a new leaf turns over & summer begins

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride with Max passing, traveling, working, cleaning, being a mom.  You know the drill.  So, I decided to break out of my shell and start a free spirited, carefree, colorful oil (on burlap).  I let the brush do the talking--we'll see where this takes me.  I'm beginning to wonder if I see my shop on etsy becoming real soon...my goal is to have it up sooner rather than later.  Maybe end of Summer?

And, today we enjoyed a fun day of swimming.  Leila loved it...she wondered how her bathtub all of a sudden got so darn big.  Don't worry, dada didn't dunk her. 

I'm off on a road trip the next few days but will return the end of the week!

This is how...

my day looks.  Total chaos.

a night at the greenbrier

We were lucky enough to spend an evening at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV...where do I begin?  I am in awe of Dorothy Draper and found this wonderful blog when doing research on her.  I can't wait to learn more...she seems like she was fearless, bold and absolutely amazing.  The design of The Greenbrier is like no other-- it is a magical place you never want to leave.

a new blog for Patch.com

I'm now also blogging for the Westminster, MD Patch.com website!  Thanks so much to everyone for reading, commenting and supporting my writing...I really, really appreciate it.  

Oh, to Sew!

Love this great vintage Kenmore sewing machine with built in seat and drawers.  This was my husband's grandmother's.  How fun was the advertising back then?  Who would have thought needles and thread could be so interesting!  Now I must learn how to sew....

Generations in Black and White

Looking forward to working on a new pencil drawing based on this photo taken of a grandfather with his great-grandson.  What a sweet photo!  Thank you, Abby, for thinking of me for this project.

So Long Sweet Boy

Just one day after my previous post Max died suddenly and without warning.  We are deeply saddened and shocked.  Max was not just our dog, but a best friend, protector, playmate and a part of our family.  I suppose these are the kinds of losses in life that teach you to cling on to those you love, cherish the moments you have and not take anything for granted.

We love you and miss you terribly.  You will always be in our hearts sweet boy.

An Iowa Landscape And A Girl's Best Friend

Working on a small sketch for a painting Lisa and Mike Rossi have commissioned me to complete.  Very excited to get into the grit of this, the subject is so peaceful with bright colors and vast skies...the farmland of Iowa!  The piece is inspired by Lisa's childhood home and family farm so it is very special to them.  The canvas is extra large and has been custom made...the perfect surface and size for this piece.  We'll see how my vision comes to life...more soon! 

Meanwhile, Leila has decided that Max's ears are her new toy...but the more she tugs at them nothing seems to happen?  Literally.  Max just lies there...poor guy.