Sketchbook

Rain, Rain ...

... I really wish you'd go away (for now anyway).    We are having record rainfall this fall, and to be quite honest with you, I am sick of it.   We've had 30" in October alone.    Then it was another 12" or so in the last half of September.   Yikes... that is a lot of water.   It has no where left to drain to.  Everything is saturated and backing up.   The river is above flood stage.  The bayous are full.   We've had even more rain today... but nothing like the stormy weather we were warned we were going to have.   It is suppose to be sunny this coming week... I sure hope so.   I'm tired of clouds and drips.   You'd think this was the perfect weather to stay inside and do art.  Well, not for me.  Makes me restless and unmotivated.   Way too early in the season to be trapped inside.

Funny... I don't remember buying waterfront property!?!?!

And, Holly is much better after she scared us this week with her little "emergency" health episode.  We are back to having happy tails again.

 

 

Happy Birthday Vicki ...

My good friend Vicki had a milestone birthday on Monday.  Last Saturday evening, her wonderful husband Karl gave her a surprise birthday party.   I do think she was surprised in every way.   What a fun evening we all had... especially Vicki !!!

 

This is Vicki with her delicious birthday cake -- look at all those chocolate covered strawberries.   Oh my, they were good.

 

After opening a few gifts, her ultimate birthday surprise arrived.   No, it was not a Chippendale dancer.   It was better!!!  Yes, better.

...It was her brand new RED golf cart.   Thanks to Jason for driving it in through the building and startling Vicki to death with the horn blaring.   What a perfect entrance.

 

Needless to say, Vicki was surprised, thrilled and (momentarily) speechless.   She and Karl have become an avid golfers  over the past couple of years.   Vicki already  has a "hole in one" to her credit.   She loves the game. Karl was able to order this and surprise her with it.  She had absolutely no idea she was getting a golf cart.   Now she can just drive it from her house to the course for a round of golf... so sweet.

 

 

 A bit emotional. 

 Karl did GOOD!!!!

Golfing buddies.

Yes, a hole in one.

 Happy Birthday Vicki  

...from all of your friends.

 

 

 

I'm home...

Well, we are home from our "road trip" to California.   Be patient with me as I have to get my photo sharing done so that I can get on with some art.   

On the way there, we took a few extra days and did a little exploring.   From our home, we first hit Dallas... always a favorite place of ours.    Then we had a long day getting to Albuquerque.    Next, we side stepped to Sedona, Arizona.   What a magnificent area!   I highly recommend visiting this area (and the grand canyon which is 2 hours north) if you ever have the chance.

Check out these pictures from in and around Sedona.    We had a closeup view of the red rocks from our room.   The colors of the rocks are beautiful, and ever changing throughout the day.   Just incredible.

We then drove through Phoenix and on to Palm Springs.   I had never been in the Phoenix area, and I have to say that I liked it.  It was hot (by my standards) but still very nice.

Our stay is Palm Springs was great too.   It was 105 when we arrived, but it cooled off nicely in the evening.   And, I must say... it was a "dry" heat (unlike here) so we weren't bothered by it.   

We stayed in the old, historic area of Palm Springs.  The city of palm trees.   We chose to stay in a small 9 room boutique inn (Desert Riviera).   A generous and wonderful couple beautifully restored an old (mid-century) "motel".   It is meticulously taken care of and decorated just like it would of been in the 50's.   Basically, all of the rooms look over the pool and courtyard, with a view of the mountains in the background.   We met couples from Australia, England and Holland the night we stayed there.    It was just a stones through away from the downtown where all of the fine restaurants and shops are.

This will give you an idea of what the inn was like.     I kept waiting for Frank or Dean to show up!!  I could have easily stayed here longer.

These were taken while sitting in a poolside lounge chair.

The next day we drove through classically crazy L.A. traffic.   Went by sites from many years of visiting and vacationing in the area.    Even saw the hospital where I was born... it is still there.   

Our next stop was a late lunch in Santa Barbara.   Love this stretch of the coast.   Lunch wasn't that great, but the views were.

Here is a picture of the beautiful beach and the pier.   Lots of good memories here.   Even part of our honeymoon was spent here.

We continued up the coast and stopped in Pismo Beach and Grover Beach.    As kids, we didn't live too far from Pismo and our dad would frequently bring us here (and to Morro Bay).   Our first "memorable" camping trip was in Pismo too (it rained the entire time).

These photos were taken just north of Pismo ... looking back at the beaches and the "dunes".

Our stop that night was in Paso Robles.   It is a smallish town that is just inland.   We lived in Paso Robles when I was a young child.    I hadn't been here in many, many years.    It used to be surrounded by baron hills with grazing cattle.   Now, as far as you can see... it is all vineyards.   It was so beautiful to see all of the green, rolling hills.    And, the town has really re-invented itself.   The old downtown where we used to do our shopping (which wasn't "old" back then), is now full of renovated shops and restaurants.   There is an endless supply of small vineyards and tasting rooms in the area.   We visited only  one specific one that Ted wanted to see.

Our last day of traveling took us to my brother's house in the Bay Area.   It was now time to prepare for my niece's wedding.  The weather so far on every leg of our trip had been extraordinary.   Couldn't have asked for anything nicer.    But, the weather predictions for the day of the wedding weren't looking good.    Rain was predicted... and it was to be an outdoor wedding.     It ended up that the weather was just fine.   It sprinkled a bit during the night, but was gorgeous the day of.

This is Mandi and Luke at their rehearsal dinner.   

Luke being given a few words of advice from his future father-in-law (my brother).

The bride being walked down the aisle.

AJ ... looking so grown up in his tuxedo.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell.

Mother of the bride... Renee.

My other brother who came to the wedding.

Instead of the traditional bride and groom, the wedding cake had Shrek and  Fiona on the top of it.    All of the tables had names which were characters taken from the movie.  The guys had fun with the table markers.

After the wedding was over, we still had several days left to visit with family.   We had a great time.

Visiting with another nephew and another sister-in-law.

AJ ...  YOU ROCK!!!!!

Ted took a side trip... I wonder where?     Actually, we went to a stamp store in Fairfield one day.   Our first house was in Fairfield 25 years ago.   It used to be within site of the Jelly Belly factory.   So, while Renee and I shopped at the stamp store, Ted went and got his belly flops at the factory.  Fun was had by all that day!

After a week at my brothers, we headed home.  It was a fast and straight shot home.   Had a couple of long days driving.   The only bad weather we had was coming out of Albuquerque on Saturday morning.  A storm was brewing with the hurricane coming up from Mexico.    As we were leaving, we drove through sheets of rain.    We missed the more intense rain and hail that they had that day.   

What a great trip!   Thank you to Robert and Renee for their wonderful hospitality.  Thanks to any of you that are still reading this for being patient with my photo posting.   I'll back to sharing my art very soon.   I've got some to share.

I'll Be Back ...

I haven't disappeared ...  I'm just on vacation.   I'll be home this weekend and will be back to my  "normal" routine.    I must say, I am in great need of an art-fix.   

See you soon.

We have survived Gustav...

We are safe and survived the hurricane.    I am not sure we are on "dry" ground, but I guess it was high enough.   We managed to stay on the outer rings of Gustav.   It went a bit farther west of where they predicted once it hit land, so we are now just catching  tropical storm winds/rain.   Scary enough though.  It started raining and blowing Monday evening and is still doing so.  But, it seems to be a bit calmer now... overall.    Last night the winds and gusts were quite strong.   More than I am comfortable with.  Kept me awake most of the night.  No obvious damage to our house....just some broken tree branches and lots of standing water everywhere you look.   We just have some minor cleanup.

   

The schools are all closed today and tomorrow... so alot of people aren't even able to go to work.   Some debris on the roads this morning and localized flooding.   But, all seems to be okay.  Some power outages in area.  So far that hasn't affected us.

   

Maybe I will go do some art to calm myself down after a weekend full of wonder, worry and stress.  It certainly didn't feel like a "holiday" weekend around here.  I'm just very thankful.   

Hurricane Gustav ...

Most of you know that hurricane Gustav has entered the Gulf of Mexico and is on it's way somewhere along the gulf coast.   As it stands now, it is still predicted to hit New Orleans (or somewhere very close to New Orleans) late on Monday.   

Although we are about 200 miles northwest of New Orleans, we are still in the direct path of what will be the remnants of hurricane Gustav.   It will most likely still be a tropical storm.   With Katrina, we didn't even get rain or strong winds.   We were very lucky.    Rita brought us some rain and gusty wind, but no local damage.    

Locally, they are predicting we will most likely have tropical storm winds (39+ mph sustained wind) AND from 10 to 20 inches of rain.   We are going to be to the NE side of the storm, which is the area that receives most of the rain and wind, and potential tornadoes.   It is where you DON'T want to be.  Needless to say, this isn't how any of us here wanted to spend our Labor Day weekend. 

Our town always acts as a "shelter" destination for coastal residents.   We always get a great influx of visitors during most storms.   They are busing in thousands of coastal residents this time, in addition to those that drive in on their own.   Many shelters had opened by this morning.   Hotels and motels have been booked solid for several days.   We have a horse and livestock shelter set up at one of the arenas.   Schools have already been declared closed for Tuesday and Wednesday.   Each convention center or coliseum is being used for different types of shelters ... people with pets, handicapped, etc.    So far, things are going as planned.

I had planned on doing my normal grocery shopping yesterday.  I wasn't prepared for it to be such a zoo at WalMart and the local grocery store.   I figured today would be the crazy day.  I guess it was a mix of normal, holiday weekend, hurricane, and end of month shopping for everyone.   We stocked up on the normal foods plus more packaged stuff than usual.   Have lots of batteries and water (although WalMart was out of water yesterday).   Went to the ATM before they started running out of cash.  All three cars are full of gas, as is the propane bbq.   Regular gasoline jumped from $3.46 to $3.69 overnight.... um????

Sunday will be spent preparing the house.   Everything must be brought indoors.   Nothing should be left in the yard to "fly" around.  It is amazing what can become airborn, and the damage and injuries that airborn items can do.  I am worried about possible wind damage as we have alot of large bayou trees near us.   And, the amount of rain that is predicted scares me.   10 - 20 inches is alot of rain!!!!   ... even in Louisiana.   Thankfully, I just paid my homeowners insurance renewal ... and we have had flood insurance for years even though it isn't required where we live.

I'm truly not sure what this hurricane is going to bring.   If I disappear, it is most likely due to loss of power and internet service.   But, hopefully we will still be on dry land.  Keep your fingers crossed for all of us along the gulf coast and inland in the path of this storm.

Daisy, Daisy ...

I have to share a photo of my sweet new little friend.   My brother and sister-in-law had given me a gift certificate from Build A Bear for my birthday.   I had never had the experience or thrill of taking any kids there, and since I am a big kid at heart... getting this gift was perfect for me. 

While my sister-in-law was visiting recently, we made a trip to the Build A Bear store in Shreveport (on the Boardwalk).   I had a fun time just looking around and deciding which bear I wanted and what outfit "she" was going to wear.  I was like a kid in a candy store.   Having her come to life was really fun.

I want to introduce to you --  "Daisy".   She is my new 'gardening' buddy.   I think she is adorable.   I have to get a nice daisy to pin to her overalls.   You can't see them in the photo... but she is wearing tattered looking flip flops.

 

Thanks Robert and Renee... I love my birthday bear.

My Other Hobby ...

I know this isn't art related, but I thought I would just slip in a few springtime photos of my garden.  This is my "other" hobby.  I really enjoy playing in the dirt.   It does take away some of my "art" time, but it is really worth it.  Unfortunately, I think spring has left us here already and summer has set in.   The heat and humidity are already gastly.

My easter lily finally bloomed in late May... it was really late this year.  But, it was beautiful and HUGE this year.  This one stalk had 13 giant trumpets on it.   Just gorgeous.

Here is my "busy" flower bed in the back yard.  Has alot going on in it.

My two "frog friends" live in this flower bed under their sun umbrella.  They are in the buff sunning themselves and reading a book.

This is my giant scarlett mandevilla that survived the cold winter.   Currently, it is absolutely covered with red flowers, and will be until winter.  Love this plant.

I am so happy with my clematis.   I planted this last year, and it barely made it through the season.  Thought it wouldn't be alive by spring.   Well, it surprised me.  I have had to add a 6 ft. trellis for it to climb on.   What a beautiful greeting at the gate.

A little color in a front flower bed,  that will last all summer.

Nightmare in computerland...

Have you ever been frustrated with a computer?   What a silly question to ask.  I consider myself pretty knowledgeable with home computers.   But, last week when I received my new Dell computer with Vista on it... I didn't know what I was in for.   My excitement quickly dropped to stressed out.  I love the new computer and Vista, but it has been a learning experience and a challenge at times.   

I performed a migration of data from my old computer.   I ended up reversing it and redoing it.   In the end, I had several pieces of software that will not run with Vista (not supported).  Another expense to buy new software to replace the old.   I spent a couple days trying to get my brand new PaintShop X2 to load into Vista without corruption...wahoo, it works now!  But, the biggest nightmare of all, was setting up my new computers to print to my two printers via the existing wireless print server.   That took me all of my spare time over 3-4 days....ended up being a firewall issue in Norton Security.    ARGH.

I guess my point is... I have spent just about all of my spare time over the past 9 days getting everything on this computer set up the way I want and need it to be.   I still have some minor issues that need answering, but my list is very short, and I can now "get on with life".    Like I said earlier, I feel like I am fairly knowledgeable and comfortable with home computing...  what do those of us do that aren't experienced?    If I didn't know what I do know, and feel comfortable searching for answers... I'd have a HUGE mess sitting here in front of me.

Anyway, enough of my babbling about my computer issues.   I am very happy with my new computer and Vista.  I am over my last BIG hurdle (that I am aware of), and can get back to life as I knew it.  LOL.    I have some art projects to post.   Lots of emails and messages to read and answer.   And, art projects to finish.    Whew...what a week!!!

I'm back.....

I'm back from a week of vacation at the beach.  I am relaxed and rejuvenated.  What a great time Ted and I had.  It was very  pleasant....sunny some days...rainy on others.    We didn't over commit ourselves to do much of anything while we were there.   I did a lot of reading.   Ted watched a lot of movies and is all caught up.  Did a bit of shopping.   Went out for some good meals.   We really hated to come home.  It is our favorite place to be.  But, the fun must come to an end.... for now anyway.   We'll head back as soon as possible.   

For now, I am feeling creative.  I want to get the Christmas "stuff" around the house put away....and get into my art room!!!  I am ready to start some new projects.  Stay tuned....

Be on the lookout....

Be on the lookout for this man.   His name is Kris Kringel ... also known as Santa Clause.   

He has been spotted flying around in the skies on Christmas Eve, in a sleigh being pulled by 8 reindeer.  It appears that he visits the homes of good little girls and boys, leaving presents behind.   He usually enters homes through the chimney.   He has been known to eat cookies and drink glasses of milk that have been left out overnight. 

One would say he is a friendly and jolly man.  It is said that he often repeats the words "ho ho ho".  He also goes out of his way to "wish you a Merry Christmas".

He is very elusive and is somewhat of a mystery.   It is "believed", that he will be out in the skies again tonight, visiting the homes of  good little boys and girls. 

If you should see this man tonight, immediately crawl back into bed and sleep tight.  Wait until morning to see if he was really there.   You'll now he was if there are presents from "Santa" under the Christmas tree.

HO HO HO.....Merry Christmas.

Relaxing...

Just taking a moment to relax and reflect on the holiday season.    Everything gets so busy and I get to feeling so stressed out at this time of year.   Occasionally, I have to sit myself down and tell myself to sit back, relax and enjoy.   

This is just a little cardinal that I have on my metal bird tree.

How does my garden grow...

I just wanted to share some photos from my flower beds.  With a little bit of love, and alot of water, these are still blooming!!

I love hibiscus, and decided this year to try the perennial variety.  It has been many years since I have used the perennials.  I usually use the tropical ones in my garden.  This have been much easier to grow and take care of.

I have been very happy this year.  I have been getting multiple blooms each day.  And, they are at least 8" to 10" across.  They are HUGE.  So pretty.  They make me smile.

Fun with AJ...

I was going through some of the photos I took of our vacation.  I didn't take nearly as many as I would of liked.  I hope that my sister-in-law sends me all that she took.

This is Ted and AJ being boys.  Ted had bought this remote control boat a couple of years ago, and finally took it out of the box.  It as fun while it lasted.

Or, should I say, as long as the batteries lasted.  Ten minutes of fun...and 8 dead batteries.

Here is AJ sitting on a statue at the military museum in Vicksburg Mississippi.  We all had a great time visiting this 16 mile drive through museum.

It was kind of funny, as the night before I had watched the movie "a night at the museum" for the first time.   When I went into the small indoor museum in Vicksburg, I was a little freaked out when the woman sitting in an exhibit smiled at me.  I thought she was fake...but she was real!!!   For those that have seen the movie, you will understand why I jumped out of my skin when she moved.

This was AJ's first time ever hitting golf balls.  Ted isn't the best golfer, but tried teaching him how to start out.  AJ did very well.  He is a natural, and he had a great time.  I think he enjoyed driving the golf cart too.

Needless to say, we had a great time with AJ and Renee visiting us.  We are sure lonesome without them.  We were together for a total of 4 weeks.    AJ got to swim (alot), chase critters, golf, play basketball at the gym, fish, boat, go tubing, go to the zoo and military museum, spend a week at the beach, etc. etc.   We had the joy of sharing all of these things with him, and getting to know him so much better than we ever have.  AJ, you are a wonderful young man, and .... "I love you".   

My little monkeys...

Every family has a couple of monkeys (or baboons) in it.   I couldn't resist sharing this photo of the ones in my family.   You all know I say this in jest.  We took my nephew to the local city zoo while he was visiting, and what a photo moment I had.

July 4th...

The  Fourth of July... a day to celebrate our countries independence.  Independence Day honors the birthday of America, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag high and proud.

Be thankful.  Remember those that keep our country safe.

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

Happy Birthday America.

So many "critters"...

I wanted to update you all on the recent events here at Zoo central.  As many of you know, this has been a busy year for wildlife here at my house. 

First their was the snake in the house, and then the one in the backyard.  In between all of that, we have the "normal" everyday critters visiting us.  Like... the large turtle that walked up the driveway to say hello, the humongous bull frogs that poop their brains out in the pool,  the sweet and cute green lizards running around everywhere.  And, the green tree frogs (who knew they could make so much noise!!??).   Also our nest of finches on the front porch (second hatching is learning to fly as we speak).   

I can't forget the two times in previous years, where snakes were uninvited but still wanted to swim with me in the pool.  Or, the year we were invaded by rats outside in our flower beds and they would go swimming in the pool at night.  You could hear them paddling.  Or, the swarm of bees that I almost didn't hear coming.  And, don't forget the tarantula in the pool (did you know they can live underwater?).

On Memorial Day, we were bbq'ing at a friends house down the street.  All of a sudden, there was an armadillo in the middle of the backyard.  It was out in broad daylight, sniffing away at the ground looking for bugs.  It was kind of freaky to see close up.  We tried to scare it away, but I guess they don't see well, as it ran into the fence over and over.  It finally made it's way out of the yard. 

BUT, to top all of this off, yesterday I was swimming in the pool.  You'd think I'd be afraid to get in it by now!?!?!?  LOL.   To my surprise, I found a "crawfish" swimming with me.  Now, where the heck did that come from?  He was quiet and just sat on the bench.  I left him alone, and he left me alone.   I know I am in Louisiana, but we are in a residential development, not in the swamps.   My husband came home and got him out of the pool, and also found another dead one on the walkway. 

Now, this morning I went out to go for a swim and saw 2 more crawfish swimming around, and more were in the bag of the pool cleaner.   I went inside and when I came back out, there were 4 swimming around...and none in the pool cleaner.  So, I was brave once again, and netted the 4 crawfish and put them in a bucket for my hubby to take care of when he got home. 

Later, when he came home after going to the gym, he jumped in the pool.  He discovered there was a 5th crawfish in the wheel of the pool cleaner.  Glad he found that one, and not me!!!!  Gave me a little inside chuckle.

I must say that I have learned alot about crawfish in the past couple of days.  More than I ever wanted to know.  I  know that I don't like them.  They are ugly suckers.  I have never eaten one, and definitely don't plan on it anytime soon.  These were BIG crawfish.  Two of them were upwards 6" to 7".  They must lose their claws...as some of them didn't have any or only had one.  They swim fast when provoked, and are hard to catch in a net.  They walk and swim "backwards".  They will eat through the bag of your pool cleaner.   I know they live in water/mud, but have no idea where these came from, as we have neither in our yard, and it would be a LONG walk to get to some.   

I DON'T know what I'll do if I find anymore of these "critters" in the pool tomorrow.  ARGH!   I'm getting tired of living in a zoo. 

So many birthdays...

Happy birthday to my brother Ron.   Sorry that I am posting this a day late.  Yesterday got a bit out of control.   I hope that you had a great day!!!  You deserve it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!!!

Aaaahhhhhhh.....

I think summer has arrived here already.  The air conditioner is on 24 hours a day.  We have been hot and the humidity has settled in for the long, miserable summer.    I've been working hard finishing up my spring yard projects.  Just about done!!!  I'll tell you...it's hard to work out there.   After I'm done each day, I've been jumping in the pool and saying ....aaaahhhhhhhh.  It's up to 84' degrees already.   Such a refreshing relief.  I don't know what I'd do without it...I guess be very hot and miserable.

I almost forgot to mention....I came across another snake today!!!  Thank goodness this one was in the yard, and not in the house.  I was putting out a couple more bales of pine straw, and I had a bad feeling in my gut about one of the bales, so I opened it up first.  There was a snake in the middle of the bale...about 16" long or so.  I went to the garage and got my nice sharp edged hoe.  Did the trick!!  I am proud of myself...I didn't freak out.  Now, if I had found him in a handful of the stuff, that would of been a different story.

It's Christmas Eve...

and I want to wish all of my friends and family a very happy holiday. I am blessed to have a wonderful group of artist friends, and some very special personal friends. My family knows how lucky I am to have them. Wishing all of you a joyous Christmas day.

A bit of nostalgia...

I was working on a Christmas project, and was going through a handful of family photos. Boy, do photos of family stir up good memories this time of year. It is so fun to look at them.

The first picture is one of my oldest brother. What a sweety. The second one is of my other older brother. Gotta love that bow tie.

I suppose I should apologize to my brothers for posting these...but, I think posting one of myself as a little one is punishment enough.

This last photo is of my brothers, cousin and I. I had forgotten about this photo. Upon seeing it, the holiday memories came flooding back. Christmas was always spent with my aunt, uncle and cousin - whether it was in Los Angeles or in the bay area. Christmas was filled with excitement and joy. I am lucky to have such a wonderful family that gave me such wonderful memories.

It's beginning to look...

alot like Christmas! I am happy to say that I got our tree decorated today. It always seems to take forever to decorate it. Always takes alot longer than I remember it taking the previous year. I didn't put too many decorations up around the house, as it is for just my husband and I.

For whatever reason, I feel happy this Christmas. I haven't felt this way in many years. I won't question why I am this way this year... I plan to just sit back and ENJOY the season. There will be a smile in my heart this year.

When I look at this tree in this photo, it sure looks artificial. Thankfully, it looks more realistic in real life. And, it is beautiful all lit up during the evening.

BOO!!!

Happy Halloween to all of my
ghoulish friends. Here is just a little something I whipped up for the holiday. I made this little "mummy" card for a couple of frineds.

Hope you get lots and lots of goodies!!!

I'm back...

I don't know where the past month has gone. It just flew by. Yet, on the other hand, it seems like this summer was a long, hot and dry one for us. I'm am ready for fall. I'm ready for a change.

We just got back from visiting my mother-in-law. We had a nice visit. It was just a long drive. I am glad to be home.

I do have some art to share. I just need to get my scanner dusted off. I'm starting another altered "tip-in" page swap. This is a great challenge and creative project. Alot of fun.

Also, happy belated birthday wishes to my brother, and to my husband. I know you both had great birthdays. I think I have also missed a few friends. Happy birthday to you too.

I'm home...

My dear husband took me to Dallas for the weekend. He made it possible for me to meet some online artist friends in person, and to go to the Grapevine stamp convention. He is such a trooper and truly supports me. After those events were over, we were able to spend a day together doing "our" things. Of course, when in Dallas....we shop and eat!!!

It was very hot and dry in Texas, but as they say, "it was a dry heat" and was actually very tolerable compared to here in the land of bayous. But, it was the driest that I have ever seen it there.

I will have pictures in the next day or so of the art projects that my "online" group put together. Right now, I'm tired. So, it is off to get some much needed sleep.