Holiday weekend

Lots of random thoughts. I painted this scene from a photo taken by my daughter during her recent visit to Ireland.

Went to North Carolina to visit my sister and her husband. My sister in law and I decided we both needed a mini vacation, and besides we got to see her Grandkids, my nephews family. Beautiful children, full of life, energy and the smiles only children can bring. Lots of talking about the past, present and future. Family, love and miss them. Miss the days when we all lived in the same town. Time marches on. Back to work.

No Bull

I painted this little bull from a photo my daughter took during her recent trip to Ireland.  Apparently he thinks he cannot be seen hiding behind the bush.  I thought the photo was great.  Such a character and this is no ordinary Irish bull.  My daily painting is plugging along.  My house is a disaster and I am learning to live with that and not let it clutter my mind.  It will still be there in the morning.  Why do I feel so guilty spending time on the things that I like to do?  

 

Sunday rain, rain go away

Spring decided to take a vacation. Raining all day today, and chilly. Last week was gorgeous, and everything was blooming. Spring blossoms against a cerulean blue sky are one of the highlights of living on this planet. Who could resist photographing and painting these phenomenal displays of color. This is one of my daily paintings for last week, waiting for the oils to dry before listing it on my shop.

Friday Frenzy

Full of fun, Friday is here, the weather is sweet. Lots to do before the big weekend, not much time to accomplish anything this past week. In was ready, but all of my electronic helpers called in sick. Printer not printing, twitter out, uploading pictures - timed out. Everything is still hanging...and not quite working. Life would be so boring if everything went as we planned. I'm glad that I got all the photography finished and at least a couple new listings uploaded to my shop.

These Tiger Lillies were painted from a combination of photos from my sister's garden and my husbands Aunt Anita's garden in Arizona. They certainly are dramatic, the flowers, not my sister. My little sister doesn't know I blog.

Oh yes, my original post today did not get on the blog, it is hanging out there in cyber space, somewhere, wondering if it will just show up someday. I need a break from the gadgets now.

Spring is here

Spring is here.  I have an nagging urge to head to the local garden shop.  Love all the vivid colors against the cerulean blue sky.  I wish I knew more about gardening.  It is one of the many items i have on my to do list of things i want to know.  It seems very complicated...My neighbor helps with tips and advice.  I cannot comprehend the different plant species or how to care for them.  I just love the colors, and i the feel of digging around in the dirt. There is something soothing about watering flowers in the early morning. This lovely i think is a weeping cherry, please correct me if i am wrong.  I wish   it was in my front yard.

  Sigh, I know what will happen, I will go to the nursery and then have a panic attack, too much to see, what to plant, does it need bug  spray, fertilizer  Not to mention the next issue of the need to take a million photos of blossoms, then painting them.....My sister in law told me to just throw some wildflower seeds out the back door and see what happens.  Going to try that tomorrow.  Got my camera and paint brush ready.

Mothers Day

Took this picture on a walkabout with my daughters dog, Murphy. One of Murphy's litter mates lives around the corner from us. They met again for the first time in a long time. Murphy is the one not so pleased to be kissed by his sister. Love that dog.

I had a wonderful day off, thank you to all of my five children. A very special day. Mothers day is bitter sweet when your Mom is gone. I miss her every day. She was a woman of character, with a wonderful Irish sense of humor. It never gets easier.

Rain, rain go away

Even the weatherman said it was just ugly out there today.  Staying positive is a challenge.  Bring on the sunshine and the warm breezes.  It is overdue. Tomorrow is another day.  I am going to get back to the Daily Paint Works challenges.  So far I have missed the last 7 weekly projects.  I cannot believe how quickly this year has past, and how it seems there are fewer hours in the day.  I am excited about the one challenge where you make a metalic  silver color object using only 3 designated colors.  Think I'll start on that one, the current challenge is a self portrait.  Not ready for that yet.  I love looking at the submissions.

My son visited recently and gifted me this macbook.  I absolutely love it.  My daughter has been giving me a crash course in mac basics.  I thank her for her time.  Clearly apple has designed their products to work with the computer professional and those of us who have no interest.  I'm interested now.  Thanks J for this wonderful surprise and i'll never figure out how you can hook up and control this machine for MA.

 

It's a Beautiful Morning

It has been quite awhile since we have enjoyed a sun filled day. The town I live in has lovely dogwood trees planted on the streets. In the Spring it is a feast for the eyes. Magnificent on a sunny day. The blossoms only last a week, but what a show! Even an amateur photographer can make some magic.

After a short break I am finally back into the daily painting mode. A week of paperwork catch up, school meetings and the stuff that makes a life.

Hope you enjoy this photo from my walk about this morning. Now, to get back to work.

Sunday night peace

A very hectic two weeks. Lots of good stuff happening, catching up with family from out of town. I ordered an ipad2 for my son with autism to use as a new communication device. Making the switch from the old device was and is a little involved. I love how the iPad is going to be a game changer for him. So many awesome applications he can use.

I use to love this little flower shop in North Andover, MA. Like most of MA, it was quaint and very appealing and always colorful. Miss living there, so I painted this watercolor of one of my favorite places.