A day for my son ...

With my daughter off on her summer getaway with her dad & step mom - my hubby and I decided to surprise our son with a day filled with all things he loves ... a sleepover at camp (might I add that he was not tickled with the idea that mom was tagging along ... "But, mom - it's a guy's place!" ... he's just dying to become a man! At age six, he's trying to chase away his childhood with macho gusto. while I am clinging to every previous moment!!) - - So, again - a sleepover at camp (complete with campfire & s'mores - and BATS! Those of which he thought would be an awesome mount - oh dear :) ... breakfast at the Farmer's Inn (okay this one was a treat for all of us ... incredible homemade french toast with farm fresh eggs & coffee that would give Starbucks a run for its money - plus, did I mention the quaintness of this place? Just take a look!... and my little guy cleaned his plate of flapjacks & bacon with a big ole' smile :)

We also stopped by for a visit at the fishing hatchery where he captured scores of rainbow trout & palominos on his DSi - - this child is enamoured with anything that would define an outdoorsman - a "mini-me" of his dad :) ... ... and - I'll venture to say his favorite spot all day - the deer ranch ...The bucks were in velvet - glad to see that all was still intact. If you have ever seen the stage of when they are rubbing that velvet off ... you know what I mean -- Icky ... and definitely not something that one would want to photograph ... I'll just leave it at that. While observing these deer and feeling the softness of their growing antlers (this one above is a "piebald," noting its coloring variation), I was struck, as I often am, by God's creative process. Even within the cycle of antlers ... the growth of the soft vascular bone beneath the velvet covering, stimulated by hormones over several months to calcify into beautiful antlers ... Truly - His handiwork and creativity never ceases to leave me awestruck.

Even though I am not a hunting & fishing gal by trade/interest, I do so enjoy being in the presence of nature and allowing the magnitude of beauty and wonderment to sweep me up in its magic. It puzzles me how anyone can question the existence of God. Look around ... just in acknowledging the complex variety of all forms of life is proof in the pudding!

My favorite were the fawns with their delicate spots and knobby knees ... It was such a special treat :)

We also had a tiny, furry friend tag along with us while we made our way through the corrals ...... my son would spot him scampering along the beams, in and out of the fences, and announce - "There's Alvin again!" :)
Campfire Treats to toast the stars + making friends with Furry Woodland Animals + Ice Cream Cones to end the day = Simple Happiness :)

One more note ... My mama-meter hit a high when we visited an artist gallery and all my son focused on was finding a special trinket for his sister ... love that thoughtful boy. It warms my heart to know that she is on his mind. I always feel her absence when she is not with us ... but I know that she is having her own adventures and creating special memories that will surely be a highlight of her summer. Until my baby girl gets home, I will continue to pray for her safe return - all the while counting my blessings and thanking the Lord for it all.

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

- George Santayana

Love those moments ...

... when a nice thought turns into something lovely. I had one of those thoughts this morning when I woke to pure sunshine, no humidity, and birds singing ... and I thought - - what a great day to have breakfast outside.

Of course, this is my usual routine -- enjoying a cup of coffee, some fruit & yogurt, my current read and my favorite spot in the world - my Amish glider :) Note - the kids are typically still asleep ... so this is complete solitude - - just me & the birds. (*sigh*)

However, this morning, I decided to whip up some muffins - and I do mean "whip up" as in Krusteaz Orange & Cranberry Muffin Mix. I know ... I know. I cheated. But guess what? They were pretty darn good and they only called for one cup of water!! I added frozen blueberries (found at Sam's for an incredible buy!) and sprinkled the tops with sugar before baking. Not too bad in a pinch!

Threw together baggies of cereal, a thermos of milk, and - no summer breakfast is complete without - fresh fruit ...

What is it about eating outdoors on a lovely day that seems to make everything that much better?

Not only had I loaded up our car with our munchies, but I also packed up my paint tote :) filled with watercolors & canvases ...

While I set up our art supplies, my little guy filled up our old pickle jar with water from the river to clean our brushes ... and we were off!

My girl already had in mind a design ....

and decided to create a sunset over the ocean water, adding a mystical treat of a mermaid's tail peaking up from the water ...

Across the table, my son decided to play with colors to see what might come of them ...

Through his brushstrokes and variations of color ... a grizzly was discovered! This certain bear enjoys keeping his eyes on the twinkling stars of evening and munching on favorite berries in the wood. Can you see him?

I decided to try and capture our morning ...

I am still working on my painting ... as my daughter pointed out to me, "you could stay here all day painting! aren't you done yet??" I was simply taking my time, savoring the moment and adding some detail ... and a little more detail. :)

My son finished quickly and spent most of his time along the banks of the river shouting the arrival of passing boats and building sandy mud forts -

Even though piles of laundry and other household chores greeted me at home ... I was still able to carry that peaceful serenity with me from our shared morning. Spontaneity can really boost one's soul ... I highly recommend it!

Only in spontaneity can we be who we truly are.

- John McLaughlin

The Judge ...

... and I'm not talking about "Judy" :)

For any of you who are are an automobile enthusiast ... "The Judge" gives a whole new meaning to this lofty term other than afternoon shows of crazy courtroom debates. I've learned recently that this "bad-boy muscle car" was a hit in 1969 and was only created for three years by Pontiac, in an effort to reclaim their sales and status with the "youth market." Well, they did so with my godmother's husband, who owned one back when they were dating. Those were the days when cruising was a sport and evenings were made of starry night skies, the rumbling of engines, some rock-n-roll, and local carhops.

With their 40th anniversary approaching, she enlisted my help in her vision of surprising his socks off with her thoughtfulness :) Now, the fact that I had never sketched a car in my life did not stop me from jumping on the bandwagon ... I have the Good Lord to help me with that! So, we talked car details and "back in the day" stories, and I worked out a design to hopefully capture the nostalgia of this gift.

From my design to create an old photo, add a punch of color to designate our focal point and the incorporate the history of this car ... I hope that we have achieved a surprise that will satisfy his adoration of the long-lost car that he once enjoyed.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Rosanne and Danny!

May you enjoy many more beautiful & happy years together :)

... bliss ...

Okay ... there are times in a mama's life that her cheeks glow a tender red and her heart flutters like wings of a butterfly - - they are moments when a mother witnesses her child identifying his/her God-given gifts and putting forth efforts to fly towards that child's full potential. I had one of these moments just recently ...



My daughter, who does not recognize how truly gifted she is, surprised herself when she decided to paint a portrait of Northern Italy as a gift to her father. He and his wife are planning a trip to Italy soon - as his family is from this region. So, this painting held special meaning for my daughter ... and it showed.
I only gave her guidance on the layout prior to painting, gave her a few painting techniques, and ... VOILA! A masterpiece :) at least in my book! Because when I look at this painting, what I see is not only her brushstrokes, but also the light in her eyes that shined as she saw the painting progress from blocks of color to images of detail.

Needless to say, she was very anxious to wrap it up and present this very special gift. :)


It has been my experience that there is nothing better than the feeling of bringing happiness to others with something that you have created ... and that feeling is named, " Bliss."

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand.

- Woodrow Wilson

Just checking in ...

I can hardly believe how many months have passed since my last post!! The best news is that the annoying white stuff has finally left us, and sprouting up through the withered, foilaged-covered ground are signs of God's beautiful artwork ...
... a sure indication that "life is good." By the way - this photo is courtesy of my creatively-talented daughter :)

My son is enamoured with the signs of spring throughout our yard, as well - - known to most as weeds, but I consider them no-fuss gifts - especially when presented with a tiny bouquet, fringed with fresh, green grass. To a mother's eye ... Teleflora couldn't have done better!


With spring in full bloom ... I often reflect on motherhood. I find such magic in this season - a rebirth of nature surrounds my senses ... and captures my soul. Remembrance envelopes me with times of family, moments of childhood, bits of simplicity. My children have given me such a whimsical outlook on life and it is that which I seek in my every day. It is more challenging when my days are spent alone ... much more than I ever thought. I find myself anxious for school to be over so that time can be spent sharing these simplistic, whimsical moments that will be passing us by all too quickly.


My latest painting captures a little of that bittersweet feeling that a mother reflects upon as her child grows and blossoms ... for they are always the sunshine in our lives.
I am so happy to report that this painting was purchased when displayed at the Art All Night Exhibition a few weeks ago. It's always heartwarming when someone finds such meaning in your work that they wish to claim it for their home.





Recently, I've been spending the past few days with thoughts of summer vacation on my mind ... jotting down and creating a list of summertime wishes to capture with my kiddos. Some are "musts", some are "would likes", and some are "maybes" - - but one thing for sure is that we want to have fun! So, here's our ...

Summertime Wishes ...

1. Ride bikes.


2. Swim in a lake.


3. Make homemade ice cream. (Just unearthed two makers in the basement!!)


4. Run through sprinklers.


5. Water balloon battles with friends.


6. Campout in backyard.


7. Go tenting.


8. Play cards/boardgames on porch.


9. Go fishing.


10. Make homemade donuts.


11. Fly a kite.


12. Build a fort.


13. Grow an herb garden.


14. Go berry picking.


15. Play badminton.


16. Make playdough on a rainy day.


17. Picnic at outdoor concert.


18. Watch movies at drive-in.


19. Catch fireflies.


20. Take local historical tours.


21. Visit zoo & museums.

Our book club/creative workshop is on again this summer ... the girls will be choosing their summer reads on the last day of school. Then, our first meeting will be kicking off our only project this summer ... the girls will be trying their handiwork at writing and illustrating their very own children's book! I am currently working with a printer to see if these can be published so that donations can be made to local libraries. If it is too costly ... we may consider fundraising - perhaps a cupcake sale? :) We'll see ...

Whew! All I can say is - - I am so glad to have finally created a post and sent that winter scene down the page!! :)

So ... how about sharing your Summertime Wishes? Add to the list!! :)

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

- John Lubbock

... winterscape ...

How appropriate to post this latest portrait, since it seems that as far as the eye can see -everything is, once again, covered in white. This latest storm took everyone by surprise - even the local meteorologist ... HUMPH! How does that happen with today's technology? Oh well - just another school closing for the books.

This home portrait was commissioned for the McCandless Family. As you can see, their home is a lovely, two-story BRICK dwelling. ... Oh my ... all that brick. I was anxious to challenge myself with this piece, as brickwork can be tricky to capture with all of its shadings of color and texture.


I settled on the above photo to use as a reference for their painting, as it gives a respectful perspective of this home's grandeur and grace. Of course, the final painting will have this home nestled in a winterscape.

If you have followed my previous posts, you will know that I must ... and I mean "must" ... paint to movies. It's silly, I know ... but movies tend to be my artistic muse when creating. Depending upon my mood and the subject that I paint usually dictates the movie selection. In this case ... I was feeling a bit English. I know - the house favors more southern architecture, but it feels a bit regal with its columns - and when "regal," I think England ... and well, you catch the drift.

So - the movie pic? The Holiday ...

Not only does this movie have fantastic actors (Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz & Jude Law) plus a bit of humor and so much heart, but it also embraces the beauty and coziness of winter that I like to keep in mind when painting this season. It's a must see if you enjoy romantic comedies ... one of my ultimate favorites!

So, with the film rolling, my coffee steaming and my pencils sharpened, I began sketching their home ...

The challenges here are angles, size and placement ... Thankfully, I do have an eraser!!

Now, I began the trickiest part of this painting ... you guessed it ... the brickwork. Yikes...

There may be an easier way to do this, as I create through trial and error; however, I find that in order to create the depth of shading and texture, I must paint in layers and then add in the detail of mortar.
This pic is taken on an angle, therefore it appears that the house is leaning in on itself - I assure you it is not. :)
Next, the windows and trim to give that cozy-warmth and detail.

It's funny ... one would think that a winter scene would be the easiest to paint, since everything is just white -- when in actuality, it is more time consuming, as the foreground must be created in order to lay the snow over top. Otherwise, no depth is achieved. At this point, the front lawn had not been painted yet ... what you see is blank canvas - not snow.

And, alas, the final painting ...

... a winter's blanket covering the McCandless's home in white, while warmth of golden light filters from within.

I consider this painting one of my greatest challenges to replicate, considering the brickwork, trim and detail. Because of this, it is one that I truly cherished ... thank you, Nancy, for the opportunity to confront my hesitations, explore my craft and create this painting for your family. It was an experience that I treasure.

Challenges are what makes life interesting.

Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

- Joshua J. Marine

... L-O-V-E!

Happy Valentine's Day :)

I love this day ... no matter if it is rain, snow or gray-clouded skies outside - this day seems warm, bright and comfy inside.

I always wake up early to dress the house up in sparkles & satin, hearts & flowers, red & pink...

(owl created by Sue Crawford - potter extrodinaire!)

While the kiddos are still in bed, I bake up some cinnamon rolls - and prepare a scavenger hunt just for them.

The treasure? A heart shaped box of candy, of course! Small. ... because these children come home from their school parties with a B-A-G of candy! It's like Halloween all over again ... UGH!


Of course, I, too, am one of those moms who, initially, is determined to send in healthy snacks, but ends up sending in the sugar! ... oh well. I always have such good intentions :)


This year, I decided to try something that I've never done before - - candy-molded lollipops! I've been smitten with these ever since I was a small child and have always wanted to try it. So, I bought a Wilton kit and dived in.

All I have to say is - Wow ... & hats off to every confectionery artist out there, as this is a very tedious task. Funny thing is - I had just finished a home portrait (which I'll be sharing in the next couple days :) and was relishing the break of painting. So, what crazy thought lead me to "paint" chocolate- is beyond me!! LOL Needless to say ... it was rewarding in the end, but after 7 hours into a classroom treat, I suppose anything would be! Aren't cupcakes just the cutest things?!!


As I've said before ... love, love, LOVE this day - as it is quite appropriate to do so! :) A day for love .... chocolate ... and - well, anything else that brings you happiness!


How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

You will find as you look back on your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.

- Henry Drummond

...a day for love ...

Just in time to welcome the upcoming holiday of Valentine's Day, dressed up with heartfelt words, decadent chocolates & XOXOs, I am hosting a sale in my Etsy shop! Why not forgo the expensive flowers, which will undoubtedly wither away, and express your love & gratitude to that special lady in your life with a gift of original WEARABLE art that will can be cherished for a lifetime!

My necklaces are each painted by hand, overlayed with resin (3x), and embellished with sterling silver, as well as adorned with freshwater pearls or faceted crystals. Each pendant is suspended on an 18" sterling silver ball chain with a lobster clasp - a perfect length to showcase your original design :)

Your necklace will be received in a white slide-style box, enclosed in a protective bag and nestled among shredded tissue, along with an artist card designating design & inspiration for the piece.

From now until Valentine's Day - I am offering 25% off all handpainted jewelry + FREE SHIPPING! Shop now to ensure delivery and selection!!

So, stop by my little shop - - I would feel blessed to share my art with you.

Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!

- Thomas Hood