Artist Unplugged

Scenes from the past two days....Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

I hate that it's been crazy busy so I've not posted. It's less than an hour until midnight - Christmas Day soon! Wanted to wish everyone a blessed, safe and memorable Christmas. Hoping all has been well, look forward to catching up very soon. The snowman was commissioned for a gift, picked up yesterday.

Celebrated my great nephew's 7th birthday last night before my side of the family's Christmas celebration. Yesterday was a poignant day - would have been my parent's 61st anniversary, would have been my mom's 81st birthday, Dudley came to our home 11 years ago on my parent's 50th anniversary. So blessed that Finn (Finnegan) was born on my mom's birthday....something to keep celebrating! He's into Mario Kart and I had never made a birthday cake for him cause it's so busy this time of year. I've always made his brother's cake in July and this year I was determined to make Finn's!

My niece had the little toy figures for the cake and Finn insisted they ALL were put on and luckily they fit! A joy to do!
We gave him the Mario cap and mustache!

A bit difficult to see but the cracklin' fire with Christmas music on Netflix is actually pretty awesome in our den! Occasionally when I am waiting for something in the oven I get to sit down for a minute and enjoy it!

One of my favorite traditions growing up - Russian tea, made with lemons, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, sugar and of course, tea! Wouldn't be Christmas without it.
Last thing I baked tonight....pecan pie, my favorite pie.

Found this chocolate macaroon recipe in a magazine last year!!!! If you love toasted coconut, you'll love this. Volleygirl has taken this task on....yes!
Been planning this cake to take to my in-laws since I first saw it on a friend's facebook post last summer. A Tuxedo Cake..........chocolate cake layers....very tall!
Icing is just heavy whipping cream with confectioner's sugar.
Just finished it!!!!!!!! Made the glaze after returning home tonight....was nervous it wouldn't turn out right.........love it! The glaze is yummy. Had to find Lyle's Golden Syrup....thankfully did...it's an English syrup. Hope the in-laws like it.

Now, for some more art - BigBoy drew this for his grandmother in color pencil. I had a great gold frame for it and he put it in before I got a photo. That's why you see the white reflections off the glass in the red suit.
Well, I am literally ho-hoed out...to bed, to bed said sleepy head. God bless you all!

Christmas Dogs on Thursday

2011-12-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

View from above of the nosey Royal One.

Peeping at me in the kitchen last night.

May all of you enjoy your time with your two-legged pets, they are truly a gift! Merry Christmas Annie, Snuffles, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Snickers!!!

Argh! Ho,ho, ho!!!

2011-12-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

No time for art (booooooo!) decorating, giving Dudley pills, making coffee, washing, buying food, decorating, giving Dudley pills, feeding the Canine Messiah, washing, cooking, running errands, making coffee, resting aching bod, holding Dudley, washing, checking on the old golden retriever (Bubba), and so on, and so on........miss blogging!!!! Will post photos when finished decorating! Probably not making the open house was hoping to attend tomorrow (waaaaah!) But - I have a new cellphone!!!!!!!!!!!!! Photos one and two were taken with it. That is my four year old nephew in the first photo, came over while we were setting up outside decorations, he was so excited. Hope to catch up with everyone soon, maybe later in the evening, right now, gonna put on chicken for stew to take to in-laws, my MIL is having knee surgery today....Big Boy has been away on his first job trip to Oklahouma, he is enroute home now and the fat one (not me) will be sooooo happy!!!! Love and good health to all for now!

Bountiful Blessings

2011-11-23T05:12:00.000-08:00

Cooking away, no time to sketch, so posting a sketch from a few years ago. It really doesn't have to be a holiday for me to be thankful to all my friends in the blog world but you are most appreciated and enjoyed. Wishing each and everyone of you a very safe, blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! (even if your country doesn't celebrate it...have an awesome week!)

Team Spirit!!!

2011-11-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

9x12 color pencil on bristol

I am not exaggerating when talking about how big a rivalry it is between two schools that play next Saturday. University of Alabama and Auburn every year play each other last on their schedule. Bragging rights for the year. Auburn won last year, going on to be the national champions. Alabama is ranked # 2 this year and very well may have a rematch against #1 LSU for the national championship. Too bad the game isn't in Tuscaloosa, home for U of A. It is often referred to as "T-town" which would made for a better tag line. Haven't had much experience doing cartoon type drawings but I really enjoy it!

8x10 graphite and color pencil on bristol

This was a commissioned piece from an old college friend to another old college friend for her birthday. She was originally from Michigan and this is for Michigan State. Both of them were once my college roommates. I mailed it to Florida last Wednesday and heard this morning that she loved it which makes me super happy!

Been busy, Dudley's care takes some time, he is still confined and has improved some. Can tell he feels better but his balance is still haywire, though improved. If we didn't have two staircases, both of which have a gate on them to prevent the Royal One from going up, I might would let him out. The vet mentioned that the antibiotics may upset his stomach but praise be it hasn't!!!!!!

Baking and cooking begins this week. The birthday cake was put off from last week until Thanksgiving, will post photos later.

MUST clean, clean out before the explosion of Christmas decorations go up and sadly I dread it so badly because both the cleaning and decorating is back breaking. My family will help, but it is so much. I love the season but it is greatly hindered (and usually dreaded which I hate to say) by this situation. I cannot tell you how many holidays have been spent in pain or horizontal due to this. Should have been doing it all along but I have a procrastinator....ugh. I will not give up though....me, the tree and glee will conquer!!!!

Dogs on Thursday: Late Edition

2011-11-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

I've missed you.......but it hasn't kept me up, still able to rest my royal bod.

Embracing a little tv occasionally.

Paws down, my favorite thing in the world is wrestling with my best buddy. Using my fiercest growl with the occasional bark thrown in is simply thrilling and great fun!

Pretending that I'm really mad is such a rush, I wouldn't bite this boy for anything.

Minutes later, it's over and I'm tuckered out with my tongue hanging out and panting. Perfect for a lovely nap afterwards!
I miss chasing Dudley, he's been confined for a week now with inner ear trouble. Three trips to the vet. Wandering around the door mystified by the meows I'm hearing but not finding that furry thing drives me nuts!!! Hopefully he will be released soon and things get back to normal. Hope all my friends out there are healthy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with their two legged buddies.This year I'm thankful that my best buddy is here year round! Enjoy it Snuffles, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie, Snickers and it's barkaliciously good to see Annie doing so well!!!!

Argh! Time Flies!!!!

2011-11-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

8x10 graphite and color pencil on bristol board

Gosh....so meant to post Dogs On Thursday, SkyFriday and more! Time gets away from me, especially if I get on the computer but I've had other things going on. Big Boy and Mr. Unplugged went out of town over night. VolleyGirl and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant, returned home to watch some tv, all the chick flick type shows. Starting with a couple of episodes of "Say Yes To The Dress" followed by "The Notebook" then catching the last half of "Pride and Prejudice". Okay, had to override VolleyGirl to watch the rest of "Pride" since she's not a fan of period movies and I love them, this is one of my favorites too. She relented that it was good as i kept pointing out the dynamics between them. Then the next day we did some shopping, lovely girl time! I hope to keep up better this week but it's a full one too! Getting Dudley back to the vet with his ears after taking him last Thursday, poor thing, he's so pitiful now, couldn't believe a Dr. wasn't in the office Saturday. Called an ER vet to inquire if I needed to bring him in or if he would be okay to wait til Monday morning. Must get finished setting up my Etsy account, doing some art, cleaning (ack!) and topping it off with a cake for my niece that turns 1.

All that was incomplete on the artwork above was the "surface". Debated different colors and that Wednesday at the open house, woodgrain came to mind. Pondering what to do last Wednesday night I asked my son his opinion. He hesitated, then mentioned wood. Ha! Showed him the pencils I had already set aside and some of the sample color combinations I had tested out. We think alike often. Still, upon showing him the finished piece later that evening, I was a little surprised when he commented that he wasn't sure I could pull it off. Told him to just look around the room. My bedroom is full of oak furniture my father made. Oak was his favorite because of the vivid grain in the wood. The perfect reference was abundant.

Hope all is well, will be catching up again!

ME-OW!!!

2011-11-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of last Wednesday's open house was these sweet kitties! Meet "Tux", a chubby Maine Coon, though his "mom" says he's not (I felt that tummy, he's preparing for a long winter) Holding big kitty is the granddaughter of my mother's closest friend, was great seeing all of them.

Several times I tried to get a really good photo of these felines but my cell phone has the battery life of a flake of snow in July these days so this was the best I could do. This is another granddaughter, we were at her home. Going back in December, perhaps they will pose by the Christmas tree or in it!

This is "Jag", obviously a Bengal, he was displaying his highwire circus act many times on the staircase that day......again, the ONLY photo I managed to secure. Enjoyed seeing these two from time to time that day.

The View is Black and White....Sometimes

2011-11-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on 8x8 canvas

So, the game was what I expected, stressful, tough and unsure of the turnout. Sadly, a disappointing loss, oh well, onward! I finished this first attempt of painting in black and white, I really enjoyed it, maybe because it reminds me of working in pencil. Still in the process of painting the edges black, it's one of the deep canvases. Probably a name for it but don't ever expect me to know the correct name for almost anything......I do remember my children's names (usually).

Like I posted before, the open house at my friend's beautiful home on the side of the mountain was good. Wow, what a view, the entire back of her home is solid two story windows- and the view is breathtaking. Got a couple of shots with my cellphone....not trusty anymore cause the battery doesn't last worth doodly. (shopping for another)

I sold three pieces that day, have an order for a snow family and just this morning have a request for a personalized zentangle......better get my bum in gear!!! In addition, I have two more Christmas open house events to participate in as a result of this, the first one on Dec. 3rd, the following one is at my friend's home again (taking camera!) a week or two later. I want to have more things ready, perhaps some smaller items, paintings, drawings and maybe some tiny paintings to be used as ornaments. A girl can dream! Now all I need is a band of house cleaning fairies to clean around here to get ready for decorating. Once again....sometimes dreams come true.....let's hope. Each day on Facebook I am posting something to be thankful for, can never be overly thankful. Today I am thankful for my family's good health!

Recovering and Preparations

2011-11-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

8x10 color pencil "Big Al rolls the Tigers!!!"

Wednesday's open house that I participated in was good.....been recovering, back and knee not liking it. Sold three items, a snow family order, possibly other orders and two more open house opportunities to participate in! My hand and wrist literally aching from the color pencil drawing yet I was compelled to do this one for fun!!! If you aren't from Alabama or Louisiana perhaps you are unaware that there is a football game tonight dubbed "the game of the century" between the number 1 (LSU Tigers and 2 ranked (Alabama Crimson Tide) college teams. I am preparing meatballs, haystacks and Russian tea for the event. Alabama is my husband, son, numerous friends and family's alma mater! ROLL TIDE!!!! Hope to catch up soon with viewing everyone's site.

"Display Eve"

2011-11-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Started this Sunday and worked on it some last night and today. Also have another snowman well on the way. These ornaments won't be floating when I'm finished. I shade in pencil first then add color pencil and shade a bit more with those. I go ahead and color the ball as I finish to avoid pencil smears. These are fairly large, each is around four inches across, will be an 8x10. Hopefully finish it tonight to take tomorrow to my friend's open house event. 8x10 graphite and color pencil
I know, you've seen one snowman, you've seen them all....but all are a little different, no two alike. The detail and color doesn't show up real well. I gave my previous Alabama snowman to my future daughter-in-law and her family as a little gift for the new house they just moved into so I had to get another ready for tomorrow's event. Sorry, I haven't been around to everyone....been trying to catch up on laundry and draw after being away with the hubs, had a good time. Promise to catch up soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me on Wednesday!!!!

Opportunity Knocked!

2011-10-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

5x7 color pencil on bristol board

Yeah, the irony is not lost on me that my last post was a rant on the irritating overlapping/forgotten holidays and what do I post next? Frosty's hat and scarf. Yes, I started drawing Christmas themes several weeks ago knowing I would be in the street festival. Had been looking and thinking of venues to display all these in time for the holidays but no opportunities were certain. Week before last a friend from years back invited me to an open house type event she was hosting at her house. This week she sent a message inviting me to share my Christmas items and take orders... just what I needed! She is in a position to have a nice crowd of people come through plus it is an all day and evening type of event. I am welcome to stay as long as I want or leave it there. I've decided to set up as early as possible, stay through what she would expect to be her busiest part of the day and come back later for the busiest part of the evening. Yay! I also have two snowmen orders. I am behind on reading everyone's site, had a birthday to attend, gift to buy, went with daughter to Ulta and DSW today, tomorrow the hubs and I are off for that weekend that was cancelled when I was sick. Hope to get around to everyone early in the morning while I am (sigh) trying to finish some wash before leaving. Hope all is well!

Blurring Traditions

2011-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Color pencil on 8 1/2x 11 printing paper, hurriedly sketched out this morning

There it was, the first commercial, the moment occurred last weekend, totally Christmas commercial, filled with Christmas trees, gifts, the hawking of a product. Ugh, here it comes, the bombardment, the beginning of the non-stop parade attempting to tell me I need to shop now, decorate now, decide what delectible treats to bake now. What I really should be plotting is the best prices on bags of candy for Halloween trick or treaters, what our favorites are so that we can fully delight in the eating of the leftovers. Oh c'mon!!!! Santa, GET OUT OF MY PAINTED LEAVES AND PUMPKIN PATCH!!! Give the ghosts and goblins a chance to lurch, stay away while I give thanks for all my blessings while enjoying a massive meal over the river and through the woods without having it invaded with candy canes. The shopping channels ripped open their snowy and holiday backgrounds with sets of perfected Christmas trees. Why start now? Why not have back to school sales and let the kids sit on Santa's lap telling what type of backpack you want, describe the designs desired for spiral notebooks and which lunchbox is their favorite. How come Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, groups of reindeer, elves, the Grinch, Scrooge, Frosty, gulp - baby Jesus - why aren't those costumes among the selection in the Party City sale paper? ("Ho, ho, ho!!! Trick or treat and Merry Christmas!" Toss some candy bars in the sleigh...) Thanksgiving....what? You know, that little holiday lost somewhere between the jack o' latterns, twinkling green lights and Christmas trees? Sure, the occasional pilgram appears at the grocery store, additional commercials and newspapers flashing the price per pound of a frozen turkey. The big event overshadows any decent observation of this tradition - Black Friday. Ack!!!! Fine, call me an old fuddy-duddy, I liked it when Christmas still seemed a long time away when you were watching the Wizard of Oz and eating popcorn balls, looking forward to the Halloween carnival at school and planning your costume. I liked it when we looked forward to seeing all my cousins, aunts, uncles and seeing what desserts were brought to the Thanksgiving dinner. I liked it when listening to the grown ups talk about Christmas briefly, made me a little excited that it was coming up next in the future. I liked it when we put our Christmas tree up two weeks before Christmas and took it down the day after new year's. Not now, nope, not these days. If you don't have the tree up and gazillions of lights strung outdoors the day after Thanksgiving, well, then, you're late! Please....I love the season, but I hate that decorations show up in the stores in July. I understand that businesses make the majority of their profits for the entire year during this time of year but it does make me sick that it is all encompassing, glitzy and over the top, then BAM! nothing the day after....why, cause it's all about the selling and once that day has come, the gifts are ripped open (yes, I like to open them too!) well then, the hoopla is over, commercially speaking of course. Somehow the decorations are annoying (to many) and they can't get past it quick enough. I say, if you can celebrate so big weeks and days before, why no celebration Dec. 26th? It is a time to celebrate the real reason for the season - the celebration of His birth. I know, I get it, we aren't all Christians, but, sorry, that IS the reason, no matter what type of spin is put on it. They may blur my Halloween and Thanksgiving but the essence of Christmas should remain. Whew. Huh, don't really feel any better, my opinion won't change anything, heck, even my own family isn't on the same page....oh well, gotta go carve my candy cane, er, uh, I mean pumpkin.

Petal Progress

2011-10-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

8x8 on canvas

Weekend was good, rather uneventful, keeping up with the family, home always busy with cooking, washing and did some cleaning (argh!) Never made it to the painting>: (, can't see well with the lamp, prefer to paint in the day with the light from the window.( I'm ready to get to it today and hopefully, or get close to finishing! Working on a venue to display my Christmas pieces and snowmen and setting up my Etsy account.

Saturday Morning

2011-10-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Buttermilk biscuits this morning!!!!

SkyWatch Friday

2011-10-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

Snapped this with my trusty cellphone recently. We live near an airport so it's not an infrequent sight. See the beautiful skies captured on the lens at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/.

Built Another

2011-10-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

8x10 graphite and color pencil

Finished this University of Tennessee snowman last night, we have many fans that live around here. Just in time for the University of Alabama/U. of Tennessee game this Saturday too!!! The photo doesn't show the detail and color that well but you get the idea. Painted on my black and white 8x8 yesterday, sealed the deal for a commissioned 12x16 painting of hot air balloons yesterday as well.

Animal Wednesday Art

2011-10-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

These cute little chipmunks are scurrying around the house regularly. Haven't heard them sing in their soprano style though....
Sharing some art created in past years. My son's pencil drawing of Apollo, hangs in Mr. Unplugged's study.

Here is some ancient pencil art, created by myself in college.

BigBoy's art again, in pencil.

Our golden retriever, created by my son in pencil but he let me do some shading on there too. Happy Animal Wednesday to all!

Festival Fun!!!

2011-10-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday's Lowe Mill Music & Arts Festival was enjoyable! The weather was beautiful, though a little warm. The crowd was building in this view which is looking straight out from my booth. Artists, vendors were set up around the perimeter of a grassy area facing the back dock of the beautiful old building that once was a mill and now houses artist's studios and has areas for art events and parties. Beginning in the spring they have Friday night concerts on the back docks much like was going on Sunday afternoon. This was a fundraiser for the building to help with costs.

I regret now not taking more photos to share, forgot my camera so all of these are with my cellphone camera. This is the back "wall" of my booth. I confess to sitting there enjoying the live bands all afternoon and chatting with those that dropped in to look.

Not a great photo but it illustrates the beaming warm sun of the day and my view standing in the entrance of my booth looking towards the bands.

Here is the same view without being blinded by the sun. This is the same place that I exhibited art on the third floor gallery a couple of years ago. Sadly, the ladies closed that gallery after the exhibit because it was too much work for them. There are a couple of places in that building that one can exhibit and I inquired about them and may do that in the future.

This was the view behind me. I didn't have anyone with me so I had to stay with my booth. Kids were occasionally walking through my booth and under the netting so I really didn't want to leave it. VolleyGirl would have loved it but she had tons of homework to do. BigBoy drove me over and helped with all the set-up before leaving. How did I do? Eh, no one purchased anything and walked away with it but had some leads and have a commissioned painting to do after being emailed from a lady that wants a hot air balloon painting. Cris, I thought of you immediately and that painting you posted last week! Also have a personalized 8x10 zentangle to do for a lady to give to her son for Christmas. A couple of others sounded promising, we'll see. In the meantime I am looking for more places to exhibit, like galleries, the main library, coffee shops, the art league, restaurants now that the festivals are winding down. Also want to post on Etsy. Think that if the work hangs up longer I may get more response. Perhaps closer to Christmas I will get some personalized snowmen requests too. It takes me a couple of days to recover after doing this, you know, catching up with wash, groceries, etc. Worked on contacts yesterday, plan to today, along with getting back to the 8x8 black and white painting. Hope all is well.....will get to your sites now!

I've Been Framed!

2011-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

8x10 graphite and color pencil on bristol

Up to my eyeballs with things to do for the festival tomorrow. Learn some lessons from the first time. Was hoping to have more pieces complete but sometimes plans get a curveball. Finished this one last night and have a neat frame for it which I will post later on. It looks much better in person, the fabric looks like velvet. Mr. Unplugged prefers the color version, while BigBoy likes the graphite, being an artist himself I think he appreciates seeing the shading more without color. Contrary to what you may think, my house does not have Santa hats lying around everywhere! Actually, these are just figments of my imagination.
Here is the other Santa hat in graphite that I just framed yesterday. Duh, can you tell I'm hoping viewers will be wanting some items for the approaching holidays? The guys went out of town overnight, yep, took that little trip the Mr. and I were going to do last weekend. That's okay, we can go another time! Hoping to get around to site's soon after cramming for the festival today and tomorrow. Hope all has a safe and memorable weekend.

Dogs On ThBREAKING NEWSursday

2011-10-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

This "Dogs on Thursday" post is pre-empted to bring you a special pictorial to honor the 11th birthday of our resident feline.

What the heck?!!? You can't do that to His Royal "Hine"ness, the Canine Messiah, King of this middle class castle, Oh Pampered One, Sun to bulldog world galaxy, Fat Bastard (oops), Master of Household Events, (okay, okay....we get it!!!!)

We just did.

Started getting my checkups at some new digs recently. Finally, a place fitting for the feline franchise - Catisfaction Cat Clinic. Dark cats are so passe'.
Oh my! Such bold, red floors, glass tables, the wonder of it all!

Let me tidy up a bit - in style. It would have been in such poor taste if this were leopard print. Yeah baby, this is my flavor!

Does this angle make my tail look too puffy?
I'm here, work with it.
Kitchen management is not my thing, being nearby is important.

Ahhhhh, love it when all the toys are hanging around just for me to investigate. That tree....why isn't it here all the time since venturing outside to climb one is forbidden?

Here's wishing you eleven more years Dudley!
DON'T let it happen again.

Just Pencil Me In....

2011-10-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

8x10 graphite on bristol

Finished this Santa hat last week, hope to do another adding red before the weekend. Did I mention I am doing the Music and Arts Festival this Sunday? VolleyGirl and I had a great time on our little over night adventure. Hours of shopping, eating, (always getting a little lost, I am notorious for getting turned around wrong....) and lots of laughs. We didn't get home until 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. Saturday morning was our scheduled get together with BigBoy's fiance', her mom and the other bridesmaids to look at dresses. Our first stop was a shop just minutes down our street. By the way, has anyone seen the movie "Bridesmaids"? It's a bit profane but terribly funny.I left the house not feeling the best, a little nauseous, didn't think too much of it cause I feel a little that way from time to time, attribute to medicines. Felt pretty good until the end of our stay there, which was a lot of fun, seeing the girls try on different styles and their opinions on them all. We were next going to a shop about 20 minutes away. I was, by this time, steadily getting worse.....green. Fiance' and mom were aware cause I had to mention it, needed to stop by house for a drink. We were going to ride all together but.....gosh, glad we didn't......let's just say that shop didn't have my full attention. I was tossing the cookies in the restroom (at least I made it), missed some of the dresses and discussion. So, unfortunately, we had to pass on the Mexican lunch, made it home, ran upstairs and didn't come back down for two days. Nausea, chills, aching joints, headache.....my family were very good caretakers. Still not sure if all the clothes survived some of my husband's washing techniques. I'm back on my feet but still not totally normal and my back is recovering from all that shopping followed by lying in the bed so long. Needless to say, the mister and myself did not go out of town......

Bird Babes of Summer

2011-10-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

Twice, nests have been built and babies born. Enjoyed watching them come along. Much bird action in the front yard to keep up with! I watched them learn to fly too, twice! I cannot locate my photos of the round little babies with newly sprouted feathers that didn't quite cover their little bodies. Watched other birds go after them while the mother tried to protect them, made me a little sad. I sure enjoyed watching them and look forward to it next year!

Okay, that said, the VolleyGirl and I are headed off for an overnight stay of shopping and change of scenery! Saturday morning is bridesmaid dress shopping (YIKES, it's drawing nearer!) with the bride-to-be, her mother and the other bridesmaids. Later that day, the hubs and I are off for an overnight trip together as well. Taking my pencils and bristol pad to work on snowmen (maybe).

Street Festival Scenes

2011-10-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Pictured below is my "booth", first time ever to be put up. It was very windy all day, many times I thought of a piece flying off and impaling the back of my head!!!! No pieces ever fell, price tags were snowing however.

Some of the Madison Belles passing by, loved there hooped skirts and parasols.

Paintings from booth across from mine, she won best work in festival.

This was just two booths down, stained glass, beautiful work. She won best booth.

The sweet man right beside me had oil landscapes.

Not too far from Artist Alley was the children's area, this was towards the back end of it.

The view to my left.

We had a blast watching all the babies and dogs walk by, VolleyGirl stayed with me all day. These two were interacting right beside us. Didn't sell much, several snowman orders. It was definitely a learning experience. None of the photos are from Main street which was the major road for the festival. These are from around the section for art dubbed "Artist Alley". I didn't venture too far and leave VolleyGirl, figured that would be the time someone would have questions! May be participating in another on October 16th IF they accept me. I will be creating some more Christmas pieces, finish my 8x8 painting, more snowmen, one from all the SEC teams and particularly schools nearby. More zentangles. Would like to have a couple of more paintings but probably will not have the time. If you want to see some of the pieces finished up for the festival see my previous post.

Final Approach!

2011-09-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

18x24 acrylic painting

Literally finished this 20 minutes ago and will get it framed later today. This is totally different theme and style from what I usually do, it just kept popping up in my head so I gave in to it. This style was much faster to paint of course except for the black lines. Yesterday I painted, got that all important haircut, purchased a canopy (got the salesperson to take off $30), purchased S hooks and curtain hooks, plastic poultry "wire", son made a form for me, have business cards/holder out, notebook/pen ready, ropped off 5 paintings to be framed (are ready!) finished the university snowmen and sketched a Santa hat for color pencil.
8x10 graphite and color pencil
I already have a possible five snow piece orders. Going to paint on my 8x8 painting, frame some drawings here, pick up framed pieces, get my tablecloth and set up the canopy and table this evening at the festival!

4x5 graphite and color pencil

I am beginning to get a bit nervous and excited.

8x10 graphite and color pencil

Hoping to get all of it completed and get a half decent night of sleep since I have stayed up the past two night past 1:00 drawing. Would be nice to get to a place where I feel able to take a break and catch up leaving comments.

Panefully, Furiously Working...

2011-09-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not getting around to everyone's sites yet...hopefully will during a break later on. I am working away on this 18x24 painting right now. Yet to do, finish the 8x8 paingting, four small color pencil pieces, create two more larger color pencil pieces, finish a zentangle (would like to have another), endless framing, pick up my frames, canopy, display supplies, signs, tablecloth, keeping the washing machine humming so as not to get behind.....and importantly a HAIRCUT tomorrow!!!!!!! Yeah, no problem. Did I mention VolleyGirl is ill and out of classes today, a mom's gotta pamper still......

Snow People Get Personal

2011-09-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

7x9 graphite and color pencil on bristol

My niece's family is the subject of this snow family that will serve as an example of how I can personalize snowmen for orders to be taken at the street festival this Saturday or anytime. (Wow, that sentence was a mouthful!) The color isn't completely true in this photo, there is no blue on it at all but you get the idea. Will tweak the "Lego" buttons on the left snowman a bit and check for other places that may need it, might add a very light blue background. Can you figure out each one's interests? Before reading further, see if you can.

Starting from the left, little 5 yr. old "Eli" loves swords, Legos, "Link" from the Legend of Zelda (hat) and pizza with black olives. His dad is a big Vanderbilt University fan, my niece is all about books, cooking and gardening. Finally, 6 yr. old "Finn" loves robots, Super Mario Kart (hat and wii remote), soccer and basketball.

Above is the black/white 8x8 painting in progress, this is the finished background. I am a little further along now. Started an 18x24 painting yesterday afternoon in one of my many moments of insanity. It is a pretty simple design and probably won't be that impressive to most but it is something that continued appearing in my mind (that right there is a red flag!). Thinking it would be fast to paint and I wanted a larger painting for Saturday. Actually, it's off to a good start.....will save it for tomorrow! Again, I can't express the encouragement your kind comments give this uncertain artist, especially after going to the art show on the mountain the other weekend. Nervous about setting up among the other artists. Later, the painting (and the washer) beckons!!!!

"I'm a pepper, you're a pepper, wouldn't you like to..."

2011-09-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

8x10 acrylic on canvas board

Finished this painting in record time for me, completing both the tomato and this one in a week. I paint at a snail's pace but those new brushes I purchased after finishing the landscape have already been helpful. Presently I am working on an 8x8 in shades of black and white that I started during the ballgame Saturday. Also, working on a color pencil of my niece's family in snowmen to be my sample to take orders for personalized snow people at the street festival. Thanks to each of you that stops by and leaves a comment, it is a great source of encouragement for me. Your precious time is appreciated.

The pulled pork was a hit....awesome, another recipe to add to the list!!!! First time I had made it....there are a couple of picky eaters here. If anyone would like the super easy recipe, let me know! Busy week, much more to do!

You say "tomato", I say "to-mah-to"

2011-09-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday!!!!! I put a pork butt (pardon me) in the crock pot before bed and later today we will have pulled pork sandwiches. Making vinegar slaw and baked beans in a couple of hours, need to come up with a dessert for the gang...hmmmm. Great ballgame today, Alabama vs. Arkansas.......roll tide! Hope to start another painting, lucky if I finish it by next Saturday though. I finished this 8x10 acrylic tomato this week and will post it's companion...the green pepper.... next, finished it yesterday. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

'Tis the Season To Prepare for the Season

2011-09-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Preparing Christmas pieces for the street festival in color pencil. The snowman is roughly 8x6. I plan to do a couple of more with our most popular college team attire on and also offer customized snow families.

I like doing the ornaments, will probably do a couple of more, simpler though and some of the old fashion Christmas string lights as well. This one is 8x10. Also hope to get a scarecrow or two and maybe a pumpkin or two, neither very large. No, it hasn't put me in the Christmas mood!

Monte Sano Art Show

2011-09-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I trekked to Monte Sano mountain for the annual art show, about a 30 minute drive away.

Lot's of painting. Creative hardware.

Artful accessories.

Paintings and paintings.

Have a developed homing system for the bulldog art.

You know there were opportunities for beautiful tree/sky shots but I did refrain myself.

Nature nestling art.

Ahhhhh, the scenic overlook off the side.

I loved the whole view of it all just as much as the art.

Here is the outdoor amphitheater.

I was a bit surprised at how much acrylic painting was there, how little watercolor and did not recall seeing any graphite, color pencil or ink drawings.

This man has been in Huntsville for years and years. He had a bit of drawing and was available for personal cartooning which he was doing here. He is offering a class at the local art league.
This place is a state park. There is also a museum that has many different buildings, an old church, log cabins, demonstrations of cooking, blacksmith, etc. from past centuries. Went there as a little girl in school and with my kids on class trips. In the early 1900s there was a very swanky hotel built on the mountain as an escape from the heat, it is long gone.

Funny, I had just noticed the full body, or heavy body paint at Michael's just days before and this artist did all his work in it. Quite sculptured and thick, can't really tell here. Many of his paintings were large and on wood. I can't fathom how much paint he goes through. I just may have to give it a try sometime.

Many pets brought their people.

Colorful yard art here.

Building located near the scenic overlook.

Loved the red in these paintings.

Precious shot of the mom and little girl.....there in the background, a painting of a naked child on the shoulder of a naked man........isn't that sweet. ;-D
Walking away, more yard art was in the throes of a deal.

Photo taken on way down the mountain.

Taken while waiting to pull out on the main highway leading up the mountain. Glad I went, always fun to see the varied and beautiful art, also needed to check out some methods of displaying art pieces for my own display. I do leave thinking "why did I sign up for this, I'm gonna look so inadequate" but I did and there is still plenty to do!

Head iin the Clouds

2011-09-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Finally finished this 16x20 acrylic painting. Lots of fussing went along while doing these trees.....definitely getting some new brushes asap!!!!! I love clouds, snapping photos of them to the nauseation of my family at time.....my favorite is trees against the skyline, so I will probably be doing more. Below is one I did a couple of years ago taken in almost the same spot during the fall.

16x20 acrylic

Dogs on Thursday!

2011-09-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here you go, me, doing what I do best! This is a mild snore, for those of you familiar with my kind, you know this. This morning, I insisted upon laying on the quilt, jumping upon it as it lay folded on the footstool. Mom made an attempt to get me off........and finally succeeded but put it on the couch for me where I lay snuggled and snoring. Hope all of my friends are snuggly as the weather begins to cool off, especially Snuffles, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie, Snickers and continued healing to Annie!!!!

Fruits of My Labor

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Finished this 8x10 acrylic painting just before the painting I am working on now. I have been committed, uh, er, that was supposed to be I have committed to participate in our local street festival Oct. 1st and am furiously working on more pieces. My painting is slow and would like to have one or two more in addition to pencil, color pencil and some ink work. This strawberry is a companion piece to the banana painting below. May try to do another pair, haven't decided what yet. Tomato and lettuce? Green and red grapes? Peppers? We'll see.

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!
8x10 acrylic

Remembering....

2011-09-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Remembering that terrible day ten years ago today, those that lost their lives and their loved ones left behind. My own little tributes is the flag hanging outside the front door and this photo taken from the top of one of the towers along with the ticket. Didn't even know I had them until a while later looking through photos, had to give it a little place of it's own.

Happy birthday to my brother today! (Peewee's dad, from previous post)

SkyWatch Friday

2011-09-09T05:02:00.001-07:00

Amazingly, I have not snapped any sky photos in awhile, been somewhat of a house hermit. However, indulge me while I share this 16x20 painting I started this week. I am working off a photo I took a couple of years ago. They sky is pretty much finished, working on the landscape now. I'm sure you can see some real beautiful skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/ .
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Dogs On Thursday

2011-09-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

A demonstration of some of my favorite moments - ultimate comfort and peace. One of us was watching an NFL pre-season game on TV.....

Thanks alot mom.....had a rythmic, pleasurable sleep going on this morning until that flashing light disrupted it. Now that I'm awake for a few brief seconds, let me wish continued healing and love to dearest Annie from her surgery and hello to all my friends out there: Snickers, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!!!!

Working on the problem of leaving a comment that some have been having, thanks for stopping by!

Labor Day Weekend Birthday Cake

2011-09-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

BigBoy's birthday was this past Friday but we didn't officially celebrate until last night. I baked him his favorite Cinnamon Pull-Apart cake on Friday. Saturday I baked the dome for the decorated portion of his cake and froze it, they decorate easier that way. He requested a Limeade Cake with Strawberry Filling,which is a Paula Deen reacipe. Her recipe actually had raspberry filling, but we didn't care for that flavor when I first baked it. Here are the first two layers with the strawberry filling.

Frosted with a cream cheese and lime icing that is delish! It is a very dense and heavy cake.

Yes, my boy turned 23 but he has always loved cartoons, Disney as a kid, drawing them all the time, then went into doing his own dog cartoons, and the last few years it's Marvel characters. He asked for a Buzz Lightyear on his cake, hasn't had a decorated one since I did Apollo's image on one a couple of years ago. This was the third weekend in a row I've had a decorated cake to get ready......think I'm ready for a break! Standing on my feet so many hours does in my back but he really liked it. fun.

He likes his coffee mugs and I like to look for them at Ross, TJMaxx and Marshall's so he had quite the collection given to him for his birthday.
All the movies that they have made recently with Marvel charachers, he sees them all and has been drawing the characters lately in color pencil just for fun. He is really taking to having finished college and started his new job the first of August, doing free lance work also but likes time in the evening to draw for for fun now.

Hey, rather see him wear Marvell images than beer advertisements!

Dogs on Thursday

2011-09-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Peewee (and my brother). Peewee is going on 19 years old now. He's pretty much blind and deaf now but able to go to the door to go outside to do his business. Often he needs a little help finding his way back to the door but he always gets the help he needs. He was named for a dog my grandparents had when we were kids cause he resembled him so much. He has ran up the mountain many a time, running ahead of my brother on the four-wheeler, then he got to ride up. Now, it's a little to tough a trip for him. My brother has said that this is one smart dog. I'm glad he's still with us and ran across this photo yesterday and just thought I would share. Have a cake to do for BigBoy's birthday this weekend, see other cakes I've baked this summer in my previous post. Yes, Apollo is fine, just sleeping.......see?

Love and get well wishes to Annie!!!! See you next week Snickers, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!!!!

Let Them Eat Cake!!!

2011-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

A summer of cake baking, won't change since birthdays will remain the same! This first one is not for a birthday though. This little double layer six inch cake was finished Saturday morning. My niece's husband asked me if I could duplicate the top of the cake I had made them last summer for their wedding. I iced it this morning and met my niece for the delivery, tomorrow is their 1st anniversary and they lost the top layer they had frozen during our week without power after the April storms.

The bones for the cake I did last week, finishing Saturday, just in time to get to the party.

My 4 year old nephew had a Star Wars themed party and I decided to make Chewbacca. Here's the "head" before I shaped it up a little.

After carving a little, I frosted it in the black chocolate buttercream frosting.

Here's the sheet cake iced in black with some white icing "stars" for the galaxy.

Thought I made an in process photo of him but I started getting rushed. (Hate when I do that) Not thrilled with the writing but he loved it!

Mr. Unplugged's birthday cake was coconut topped with toasted coconut. What's to say, no decorating but it was really tasty and he liked it!

Ahhhh, the true monster of the summer. My 5 year old great nephew loves the Legend of Zelda. I was torn what to do on this one cause none of the design choices were easy. Finally went with the shield. First time to do much cutting shapes out. It wasn't bad at all....the secret is to freeze the cake. But....I had procrastinated because of my fear of it, the design, knew it wouldn't be easy.....so, I was rushed towards the end which made it messier than it should have been.

I was still pleased at this point.

But Eli loved it and I learned much from this cake. It weighed a ton, fortunately I didn't have to carry it over to the party, his dad did. VolleyGirl and I showed up later for it.

Next up? BigBoy's birthday is next week and he wants a character on his cake too.

Dogs on Thursday

2011-08-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hello again my furry friends AND their fur-free buddies. I have no complaints, life's continued to be tip top for me. Meals come regular, what more could I long for? Above, you see my endless patience and maturity as I wait for dad to prepare my morning meal. Mom hasn't told you, my best buddy has a real job now and he leaves early. We all scurry around in the kitchen in the mornings since he leaves a bit before 7:00and now I get an early breakfast. I gotta say, it makes my morning sleep really satisfying!

Occasionally, I like to just sit in this fluffy chair, usually when just mom and I are home while the rest are at the gym.

Wait.....hark! Is that them arriving home? Sometimes I just stare at the door while they are away. Looking forward to some couch time with my best buddy!!!! Hope everyone enjoys their best buddies! I want to send out best wishes and healing thoughts to the sweet, sweet Annie for a quick, complete recovery. We love you Annie! Bark on .....Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!!!!

Little Bit of Art

2011-08-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Haven't created much art on paper yet but have had many creative days through totally redecorating VolleyGirl's room and baking two pretty large birthday cakes for nephews. I will post them soon. I have commited to a festival so have to kick it in gear.....thankfully, I work better under pressure. Hoping to get around to everyone soon!

2011-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

While HRC (His Royal Canine) does more of the same.....sweet, golden, Bubba turns 13 and loves his stuffed animal gift!!!!

Dudley does a little sunning on the back staircase.

Dogs On Thursday

2011-08-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends!!!! I've missed you. (In my own, royal way) Here I am this morning contemplating going from the den to dad's office. There she is with that irritating camera. Who am I kidding, moi doesn't have a bad side....if you've got it, don't hide it!
Let yourselves be seen my friends.....Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!!!!

SkyWatch Friday

2011-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Snapped with my so-so trusty cellphone camera upon arriving home from dinner earlier this week. Visit the friendly skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/, you won't be disappointed!

Trying to get back into a blogging routine, so difficult around here but miss catching up with you all!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Remembering my daddy today and thankful to have been blessed with a great father. He was not an educated man, but he was so knowledgable and talented. He wasn't a rich man, but my childhood was bountiful and full. He wasn't a perfect man but my childhood was close to perfect. Thank you dad for all the memories and love.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there, enjoy your day!!!!

Reminiscing (sniff, sniff)

2011-05-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

(7-17-93, son, almost 5 yrs., daughter, 1 month)

Bear with me as I indulge in a little reminiscing. Though I have been doing a bit of it this past week, it really hit me Monday morning that my youngest is graduating from high school this Friday. Selfishly, it's not just the change of her school status, as well as my son's change, it is a whole new chapter for me. The end of a child in school where I must keep up with various activities, what's due, what must be sent in to school, school lunches, games, deadlines, uniforms washed, permission slips turned in, speaking with other moms, friendships, field trips, ballgames, dance recitals, excitement, disappointment, (okay, that won't end!) dances, school events.......you get the picture. My life changes drastically too. My son is finished with college and is home till next May when he marries (that will be a doozy). I catch a break on my daughter, she will be going to college here, living at home, at least her first year. Tomorrow is her last day of school, drawn out by make-up days from winter weather and the recent tornadoes that forced the schools closed for four days. So, I count down this week until Friday, graduation day. The countdown for my son never occurred since his last semester ended abruptly by the massive, destructive tornado that hit on the 27th in Tuscaloosa. He would have been there another week and a half but it ended without pomp and circumstance. So I celebrate the both of them for their accomplishments and share with you a little snippet of years gone by. I can't promise there won't be more before the week ends, after all, this is a once in a lifetime period of time! They were funny kids and are funny young adults. First day at Disney World. BigBoy is 6 1/2, VolleyGirl is 21 months. One of many times she mimicked him. "BigBoy", 4 years old 2 years old, thought Peewee Herman was hilarious. "VolleyGirl" at one month
One year old "BigBoy"....always into something, the stove drawer, cabinets, the coffee table. Notice the chair cushion is missing. 20 1/2 months. Kindergarten
Hmmmm, 3 or 4?

Almost 4 years old. 5 and 1, I think.
Easter 2011

22 1/2 and 17 1/2 years

Praying and thinking of those affected by the Joplin, Missouri, Oklahoma City and Dallas area tornadoes.

Dogs On Thursday

2011-05-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ah, normalcy again. Ha!!! Who am I kidding? Nothing is ever normal around here. My Lady in Waiting has clearly not been waiting on me lately, my sincerest apologies for the stifle of my weekly messages. There have been some interesting events of late.

Take, for instance, the blackout period. For me, it was not that big a deal, I quite enjoyed catching a little breeze from the little fan by candlelight......

All that matters is my Best Buddy is safe and sound home on the couch many mornings with me and it has been grand!!!!! May all of my friends have a grand time with your loved ones, especially Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!

Dark Times

2011-05-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your concern, my apologies for being so long in posting a status. Most importantly, we are all safe. We were without power until yesterday and I have been putting up our in-house camping supplies, washing clothes, took apart the insides of the refrigerator and freezer to thoroughly cleaning them. I had removed the food on about the third day but took the opportunity to clean since we had no food in them at all. Had to get to the grocery store for a few items. I knew that if I got on the computer I would be too long getting off. Our biggest relief is that BigBoy was not hurt since he was in Tuscaloosa at school. His apartment is basically located in the area, yards from the devastation of the tornado there. It was a day filled with numerous tornado warnings here and I was on the phone with him when he said a warning was just issued there. He was pumping gas. I had warned him the day before, that morning....always, to watch and listen about the weather and take it seriously. He did, thank God. His fiance was with him (will not refer to her as BigGirl), they were closer to his apartment than hers so went there, watched the tv coverage along with his roommate and two friends from a 2nd floor apartment. They watched the tornado approach until taking cover in the closet, heard the roar, felt the shaking and walked out safely to screams and a sight of rubble and devastation just yards away. Their building has some damage but is standing, unlike apartments across the street, houses, businesses, restaurants, Krispy Kreme, their favorite Japanese restaurant, a mall, much more......just unimaginable. Miraculously, his vehicle only lost windows on the passenger side, he and his friends had parked them in an area that was fortunate. He made it home Friday morning, obviously a bit traumatized. Dodged a bullet. An abrupt, tragic end to his time at school for the University of Alabama cancelled final exams and postponed graduation, semester is over. He has no desire to go back, but will have to in the future. Sadly, 39 confirmed deaths there with an astounding 300 + still missing. It was an EF5 tornado, 200+ mph, the strongest there is, and rare. There were 28 tornadoes that touched down in Alabama, another EF5 and EF4s. But we are fortunate, inconvenienced, big deal. Relieved, greatly. Sorrowful. 24-7 radio news running by generators for days due to all of North Alabama area entirely without power because the 9 main stations were twisted like toothpicks and the workers here, along with help from kind help, have done an outstanding job of getting most of us power in less than a week. Could be some hiccups along the way because this is a quick fix, so what, all of my family and friends are safe. Schools have been closed since last Wednesday.

I know this is small but this indicates the paths of the tornadoes across our state. There were hundreds reported on but not all touched down, reminiscent of 1974, the last most devastating outbreak. Like me, my mother and dad worried about my oldest brother away at school while we spent alot of time in the hallway under a mattress through the night. I never forgot that time, we spent days without power then too, three I believe. This will be my children's 1974. Something they will never forget and certainly will keep them cautious when severe weather approaches.

Please pray for those missing and those suffering. Thank you for your concern, means alot to me.

Life Can Be A Whirlwind: Update

2011-04-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Tornado warning sirens have went off for the sixth time now, storms keep popping up and coming in, not over yet by far. Local stations have been like the photo above all day long. VolleyGirl's school ended up closing, other schools in the area made the bad decision to open late then 2 to 3 hours later had to close and send kids home, some during bad weather. Already making up days due to winter snow and knew they would have to make up today if they close......now they will and also catch grief for their bad decision after it's all over. Damage in surrounding areas, some flooding, none horrific yet, but a very bad storm right now south of us, seeing a tornado on the ground there now. Bad tornado hit in at least two towns, still going.

Woke up early to dodge tornadoes today, probably all day since our area is the bullseye in highest risk today. School delayed two hours already with a message that they could close early or decide to be closed all day. Pushed His Majesty out the door at 5:20 this morning before it became really bad. Note about my last post...BigBoy's wedding date is May 14 of 2012, not next month.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Still here, struggling today after too many hours on my feet which made my knee, back and leg from my back unhappy. I have not created any art this year, except perhaps through cooking but I do plan to. Unlike many of you, I don't feel the pull to art, usually I begin to feel some fulfilment from it after I get into it. I'll save that topic for later. First, this is a fresh pic of the offspring, Easter morning just after church. Words cannot describe the joy of announcing that Big Boy was home for his last weekend visit since he GRADUATES in early May!!!!!! He will be living at home probably until May 14th, his wedding day. VolleyGirl graduates from high school May 27th and will attend college here, at least her first year. They are a joy to have around so it's gonna be a year to remember, the last one under the same roof together!

My in-laws usually request that I bring dessert for my meal contribution and this year we were to celebrate my MIL's birthday so, as usual, unknowingly why, I try out a new recipe. My MIL loves chocolate so I chose to make a Dark Cocoa Buttermilk 3 layer cake with Cocoa and Mascarpone Icing. I also made a coconut cream pie cause it's a favorite of everyone (below) and

I made a Truffle pie to take to my brother's house for a get together later in the day (below). Oh yeah, I have been dieting the past couple of months, so I didn't have a piece of either and only a very small piece of the cake. Still have much to lose but am down around 15 lbs now.

Since three of the desserts were to be whisked away, I urged VolleyGirl to try her hand at a new recipe I found of Chocolate Dipped Macaroons since the guys here love coconut. Let's just say VG has yet to embrace the enjoyment of baking.........but I didn't either at her age so big deal. These were outstanding....okay, I did indulge these and this will be included in holiday baking in the future.

I hope all of you had a blessed Easter! Though I have been absent, I thought of you often and need to catch up. It is good to see Soulbrush back online.....Apollo and I have missed her!

SkyWatch Friday

2011-04-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

One of the few clear sky days lately. More skies for your eyes at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/.

SkyWatch Friday

2011-03-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Snapped this morning with my trusty cellphone as I took the King of Canines out for his royal wee. See more skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/ .

Dogs On Thursday

2011-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping myself busy with the usual, eating, sleeping, sleeping, sleeping, trips outside, trips to the vet, and more sleeping. Watched dad and Best Buddy clean out a gutter off the back porch last weekend and wanted to help very badly! We beautimus English bulldogs have lots of skin issues, ear issues and so on even when you are pampered as royally as I am. This is trip two to the vet in the past month working on ear issues, this time a yeast infection. They were happy with my lovely weight of 72.8 lbs. Shaved a bit off since Christmas! Hope all my friends are healthy and happy especially Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie, Budro and Snickers! Enjoy your weekend little buddies!

Happy President's Day

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Finally, some art to show again. In honor of President's Day, I dug up these two portraits. These were drawn in 7th grade I believe with a plain ol' #2 school pencil on 9x12 sheets of paper and mounted on a larger black sheet (both similar to construction paper). It was part of a bulletin board display in the main hallway of my school for the month of February. I remember tiring of working on Lincoln's beard and just scribbling to finish. Recall being quite pleased with Washington's nose, though I see it is too small for him and his eyes weren't pleasing to me. Oh well, I thought it would be funny to show them on this day. Hope everyone had an enjoyable day. I'm thankful for great men like these that helped shape our country!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

2011-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my friends a Happy Valentine's Day!!! Hope you have a day feeling very loved.

Dogs On Thursday: Snowy Edition

2011-02-10T08:03:00.001-08:00

These are freshly snapped photos outside my humble abode this morning.

Just around this tree at the corner I did my morning business around 6:30ish.

Last night we had between 1 and 2 inches fall, bringing us to a total of 15 inches this season, HUGE track record for the south, don't recall it ever happening before. Roads are a sheet of ice, no school today, can't get to work today. Seems like a perfect day for this:

Oh wait, I do this each and EVERY DAY. Mom was very disappointed that my snore was miniscule compared to usual. Hope all my buds that are having a snow day, make the best of it.......100 degree days will be here before you know it......now why do they refer to it as Dog Days of Summer?????? Go build a snowdog Snuffles, Annie, Ema, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Snickers!

SkyWatch Friday

2011-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

We did get 9 inches of snow last month and I caught it falling it from the sky. See the skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Weather Outside Could Be Frightful!!!!!

2011-01-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

The food, batteries, and salt have all been purchased, waiting now for the snow to start!!! We are in North Alabama and expect anywhere from 3-10 inches, down here that's almost paralyzing. Had to make preparations for the storm and to send BigBoy back to school today to avoid it all. He may get more ice where he is, miss him already. Will catch up with all soon as long as we get more snow than ice, keeping our electricity! VolleyGirl and I are thinking of snow statue ideas, if snow cooperates.

Dogs On Thursday

2011-01-06T08:48:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all my good buddies out there including the two-legged ones that care for them. My very best buddy has been home for quite a while and it has been nothing short of pure bliss! Perhaps it is not proper that one of such high canine stature fawn over one so much but I am giddy, I say, giddy!!!!!!!! Numerous times each day you may find me exactly in this place of utter comfort and satisfaction as shown in the above photo. No, I refuse to think of it, will not go to that place in my mind......of his leaving again.

Fun times! Do you get me? Can you just see the happiness we make! Much to the surprise of my mom playing that white stuff outside on Christmas Day was so much fun! Take me out again....and again.....and again! Run!!!!

This is my best angle. Oh, who am I kidding, every angle is good. What? Did I hear someone mention snow is possible again? Woof, woof!!!!! Hope your year has started out great my friends Snuffles, Annie, Ema, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie, Budro and Snickers!

Decking the Halls and Other Places Too

2010-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Just when I was working towards posting more regularly.....BAM......decorating season began. It has been up awhile though the gifts aren't all wrapped, the parties have began and so has the baking. I have enjoyed seeing friends decorations posted so I took a bit of time to snap some scenes of an Artist Unplugged's plugged up home......... Mr. Unplugged and VolleyGirl set up the initial setting. BigBoy arrived home from school and are still adding to it. Those guys LOVE Christmas!

The foyer, just inside the front door.....not quite like I want but it looks festive with the little lights inside the glass containers filled with shiny ornaments.

The front stairs and view of the den from the foyer.

Big Boy and the chosen one agreed to be in the shot.

I put a small tree in the den since "someone" might bother the big tree. This year I put all the bulldog, golden retriever and a kitty ornaments on it which was met with glee. He owns the den, may as well decorate it that way!

Carolers, given to me by my MIL, are on a table in the den. Some of my Christmas plates, mugs and such are on the kitchen cupboard.

The dining room is to the right as you walk in the front door. It is painted a dark red. The chandelier came from my grandmother's house, as did the table, buffet and a china cabinet that isn't in the photo. The red tablecloth was embroidered by my mother, she used it on her dining room table which my brother has now.

The cupboard in the kitchen is covered with mugs to use.
Go up the front stairs, to the right ,down the end of the hall is a rec room where our big tree is up. Have had the white tree for a couple of years now....kind of a nice change. I will show the "wreck" room after I've finished wrapping. It's also where I paint.

Dudley checks out the lighted garland every year right after it's put up.

The kids' stocking were crocheted by my mom and are about 4 foot tall. She made one even bigger for her first grandchild, sort of as a joke. She reigned them in a little bit for the rest of the grandchildren. Makes a cute decoration and a conversation piece. Many gifts have been stuffed down into those stockings through the years. Hope to keep up a bit better if it doesn't get too hectic this week. May everyone be blessed and safe this week.

SkyWatch Friday

2010-12-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Chilly, early December morning before the moon and stars retired for the day. Apollo was totally unimpressed. See some impressive skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/ !!!

Treasured Recipe

2010-11-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

There is still time for you to get yourself to the nearest grocery store, pick up the items and start preparing my dad's traditional, awesome cornbread dressing. I have posted the recipe as written by one of my beloved niece's (eldest grandchild). The first Christmas after my mother passed in September my dad insisted we have the dinner at his house. Not anything really new for him, being that he usually preferred to stay home and let everyone come there to visit. We never lacked for food around our house, especially during holiday meals. Mom always made what everyone liked, macaroni and cheese for me, fried okra, lima beans, creamed potatoes if no dressing, so that the beans and okra could stick to it for a trip to your mouth, deviled eggs, fruit salad, rolls, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cake......uh, you get the idea. All that food but much of the talk went to dad and his dressing, which is awesome but...you know....gotta give kudos to my mom while once again, dad's dressing is highlighted. My eldest niece, Stephenie, went out early to help with the making of the dressing. Frankly, I do not recall if dad made the cornbread alone the day before, probably, though he was weak then and the large cast iron skillet filled is heavy. He lived 45 minutes from she and I. She made a video of the whole process and I have yet to watch it, don't know if ever I will, but am sure that I want a copy to pass to my children. I have not made it in a while, deferring to my mother-in-law's recipe, which is very different, to please my picky eating husband. My kids like both recipes and this year wanted dad's. So today, I have baked the cornbread and cut up my vegetables, thawed my hen and am ready for tomorrow. My niece is making the dressing for my brother's (her father) side of the family's meal tomorrow. Her 4 year old little boy's is interested in cooking already, VolleyGirl is helping me tomorrow, just as she did today. The tradition will continue, hopefully.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Papa Loyd's Holiday Dressing & Giblet Gravy

Note: no shortcuts allowed. No broth instead of homemade stock. No store bought cornbread. I've tried the shortcuts and they just. don't. work. It's not the same.

1 hen (not chicken)
2-3 onions, finely chopped
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 large pones cornbread (if you don't know what a pone is you have no business making this recipe)
1/4 butter
2 TBS yellow mustard
2 TBS ketchup
2 TBS Italian seasoning
1/2 to 2/3 cup fresh sage, finely chopped (reduce amount if dried)
3 slices bread, torn up into small pieces
1 (8 oz.) can oysters, drained & chopped
3 TBS jarred pimento, finely chopped
salt & pepper to taste

The day before: cook cornbread & cool completely. Crumble both pones.

Day of Thanksgiving:

Remove giblets from hen and set aside.
Rinse hen and place in stockpot & cover with water, about 8 cups. Simmer covered until done, reserving broth. De-bone hen & reserve meat.

Preheat oven 350 degrees
In large saucepan melt butter & add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Add all the broth from hen, cover and simmer 10 minutes.

In BIG ("dressing") bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, torn bread pieces, & the broth mix until it reaches spaghetti sauce consistency. If mix is too soupy, add more bread pieces.

Add all the remaining ingredients & mix well.

Pour mixture into a large roasting pan. Bake 1 hour until golden.

Serve hot with giblet gravy & hen meat on the side.

GIBLET GRAVY:
Finely chop hen giblets.

Simmer 3 cups chicken broth on stovetop. Add flour a little at a time, stirring constantly until a smooth, thin rue is formed. Add chopped giblets, blend well, and simmer.

Salt, pepper, and otherwise season to taste, can add one or two sliced boiled eggs to gravy if you want to be extra-Southern.

Yields: enough for a crowd of at least 10-15.

Tardy SkyWatch Friday

2010-11-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Recent sky event outside our house. See more at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Dogs On Thursday

2010-11-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Alas, my friends, I am still very much here, taking nourishment and keeping a keen eye on that pesky, furry cat! Oh how he teases me with his strolls through my royal den, taunting, luring me with his crystal blue eyes. Down the front stairs he comes, effortlessly leaping over the inconvenient blockade placed by my two-legged servants. He pauses, looks, laughing silently as I lay upon the carpet. Step, pause, two steps, pause....oh, you little tomcat......dash to the kitchen on your silent fleeting pads. Run, I do, sort of, through the kitchen but once again, instantly before my arrival he leaps to his escape. We gaze momentarily, then up he goes instantly and lightly as a ballerina to the top of the back staircase while I, once again, am beckoned back to my starting position. Often I hear him run the length of the hallway above only to descend again signaling the game's start.

Enjoy your games my friends Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Budro! My earnest wishes for your full recovery Snickers, will be checking in on you.

Pencil Me In....

2010-11-16T05:47:00.000-08:00

Started this color pencil drawing last night. Colors aren't showing up true to life (and yes, object is larger than it appears on screen) but you get the idea. Hopefully I can get quite a few Christmas pieces complete and sell them since I've had a few inquiries about it. Thanks for all the sweet comments on the new baby though I must clarify that it is my niece. I've yet to achieve the grandma status yet hope not to for a few years since BigBoy is engaged, graduating from college this spring and VolleyGirl from high school.

Joy To Our World!!!

2010-11-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

God has blessed our family with a new life! Mr. Unplugged's sister gave birth to a beautiful 8 lb., 1 oz. baby girl Friday morning! She is named after her grandmother, something that my sister-in-law told me she would do for many years if she ever had a daughter. I first met my SIL when she was 10, Mr. U is 12 years her senior. Jenny has an adorable big brother that turned three in August. It was for his party that I made the pirate cake. Loved holding her last night and VolleyGirl and I are excited to have a girl, making the grandchildren breakdown to now be 2 girls and 4 boys! We are going to have some fun shopping for girlie things (and making some girlie cakes)!!!!!

SkyWatch Friday

2010-11-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Snapped this yesterday leaving work....love the busyness in the sky and color of the trees. Check out more skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/ and have a great Friday!!!

Veterans

2010-11-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

To the many vets that can never be personally thanked for their ultimate sacrifice, to the many vets that served, their lives changed forever, to the many vets that gave a portion of their lives, to veterans of tomorrow, serving now, risking their lives, sacrificing time from loved ones to keep us safe here at home, to the one vet that helped raise me - words are not enough, let us not ever take for granted your gift to our country.

An Apple A Day........

2010-11-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

While waiting to dispense treats or be tricked, I finished up this candy apple that I started last week. VolleyGirl has been out of school last week and until Wednesday this week while her high school's brand new school was being finished up and making a move. She also had outside senior photos early Saturday morning, will post on that later this week. This meant picking out four outfits for that and all that goes with it. Hope everyone's Halloween was pleasant....can't believe the time has slipped by again!!!!

Dogs On Thursday (Late Edition)

2010-10-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Time has slipped by, but sniffing grass has my nub wagging. The green is leaving, matters not to me, it's all about the aromas, baby!Anytime is a good time for some much needed rest....still getting plenty. Last week was filled with an adventurous road trip. It is refreshing to view my subjects from time to time. Wow.....check me out there, looking good! That slick-floored place isn't so terrible....they love to pet me. All in all, it's worth it. Medicine makes me drink and eat even more like a king! Hello! Up extra early for the bathroom please!

Rest. Again. It does a body good.

Enjoy your adventures my good buddies Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie and Budro!

SkyWatch Friday

2010-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

I live close to an international airport.......see more friendly skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Finally.....

2010-10-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yep.....broke the long, dry spell. With what....food, of course. Did this while watching a sorry football game.....probably will be a couple more fall/Halloween little drawings soon. Always like working with pencils the best, what I'm most comfortable with. Probably the last week of volleyball, BigBoy was home over the weekend so of course I baked him a blueberry cobbler and his favorite cookies. VolleyGirl is out of school today, we may shop a little. Hope all is well, hope to catch up with everyone soon.

Dogs On Thursday

2010-10-07T19:49:00.001-07:00

The task is not an easy one, bearer of the light. Though I shall continue..........til nap time.
Shine your light, my friends Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie!

MIA

2010-10-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Recovering from a week filled with work, volleyball (lots and lots). Will catch up with everyone soon.

SkyWatch Friday

2010-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

See the skies that aren't hanging above your head at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Dogs On Thursday

2010-09-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, a shadow of myself. That majestic silhouette weighed in at 73 lbs. last week.

Deep in thought.

Can you say - frazzled?

Love to you my Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie!

Pride and Funk

2010-09-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the beautiful cover of the University of Alabama yearbook that BigBoy was asked to design. Yes, I am a proud mama!

Sorry to be missing so often, trying to be better. I have not created any art, feel in a rut in many areas, not just art. The hole will not ever be so deep that I will not scratch myself out! Many of you were and are my inspiration, sadly, often it brings up feelings of inadequacy and frustration with myself when I see all the art created daily. Yeah, that was a bone baring comment.....but at the same time it also pushes me to move on past my struggles. Okay, confessions over, time to see what I can do with this day, my blessings are so bountiful!

Rose

2010-09-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Posting this rose in memory of my mom, Rose. Myself, my daughter and a great niece all have her name as middle names. Lost her eight years ago to cancer. Stubborn heart, still has a gaping hole. Precious memories, don't leave my brain.

Remembering.......

2010-09-11T07:53:00.001-07:00

Thinking of those that lost loved ones today, those who have lost loved ones defending this country because of this day. My brother's birthday is today, thankful for this day.

Dogs On Thursday: Celebrate!

2010-09-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love a good party. Will not miss one if it's here at my castle. This one is a special one....my best buddy. What's in there buddy? Anything that needs a good gnawing on? View isn't any better over here. What's that? Wow, a mug....covered in canines with a little bulldog on the inside of it! Someone has really good taste........taste......something smells good.......no cake....lemon bars........yum!

That was fun. Fine. Guess I really don't need a bite. Mom's been referring to me as "Fatness" and "Fatstuff" all summer. That's okay, though I miss hearing"Fat Bastard". Perhaps I will fake an identity crisis, you know, pretend I don't know who she's talking to. That would be "groovy baby"!

All my friends out there, enjoy your buddies' sweet talk this week. I mean you -Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie. Later, I'm tired.

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-09-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

"Little" BigBoy is 22 years old today. Promptly arrived on his due date. He was always wonderful to take for photos, always could make him laugh. Only trouble was that he would get so tickled (southern for amused) he would break his pose. He comes home tomorrow for the long weekend. Sadly, he has the crud (southern for stuffy nose, runny nose, cough and sore throat).

This is from last year's birthday. He has requested lemon bars this year....but I'm also making him banana bread. Considering making a strawberry cake too. We'll see. VolleyGirl has the crud a bit also but played great in the volleyball game tonight. She has a tournament Saturday a bit over an hour away, starts early. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, at least all my baby chicks will be in the nest!!!!

Batter Up!

2010-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Pretty much spent the past four days preparing two cakes for this past Saturday. The first, a pirate cake for my nephew's 3rd birthday party. Finished it Friday night, party was at 4 p.m. the next day on the mountain. Above is a side view. The "beach" is light brown sugar.

The black "thingies" in the "water" are shark fins out of a semi-sweet chocolate bar. The ship top black section and sails were found at Hobby Lobby for $2 and the pirates came from a cake decorating store. The bottom of the ship was baked in a loaf pan and iced in chocolate buttercream icing, first time I made it. Was so freakin' simple, what we have missed over the past many years!!! The cake is chocolate with buttercream icing.

The next cake was finished Saturday around noon. It was to be for a casual engagement party Saturday night for one of my niece's second marriage. It was a 10' and 6' double layer each of white cake with buttercream frosting which is more of an ivory since I use butter in the icing. The initials are in tiffany blue. The couple were having an engagement party then getting married on a cruise......surprise......they actually got married at the party, to everyone's surprise except for a few. My dear eldest niece gave me the scoop just the day before since I would be party hopping Saturday....so I did get there in time! I went to the "engagement" party alone since VolleyGirl had a team sleepover to attend and Mr. U had sports events he wanted to attend. Upon seeing all the cars at the party upon rounding the curve.....I said aloud, "I didn't make enough cake!" She told me to make enough for 50.....it didn't matter, but all was eaten. This has been all the art I have summoned in weeks, though my thoughts are that more will be done this week. Not the edible kind. Okay, I take that back. BigBoy's birthday is next Thursday but he has requested lemon bars. Pfffft, must have at least a little birthday cake........

Hopefully I can get around to leaving comments.....been slammed hard (pun intended) with the start of volleyball. First weekend tournament was 3 hours out of town and had to spend the night followed by a 2 1/2 hour trip for a game the following Monday. Games are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week capped off with a tournament on Saturday. I'm in charge of the food table so I get to carry alot of things and food to set up....but it is fun, just tiring. I do hope to work on my time management to get back to regular visits.

Dogs On Thursday

2010-08-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Above is the poster my best buddy designed for dad for Father's Day....the white reflections, etc, are not part of his design....that's the crafty photography work of my secretary, ahem, so on top of things with sharing! Naturally, this hangs in dad's study, where he may look up above his desk and admire me.....or, he could just look behind him if I'm sleeping under the little desk......OR, just to his right in my leather throne. Either way, it's all about me, why would anyone want it any other way.

Last night I was waiting at the door and decided that probably I could just take myself out. The royal lead hangs on a doorknob to the right. Let's see, should hold one end by the paw......
That was terribly exhausting. Thus I must retire atop my royal pillow......Dear friends of fur, don't wait for the pokey two-legged buddies, take matters into your own paws! Til next week my buds Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie!!!

2010-08-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

BigBoy is ENGAGED!!!

high school......
last year.....
this summer.....

Yes....my baby boy is engaged as of a week ago today! It was not a surprise to me, especially since he took my engagement ring and gave it to her. It was given to my mother-in-law for her engagement, handed down to my husband to give to me and now I do the same. Yes, my mother-in-law and I both had a replacement beforehand! They are both graduate next spring and the nuptials will not be before the spring after that, so a long engagement. I wouldn't change a thing about her, she's beautiful, kind, thoughtful, fun, intelligent, hardworking and he loves her as she is so why would I want to? Hmmmmm, what shall her blog name be....I'm thinking "BigGirl" is not going to be the choice!!!!! Back on that one later!

Tuesday's Bloom

2010-08-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

The 2010 volleyball teams, before the spandex shorts are applied.....VolleyGirl, in the cream dress and long mane is in the middle, just right of center.

Yes, another busy summer, filled with a few tasks, performed for the last time: volleyball photos, senior pictures, still learning to drive.....Pictured above are the seniors on this year's varsity volleyball team. These girls have been friends since first grade, they get along so well. I had a good time helping pose all the girls for photos and giving efforts towards making them smile! They are used to my goofiness.

It was sooooooo hot out there that day, we were in the Botanical Gardens. Yep, she's number 10. I told her she looked like a "Breck Girl", but she didn't get it, thoses commercial were before her timeMy BigBoy did the artwork for the front cover of the team's program, the seniors had some action shots taken at the gym. This is one of my favorites.
Last but certainly, not the least, the Senior portrait. Thank goodness there was one she liked! All these photos and not one did she have her hair in natural curls. Having casual ones made in October by a friend cause she wanted to wear more wintry clothing. She is finally driving to school this year, so this makes the first year in sixteen years that I haven't been dropping a kid off at school....I won't lie.....feels pretty good.....well, after I receive her text announcing she has arrived safely! The bloom on Tuesday? It's Rose, VG's middle name, just as mine, after my mother. It's our favorite flower.

Dogs On Thursday

2010-08-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for bone chewing.....awesome stress release. Hear those snorting sounds? Yeah, that's stress, releasing from my aura. I must get mom a bone. She's been stressed.....something about VolleyGirl's school began yesterday and she started driving on her on for the first time......oh well....doesn't affect me, still getting my royal way!!!!!!

Want to take a moment to express my sincere sympathy to Suki on the loss of her precious kitty, Miss Em. To love and be loved, awesome gift but often comes with pain. Love your buddies my friends Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie.

Dogs On Thursday

2010-07-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

(sigh) People, they are one of the most difficult to train. Indifferent to the powers inside my wrinkled, chubby, royal being......the mistress of communications has failed me time and time again! Fear not, my royal subjects, for I remain in full power inside my castle. Here you find me peeking around as the puppyrattzzi once again attempts to surprise my royal loins. Nay! Nay, I say! Once again, your trickery has been for naught! My royal sharpness fades not, therefore your presence did not elude me. However, I will allow my image to be taken.
Though, that is close enough, do not further invade my personal space!

Okay, okay, hold everything! This princess of pink is permitted to cuddle me anytime!

Hoping each of you have your own prince or princess to snuggle you, especially my good buddies Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie. Here's hoping to reliable help next week!!!

SkyWatch Friday

2010-07-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

See it, off in the distance? Beautiful blue skies and white clouds surround the one dark cloud.

Rain coming down from the one spot. I had never seen it quite like that in the distance, released from one, almost round spot from the cloud.

You could see the opening in the cloud. Taken on the return home from a quick trip to school and back with BigBoy last week.

Check out the skies at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Lost Doggie Update!

2010-07-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

This photo of my two great-nephews, Eli on the left and Finn, on the right, was taken a couple of weeks ago. There is sweet Sophie on the couch. I am beyond relieved and thrilled to say she has been found!!!!!!!!! Apparently, a neighbor found her last night and kept her over night. She did not know who she belonged to until late today. Sigh, so happy, was so worried. Mr. U and BigBoy went looking, as did VolleyGirl with one of her friends.......a happy ending!

Urgent! Beloved Pet Missing!

2010-07-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Little Sophie, silky terrier, is missing since last night. She is shown here with her family, Eli, pictured above and below with Finn.

Please keep them in positive thoughts and prayers. I just recently spent quite a bit of time with Sophie when VolleyGirl and I stayed with the boys and Friday evening decorating a birthday cake for Eli. The boys don't grasp the gravity of it ...... yet.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

2010-07-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Hope all of you that may be observing the 4th, safely enjoy your day and make a memory. I have been absent for so long and anxiously hope that when I get back around to everyone that each one of you have been doing well. One note......today is also the annointed one's 4th birthday!!!!!! Happy Birthday Apollo!

Dogs On Thursday.....FINALLY!

2010-06-24T17:49:00.001-07:00

My lady in waiting has not been on top of her duties concerning this "hear ye, hear ye" place of sharing. That will not be tolerated in my court. She will be dealt with later....more about me. Each day I continue to enjoy my morning and evening meals.

Finished a little romp in the floor playing with one of my trusty blue chew bones. Adds a touch of whimsy to a majestic pose, don't you agree?

Posed for a photo session last for my best buddy.....more on that next week, look for the big reveal! Today I went for a ride in the truck with best buddy - to the vet...I have a sore on my leg. Ugh....here come the hidden pills in the food, for weeks. Later, a bath, wow, I'm weary, will sleep like a baby tonight.

Still, by far the most enjoyable part of my day is mornings with my best buddy, snoozing on the couch........priceless. Go! Go, I say! Have a priceless moment with your best buddy Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie.

Happy Father's Day!!!

2010-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

May all you fathers enjoy your day and feel loved and appreciated! Those of us who can only have our dad in memories, may the sweetest ones come to mind. Pictured above, my dad was posing for a photo to be used in a newspaper article concerning his wood carvings. Today I am remembering how funny, loving, big-hearted and talented he was.

Ramblings of a Boring Artist

2010-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

I'm craving art.....hopefully I will do some soon! Right now, it's been catch up with house chores, blech! I was really under the weather all week and worse Saturday and Sunday. Today, I am better. Though now, it has begun. Cue scary music.....VOLLEYBALL TASKS! Yes, it officially started today with the team hosting two sessions of camp for younger girls. They have an afternoon and evening session and parents provide food for them in between the sessions. I washed a couple of pounds of grapes and strawberries for the food table and took the second shift for registering campers. They host another next month, go to the gym at 7 a.m. a couple of mornings and my favorite................ SELLING $600 WORTH OF PROGRAM ADS! VolleyGirl will be helping of course. This morning I sent out the first emails, gonna have to start making the rounds, they are due in a couple of weeks. This process of practice, gym, camp at a university and fundraising will continue until school starts. Later in August the matches will start, then it is really a whirlwind until it ends sometime in October. I enjoy it, but right now, not really feeling it, but it is the very last season of sports after going through all the years with the two kids, so I will do my best to squeeze every drop of enjoyment and memories I can.

Changing the subject, went for a second opinion on my knee today. Verdict is the same, nothing further can be done, get a new model. Sooooooo, hopefully it will be scheduled before long so as to take advantage of BigBoy being home. Work tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday.

The photo above was taken before chopping them up for a recipe of sausage, peppers, onion, creole seasoning, crushed tomatoes, garlic and penne pasta. Thought I might like to sketch or paint them once upon a time............

Weekend Collage and Finding Myself

2010-06-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

The biscuits that were baked Saturday morning...part of the gift given to Mr. Unplugged in celebration of our 27th anniversary Saturday. The way to THAT man's heart is through his majesty! Mixing up that Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt cake Saturday afternoon. Dudley was all into helping me in the kitchen this weekend, into everything he could, caught him about to jump in the refrigerator!

The cake with the caramel sea salt glaze....didn't let the glaze cool enough...had to leave for the reunion!

The view of the creek at the reunion location Sunday. Not sure what that white "orb" is in the right of the photo.......perhaps a long gone relative checking in.

Was thrilled to be given information on my ancestry by a couple of my uncles Saturday. I devoured it later when I was home. It is the roots of my maternal grandfather dating back to 1585 in merry ole England, Yorkshire, to be exact. Next to Richmond County, Virginia, little stop in South Carolina then to the county I presently live in, 11 generations. A few tidbits I did not know were in there as well. My brother was given a copy of my paternal grandfather's family, which has a bit of a curve. We knew he was raised by his maternal grandparents because his mother died when he was very young and his dad wasn't around. He took his mother's maiden name at some point.....we should have had a different last name, we always knew that. Apparently, he still had his father's last name as old as 6 years old. I must get a copy of all of this family, love to read history, particularly my own personal one! You know by the time you trace back all the different branches in your family, wow, many different vines there. One uncle shared a list with me of some of the famous persons that could be found in history of just one of those families I am descended from. How about Laura Ingalls Wilder, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Bette Davis, William Randolph Hearst, Mae West, John Steinbeck, Rosalyn Carter, William Faulkner, Pres. George Bush, Julia Child, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, John Browning, Woodrow Wilson, Jane Austen, George Eliot, Chester Alan Arthur, Frank James and Elvis Presley....thank you, thank you very much! Who knows.....I may be related to YOU!

We Pause To Honor

2010-05-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Remembering all those that gave their lives for our great country.

My mother's brother, Willard, whom I never met, died in Korea. He and my father served there during the same time.

Baking, Celebrating and Coughing

2010-05-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, I made buttermilk biscuits for the family. Continued in the baking phase on to a cake for our big family reunion today.

Mixing up a new recipe...Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake with Caramel Sea Salt Glaze. Yesterday was our 27th anniversary so last night Mr. Unplugged and I went to dinner and a movie and did not arrive home until 11:00 p.m. The Mr. has had some type of respiratory, sinus thing all this past week and he so kindly shared it with me. It has really kicked in yesterday and this morning. Right now I will be preparing a pineapple/cheese casserole and the glaze before getting ready to leave for the reunion. Hope all is well on this Memorial Day weekend. I will get around to everyone later.

Tip Of The Crown.....

2010-05-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings my loyal peasants! Today, humbly, I share pics of a real working dog. Look closely, in the top photo, sitting behind the peasant to the left, wearing the blindingly bright shirt. He is white, appears he is a pitbull brother.

Ah, there's his hearty mug, with a toy in his mouth, right beside that worker rockin' the green tank. Mom said she tried to get a good photo for weeks as a sidewalk was installed by the road taken daily to VG's school. This guy wore a bright orange vest on his back so he wouldn't be missed....always there with them as they dug holes and progressed right beside the road. Wish she had a better photo. I tip my crown to this guy.........here's to all the working dogs out there! My dear canine friends, Snuffles, Annie, Emma, Luna, Snickers, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Sophie, enjoy your lush life amongst the two-legged animals you tolerate. Til next week....

Barely There

2010-05-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Barely any artwork going on around here lately. I always plan to but then there is work, wash, cook, grocery store. Always not in the mood for art at the end of the day, always tired. Not feeling so great about what I'm getting accomplished at all. Thank you for the compliments on the header rose painting! That was one of the first ones I did back a couple of years ago when I started back into art. Hoping to catch up with everyone else soon. This quickly sketched tulip is in color pencils. Hope all is well, miss you all.