Cactus Monday: Twice the fun!

Wow, what a weekend! My oldest sister turned 65 on Sunday and on Saturday her daughters and I flew in my sister from Colorado as a surprise. Then my brother came to the cookout and blew my sister away for the second time that day. It was the first time in 22 years that we four siblings have been together!

My oldest sister's reactions and emotions were priceless!

Sunday was the actual birthday dinner and while they were busy in the kitchen I went next door and made ATC's with my eight year old Great Niece, Alexandra. I asked her to draw a cactus with me for Cactus Monday so we could post them together. She did this without reference, TA DA...her cactus in the snow. She's a natural born artist ;)

Mine is made up too, per usual!

We three sisters are spending the day together today. I'll be back to the blogs tomorrow!

Happy Cactus Monday all!

Six Word Saturday

Life mostly depends

on your

perspective.

Illustration Friday: Pattern

For those of you who know my art you know that pattern is ever-present in nearly everything I draw or paint. I was going to show all of the past images that I did on patterned paper, but I chose instead to show two paintings I did with cloud patterns. One is in the west and one is here on the east coast.

I loved the rolling golden hills of California with the clouds and trees casting shadow patterns in subtle shades of blue and violet.

Now that I'm back in Rhode Island I get to see the change of seasons again. I love the marshes here, each with their own signifcant pattern. As the temperatures fall the grasses change color just as the leaves on the trees would.

The gold and amber striations make yet another pattern where there used to be lush green. Everywhere we look we see patterns in nature. To me, that's a perfect world and I try to savor every moment of it.

Animal Wednesday: Pasture Pals

I has such a pleasant day with my friend who's visiting from California. She's actually from here but we met out west. How ironic. Anyway, we decided to drive around and take photos when we came across this big guy in a meadow in the Poppasquatch area of Bristol, Rhode island.

His friend wasn't too interested in us. Either that or he's camera shy.

Mr. Horsie decided to mosey over to see what was up.

But then this little gal came walking over and stole the show!

She was playing peek-a-boo, I swear! She was a hoot!

I think this was her way of telling us the show was over and to run along.

Yeah, nice and subtle.

Happy Animal Wednesday! Or as she'd say it.....Heeeee-HAW!!!!

Cactus Monday: Autumn in the desert

I'm thrilled beyond thrilled to be back in New England for what promises to be the best colorful Autumn in years. I think the West should be able to celebrate the season for the same reason....COLOR!!!

Illustration Friday: Infinite Knowing

"I have come to believe that there are infinite passageways out of the shadows, infinite vehicles to transport us into the light."

Martha Beck

Six Word Saturday

Heavy, yet beautiful.

What a concept.

Thankful Thursday: Across the miles

This week I'm thankful for the chance to buy a wonderful painting from my (our) friend Soulbrush in London who finally opened an Etsy shop! When I get enough money together I'm going to frame this regally and hang it in a place of honor. I love it! It's a baobob tree inspired by her South African roots. (No pun intended!) Keep at it Jossie! xoxo

Dearest Marianne sent me my Quan Yin card in a pink sparkly bag. I just love her! And she also surprised me with this wonderful blue hydrangea ATC with a special message and drawing on the back. It was a perfect get-well message when I needed it. Thank you Marianne! Your heart is huge.

Marianne also included this wonderful postcard and sweet note. This image is so soothing to me.

And it all came in this beautiful Buddha card. It's an image I will look at often.

You sure do know me Marianne! Bless you for these gifts of the heart.

Then I was pleasantly surprised by our friend in Malaysia, Yoon See! She sent a whole assortment of goodies:a bookmark, prints and cards, a commemorative stamp in a fancy presentation, and 3 of her prints below.

Thank you ladies. I'll always treasure these gifts from afar, but mostly I'll treasure what your friendship has come to mean to me.

Blessings and love,

Lolo

Animal Wednesday: Bunnies

I was loving the crispness of the hint of fall today so I took a little stroll around my backyard. Lo and behold I saw a few bunnies! Who knew?

Pssst! Over here in the strawberries and ivy! It's me, Mortimer!

Come join me!

This is Little Nell. She doesn't want Summer to be over yet.

This is Gramps. He's really, really old and sometimes grouchy. Please don't tell him I said that!

Here's Mom and Dad. They sit under the lamplight on the front yard and protect us from Laurel's dog, Emma.

Just look at her! All fangs and ferociousness. Grrrr!

Happy Animal Wednesday, and watch your backside!

Cactus Monday: Sparkling Dew

This atc was inspired by a card I bought with a photograph of dew on a prickly pear cactus. No matter if I scan it or photograph it, the sparkles just aren't showing up! It's really prettier in 'person.' (Done on the back of a recycled birthday card.)

Something quick and simple for this Monday. HCM!!!

Six Word Saturday

Even in despair

there is

light

The original post for this painting can be found here.

Animal Wednesday: Old Beau

I've been trying to clean out my image archives to free up computer space and I came across this portrait I did several years back. A cardiologist and his wife bid on a pet portrait (by me) at a fundraiser silent auction.

I was pleased to meet this sweet, gentle dog. I'm sure he's gone on to greener pastures by now. I do hope his family finds comfort in the painting and the memories.

Happy Animal Wednesday my friends.

Cactus Monday:Big Hair...

...and the right accessories make the woman!

Happy Cactus Monday! This one goes to Debra Kay ;)

Oliver likes shiny things!

Illustration Friday: Strong

"Your hurtful words sandblast me leaving pit marks on my heart and soul.

I'll rise up just as I have countless times before because I'm a survivor.

I always see a hint of blue in the stormy skies that smother my life with you.

Well, no more.

Your words are strong, but today I found the strength to rise up once and for all and follow that patch of blue."

This collage just evolved little by little as did the words to her story.

Magazine clippings and a little paint on a lazy saturday afternoon.

Six Word Saturday

Alone in my thoughts,

meandering

blue.

Thankful Thursday: Better late...

It's been a while since I've posted on Thankful Thursday. I had every intention to post yesterday, on time but then this happened! All of a sudden I was on all fours with shearing pain cutting through me. Trust me, I have thin ankles. This ankle is not normal.

So after two hours in urgent care today, here I sit with a big old boot on. What better time to list the things I got in the mail recently. If I've forgotten anyone, please let me know!!

Oh, they didn't find a fracture in my ankle but want to recheck it next week. If the swelling and pain are the same, time for an MRI.

I got this wonderful card from Linda at Stampmaiden just because she knows I love Frida Kahlo! It's a favorite card of hers that she had for years but unselfishly gave it away. What a doll! Thanks Linda!!

The stamped image was on the inside. So cool!

I got this packet of crazy finds from sweet Soulbrush! She even bought me "nothing!" (see lower left.) Only she could find something like nothing!

I'll use these goodies in collages that some of you will be getting. What a hoot!

Thanks, Jossie. You know I'm crazy about you!

Lynn sent me this beautiful postcard sized quilt of a beach scene because she had a drawing for her blogaversary. See the beach umbrella and the sun and the waves? I just adore these mini quilts!! Thanks so much Lynn. Wowee!!

My dear pal KJ bought me this T-shirt in Ptown. Why in the world would she think of me for this shirt? Hah!! I love it KJ. It's definately me!

And she also bought me this sweet wall decor as a housewarming gift. She thought it might go on my sunporch but for now it's in my computer/art room.

I love it! Thanks for being so sweet KJ and for always being so thoughtful.

I really feel like someone or something is being left out. I hope not.

Excuse me, I'm going to go ice my foot now!

Thanks everyone, really. xoxo

Wednesday's Walk

I feel like doing a quiet post today. I just came back from a walk to set my mood straight and here are a few of the things I saw. Even the simplest of things like weeds along a path can bring back distant memories.

Like Goldenrod gleaming in the sun,

and Queen Anne's Lace, wild vines that look like grapes,

Milkweed pods, still green and not quite ready to burst open.

And the littlest hint that the Autumn I've been waiting for is around the corner.

And then I come home to these cuties who live in my yard.

Hi there!

Don't be shy!

All in all I'd say the walk helped lift my spirits. But sometimes change is just damn hard. Perhaps I'll do two walks today!