Hi Honey, I'm home!!!

Hey, I've missed all of you so much! Thanks for your well wishes and inquiries along the way. It's been one hell of a ride!!

I'm exhausted but safe. The animals didn't love the trip (which stressed me big time) but we all endured the trek nonetheless. I drove every single mile, all 3,713 of them. I'm a much better driver than I am a passenger. Brian agrees.

Anyway, today we finally got hooked up to internet, TV and a land-line. Woo-hoo! Once I find pots and pans I may cook a meal. Uh, maybe.

Here are a few pics of the new homestead we're renting in Rhode island. It has a lot of charm and a lot of drawbacks. Kind of like most of us.

Soon I'll be meeting a few blogger pals to be named later ;)

I'm sleepy and hungry. I hope to get caught up on posting and commenting soon. Please don't take it personally if I seem absent. I'm just busy with life changes. Thanks for understanding!

Yay...terra firma!

xoxoxo

Lolo

Illustration Friday: Shaky

I'm still on the road heading towards our new home, but I miss participating in "IF" so I thought this was a great word to repost an illustration of my dog and how she looks since we've been on the road. Actually, it was only the first day she was a wreck. The cat too! But now they're understanding that we ride in the car for a while and then we sleep in a new room. We have at least another week of this life to go!
Have a safe and happy 4th to all who celebrate it!
I'll let you know when I reach my destination ;)

( I was unable to post this to Illustration Friday because I have no means of resizing to post a thumbnail.) Oh well, some of you will see it!

Animal Wednesday: As the crow flies....home

Today is the last day to post anything I want to say other than commenting on other blogs.
This has been an interesting 'packing up and tossing away' of memories.
The sheer physical work of a move this size is enormous, but the emotional weight that bears down on you is immeasurable. Even if you're the one that initiates the move, it still has significant impact.
As I was going through papers I came across this quote that I had on my bulletin board in my first studio. It's powerful to me.

"If you wait for a better time to create, better than this very moment, if you wait until you feel settled, divinely inspired, perfectly centered, unburdened of your usual worries, or free of your own skin, then forget about it.

You will still be waiting for tomorrow, and the next day, wondering why you never managed to begin, wondering how you did such an excellent job of disappointing yourself."

I hope I heed these words and get those paintbrushes out of the box as soon as I land on the other side. If not then...when?

Thanks for coming on this ride with me. It will be interesting (as some of you have said) to see what the move brings out in my art.

Please stay tuned!

Skywatch Friday: Double Delight

This will be my last Skywatch post until I get to my new place back east. I thought it would be appropriate to show the last sunset I photographed when my uncle was here 2 weeks ago. The sky went from a gorgeous twilight lavender to a blazing sunset in a matter of twenty minutes.

Talk about the right place at the right time!

I'm looking forward to posting photos from the other coast soon.

Until then, check here for other skies around the world...and thanks for stopping by to enjoy the scenery here!

Thankful Thursday: Regarding Mimi

Most of you remember this post, the one I wrote when my dear client and friend Mimi had to say goodbye to her old dog, Casey.

When Mimi's husband Ed asked me how I felt about them getting another Corgi, I went into protection mode for the future dog. Ed is 90, Mimi is 80 with early stages of dementia. Who would walk the dog? Would she overfeed it or overmedicate it because she had forgotten if it had been done?

When Casey was alive I visited every day to administer his treatment and to check on him. Now they're on their own.

Fast forward one month and meet their new 'baby' as they lovingly call him.

They named him "Corgi" and they defend their right to do so. (They love Corgi's and they love him!)

Yesterday was our farewell lunch before I head East, and it was my first time meeting the new pup.

I don't have to tell you it was love at first lick! I sat on the floor with him and started snapping pictures. I played with him, held him and fussed over him until he went to sleep.

The light in Mimi's eyes was brighter. She was remembering a little better as she brought up memories of Casey and our long journey together.

What I took away from our visit wasn't only that we'll have a forever friendship, but that this little pup would be okay in this loving home and I'm not in charge of the world.

I'm thankful for sometimes knowing when to let go and trust the universe, and my heart is filled with memories of this wonderful day and Mimi's healed heart.

Animal Wednesday: Drug Testing

This is one of the loves of my life, my dog Emma. I've emailed this photo to a few of you already but I thought it was so darn cute I wanted to post it today!

Here's the deal. You know we're moving and you know what goes into the process. Things get packed and tossed around and moved about and the animals pick up on the frenetic energy of their world changing. Emma has a mild form of epilepsy but when she has a seizure, it's a doozey. She doesn't have seizures frequently enough to warrant medication, thank goodness. When I took her and the cat in for their pre-travel check-ups I asked if I could get some valium for Emma in case she got frazzled along the way.

So this is Emma with a half of a valium on board. You can't tell in the photo, but she was swaying ever so slightly! In my sweet-talking voice I said "Emmie, do you like the valium?" To which she tilted her head and gave me this zoned-out look! I'll take that as a yes. This cross-country drive will be a breeze ;)

Happy Animal Wednesday!!

Cactus Monday: Twilight Delight

I took a fast break in the packing to whip up an atc for today!

HCM my friends!!

Skywatch Friday: Phoenix Rising

I was just closing the door when I spotted this cloud formation out of the corner of my eye over my neighbor's roof. To me, it looks like a spirit rising , possibly Phoenix or someone's beloved pet. It could be.

For other wonderful glimpses of clouds, go here.

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Thankful Thursday: Double Happiness

Another week and another pile of gifts in my mailbox from my blogger girlfriends. Wow you guys, really, I'm so spoiled by you!!

Here's the show and tell part.

This is a wonderful postcard from KJ telling us our new home is ready. It was just the smile I needed in this hectic week.

And I could totally live in this bohemian place. I love it!(That's my old address, no worries.)

These fabulous photo cards were also sent to me from KJ in case I wanted to write letters from the road.

I took these shots of them just now and it's not showing how wonderful her images are. I'm just short on time to scan each of them!

Thanks, dear friend. xxoo!

Soulbrush struck again and sent me 2 gorgeous atc's that I adore. I love the 3 people soaring together. They look great with the firebirds in the other one!

Thank you dearest. You know how special you are to me!

Lynn totally surprised me with one of her latest felted atc's!

That woman is amazing, always trying something new and each new thing is a success in my opinion! Thanks Lynn, I love this!!

Margaret over at waterblossoms gifted me with these 2 wonderful ATC zentangle blossoms on linen paper. The blues and browns are just stunning together! Is it any wonder she's one of my favorite artists?

Thanks so much my friend! Your generosity knows no bounds.

And finally this card from a dear friend of mine who is trying to understand why I spend so much time blogging, and how on earth I could ever make 'real' friendships here. She realized the way she had gone about her questioning had hurt my feelings. The next day I got this wonderful card from her that said "This card says it all." I now realize she's just having a hard time saying goodbye to me, and quite honestly she may be feeling a little abandoned.

I may be moving away, but I'm not leaving friends. You'll always be with me.

I hope I didn't leave anyone out this week. My desk is a mess and I'm too stressed to tidy up. The next step is packing it all up.

Thanks one and all. Friends are just the best medicine! xoxo

Animal Wednesday: For Debra Kay

A couple of you saw these photos already that I took at the Monterey Bay Aquarium while my uncle was visiting. I thought Debra Kay would like these because she really wants a shark! Perhaps these Leopard Sharks would be big enough for her. This guy was about 3 feet long. Fast and graceful!

I love the underside shot and the different colors of the foreground, middleground and background. I got lucky!

I wish I could have posted the ATC I did for Teri yesterday but then it would have been too early and I'd blow the surprise;)

HAW!!! Be careful when you go in the water!

Cactus Monday: At The Mission

One of the things my Uncle and I did during his visit was go to the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. They have this magnificent, huge cactus in the main courtyard that I have sat and sketched a few times. Today I only have time to post a few shots of it but you know I'll be using these photos as ATC references for future CM posts and trades!

The movers are coming today to give an estimate which leaves me no time for art again. Sheesh. Meanwhile, HCM to all of you!! I miss you!

Skywatch Friday: Cloudgazing with Uncle Don

My favorite uncle is visiting me from Ottawa, Canada. Yesterday we went to Big Sur and enjoyed the scenery and the sunshine. This photo was taken while we were sitting in an outdoor cafe and chose to turn our chairs towards the hills to watch the clouds float by. It was a beautiful day!

For other Skywatch Friday shots, click here.

Hey, pull up a chair and watch the clouds put on a show!

Animal Wednesday: Nosey Neighbor

I was testing my new camera when I spotted this guy on my neighbor's shed.

I'm smitten! Just look at that face ;)

Happy Animal Wednesday!!

Cactus Monday: Warm and cool

I drew this atc while watching TV last night and just painted it five minutes ago using the hairdryer to hurry it along! Traded to Lynn!!

You won't see much more of me this week with Uncle here, but you never know!

Happy Cactus Monday!!

Finally...2 ATC's for trade!

My time is short for art lately but I managed to mess around yesterday and get these two done. The crowns are silver glittery stickers but they always scan yellow. The King is up top (to be traded with Deepartz), the Queen, below. Up for trade girls!

The Queen will be going to Renee in Winnipeg because Ms. K J pulled some strings ;)

I guess I'd better get busy and become as prolific as the rest of you! You just wait until I get settled in my new home, I'll be cranking them out ;)

My uncle arrives from Ottawa tomorrow so I'll be tied up all week entertaining him. No time for art I'm afraid. I'll see you soon though!

Illustration Friday: Adapt

"I am one who wants to put down roots near the bones of my ancestors. The trees will keep me company, calling my name when the wind rustles the leaves. I will adapt to my surroundings. I will be home."

It's amazing to me that I had another SoulCollage card in my box that worked for this week's word. Another sign perhaps that I knew I'd be making this journey one day, and in my heart it would feel right.

The words were written today, and they also feel right.

Skywatch Friday: Prayers in the wind

This photo was taken in Carmel Valley on the back deck of my friend's house.

There was just the slightest breeze that day. Just enough to carry prayers to their destinations.

For more Skywatch Friday photos click here. It's quite a show!

Thankful Thursday: Speechless

When I first did a Thankful Thursday post I had no idea it would become a weekly deal, but my mailbox has been brimming every week with unexpected gifts that I just have to tell you about. I have the most generous bunch of thoughtful friends, really!

Today's gifts are all from pretty far away. The first gift is from Renee in Winnipeg, Canada. She sent me this adorable card and tiny wooden trinket out of the blue just to tell me she loves me. Thank you! I love you too, Raven Sister!

This next surprise is from Marianne in the Netherlands. The photo isn't too clear, but it's a watercolor Moleskin journal for my trip back home, one of her wonderful mandala stickers, and a very touching ATC card that has an "Inutshuk" on it. The back of the card says "You're on the right path" and goes on to wish me a safe journey and many sunsets and sunrises. Bless you, Marianne! You are so, so dear to me.

Last, but not least for this week's post is a crosstitch from Soulbrush, one of my dearest friends on the blogs.

The amazing thing about this gift is that she did this twenty years ago and has been saving it for "that special someone." I'm just so blown away by this gesture of love and friendship. I'll find a special place in my new home for this and will think of her always when I admire it.

Thank you SB, you're that 'special someone' to me as well!

Thank you ladies. My heart is filled with gratitude!

Animal Wednesday: Double Header

I know this is a stretch! I took these pics a couple of months ago when I was down at Lover's Point shooting Skywatch photos.
This two-headed swanboat was the first one to be used in The Feast of Lanterns celebration. ( I find the event a bit hokey.)
Now it's behind a protective chain enjoying its retirement.

Happy Animal Wednesday and safe boating everyone!

Cactus Monday: Desert Rose

A rose is a rose is a rose...unless it's on a cactus!

Squeaked another one out fast and dirty today! ATC available for trade :)

Happy Cactus Monday!

In A Fog

One of the reasons I won't mind moving away from this beautiful place is the FOG that blankets us for the summer. Call me crazy, but to me summer is supposed to mean warm temperatures and lots of sunshine! It's so chilly here that I have to wear this big old winter pullover on most mornings when I walk the dog, who by the way hates to get out of bed in this weather. Look at her!

When I move back to New England though I'm sure there will be days of humidity that will be unbearable and I'll be praying to the fog Gods.

The grass always seems greener, doesn't it?

Illustration Friday: Cracked

I'm setting out on an inner journey as well as a physical one.

It's as if the skies cracked open to show me the way home.

It appears the 'new leaf' I needed to turn over was back there where I left it.

This is a SoulCollage I did some time last year that seems so fitting now.

Skywatch Friday: The Fog Arrives

One of the reasons we don't need air conditioning here in the Monterey Bay is because the fog always comes in after a warm day, like putting a wet blanet on a fire. The fog visits a little too often for my liking in the summer though.

Check out these skies from around the world to see how the other half lives!