Bale-Out

Bearly Noticed

I wonder if anyone has noticed that I haven't blogged for awhile!  I've been so busy! 

Becky Brooks' 8th Annual Flying House Art & Craft Sale was a huge success.  Last week, the owner of a local hair salon expressed an interest in hanging some of my paintings so I rushed out to purchase more frames.  I couldn't pass up this opportunity.  Thank goodness for Becky's sale! 

Three days ago, I was minding my own business, lost in thought as I framed the paintings.  I glanced out the window and barely noticed something on our drain field that didn't belong there! 

I raced through the house to grab my camera and a stronger telephoto lens from the closet, hoping my visitor would stay around for a Photo Shoot...taken through the window, of course!  He/she did.  But not for long.

At one point, my visitor stood on its hind legs to check out the chicken coop next door.  Funny...that was ONE time the roosters DID NOT crow! 

And then, my visitor slipped quietly away.  I barely noticed this major event.  I wonder how many times this happens without my awareness.   And we don't even have any apples yet...scarey...I thought bears only came around at night.

Spring Greetings!

 

H A P P Y   E A S T E R!!!

Another Surprise

Earlier this week, I received a letter on blue paper from my favorite local art store...a "thank-you" for shopping at the store.  If I brought in the letter before April 1st, I would receive a free sketchbook and tube of paint in my favorite medium. 

The next day, I headed straight to the store with my list of paint colors.  I noticed quite a few other patrons with their blue letters, as well.  Imagine my surprise when I saw the book:  an 8.5" x 11" Hardbound Sketch Book by Art Ready.  I was expecting a 3.5" x 5.5" sketchbook; this sketchbook is huge! 

I selected a paint I've wanted to try, Quinacridone Gold, for my free paint and purchased New Gamboge.  If you look closely, you can see that I've used them already.  Hey, I've been busy painting for Becky Brooks' Art Sale in April!

Did anyone notice anything unusual about this journal?  It has a ROOSTER on the label !  I told you:  I see chickens everywhere; I'm surrounded by them! 

It will take me quite awhile to fill this hefty sketchbook, which will take time away from my bale...this looks like a bale-out!

 

Thank you, Daniel Smith:  Artists' Materials!

Morning Surprise!

We awoke to 1 3/4 inches of snow this morning.  That was a Spring surprise!  Two hours later, we had nearly four inches!

My Tete-a-Tete Daffodils don't seem to mind.

An Irish Blessing

IRISH BLESSING

May your

troubles

be less and

your blessings

be more and

nothing but

happiness come

through

your door.

 

 

I LOVE the doors in Ireland.  They are BEAUTIFUL! 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY...Again!

(Photos taken on our trips to Ireland.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

Wishing you always...

walls for the wind

a roof for the rain

and tea beside the fire.

 

Laughter to cheer you,

those you love near you,

and all that your heart

may desire.

                --Irish Blessing

Norma and the Chickens

 

I'm seeing signs of chickens everywhere! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop by Norma's Red Rooster Restaurant and tell her:  "Norma sent you!"  (I'm too chicken!)

Windowsill Surprise

 My Gasteria liliputana blooms away! 

  

8th Annual Flying House Art & Craft Sale Coming Soon!

Have I been working on The Bale?  NO!  I've been busy painting watercolors for Becky Brooks' 8th Annual Flying House Art & Craft Sale.  This Kauai Rooster is my first finished painting for the sale, created with watercolor pencils, a Pigma Micron pen, and a Niji Waterbrush, one of my favorite brushes. 

Watercolor artists are supposed to love sable brushes, and I do, but this one is fun to use when traveling or working with the pencils.  (Or could it be that my childhood nickname was Nij...)

What else have I made for Becky's sale?  Knitted chickens, of course!  Back by popular demand: 

 

8th Annual Flying House Art & Craft Sale:  270 NE Birch Street, Issaquah, WA   98027

Saturday, April 27, 11 AM - 5 PM

Sunday, April 28, 11 AM - 5 PM

Hope to see you there!

Coming Soon!

Spring is just around the corner.  How do I know?  Look at what I found next to our driveway:

CROCUSES!  They are one of my favorite flowers...so VIBRANT!  And do you know what else is coming soon?  Becky Brooks' 8th Annual Flying House Art & Craft Sale!

I've been busy painting new watercolors for the sale.  I'm also working on a post with the details.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION!