Puppy Party

Summer is here, and I've officially lost my mind. I'm not sure if it's the concussion or all the blooming flowers this week or this gorgeous weather or maybe this adorable puppy my mother-in-law just got, but I'm so distracted these days. I'll be sitting at my desk painting or reading emails when my mind will just wander off into dream land. Don't get me wrong, I'm especially gifted in the "drifty" department, but this summer especially has me thinking.

Isn't little Chumley just the cutest? He's a wire haired miniature doxin with the biggest paws and personality. He loves to be held and cuddled and kissed, completely made over. And he gets it, too, because he's too cute to resist and completely spoiled. ;)

I'm working on a few things right now that have me jumping out of my skin with excitement. I've been cautious not to over-share but have been patiently waiting. Ideas are percolating. Almost there. 

How is your summer? Any dreamy plans or trips to speak of?

Spring green

It's so exciting to see the world come back to life! The forests are turning green and the birds are back to building nests and raising families. I've been seeing so many cardinals paired off in treetops and baby  bunnies finally ready to explore the world. Typically my breaks during the day consist of walking around my neighborhood or running errands in town or mushroom hunting with a few friends, but mostly it's been work work work for me these past few weeks. If you've been so kind as to place an order in my shop recently, thank you! I am hoping to finish everything in time for Mother's Day gift-giving. Plus, I'm attending a SCBWI conference this weekend which requires quite a bit of preparatory work- things like character studies and portfolio reviews. Yikes! So much to do.

I may have to neglect all social media and blogging until after these projects are finished. But I do hope to have a little more time after the holiday and conference. Wish me luck as I'll be attending my first conference alone and hoping my solitary status pushes me out of my typical reservations and helps me to meet new friends! Why is it always more intimidating to do things alone?

Anyways, I hope to have lots to share upon my return, but for now, I hope you're having a great Spring!

I think I'm a 50 year old woman at heart.

I'm beginning to love all of the things that I used to make fun of my mother for loving.

Like shoulder pads and big glasses,

and saying things like, "oh my" and "I'll be jiggered."

And birds.

I can't help it.

I spotted these beauties one morning as I came ripping around that corner on my way to work.

These ducks nearly ate my bumper for breakfast.

Well of course I had to stop and take pictures.

And yes, that's definately something my mother would do.

Would you just look at them?!  I was practically chasing them down to get their picture.

So pretty with their spots and bluish shades of gray.

One of them even had a little afro on top of his head.
Can you see it there in the center?

I can't wait to paint them!  I even found a little gray striped feather, which I kept for a souvenir of course.

Does anyone know what kind of ducks these are? 

Isn't it rare to see them in Illinois so late in December?

Maybe I should just ask my mother.

My last Art Festival of the season

Back to Galena we went!

This time it was an Art Festival in the vineyards.

My last one!  Phew, I'm glad to be done for the season...these shows are a lot of work. 

Hopefully from now on you'll be seeing new paintings as well as pictures of my adventures.

Here's a few from the weekend with a video at the bottom...

 

Corrie is the best assistant!  I'm lucky to have a friend like her.

Where did this dog come from?  We think he lives among the grapes...

Yes to the bagpipes.  Maybe not so much to the skirts...

I chugged that entire bottle of wine.  CHUGGED it.  Easy.

Cutesy pose. ;)

The show was complete with a grapestomp and a horse-drawn hayrack ride around the vineyard.  How cute is that?