Wednesday, June 27, 2012


Granddaughter is visiting so we wanted to do some art projects.
This is a paper hat made out of a grocery bag. We started it a
while back and decided to finish it this visit.
I think she did a very good job. We first heard about this project 
over at http://gypsyczech.blogspot.com/ She made a beautiful blue one.
We started with a brown paper bag, used tape to shape it, and then painted it with Gesso, then paint.
I especially like the lace around the brim and the big red poppy.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Surprise for someone special

Our granddaughter is in love with peacocks right now;
next week it might be something else. She is coming for a visit soon
so I painted this whimsical peacock for her. It actually looks better in real life, as the blues are showing up
kind of funny in the photo. I used a peacock feather as my inspiration.
I enjoyed using the Golden "gold " and the Interference green paint on this bird.
Do you think a 6 year old will like this?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Rio Grande








We had the pleasure of visiting a ranch on the Rio Grande River last weekend.
We went to "The Narrows" where people are able to walk across when
the river is down. The cacti are beautiful with their big purple bulbs.
Animals are very plentiful, (some stuffed, some not! ) the food was good, and the company even better.
Watching the sun go down was a nightly " happening", after a ride in the top rack.
During the hot part of the day, I stayed on the screened in porch and drew or painted.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Summer Solstice


Today is the longest day of the year. It is a hot one here in Texas, so I
made some COOL cucumber soup. I found a recipe 
on line, but I used fresh basil instead of dill.
COOL CUCUMBER SOUP
3 cups plain non fat yogurt
1 English cucumber (about 1 pound)
1 green onion, chopped
Lots of fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper
Put this in blender until smooth.
When you serve, put chopped tomato and
a 1/2 teaspoon olive oil on top.
Very pretty and taste good too.
This makes about 4 cups total.
Calories: 130 per cup

Monday, June 18, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012

Our Day in Marfa






Walking tour of Marfa, TX included lunch at The Squeeze, a visit to the famous Paisano Hotel where the movie Giant was filmed. James Dean was in the gift shop; he is as handsome as ever. The Get Go is a very nice little grocery store where we got a few supplies. We saw several Cedar of Lebanon trees in the city. This is the tree talked about in the bible, and they are huge, and over a hundred years old.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012




I know, I have been MIA.
Since my last post, I have been thousands of miles, from Indiana
to far West Texas.  The Art Retreat at Chinati Springs was wonderful.
It was a long way to travel, but well worth it. We spent the days sketching,
painting, hiking, swimming, and sitting in the hot springs. We also had some
art classes. I took lots of pictures for inspiration. Met up with a diamond
back rattle snake napping near the creeks edge. Had lots of good food,
and even celebrated my birthday there.