I painted these hydrangeas last week. It seemed like the perfect thing to post on this lovely spring day. I was a little concerned about the water and glass but it turned out pretty well! In fact, I think I might paint more glass today. I picked a lilac bloom on my morning walk with the schnauzers and put it in a little vintage milk bottle when we got back home. It's so pretty and smells so sweet!


White Hydangeas in water. Oil on canvas. 16 x 20

We'll be gone for a few days of family fun. I'll try to squeeze in a little plein air painting while were in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Are the bluebonnets bloomimg yet?
Easter Blessings!

Last Thursday, artist and friend Mary Gregory and I drove around the Gregory's beautiful property, in search of something special to painting. We've been talking about plein air painting for almost a year, so it was thrilling to finally try it! Here's Mary with her new tripod, which worked like a charm.

My (eBay purchased) french easel, which I had never set up, was almost as challenging as a Rubik's cube. I just hate puzzels!

We said a little prayer and started painting. Lady Bird, a friendly Basset Hound, keep us company while Oreo, the dutch belted cow looked on. She didn't have a lot to say but her expression tells it

all....plein air painting isn't easy! There are so many things wrong with this painting and perhaps I shouldn't have posted it but then again this is my story, my journey to becoming the best painter I can be. If I'm honest, occasinally I find myself in places of discouragement where thoughts of doubt and fear creep into my mind and I think maybe I'm not talented after all. Unfortunately,if I believe just one of these thoughts, I'm suddenly surrounded by several more. So here I am, trying to be transparent... anxious to grow.

Don't worry though, we're not giving up that easy. We will definitely try it again soon.

My Sister's House!

Tonight, downtown Abilene! My Sister's House Consignment Sale. The doors open at 6:00 and close at 8:00. No pushing and shoving please!


These fabulous window displays...


are the talk of town......

Each, better than the one before....

Seriously! You don't want to miss the fun.

SPRING TABLE DECOR!!!

I love a good challenge and this morning a ran across

something that's right up my alley! It's a $5 spring decorating challenge. I found it just in the nick of time because today is the last day to enter. So it' s not too late if you'd like to join in the fun! Lindsay, is hosting th event and you should drop by and check out all the great ideas. You won't believe the darling cup towel she made!

My entry is Spring Table Decor. I bought 4 glass cylinder vases at the Dollar Tree for $1 each and neatly wrapped them with scrapbook paper. Then I simply filled them with water and blooming branches from our back yard. Pretty nice for $5!

They also make a great candle votive!!! I made personalized wrappers at Blogspot.com!

So are you up for the challenge?

Visit Living with Lindsay for more information.

Beth and Company came home last weekend. Coach and I had a blast! What a 'deep down in the soul' blessing it is to watch your children grow into responsible adults, loving parents and just downright beautiful people! Carter and Emme are adorable grandgirls! I look forward to every fun memory we'll make together.

Beth, who loves to take pictures, just bought a new Canon xsi. She snapped lot's of pictures, documenting our visit, well! The one above is my favorite.

For more goodness, you can visit her delightful blog and while your there, click on the camera to see the 'photo of the day'!

Have a lovely Wednesday....and thanks for dropping by!