T18:01:00.004-04:00

Broccoli in Colored Pencil

2009-04-27T07:01:00.001-04:00

Here's one of my drawings in colored pencil.

Yellow Clover

2009-04-24T20:27:00.008-04:00

I've been walking around my yard today...looking for new things to paint. My yard is full of little wildflowers...and I used to call them weeds...but now that I know they have names, I think they deserve better than just being called "weeds". I found this one and I've been trying to find it's name. I've looked online and then decided to put it on my blog and see if anyone could tell me what it is...and when I started describing it with the "heart shaped leaves"...I realized that it looked similar to clover...but with yellow flowers. Then I changed my "search" and found out that it is called "yellow clover"...and it grows abundantly around here in NC.

Colored Pencil Drawing #1

2009-04-24T17:58:00.006-04:00

I've been looking at some of the colored pencil drawings and decided to post my rose.

Meeting in the dark...

2009-04-21T08:06:00.005-04:00

I was just reading the blog of a friend, Scribbles From Rabbit Hop, and it reminded me of something funny that happened to me years ago. When you have pets, you can expect the unexpected...and there's always a laugh with them.

Years ago, we lived out in the country next door to my husband's cousin and her family. We all had dogs...ours was a male...theirs was one female and one male...and their female was not spayed. When their little dog would go into heat, they'd put her in a wire pen about three to four feet off the ground...so that ALL of the numerous male dogs in the neighborhood could not get to her...but they could all stand around underneath the pen and "sniff and growl and fight".

At night, we would bring our dog inside...but one particular night, he kept whining, moaning, and barking...and we could not sleep. Finally, in desperation, I let him out thinking we would have some peace and quiet and would be able to SLEEP! Well...forget that! As soon as I opened the door, he nearly knocked me down getting through the door. Across the yard he dashed...and I went back to bed, thinking "sleep at last". I had hardly closed my eyes when the "fight was on". There was the loudest growling, snarling...and barking that I had ever heard. I put the pillow over my head to no avail. My husband finally declared to me..."you put him out...you go get him!!!!!" Oh me!!!

With me in my nightie and short at that, I put on my slippers...grabbed the broom and across the yard I stormed. I had no light...but they had a large overhead outdoor light that lit up their entire yard...and part of mine, too. Well...as I got closer, but thankfully still in a darkened area of the yard, I saw my neighbor out there in his "briefs"...hollering and chasing those dogs with his broom. Well...I nearly fell over on the ground laughing so hard...but I stiffled it as much as possible...not wanting him to see me in my nightie...but what a sight! Too bad we could not laugh over this later on...he was so quiet and reserved...and probably would never have been able to face me again.

Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone!

2009-04-20T10:26:00.011-04:00

In trying to step out of my comfort zone, I had lots of problems with this one. I definitely need to do some more on it...right now, I just can't figure out WHAT it is that I want to do. I'll keep looking at it for a few days and see how I feel about it then.

P.S. After brightening the colors a bit and rescanning...it now looks better.

A weed from my yard...

2009-04-18T18:23:00.004-04:00

I had a chance to do some painting this afternoon. I sat out in the yard and painted a weed with a yellow flower...hmmm, wonder what makes a weed a weed...and a flower a flower...

Note:
Thanks to Spinnerta, I learned this is a wildflower called Yellow Avens.

A walk around my yard...

2009-04-18T06:20:00.015-04:00

I was so busy a couple of days this week, I was unable to find even a few minutes to paint because I know once I get started painting, I can't stop. Yesterday morning, I took a walk around yard just to look at all the new growth and plants that are beginning to blossom. I took my camera with me and took loads of photos hoping to have some from which to paint. Although I'd rather paint from the plant itself, I knew some things wouldn't stay the same...probably not even an entire day. Here are just a few photos of things that really caught my eye.

Dogwood Blossoms

2009-04-14T22:34:00.005-04:00

I finally finished my painting of the dogwoods. I painted the background three times before I was satisfied. I would paint a while...then leave it and let it dry before working on it again. By the time I finished, the edges of my flowers were turning brown.

Sunday doodling...

2009-04-13T10:21:00.004-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to watch all of the 2009 Nora Roberts movies on Lifetime...and by the time the last one came on, I was getting sleepy. To stay awake, I knew I had to do something...so I grabbed my small Moleskine and my 001 ink pen and started doodling...not even sure what the end results would be. I looked up and saw one of my watercolors laying there...and I started drawing leaves...so I kept on...until the entire page was filled. I still had a little bit of time left before the movie was over...so I began filling in around the leaves...trying to add a bit of contrast. Here's the results of my doodling last night.

White Azalea

2009-04-12T08:32:00.004-04:00

Today is Easter...
a beautiful sunny day...
a day to enjoy the beauty of God's world around us.

For this painting, I used a masking fluid to mask
out the entire flower. Then I painted the
background with a wet-into-wet technique.
Removing the mask can sometimes be a daunting task,
but it's always nice to see the clean white area
of the paper to begin painting
the flower.
Also, sometimes it's difficult to paint the white
flower without using any white paint.

Red azaleas

2009-04-10T16:25:00.003-04:00

My red azaleas are blooming now. They're smaller and after closely observing them, I realize each flower is double layered...like one flower inside the other flower. I believe the name of it is the Red Ruffled Azalea.

Can't stop painting them...

2009-04-09T17:36:00.003-04:00

They're so beautiful and the yard is full of blooms.
It's hard not to paint them while they're here.

Another Azalea Watercolor Painting

2009-04-08T19:01:00.004-04:00

Here is today's watercolor painting of an azalea. My bushes are really filling out with color. They are so pretty. I'm from Wilmington NC where they have the annual azalea festival. It was held last weekend but I was unable to go.

Azalea in watercolor...

2009-04-07T15:47:00.009-04:00

More azaleas blooming!

After adding the background, I think I like the white or lighter backgrounds better.
That's fine with me, because when I paint backgrounds,
I never seem to get it painted so that I like it.

Azaleas are blooming!

2009-04-02T22:34:00.004-04:00

I have a lot of trouble painting tubular flowers...showing depth into the center of the flower. My azaleas are now blooming, so I'm going to be painting them in watercolor for a few days to see if I can improve my techniques.

Pink flowers blooming in the spring time!

2009-03-26T08:08:00.003-04:00

Another flower painting...I love painting flowers...and I'm definitely ready for them to start blooming.

Trees

2009-03-25T21:08:00.004-04:00

I was sitting downstairs waiting on my clothes to come out of the dryer...saw an interesting photo laying on the table...decided to do a quick painting while I was sitting there. I didn't even have a piece of good watercolor paper cut...so I picked a piece of the lightweight watercolor paper...and quickly laid in the colors for these trees. It's a scene from my front yard.

Spring Flowers in Yellow

2009-03-25T08:26:00.007-04:00

Flowers loosely painted using watercolors

Getting locked out...

2009-03-21T09:35:00.006-04:00

One early morning in the cold of winter a couple of months ago, Chloe (my little dachshund) and I went out so I could get the paper. I was wearing only my gown and robe (thank goodness for the robe). The door I went out usually unlocks when you turn the knob…but for some reason it did NOT unlock and when I got back to the door to go in…YIKES…I discovered we were locked out. That door would not budge. This is one of those French doors with all the little windows…15 little panes. Hmmm…I went around to the kitchen door which has 9 little panes…but it was locked…just as I knew it was…but I was hoping maybe it wasn’t. The two other doors to the house have dead-bolt locks and they were locked up tight. I hated to break out a window…and I tried to think of what else I could do. I was getting very cold.

I was able to get in the garage where it was warmer…and when I got in there, I looked around for something to break out a window…when I realized I could get in my studio where there was a phone. The lady who pet sits for me has a key…but it was so early and I really hated to call her…but I didn’t want to sit in the garage for half the morning. I decided to call my husband who was down at the river house for a few days fishing. I didn’t know what he could do…but at least I felt better calling him. Now in cold weather, my husband is NOT an early riser…so I knew he’d be sleeping in… and I was afraid I wouldn’t even be able to wake him…but he finally answered the phone. I said…”I’m locked out…which door do you want me to break out a window…I’m cold and I want to get in”. To which he replied…”I don’t want you to break out ANY window…I want you to get the key out of my tool box and unlock the door”. And then, of course, he asked the “stupid question of the day”, “why did you lock yourself out”…to which I replied…”so I could wake you up this morning to see if we had any spare keys hidden anywhere outside the house”….but we did finally laugh about it and I felt so much better knowing I could get back in where it was warm. Chloe was at the door where we went out…barking “her head off”…mad, ‘cause she thought I’d forgotten and left her outside…and she hadn’t had her breakfast yet.

Make Your Own Notecards!!!!

2009-03-21T05:23:00.005-04:00

This is a little notecard I painted using watercolors. I bought a box of note card sized envelopes, then I cut lightweight watercolor paper to fit them...and fold the paper over to make a card. This is not the best watercolor paper, so adding a bit of pen and ink drawing to it improves the overall look. These are quick...fun to do...and then I have note cards ready when I need one. They can be used as birthday cards...or cards to stick in with a gift...or a quick "get well" card.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose!

2009-03-20T07:21:00.003-04:00

While looking through my sketchbooks yesterday, I found these roses and thought I'd post them.

A New Sketchbook - A New Beginning!

2009-03-19T10:17:00.014-04:00

I love starting a new sketchbook (or a painting, for that matter), but sometimes it can be intimidating. I don't want to mess up the first page in my new sketchbook and be sorry forever...so it's easy to procrastinate...and keep looking at that new sketchbook. What the heck...open the book, write your name, address, and all that good info on the first page...or put it on the inside back cover...but get that info in there. That way, the chances are greater in case you lose your book or leave it laying somewhere...that you'll get it back.

When you are hesitant to start working in a new sketchbook, turn to the first page and make a mark...whatever...but make a mark. Draw something that you're familiar with or is easy for you to draw. Doodle drawings are non threatening and fun. You can do these without even thinking about them.

I taught middle school and high school art. The first thing I would have them do in their sketchbooks was to do a creative name design. They'd write their name in large decorative letters to fill the page...then fill the letters and page with patterns, designs, and colors. They loved it. I did, too. I wish I had an example of one of these designs.

This "inside right cover" image was difficult to scan so it looks right...but this is something else I've done and had my students do. I glue a sheet of black paper to the page on the right side...but only apply the glue close to the binding...like I was adding in another page. I either tear out a hole or cut a flap that can be opened to a drawing underneath. This drawing can be something small and easy for you to draw. I then went back and used gold pens and gold spay paint to decorate the black. This sure makes a "grand entrance" to a new sketchbook...and then you're excited to keep "filling your book".

Something else I like to do to my sketchbooks is to paint the covers with abstract designs using brightly colored acrylic paints...so much fun...and what a beautiful book it makes.

I used to feel the same way about starting a painting on a canvas. I'd set it up, then look at it "forever"...afraid I'd mess it up. I'd want to paint...but just couldn't get started...so I'd keep looking at that blank canvas. I began to realize that once I got started...I got so involved I couldn't quit...or didn't want to. So...as I walked by that canvas...I'd grab a brush, pick up some paint or some medium...and smear it on randomly. Then, it was easy to keep painting.

Once you've started your sketches and drawings...if you "feel" like you've messed it up...put it aside for a few days...then look at it again. Things always look better the next day or a few days later. But...if you're absolutely SURE you've messed it up and you feel like it's going to inhibit you from doing future drawings...then collage something over it. Your art is supposed to be fun, enjoyable, and satisfy that "creative urge" inside you.

Lost keys...

2009-03-17T08:13:00.011-04:00

Yesterday morning, I went out (in the rain again...where is the sun?)...ran some errands and bought a few groceries...came home, unloaded the car and put the groceries away. I locked my car using the remote. I usually either put the keys in my pocket or in my purse. I only have one set of keys...so it's important that a person with only one set of keys keep up with the keys...right?

I got ready to go to a meeting last night, reached in my purse for my keys...no keys...so I ran to the bedroom and went through the pocket of my jeans that I was wearing when I went out yesterday morning....no keys...darn...where could those keys be?

I grabbed Gene's keys, jumped in his car, and took off for the meeting. I tried to put the missing keys out of mind so I could enjoy my dinner and the meeting. But when I got home, I dug in and started looking again for those keys. I looked everywhere...even emptying my purse...which is good, because I got rid of all the receipts that seem to collect and clutter my purse. I traced all of my steps from that morning...even going out in the rain and checking around the car...also checked the yard where I had walked the dog as soon as I got home...but...still no keys. I was missing "Dancing With the Stars"...and I was getting very frustrated. I knew the keys had to be SOMEWHERE!

My husband told me that if they didn't turn up...to call and get a replacement set of keys from the serial number...and I was sweating that $200 cost!

I kept trying to think if I had missed anything else I had done during the day. The only other thing I remembered that I did was to lay back in the recliner in the couch and grab a short catnap! But I had already run my hand all around the inside edges of the seat, then laid the recliner back and checked under it with the flashlight...no keys. I was in a quandry. I happened to remember that you can take the back off this couch...good thing I even remembered that you can do that...and Gene's jaws dropped when he saw me doing it. He thought I was tearing the couch apart...but the first thing I found lodged back there was a toy from my grandson, Ben...and the next thing I found were those keys...thank the Lord!!!! That was enough to make one cuss...lol!

THE STORY CONTINUES....
I decided to buy a "key finder"...so off I went this morning searching for one...an item which is apparently more available at Christmas...but anyhow, at Walgreen's, I found one....tried it out and bought it. When I whistled, it started beeping...and I whistled again, and it beeped again. So, I'm hoping this will help me in the future...hopefully, I will NEVER need it.

This drawing of my keys was done after Claire posted the suggestion in her comment that I do so...and you can see that I've added my key finder.

New Hard Drive installed...

2009-03-13T19:48:00.003-04:00

I've been working on my computer...installing software and downloading programs from the internet...but I'm taking my time and making sure that what I'm doing is what I REALLY want on there. It doesn't take long before you can get your computer so cluttered with stuff you never end up using that much...just sounds so good when you hear about it, that you think you've got to have it....then you find out...it's not that great after all...just something new.

One problem I was having before I installed the new hard drive was that all of my email from Yahoo groups, plus some other regular messages...and just about ALL of my own emails...were coming in marked SPAM! It was so irritating and I tried to figure out why but couldn't. Then when I realized I had to have a new HD, I thought, "well, at least I'll get rid of that annoying "spam" problem with emails that were NOT spam.

Guess what...after the new HD was installed...it was STILL doing the same thing. Now that just irritated the "poo" out me. It bothers me when I can't figure out why something's happening and I can't find a solution. I searched the internet for a solution, I asked a Windows Vista group for a suggestion, I went to Microsoft's trouble shooting site, I called my ISP...and found no solution...and I was stymied.

Then this morning, I was going through all my new emails and saw the first one...a Welcome Message from Microsoft Windows Mail...decided...what the heck...so I read it and found the Microsoft's Help Newsgroup. So...I opened that and started reading. I couldn't exactly find my problem listed...but there was a suggestion about the antivirus program doing some weird things to people's emails. So...I went in to my anitivirus program and cut off the "spam" protection only...since Windows Mail already has a anti-spam program. VOILA!!!! My problem solved...oh, how happy that makes me!

I've restored all of my files from my online backup...except for my photos. That will probably take forever...well, at least a long time!

New hard drive - lots of work ahead!

2009-03-10T20:46:00.004-04:00

I've been busy all day installing a new hard drive on my laptop...then updating everything that was on the new hard drive and then validating it...and then trying to install some of my software and download my favorite programs. Tomorrow, I'm going to try to upload my files from an online storage facility...I'll see how good they did backing them up for me. But...in the midst of all of that, I decided I needed a break...a "painting break"...so I painted a flower I already had drawn out on some watercolor paper. I've been working on trying to get my backgrounds a darker, richer color...too bad my scanner won't show the colors any truer. I tried to adjust the color...but never could quite get it like the original. Maybe tomorrow when I'm not so tired.

Daffodils blooming...

2009-03-09T08:35:00.003-04:00

Yesterday in the warm sunshine with 86 degree weather, I took a walk around my yard and found some daffodils finally blooming. What a good feeling it was to know that spring is just around the corner and cold weather will soon be gone. I grabbed my camera to capture their beauty so I could share these with you today.

Pen and Ink drawing...finally finished!

2009-03-06T15:31:00.005-05:00

I finally finished the pen and ink drawing I've been working on for the past two days. When they're this intricate...it seems to take forever.

Today's such a beautiful day...nice and sunny with some warm temperatures...a good day to sit outside and work...or just soak up some sun rays.

My day didn't start too well with my computer. For over nine months now, I've had problems burning and copying CDs and DVDs...and this laptop is only 18 months old now...so the problem started when it was less than a year old. Thank goodness, I purchased an extended warranty. When I contacted Dell last September they tried updating the drivers and the software...and decided that it was a software problem with Roxio. I replaced Roxio with Burn4Free and for a while that seemed to solve the problem. But...this morning, I tried to just PLAY a DVD...and got a message that there was no drive installed. After restarting, the drive showed up...but when I inserted the DVD...again it disappeared. I contacted Dell and the guy ran the diagnostics on my laptop. The result being...the hard drive is failing. So they've dispatched a new hard drive for me to install...and I'm in the process of backing up all of my files. I have an online backup...but they recommended backing up to an external drive as a precautionary measure in case I have problems downloading what was saved to the online account. Guess I need to pull out my sketchbook and start another drawing.

Cold weather blues...

2009-03-05T09:03:00.003-05:00

This cold weather is really bothering me this winter. I just seem to want to stay huddled up and wrapped up inside...not doing much. Our electric bill has increased this winter by 50%...so we've turned the thermostat down to 70 degrees...and I think it's cold in here at that. Some of my friends have told me they've cut theirs back to 60 to 65 degrees...and added another layer of thermal undies. We used to always keep a fire going in the fireplace...but that creates a lot of breathing problems since both of us have allergies. I am so glad to see the sunshine this morning...and it looks like we're in for warmer weather this weekend...up to 80...after being down in the teens at night the last few nights.

I am working on a pen and ink drawing with lots of detail...that I will post when I'm finished. Yesterday, I started working on a small watercolor painting...but didn't get it finished. I'm in the process of reading Danny Gregory's "The Creative License" which I'm enjoying...and I'm also still playing around with the new "tools" in Paint Shop Pro.

Today is my dulcimer "music day". I will go play with a friend...and we are going to practice a new tune that we're working on. I need to be able to play it without having to look at the music. Also, I play with a small group of ladies and we call ourselves the "Wasp" group...and the music we play is a bit more challenging. There's one tune that we play that is "creating havoc" with me...because the fingering doesn't seem to flow as well as some other tunes...but I'm working on it.

Local artists making cards from old art work!

2009-03-04T10:43:00.009-05:00

I packed up a box of supplies...glue, scissors, pencils, old art work to be cut up...and examples of cards made from old art work and watercolor techniques. I hate to throw anything away and try to salvage and use it other ways. At the meeting last night, I did a demo and showed several examples. After that, I open the box of supplies and they created cards of their own. Not all of them were able to complete their work...but I added some photos of their work.

Paint Shop Pro Photo XI (Corel)

2009-03-04T08:49:00.008-05:00

I've been using Paint Shop Pro software for many years...after one of my high school art students showed me what a great program it was! One thing that was nice when I first found out about it...was that you could download a free trial version. What's better than to try out something to see if you like it before you pay for it. I think I ended up paying about $100 for the software and it was definitely well worth the price. I worked through lots of online tutorials to learn about the tools and its features...then I would pass them on to my students through various lessons that I created for them. All of my students ended up with a good working knowledge of creating artwork and manipulating digital images.

In the fall of 2007, I got a new laptop with Vista. Since most software was not compatible with Vista, I figured it was time for an upgrade...to their newest version which was PSP Photo XI. Since they were about to release PSP Photo X2, I got a deal and ended up getting mine for less than $50. I continued to use the same features on this new program that I was already familiar with. I hated to think of having to learn everything new that was included...along with having to learn about Vista, too. Now that I'm more familiar with Vista (I like it) and some of the other new programs, I decided to read the book that came with PSP. I hate reading manuals and how-to's. I'd rather play around first...then when I can't figure it out...ask questions or read the manual.

But...sometimes that plan backfires. I have done stuff on my computer before...clicked buttons...downloaded programs...only to have to end up "calling for help" to undo what I did. Thank goodness I purchased a three-year warranty...a VERY good idea...for me! The other day, we were watching TV and the telephone rang. Our landline telephone provider is the same as our internet provider. WELL...lo and behold...when the phone rang, the caller ID info popped up on the screen. I thought...wonderful...especially since the caller ID feature on our phone had just quit working the day before. (Side note: and since then, our entire wireless set of (4) phones have quit working and that was right after I purchased new batteries for two of them to the tune of about $30+. Does that ever happen to anyone else?...not just ONE phone...but all FOUR of them. I guess that might be...because they're all connected to the same line...and they're all wireless. Right now, they're all "no good"...will have to buy new ones. Thank goodness for one phone that we originally had before adding the set of 4 wireless phones...which we purchased to keep from paying for new jacks to be installed...yikes...talk about $$$$...it costs plenty to have new jacks installed.... hmmm, might be cheaper to build a new house...) Back to my caller ID popping up on the television. There were two buttons on the screen that related to two buttons on my remote. I decided to figure out what those buttons would do...so I pushed one of them...and you guessed it...I messed up...could not get caller ID to work again. I ended having to "call for help"...but you know what...that's one way of learning...and the majority of the time, I can figure it out withOUT any help.

Back to PSP...this morning I decided to start reading the manual...because lately, I've been having some problems with some of my art work that I've scanned...colors not right, values not right, etc. OMG...they have made lots of changes in this new version...and they've addressed some of the problems I've been having. Actually, when I would be trying to adjust an image, I would...wish they had a tool that would do "this" or "that"...and now they do. So...it may be a good idea TO read the manual when getting new software. But anyhow, I love PSP and highly recommend it!

Cards from old art work!

2009-03-02T20:56:00.008-05:00

I'm doing a program tomorrow night for the local Artist League. It's supposed to be only 15 minutes long. For the past three years, I've done a variety of presentations for them and I've decided it is a LOT of work! It's not so bad pulling everything out...but the problem is trying to get it all put back where it was to begin with when I get home.

But anyhow, for this program, we're going to make "greeting cards" out of old art work...a way to cut them up and use them. I've posted a few examples...but I've got several more to show them. I'll try to take photos tomorrow night and post some of them.

Flower Garden - Pen and Ink Rainy Day Drawing!

2009-03-01T18:06:00.003-05:00

It has rained all day long...constant and hard...and our yard is standing in water. They had predicted a chance of snow for tonight...but it looks doubful to me. With all the rain, this was a good day for napping and drawing. This is the first drawing in my new Moleskine...which is larger than the other one I have that I carry with me in my purse. This one is about 5-1/4" x 8-1/4"...and this is my favorite size...and I believe it will still be small enough to carry with me.

I'm ready for spring...so I decided I would draw a flower garden using a new pen (for me) that I'm trying out. It's the Sharpie (fine) that's not supposed to bleed through your paper. They're right...it doesn't bleed through and it's waterproof. I used the Sharpie along with a couple of Micron pens in other sizes.

First Professional Haircut...for Ben!

2009-02-28T17:45:00.003-05:00

Ben, my grandson, is getting his first professional haircut. He will be 3 years old on March 30.

A Felting We Will Go...

2009-02-28T17:23:00.008-05:00

What better is there to do on a rainy day but take a workshop to learn the basics of needle felting....with a couple of friends! What fun we had creating little bunnies.

The workshop was held at a shop called Tail Spinner...and our instructor's name was Melissa. Check out their website:
http://www.tail-spinner.com/

A neat felted ram:
http://www.tail-spinner.com/images/Ram2.jpg

A sculptural felted bunny:
http://www.tail-spinner.com/images/bunny2.jpg

A llama:
http://www.tail-spinner.com/images/llama.jpg

2009-02-27T20:56:00.007-05:00

I was experimenting with a different technique for the background on this painting...yuck! I was very disappointed in the result...so I kept painting and painting...so, to try to salvage the painting...I pulled out a pen and added some ink lines. I hate to throw a painting in the trash. Maybe I'll just cut this one up and create an abstract collage.

Daffodil - different backgrounds

2009-02-27T20:52:00.003-05:00

Another daffodil with different background.

Fireplace quick pen and ink drawing

2009-02-27T09:39:00.002-05:00

A quick pen and ink drawing this morning while having my morning coffee!

Unfinished daffodil painting

2009-02-26T10:45:00.002-05:00

The two hardest flowers for me to draw and capture their 3-dimensional qualities are daffodils and lilies. Since daffodils are beginning to bloom...maybe this spring I'll make an effort to do more daffodil paintings. This is one I started last night...but did not finish the background.

Charlie - 5 weeks old

2009-02-26T10:40:00.003-05:00

I went to Wilmington Monday to visit the grandbabies...oh, how quickly they grow up. Here's a very serious looking picture of Charlie who is just five weeks old. We took him to IHOP on Pancake Day and he slept the whole thing while Ginger and I enjoyed our pancakes and crepes!

A quick modified blind contour pen and ink...

2009-02-26T10:35:00.004-05:00

A quickie drawing yesterday while watching television...in pen and ink. I like to do a completely blind contour drawing around the outer edges of everything...then go back and finish the inside drawing of the objects.

I've had so much going on lately...that my drawings have taken a "back seat"...so hopefully today, I'll get back in the groove.

Daffodil...today's painting!

2009-02-17T22:39:00.002-05:00

My painting for today...a daffodil in watercolor!

Charlie - 9 days old

2009-02-17T08:48:00.004-05:00

Here's my grandson Charlie - nine days old!

Barn painting in watercolor

2009-02-16T20:16:00.006-05:00

I love painting flowers, but I have no more to paint right...so I dug through my photos and found this barn picture that I liked...so I painted it. When I scanned it, the blue in the sky kind of faded away...so I see that it needs another layer of blues.

Tuna Patties

2009-02-15T07:41:00.003-05:00

Last night, we had tuna patties for supper...delicious! So, while I was cooking, I decided to do a quick drawing in my small Moleskine. What a "small" drawing it ends up being. I'm just not used to drawing that small. I will buy a larger Moly next time...since that would be closer to the size that I'm used to using. But this size will be nice to carry in my purse so I will have it in the event I'm somewhere with nothing to do but wait...then I'll have something to draw on.

More Flowering Quince paintings

2009-02-14T19:42:00.006-05:00

I wanted to do a series of paintings of the Flowering Quince, so I could possible mat and frame them all together. Today, I have painted two more.

Flower painting - completed!

2009-02-13T21:17:00.005-05:00

I was looking over some of paintings today and found this one that I had never completed...so I pulled it out and finished it up. When I painted it, there was something about it that bothered me...but right now, I can't remember what it was...maybe the leaves...but anyhow, it's finished now and I'm posting it.

Pencil drawing in my Moly!

2009-02-13T21:07:00.003-05:00

I was sitting here and realized I hadn't done a drawing today. I had a tube of watercolor paint on the table right beside me...so I picked up my Moly and started drawing using pencil.

But then I remembered that I have been creative today...I made a Valentine card for my DH using "My Red Heart" pen and ink that I posted yesterday. I printed it from my computer onto greeting card stock using my Hallmark Card Studio program. I told him it was a piece of my art work...then he turned the card over...saw the word Hallmark on the back of the card and told me he didn't believe me. I insisted that it was MY drawing...showed him my sketchbook and my initials on the card. Then I had to explain about the Hallmark software and how you can insert your own artwork...and he thought that was amazing....and he liked the card. He bought me a Valentine card this year. He usually makes me one and writes me a poem...so I was surprised when he gave me the card...but it was very sweet.

My Red Heart!

2009-02-12T20:02:00.004-05:00

No painting today...so I used my new set of Micron black ink pens. One of our stores is moving to a new location and all of their art supplies are 45% off. I couldn't pass that up.

EDM: 210 Draw some underwear...

2009-02-11T16:16:00.004-05:00

This week's EDM challenge is to "draw some underwear". Well, watching Ellen Degeneres this morning gave me this idea.

Flowering Quince

2009-02-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

My watercolor painting of a Flowering Quince.

Pink Heart

2009-02-10T18:03:00.003-05:00

My heart for today!

My Heart Goes out to You!

2009-02-09T22:27:00.006-05:00

My heart...created digitally!

Plant Doodle

2009-02-09T16:22:00.002-05:00

This is a doodle drawing...reminds me of plant shapes!

Pink Flower

2009-02-08T21:43:00.003-05:00

Trying to draw the simple beauty of a flower and to capture its spirit in line and color.

A Nervous Doodling...

2009-02-07T11:08:00.002-05:00

I call this drawing "Nervous Doodle". I love doing these when I can't figure out what I want to draw.

A Mug in My Moly...

2009-02-07T10:47:00.005-05:00

This is second drawing in Moly sketchbook. I used watercolor pencils to add some color...and this time I drew across both pages. Seems a little strange to do that, but I guess it's something you get used to doing. After I scanned this...I added a bit of water to some of the areas...but I think in the future, I'll use my watercolor Moly for wet media. I was afraid the water would wrinkle my paper or maybe bleed through to the back...so I was very careful to only add a tiny bit of water.

New Moleskine Sketchbook

2009-02-06T13:20:00.005-05:00

I bought a very small Moleskine sketchbook...one that I can carry around with me all the time. I did my first drawing in it today. This book is 5.6" x 3.6" and I'm used to sketchbooks from 5" x 7" up to 9" x 12". It is definitely going to take getting used to drawing that small. I have a set of cups that I bought years ago because they had red flowers on them...but they are small and don't hold as much coffee as a mug...so they sit on a shelf just looking pretty. I choose to draw one of them to christen my new sketchbook. I used pencil, then a very fine Micron pen to go over the drawing...then used watercolor pencils to add a bit of color.