More weekend explorations

See what I mean about gorgeous scenery.........the water was a cerulean blue, and the waves were frothy and white and splashing onto the cliffs high above. We were definitely seeing some of the rippling effects of the Mavericks.





Pretty gorgeous for the middle of January. Wouldn't you say? No coats required. Just long sleeves or a light jacket.........it was the calm after the storm, earlier last week. As we were walking along, my husband commented on how fragrant the cypress trees were. We picked up a few twigs and darling cones and brought them home. The smell is still lingering in the car.



And this gorgeous crimson beauty.......it smells soooo good, too. The colors that day were just something else!



One last ** S P L A S H ** for ya.......I told you the waves were sooo high.

Just peeking my head in here

Have you ever gone somewhere in the middle of the gray, dark winter, and the sun was shining and the flowers were smiling and you felt like jumping for joy?! We drove over to the coast for the weekend, to Carmel and Monterey.














Popped my head in here for a look around.........
I just love this place! I thought you would too, so here are a few photos to inspire you.



















Can you spot me in the mirror?





All the buildings are so quaint and charming.
Very central California-coastal.

Be back next time with more of the coast....
.........

Having fun

We're having fun over here (the kids and I) ~ Have you tried out Anna Maria's fabric silhouette's? You can check out this link for a delightful demonstration. I let the girls trace the shapes (with help) and paint these cute things to hang up in their room. My almost six year old even sketched and painted her own flowers trailing along the bottom of her butterfly canvas.

What fun! Thanks Anna Maria!!!

Perspective from a six year old

Don't you just love your kids! They do take the best photos of me. I'm not shy with them, and my six year old just loves every chance she has to get her hands on the camera. I think I will let her have my old camera for her six year old birthday this week! It's fun to see the perspective of a child behind the lens.



A bit blurry, but just perfect for my likes. Reminds me of the rain dripping down the the window today ....... pitter patter, pitter patter.

Cleaning out the studio and THE HOUSE, today..... perfect for the perfect rainy day.



Just popping in to say hello.........Happy Tuesday to all~

Some changes on the horizon

Hi there! Pardon my mess for the next day or so ......... I am fiddling around with some blog changes, and new artwork. Happy Monday!

Two turtle doves & a Partridge in a pear tree

So, the story goes a little like this.........I was taking a peek on my friend Laura's blog, and found that she has been up to more painting goodness! Laura comes from a very talented family of artists, and photographers. In fact, we grew up in the same town, and went to the same High School! Imagine that! I found this adorable bird that she so generously posted on her blog for all to use. As soon as I saw this bird, I knew I had to add a few to my tree!



Several years ago when we were first married, we got this cute little piece of furniture from IKEA. It looked so plain, so I painted this tree on the front (a few years ago).

And now I have two cute birdies to nest in this tree. The amazing thing is I was able dig up the original bottle of paint (gel medium), so the birds flow with the tree nicely. Thanks Laura! What a fun New Years Eve project~

Happy Two Thousand and Eight

Happy New Year, all~
I took a picture of our tree last week, and now it's completely bare.....I just loved looking out my back window and watching these leaves and winter berries glow in the late afternoon wintry sunlight.



Here's another one of my Christmas presents that I made, and couldn't show you all until now........I have been having fun with these Lakehouse alphabet letters.



And some more ...............



I have to thank Joanna for the great bird inspiration on this pillow. I just love her "nest" quilt.

Looking forward to many more inspirations this coming year............thanks for all the fun in 2007.