Last Saturday, I left Texas and flew the friendly skies! Southwest Airlines is an enjoyable way to fly and this particular flight was quite entertaining! The attendants were witty and amusing...

from a 50 something brawny man, that looked more like 'secret service' to this young lady sporting a most usual hairdo! The 19 yr. old teen sitting next to me, took one look and exclaimed "Hippie Barbie!"

I arrived safely in Seattle to be warmly recieved by two of the prettiest girls, Beth and Carter. After grabbing my luggage and a quick bite to eat, we were off to Whidbey Island. The beauty of this part ot the country continually takes my breath away and keeps me oooh and aaah'ing! Deception Pass, left, the tulip fields, center, picking strawberries, and a gorgeous flowers, trees, bald eagles...to name just a few! This tree has the most amazing smooth orange red bark. Fasinating! Especially when the sun shines on it. I'd love to know what kind of tree it is, if anyone knows.

And don't let me forget the fresh sea food, readily available from the surrounding waters!

When we unloaded the car and got everything unpacked, Miss C and I made Rice Krispie Bars. We were going to cut them into squares, insert a popsicle stick, dip into melted chocolate and sprinkles..but they really didn't turn out that well. They sort of fell apart. So if you have a no fail recipe, do tell, please!

Then I gave Carter a few little surprise gifts. Her favorite was this adorable outfit made by friend, Molly. The moment Beth put it on her, she became a human bee....non stop motion. I tried and tried to take a photo to show Molly but it was no use. She LOVED it! ...and so did we! It was perfect, Molly! Thank you so much!

There is so much more to share but it will have to wait. We leave tomorrow on an Alaskan Cruise and I must get a little rest. More coming soon!

...and the Give-a-way winner is...................

Sorry! I know it's getting late in the day. I'm visiting Beth and Carter on Whidbey Island, consequently we're operating on a different time zone here. But I must say quickly that it is GORGEOUS here! More about that later! Without further adieu, the winner of Pet Portait Give-a-way ( selected by http://www.random.org/) is NANCY!!! Congratulations! Please, email me a good close-up photo of your Parker Jones! www.roxannespradlin@yahoo.com. For anyone else who is dying to have a painting of your favorite four legged friend feel free to contact me for pricing and information!

Pink Hydrangea...painting of the day!

Today's painting was inspired by a lovely visit to the home and garden of friend, Kaye Noles. Who, upon arrival, served me coffee and cinnamon scones.....ok, and pound cake, but it was just a sliver. I promise! After a nice chat, Kaye showed me around her charming home and pretty flower garden. What a beautiful surprise! Thank you, Kaye, for southern hospitality and pink hydrangeas!

PET PORTRAIT GIVE-A-WAY!

I love dogs! I always have and now that our nest is empty, Coach and I have become quite attached to a couple of minature schnauzers, named Abby and Mitzi. I like the way they get so excited everytime you walk through the door! Even if it 's only been 10 minutes since you last saw them. Dogs make the nicest companions! I've often thought we humans could learn a thing or two from our four legged friends. For dogs live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly (accept when the neighborhood cat's come over our fence). If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Enjoy the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Yesterday, when it was time to paint I chose a photo of Griffin, a beautiful Boston Terrier that happens to belong to my daughter, Kimberly and hubby John.

I had so much fun painting this pooch, that today I decided to have a PET PORTRAIT GIVE-A-WAY!

So starting right now, anyone who would like to have a 8 x 10 oil painting of their favorite pet, simply leave a comment. Please tell me a little about your special critter! Feel free to tell your family or friends that might be interested too.

DEADLINE for entries will be this Sunday, June 21 @ 12:00 PST

The WINNER will be announced the following day!

If you win, I will need you to mail/email a 'good, close-up, color photo' of your pet's face.

So you might want to snap a few shot's this weekend, just in case!

Can't wait to read your pet stories......

Etsy!

Look what came in the mail today! Cute wrapping paper! Handmade by Stories & Divinations, a artisian on Etsy, who handcrafted this cool bracelet called 'Heros in Helmets'!

Which is precisely why I bought it.



Because my Coach and hero, is a helmet kind of guy!



And when I put it on, this guy can't take his eyes off of me.........Hey, take a picture buddy! It lasts longer......Just ignore him?



Look what else came in the mail today?



More cute football jewelry, from another Etsy artisian.

Shop Etsy! Support the cleaver and creative.

Art Workshop, part 3...last day!

On the afternoon of day 2, Carol had us do another helpful exercise. We all set up our own subject matter and painted it one brush stroke at a time. I painted,

Three Cool Peppers


Later we all ate dinner at the Dead Fish Grill, in nearby Belton. Everything was delicious! When we got back to the studio a few of us decided to paint a little more. Carol joined

us and and set up the yellow coffee cup and a few sugar snap peas. We all loved it! Anyone interested in buying this little gem 'put their name in the hat' and I won!


Thought you might like to see how small these 6x6 inch canvas actually are!


Alas, it did not get a title and Carol's painting always have a cleaver title. Got any ideas?. . . . just leave your suggestions under Comments.



While Carol was painting, I set up an antique sugar bowl and spoon. Ambitious, but I jumped in!

This turned out to be quite an undertaking. The handle on the sugar bowl and the spoon were both challenging, to say the least!

As I write this, one week later, I'm still amazed at the generousity of Carol Marine. She unselfishly shared, non-stop for 3 days. Equipping us with fresh insight and inspirartion as well as unique marketing skills. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested. It was 'peachy keen'!

Art Workshop......day 2!

Day two, artist Carol Marine, started our class off with an interesting 'values' exercise...which proved to be very helpful. The assignment was choose one color, either burnt siena or ultramarine blue and a simple subject. She then gave us 30 minutes to look at our still life and paint what e saw. The time limit made you think and think quick. Here is Carol's demo, which she painted in just a few minutes! The dominant value is the mid-tone, next is the dark-tone and least is the light-tone.



I chose to paint a tiny bird nest that I found in Ruidosa, New Mexico. After 30 minutes, Carol said stop. Here's my little nest. The dominant value is light, mid and dark. Then she told us to get out another canvas and with the same rules, change the values and this time we'd have 15 minutes. Go!

Same nest, closer perspective on a black background. Dark, mid and light. . . I liked this one.



Then, Carol went crazy and told us to repeat this exercise again but this time we'd have only 5 minutes. . . Can you tell what the dominant value is?

.
After lunch, fellow artist and author of children's books, Bruce Mcmillan, asked if he could take the following photo. . . for his site. Apparently Bruce saw an interesting connection.

POSTCARD PHOTO of the DAY! June 6, 2009

Photo of bird's nest art, subject and artist!

Roxanne Spradlin at the Carol Marine painting workshop HERE in Salado, Texas on June 5, 2009

The Painting, the Subject, and the Painter

Art without constraint, we are what we paint.

by Bruce McMillanAmerican children's book author and photo-illustratorhttp://www.brucemcmillan.com/1947All text and photos © 2009 Bruce McMillan~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

See some of us painting, including Roxanne, at the workshop HERE.Photo of workshop artist, Texan Roxanne Spradlin in Salado, Texas on June 5, 2009

Roxanne's art web site HERE.

The Other Side of the Bird's Nest ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Strange but True FactsThe active ingredient in Bird's Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy, is bird saliva. A few species of swift, the cave swifts are renowned for building the saliva nests used to make the unique texture of this soup. These edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans.~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~end

Tell me the truth! Does my hair look like a bird's nest?

...the Belles!

One of the unexpected joys of last weeks art workshop was all of the wonderful people we met. My sweet, artist friend Mary, (right) and I had so much fun getting to all of these amazing artists. Sixteen of us from all over the U.S., gathered to challenge our atistic abilities.

Two of the girls were friends from Virginia! True Southern Belles! Julia and Kathy, quickly painted a lot of great art. Here are a few 'bad' photos...sorry! but I just have to show you.

Introductions, first. This is, Julia! O.K! This is not really her but my interpretation of her (and she'll probably kill me), but I couldn't resist! She just made me giggle! Love those accents...you know, a little like Paula Deen. Anyhoo....her painting is beautiful! I tried hard not to be jealous. I think with continued prayer I'll be o.k.







Then there is the darling, Kathy!

I was instantly smitten with her distinctive style that is consitently evident in everything she paints!

The room was full of talented painters. This is Brenda, another lovely painter, that produces beautiful art. Visit her blog and web site to see more.

There were so many more... now I really regret, not photographing more...but hey! I was trying to paint! Which reminds me it is time to go do a little 'daily painting'!!!

Workshop wonders!...day one!

Let me introduce you to Carol Jean Marine. She has it all folks! Beauty, grace, talent, wisdom! I'm not finished....she is warm and kind, sincere and truthful, giving and insightful. An amazing teacher with non-stop information. Encouraging and inspiring to each and everyone.

Needless to a say, she is an amazing artist, too!

On the first morning, she set up three green pears on a 'dish cloth'! After studying the edible still life through a veiw finder, she made a few marks and simply sketched in her fruit and there shadows. Next she addressed the most 'vulnerable' (thanks Steve!) of the painting and painted in the brightest, most saturated colors.

Moving along rather quickly, she painted in the darks/shadows. Filled in the background. Highlighted and stemmed the fruit! Amazing! Just look at those brush strokes! Each one carefully thought out and appropriately placed. So fresh! So simple. Looks can be deceiving. this is much harder than it looks....Trust me on this! Quick as a wink, she was finished and sent us to our easels to set up our own still life.

I was shaking in my boots! But determined to show no fear, I tied on my favorite paint apron and got busy! So while I was looking for subject matter, digging through two large boxes of oil paint to find the specified 2 yellows, 2 reds, 2 blues, burnt sienna and white, and was setting up my palette. . . . everyone else was painting. Wow! I needed to step on it! Carol had mentioned that a view finder was imperative for our painting, so not having one, I took a few more minutes to craft one out of card stock and masking tape. With my carefully selected peach in place complete with stem and leaves, I picked up my brush, took a deep breath and began. I found lining up my subject matter through the view finder very difficult...almost dizzying! I pushed on determined more than before. Man! This was hard! Looking around the room certainly didn't help. Everyone was painting way. Feeling a bit tired and now anxious, I continued to look around until my gaze fell upon the fabulous work of the two Southern Belle's, working side by side. More about these Dixie Darlings, later!

Oh My! With not even a mark on my canvas, it looked like they were nearly finished! Truly feeling disheartened, I flagged down Carol, who was roaming around the room, for help. She gave me some helpful advice which helped me to get started started. I really was the slowest and the last to finish, but in the end I was please with my peach!

Carol Marine! ...a shining star!

The past three days, I've been painting at an art workshop, in Salado Texas! A dazzling young
artist, Carol Marine, took time out from her family and daily painting to instruct 16 enthusiastic painters.

Carol is a member of a group of talented artists at Daily Paint Works. In a lovely and comfortable setting, Andreeva Portrait Studios, Carol challenged her class to 'see' and 'paint' in a fresh, new way! We all had our ups and downs, more than our share of fun and learned more than you can imagine! Back home and well rested, I'm ready to paint! Encouraged and refreshed, with new resolve I am determined to paint something daily! ...or at least every other day:) Carol has been painting tiny 6" x 6" oil on canvas paintings, daily for several years. After spending three days watching, listening and painting, I'm convinced. Daily painting will make all the difference!

Below, are a few of Carol's recent 'daily's' ....personal favorites! She sells them on Ebay. Starting price $100. Sign up for daily notification. It's like recieiving a little e-mail bouquet!

The Pears were the first of many demos. Delish! Later today I will post more. I can't wait to show you some of the beautiful work our class did! Which reminds me, mine are still out in the car! Later, gator!

Art Show!

Tomorrow, at River Oaks Gallery, I will exhibit art for the first time ever, in Paul Friske's show.

Paul, is an amazing artist and man. He is represented by several top galleries in the country.

I am thankful to call him neighbor and friend, and excited for the opportunity to exhibit the following art.

First Psalm

Blue Sky

Both of these paintings are oil on linen. I hope you will drop by the gallery during the month of June and take a look at some lovely West Texas art. All displayed art is for sale.

"It's not where you take things from- it's where you take them to."

Hope you'll share your thoughts of the subject of 'copying'!

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.
Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to."
- Jim Jarmusch"

Ever since I can remember, I have copied! As a child learning to draw, I would study cartoon illustrations and duplicate them to the best of my ability. First tracing...then looking and drawing. For the record, WoodyWoodpecker was my favorite! As teens, my sister and I admired a 'salt dough' Santa ornament at a craft show which my mother bought and took home. Later that night we spent a memorable evening at the kitchen table, copying the original and getting tickled at how different they all looked! As a adult artist I have tried to copy other artists paintings, in hopes of learning how to better paint. And though copying has served it's purpose to increase my artistic appetite, it has not brought great satisfaction. I am seeking authenticity.

Years ago, I came to the conclusion that God was the source of any artistic abilities that were in me and that His creativity was flowing through me, much like water through a garden hose. That my access to His unlimited creativity was hindered only by my ability to connect to Him, the source of supply. He, being the creator of all creation and the aurthor of all originality, invites us to observe, dip or dive into His pool of living water. A never ending source, with unlimited benefits!

I am writing these thoughts today for the first time, to explain why it has rarely bothered me to be copied. Afterall, it is His inspiration, His beauty and His knowledge that moves through me and you. We did nothing to deserve it....it is simply His gift to those who will receive Him...a freely, flowing stream from which anyone may drink. How silly would it be for us to drive a stake in the ground and post a sign saying, 'No drinking! Private Property!' Our attempt to control others will only rob us of personal joy and abundant opportunity!

It is His creativity, moving through our 'God given' indiviualality that makes us unique and one of a kind. I have looked around and 'borrowed inspiration' my whole life. Trying to imitate and re-create...not only art, but the lives of others! But through time and much prayer, I've come to understand that the authencity that an artist so desires, is attainable only when we accept our uniqueness and embrace His.

I welcome your thoughts...

Blue Skies!

Eighteen years ago my little sister gave birth to the cutest little girl! Her name is Natalie. She has brought our family a lot of joy and this Saturday she will be graduating from high school. Wow! How quickly she has grown!

From this tiny little girl............................................................................

..........................................................to this beautiful young woman!





Congratulations, Natalie! We are so proud of you. You have accomplished a lot throughout the years, made many good choices and have surrounded yourself with great friends.



As you step out into the future, you will make many important decisions and meet a lot of new friends. All of which will become apart of your continuing story! So Natalie, knowing you are well equipped for the days ahead, walk confidently in the direction of your dreams! For life, is a blue sky of opportunity!



May God direct your steps, fill you with wisdom, teach you His truths and richly bless all the days of your life.

The NEST has a home!

After writing all 32 of your names on little pieces of paper, I folded them up, said a prayer and picked one out! Well, boys and girls, I'm pleased to annonce that the winner of the Nest Give-a-way is Kayce.....a Maryland mother of 5 beautiful boys! Congratulations, Kayce! This sweet little 'nest 'will be quickly on it's way to you! Just email me, roxannespradlin@yahoo.com and give me your mailing address. Also, please leave a comment here, so I can be on the look out!

A big thanks to all of you! It was fun. Let's do it again soon!

Coming soon! The next home project.....I'm sketching ideas for a tiny entry ceiling!

Big hug!

NEST GIVE-A-WAY!!!

When I began blogging my art journey, a year and a half ago, I wasn't sure it would be a lasting endeavor! Technically challenged, nothing came easy! Everything about it was hard...I could barely check my email and nearly gave up on more than one occassion. At this point, I should mention, just in case your interested in starting your own blog, it's not difficult! I was just void of all basic computor and typing skills. But with lot's of help and encouragement from my sweet girl, Beth, I pressed on. The kind words of encouragement from friends Dalia (who started the whole thing & named my blog), Mary, Molly, Amy, Jo Carol, Brandy, Nancy and Jana have pulled me along. . . . thank you girls! Now I can say without hesitation blogging is so much fun!

And so it is with a sense of accomplishment, that today, I celebrate my 100th post! As a way of showing my appreciation to all of you who drop by and visit (whether we know each other or not) I'd like to invite you to enter my 'NEST GIVEAWAY'! This is the nest I painted earlier this week for 'Tuesday Tutorial'. It is a sweet little nest and I'd love to share it with someone who would enjoy having it in their home!

Everyone is invited to participate! Don't be shy! To enter, just leave a comment. . .or become a follower (below left). It's that simple.

Entries will be taken until this Sunday, May 31st, 12:00 PST. The winner will be selected by a randomly from all who enter. I will post the winning entry on Monday, June 1st! Please check back to see if it is you!

Thanks again to all of you for encouraging me along the path to becoming an artist. The future is brighter than ever! Praise God!

Best wishes and blue skies!

Tuesday Tutorial! Painting a bird nest - 101

Wow! This morning when I announced that today I would teach the first Tuesday Tutorial, I had no earthly idea what I was getting into! It only took 30 minutes to paint the painting and 4 hours to post about it! So if you enjoy this let me know.... for it may be the last Tuesday Tutorial!

So, kiddo! Let's get started. We've got a bird nest to paint! That's right! A really simple, yet lovely bird's nest. Real one's are kind of dirty but ours will be nice and clean! Whenever I paint, I
like to start with a photo. Our finished painting will look different, but the photo will serve as a guide. I studied it a lot while painting the one below.



OK! Here's what you'll need to get started. A few paper towels, container of water, a small canvas board (mine is an 8 x 8 - Ebay), 2 brushes - 1" flat, small # 8 round and the following colors:

Now pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and let's paint!

Squirt a little of each color onto a plastic or disposable plate. I'll be using a deviled egg plate because it's cute and it works! Now pick up your big brush, dip into the Sea Foam and quick as you can cover your canvas with paint.

Then with a dab of Sky Blue on your dirty brush, paint a blue spot in the middle of the canvas.

Wipe your brush, not wash...on a paper towel until dry, and dip into Raw Umber.

Now scrub with the corner of the big brush, the dark brown color around the blue spot. The paint should be dry and scruffy. Press hard and scrub! The dirty blue brush and brown paint with turn into a medium shade of brown! Then dip back into the Raw Umber and using more paint, brush color onto the inside of the nest. Reducing the blue spot, making it smaller in size and turning it into the 'egg' (below rt.). Continue, and brush a little of the thicker brown

color onto the bottom and little more on the bottom right and a few other places ( above rt.).

As you can see, the form has now changed into a crude nest. Wash your brush. Lay it aside.

Pick up the # 8 round brush and mix a little water, small amount of Teddy Bear Tan into some Raw Umber to make a little lighter, medium brown. Using the tip of the brush, paint long thin ( light pressure) strokes to create the first layer of sticks and straw.

Continue across the front of nest, then a few inside the nest. Let your 'straw-like'

strokes extend out over the edges of the nest, making the nest appear mor loose and 'stick'y!

Using the same brush and same strokes, continue to create another layer of straw, by adding a little Pebblebrook and a little water to your medium brown color. Which will lighten up the brown and create a little more contrast. Place first on the top edge of the nest/opening of the nest, putting more on the left side.

Continue down the left side and slightly across the front, using more light on the left...fewer light strokes on the right (below).

Using the same brush add to this color, a little warm white which will give you the lightest color yet...

Add a few more light strokes! On second thought, I want to try something real quick! Grab a gift or credit card and a disposable plate. Mix up a larger amount of this light color and scooping it onto the edge of the card, make some long thin grass-like strokes, again keeping the left side lighter.

Our nest is really beginning to take shape. Just a few more details and we'll be finished.

With the same brush, dip back into the Raw Umber and reinforce a few of the darker spots on

on the front and lower right. It's all of these little light and dark lines that make this nest look

The last thing we need to do is add a little highlight to the egg. So clean your brush and dry it on Paper toweling. Mix a little Sea Foam into a little Sky Blue together and lightly brush along the top edge of the egg. See how that little bit of light makes the egg look more rounded and real?

Quickly wash out your little brush and using a little Raw Umber and more water. Mix a thin dark brown, twist your brush into a point, draw on your initial and ....

......you're finished! Congratulations!!! How did you do? Was it fun?

Feel free to ask any questions and please let me know what you think! I'd love to see photo's! Email them to roxannespradlin@yahoo.com and I will post them!

Calling all 'budding' artist's!

Today is 'Tutorial Tuesday!' So if you've ever wanted to paint, stop by later today for you very own private lesson.



You will learn, step by step, how to paint an object!

The subject matter will be a surprise. In fact, at this very moment, not even I know... but do not fear! Such are the ways of we art-tees-ta's!



We'll start with something simple. I want you to be sucessful. I'll make it easy. 101! I promise.



See you later! It will be so much fun!

Remember....

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.

America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America!America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.



...and while celebrating with family and friends,
please prayerfully remember those who are not.










For those of you who choose to serve our country, please accept our heart felt thanks!

Good Morning!

Almond-Crusted French Toast

Ingredients
• 5 large eggs • 1 cup whole milk • 2½ tbsp. maple syrup, plus more for serving• 1 tbsp. rum, Cognac, or Grand Marnier (optional) • Nine ¾-in.-thick slices brioche bread or other rich egg bread such as challah • 2½ cups sliced raw almonds • 5½ tbsp. (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, or as needed • ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks • Fresh berries (optional)

Directions

In a large, shallow bowl, use a fork to beat together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and rum, if desired. Dredge both sides of the bread thoroughly in the egg mixture. Spread out the almonds evenly on a platter or baking sheet and place a slice of bread down on the almonds, pressing down gently so that the nuts adhere. Turn the bread over and coat the other side. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat and add a few tiny slivers of butter. When the foam has subsided, cook the slices of bread for 1½ to 2 minutes on each side, until light brown. Add more slivers of butter around the edges of the pan when you turn the bread—and as necessary when the butter is absorbed—so that the nuts do not burn. Repeat with the remaining slices, reducing the heat slightly if the pan gets too hot.
Cut the toast in half and serve 3 halves per person, on warmed breakfast plates. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and, if desired, a few ripe berries. Serve it with crispy bacon and maple syrup. Serves 6.

A favorite place...for so many reasons!

Pink balloon poodles!

I knew I was going to love this store before I ever stepped foot in the door. It was February and my daughter Kimberly Brooke was telling me all about it! The colors, the wall finishes, and quirky displays. She discribed one display that hung from the ceiling, in the middle of the room. It consisted of hundreds of small envelopes, dyed brownish pink and stuck together in very long columns. Multiple columns formed a 3-D screen. Then ever so often, a tiny love note was tucked into an envelope. Cool, huh!! This is the sort of thing that put's this store on my, 'Must stop list!' everytime I'm in a big city. They change constantly, much to my delight, and every store is different! I've never seen so many amazing displays under one roof! It is the Cirque Du Soleil of retail marketing design. You have to wonder 'who thinks of all this stuff?' Obiviously, a team of super creative stylists!

Great furniture!


A...artistry!
N...natural!
T...trendy!
H...home!
R...rocks!
O...outstanding!
P...popular!
O...organic!
L...love it!
O...over the top!
G...gifts!
I...inspiring!
E..exciting!

Lovely windows!

Pure magic!

Jars make great laterns.

Great colors...

Go green!

Cute birds perch on 'chalk' twigs!

Wall covered in boxes of vintage Christmas ornaments.

Gigantic light bulb chandelier!

Great idea! Wall-paper a room with pages from a book!

Woven walls and ceiling!

The Crown Jewels!



Fairy tale sleeping alcove.

Blue paper fern fronds dangle from the ceiling.

Cupcake papers!

Mounted old paper butterflies!

Dangling magnifying glass collection!

...more cupcake papers.

White drinking straws!

A gigantic newspaper beehive with letters buzzing around.








The grass is always greener!

Map and Key display!

Old window art. Great color.

Flocked winter bicycle.

For the birds!

Ball jar track lighting....

Marsmallows !

Eye exam!

A book mobile!










Fresh designs!

...more book art!

Aprons!

Furniture stack!






Random chandelier!

Sweet dreams!







It's time!

How in the world???

Right about now, you may be wondering, 'Do you ever buy anything? ...or do you just walk around and gather up ideas!' The answer is 'yes' to both! After this visual feast, one simply must make a purchase! Mostly home decor...usually on sale!

Are you a fan? What do you usually buy?

Backyard Worship!

For me, observing the beauty of nature, is like receiving little love notes from God. In the anatomy of one simple bloom, I begin to grasp the magnificence of God. Which reminds me of Romans 1:18-20. "For the truth about God is known instinctively to them. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God." So obviously there is something far greater going on here. My enjoyment for all nature (bugs excluded) is a divinely orchestrated plan to draw me deeper into the heart of God. Ingenious! It touches my soul to know He has been doing this my whole life. I can remember as a child on summer evenings the magical moment between dusk and dark, when fireflies danced across the lawn. Late night at the lake, watching tiny fish swimming into the underwater glow of light, and in the discovery of a robin's nest with beautiful blue eggs! I love knowing He's always been there. Whispering in the quiet of the night. Revealing the truth. Healing my heart with His redeeming love.

Pass it on!

Today is my birthday! I know most people don't tell when it's their b' day, especially as they get older... they're kind of quiet and shy about it, but they didn't have Vida Mae for their momma! Who when I was growing up, celebrated our birthdays like they were national holidays!

On the morning of the 'big day' you woke up, to loud voices of the entire family singing 'Happy Birthday'! It was always a little jolting at first, sending you under the covers but once you recovered your wits and figured out where you were, it was so much fun! You'd throw back the covers and sit up with a big smile, just in time to see those you loved most, singing slowly the final, "...Happy Birthday to You". You also got to choose your favorite meal or restaurant for dinner that night. Then it was off to school for a very long day because you knew what was waiting back home.

Year after year, my mom would bake and beautifully decorate our birthday cake. Weeks before the 'big day' we would look through books and torn out magazine pages in search of the perfect cake! As the day grew near, she would ask us to describe our birthday cake in detail...one layer pink, one layer orange, one layer yellow with green icing with purple roses....etc. So, needless to say it was 'very' exciting to walk in the front door and be-line it to the dining room, where you could count on a fabulous display! Two shades of crepe paper twisted together from one corner to the other, crossing in the center of the room and attaching to the chandelier. The table was full of gifts, all shapes and sizes, wrapped cheerfully with ribbons and bows. Creating a dazzling backdrop for the "special cake" that stood tall on a pedestal! A breath taking site that would crescendo into a delicious family dinner. Followed by cake and ice cream, and finally! Opening those presents!!!

Oh, the joy of being my momma's child! She knew better than most, how to make someone feel special. As I read my daughters blog www.bethandcompany.blogspot.com/ this morning and received her soul touching gift, I realize anew God's truths that "love begets love". Thank you, momma for passing on God's love to your children, so we could pass it on to our children and they will pass it on to theirs. Like a golden thread that runs through time, 'His love endures forever!'

So, go ahead now! Wish me a happy birthday! And while your at it, tell your birthday and I'll return the favor. I will! I'll write it down on the calender and surprise you!

Big hug!

Go green! With silver!

Today, while looking through a folder of favorite ideas, I saw these photos and decided to post them again. Last fall they made a brief appearance but I thought I'd share them again. This time offering a few more details. First of all I want to say, "I did not make this", I did however study it closely and that's why I say with confidence, I could make it and so could you! You can't tell by looking at the picture but this chandelier is huge! Approximately 3'x3'. It originally was brass and wasn't sporting those cute little shades.

You've probably seen them before or had one. A lot of people have replaced them but maybe you'll get lucky and find one at a resale shop or garage sale. Moving on, the next thing to do is paint with a good metallic silver spray paint (I like the Benjamin Moore Brand) that is for metal. Spray several coats, from different angles, to make sure it's well covered. Now it's time to hang the chandelier. Don't forget the cord cover. This one was made out of linen....it's makes all the difference. Don't you think? When the light is hanging firmly in place that's when the real fun begins! Taking all sorts of odd and end tarnished silver pieces (salt and pepper shakers, all sizes of spoons and forks, punch cups, etc.), randomly with thin silver wire attach them to the fixture. Check out the fork to the far left of photo below...look how the fork tines are bent around one of the arms, and the handle was bent to form a hook. How cool is that!There is no right or wrong! You can't put too much! Just let you're 'eye' be your guide! If you decide to make one, please promise you'll share photos.

O.K! So let the hunt begin, for all things silver and tarnished.

Ready? Set? Go!

p.s. Don't forget the shades!

We are loved!


Like a box of assorted donuts, we are different!




Celebrate your uniqueness!



Embrace those around you in His love.

Shine brightly, so those lost in the dark can find their way home.

Happy Mother's Day! . . . we are blessed.

Molly's, May Luncheon...How Quaint!

Today marvelous, Molly and friends

had a the 'Quaint Old Homes'

May Luncheon at her house. She has an amazing since of style!

The Queen of Vignettes. Where

is Country Living for heaven sakes? Everything was absolutely adorable! I mean 'eye-popping' wonderful. I couldn't help myself. I dug my little digital camara out of my purse and started snapping pictures. I'm sure some of you are gasping at the thought of such tackiness! Yes, I do know better and don't go blaming it on my Momma! I then I took tacky to the edge of the cliff and jumped off by asking Molly if I could post on my blog about her precious house. I'm pleased to say she said yes! Yeah! Thanks Molly!!! It would be hard to explain how cute everything thing was and how happy we we're to be there. So see for yourself! Then check out her blog at www.molly-mollyb.blogspot.com/ . Just look at these cupcakes! They're bird's nest!

Each one topped by an edible

nest and candy

eggs the perfect shade

of blue. I heard someone say

the nest were made from

shredded wheat and melted

chocolate. Mmmm. Crunchy. Aren't they the cutest?

Even Kay's scrumptious Italian Cream Cake got embellished! Sorry! It's all gone but don't fret. You can call her. She'll be delighted to bake you one anytime! No, I'm not kidding.Here's a closer look just in case you wear glasses and can't see...

Even the plates and napkins matched. Hand stamped paper tags serve as napkin rings. It's all in the presentation, ladies!

Now let me show you some of the house. I love all this white!....and neutrals. BINGO!!! This red and white kitchen vintage kitchen is a happy place. Full of cute!

....and so much sweetness! Seriously, they don't come any sweeter than Anna and Mary.




Everyone had a great time!


















There were a lot of smiling faces. Hi, Jana and Amy! Y'all look so cute!
Now let me show you Molly's studio.

It's a cheery little room right off the kitchen

where she can sew and create to her heart's delight!
...complete with cozy sitting area. Coffee anyone?

A beautiful bedroom with 'head-spinning' charm.

Aqua, black and white!




And recognize the NEST painting? It flew across town and found a new home.

Well, folks! This concludes the tour of Molly's house. Thanks again. If you loved it, make her day a little brighter by telling her so at www.molly-mollyb.blogspot.com/ .....don't be shy.! Leave Comments! We bloggers LOVE them!!! Sad, but so true.

A NEW NEST!

Ever since I named our 1937 Tudor cottage 'The Robin's Nest', I've been collecting, admiring and painting nest's. There is something so sweet and familar about birds building nests,

raising their babies and then all too quickly teaching them to fly away. I get a little teary just thinking about it. Nevertheless, it's been over three years now and I haven't gotten tired of them yet. And believe me when I say I got a lot of them!

I've got real ones! (this was the first one, found in our tree in Pearland)

....and fake ones,


...and favorite ones!

I even have homemade nest's

.....and jar's of blown quail eggs

and other such silliness!

So it will come as no surprise when I tell you that today I finished painting a new nest for my precious friend Molly! This is a robin's nest. It's full of depth and texture, painted on a crackled background.

Which adds a nice little touch but wait, there's more! Some large handpainted letters that spell, you guessed it! NEST! ....and a little bit of Molly's favorite scripture, "His eye is on the sparrow!"

And suddenly with that thought in mind, it occurs to me why I'm so intrigued with nesting birds.

They, along with all of creation are singing of God's love! Every leaf, every cloud, every drop of rain are His little love notes to us. Faithful reminders of His majesty and splendor. All the while drawing us deeper into His fellowship and reconcilliation. Oh, how these discoveries warm my heart and melt my fears!

For if 'His eye is on the sparrow', then I know He watches me.

It's Tulip Time Again!

For the past three years, Beth and Nate, have visited the tulip farms in La Conner,WA. Since I had the honor of joining them on the first year I can tell you it's a site to see! Last week, they made the annual trek and Beth posted the pictures today. For a better look, just click www.bethandcompany.blogspot.com/ .



The first year in '07, Beth captured and adorable photo of Carter walking down a row of tulips. It quickly became a family favorite! A tradition was born. Needless to say last year a similar shot was captured showing a years growth. Consequently another was taken last week to complete the sequel.

This one is my new favorite!

Hay Bales!

Today I painted the fourth in a series of west Texas landscapes. I've really enjoyed this project. I can imagine that many people would not find a lot of beauty in this part of our state. However, I do. And I really like the painting! I'm not sure it's finished. I'll have to look at it a while to decide. Hopefully, this time next week I'll post a photo of all four paintings framed and hanging. Coach has requested that we add a bit of 'rustic' to our decor. So today I added a cowhide under the dining room table and chairs. What you think about this combination? I'm in hopes that the landscapes will bring more of the same!

Best Brownies

Another family favorite! An easy brownie that's finger licking good. Stir up a batch today.

2 sticks margarine
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cocoa
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Melt margarine in a 13 x 9 inch pan in 350 oven. Beat eggs, add sugar, beat in melted margarine. Add flour, cocoa, salt and vanilla, beat well, add pecans. Pour into pan (where margarine was melted). Bake at 350 for about 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake. May serve them plain or with icing.

Icing:
2 tablespoons margarine
2 squares chocolate
3 tablespoons hot water
2 cups powdered sugar
chopped pecans

Melt margarine and chocolate, add water, stir in powdered sugar (until icing spreads easily). Spread on brownies while they are warm. Sprinkle with pecans, if desired. 16 brownies

West Texas #3

Here is yesterday's painting, third is a current study of west Texas landscapes. The fore ground was quite a challenge, but at the moment I am happy with it...the painting and I are at peace.