Watching and protecting

When our large family gets together, we always have a lot of fun.
It is a time for loving, sharing and catching up with the members from out of town
that we don't get to see as often as we would like. We have always been blessed
with safe travel, whether by car, or plane; and even with many activities that take place on the lake. 
We were visiting on the porch, when someone said, "Look over there, it looks like the Virgin Mother is watching over us." Sure enough, there she was in the trees.
I said a prayer of "Thanks", and was reminded many times over the weekend that we
are being watched over and protected. What do you think?

Pico and watermelon

Pico De Gallo Recipe - Allrecipes.com

allrecipes.com/recipe/pico-de-gallo/

 218 reviews - 50 mins - 21 cal

An authentic Mexican salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos. Serve with tacos, nachos, black beans, refried beans, or your favorite Mexican dish!

Pico with dinner... watermelon for desert...can't beat that!!!

We have had 9 days under 100 degrees here in Texas; also the wettest month in history.
I don't know what is going on, but we are thankful!
I think I am finished with the octopus. I used gold and green interference paint
over the white and grey. It doesn't show up that well in the photo. Now all I have to do is find the right frame.
 Also put the finishing touches on the magnolia. It is going off to some friends in Arkansas.

I have been very busy being a grandma; Mimi, as the kids call me.
Had a wonderful week with the youngest granddaughter.
We painted, and played, and spent a lot of time in the swing on the front porch.
We borrowed big smooth rocks from the neighbors yard, and put them in the oven
at 225 degrees for 15 minutes. Used old crayons to "paint" them; the crayon melts
on the hot rock and mixes together beautifully. Of course you can't touch the rock,
so it is a bit tricky, but very possible.
I will be working on the octopus next. The Interference paint came in the mail
yesterday.I might try the pouring medium on it also. Stay tuned....

New project

This is my attempt to paint an octopus; it is only the beginning. I'm 
waiting on interference paint from Cheap Joe's. Hope I'm not out of the mood by the time it gets here.
I decided to put sparkles on the peacock feathers. I love the way it looks now.
Getting ready for 6 year old granddaughter to visit. She love to paint, so it should be fun.

Will probably look on line for some 6 yr old projects. Anyone have any real special ones?

21 Secrets

"21 Secrets" is described as an art journal online playground.
Its been a long time since I have played on the playground, but
this experience is pretty good. I can play anytime I want to.
Here are a few of my exercises. They are not meant to be 
finished works of art. It is really playing with new ideas and
sometimes new products that I have not used before.
I do most of them in my Mixed Media art journal.
If one turns out especially well, I can always do it on canvas or

watercolor paper.

 When granddaughter Winnie saw the peacock that I had painted for granddaughter Langley, she said "I would like an OCTOPUS, so guess what I am doing now.
I let Winnie put tissue paper and gel mediums on the canvas for some texture in the water.
I ordered some of that neat pouring medium to use  on it. Hopefully, I will keep you posted with the progress.