Thankful Thursday: Visiting Friends

Many of you know that my dear blogging friend Kj and I have met in person and now live two hours apart. Our friendship is easy and effortless, as if we've been friends since childhood.

This weekend I drove 100 plus miles to her house, no small feat for me with my driving fears. I bought a GPS, said a little meditation about being safe and off I went. It was a breeze! I actually enjoyed the drive and was there before I knew it.

Mim and Debra Kay were supposed to join us for the weekend too but sadly each had something pressing to deal with. Next time ladies!

There are no pictures of us in this post. What I did do was walk around the outside of KJ and JB's wonderful home and snapped pictures of things in the yard and in the park behind their house.

So please come along with me on this walk!

 

Azalea offerings at the front door...

Buzzing bees keeping busy...

The famous Magic Cottage! JB's art haven...

It seems JB has gone dancing with the mermaids!

A side view of the Magic Cottage and a sweet little bird hanger.

Look closely. Do you believe in fairys?

Iron and lace...

Three graces near the front door...

A delightful trio of rusted petals adorns a side fence...

More garden whimsy...

A little sundial at the base of an oak tree, kept company by a bleeding heart.

More whimsy with elegance...

Nestled cairns, KJ's creations.

Amber and iron spires...

And a magnolia starburst!

Now let's take a stroll in the park.

Past the frilly cherry tree...

Behind the pond capturing reflections...

Where an empty bench waits for company.

And finally a quick snapshot downtown before hitting the road to home.

It was a delightful and all too short weekend.

Thank you KJ and JB. You were gracious hostesses and great fun to be with! 

Let's do it again ;) ♥

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 #2

Here's a little 6 x 6 inch canvas I painted this weekend at the studio especially for Cactus Monday. I used a photo I took a few years ago as a reference. I've listed it in my Etsy shop to keep the other paintings company! I call it "Cactus Meditation."

Update...it sold as soon as I listed it. A client of mine saw it and wanted it for her daughter, so I took it off Etsy.

IF : Garden Patterns

One of my addictions is patterns. I love painting them, buying them on linens and paper supplies and decorating with them. I mix and match the most unlikely ones together. As long as there's some color harmony going on, it works for me. I find patterns to be cheery. I've recovered my dining room chairs in vibrant garden motifs with linen napkins from import stores. This is a painting I did of one of my favorite tablecloths that I bought at a flea market, only in real life it's in reds and oranges. I wanted the contrast of the blues with these vibrant nectarines, which by the way, were delicious and juicy! Many artists are often inspired by gardens. Botanical illustration has been around forever, and just look at how many nature journals are out there.

Gardens are magical, healing places whether it's a small one on your kitchen windowsill, a plot of grass on your rooftop, or vast acreage filled with wildflowers and fruit trees. It's all good! So do yourself a favor and spend more time in the garden.

acrylic on canvas 24" x 30" Illustration Friday prompt: Garden