Teri's Painted Daisies

San Diego Trip

2012-01-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

This is the first page in my journal. Notice how mountains always find their way into my journal? I love spreading them across the whole page because that's how I see them in front of us while driving.

That drive into California was something. Went from sea level to 4000 ft on winding, twisting roads from El Campo into San Diego (I-8 for those that might know this route). Once in San Diego, it was all the California traffic that I have heard stories about. What a nightmare! 6 lanes of cars and trucks going as fast as they can. Yikes! But I did it.

We stayed at the Naval Air Station because DH was a Marine at this base on North Island when the Marines controlled it. Now the Navy is in charge.

Let me just say that this base is 5x4 mile maze, but we finally found our way around.

We all told him he probably would not recognize anything from those days....and he didn't, it was all completely different.

One of the things he wanted to see was the Del Cornado Hotel (in the background) because there were military meetings there at one time. It is a huge beautiful place on the ocean and really the centerpiece of the island.

The concierge was so nice; she opened the Crown room so he could see it and walk through it. He said the ceiling used to be draped in red velvet. This is the building you see in the photo above with the big red roof.

You can see why it is called the crown room.

We had the breakfast buffet on Friday and the bottom half of my sketch (above) was in there. I used the kalanchoe plant on our table with the background looking out the windows to the ocean. I took my sketchbook with me everywhere and tried to squeeze in as many sketches as I could.

We spent three hours walking around there enjoying everything there was to see. I did manage to find some daisies growing on the grounds (bottom right corner of journal page).

It's going to take me a few days to show you everything. Such an interesting town.

Church Hat

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is very unusual to see anyone wearing hats in church any more. Remember when all the females did?

I love her dark purple shirt with the lacey red blouse peeking out.

Happy Sunday

Saturday's Zen

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

This zen is very different for me. Don't know where the idea came from but it was sure fun to do. ATC size.

Happy Saturday.

Wind Chimes In Ink

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Another sketch from our trip to Phoenix. One quiet morning I was sitting on her patio studying my Bridge game when these wind chimes called me so I did my first sketch on the back of my book, then went from there to my daily journal. And added a few daises. So funny how daisies keep cropping up in my journal.

This is the whole page where you will recognize a few other sketches. Everything seems to end up crooked because I must be sketching on a slant. But it's my work book so I don't care. Well, I don't care until I try to straighten it out for posting.

Today we are leaving for San Diego for a few days. DH wants to reminisce about his Marine basic training days. I have a few things pre-posted for my Blog and you know I have my art supplies packed.

Duck Decoy

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a well-weathered wood decoy that was on the deck when DH went on his glider ride. I worked from a photo and put the plane in the background to mark the day and place.

I used Ann's method of using water-soluble ink and watercolor. I have done this before but she reminded me how fun it is from "Twenty Minute Challenge" where she posted hers. Ann also has beautiful paintings on her Blog.

This was also another bird that happened on that day.

Happy Animal Wednesday!

Road Trip Sketch

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I am not driving I like to sketch scenes along the road.

I love painting mountains and there are plenty between here and Phoenix. Only problem is the road was quite bumpy making my paint hit the wrong areas.

It is only a two hour trip but at least I got my mountains done.

Have a great day.

Cactus Monday

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

While we were in Phoenix I took a walk to see if there were any interesting cacti and found this one, probably a night blooming cereus. What made it interesting were the seed pods hanging on the branches.

Cropped out of my daily journal.

Happy Cactus Monday everyone

Another Church Couple

2012-01-22T11:12:00.003-06:00

Another interesting couple that sat in front of us in church. She had such interesting hair and I admit I wanted to reach over and straighten his collar. lol

Have a great Sunday!

White Birds

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am getting used to seeing white birds of some sort every time we go somewhere as a reminder that Sunshine is watching over us.

For starters, on the way to Phoenix we crossed a road called 'Sunshine Blvd'.

When we walked into a restaurant we were greeted by a painting with two white birds in it.

I had to take two pix; one close-up and one to show the whole painting.

When we got to the glider airfield we were greeted with a 'hello' from a white cockatoo.

She sits under the overhang and you can see where she is chewing the wood. That hello was so fun to hear.

Yes, now I expect to see white birds where ever we go.

DH Goes Gliding and Another Surprise

2012-01-20T12:24:00.001-06:00

DH received a glider ride certificate last summer as a birthday gift from two of his daughters. We tried to get it in last month but the weather did not cooperate.

This week both daughters, SIL and grandson were visiting from Wisconsin so it was the perfect time to go gliding.

Here is DH getting into the glider with the help of his grandson.

The pilot sits in the back of the glider so he is explaining DH's responsibility in hooking and unhooking the tow rope.

Here is his plane going down the runway pulled by the tow plane.

Gliding through the air after being released at 5000 feet.

They flew out over Lake Pleasant and we lost sight of them for awhile. The whole ride took about 50 minutes as there were not too many updrafts but he said the sights below were awesome.

Here the plane is on the ground and his grandson helped him out. Interesting how grandchildren grow up into such nice people.

DH and the pilot.

Best part is the pilot was running a video camera and he will send us a DVD of that film.

The pilot is handing him his flight log book while the family helped celebrate.

Deb and Gail are the daughters that gave him the gift.

He had a GREAT time and loved every minute of it.

I am afraid to guess what they may do next year to top this!

AND......Margaret of 'Water Blossoms' and her husband came for the show. Here we are with a glider plane and airfield behind us. Lots of hugging and talking and sharing a look at our art. Margaret is an awesome artist and 'Queen of Zentangles'. To see her beautiful work in person was such a treat. And she is as marvelous as her work is: friendly, vivacious and just a wonderful person. I am so glad we finally met after a few years of planning to meet that something always interfered with. We did not have time to sketch together but that is going to happen in the future...we promised.

The whole family loved her and oohed and ahhhed over her art also.

As if it wasn't enough to finally meet her, she came bearing gifts.

Beautifully packaged.

These are notecards from her friend in Illinois, CJ Brown.

A package of ATC cards, stamps designed by Margaret and sold through Zazzle, a tree ornament with Margaret's design on it, also sold through Zazzle, 2 zentangle pencils (see close view below) and a pitt pen in an extra small size. I am getting the hint here that I need to decorate one of those ATC cards. lol

Thank you SO MUCH Margaret for these thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

And we WILL get together for a sketching good time.

What a fab day this was!!

ps Robin, come tomorrow to see how many times Sunshine showed up in one form or another.!

A Cup Of Tea

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

I discovered a new tea; Bigelow's green tea with lemon. It's so good.

This is a journal page that kind of developed on its own. First I pasted the outside package in because it just looked interesting. Then I thought it would be fun to paint a used tea bag.

Very fun idea.

Want to join me in a cup?

Gentoo Penguin

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

While I was visiting during Christmas I watched "Mr Popper's Penguins" with the grands. What a cute movie!

I just wanted to paint a penguin to remember the fun we had watching it. And it was fun to paint.

Happy Animal Wednesday

Cloudy, Cold And Rainy

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Two things I learned on this painting:

while I love my little watercolor Moleskine, it does not take a lot of washes, and second, this painting idea was great, but the execution failed. However, I am posting it anyway so you get the idea of the crummy day we had on Monday. On the other hand, rain in Arizona is always a good thing. This happy yellow umbrella sits next to the pool with the mountains in the background. Great idea for a painting, bad idea to paint it.

Today will be the sunny day I am used to here in Arizona.

Cactus Monday - Freeze Damaged Saguaro

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last winter in Arizona/Tucson there were several days of freezing weather, 19 degrees F. Some of the tall old Saguaros suffered a lot of damage and are in the process of dying.

I decided to sketch a study of the damage.

First the summer fruit production is drastically reduced. Then the outer shell starts peeling away, the arms fall off or leave remnants of the inner structure. The inner ribs are bare sticks. The holes that the birds make for nests create a 'boot' inside the cactus and when the outer cactus layers peel away the boot is left hanging.

So sad to see these old giants dying.

This is a colored pencil sketch I did in 2006 of a dead Saguaro 'skeleton' or inner structure. It shows what it looks like when the entire exterior is gone.

Life and death in the desert.

Happy Cactus Monday

Sunday's Plaid

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

This young couple were new to me and how fun that they sat right in front of us. Loved making that plaid shirt.

Happy Sunday!

Learning To Play Bridge

2012-01-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

I am learning how to play bridge but no one told me I had to be a 'math major'! Lots of rules and card counting...makes my head spin, thus my silly sketch.

But it's fun. And keeps my brain active...or nuts, not sure which.

Do you know how to play bridge?

Illustration Friday - 'Prepare'

2012-01-13T12:07:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Prepare' so I sat down and sketched my coffee cup, wrote a haiku and here it is. Now that it is posted I can see a few spots I missed and some crookedness. Oh well, I guess it will be that kind of day.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

Morning Glory

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

We stop at Jerry-Bobs for breakfast every Sunday after church. Last Sunday this pretty little vase was on the table. So springy I couldn't resist.
I cut the words, 'morning glory' out of the little 'Coffee News' flyer that we get there.

A Visit With The Golden Girls

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite pics of them from Christmas.

Dad just got back from snowmobiling and Macy thought his hat was pretty interesting so he put it on her head...

and Mickey came along and told her it didn't fit so she would take it away for safe keeping.

Here they are playing bookends.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Wheat Bellys

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I was home for Christmas my daughter's friend introduced us to the concept of going wheat free. We all bought the book and made the decision to at least try it for a few months.

I am such a breadaholic that I thought I couldn't do it but once I started going wheat free I haven't even missed bread, bagels, wheat cereal, etc. And I feel very good. I can't wait to see what my cholesterol and blood pressure are when I go for my physical in April.

The book is on my sidebar and here is the Amazon link if you are interested.

I really didn't look for these subjects but maybe I am more conscious of 'wheat bellys' now. We spent an afternoon at Applybe's watching a Packer game and when this guy walked in, I pulled out my small watercolor Moleskine. He was huge!

On a different day DH had to go to the VA and this guy was sitting in the chair begging to be sketched. So I did. Now THIS is what I call a wheat belly!

And that is my sermon for the day. lol

Cactus Monday - Quilted Cactus

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

First of all let me say, I don't know where this stuff comes from. Quilted cactus? The idea just popped in my head and I ran with it. Of course I had to add a haiku.
Can you see who else popped in to say hi? She has been on my mind so that is not a surprise.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Tucson Remembers

2012-01-08T20:13:00.001-06:00

One year ago on 1/8/11, nineteen people were shot, six were killed. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and survived. She continues to recuperate and thrive.

Today there was a gathering of Tucsonans to honor the spirit of Tucson.

Here is a news release of this evening.

Sunday Sketching

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was a good day for sketching. I started with this lady in front of us but since the sermon went on a whole lot longer I also got the priest sketched.

The message: "Lord, hear us in your love."

Have a great day!

How About a Haircut

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why I happened to be with DH when he got a haircut but since I was there.....why not do a quick sketch.

Illustration Friday - 'Grounded'

2012-01-06T08:31:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Grounded'.

Sitting in an airport means I was 'grounded' and what better way to pass the time but sketching people around me.

Everyone seems to be playing on an iPod or iPhone, well, except those that are sleeping. Or sketching.

McDonald's is my least places to eat but even an egg mcmuffin tastes good when starving.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

Artist's At Work

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Theresa also received some art supplies for Christmas: sketchbook, Pitt pens and a Zentangle pattern book.

So we each did a zentangle while Christina worked on a portrait.

I had to use a camera for Theresa's zentange so the color is not the best but she did a great job on it.

Angie had to come up and put a zentangle in my sketchbook too.

This one is hers.

The girls love to have me tell them stories of my past life and this day we got onto some nursing adventures I had.

And this is my zentangle.

We had such a great time.

Silly Giraffe

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

While I was at my daughter's this Christmas I went with them for one of the girls orthodontist appointment. This silly giraffe statue was in the waiting room so I sketched it. When I got home I painted it and threw some green paint on it for interest.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

My Youngest Artist

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Christina hit the art jackpot this Christmas. She got an easel, palette, pens and acrylic paints and got right to work the day after. She has started reindeer here. Don't you love how correctly she holds the palette?!

Here are the reindeer flying with Santa in front of the moon.

This is her painted Nutcracker with the border.

Then she started painting a portrait of everyone. I was the first to sit for her and didn't she do a great job!

She had so much fun with those acrylics.......I bought some when I got back home so I can play with them also. Hey, you never know where inspiration will come from and she inspired me.

I will show you some photos of my 'other' artists on Thursday and a fun animal painting tomorrow.

Cactus Bunny

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I went for a walk the other day I saw this bunny hiding behind some prickly pear cactus and he looked so cute that I went home and painted him in my daily journal. Then I cropped it for today's cactus.
Yes, I have started journaling again.

Happy Cactus Monday

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T01:30:00.000-06:00

I thought I would start the new year with a nebula, symbolic of new beginnings.

Thank you all for your friendship in 2011.

And thank you all for your support, hugs and love when we lost Sunshine. She left a big hole in our lives that is slowly healing.

You probably didn't notice but I have been unable to do much art since then, been bluffing my way through with photos. My trip home for Christmas went a long way to heal my heart and I want to make 2012 a new beginning.

I like to use one word as a resolution for my artistic new year and this year I chose "Open". I am going to be 'open' to new possibilities, experiences and inspirations. And 'open' to my muse to lead me.

May your year be filled with happiness and love.

Technique: watercolor and salt

The 2011 Santas

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Christina and I did a few more Santas again this year.

The top two are mine and the bottom is hers. No surprise that she picked the Golden Girls ornament to paint.

We do a few pages every year.

Happy almost New Year.

Illustration Friday - "Highlight"

2011-12-30T13:26:00.003-06:00

Right now the highlight is on 2012.

And that is the prompt at Illustration Friday. Great prompt at that.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

The Dancing Grands

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am rather embarrassed to say that I took this video. Need I say I rarely use the video part of my camera?

The girls were practicing this new step they just learned and I love how it looks. Christina, the youngest, learned it from her sisters in about 2 minutes.

I decided to try the video so they dressed for the part. We had so much fun doing this.

The music is from Swan Lake, 'the four swans'.

The last part of the video is Christina doing a dance that she saw the older girls doing in the studio and decided to teach herself how to do it. It is amazing how fast the girls learn new routines.

Just one of the happy times we had this Christmas.

A Few Golden Girl Photos

2011-12-28T11:38:00.000-06:00

This is the greeting I get from the Golden Girls every time I walk in the door!

Macy is the youngest of the golden girls and the most laid back dog I have ever seen. She is wearing Christina's jacket here..."whatever".

Here is Macy (type B) in the back seat on the way to my other daughters while

Mickey is the co-pilot (type A), so typical of her.

I got home late last night with no airline problems except for the run down the entire concourse in Denver from one plane to the next one. I got on in time. Phew, I was very worried because we left Milwaukee 30 minutes late and I only had 30 minutes between flights.

More on the wonderful time I had with my family in future posts.

Heading Back Home

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am flying back home today and will get there late. Again I have to change planes in Denver. I hope it is as easy as last time.

The Golden Girls will be featured tomorrow but it may be late as I hope to sleep in from a late night.

I miss not having my computer with me. I love my iPad but there are some things I just can't do with it, like creating a post.

It was an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Christmas with my family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cactus Monday - Sassy Succulent

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this succulent when I was in the same crazy mood as the

Cheshire Cat.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Have a Wonderful Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

☆MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS☆

Advent

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I did this sketch in church during the Advent season and painted it at home.

Advent is the preparation for the birth of Christ which happens tomorrow.

May your season be full of joy and happiness.

Santa Sketchbook

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last year I started a 'Santa Sketchbook' of paintings of Santas.

When I went back home last year for Christmas Christina and I painted a few Santas of my daughter big collection. However, Christmas was over and I never showed what we did.

Christina painted the first two and wrote the haiku and the last one is mine.

Perhaps this year we can paint some more.

Crazy Christmas Cheshire Cat

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this last week and got a little wild with the paint...and it was fun.

Yes, I know I misspelled Cheshire. lol And me the best speller.

Happy Christmas Animal Wednesday.

The 'Real' Nutcracker

2011-12-20T07:17:00.000-06:00

My dancers in the Nutcracker: (left) my daughter Cari, Christina, Eddie Bray, (the teacher, choreographer and the Nutcracker), Theresa and Angie.

Flash camers were not allowed but a friend got this pic without a flash.
It is the walz of the flowers that Theresa and Angie danced in. Angie is third from the left and Theresa is last on the right. The Sugar Plum fairy is in the center.

My grands: left to right, Angie, Theresa and Sarah (here from Germany) and Christina in the front.

I got to see the performance twice and it was awesome! So professional, beautiful and perfect.

Cactus Monday With Santa Hat

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Many people in Arizona decorate their Saguaro like this: put a Santa hat on the top and lights around the cactus.

Happy Cactus Monday

The Nutcracker

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am attending the Nutcracker production that my grands and daughter danced in.
It used to be a tradition in our family to go see the production of the Nutcracker every year, now they are dancing in it.
Priceless!!

Heading Home

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

And yet another and last card from Laure's class. You can see that 'peace, Love and Joy' was the theme throughout all my cards.

I know all these things will be waiting for me when I get home for Christmas.

Leaving at 7:30am today. Changing planes in Denver.....keep your fingers crossed!

I have pre-posted some things but if you don't hear from me not to worry. I am only taking my iPad with me and it does not support Blogger.

Have just wonderful holidays!!!

Illustration Friday - "Sink"

2011-12-16T08:31:00.000-06:00

Remember when my 'Brigade' of eggs first arrived on the scene for Illustration Friday?

Then they became 'Separated" for the next Illustration friday?

Well now they went for a swim in the 'Sink' and one of them went right to the bottom while the others stayed afloat!

Happy Illustration Friday with the prompt of "Sink".

Messing Around Zen

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have been watching a watercolor instructional DVD and haven't got past wet-in-wet back grounds so I inked a zen for this one.

These kind of backgrounds always turn out so interesting, never quite know what will happen. This time a cat, dog and turtle came to play. Maybe one of these days I could actually do a real painting.

Have a wonderful day.

Two Beautiful Gifts Of Sunshine

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

This BEAUTIFUL painting of Sunshine flew into our mailbox from Elva. She is the most wonderful artist and nature story teller.

Don't you just love the way Sunshine is holding our heart.

Makes me cry every time I look at it.

As Elva said, "Sunshine was such a joy in your life and fun for many of us. It takes awhile, but the joy hangs on and the ache eases." I'm still working through that ache.

Elva and I first met online and then discovered she was originally from Wisconsin only about 20-30 miles from where we now live.

You must visit her Blog for a delightful tour.

And this is the adorable card that came with it, drawn and designed by her. So perfect.

Elva is so wonderful and thoughtful and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
This one is going in a frame!

************
And as if that wasn't enough...
This poem was written by my neighbor's daughter, the one that has Yoyo. She also knew Sunshine and knew how much we loved her.

Get the kleenex.

"She was a little bit of fluff

Didn't weigh a thing

Chirped and sang her stuff

The sweetest thing with wings

She came out of the blue

Right straight into our heart

Gd sent her it is true

Loved her from the start

She taught us all she knew

Family is more than right

It's a very special glue

never et her out of sight

She made our lives shine

Went everywhere with us

She traveled just fine

Everyone made a fuss

She prepared her nest

Laid her little eggs there

We were so very blest

They were her gift to share

Though she filled our days

One night while we slept

Took her flight on God's highway

Angels guided while we slept

Ripped our hearts in two

Grief has left us torn

Nothing anyone can do

But give us time to mourn"

Thank you Anita for your kindness, you so wonderfully expressed exactly how we feel.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people!

Another Christmas Card

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is another card I made in Laure Ferlita's class.

I like the way this one turned out.

I am leaving Saturday for the land where this tree full of snow is the norm. Sarah will also be flying in from Germany and the other three grands are dancing in The Nutcracker. Even my daughter is one of the adults dancing at the party in the production. How perfect are those plans?!! Just being with my family is enough.

Cactus Monday - Prickly Pear

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

We were at DH son's house to check things while they are absent. I sat outside and sketched and painted these prickly pear cacti, trying to get back into daily sketching. The sun was behind them and casting great shadows.

I cropped it from the journal page that I was working on. The page already had some pre-washes on it so I wasn't sure how it would turn out but the washes were light enough to not cause any problems.

Happy Cactus Monday

Sunday Couple

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

I think this may be the first decent sketch I have done since Sunshine. And what better place than in church. Done last Sunday.

Happy Sunday to all

Fishy Fun

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Zens are good for relaxing and getting back into daily sketching.

This fish swam in almost immediately.

Happy Saturday

Illustration Friday - "Separated"

2011-12-09T08:17:00.001-06:00

Remember last week when I showed you the egg 'brigade' ?

Well this week three of them became 'separated' in accordance with the Illustration prompt of 'separated'.

Happy Illustration Friday

Zen On 'Coffee News'

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

These 'Coffee News papers' from the restaurant keep coming home with me. :)

I wondered how a zen would work and the paper is thick enough to make it easy.

Have a good Thursday.

Animal Wednesday - Christmas Puppy

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is another image I painted for Laure's 'Christmas Card' class.

I used a photo of Macy (golden girls) to create this card and words.

While I loved the idea, again, I didn't like the way it turned out.

Happy Animal Wednesday

St Nick's Day

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

I took a "Christmas Card" online class from Laure Ferlita this summer before my eye surgery. One of the lessons involving using animals on a card so I painted this one of Sunshine.

I don't like the way I painted it; always have trouble painting white, but I love the words:

"What?

These cookies are for Santa?

Oops"

It was so her.

I won't use it for a card and I probably would not even have shown it but it seemed perfect for the day.

Happy St. Nick's Day

Cactus Monday - Winter Cactus

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is an old painting but so appropriate for the crummy weather we have been having this weekend: rain, wind, cold and snow in the mountains.

At least there is no snow down here in the valley.

Even the cactus are shivering.

Happy Cactus Monday

Church a Few Weeks Ago

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

I found another sketch from a few weeks ago.

Isn't it interesting what I wrote then and so meaningful now.

I am having a hard time getting back to painting but am trying to work through it. I need to paint Sunshine again before I can move on.

I put a "Sunshine" slideshow together for my husband and he has looked at it twice. Now I wish I had taken more photos. How smart we get after a loss.

Friday's Bad Weather

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Bad weather makes interesting photos.

The only thing showing on our mountains is the very top, the rest is shrouded in heavy dark clouds.
The whole weekend is going to look like this.

Winter weather in the desert.

Illustration Friday - "Brigade"

2011-12-02T11:12:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Brigade".

This 'brigade" of eggs have lost more than half their members already.

Time for more recruits.

Happy Illustration Friday.

DH Is Flying Today and...

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

My husband received a birthday gift this summer that he is going to 'collect' today; a glider ride. The place we go is northwest (I think) of Phoenix. Margaret lives very close to where the airport is so.....we are planning to meet there, taik, eat lunch and hopefully sketch.

However, the weather just may not cooperate: prediction of high winds, cold and rain. We'll see.

I really need a change of scenery so DH thought this would be a good time to do it. Margaret is the frosting on the cake.

And no I am NOT going up in the air with him.

I did this piece of art before my world fell apart. It is on a flyer called "Coffee News" and is found in a lot of small restaurants. I used diluted gesso and painted the cup and wrote the words. Curious how important those words are now.

I am editing this to say that the glider place just called and said they were canceling flights today because it was too dark and windy. So we will do it another day.
I did talk to Margaret, well, for quite awhile. We had lots to talk about.
When the weather is better we are still going to meet when he goes on the glider. I am looking forward to that.
She pointed something out to me that gave me the chills. Here is the website for the glider. Take a look at the banner, Sunshine is on the right corner. She will always be with us.

Sunshine Last Journey

2011-11-30T11:23:00.001-06:00

Isn't this just our Sunshine?!

First, I want to thank everyone for their comments and notes. They were beautiful and heartfelt and I cried over each one. She was known and loved across the world.

As to what happened, we first thought she got stuck under the chair but after researching what could have happened, we think she got egg-bound. Since we got to Arizona she laid 5 infertile eggs. A few days before she died she laid three under my husband's chair. Advice from friends said to leave her there to sit on the eggs so we did. She was practicing to be a good mama.

The evening before Thanksgiving she was under there for a few hours and when I looked at 9pm I found her dead.

Cockatiels and other small birds are know to have the problem of becoming egg-bound and dying from it.

We are slowly working our way through our grief. Someone suggested using my art to help cope and this is the result.

It's time to move forward but Sunshine will always be in my heart.

Thank you all for being such good friends.

Sunshine

2011-11-24T18:20:00.001-06:00

2009 - 2011

My best bud is gone due to a freaky accident.

I am editing this to say thank you all so much for the hugs and caring.
She flew into all of our lives and shared a lot of love and fun.

I am going to take a few days off from blogging to try and heal the hole in my heart.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am giving thanks for all the good things in my life
Family
Friends
Health
and
Art

I hope your day is full of happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

The Golden Girls Dress Up...

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

It all started with Macy showing off her headband...

then added glasses to get the complete look.

While Mickey is looking at her wondering if Macy knows what a fool she looks like.

(that's my daughter having a laughing jag over the whole thing)

This is what happens when the three girls in the family meet the two girl dogs.....dress-up time.

It also shows you how laid back and easy going Macy is while Mickey would have been eating the headband and glasses by now. Hard to believe they are half-sisters.

Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?

A Day At Agua Caliente Park..With Sketchbook

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Daily journal page cropped.

DH and I went to Agua Caliente park last Friday. It is a naturalist dream park; lake, birds, wild animals, ducks, fish, cacti, etc.

While I sat on this bench sketching the ducks, he went for a walk and came back with something for me to sketch. It fell on his head lol.

Daily journal page

At the very top of this page you will see a 'osage orange' and a leaf from the bush. No one was sure what it was so I asked the park naturalist and she said it was an 'osage orange' that normally grows in Oklahoma & Texas. She had no idea who brought it here and planted it.

Squirrels love it but no other animal really likes it according to her.

It is rather soft so it didn't hurt his head.

Picture of the lake.

The surrounding grounds have everything from palm trees to Cacti.

I took this photo from the bridge overlooking the lake. It is also where I did that quick sketch of the turtles on a log.

I love this park.

So much to enjoy.

Cactus Monday Before Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is Cactus Monday before Thanksgiving and this prickly pear is providing help to the turkey. :)

"Don't tell anyone

Thanksgiving is getting near

I am hiding out"

Happy Cactus Monday everyone.

Sketching In Church for Sunday Sketches

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't this a great design?! As soon as I saw her I was immediately looking for my sketchbook. I am always intrigued when I see a great design.

To answer a few previous questions; I use my small Moleskine which lives in my purse, hold it in my lap for the quick ink sketch, then finish it at home. So no one really sees me doing these. And no, I have never shown the subject what I did.

I am linking this to Sophia's Sunday Sketches and also posting it in Sketching In Church. Both are great places to visit.

Saturday's Tangle

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a zen that became a 'what if'. I tried different things like using my fountain pen (really didn't get dark enough), using outside lines and then watercolor on this slick paper.

I really don't like it.

Maybe next time.

lol

Happy Saturday!

An Apple A Day for Paint Party Friday

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Remember when I was painting on maps?

This is the same kind of deal only it's on "Trader Joes" mail flyer.

When I first looked at it and felt the heavier paper I knew I had to try painting on it especially with the fun ads and words.

I used thinned gesso on the paper and painted the big apple with watercolor.

The small apples were already there but in black and white so I filled them in with watercolor.

I love finding these new ideas to try.

Stop over at Paint Party Friday for lots of wonderful inspiration.

Two Journal Pages

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

As you can see I am having way too much with my daily journal, the journal of no rules.
I separate my days with ones in whatever shape fits. Messy really works here.

Happy Thursday everyone.

The Golden Girls Make a Virtual Visit

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

My grand dogs made a virtual visit and I just had to share.

Remember when Macy (in the front) was just a puppy? She has lost her puppy look.

I have to giggle about Mickey in the back, she still has that look of, "I am still the boss around here!"

What is it about sofas and dogs? They are certainly making themselves at home while Christina reads.

Mickey (in the back) was laying under the desk by Mom and Macy decided it looked like a good idea to join them.

"What's this, Macy is all covered with a blanket? I need to get in on the act."

I love when the Golden Girls visit, they are so darn cute and entertaining!

Thanks Cari for keeping me in the know.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

And

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THERESA!!!!!!!!!!

Theresa is my oldest granddaughter in this family and is named after me and her Dad. How very special is that! I feel so honored.

Have a wonderful and fun day Theresa.

Arizona Skyline

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this sky long ago as a last page in my 10" x 4" sketchbook and never finished it until I got my pen and then I knew they belonged together.

Any excuse to use my Noodler fountain pen :)

Happy Blooming Skies!

Cactus Monday - Three Versions

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this little cactus bloom three times as seen below.

The top one is an ATC size with only watercolor.

The one on the lower left is done on 'ink only' paper with Pitt pens.

The one on the right is the one above. I used only watercolor on the 'ink only' paper and really love how almost abstract it is. The watercolor just bubbles up and makes such an interesting image.

It is so interesting how different they look.

Discovering something new and different is fun.

I will be trying this again.

💗Happy Cactus Monday💗

Church Sketches For Sunday Sketches

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

I did this sketch last Sunday and you can see I said, "he always has his arm around her". Little did I realize how true that was.....

I sketched this same couple in 2009.
How funny is that!

Things haven't change much. Well, he got his hair cut. lol

Visit Sunday Sketches at Sophia's.

Saturday's Tangle

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

I did this tangle as part of my journal page while listening to the Packer game on the radio as it wasn't on TV. This is at the bottom of the page so I just cropped it.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Noodler Pen For Paint Party Friday

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have wanted a Nooder's flex tip fountain pen since I heard people talking about them but I had to wait because they were on back order for months. I thought I would make a sketch of it to celebrate finally getting one.

The color is called 'Arizona'. How could I resist?!

Now that I have used it I am still not sure if I like it. Well I like it but it always starts writing so slow. Almost needs to be primed. But once it gets going it's fun.

Does anyone else have this pen and have or not have trouble?

Posted for Paint Party Friday. Go visit for lots of creative inspiration.

Happy 11-11-11

Marine Birthday

2011-11-10T09:37:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all the Marines that serve and protect.

And to my husband who served and will always be a Marine!!

Sunshine Is So Popular

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

A friend in my exercise group gave me this 'Beanie Baby Bird' because she hears me talk about Sunshine.

You can see that Sunshine was not too impressed!

I put 'her friend' in front of the mirror by my desk because Sunshine is always over there looking in the mirror and I thought this would keep her away.

Not!

She went over there and checked it all out and thinks it's okay to be there now if she sneaks behind it.

(I have a cloth down there to cover my wires to my modem so she can't bite them).

And....

yesterday we got this card in the mail from Marianne and Robin. Robin lives in San Francisco and Marianne is from the Netherlands and was visiting Robin.
Is that too cute or what?!!
Perfect!

They both shared photos on their Blogs and such a wonderful time they had, plus, it sounds like they shopped till they dropped. They found this card while shopping and said it had our name all over it.
It sure does!

You two are so wonderful and thoughtful. Sunshine and I thank you with big hugs and lots of smiles!

Happy Sunshine Wednesday!!

Blooms And Snow

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our Sunday morning breakfast restaurant keeps me in subjects to paint.

This little pot of sunflowers was on the table and you know I just had to sketch it and paint it at home. I added the haiku because it just needed something else.

These flowers in contrast to....

the five inches of snow on the mountains Monday morning.

I was shocked at this early snow. It was only rainy and cold around us but snow on the mountain is so pretty.

Happy Tuesday everyone.

Cactus Monday - Dragon Fruit Cactus

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

ink and watercolor

Two things conspired to get me to this cactus drawing.

I got a Noodler's pen and wanted to do an ink drawing,

and,

this cactus lives at my neighbor's house and is long, lanky, climbs up, grows fun red fruit and makes an interesting subject.

I decided to draw this while watching football because all the shading lines require a lot of time and easily done as multi-tasking.

The fruit is called 'dragon fruit' and the cactus is officially a 'Pitahaya Agria'.

I love the look of the black lines and the red fruit.

colored pencil

This is a sketch of the same fruit that I did with colored pencil in 2006. Gives you an idea how it looks on the cactus arm.

♥Happy Cactus Monday everyone!♥

ps, I am linking this to Magical Monday Blog Hop, a new Monday of fun.

Church Stripes For Sunday Sketches & Illustration Friday

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

This little girl sat in front of us in church and I loved her striped shirt and the striped ribbon in her hair. Such coordination.

The funny part is, I noticed she was drawing on the bulletin!!!

I sketch these in church and paint them at home.

Visit Sophia's "Sunday Sketches" for some wonderful art.
Someone told me that Illustration Friday's prompt is 'stripes', how funny! So will post it there also. I guess it is a matter of serendipity or great minds.

Happy Birthday Cari

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my daughter, Cari!!

I created this painting for her and call it "Maui in the distance", as the family plans to go back in June.

My photo resource for this painting were the 1000's of pictures I took on the two times I was there with them. The skies are as beautiful as the landscapes are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARI!

Have a wonderful Maui kind of day.

Twirling Fish For Paint Party Friday

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is another inspiration from my early morning walks. My neighbor has one of these in their yard and it looked so interesting I went home and painted it. The haiku between the tail ribbons was my added touch.

Happy Paint Party Friday everyone.

Visit the party to join and/or enjoy more creativity.

New Daily Journal

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make a bigger journal with watercolor (Arches 140# hot and cold press) paper and use it for daily sketching. So I covered the boards with fabric that I found in my stash and used my "Bind-It All" for the binding. I promised myself it will be a place to write and sketch what I want without worrying about ruining the 'good' paper.

8.5" x 10"

I asked people in the Artist Journal Workshop on Facebook what they would suggest for pens because the Microns skip on the paper. "Zig Millennium" pens and "Faber-Castell Pitt" pens were the answers. I had the Pitt pens and bought the Zig pens at Michaels with my 40% off coupon.
They both work great and lay down a very nice color. I also used watercolor in some places.

I also put a light wash of watercolor on the paper before using it and really like the way it looks with the little sketches and writing.
I have no defined lines for the days but just what happens; some days are busier than others.
This first page is two days; the upper box at the top left is one day and the rest is the second day. Amazing how much more sketching I am doing with this format.

I am having so much fun with this journal that I haven't been doing much other painting.

Sunshine's New Toy

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunshine is just like a kid, she finds all kinds of things to play with. My shoestring was the latest fad.

But it didn't taste good, so...

she decided to just sit on my foot.

Never a dull moment with her around.

Happy Birdie Wednesday

ps, Mr Ched, I AM the boss in this house. Snort to you too.

Pam Sends Gourds

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Remember last summer when three of us had a play date with gourds?

Pam instigated the fun and as you can see from her post she created such beautifully decorated gourds.

Please note her three-gourd vase. I totally loved it and wanted to make one like it, plus, I had so much fun that I wanted to decorate more gourds. So.......my dear friend sent me a box of dried gourds to decorate

and.......

she sent her gourd vase that I admired. Awesome!!! I went right out and bought some dried flowers to put in them. Isn't it beautiful?! It has a place of honor in our home.

Pam is just a sweetheart. I am so happy and privileged to call her a friend.

In fact, I have so many wonderful friends in this Blogosphere. What a blessing.

Thank you so much Pam.

And thank you all for your friendship.

Cactus Monday On Halloween

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

A warning to all barrel cacti walking through a pumpkin patch.....there is a danger of turning into a pumpkin!

Happy Cactus Monday Halloween!!

Halloween Table Runner

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

The whole runner above and a close-up of the individual pumpkins below.

During the summer I made this Halloween table runner for my daughter and the grand girls. Then my other daughter came to visit, brought her sewing machine and quilted the whole thing. Thanks Rose.

Sometimes I feel the need to sew again and this was a fun project.

Happy almost Halloween.

Saturday's Boo Zentangle

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

BOO!

Paint Party Pumpkin

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our favorite Sunday morning breakfast restaurant was my inspiration for this painting. They had a centerpiece similar to this so I went home and painted these pumpkins with lots of embellishments.

Never know where an inspiration will come from and when it will hit but I always try to be aware.

Visit Paint Party Friday for lots of creative art and inspiration.

And, Happy Halloween to all of you.

Golfing and Painting

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

DH went to the golf range to practice and I went along to paint.

Painting with watercolor in 86 degrees means the paint is almost dry when it hits the paper.

But it's fun.

Happy Thursday!

Sjimmie Rides Again

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a painting I did of Marianne's Sjimmie long ago where he posed as the black Halloween cat.

He wanted to come back and give you all a "Halloween meow".

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Big Black Bee

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

While I was waiting for my husband one day I saw this trumpet vine (I think) to the side of me. I knew I had to sketch it when I saw that BIG black bee buzzing around the flowers. I have only seen these huge bees in Arizona and have no idea what they are called, but they are interesting.

Happy BBBBBBlooming Tuesday!

Cactus Monday In Tucson

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I just love painting on maps! But you knew that.

So when I found a Tucson city map in the drawer, it had to have a desert and mountain scene painted on it.

Gee, I hope DH won't be looking for it!

LOL

Happy Cactus Monday everyone!

Church Sketching

2011-10-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Now that we are back in Arizona it's time for my Sunday church sketching again. When we walked in church I immediately spotted this lady being so attentive. And out came my Moleskine and pen. Then I became attentive also.
I did this last Sunday but had already posted something else so my lady had to wait a week.

Check out Sophia's Sunday Sketches for more art and creativity.

And also the Drawing in Church Blog. There are a few of us that sketch in church.

Have a great Sunday!

Zentangle Saturday

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I found a small piece of paper that had some watercolor on it so I zenned it.

Then this giraffe appeared so I invited him to stay for Saturday.

Hope your weekend is going great.

Friday Paint Party - Mexican Bird Of Paradise

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I see lots of these trees when I walk in the morning and they are almost done blooming, so, I snatched some to paint. I have admired their beauty for years but was always afraid to try painting them.

I am WAY out of my comfort zone here but it was a fun challenge.

Visit Paint Party Friday to see lots of creativity!

Ink Blot Challenge

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dan over at the Inkblot Challenge recently started this challenge and I was intrigue but had to wait to get to Arizona to get ink at the art store. The idea is to put an ink blot on the paper and make something from the shape.

This was my first attempt and I put way too much ink down so I used a pen nib to spread it out and suddenly there were fish swimming around the weeds.

I did this one as a Twenty Minute Challenge so it became a double challenge.

This was my second attempt. I put some ink down and this guy appeared.

These are very fun. They remind me of zentangles.

Sunshine Decides If Pennies Or Nickels

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunshine doesn't miss a trick.
DH was counting his change and Sunshine flew over to help.
She couldn't decide if she liked pennies or nickels best.
I told her the bills were the one to go after.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Painted Watercolor Box

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is my little travel watercolor paint tin. It was originally a Sucrets box.
I got some Daniel Smith's Watercolor Ground which can be painted on any surface, dried and painted over with watercolor or acrylic.
So I tried on this box. Daisies of course and added some spatter.

I only painted the top.

This is the inside with my half-pans of basic watercolor. I glued these pans down so they don't move. The lid can be used for mixing. I also place a small piece of wax paper over them when the box is closed.

It's fun when you can re-use something.