Animal Wednesday: How Many Bunnies...

As I was bopping around the house the other day I noticed I had quite a few little bunnies here and there besides the dust variety. I remembered KJ's challenge of seeing how many hearts we all had around the house, so here's my Easter/Spring challenge.

Take pics of bunnies around your place, real or otherwise but ones that are always in plain view. Here are a few of mine!

The top picture are some love buns in the kitchen over the glass cabinets.

Here's a closer (yet blurry) view.

These buns are on my baker's rack in the kitchen. The white one I bought at a yard sale in California for five bucks. It's some kind of Italian porcelain. I love her!

The two little stone bunnies were rescued here and there. I always keep these two little girls together.

Here's my pretty Italian girl close-up. She's definately centerfold material!

  And the little girls in front of a tureen. They're quite shy! The little black one is really old and worn so she's hard to see clearly.

I love blue and white pottery. I bought this ages ago. It holds many packets of seeds to be planted now that we're settled. Of course we have to make sure no more snow is on the way as well as no more flooding. Good grief!

I adore this little guy! He's always up to something. Doesn't he look like he was caught in the carrot patch? He sits near my kitchen window and keeps me company as I do dishes.

Remember my frozen buns this winter? Well now they're my soggy buns from all the rain we've had. (Thanks for all the calls and emails asking how we are!) The basement is flooded but not much was lost.

And look...daffodils are coming up! I knew there'd be more surprises!

Here are my love buns that I showed last week when Emma was running through the crocus. if they keep smooching I'll have more bunnies pretty soon!

Speaking of Emma...where is she?

hahaha!! I can see she's been editing photos again to make it into my post!

Happy Animal Wednesday, bunny style!

And Passover and Easter blessings to those who celebrate ;)

xoxo

Blooming Tuesday : Mini Tulip

I've been busy painting these little miniatures and listing them in my Etsy shop.

I think spring in New England has hit me!

And you can see I'm making use of many stamps that have come on my mail this past year. Fun!

Anyway, first time doing Blooming Tuesday!

Illustration Friday: rescue ( an encore piece)

Quite sometime ago Portnoy and Biff met at a no-kill animal shelter in the middle of America.

It seems Portnoy was a renegade that escaped a truck headed for the slaughterhouse. Afraid to go back to the farm, Portnoy walked for days until he met a kindly old gentleman who told him all about this shelter. Unable to properly take care of a pig, the old man gave Portnoy a ride to the door and waved a tearful goodbye. The volunteers at the shelter welcomed Portnoy with open arms and hearts. They brought him to his new quarters but on the way there he noticed by Biff, an old-timer stray dog with a twist in his tail just like his!

The shelter worker saw the connection between Portnoy and Biff right away and asked if they'd like to be roommates. Biff's spirits soared by having Portnoy around. They shared stories of life before being rescued and celebrated every day for the strange twist of fate that brought them together.

Two peas in a pod, those two. Old souls embracing a new lease on life.

(This was used for "IF" in 2007 for the word "twist."  I thought it was time for an encore!)

And I just noticed this is my 500th post!!!

Sunday Book Giveaway # 1

I'm starting a new tradition at studio lolo which is to pass along books from my shelves so that others may enjoy them. Some I have read, some I have started and not finished and some I bought because I thought the cover was beautiful! I know, don't say it.

This particular book is one that I was halfway through before we packed up and moved cross-country. By the time I unpacked it I had forgotten the characters and the thread of the story. I admit, I don't hang in often for starting books over even though I know I was enjoying this. Here's the premise of the book as stated on the back.

This is a story about family, community, and the shared values that underlie and sustain human relationships. And ultimately, it is a tale of profound loss, human falibility, and the love~romantic, neighborly, or familial~-that can sometimes blur our line of vision. 

I will draw the name of the winner and post it with next week's book giveaway. The only 'rule' is that you pass it along to someone when you're done with it. I like the idea of paying it forward ;)

So go ahead and leave your name, and good luck!

Six Word Saturday # 8

Spring

gives me wings.

I'm soaring!

For more six words, click here please!

(The stamps in the piece are from Caroline in Malaysia, my cousin in New Brunswick, Canada, and Jossie in London!)

Animal Wednesday: Tiptoe Through The Crocus

We haven't lived in this house for too long so imagine my surprise when I looked out the window the other day and saw at least 500 crocuses! At first I wondered what 'all that stuff' was in the yard, thinking somehow that litter of some kind blew in. The yard hasn't seen any love for quite sometime, I'm sure, but on this day it was very special to me. I can't wait to see what else 'pops up!'

As I was taking the shot little Miss Emma spotted a squirrel and began the chase!

I think maybe she was happy about the crocus-fest and she couldn't contain her enthusiasm! Well, she did trample a few of them.

Happy Animal Wednesday!

Six Word Saturday # 7

Blue skies,

black cloak,

watchful

friend.

for more six words, stop by Cate's place!

Illustration Friday: Expire

"The Funeral"

8"x8" acrylic on canvas

painted today for Illustration Friday's prompt: expire

Thankful Thursday Part Two: The Visit

,

Okay, this is a mindblower to say the least.

Most of you know I have an Etsy shop and that I love ravens.

I came across this artist last week and I fell in love with her whimsy and her wares. I asked if she ever did ravens and she said she was thinking about it because she loved them as well.

Long story short, this is the one I comissioned, but she apologized for it because there seemed to be a tear coming from one eye.

I told her it was perfect because I had just lost a friend who called herself my raven sister and I miss her dearly. This raven is going to sit next to her flowers in my studio.

I'm taking this as a visit from Renee telling me (all of us) not to be sad.

Blown away twice in one day. The Universe works in amazing ways ;)

Please visit Jill's Etsy shop. She does wonderful work!

Thankful Thursday: Mellow Yellow

This post has taken a turn from my original plans. I was going to post some goodies I was lucky to receive from some of you wonderful ladies, but now that I opened my mail not fifteen minutes ago I knew I had to make this post about Renee.

I promised myself to always keep fresh yellow flowers in my studio as a way of always having her spirit with me. Yellow was her favorite color and she adored fresh flowers.

So after putting the flowers in water I go to the mailbox and there's a package from Margaret at Waterblossoms. Most of you already know her and love her as I do.

She did a post about Renee (here) on March 15th. Margaret really picked up on the essence of Renee's spirit immediately and conveyed it beautifully in her post and in the beautiful ATC she painted.

Today, as part of the package she sent me is the original ATC and printouts of the post and all the comments and a beautiful card thanking me for introducing her to Renee.

This is the original ATC in all its glory. It's a sight to behold in person, really.

Peg said that as she painted it it was as if she had a butterfly on her shoulder telling her muse what to do, line by line, brushful by brushful. She went on to write,

"It sang of renewal and light and rebirth...it sang of the lessons I personally gleaned from Renee...it sang of a free spirit and serenity. This original belongs to you~I will have it no other way...thanks for sharing Renee with me!" Peg ♥

Thanks so much Peg. You have no idea how much that moved me.

This is the stunning card and envelope it came in. Sorry for the shadows, I was just trying to find some natural light and the kitchen was the only sunny spot.

More goodies from her (and more shadows!)

This wonderful tin box really intrigued me. I opened it up and saw a string hanging out which contained this little pink package with a tag that read: "Handmade bookmark~I use mine in my sketchbook. The beads on yours reminded me of your clarity and focus and spirituality. Notice one bead is for your life in California too!"

I wish the pictures were better, but I think you get the idea of the beauty!

And look what was inside the box besides the little bookmark. Another stunning ATC of one of her amazing hearts. This one is called 'Rhapsody in Blue.'

It reads : Thinking of you and the love and positive energy you give to all. Thanks for your insights and freshness. I always feel a warm wave of serenity from your art." 

Ditto Ms. Margaret (Peg) Waterblossom! ♥♥♥

Here is the stunning original!

And here is a wonderful ATC print that was in the butterfly card saying "May your artistic muse continue to flourish and grow in this season of renewal."

I can tell you it flourishes because of all of you and your continued support ;)

On a closing note, KJ is putting together a chapbook of what Renee meant to all of us. If you'd like to know more about it and would like to be included no matter how briefly you knew her, please let KJ know on her blog. The book is "Renee's Book of Love."

I haven't been too well for some time now and one of the gifts Renee gave to me is when she said she wished she had taken better care of herself. I've heard those words from so many people, myself included, but it was just lip-service. This time I heard them loud and clear and decided to do what it takes to get back in the race and be healthy. I've had a lot of tests lately, some results are not so great but I can turn all of it around.

I'm on a good pace and I'm not looking back. I'm looking ahead to at least 40 more years!

In her dying words she gave me the gift of life. Maybe because I was ready. Or maybe I was just waiting for the right messenger. Either way, I'm on my way to good health and I'm grateful.

Please run over to KJ's!! Thank you, and lots of love from me. xoxo ♥ 

Six Word Saturday # 6

Helping others

can make

miracles

happen.

I saved this little Hummer from the jaws of a cat. After warming it up and checking the wounds, it sat in my hand for a short while, gazed up at me as if to say thank you and then it flew away.

I watched it for a while knowing who it was by the rumpled feathers. It came to me twice more, inches away each time. I know it understood what I did.

I'll never forget this moment.

For more six words, please click here to visit Cate and friends!

Illustration Friday: Subterranean

The ever-popular Mud Guppies!

I just felt like doodling a pattern and this is what appeared.

 Pebbles replace bubbles, dirt replaces water and the roots replace coral.

I think they're blue from lack of oxygen.

 Who knew? Happy weekend everyone ;)

Two Awards to start my weekend

The first award I received is from Susan. She's a newcomer to Animal Wednesday and a new friend to my blog. We share a deep love for animals and a passion for art. She has a wonderful rescue Beagle named Cosmo who is also a therapy dog. Please pay her a visit at her studio!

I'm supposed to pass this along to 12 friends I think are deserving, but all of you know I don't play by the rules when it comes to awards :)

Every one of you is important and meaningful to me. Your continued support is immeasurable.

Please take this award and consider yourself loved and appreciated by me.

Thank you Susan!

The second award is from Deepa in Dubai. She's a soft-spoken, quiet little artist with a huge heart. She takes the time to visit everyone and her words are a ray of sunshine. I don't get to her blog as often as I should and yet she still gives me this award. Thank you Deepa! My heart is grateful ;)

Again, dear friends, please help yourself to this award. Your comments keep me buoyed and encouraged to post my art attempts. You are deeply appreciated.

Please visit these two ladies. You'll be glad you did!

Animal Wednesday: Spring Chicken

Another little miniature 4"x4" canvas painting I did for my Etsy shop. Tis the season!

Happy Animal Wednesday!

For more animal pals, click here :) 

Cactus Monday: Jack Rabbit Sunset

I finally had time to do a Cactus Monday atc while waiting to go pick up DH's sick (but hopefully repaired) computer. There are a couple of cacti in the background  but Jack is taking up all the room! If you squint you can see them.

For more cactus fun, click here to visit Teri and the gang!

Happy cactus Monday everyone!

Six Word Saturday # 5

In Spring,

hope reaches us all.

For more six words, click here!

Thankful Thursday: Catching up with gratitude

I have a huge list this week because I've fallen behind. Stay with me, it's worth it!

This smiling face is a hand drawn card from Mim with a little note about the collage below, saying she thought of me and had to send it to me! You know I love this raven collage!! I'll have to let the artist know how much I 'adore' it!

Thank you Mim!!! xoxo

Up next is this happy yellow ginham bag adorned with a sparkly butterfly in a brown package from the Netherlands.

It was filled with goodies from Marianne and her friend Marja's  from their trip to Hong Kong.

It has a wonderful smelling sachet and a lovely silken drawstring bag with butterflies... 

And this gorgeous pashmina from Marja which matches my eyes! You should see the pattern. Click to enlarge it! The photographs don't do it justice because I took them in terrible lighting.

I gasped when I opened the gift!

And did you see this card they had made for me at the Chinese New Year celebration?

They had it made while they waited. See the artist creating it on this video on Marianne's blog!

The dragon is for power, the fish is for prosperity, the butterfly is for beauty, the bird is for happiness and the heart is for love ;)

Thank you so much M & M!!!

Happy Chinese New Year to you too!

(This is the fun card they sent with a note!)

This is a wonderful bookmark sent to me by Lisa. What a wonderful quote by Van Gogh!

I need to silence that voice more often ;)

Thanks so much Lisa!!

These wonderful cards came from Joss! I love her drawing of the 4 cacti, one of my faves!

Inside was this adorable vintage postcard asking if I'd like kissing lessons from a dandy teacher!

What a hoot!

These wonderful, exotic atc's were inside too! "Mask" and "Market Day." Thank you dear friend. We're all in love with your African style art! xoxo

Is this not one of the prettiest cards you've ever seen? I love the layers of cut paper and the color combos.

It's from my dear friend KJ who now lives just over to hours away from me!

Inside was a little pocket with a tag for a secret message.

It says "Happy Spring, my terrific friend!"

Thank you KJ. Ditto! xoxo

Heartfelt thanks to all of you. Wow, how does this happen?

My gratitude is bursting forth!