what my art desk holds this week...

an art desk filled with projects in progress

fills me with hope

and the feeling that all is right with the world

and the idea that anything is possible

and just maybe I can create what I see in my mind.

maybe...

still working on that, 

but aren't we all?

still loving the texture of joint compound

and I love watching it dry

and change color as the moisture is absorbed into the air.

and then there are these little owls being prepped

for the after school art kiddos next week

(can you see them?).

and my new tape from Somerset displayed in a clear bowl

(which I will probably hoard and not use if I know myself)

and this beautiful card purchased in Seattle

and these cut out and ready for the art kiddos

who are going to make this project.
what's on your desk this weekend?

Let's Mingle - the winner is...

some heavy duty sleeping going on over here

 as they're waiting with baited breath 

 for the big giveaway.

 yep Matteo wants to know if he gets to choose

 and Zoe knows he doesn't 

 so she is just chillin'

and I mean really chilling.
they've been by my side this past week

because I have had a migraine and a UTI again....
so no wonderful doggy birthday shots to show you

although I did wrap this rawhide for Zoe 

 and I warned her about the perils of partying too much.

alas Matteo just thought it was all rather dull.


drum roll please!

 the names were written

 the judge was booted outside and
the names were lined up with a doggie treat by each name.

the door was opened 

and she chose to go down the line of treats and names

from left to right  - very systematic...

and the winner is

congrats to Carlanda, and thanks to everyone for the great entertaining ideas!

a Sunday blessing

Why don't I remember this simple saying

when things get tough?

Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid.

Isaiah 7:4
Instead I seem to

Nick photographed this mural while playing basketball the other day.

He let me borrow and change the photo a bit.
Some more very important 'keep calms' can be found on my pinterest board...

I wish you a blessed week full of calms.
Anybody have another one to add to our list?

a Mingle giveaway

a giveaway

sorry Zoe, not for you...

but just maybe my lucky dog will get to pick the winner,  

and just maybe I can get some cool ideas 

for Zoe's 12th birthday celebration

which is tonight.

 Stampington sent me an extra copy of their new wonderful magazine

so I could give one away to a lucky reader - maybe you.

 I have to say they have outdone themselves

with beautiful articles and delicious photos

like we have come to expect from all their publications.

  all you have to do to be entered into the drawing

is to leave a comment here

with a special entertaining tip

that helps you have wonderful gatherings - 

any simple advice will do.

I will go first...

my favorite appetizer is so simple and always gets ravs.

just pour mango chutney over a log of cream cheese

and top with almonds.

serve with crackers.

p.s. - extras are really good over pasta believe it or not.

so leave a comment

for a chance to win a wonderfully inspired magazine.

You have until Monday the 10th 

and Zoe will pick the winner Tuesday morning

 and tell you what we did to celebrate her special day.

so check back and have a great week!

charmed

you ought to be charmed with it...

just chuckling over this sentence...
sometimes it is so helpful to just cut out phrases
and match each with a piece of art
that expresses the same sentiment.
charmed is not a word that we use much in current english.
it means unusually lucky or happy.
I will take that any day please.

this newest small joint compound piece began with these steps.

I am just loving working with these 6" squares.
small can be good.
how about you, what size are you working with?

a Sunday blessing

let go and let God...

sometimes I just need a reminder to do my part

and then release it.

my husband playing basketball in the 80's -

photo taken by my beloved mom.

a Breath of Country Air

a breath of country air would do me good, I fancy.

here's another mini joint compound piece with its inspired wording.

I don't know why -

but these random cuttings from old books are just giving me the giggles...

and one can never have too many giggles.

here is the piece after the first layer...

and all the way back to the beginning.
fighting a migraine today and need another giggle.
do you have one for me?