a scanner, a sale and a sigh...

Round Barn At Dusk

Lucky Farm

THE SCANNER:

Who knew choosing a new scanner would require two trips to three different stores?  I wanted to replace the one that broke with the same model but the new version was in a very harsh looking black and white which just was not working for me (i know the aesthetics of the electronic gadgetry i am surrounded by shouldn't really matter...but it does).  So I finally got the new(all white) scanner up and running on Sunday.  I'm really happy with the two barn paintings and liked painting the night sky (I'm definitely more of the blue/grey foggy type but it's good to change things up once in a while).  Round Barns are amazing works of art an ingenuity (I would love to live in this one right next to the pond).  Lucky Farm is a magical place where diversity, beauty and luck keep the family business thriving (selling fresh flowers at the local farmer's market is a secret dream job of mine!)

THE SALE:

The house is sold!  Well I hate to jinx anything but numbers have been negotiated, papers have been signed and the inspection is tomorrow.  From what I have gathered (via realtor to realtor communication) the couple who is purchasing the house really loves it that is just what I wanted for this old beauty.

THE SIGH:

A big one of relief, sadness and excitement all rolled into one.  

Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by!

how time flies.....

Eleven years old today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY THEO!  

My scanner is broken  so today I am unable to share the barn paintings but I should have a new one up and running by tomorrow.   Instead of painting, this day is to be filled with ice cream for breakfast (a birthday tradition around here), cleaning house and scooting out for a few showings (keep your fingers crossed), opening gifts (lots of legos to be sure), new bike shopping  and a yummy dinner complete with fortune cookies.  See you tomorrow!

75% done.....

Happy Monday!  The kids are back to school after what seemed like a very long and enjoyable spring break.  We wrapped up the week with a gorgeous Saturday which took us down to the beach (to take photographs for my collaborative project with Cathy Cullis) and ended with good food and wine enjoyed al fresco with friends.  Sunday brought grey skies, rain, a trip to The Field Museum and an afternoon spent knitting by the fire.  I've only got one part left on this sweet little piece before it can be sewn up (this is the point where projects sometimes get set aside but I'm committed to finishing this one). 

It's grey and rainy again today and I'm off to finish up the barn paintings which I'll share tomorrow....How was your weekend?

a little of this and a little of that....

As promised here are two new paintings in progress.  If all goes according to plan they should be finished up with a layer of beeswax and inscribed with details over the weekend....stay tuned.  After dabbling in the studio it was time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine...today the kids and I planted broccoli, lettuces, sweet peas and radishes (spring you're really here to stay, right?).  I love this time of the year when the lilac bushes are full of buds, the birds fill the air with song and the screen door allows the outside in.....what's your favorite thing about spring?

simple and satisfying....

We just returned home from a five day visit with my parents (forgot to mention i was leaving...sorry!).  Anyways there is lots of laundry and catching up to do but Chuck offered to take on dinner tonight and it was awesome.  He is famous around here for his simple yet delicious risotto (broccoli, tomato, onion and garlic).  It's good to be back and I have lots of time set aside for painting in the next few day and I promise to share!  

It must be spring....

The artichoke is a herald of spring and I was thrilled to see these baby artichokes in my local market.  I had just read a fabulous article in issue Saveur which whetted my appetite with sentences like "There is a sublime texture to a perfectly steamed artichoke heart: firm and creamy in a way that can be described only as confectionary.".  And so I snatched these babies right up to steam as the perfect side dish for the pork loin with balsamic-glazed onions and fingerling potatoes I'm making for dinner this evening.  

I've got two new oil/encaustic paintings in the works and am almost ready to get started on my end of the collaborative project I'm creating with Cathy Cullis (I'm hoping to gather a few more bits of inspiration over the weekend).  I'm also working on a little knitting project which is keeping my fingers flying......what have you been up to?

the mountains are talking....

As promised here is another in my series Things I Saw From The Plane  entitled "The Mountains Are Talking".  The majestic snow capped mountains and the great divides they form made me feel the enormity of my travel.  As I looked down at the flat plains approaching the mountains and followed the twisting and improbable roads through them I couldn't help but think about all of the brave souls who travelled west with families before there were planes in search of a better life, of adventure and of the unknown.  Their stories are in these mountains.....

girls....

Spring is coming....at a snail's pace.  Little bits of green are appearing on lilac bushes and brave crocuses bloomed despite 2 inches of snow and slush here last weekend.  As we enter the season of rebirth and renewal I felt the need to add a few "girls" to my shop.  These sweeties hold golden hearts full of love, kindness, patience and forgiveness and golden stars for secret wishes.  They have wings which allow them to fly and words on their gowns to inspire.  I have made many of these girls but each one has something new to say....I love that.  

 

These girls and a few more will be added to my shop this morning:

Party Girl (courage) ...a wee 2x3

Glamour Girl (the imagination still wanders)  3.5x4.5

Party Girl (sparkle)  3.5x4

Glamour Girl (creativity) 3.5x5