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!

Cactus Monday: These boots...

...are made for walking in the desert and showing off their BLING!!

Terrible scan. I can't figure out this new darn software! The photo came out worse. Oh well, it's pretty shiny in person. Happy Cactus Monday!

The 5th commenter gets the boots!

Illustration Friday: Magnify

Once I have him in my sights I don't dare move.

I've always wanted to see a Magpie in his formal attire.

He's the dapper looking one among his corvid cousins. Orca-esque in his markings and grace.

I turn the lenses of my binoculars ever so slightly just to be sure that I indeed see him looking back at me.

Acrylic paint, colored pencil on patterned scrapbook paper.

(too big to scan the whole thing)

Six Word Saturday

Summer rain

dances

on

my

windows

Cactus Monday: Rare Sighting

Could it be??? Why yes, it's the rare cactus-back gecko!

He can be adopted by the first one who says they want him. Hurry...he's already walking off the card! Happy Cactus Monday everyone!

Illustration Friday: Caution

Beware of fat flying cats who taunt neighborhood pooches!

This is a repost of my very first "IF" back in 2006 for the word "trouble."

The name of the illustration is "Taunting Spot."

Skywatch Friday: Bird's Eye View

Even the birds at the sanctuary at The Monterey Bay Aquarium have a beautiful ocean view from their window by the bay!

To see more skies around the world, click here.

Cactus Monday: Little Nibbler

This quick ATC is a double whammy today. It's for Cactus Monday as well as my "N" in my ABC atc group and it goes to Teri! Tell me where to mail it Prez.

Happy Cactus Monday everyone!

Illustration Friday: Corvid Kimono

When Raven wrapped herself in her ancestral kimono her heart became still and peaceful. She felt surrounded by her loved ones, past and present.

Most days, that was all she needed.

For Illustration Friday prompt: wrapped.

Let me say it's good to be back.

Acrylic paint, colored pencil on patterned paper.

Skywatch Friday: Silver Fog

I love it when early morning fog on a still bay makes everything look bathed in silver. Happy Skywatch Friday everyone!

For more skyviews, please visit SWF.

Thankful Thursday and hair pulling

I've been sitting at this computer for three hours pulling my hair out trying to figure out my new scanner and photo editor!! I'm not tech savvy at all, but jeez all mighty why can't I find where my photos went to?? Are they just floating around somewhere?

Anyway, some of them got edited safely and some are just retakes with my camera instead of my scanner and they're not cropped. I just wanted to post my blogger gifts while it was still Thursday! Okay, rant over.

These goodies came from Debra Kay last week as a housewarming gift. Oliver made a stink about the card saying it was a poor excuse for an African Grey but I love it! I also love the ATC's and the thoughtfulness. Thanks Deb!! XX
Next, this is the stunning bouquet KJ intended to send me for my birthday, however, there was miscommunication (and cheating) on behalf of the shikester florist who delivered the ones below instead!! Buyer beware!

oops!! KJ asked me to describe the bouquet and as soon as I mentioned carnations and mums she hit the roof. "WHAAAT????!!!!"

Let me just say this, I still loved them because of the sentiment and the birthday remembrance, so thank you KJ. XX

Guess who sent me this card?

Hint: She loves jellybeans, chocolate pretzels and rolling down hills.

And purple polka dot bikinis!

Why, it's Emily V.V. Rabbit, of course!! What a funny card! I love it!

And I love you too Em.XX

Imagine my surprise when these goodies came in the mail from Marianne in the Netherlands! And while she was away in Sweden, no less. Wow, let's have a look!

There was a beautiful lotus mandala ATC, an Inukshuk (an Inuit word meaning 'in the image of man.') He represents a silent messenger showing the right path to follow. How wonderful is that? And just look at this framed mandala. The details are exquisite! Too bad I can't show you because I can't find the scanned image! Perhaps you can enlarge it. It's a beauty! I have all 3 underneath my birth mandala.

She also sent this delicate silk scarf with amazing, shimmery detail and this little pair of Dutch shoes in blue and white ceramic.

Not only that, she sent some rose scented moisturizer that is heavenly!

Thank you Marianne. Your generosity knows no bounds! XX

Of course I received lots of gifts from family and local friends, but I just show my blogger stuff here ;)

I've also received loving emails from Joss (Soulbrush) who as you know gifts me all year long! Love ya Jossie! XX

Whew, what a birthday and what a transition this still is.

Thanks for being such a great support team and lovely friends.

love, Lolo

Post script! I just found another wonderful item on my messy desk from Linda at Stampmaiden. I was remiss (and pissed at my scanner) for not posting it. Stay tuned next week!!

Cactus Monday: A Ponderable

I went to see a long time old, old friend today which is why I'm just showing up now, and while I was driving I got to thinking about this...

What if cactus grew in cornfields???

Summer makes my head spin in the heat and humidity!

Happy Cactus Monday my friends ;)

Skywatch Friday: Birthday Clouds

Emma enjoyed the summer breezes at Colt State Park today.

Because it's my birthday, I feel these perfect clouds were just for me ;)

I do like to share though!

For other skies and sighs, go to Skywatch Friday.

Happy weekend everyone!

Summer Breeze, makes me feel fine...

Cactus Monday: 3 moons for the buffalo

I thought I'd try a collage for a change. I just let it evolve and then the title appeared and I knew I was done.

Happy Cactus Monday gang!

(You can click this week's entry to my ABC ATC group here.)

Illustration Friday: Modify

It's in my moleskine this week!

Click here.